Book Blast; Remind me by Ann Marie Walker and Amy K. Rogers – Chasing Fire Series – Book 1

Posted on 06/24/2015 by shellbellereads

Have you met Hudson Chase?

REMIND ME

Chasing Fire #1

Ann Marie Walker & Amy K. Rogers

Released April 21st, 2015

Berkley Intermix

First
in a tantalizing new trilogy about reigniting a forbidden desire from long
ago…As heiress to a media
empire Alessandra Sinclair was raised to put family obligations first. But
everything changes the night her first love walks back into her life and turns
her whole world upside down. Haunted by the memories of a secret romance with a
boy from the wrong side of the tracks, she can’t seem to get Hudson Chase out
of her mind. Once again torn between two worlds, Allie must decide how much
she’s willing to risk to have the love she’s always longed for.Ten years is a long time to wait, but billionaire Hudson Chase didn’t become CEO
of one of the country’s fastest growing companies by giving up on what he
wants. Now that he’s got Allie in his sights again, he’s determined to make her
regret breaking his heart. And this time, he’s going to make damn sure he’s not
so easy to forget.

Includes a preview of Release Me book
two of the Chasing Fire trilogy.

Praise for the Chasing Fire trilogy

“Exceptional…Seriously sexy and
sinfully steamy. Can’t wait for more from this writing duo!”–New York
Times bestselling author Tara Sue Me

“Walker and Rogers strike the
perfect balance between blistering physical desire and heartfelt
connections…”–RT Book Review

Join the #HudsonChasersBuy Now

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Just when he was about to rip the damn door off the hinges, it swung open. “Took you long enough.” Not an ounce of amusement resonated in his voice.

Alessandra stared at him for a beat, her face registering disbelief and bewilderment. “I was in the shower.”

Hudson stood framed in the doorway. Right now he wasn’t feeling like the billionaire mogul the rest of the world knew, but a man past the limits of control. His eyes raked over her from head to toe and she pulled the lapels of her robe tighter against his searing gaze. “Why did you come to my place?” he demanded.

Her spine straightened. “Shouldn’t you be out with a leggy brunette about now?”

“Canceled. Now answer the question.”

“I . . .” She hesitated.

“Tell me.”

“I don’t know.” Her grip tightened on the silk robe, wrinkling the fabric.

“Bullshit. You do know. You can’t stop thinking about me.” He jutted forward, bracing one hand on the doorjamb. “I know this because I can’t stop thinking about you.”

“Don’t—”

“Every time I close my eyes I see you, feel your mouth sliding against mine, and it drives me fucking crazy—”

She held up her hand. “Hudson, please stop.”

“Then you show up at my penthouse. And now, knowing you’re naked underneath that robe . . .”

“You can’t keep saying these things to me.”

“You don’t mean that. In fact,” his eyes flicked down briefly to her nipples straining against the thin fabric, begging for his attention, “I think it turns you on.”

“You’ve got a lot of nerve.”

“Do I? I bet if I rip open that robe and feel between your legs, you’re soaking wet.” His gaze darkened and his voice lowered to an intimate challenge. “Want me to prove it?”

Her jaw dropped. “You need to leave.”

When she made a move to close the door, Hudson’s palm smacked flat against the wood. “Not until you admit I’m right.”

“Is that what this is about, you being right?”

“No, though I am.” His voice took on a decisive edge. “The road is paved in hard truths, Alessandra, not denials.”

“And you think I’m the one in denial?”

His gaze was rock steady. “I know you are. But fuck if I’ll let you push me away again.”

“It doesn’t matter how I feel.” Her voice thinned. “It’s too late for us, Hudson.”

“The hell it is.” His chest expanded and he blew out an exasperated breath. He needed to connect with the girl she used to be, the girl he knew was still there, beneath the layers of socialite status. “Damnit, Allie. Just admit you feel the same.”

“Admit what? That I haven’t stopped thinking about you since the moment I turned around and saw you at the gala? That I can’t stop picturing what could have happened in your office? Or about how part of me was disappointed you didn’t fuck me on that barstool? Is that what you want me to admit, Hudson, that no matter how many years have passed, I still want you as much as I did back then?”

“Yes, I need to hear you say it.”

#MarkYourCalendars

Though thousands of miles apart, Ann
Marie Walker and Amy K. Rogers are in constant contact, plotting story lines
and chatting about their love of alpha males, lemon drop martinis and British
supermodel, David Gandy. You can find them on twitter as @AnnMarie_Walker and
@Amy_KRogers.

Amy K. Rogers

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Ann Marie Walker

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Pre-Order the rest of the Chasing Fire Series Now

Releasing July 21st, 2015

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Releasing October 21st, 2015

Teaser Tuesday: Taming Lily by Monica Murphy – Fowler Sisters Trilogy – Book 3

Posted on 06/23/2015 by shellbellereads

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Taming Lily

The Fowler Sisters – Book 3

By Monica Murphy

Release Date: July 7, 2015

Pre- Order: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Synopsis

Perfect for fans of Christina Lauren, Emma Chase, and Maya Banks, the anticipated finale in New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy’s sexy contemporary romance series about three fiery and determined sisters with their own ideas about life and love.

I’m in trouble. Again. And instead of facing my problems head on, I’ve run away. Far away this time, and no one can catch me—not my two younger sisters, Violet and Rose, not my father, my grandmother, or that witch Pilar who wants to take control of my family’s cosmetics company. Now I’m in Hawaii, enjoying the sun and the sand and water, where nobody knows the hot mess known as Lily Fowler. And I’m loving every minute of it.

But someone is watching me. Following me. He’s gorgeous. And soon we’re talking, and against all my instincts, I reveal bits and pieces of myself to Max. It feels good, though I know he can’t be the man for me. These sudden feelings we share are way too complicated, too fraught, too intense.

Then everything explodes and I’m forced to return home. My intentions have always been true, but now everyone’s mad at me. I don’t know who to turn to anymore . . . except to Max. He’s who I want to trust. But I’m not so sure I should. Maybe it’s worth the risk—and what-ifs be damned. . . .
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Pre- Order: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

__________________________________________________________

The Fowler Sisters Series

Owning Violet

The Fowler Sisters Series- Book 1

By Monica Murphy

Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy begins a sexy new contemporary romance series—perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Emma Chase—that introduces three sisters born to wealth, raised to succeed, ready to love, destined to make waves.

