5+ Star Review: Next To Never by Penelope Douglas – The Fall Away Series – Book 4.5

Posted on 01/27/2017 by shellbellereads

Next To Never

The Fall Away Series – Book 4.5

By Penelope Douglas

Release Date: January 17, 2017

Buy: Amazon

Synopsis

New York Times bestseller Penelope Douglas introduces Quinn, younger sister to Jared, Madoc, and Jaxon, in the latest novella in the series that began with Jared and Tate in Bully….
Quinn Caruthers has several problems.

Her father, Jason, and her three older brothers, Jared, Madoc, and Jaxon.

Under the close watch of the men in her family, Quinn has found it nearly impossible to spread her wings–or even date–without them jumping in to hover. And when a family friend–several years older–from her childhood captures her heart, she knows they’re going to be a problem. Lucas Morrow is a man–experienced, sophisticated, and important. And knowing her brothers, he may as well be forbidden.

But Lucas left town years ago and shows no signs of returning. Quinn knows she shouldn’t wait for him anymore.

But then a package turns up on her doorstep with no return address and its contents reveal family secrets that threaten to turn Quinn’s world upside down. She’s never asked about the tumultuous path of her parents’ romantic history, but she soon learns their happy marriage had a very rocky and passionate start.

As she begins to see things around her with new eyes, Quinn will have to make tough choices about whether she’ll keep waiting…or finally go after what she really wants.
*Next to Never is a 60,000 word novella from Quinn’s point-of-view. It is NOT her love story. That will be a full-length novel eventually. This story deals with some family history, introduces the new generation, and catches up with the original couples.

Michel’s Review

The Fall Away Series by Penelope Douglas has been one of my all time favorites. When I saw Next To Never release, not only was I surprised but also thrilled. I thought the series was over until the next generation was ready to take over the pages. Next To Never brings the series full circle and also introduces the readers to the next generation, who are screaming for their place on the pages.

It all begins with Quinn Caruthers. Quinn is about to begin senior year of high school and hasn’t really committed herself to one thing. She has always done what she’s been told, kept busy in all the extra curricular activities, and was basically a ” yes ” girl. She is questioning her life and the choices coming in the future. Her mother and father want her to attend a certain college and are encouraging her to go the extra mile to get in. It’s not that she doesn’t want to go but she never thought about what other options she has. What else is out there? What does she really want to do? One thing always seems to stand out when she thinks about it. An abandoned garage on Main St. This empty building has so much potential and needs to come alive once again. Maybe she can change it’s future when she finally finishes hers. Her life is full of questions and her dreams are unrealized. Her future is mapped out for her until something unexpected happens. She receives an anonymous novel in the mail. There is no return address. The only clue she has is the postmark is from Canada. Once she opens the book it’s going to change her course in life and her perspective on everything she thought she knew.

What begins as an intriguing forbidden romance novel evolves into something more. The characters begin to take on a life themselves. They begin to become more and more familiar to her. By the time she finishes the novel she realizes she has known these people all her lives. Their story is not what she believed it to be. This novel not only changes her perspective on those she loves, it also inspires her to reach for the stars and build her own dreams. It is the defining moment for her life.

As the story unfolds, the readers get a true introduction of the next generation of Trents and Caruthers. Each of these dynamic teenagers have their own strong personalities and paths to follow in life. They are going to face their own struggles just as their parents had to. They are screaming to get on the pages.

Penelope Douglas has her work cut out for her. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

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The Fall Away Series

Bully – Book 1

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Penelope Douglas delivers an unforgettable New Adult romance that toes the fine line between love and hate….

My name is Tate.

He doesn’t call me that, though. He’ll barely refer to me at all, and he’ll hardly ever speak to me.

But he still won’t leave me alone.

We were best friends once. Then he turned on me and made it his mission to ruin my life. I’ve been humiliated, shut out, and gossiped about all through high school. His pranks and rumors got worse as time wore on. I even went to Europe for a year, just to avoid him.

But I’m done hiding from him now, and there’s no way I’ll allow him to ruin another year. He might not have changed, but I have.

It’s time to fight back.

When one brave young woman stands up to her best friend Jared, now tormenter, the consequences go beyond anything either of them ever would have imagined….

Buy: Amazon

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Until You – Book 1.5

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Penelope Douglas comes a companion novel to Bully.
This is Jared’s story.
Have you ever been so angry that hitting things felt good? Or numb to all emotions? The past few years have been like that for me. Traveling between fury and indifference with no stops in between. Some people hate me for it, while others are scared of me. But none of them can hurt me, because I don’t care about anything or anyone.

Except Tatum.

I love her so much that I hate her. I hate that I can’t let her go. We used to be friends, but I found out that I couldn’t trust her—or anyone else. So I hurt her. I pushed her away. But I still need her. She centers me. Engaging her, challenging her, pushing her—it’s the one last part of me that feels anything anymore.

But then she went and screwed everything up. She left for a year and came back a different girl. Now, when I push, she pushes back…and I’m not sure either one of us will ever be the same.

Buy: Amazon

***

Rival – Book 2

Madoc and Fallon. Two estranged teenagers playing games that push the boundaries between love and war…

She’s back.

For the two years she’s been away at boarding school, there was no word from her. Back when we lived in the same house, she used to cut me down during the day and then leave her door open for me at night.

I was stupid then, but now I’m ready to beat her at her own game…

I’m back.

Two years and I can tell he still wants me, even if he acts like he’s better than me.

But I won’t be scared away. Or pushed down. I’ll call his bluff and fight back. That’s what he wants, right? As long as I keep my guard up, he’ll never know how much he affects me….

Buy: Amazon

***

Falling Away – Book 3

From the New Adult sensation and New York Times bestselling author of Rival

Jaxon is the guy she’s supposed to avoid. K.C. is the girl he won’t let get away….

K. C. Carter has always followed the rules—until this year, when a mistake leaves her the talk of her college campus and her carefully arranged life comes crashing to a halt. Now she’s stuck in her small hometown for the summer to complete her court-ordered community service, and to make matters worse, trouble is living right next door.

Jaxon Trent is the worst kind of temptation and exactly what K.C. was supposed to stay away from in high school. But he never forgot her. She was the one girl who wouldn’t give him the time of day and the only one to ever say no. Fate has brought K.C. back into his life—except what he thought was a great twist of luck turns out to be too close for comfort. As they grow closer, he discovers that convincing K.C. to get out from her mother’s shadow is hard, but revealing the darkest parts of his soul is nearly impossible.…

Buy: Amazon

***

Aflame – Book 4

From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Bully, Until You, Rival, and Falling Away comes the sizzling conclusion to the Fall Away series.

The tables have turned. Now I have the power—and it’s his turn to beg…

Everyone wants to be me.

Maybe it’s the sway of my skirt or the way I flip my hair, but I don’t care. Even though their attention is the last thing I crave, I just can’t stop. I dominate the track, the speed rattles my bones, and the wind and the crowd screams my name.

I’m her. The girl driver. The queen of the race. And I’m surviving—something he thought I’d never do.

They all talk about him. Did you see Jared Trent on T.V? What did you think of his last race, Tate? When is he coming back to town, Tate?

But I refuse to care too much. Because when Jared does come home, I won’t be here.

Tatum Brandt is gone. I’m someone new.

Buy: Amazon

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About Penelope Douglas

Penelope Douglas is a writer living in Las Vegas. Born in Dubuque, Iowa, she is the oldest of five children. Penelope attended the University of Northern Iowa, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, because her father told her to “just get the damn degree!” She then earned a Masters of Science in Education at Loyola University in New Orleans, because she HATED public administration. One night, she got tipsy and told the bouncer at the bar where she worked that his son was hot, and three years later she was married. To the son, not the bouncer. They have spawn, but just one. A daughter named Aydan. Penelope loves sweets, The Originals, and she shops at Target almost daily.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

5+ Star Review: Love In Lingerie by Alessandra Torre

Posted on 01/27/2017 by shellbellereads

Love In Lingerie

By Alessandra Torre

Release Date: January 16, 2017

Buy: Amazon / B & N / IBooks

Synopsis

I hired her to fix my company, to bring Marks Lingerie back to life. I didn’t expect her to become my friend. I didn’t expect to fall in love with her.

The first rule of business is to never touch your employees. I think there is another rule about not falling for your best friend—a rule against imagining the curves of her body, or the way her breathing would change if I pulled down her panties and unzipped my pants.

Now, I can’t wait any longer. I’m tossing out the rules.

Damn the company.

Damn our friendship.

Damn my fears.

Michel’ Review

Love In Lingerie is my favorite book Alessandra Torre has written. From the moment I opened this book I was mesmerized by the story that began to unfold. It’s not the typical office romance nor is it a erotica romance. It’s a story of two people building an evolving relationship in a period of three years. It’s about learning to trust, following inner instincts, working as a team, and building a strong friendship that will stand the tests of time.

Trey Marks company is in trouble. He needs to hire a new creative director before his Marks Lingerie goes bankrupt. During his interview with Kate Martin he realizes the company needs to go in a new direction. Although he doesn’t completely agree with her views or business ideas, his instincts tell him she’s exactly what he needs to save his company.

In the course of three years Kate and Trey bump heads, hold each other’s hands, and create a stronger company. They also get to know one another inside out. They both are denying their true desires because they can clearly see that they would be completely wrong for one another. There is also the no fraternization policy within the company. Trey likes the kinkier side of sex and doesn’t do committed relationships. Kate likes the straight and narrow road and believes in commitment. They clearly want different things in life. When the reality of what they want clashes with their hearts desire, it’s a no brainer. They were meant to be together.

Alessandra Torre’s writing was brilliant. The pacing was perfect. The slow simmering build to the explosive moment was delivered with perfection. The witty dialogue, the strong dynamic characters, and captivating scenes kept me glued to the pages. This book was downright delightful and fun.

I highly recommend Love In Lingerie by Alessandra Torre.

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Author Bio:
Alessandra Torre is an award-winning New York Times bestselling author of thirteen novels. Her books focus on romance and suspense, all with a strong undercurrent of sexuality. Torre has been featured in such publications as Elle and Elle UK, co-hosted Dirty Sexy Funny with Jenny McCarthy, as well as guest blogged for the Huffington Post and RT Book Reviews. She is also the Bedroom Blogger for Cosmopolitan.com.

You can learn more about Alessandra on her website at http://www.alessandratorre.com, or you can find her on Twitter (@ReadAlessandra) or Facebook.

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You can learn more about Alessandra on her website at www.alessandratorre.com, or you can find her on Twitter (@ReadAlessandra) or Facebook.

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New Release + Excerpt + Review: The Devil’s Daughter by Katee Robert

Posted on 01/27/2017 by shellbellereads

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The Devil’s Daughter

Hidden Sins Series – Book 1

By Katee Robert

Release Date: January 24, 2017

Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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Synopsis

Growing up in a small town isn’t easy, especially when you’re the daughter of a local cult leader. Ten years ago, Eden Collins left Clear Springs, Montana, and never once looked back. But when the bodies of murdered young women surface, their corpses violated and marked with tattoos worn by her mother’s followers, Eden, now an FBI agent, can’t turn a blind eye. To catch the killer, she’s going to have to return to the fold.

Sheriff Zach Owens isn’t comfortable putting Eden in danger, even if she is an elite agent. And he certainly wasn’t expecting to be so attracted to her. As calm and cool as she appears, he knows this can’t be a happy homecoming. Zach wants to protect her—from her mother, the cult, and the evil that lurks behind its locked gates. But Eden is his only key to the tight-lipped group, and she may just be closer to the killer than either one of them suspects…

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Excerpt

“This is stupid. Get out of the car. Get out of the car right now.”