I’ve moved through life doing what’s expected of me. I’m the middle daughter, the dutiful daughter. The one who braved a vicious attack and survived. The one who devoted herself to her family’s business empire. The one who met an ambitious man and fell in love. We were going to run Fleur Cosmetics together, Zachary and I.

Until he got a promotion and left me in the dust. Maybe it’s for the best, between his disloyalty and his wandering eye. But another man was waiting for me. Wanting me. He too has an overwhelming thirst for success, just like Zachary—perhaps even more so. He’s also ruthless. And mysterious. I know nothing about Ryder McKay beyond that he makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.

One stolen moment, a kiss, a touch . . . and I’m hooked. Ryder’s like a powerful drug, and I’m an addict who doesn’t want to be cured. He tells me his intentions aren’t pure, and I believe him. For once, I don’t care. I’m willing to risk everything just to be with him. Including my heart. My soul.

My everything.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Taming Lily

The Fowler Sisters – Book 3

By Monica Murphy

Release Date: July 7, 2015

Pre- Order: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Synopsis

______________________________________________

I write books. I have the best job ever. New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Writer of new adult contemporary romance-ish stuff. Published with Avon and Bantam. Mom and wife. Native Californian.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: On My Knees by J. Kenner – The Stark International Trilogy – Book 2

Posted on 06/23/2015 by shellbellereads

On My Knees

Stark International Trilogy – Book 2

Stark Series – Book 5

By J. Kenner

Synopsis

Jackson Steele and Sylvia Brooks continue to thrill in the second novel of a scintillating, emotionally charged new trilogy that returns to the world of J. Kenner’s beloved Stark novels: Release Me, Claim Me, and Complete Me.

I never thought I’d lose control, but his desire took me right to the edge.

Powerful, ambitious, and devastatingly sexy, Jackson Steele was unlike any other man I’d ever known. He went after what he wanted with his whole mind, body, and soul—and I was the woman in his sights. One touch and I surrendered, one night together and I was undone.

Jackson and I had secrets, dark pieces of our pasts that threatened to swallow us both. We couldn’t outrun our demons, or the people trying to tear us apart. But in our passion we found salvation, and in each other’s arms we found release.

I was scared to trust Jackson fully, to finally let go. Yet no matter the dangers that lay ahead, I knew I was his—and now that we’ve laid claim, there’s no more holding back.

On My Knees is intended for mature audiences.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

Wow! J. Kenner knocked it out of the park with the second book in the Stark International trilogy. This trilogy is by far my favorite in the Stark Series.

On My Knees by J. Kenner is the second book in the Stark International Trilogy. It should not be read as a stand alone novel. It is the sequel to Say My Name. This trilogy features Jackson Steele, a world renowned architect, and Sylvia Brooks, Damien Stark’s PA & Project Manager for the Cortez Resort Project.

Jackson and Sylvia have a history that ended badly when Sylvia chose to leave Jackson without explanation five years earlier. She not only broke her own heart but also left Jackson broken. When she asked that he not contact her in the future he respected her wishes, not only for self preservation but because he loved her that much. Five years of harboring a broken heart has left Jackson bitter. When the opportunity to work with the Stark Corporation presents itself he sees this as an opportunity to get revenge on Sylvia and Damien Stark. What starts out as a quest for revenge turns into a quest for love and redemption. Jackson is finally getting answers for why Sylvia left him and he finds he loves her even deeper than he thought. As far as his revenge on Damien Stark, it is a whole different animal altogether. It’s much more complicated than a business deal gone wrong. But for Sylvia, he is willing to put aside his hatred towards Damien and work on the project. This project ends up being more than he expected. It is an architect’s dream.

That is pretty much how Say My Name ended. Both Jackson and Sylvia are trying to make their relationship work. They have revealed some of their secrets and looked past the old hurts in their relationship.

On My Knees picks up where Say My Name left off. The Cortez project is beginning to come to life. Everything is running smoothly until Jackson gets arrested for attacking the movie producer Robert Cabot Reed. The result is Damien Stark firing him from the project. Damien’s reasons are much deeper than the arrest. Jackson revealed one of his dark secrets that infuriated Damien.

It would seem like this would put a huge kink in Sylvia and Jackson’s relationship but it does just the opposite. Even though their careers are colliding ,their relationship is much more important to them. They become even closer by talking things out, rationalizing their problems, and finding solutions to control their personal needs. They handled their weaknesses and pressure points by trusting and depending on one another.

Eventually Jackson is brought back on the Cortez Resort project but there are still problems that could keep this project from getting off the ground. The media has run with Jackson and Sylvia’s connection to the producer of a movie that Jackson wants killed. He hasn’t revealed his reasons but it is quite clear they are valid. Sylvia is trying to survive the dark past that Robert Cabot Reed caused. Damien Stark is being a complete dickhead. It seems like he is gunning for Jackson because of the secret he revealed. Still Jackson and Sylvia’s relationship is staying true and strong until Damien reveals a secret that could tear them apart. At the same time something underhanded is going on at Stark Industries. Someone is sabotaging the Cortez Project and it looks like it may be coming from within.

I could not put this book down. It really pulled the reader into the story and gave the reader more insight on who the characters really were. Sylvia is a strong woman with integrity. Jackson may be caring around a lot of secrets but all of his intentions are good and pure. He always puts Sylvia first. He is an honorable man and shows much more character strength than Damien Stark. I couldn’t help falling head over heels for Jackson Steele. As for Damien Stark, I was really beginning to hate the man , but he wouldn’t be where he is in the world if he was any other way (his story will change the readers view of him). I loved how J. Kenner let readers see the other side of Damien Stark and not let his powerful personality overshadow this trilogy.

J. Kenner has done a magnificent job with this trilogy thus far . It is able to stand apart from the first three books in the Stark Series. These characters shine. Their story is captivating. She didn’t let the characters from the previous books overshadow the leading characters in this part of the series. They have a fresh voice and unique story. I can’t wait for the final book , Under My Skin, releasing September 1, 2015,

I am team Jackson Steele!