She threw her body into motion, half-afraid that if she didn’t force herself to move, she’d sit there until someone decided to report her for being creepy. Who am I kidding? The people in this place are just as likely to knock on the window and ask me if I need any help.

The fall air had a little bite to it, and she closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. Home.

No. It’s not home. It’ll never be home again.

She’d made a life for herself in the FBI, and if she didn’t have much in the way of roots . . . Well, she’d left the possibility of roots behind when she left Clear Springs. Most days it didn’t even bother her that much. She was doing good in the world, using her nontraditional childhood to give her an edge that had helped her make a name for herself over the last six years in the cult division. She was Eden Collins, FBI agent. She wasn’t that scared little girl. Not anymore.

One step at a time, she made her way into the police station. She’d half expected it to be a whirl of motion, with people rushing here and there, trying to come to terms with the fact that death had touched their small town. But there was no one in the room except a man sitting behind the desk in the corner, glaring at the phone on his desk.

Zach Owens.

The golden boy of Clear Springs in every sense. His blond hair was still cropped short, hearkening back to his days as a marine, and his body was obviously well taken care of. This wasn’t a man who’d let his years working in a sleepy little town turn him soft.

While Zach took her in, she conducted her own perusal. She’d never met him personally, but she knew him by reputation and pieces of information stolen via eavesdropping. He’d gone off to war a boy and come back a man with shadows in his eyes. Or maybe she was just seeing him with rose-tinted glasses, the tragic figure representing everything she’d never have. Acceptance. Loyalty. The love of the people here.

Something like jealousy curled through her stomach. It was silly and childish and she was better than that, but it was hard not to resent someone who so obviously fit. Eden had done a bit of traveling since she’d turned eighteen and run as far and fast as she could from her mother, but she’d never found a place that was well and truly hers.

He caught sight of her and narrowed his eyes. “Can I help you?”

Being pinned in place by those blue eyes made her second-guess the intelligence of her plan yet again. It didn’t matter. He needed her help, even if he didn’t know it yet. She stepped forward. “I’m here about the body.”

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Tracey’s Review

Something is not quite business as usual in Zach Owens’ town. As sheriff of Clear Springs, Montana, he’s concerned when news of a girl gone missing leads to something far worse. Hometown daughter Eden Collins left Clear Springs behind years before, shaking the dust off and vowing not to return. But when an insidious evil infiltrates the town, she’ll have to put aside her feelings and return to help Zach before it’s too late.

Author Katee Robert is a go-to of mine. From mafia reads to guys in – and out – of uniform to cowboys, she really has written everything. So, when I saw that her latest, THE DEVIL’S DAUGHTER, is a full-blown romantic suspense, complete with disappearing girls, enigmatic and downright chilling cult leaders, and an FBI agent and hometown sheriff working together to bring everything to light, I was all in.

I really enjoy some suspense and mystery in my romances, and Katee has delivered, big time. THE DEVIL’s DAUGHTER is taut and has plenty of suspense. The story of a town where mind-games are rife, and a breathtakingly subtle and crafty evil hides out just below the surface had me from the first page.

This book builds slowly, which I really appreciate, because I think that it helps build the feeling of something ominous and much bigger than Zach, or even Eden, is prepared to deal with. The mind games that Elysia leader Martha uses are chilling, and that Eden is willing to put herself in the crosshairs in order to help solve the crimes in Clear Springs is a true testament to her dedication to getting the bad guys.

Suspense and intrigue aside, this wouldn’t be a Katee Robert book without some romance. Zach and Eden make strange bedfellows, but this is another thing that Katee does so well, to write a romantic couple that would seem to be at odds. I think that it’s Zach’s steadfastness and commitment that help Eden trust him, and to feel confident in his feelings for her, and it doesn’t take long for the closeness that builds between them working together to turn into something more.

THE DEVIL’S DAUGHTER is a welcome addition to Katee’s catalog of work, and one that I very much enjoyed reading. It’s an easy 4.5-stars for me, and I highly recommend it for fans of romantic suspense. I look forward to seeing what comes next in the Hidden Sins series. If Katee’s writing it, it will be well worth the wait.

***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***

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New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Katee Robert learned to tell her stories at her grandpa’s knee. She found romance novels at age twelve and it changed her life. When not writing sexy contemporary and speculative fiction romance novels, she spends her time playing imaginary games with her wee ones, driving her husband batty with what-if questions, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.

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Cover Reveal: Her Dominant Seal by Caitlyn O’Leary – Midnight Delta Series – Book 9

Posted on 01/27/2017 by shellbellereads

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Her Dominant Seal

Midnight Delta Series – Book 9

By Caitlyn O’Leary

Release Date: February 6, 2017

Synopsis

A Cry For Help

It only takes one phone call and Navy SEAL Drake Avery is rushing back to Tennessee in the middle of the night. His sisters are in danger and he will do whatever it takes to protect them.

A New Twist

Now is not the time for a relationship, but damned if Drake doesn’t cross paths with a smokin’ hot kindergarten teacher named Karen Eastman. Miss Eastman has Drake thinking naughty thoughts when he needs to have his head in the game. He never thought he’d be hot for teacher.

Demons from the Past

Part of the hell of going home is that you know everyone, and they know you. Just when you think you can trust someone, they can turn on a dime. Old and new enemies are thrilled to discover Drake has a beautiful new weakness: Karen. But messing with the women in his life, is a mistake. You mess with the bull, you get the horns.

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caitlyn-oleary Caitlyn O’Leary is an avid reader, and considers herself a fan first and an author second. She reads a wide variety of genres, but finds herself going back to happily-ever-afters. Getting a chance to write, after years in corporate America is a dream come true. She hopes that her stories provide the kind of entertainment and escape that she has found from some of her favorite authors.

Her Series Include:

THE FOUND:

It’s a bit Paranormal, a bit Sci-Fi and 100% Action/Adventure. The characters have special abilities, that make them targets.