The Stark International Trilogy

Say My Name – Book 1

“>New York Times bestselling author J. Kenner kicks off a smoking hot, emotionally compelling new trilogy that returns to the world of her beloved Stark novels: Release Me, Claim Me, and Complete Me. Say My Name features Jackson Steele, a strong-willed man who goes after what he wants, and Sylvia Brooks, a disciplined woman who’s hard to get—and exactly who Jackson needs.

I never let anyone get too close—but he’s the only man who’s ever made me feel alive.

Meeting Jackson Steele was a shock to my senses. Confident and commanding, he could take charge of any room . . . or any woman. And Jackson wanted me. The mere sight of him took my breath away, and his touch made me break all my rules.

Our bond was immediate, our passion untamed. I wanted to surrender completely to his kiss, but I couldn’t risk his knowing the truth about my past. Yet Jackson carried secrets too, and in our desire we found our escape, pushing our boundaries as far as they could go.

Learning to trust is never easy. In my mind, I knew I should run. But in my heart, I never felt a fire this strong—and it could either save me or scorch me forever.

Say My Name is intended for mature audiences.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo / Google Play

On My Knees – Book 2

I never thought I’d lose control, but his desire took me right to the edge.

I was scared to trust Jackson fully, to finally let go. Yet no matter the dangers that lay ahead, I knew I was his—and now that we’ve laid claim, there’s no more holding back.

On My Knees is intended for mature audiences.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Under My Skin – Book 3

Jackson Steele and Sylvia Brooks are back in the powerful finale of a provocative, sizzling-hot new erotic trilogy set in the world of J. Kenner’s beloved Stark novels: Release Me, Claim Me, and Complete Me.

He’s the only man I’ve ever loved, and the one man I can’t bear to lose.

Jackson Steele is my light in this world. Charismatic, bold, and always in control, he knows what he wants and how to get it—and absolutely nothing stands in his way. His hold on me is magnetic, his claim on me complete, his kiss my ultimate escape.

We both harbor dark secrets that could tear our lives apart. Though we’ve tried to bury our pasts, there are certain people who won’t let us forget. But the closer danger comes, the brighter the fire between us burns—our ecstasy consuming and soothing us both.

There’s no telling what lies ahead, but I know that Jackson never gives in without a fight. I’d do anything he wants to keep him safe, give him anything he needs. And now that we’re in deep, nothing can make me run.

Under My Skin is intended for mature audiences.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

__________________________________________

Author Bio:

J. Kenner spent more than ten years as a litigator in Southern California and Central Texas, using her rare free time to indulge her passion for writing. California born, she now lives—and writes—in Texas, with her husband and daughters.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Cover Reveal : #Poser by #Cambria Hebert – #Hashtag Series -#Book 5

Posted on 06/23/2015 by shellbellereads

#Poser

#Hashtag Series – #Book 5

Release Date: August 18, 2015

By Cambria # Hebert

Pre Order : Amazon

Synopsis

Posers gonna pose

I am a man who had nothing, but found everything.

I’ll never go back to nothing ever again.

I vowed to protect her, and that’s exactly what I’m gonna do.

The pictures I stumbled upon haunt me still, the secret I shoulder is heavy.

They say secrets put distance between two people, but the truth is far more destructive than keeping it will ever be.

I won’t ever tell. She can’t ever know.

When I look in the mirror my reflection is of who I’m afraid I’ll become and not the man I am.

It makes me feel like a poser, no better than all the others pretending to be exactly who they aren’t.

How does a man keep it together when everything is unraveling right here in his hands?

I didn’t start any of this.

I never asked for it.

But it came knocking at my door.

When secrets and threats knock, I don’t hide.

I open the door.

Because the best way to take down a poser is to be one.

Pre Order : Amazon

#Read#HashTag Series

The Hashtag Series

# Nerd – Book 1

Two people from completely different worlds are about to be thrown together…

In more ways than one.

She wants to keep her scholarship. He wants to stay on the team. An awkward alliance doesn’t even begin to cover Rimmel and Romeo’s relationship.

But that’s about to change.

It starts with a dare. An initiation. A challenge.

Quickly, it turns into more. But when you’re a victim of your status, there is no room for anything real. The rules are clear and simple.

Stick to your circle.

And never fall in love with anyone on the outside.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

#Hater – Book 2

The effect of that look lingered, like an unspoken promise, long after it was gone.

Becoming a couple – becoming the other half of a campus celebrity wasn’t easy. I let down walls guarding my heart and he looked past my glasses and accident prone tendencies. Romeo and I are an unlikely match, a #nerd and a jock. But we made it.

And we’re happy.

Zach doesn’t want us to be happy. He wants Romeo to pay for getting him kicked out of Omega and for the night he spent in jail. He’s going to use anything and everything he can to get his revenge. Including me.

As the weather on campus grows cold and the days become dark, revenge becomes the center of someone’s life and the happiness Romeo and I worked so hard for is threatened.

I can’t help but worry that our love is going to be overshadowed by hate.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

# Player-Book 3

Synopsis

Players gotta play.

Hate is like a poison. It contaminates everything.

So does doubt.

Even though I deny what I overheard, even though I insist it isn’t true, the seed of doubt has been planted. I can’t help but be tormented with the endless what-if’s that have taken over our lives.

Romeo and I were happy in love. The future stretched before us brighter than any star in the darkest sky. Now everything is broken. Literally broken. Romeo’s entire career is at stake, my entire future is threatened… and my past?

It’s coming back to haunt me.

To haunt us.

Romeo says we’re in this together and right now the only sure thing is us. But how far can a love so new be pushed? The lengths we will have to go to save each other puts everything at risk.

Romeo is a #player but how much of the game can one person play?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

# Selfie – Book 4

#Selfie is the fourth book in the Hashtag Series
It’s all about the #Selfie.

She was the one girl I never wanted.

Until I had her.

One night.

One mistake.

Something we both wanted to forget.

I got rid of the proof. The one piece of evidence that could remind us both.

At least, I thought I did.

When it shows up on the school Buzzfeed, rumors fly. Friendships are tested and the feels get real.

I don’t do relationships. I don’t open my heart.

Especially for a girl everyone knows I hate.

What happens during spring break stays in spring break.