MIDNIGHT DELTA

This is focused on a group of Navy Seals. What makes them special is their bond to one another, and the women they come to love.

FATE HARBOR

This is the series that started her career, it is a Menage Series that takes place in Fate Harbor Washington. It focuses on a tight knit community who live and love and care for one another.

Stalk Her: Website, Facebook, Amazon, Goodreads, Newsletter.

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Cover Reveal: Rise by Dylan Allen

Posted on 01/27/2017 by shellbellereads

Cover Design: Indie Solutions by Murphy Rae

Release Date: February 15, 2017

Synopsis

As a little girl, I saw my father destroy the family he claimed to love. I watched my mother waste her life dreaming of a man who left her without a second glance.

As a woman, I don’t dream, I work. I don’t fall in love, I focus. I would never let anything as frivolous as love distract me.

Until I meet Simon. A gorgeous, brilliant young architect with dark eyes, a sweet smile, and a dirty, dirty mouth. He sets me on fire, and suddenly all I can do is dream…of his hands, his lips, his body. Of a heart good enough and a love strong enough to make me believe in happily ever after.

But Simon has secrets that are even deeper than mine. Will our pasts destroy everything we’ve worked for? Or will we find the courage to rise to the challenge and fight for the love we share?

Goodreads

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Giveaway

One of Five ARC’s for Rise

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Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0cba4250427/?

About the Author

Dylan Allen is a Texas girl with a serious case of wanderlust. A self-proclaimed happily ever junkie, she loves creating stories where her characters chase their own happy endings. When she isn’t writing or reading, eating or cooking, she and her family are planning their next adventure.

Connect with Dylan Allen

Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/2keVjl8

Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/2kp67Ri

Facebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2jWq80y

Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/2kpUQMy

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2jOvrNn

Cover Reveal: Drunk On You by Harper Sloan

Posted on 01/27/2017 by shellbellereads

We are excited to bring you the cover for DRUNK ON YOU by Harper Sloan releasing on March 14, 2017!

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Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000039_00005]

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000039_00005] It was supposed to be fun.

A mutual use of each other’s bodies.

To be a ruse to the world around us.

I wanted to be free from my ex, and he wanted to escape his.

One drunken night turned a joke into a life-changing moment.

He warned me not to fall for him, and I should’ve listened.

He intoxicated me.

He made me crave him.

He ruined me.

In the end, I’ll never be the same.

PRE-ORDER NOW

AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | AMAZON CA | AMAZON AU | Kobo | Apple | BN

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harper1 Harper is a NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL and USA TODAY bestselling author residing in Georgia with her husband and three daughters. She has a borderline unhealthy obsession with books, hibachi, tattoos and Game of Thrones. When she isn’t writing you can almost always find her with a book in hand.

5 Star Review: Retreat by Jay Crownover

Posted on 01/26/2017 by shellbellereads

Retreat

The Getaway Series – Book 1

By Jay Crownover

Buy: Amazon

Synopsis

Every once in a while, you need to get away from it all.

I was a woman on the edge, shaken and shattered after a breakup that felt like it tore my entire world apart.
My best friend, sick of watching me drown in misery and melancholy, harassed me until I agreed to go with her on a week-long wilderness retreat.

She promised days spent bonding and getting in touch with our inner bad-asses. It was supposed to be all about the two of us roughing it and making do with the bare minimum. She assured me we were going to be pushed to our limits in ways that were unimaginable. Neither one of us could have ever guessed just how right she was.

Nowhere in the glossy brochure did it say anything about the fact I was going to have to battle the insufferable but deliciously rugged and sexy trail guide instead of the elements. The brochure also forgot to mention the part that warned when you left civilization behind, there was no place to pack your inhibitions and fears.

I was told that I would be facing a week where the only thing I should expect was the unexpected. However, no one mentioned that I was going to have to fight for my life…and my heart as soon as I ventured into the unknown.

I was a pro at hiding from my feelings but when it came time to face a real threat, one that could change everything, I learned I was more of a no surrender, no retreat kind of girl.

Retreat is a standalone novel, the first in the Getaway series which centers on the hardheaded and brokenhearted Warner brothers and the women that dare to love them.
These boys are very good at putting the wild in wilderness.

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Michel’s Review

Wow! Jay Crownover stepped out of her element and delivered a fantastic romantic suspense layered with emotional passages. This book was not only a romantic suspense, it was also a journey for a woman who is questioning everything about herself. She’s angry, hurt, guarded, and fearful. She has emotionally boxed herself into her little self absorbed world and sealed the lid. She’s lost herself.

Leo’s best friend convinced her to come to Wyoming for a wilderness retreat. One week spent on the trails, living off the land, and becoming one with nature. This is not Leo’s idea of a good time but she’s willing to suck it up because she has been a miserable selfish friend and it’s time to turn that around.

Leo thought she knew what she was getting into. In her mind she pictured the typical cowboys guiding their group and bonding around the campfire at the end of the day. She envisioned easy riding trails and scenic views. Her expectations were way off base. The trail guides are not the typical cowboys. The Warner Brothers are in a class by themselves. One is grumpy and looks more like a model biker, one is friendly but reserved, and the other is sullen and quiet. They are there to do their jobs and make sure their clients have the best experience communing with nature.

The entire trip starts off balance. One of the brothers has to stay behind because of a family emergency. The grumpy brother, Cy Warner has to take over the expedition until his brother can rejoin them later in the week. The trail group is not the greatest group of people to be spending a week with on the trails. An entitled dysfunctional family from New York City that includes two smart mouthed teenagers, two city women that aren’t used to nature, two oddball men who are completely stand offish to the entire group, and two guides that are pushing their limits. It ends up that was the easy part of the trip. What happens while they are on the trail is something no one could of foreseen, not even their experienced guides. The peaceful retreat has turned into a dangerous endeavor forcing them to fight for survival.

Through all of this Leo finally faces herself, she conquers her fears, and gains new strengths she never knew she had. She also finds what she thought was love was only an illusion. Cy Warner has taught her to reach for more and give more of herself.

This book literally blew me away. It was unlike anything Jay Crownover has written. I was on the edge of my seat when the danger kicked up full throttle. What made it even more intense was the reality of the situation. This situation is something that could happen anywhere. Jay’s vivid descriptions made the story come alive.

Leo was not my favorite character in the beginning. As the book began to progress and Leo’s layers started peeling away, I began to see a completely different individual. I enjoyed witnessing her growth as an individual. Her prickly personality masked the vulnerable woman hiding behind her fears.

The chemistry between Cy and Leo was sizzling. Their verbal sparring and heated moments added the fire in this book. There was the right amount of romance mixed within the events evolving throughout the story.

I am looking forward to reading more books in the Getaway series. There are two Warner brothers screaming for their own stories. They both deserve it after what happened in Retreat.

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About Jay Crownover:

Jay Crownover is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men, The Point, and the Saints of Denver series. Like her characters, she is a big fan of tattoos. She loves music and wishes she could be a rock star, but since she has no aptitude for singing or instrument playing, she’ll settle for writing stories with interesting characters that make the reader feel something. She lives in Colorado with her three dogs.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Release Blitz + 2017 Favorite + 6 Star Review : The Do-Over by Julie A. Richman

Posted on 01/26/2017 by shellbellereads

The Do-Over, an all-new emotional and sexy STANDALONE by Julie A. Richman is now LIVE!!

The Do- Over

By Julie A. Richman

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK / B & N / IBooks / Kobo

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Synopsis

~ Sometimes, one degree is all that separates you from the one you were meant to be with. ~

Wes Bergman was sex on a stick.

We’d been circling one another our entire lives, mingling at the same clubs… attending the same events…sharing mutual acquaintances…yet we’d never actually met.

Until . . . we both boarded a Windjammer Cruise in the Caribbean. And it was like meeting my long, lost best friend for the first time. I hadn’t ever connected with a guy that way before.

But Wes had a girlfriend. So, when the week was over, he walked off the ship, unknowingly taking a piece of my heart with him.

Now, over a decade later, newly divorced, I’m the proverbial fish out of water. Dating has totally changed. Apps. Swipe left. Swipe right. Catfishing. Men my age want two things: twenty-five-year-olds—like my ex’s new child bride of a wife—or just a quick hook-up.

After a string of bad dates, I finally did something I never thought I’d do. I had a hot one-night stand with a really handsome guy I met online who didn’t even know my real name.

Turned out Mr. Fling is a big shot for my company’s newest client. And just my

luck, that client’s CEO is none other than . . . Wes Bergman.

Now I’m separated by one degree again from the man who stole my heart.

And Mr. Fling could destroy my chance of what I want most –

A Do-Over with Wes.

Michel’s Review

Julie A. Richman is in a class by herself when it comes to romance. Her speciality is creating magical romances between mature adults while still including the wonders of young love in it’s purest form. The memories of what once was or could of have been if the world would of been in sync, are part of her special magic. The youthful mistakes, decisions in the works, and life dictating it’s own hand take her characters in new directions that are beyond their control. She adds layers of life experiences that allow her characters hearts to percolate for years, preparing them to grasp the epic love story that is to come later when they are completely ready for it. She allows them to mature and become the best kind of individuals they can possibly be. Along the way they gain wisdom, experience the good and bad in life, and become emotionally stronger people. They learn the true meaning of sacrifice, giving of oneself, and loving unconditionally. They learn that love is more than a word or an emotion in a heated moment. It is the true gift in life. A gift that completes a person as an individual as well as a partner.

It’s refreshing to read a romance that I can identify with as a mature adult. Life experiences are priceless and mold a person into something more than they could of dreamed about in their younger years.

Tara and Wes were each other’s “one that got away”. They met on a vacation cruise and instantly connected on so many levels. At the time they were in different places in their lives. Wes was living in California and was in a relationship. Tara was building her career in New York City. Their lives were miles apart and heading in different directions. What seemed like a slip of fate was only the beginning. Fate had something else in store for them.

Almost two decades later, Tara finds herself a new divorcee , single parent to her teenage daughter, and pushing forty. She is once again thrust into the dating pool. A pool that has changed severely since she last swam in it. The rules have changed. It’s not just herself that she has to consider. She has to put her daughter first and her own needs second. The players in the game have changed. Potential dates are no longer fresh faced young men with a boat full of dreams and the world unexplored. They are experienced men with their own suitcase full of baggage. The game itself has changed as well. Clubbing and hanging out with friends is no longer the way to play the game. Online dating sites are the way to go. She’s a fish out of water. Trying to survive in this new world of dating is like swimming against the tide. There are a lot of sharks, guppies, and minnows in the pool. After some disastrous dates and a really bad experience, she’s ready to throw in the towel once again. That is until she crosses paths with Wes Bergman once again. What could of been might just be what’s next.

Wes Bergman has changed from the charming young man to an intense successful CEO. His life’s journey has brought him back to New York and founder of a specialized clothing company. When his company hires a new advertising firm it brings him back to the charming young woman he met years ago on a vacation cruise with his sister. This woman has matured into a devastatingly beautiful, intelligent woman who still sparks his heart. What could of been is going to happen. It’s his second chance at happiness. This time he’s ready and he’s going to hold on.

Wes and Tara discover more than love. They discover completion when they are together. Fate is finally smiling on them, or so they thought. Fate is once again going to throw them in the waters without a paddle.This time around they are experienced swimmers in the game called life. Their life experiences are going to collide but they are also going to be their saving grace.

Without giving anything away, I can say Julie A. Richman brings so much more than swoon worthy romance to the table. She brings very real life issues to the table. She brings an awareness of how precious life really is. It’s not always sunshine and roses. It’s how one deals with life that makes the difference. Choosing to love is what matters most.