Until it follows you home.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

#Poser – Book 5

Release Date : August 18, 2015

Posers gonna pose
I am a man who had nothing, but found everything.
I’ll never go back to nothing ever again.
I vowed to protect her, and that’s exactly what I’m gonna do.
The pictures I stumbled upon haunt me still, the secret I shoulder is heavy.
They say secrets put distance between two people, but the truth is far more destructive than keeping it will ever be.
I won’t ever tell. She can’t ever know.
When I look in the mirror my reflection is of who I’m afraid I’ll become and not the man I am.
It makes me feel like a poser, no better than all the others pretending to be exactly who they aren’t.
How does a man keep it together when everything is unraveling right here in his hands?
I didn’t start any of this.
I never asked for it.
But it came knocking at my door.
When secrets and threats knock, I don’t hide.
I open the door.
Because the best way to take down a poser is to be one.

Pre Order: Amazon

——————————————————————————————-

#About Cambria Hebert

Author Bio:

Cambria Hebert is a bestselling novelist of more than twenty books. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair. She currently resides in North Carolina with her children (human and furry) and her husband, who is a United States Marine.

Besides writing, Cambria loves a caramel latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching movies. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chorkie (the real boss of the house).

Cambria has written within the young adult and new adult genres, penning many paranormal and contemporary titles. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense. A few of her most recognized titles are: Text, Torch, Tryst, Masquerade, and Recalled.

Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway… Up In Smoke by Tessa Bailey – Crossing The Line Series – Book 2

Posted on 06/23/2015 by shellbellereads

Up In Smoke

Crossing The Line Series – Book 2

By Tessa Bailey

Release Date: June 23, 2015

Synopsis

Never start a fire you can’t control…

Connor Bannon is supposed to be dead. Dishonorably discharged from the Navy SEALs, he’s spent the last two years working as a street enforcer in Brooklyn for his cousin’s crime ring. Through a twist of fate, he’s now in Chicago, working undercover to bust criminals. But when a cute little arsonist joins the team-all combat boots, tiny jean shorts, and hot-pink hair-Connor’s notorious iron control slips.

Erin “she’s getting away” O’Dea knows two things. She hates authority. And… Nope, that’s it. When she’s forced to operate on the “right” side of the law, her fear of being confined and controlled blazes to the surface. The last thing she expects is a control freak like Connor to soothe her when she needs it most. Worse, something behind the sexy ex-soldier’s eyes ignites a dangerous inferno of desire. One that invites Erin to play with fire. And one that could get them both killed…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Excerpt

As if her thoughts had made him appear, Connor strode into the courthouse. Her pulse started beating double time, her stomach muscles tightening. Good Lord, the man was a fucking panty dropper. She’d only been away from him for a few hours and it felt like years since she’d experienced his presence. In jeans and a fitted gray T-shirt that molded to his muscles like her hands itched to do, he personified confidence and authority. Hot, rugged male. His gaze connected with hers immediately and darkened. She thought back to that morning when he’d dressed in the early morning light, his abs flexing as he pulled the shirt over his head. His erection barely contained by his boxers. She’d never been one to beg for anything, but she’d been seconds from offering him her mouth. Pleading for the privilege of sucking him off.

Conner shook his head at her with a sexy half smile on his face, as if he could read her thoughts across the room. He stopped at the metal detector and walked through after the security guard beckoned him forward. When the woman grabbed her wand and instructed him to raise his hands in the air, something ugly reared its head deep inside her. The detector hadn’t even beeped. There was no reason for the personal service. When the woman smiled at Connor and ran a hand down her ponytail, Erin propelled herself forward, boots echoing on the polished marble.

Erin hissed as she drew even with the guard. “If you’re done feeling up my boyfriend, I’d love a turn. We were in a rush this morning.”

The guard dropped the wand, letting it dangle near her thigh. “Did you just hiss at me?”

Erin hissed again.

“Okay.” Connor stepped between them, winking down at her. “We should go. Don’t want to keep the clerk waiting.”

Appreciation spread in her belly like honey. He hadn’t chided her for her behavior or apologized to the woman on her behalf. Instead he’d given the impression they were on their way to get married, appeasing her jealousy in one fell swoop. “That’s right.” She sauntered toward the elevator. “There’s vows to be exchanged. Rings to put on fingers. Shit like that.”

She glanced behind her to find Connor staring at her ass as she walked, so she put a little swing in her hips and savored his groan. Damn. She’d definitely never had this much fun at a courthouse.

A moment later, she and Connor stepped into an empty elevator. She hit the button for the top floor even though the clerk was on the first, and leaned back against the wall, looking up at him through her eyelashes. “How was your morning, baby? Was it worth leaving me in bed, all hot and bothered for you?”

“Fuck no, it wasn’t.” He crooked a big finger at her. “Climb on up here.”

MICHEL’S REVIEW

What do you look for when picking your next book to read? Is it an alpha hero? Is it a tormented broken hero that has flaws? Is it a dirty talking man that makes your panties melt off with his words alone? Is it a hero that knows how to back up his dirty talk with hands on action? Are you looking for a sassy heroine that knows how to handle her hero? Look no further. Tessa Bailey is the go to author that always delivers all of this and so much more. Her books are sizzling hot, fantastically fun, super sexy, and romantic. They never fail to entertain and always deliver a good story.

Up In Smoke by Tessa Bailey has it’s own special blend of romance that she is so famous for writing. This time both of the leading characters are broken. Their supporting cast is a group of broken misfits that will capture your heart as much as the leading characters.

This book is loaded with sexual tension, witty dialogue, heart wrenching moments, and fuzzy warm feel goods.

A former Navy Seal with anger issues. An Enforcer. A pyromaniac escape artist that can’t stand to be touched. These two have more baggage than a cargo carrier. They don’t want to fix each other. They can’t seem to keep their hands off each other. Together these two will send the pages into scorching flames.

Don’t miss out on this explosive new release by Tessa Bailey.

Get Up In Smoke by Tessa Bailey and be ready to burn. It is one of my favorite summer scorchers.

_____________________________________________________________________________

About Tessa Bailey

Tessa lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband and young daughter. When she isn’t writing or reading romance, Tessa enjoys a good argument and thirty-minute recipes.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

GIVEAWAY
Signed copies of Risking it All & Up in Smoke
$100 Amazon Gift Card (2 Winners)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spotlight Tour + Giveaway + Review : Rule Breaker by Harper Kincaid – Break On Through Series – Book 1

Posted on 06/23/2015 by shellbellereads

Rule Breaker

Break On Through Series – Book 1

By Harper Kincaid

Synopsis

Just one more can’t hurt…right?

Re-belle-ious, free-spirited Lauren Renwick has decided it’s time to trade her wings for roots. That means no more bad boys, no more foolish choices. Yet when she’s stood up on New Year’s Eve, her resolution to stick to her Mama’s Rules for Dating weakens. Especially when she spots sex-in-leather-and-tattoos, Jackson Sullivan.

One look at Lauren, and Jackson is hell-bent on getting her on the back of his Harley and riding straight for his bed. Their night together is an erotic rush that has a new word popping up on his horizon—forever.

Lauren tries to convince herself he’s just one last fling to get bad boys out of her system, yet she finds herself falling hard and fast for a man with a stalker ex and a meddling Irish family. Plus, he has zero chance of passing her uptight parents’ inspection.

Jackson has Lauren’s back, but if she wants all of his heart, she’ll have to meet him halfway—by ditching rules that hold her prisoner, and learning to stand up for what she really wants.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

MICHEL’S REVIEW

Lauren Renwick’s mother and friends, a group of good southern women, have decreed that it is time for Lauren to settle down. She needs to build a solid life, a permanent home, a steady job, and find a good man that is husband material. They have decided that Lauren is going about things the wrong way. They are going to give her guidance by giving her a set of rules that every good southern woman should live by. Lauren thinks they may have something there that might work. She is getting tired of the single life and wants to put down some roots. When she starts living by the rules, life begins to go very well for her until… her supposedly good man dumps her on New Years Eve. Now it’s time to push the rules aside to get thoroughly smashed. She needs a good break up drunk. When she ends up in a biker bar and meets the sexy bar owner Jackson Sullivan things are looking good. She may have to toss a few other rules out the window. After all there is nothing like a one night stand with a sexy stranger to help heal a broken heart.

The morning after is quite a different story. Suddenly she has guilt about breaking the rules. Jackson has different ideas about their one night stand. He definitely wants more. He’s looking for a good woman to share his life with. He doesn’t care about the rules. He doesn’t care that they met and slept together within moments. He’s going to prove that he is more of a man than what he appears to be. He is going to make his own set of rules.

Rule Breaker was a delightful romance. The writing style and character personalities reminded me of some books by Kristen Ashley and Aurora Rose Reynolds with the hot alpha hero that loves completely. I finished this book with a big smile and a warm fuzzy feeling.

This book wasn’t deep or angsty. It was a delightful romance.

———————————————————————————————–

A woman with the heart of a revolutionary,

The mind of a pragmatist,

And the inappropriate humor of your tipsy BFF…

Born in California and raised in South Florida, I’ve moved around like a gypsy with a bounty on my head ever since. Along the way, I’ve worked as a community organizer, a professional matchmaker, an art teacher, a popular blogger, and a crisis counselor (to name a few). All the while, longing to have the guts and follow-through to do what I really wanted: to write and become a published author. That wish has finally come true and I am tickled pink with glitter over this good piece of fortune.

What else? Hmm…I love indie, lo-fi, complaint rock played on vinyl, wearing black because it’s slimming, the theater, well-informed optimism, happy endings (both kinds),and making those close to me laugh ’til they snort. I’m a self-admitted change junkie, loving new experiences and places, but have now happily settled in the cutest lil’ town, Vienna, Virginia. I totally love hearing from readers so stalk me via social media or email me at HarperKincaid26@gmail.com!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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RULEBREAKER

Release Blitz + Giveaway: Repaired by Melissa Collins

Posted on 06/23/2015 by shellbellereads

Repaired

By Melissa Collins

Release Date : June 23, 2015

Synopsis

Liam Davis is a man without a past. That’s what he wants everyone to believe, anyway. Hell-bent on erasing any memories of his previous life, he knows that starting over is all he can do. Hiding who he is, where he’s from, why he’s running, and especially who he’s left behind, Liam has run away from everything he’s ever known. His plan works perfectly until one day when Parker Ryan threatens to expose his carefully concealed world.

Parker Ryan is a man without a future. Sure, he’s a partner in one of New York’s most prestigious law firms, but he’ll never be more than a failure in the eyes of his boss, his father. Rather than break away from his father’s standards, he finds himself mindlessly pursuing them, in turn sacrificing anything that would actually make him happy.

When Liam’s and Parker’s lives collide, the ugly truth about who they really are, and who they hope to become reveals itself when they least expect it. As both of their lives become wrecked beyond all belief, they’ll learn how to rely on each other in their journey to become Repaired.

Buy: Amazon / ITunes / Kobo / B & N

Excerpt

When I looked down at my watch, I realized it was still early enough to catch the usual crowd down at Murray’s. Parker’s face lit up at the suggestion, probably because the thought of a pool game and a few beers was a hell of a lot more appealing than being schooled in painting.

When we pulled into the parking lot, I saw Gabe’s car parked in its usual spot. Tipping my head at the black sedan, I said, “Windows are all steamed up. Wonder who he’s got in there.” Parker looked to where Gabe was parked and laughed.

“It’s Zan,” he said with an odd air of certainty.

“How do you know?” Twisting in my seat, I unclicked the belt. “You can’t possibly see in there.”

“The blue car is his. Besides, I may have thrown them together the night I went looking for you.”

As we walked to the entrance, the car doors swung open. Gabe exited first, busied with tucking his shirt back in. We stopped just in time to catch Zan stepping out the other door, refastening his jeans. “Well, well, well,” I joked. “Looks like someone was having a little fun.”

Gabe slammed his door and walked to the other side where Zan stood, shocked into silence. He reached down and took Zan’s hand in his own. “Yeah, and based on the smug-ass look on your faces, I’d say you two were having fun not all that long ago.”

“You think we can stop talking about our collective sex lives long enough to grab a beer?” Zan butted in, desperate to change the conversation.

Once inside, we set up a game of pool and laughed over a few pitchers of beers. Sitting to the side of the game, I watched as Gabe and Parker laughed together, ribbing on each other pretty good. It was impossible not to be happy for Gabe when I caught him stealing casual touches from Zan. Whatever it was that was brewing between the two of them, it looked good on them.