Julie A. Richman has once again floored me with her gift of storytelling, her compassion for mankind, her wisdom, and insightful observations. She created a story that is very real and emotional. It was a true pleasure to read The Do-Over.

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About the Author:

USA Today Bestselling author Julie A. Richman is a native New Yorker living deep in the heart of Texas. A creative writing major in college, reading and writing fiction has always been a passion. Julie began her corporate career in publishing in NYC and writing played a major role throughout her career as she created and wrote marketing, advertising, direct mail and fundraising materials for Fortune 500 corporations, advertising agencies and non-profit organizations. She is an award winning nature photographer plagued with insatiable wanderlust. Julie and her husband have one son and a white German Shepherd named Juneau.

Connect with Julie:

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Reader Group ~ Amazon ~ Newsletter

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 2017 Favorite + 5 Star Review: Preppy: Part 2 – The Life & Death of Samuel Clearwater – The King Series – Book 6

Posted on 01/25/2017 by shellbellereads

Preppy : Part Two

The Life & Death of Samuel Clearwater

By T. M. Frazier

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK / B & N / IBooks / Kobo

Full Blurb

Preppy finds himself back in a world he once loved, but no longer recognizes. His dim smile can’t hide his inner turmoil and the people he views as family all suddenly feel like polite strangers.

Except for one person. A girl with dark eyes and even darker hair.

A girl who isn’t even an option.

At least, not anymore.

Dre can’t decide who she’s going to listen to. Her heart, her head, or her body. Because two out of those three things have her heading right back to Logan’s Beach. Closure is what she tells herself she’s seeking, but when she unlocks doors that were never meant to be opened she soon discovers that when it comes to Samuel Clearwater, closure might NEVER be an option.

This is book six in the King Series and the second part of Preppy and Dre’s story.

Excerpt

“Oh yeah?” Preppy asked, taking a step forward, crowding me in, staring deep into my eyes with an intensity that had me biting down hard on my lower lip. “Do YOU like a clean look, Doc? Or do you like it dirty? Beards. Tattoos…scars?”

Yes, I like it dirty. So dirty.

I was stunned into silence. Preppy’s proximity was fucking with my brain, and I was afraid I was going to blurt out something that would dig me a deeper hole than I’d already dug for myself. I opened my mouth to answer, but I couldn’t get the words out. Not like I needed to. Preppy answered for me. “If I remember correctly, you like it dirty. Real fucking dirty.”

He took another step. “Remember that first time? In the field? By the train tracks? Remember how I pulled your hair while I fucked you from behind and stretched you open? Remember how it felt to have me moving inside of you? How it felt when you came and screamed in my fucking ear? I do. I remember. Thought of that scream every fucking day since. It was deafening.” He chuckled and pressed his teeth against his bottom lip. He groaned, the sound shot straight to my pussy. “I can still fucking hear it now.”

So can I.

The hair on the back of my neck stood on end. “What are you doing?” I asked, trying to step around him, but he pressed his hands against the wall, caging me in. The warmth of his chest radiated onto mine. I tried to look anywhere but into his eyes, afraid of what I might see, but there wasn’t anywhere else to look. He moved even closer.

Preppy pressed his knee between my thighs, parting my legs. “Me?” he asked, with mock innocence. “I’m just reminiscing with an old friend.”

“This doesn’t feel like just reminiscing.”

He stared intensely into my eyes. “No, not YET it doesn’t.” He grinned. “But it fucking will. Soon.”

Michel’s Review

As readers we all have our favorite type of books that capture our hearts and imaginations. The King series by T. M. Frazier is one of those series that readers have embraced whole heartedly. There is one particular character in this series who is not only the glue that holds them all together but is also larger than life. A character that every reader of this series adores because of his personality, his quirks, and his ability to put life in a perspective that is uniquely his own but also inspires those around him. He’s not perfect at all. He has a dark side that is just as strong as his light side. His bad is on an even playing field with his good. He doesn’t make excuses nor does he try to change who he is. He is just going to be himself whether you like it or not. He is Samuel Clearwater, also known as Preppy. Like his personality, Preppy has a story that is larger than life. His story has monsters,dungeons, castles, kings, princesses, knights in tarnished armor, and a kingdom where night is day and day is night. It’s all in the perspective and how he lives his life as a part of this kingdom. He is the missing royal prince of Logan Beach and he’s back in all his glory. Preppy is taking back his throne, his place in Logan Beach but first he has to wake up to claim his throne.

After reading the first book in Preppy’s story, the readers got to see what Preppy was up to during the missing years of King’s story. While King was sitting in prison Preppy was busy minding his kingdom and working effortlessly to get King’s daughter back. He met a junkie that would become a means to his end. She was the key to getting King’s daughter back. First he had to get her off the drugs and agree to help him. Things didn’t go quite as planned. He fell for the junkie and knew he had to let her go. He wasn’t what she needed in her life. She needed a clean break with people that could love and support her rehabilitation. Four years later life has taken a different path for them both.

Dre has returned to Logan Beach to sell her grandmother’s home. She also came back for closure. After the devastating news of Preppy’s death she knew she needed to say her final goodbyes and let go of their past. She would of never imagined that he was still alive but still unreachable. Finding Preppy alive and in a coma was a shock. Finding out she was legally married to Preppy was even more shocking. The most shocking thing of all was when Preppy finally became conscious and on the road to recovery, he was a complete stranger. He wasn’t the man she fell in love with. He wasn’t the man any of them knew. Preppy was still lost to them all.