“I think I’m done handling big sticks for the night,” Parker declared jokingly as he placed his pool cue on the table. “Until later of course.” The drinks had made his lips a touch looser and out came the joker. It was times like this when the parts of Parker’s character, which he’d tried to hide for so long, came out to play.

Waggling an eyebrow at me, he bumped my shoulder with his, nearly toppling me over. “Hit your limits already?” Keeping my voice low, I whispered my question to Parker as we walked over to a table. Zan and Gabe looked as if they were lost in a similar private conversation as they walked over to the bar to order another round of drinks.

Shrugging, his answer was of the simplest kind. “Just celebrating I guess.” Before we slid into our seats, he promised he’d slow down, not wanting to be a burden on me.

Grabbing his shoulders, I made sure to look deep into his sapphire blue eyes. “I’m never burdened by you. Ever. If anything, I’m better because of you.”

“Thank you,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to my cheek. “And I want to be better for you.”

_____________________________________________________________________

About the Author

Melissa Collins has always been a book worm. Studying Literature in college ensured that her nose was always stuck in a book. She followed her passion for reading to the most logical career choice: English teacher. Her hope was to share her passion for reading and the escapism of books to her students. Having spent more than a decade in front of a classroom, she can easily say that it’s been a dream.

Her passion for writing didn’t start until more recently. When she was home on maternity leave in early 2012, she read her first romance novel and her head filled with the passion, angst and laughter of the characters who she read about it. It wasn’t long before characters of her own took shape in her mind. Their lives took over Melissa’s brain and The Love Series was born.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

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BLOG TOUR + REVIEW + GIVEAWAY…. RELINQUISH BY M. N. FORGY

Posted on 06/22/2015 by shellbellereads

Relinquish

By M. N. Forgy

Release Date: June 17, 2015

Relinquish by M.N Forgy released on June 17th!

The story where a girl follows the only route to survive, the path of prostitution. What she didn’t know was that road led to her worst nightmare.

Synopsis

In my world, there is no such thing as love. It is just a lie we whisper into our client’s ear. Love is foreign and hazardous. What I did not expect was to bare my soul to a man who is as egotistical as he is dangerous.

His name is Landon. Despite his blackened soul, he tried to save me, but what he didn’t expect was my torturous fate to catch up with me.

To your father, I’m the escort.

To your mother, I’m the whore.

To the legal system, I’m the prostitute.

In the end, I’m just the other woman.

I have no idea if I will continue to survive, if I will ever find my path aside from the gritty streets I know so well. There is a good chance I will wind up in the ditch like most women in my position. Surrendering to my fate is the only choice I have. I must relinquish it all.

ALSO AVAILABLE AT : B & N / ITUNES

EXCERPT

Following Jayden across the way, I skim the crowd at the café and land on a pair of handsome eyes. So handsome, I stop walking.

Sitting at a table full of sexy men is a short, blond-haired guy, his face hard and chiseled. My God, his arms are pumped with muscle as his hands flex around a brown football. My core blossoms with incredible need as I eye his toned arms, and what I assume is a matching hard chest beneath his jersey.

“Charlie, let’s go!”Jayden yells, making me realize I’ve been standing here like an idiot, staring at a sexy stranger in a café. The guy smirks at me and tosses the football in the air, breaking eye contact.

I tuck my hair behind my ear, giving a small smile in return before walking forward. I suddenly crash into something, the impact throwing me back on my ass hard.

“Shit!”I shout with pain.

“Fuck!”roars a male voice standing above me. My eyes jolt upward to find a broad-shouldered man in a black suit, holding a broken plastic cup in one hand with coffee spilled all down his front. My stomach tangles into a bundle of tight knots, and my hands tremble from the strength and power this man radiates. Oh, shit.

“I am so sorry!”I stand up and start frantically brushing at the man’s very expensive-looking suit. My God, it’s like rubbing a rock. His body is so toned and strong beneath my palms, which isn’t helping me get a grip on myself. My eyes skirt up his arms, finding the fabric stretched tight around his biceps and causing me to swallow the lump forming in my throat. The knots in my stomach crawl into a fit of butterflies, and my heart races. He’s handsome—intimidating, really. The way his toned body and squared shoulders take up the space takes my breath away. His jaw is chiseled to perfection with scruff claiming it perfectly. I bite my bottom lip to keep from moaning.

“It’s fine, really,”he states, his voice deep as he grabs my wrists to stop me from slapping at his stained shirt pathetically. My body sparks with electricity where he grips me firmly. My mouth parts and my breathing shallows as I slowly trail my eyes from his hold on my wrist to his eyes. They’re green with little brown flecks thrown around them. They’re captivating. His jawline is strong and defined, his nose broad, and his dark hair is smoothed back with just a trail hanging loosely out of place on the front of his forehead from our sudden run-in. He’s fucking gorgeous, and I can’t look away.

“Are you all right?”he questions, raising an eyebrow. His voice is low and rough, making my eyes focus on his mouth.

“I-”I stutter, completely lost in the thought of his luscious lips on mine. These lips are not like any belonging to the guys at my high school, that’s for sure. When you look at them, his lips look like they’re made to make love to a woman’s body. The thoughts of the glorious pleasure they could bring make my cheeks warm, my chest ache.

“Charlie, let’s go!”Jayden hollers, catching mine and Sexy Man In a Suit’s attention.

“That your friend?”he asks, his lips that hold the perfect cupid’s bow turn into a slight smirk.

I open my mouth to speak but a wild hiccup noise escapes instead, caused from the wild beat of my heart against my chest. I close my eyes, humiliated.

He chuckles, releasing his hold of my wrists. The way he laughs causes my skin to rise with goose bumps.

“I gotta go,”I whisper nervously. I look down and stride quickly toward Jayden, praying I don’t bump into any more hot men on the way.

“Lord, give me strength. Vegas is already becoming a bad influence,”I mutter, catching up with Jayden.

MICHEL’S REVIEW

When I first read the blurb for Relinquish by M. N. Forgy, i was intrigued. This book sounded unique and on the cutting edge. I absolutely love a book with grit, darkness, and complicated characters. I did enjoy reading Relinquish but it did not quite reach my expectations I had built up in my mind.