After being tortured and mentally dead for quite some time, it’s impossible to grasp freedom. He lost himself to the darkness. Now he has his life back but he’s not the same man who owned that life. He’s lost in the darkness. Finding his way back to the light seems impossible even though he is awake and free from his captor. Life went on without him and now he is in a world that is different and doesn’t make sense to him. He still loves his family and friends with all his heart but doesn’t feel like he knows them any longer. He doesn’t feel like they know who he is either. The only thing that seems to be the same is his feelings for Dre. He never told her how he felt about her. He let her go when he should of held onto her. He swore if he got another chance he would come clean. How can he tell her how he feels when he is so broken. How can he love her when he doesn’t even know how to love himself? He’s not the man he once was. He doesn’t know if he will ever be that man again. Preppy was lost a long time ago. Samuel Clearwater died the day he became Preppy. Who is the man in the shell of a broken body and a tormented mind?

Dre, King, Ray, Bear, Ti, and the Logan Beach crew (including Rage) are thankful for the miracle of Preppy’s resurrection. When they lost him they lost a part of themselves. The man that came back from the dead is not Preppy. He is a lost broken soul in the body of the man they love. They will do anything to help him find himself again. It’s going to take patience, understanding, and at times hard love. Preppy is worth it all. The only thing they can do is offer a hand and love in his journey back from hell.

Preppy: Part Two is Preppy’s journey back to the living. The journey is not easy. At times it is heartbreaking and other times it is filled with hope. In the end, only Preppy can travel the road. Dre is his rainbow at the end of the road. She is his home.

Preppy found his way home and now he’s grabbing onto the life he has fought for. Nothing in Preppy’s life has been easy. He has had to work for his happiness. He’s earned it and he’s reaping the rewards. Just when he’s taken his life back, life throws another monster in his path. This time it could break them all. What does that mean…CLIFFHANGER!

T. M. Frazier has done it again… she has left us wanting more of Preppy.

____________________________________

Haven’t read this series yet?

Meet King & Pup in King (Book One)

The King

By T. M. Frazier

Buy : Amazon / Amazon UK/ ITunes / B & N

Synopsis

*****

Tyrant

King Series – Book 2

Conclusion to King

Amazon / Amazon UK

*****

Lawless

King Series – Book 3

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK / B & N / ITunes

*****

Soulless

Lawless Part 2

King Series – Book 4

By T.M. Frazier

Buy : Amazon / Amazon UK / B & N / ITunes

*****

All The Rage

Connected to the King Series

By T. M. Frazier

Release Date: June 7, 2016

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

*****

Preppy : Part 1

The Life & Death of Samuel Clearwater

By T. M. Frazier

Buy: Amazon / Amazon Uk / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

Samuel Clearwater, A.K.A Preppy, likes bowties, pancakes, suspenders, good friends, good times, good drugs, and a good f*ck.

He’s worked his way out from beneath a hellish childhood and is living the life he’s always imagined for himself. When he meets a girl, a junkie on the verge of ending it all, he’s torn between his feelings for her and the crippling fear that she could be the one to end the life he loves.

Andrea ‘Dre’ Capulet is strung out and tired.

Tired of living for her next fix. Tired of doing things that make her stomach turn. Tired of looking in the mirror at the reflection of the person she’s become. Just when she decides to end it all, she meets a man who will change the course of both their lives forever.

And their deaths.

For most people, death is the end of their story.
For Preppy and Dre, death was only the beginning.

This is the fifth book in the King Series and it’s meant to be read after Soulless.

_________________________________________________

Author Bio:

T.M. (Tracey Marie) Frazier resides in sunny Southwest Florida with her husband and three feisty fur kids.

She attended Florida Gulf Coast University where she specialized in public speaking. After years working in real estate and new home construction, she decided it was finally time to stop pushing her dreams to the back burner and pursue writing seriously.

In the third grade she wrote her very first story about a lost hamster. It earned rave reviews from both her teacher and her parents.

It only took her twenty years to start the next one.

It will not be about hamsters.

Stalk Her: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, and Goodreads.

_____________________________

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review: Casanova by Emma Hart

Posted on 01/25/2017 by shellbellereads

Casanova

By Emma Hart

Release Date: January 24, 2017

Buy: Amazon

I loved him more than life.

He broke me and he didn’t even know it.

I ran from him.

He didn’t chase me.

He never needed to, because he knew I’d come back.

He was right.

Death brought me home to him.

Brett Walker.

Drop dead gorgeous and filthy-mouthed with a smile that turns saints to sinners.

A casanova to his core.

My ex-best friend.

And the bad boy whose reputation precedes him—the same reputation I’m tasked with turning to gold… Or so they think.

ADD TO GOODREADS

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Excerpt

It was that or she was laughing at me…

“I have no idea why I’m laughing,” she breathed. Every other word was broken by a terrible attempt at keeping her laughter inside. “But thank you. Whatever you did, I needed that.”

“Happy to be of service.”

“I’m sure you are.”

Slowly, I raised my eyebrows. “Was that an innuendo?”

She ran her hand through her hair, pushing it right back from her face, and rested her hand behind her neck. “No, but of course you took it like that.”

“If it sounds like an innuendo…”

“It’s proof that you have a dirty mind, Brett Walker. Nothing else.”

“I don’t need the innuendo to prove that.”

“As evidenced by your obsession with my boots.”

“Ah,” I smiled, “The fuck me boots.”

Her jaw dropped, but she was kind of smiling too. “Fuck me boots? You call my boots the fuck me boots?”

“Shit. Did I say that out loud?”

She nodded, desperately fighting a smile, which only made me smile wider. “Loud and clear, I’m afraid.”

“Look,” I said, lighting pulling on a bit of her hair. “If you wear boots that go up to your knees with heels, I can only assume you’re inviting me to fuck you, okay? That’s why they’re fuck me boots.”

“Okay, now this makes sense.” She dropped her hand to her lap and blinked at me. “I wore those boots to our disastrous first meeting. Is that why you’re bugging me with the dirty stuff? My boots invited you to fuck me?”

“No. I’m ‘bugging’ you ‘with the dirty stuff’ because I want to fuck you. The boots are a bonus.”

“You…want to fuck me.”