Readers are first introduced to Charlie as a young child and then brought to present day. Charlie experienced a violent life changing event as a child which led her to spending the rest of her youth in the foster care system. Charlie has blocked the traumatic experience and has moved forward in her life one day at a time. She hasn’t known much kindness or caring. At the same time she hasn’t suffered from too much cruelty. Life in the foster care system is what it is. On her eighteenth birthday she is ready to leave her last and final foster care home. She has no intentions on looking back. As she is leaving, one of the other girls in the foster home, a year younger than Charlie, decides to go with her. In a sense they are on the run but nobody is really looking for them. They end up in Vegas.

Both girls are young and a bit naive . They may have had a tough life but they have not really lived life in the streets. What starts out as an adventure in starting their new lives quickly turns into a mess. With very little money they are struggling to survive. When Charlie’s new boyfriend starts giving her money she doesn’t realize he is giving her payment for services rendered. Once the realization hits and Charlie is put in a predicament that she didn’t see coming, she is at the start of her new profession.

Landon rescues Charlie from the dangerous predicament that she found herself in. He is not necessarily a good guy. He has his agenda where Charlie is concerned. He is also harboring some dangerous secrets. What starts as a business relationship between Charlie and Landon turns into something more.

Secrets will be revealed that will connect Landon and Charlie in the past as well as the present. It will be shocking and will keep the reader glued to the pages.

The plot was great and the pacing of the story was good. I would of liked to of seen a little more grit and darkness to the story that I know M. N. Forgy is capable of delivering.

I highly recommend Relinquish by M. N. Forgy.

_______________________________________________________________

About M. N. Forgy

M.N. Forgy was raised in Missouri where she still lives with her family. She’s a soccer mom by day and a saucy writer by night. M.N. Forgy started writing at a young age but never took it seriously until years later, as a stay-at-home mom, she opened her laptop and started writing again. As a role model for her children, she felt she couldn’t live with the “what if” anymore and finally took a chance on her character’s story. So, with her glass of wine in hand and a stray Barbie sharing her seat, she continues to create and please her fans.

Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: Step F*@k by Scarlett Ward

Posted on 06/22/2015 by shellbellereads

Step F*@k Series

Part One Release Date : June 18, 2015

By Scarlett Ward

NOW AVAILABLE for ONLY $0.99!

Part One Synopsis

That’s all I did. A few too many glasses of wine with my best friend and the bitch convinced me to go on one of those dating websites.

A one-night stand.

A booty call.

And you know what? It.was.amazing.

I spent all night in a sexy stranger’s arms, hot and sweaty, until it was time to sneak out and do the walk of shame back to my apartment.

I never thought I’d see sexy stranger again, and I was totally fine with that – until my mother’s wedding.

She’s getting remarried, see. And sexy stranger just happens to be my new stepbrother.

All the wine in the world isn’t going to make this better.

Excerpt

He doesn’t let me finish. He lets go of my wrist and grabs my hips, lifting me up onto the bathroom counter. My breath catches in my throat as my shoulders collide with the mirror. He’s kissing my neck, his hands all over me, and I wrap my legs around his torso and run my hands through his hair.

“I don’t want to be doing this,” I gasp, but we both know that’s not true. And he’s not technically my stepbrother yet.

Michel’s Review

Debut Release of the new serial romance by Scarlett Ward is going to appeal to readers that love the forbidden romance. I had the pleasure of receiving ARC copies of all four installments. I was able to read these installments back to back without interruption. This kind of story is very hard to review in each installment, therefore, I am going to give my overall thoughts of the serial as a whole and then lightly break down each installment.

Emma is getting over a bad relationship where she caught her long time boyfriend cheating. She has trust issues and is gun shy about getting back into the dating world. After spending six months single, her roommate encourages her to join an online dating site. That is where she hooks up with Jai.

One wild night of passion leads to more than an awkward morning after. It ends with a viscous bang.

The two will meet up again when they attend their parents pre wedding dinner. This situation goes from awkward to heated in the upcoming wedding celebrations. They can’t keep their hands off of each other. They both fight, misunderstand the other’s intentions, and struggle to figure out how to fit in their new family dynamics.

Each installment ends on a light cliffhanger.

I think this serial should of been one novel. The cliffhangers were not enough to keep the reader dying for more. I found flaws in the family relationships and dynamics that just did not connect leading characters and secondary characters. There was not enough of a build up of sexual tension to validate the romance between the leading characters. It was more of a sex fest in my opinion.

Further more the character development was weak. It was very hard to connect with the characters and understand their drive.

Some may say that it is impossible to develop more when the story is delivered in novella length installments. I say no it is not because I have read so many of these type of serials that leave me aching for more.

I really had high hopes for this serial. Sadly it did not do it for me as a reader.

**************

Part 1- 3 Stars

Part one covers the meeting between Emma and Jai. It covers their one night stand and disastrous morning after.

This was a good introduction that left me intrigued and curious about what happens next.

Part 2 – 2 Stars

The leading characters, Emma and Jai , meet up once again at their parents pre wedding dinner. They begin hackling each other but at the same time can’t keep their hands off one another.

The reader also gets an introduction to the secondary characters in the story. We meet the family members. I can honestly say I really struggled with the family dynamics that were going on. It felt more like these two were with acquaintances rather than their parents. It was very odd.

Part 3 – 2 Stars

This installment takes the family to the lake house. They have a few days before the wedding to bond before the other guests arrive.

What happens in this installment is like two children in the sandbox fighting over the same toy. These two bicker and irritate the crap out of each other. They still can’t keep their hands off each other. I found these two spent more time sneaking around having sex. I never felt the chemistry between the two. I also never had a grasp on who they were as individuals as well as a couple. Their POV focused more on the sexual relationship rather than the mental relationship.

Once the wedding takes place all hell breaks loose between the two. Assumptions and misunderstandings force Emma to disappear. That disappearance was down right weird and out of the blue.

Part 4- 2 Stars

The conclusion to the story. The reader finds out why Emma disappeared. Which was interesting and believable. But what happens after that was predictable. Emma and Jai do find their happy ending.

Series Reading Order

Part Two

Releasing June 25th

Part Three

Releasing July 3rd

Part Four

Releasing July 10th

Scarlett Ward lives in Los Angeles, California and is releasing her first series June 2015.

Follow Scarlett on Goodreads at: http://bit.ly/1dNiwHz

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Review : The Offer by Karina Halle

Posted on 06/19/2015 by shellbellereads

The Offer

By Karina Halle

Synopsis

She thinks he’s an arrogant playboy.