I stared at her flatly. “Yes, Lani. I want to fuck you, and you have no idea how many ways I’ve imagined it.”

“Imagined it,” she echoed.

“You’re much less sassy when you’re tired. I’m not sure I like it. This conversation would be way more fun if you were tearing me a new one.”

That snapped her out of what I could only describe as a daze. “All right. Fine. I’m going to bed. Alone,” she added as she stood. “Thank you for your sweater. I’ll add that to my list of Brett’s Gentlemanly Things.”

I got up and took the sweater from her. “Look, I’ll even open the door for you.” I stepped around her and clasped the door handle. I slowly turned it and opened the door.

“Nice.” She’d apparently found her sass again, because the word was injected with a cocky sarcasm. “Goodnight, Brett.”

“Lani?”

She stopped when she was one step inside the door. “Yeah?”

I swept my arm around her and spun her against the open front door. My grip on it kept it firmly in place as her back collided with the wood, and she inhaled at the exact same moment. Lust burned through my veins, and I took one step in front of her, pinning her to the door.

“What are you doing?” Her voice was breathy, and as I dropped my gaze to her chest, the quickness of her breathing was impossible to miss. Her chest was rising and falling like crazy.

I dipped my head so my lips ghosted over her cheek on their way to her ear. “In case you were wondering,” I murmured against her earlobe. “Against the door is one of the ways I’ve imagined fucking you. With your legs around my waist, your nails in my shoulders, and your wet pussy hugging my cock.”

She exhaled on a shudder. “Asshole,” she whispered.

I placed my fingertips on her heaving chest, right above her heart. The quick dum-dum-dum of its racing beat told me everything I needed to know–she wanted me as much as she hated me.

I stepped back with a smirk curving my lips. “Sweet dreams, kitten.”

__________________________________________________________

Tracey’s Review

Mistakes. We all make them…Some people are more prone to mistakes than others. The reasons why are nobody’s business but the people who make the mistakes, but there is one thing almost all of these people believe: A person is not defined by their mistakes.

When Lani Montana returns to Key Whiskey, FL, for her grandmother’s funeral, the last thing that she’s expecting is to stay. Because eight years and thousands of miles’ distance has shown her that she wants to be any place but there. Reason? Brett Walker, Lani’s one-time best friend and the guy that broke her heart. But Lani’s soon finding that Brett, local heir apparent, and ladies’ man extraordinaire, needs some help, because his reputation and image could use some saving.

Author Emma Hart is a go-to for me. Her books are always right at the top of my TBR, and I know that her signature sass, snark, and laugh-out-loud reads are never going to disappoint. CASANOVA, Emma’s latest endeavor, does not disappoint.

Lani left Whiskey Key right after high school, heart broken, and without a word to anyone. Since then, she’s made quite a name for herself as a journalist, with plenty of accolades to back up her reputation. When a trip home for a funeral turns into a longer stay than anticipated, Lani is pressed into service doing the last thing that she’d have expected: spinning gold out of straw to save the reputation of Brett, once the town darling, and now doing a really good job of going down in flames. One thing she knows, though, is that she is completely immune to Brett and his lady-killing ways. Yep, no way will her heart or her head be turned this time.

Brett is pretty easy to dislike right off the bat. He’s surly, seems really entitled, and is all about the good times. When his family lowers the boom, Brett has no choice but to work with Lani to help polish his tarnished image. But as the story unfolds, sides of Brett emerge that show that you can’t judge a book by its cover, and that there is way more to this sexy guy than meets the eye.

The chemistry that was never allowed to flourish back when they were kids is in full force once Lani and Brett are together again. CASANOVA has all the makings of a second-chance romance with an edge. The heat between Lani and Brett fairly reaches off the page, and, my favorite part? There’s plenty of humor, too, which these two need in order to really start communicating and cut through all of the misconceptions that they’ve had about each other.

Emma has once again written a book that I thoroughly enjoyed. Everything from the slower build-up and unfolding of events, to the sassy repartée, to Emma’s uncanny ability to write families with just the right amount of crazy yet loveable, make CASANOVA an easy 5-stars for me. Getting to know Lani, Brett, and the Whiskey Key crew is a favor that you want to do for yourself.

***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***

____________________________________________________________

By day, New York Times and USA Today bestselling New Adult author Emma Hart dons a cape and calls herself Super Mum to two beautiful little monsters. By night, she drops the cape, pours a glass of whatever she fancies – usually wine – and writes books.

Emma is working on Top Secret projects she will share with her followers and fans at every available opportunity. Naturally, all Top Secret projects involve a dashingly hot guy who likes to forget to wear a shirt, a sprinkling (or several) of hold-onto-your-panties hot scenes, and a whole lotta love.

She likes to be busy – unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to be when all the ideas come to life.

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Category Archives: Contemporary

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Cover Reveal: Drunk On You by Harper Sloan

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5 Star Review: Retreat by Jay Crownover

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Release Blitz + 2017 Favorite + 6 Star Review : The Do-Over by Julie A. Richman

The Do-Over, an all-new emotional and sexy STANDALONE by Julie A. Richman is now LIVE!!

~ Sometimes, one degree is all that separates you from the one you were meant to be with. ~

About the Author:

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Release Blitz + Excerpt + 2017 Favorite + 5 Star Review: Preppy: Part 2 – The Life & Death of Samuel Clearwater – The King Series – Book 6

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review: Casanova by Emma Hart

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Synopsis

Giveaway

About the Author

Connect with Dylan Allen

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We are excited to bring you the cover for DRUNK ON YOU by Harper Sloan releasing on March 14, 2017!

PRE-ORDER NOW

AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | AMAZON CA | AMAZON AU | Kobo | Apple | BN

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The Do-Over, an all-new emotional and sexy STANDALONE by Julie A. Richman is now LIVE!!

~ Sometimes, one degree is all that separates you from the one you were meant to be with. ~

About the Author:

Connect with Julie:

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