He thinks she’s an uptight prude.

But he’s about to make her an offer she can’t refuse.

Nicola Price used to have it all – a great career, the perfect boyfriend, an excessive shoe collection and an apartment in one of San Francisco’s best neighborhoods. But when she gets knocked up and her asshat boyfriend leaves her high and dry, Nicola’s perfectly crafted world comes tumbling down. And stays that way.

Now, Nicola is the proud single mom to a five-year old daughter and living a giant lie. She can barely afford their ghetto apartment and all the men she dates run when they hear she comes with a child. She’s struggling and scared – and nowhere near where she thought she’d be at age thirty-one.

Her saving grace comes in the form of a tall, handsome and wealthy Scotsman Bram McGregor, the older brother of her friend Linden. Bram understands a thing or two about pride, so when tragic circumstances place Nicola at rock bottom, he offers them a place to live in the apartment complex he owns. It’s pretty much the perfect deal, so as long as she doesn’t mind living beside Bram, a man that, despite his generosity, seems to antagonize her at every turn.

But nothing in life is free and as Nicola gets her feet back on the ground, she discovers that the enigmatic playboy may end up costing her more than she thought.

She might just lose her heart.

Those McGregor brothers are nothing but trouble…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

EXCERPT

When reality starts to fade in a bit, I find myself being walked to the door of my apartment building, my arms draped over both Kayla and Steph. We go up the stairs and now I’m standing in front of my door, wobbling back and forth, trying my hardest to look as sober as possible.Steph goes to knock on the door but it’s already open. I guess we are being loud, giggling, in the hallway.Bram looks at the three of us and my God is he a sight for sore eyes.“We brought her home,” Steph says, motioning with her hand for Bram to get out of the way, “your shift is over.”“No,” I tell them as they shuffle me inside. “He can stay.”

I know the three of them are exchanging a look over my head.

“I’ll make sure she goes to bed,” Bram explains. “No funny business, I swear.”

“Pinky swear?” Steph says and I turn to see her holding out her pinky to him. “You know I don’t break those.”

Ugh, Steph and her damn pinky swears. She wouldn’t even be married to Linden if it weren’t for one.

But Bram does a pinky swear with her.

“No funny business,” Steph warns him.

“Good thing I’m not funny!” I yell as I flop down on the couch. The room is beginning to spin.

“Nic, that was, like, five minutes ago,” Steph says. She reaches over the couch and pats my head. “Do you want us to undress you because Bram’s not allowed.”

“No one undresses me but me!” I yell, throwing my fist up into the air.

“Have fun with her,” Steph says to Bram. “And remember, she’s untouchable. Don’t make me make your brother punch you in the junk or something.”

Bram makes a scoffing noise. “Last time he tried to do that, I got him back good. You just ask him what happened on January 16th, 2005 and why he’ll never eat pudding again.”

“I mean it,” Steph threatens and I hear her and Kayla leave and the door closing.

I close my eyes too. Drift away for a moment. The spinning has stopped and there’s a beautifully cool breeze wafting over my skin.

“I’m not supposed to touch you,” Bram’s gruff voice says and when I open my eyes, he’s crouched in front of me, a lock of dark hair over his forehead. His face is shadowy in the dark, the only light now being from my bedroom behind him.

“That’s okay,” I mumble into the couch. “You can touch me. I say it’s fine.”

“How about I bring you something to sleep in? Do you have a favorite nightshirt? I always see you in that top that your nipples try and poke right through.”

“No, not the nipple shirt.”

He goes to get up. With a lazy hand, I grip his shirt. “Don’t leave. I’m fine here.”

“I can’t imagine you being comfortable.”

“I’m drunk. Everything is comfortable. Except I wish I had a cheeseburger. I would eat it and use it as a pillow. Or maybe use it as a pillow and then eat it.”

“I see.”

I raise my brow at him. “You just want to go through my underwear.”

“Oh, I’ve already gone through your underwear.”

“Lies.”

“I wore them on my head and danced around your apartment.”

“Did you really?” I ask, totally serious.

“Come on,” he says grabbing my forearms. “If you want to sleep in your clothes, that’s fine. But I’m bringing you to your own bed and taking off your shoes.”

“Can you brush my teeth too? I need clean teeth.” I let him pull me to my feet and I pitch to the left, heading right for the coffee table. But I’m in his arms, his capable arms, and he’s holding me to him.

“You have capable arms.”

“You have an exquisite arse,” he responds and half leads me, half drags me out of the living area and into the bedroom.

“I like the way you say arse,” I say with a giggle, exaggerating his accent. “I like the way you say everything.”

“I’m glad, because I foresee a lot of arse talk in the future.”

“Yeah, yeah.” I try and swat him away. “All talk and no arse pinching.”

Robin’s Review

No regrets. This is a theme of The Offer written by Karina Halle, and one I believe we should all strive to live by. It’s apparent Halle has been living by this motto for the last couple of years. Where she used to write exclusively in the horror and romantic suspense genres, she has now embraced writing in the new adult and contemporary romance genres, and her career has really taken off!

If you’re looking for a great summer read, look no further than The Offer. It’s a spinoff of the wildly popular novel titled The Pact, but this story can definitely be read as a standalone. The Offer is a sexy, contemporary romance filled with lots of humor, endearing characters and blazing chemistry. It’s also a story I found very easy to read. Halle introduced us to Linden McGregor and Stephanie Robson in The Pact. In The Offer, she shifts her focus to Linden’s brother and Stephanie’s best friend.

Our main characters are Bram McGregor and Nicola Price. Bram is handsome, wealthy and arrogant. He’s a Scottish playboy, and as far as Nicola is concerned, Bram is the devil in disguise. She’s more than aware of his reputation. He’s trouble, and she wants nothing to do with him. Nicola is a struggling, single mom trying to keep her head above water. Her car needs repairs, and the rent for her crummy apartment just went up. Her five-year-old daughter has not been feeling well, and just one week short of receiving a pay raise and health insurance, Nicola loses her job.

Bram steps in to offer Nicola and her daughter a rent-free apartment at the apartment complex he owns. They can live there until she gets a good job and is back on her feet. There’s only one problem with his proposal. The apartment Bram offers her is right next door to his own apartment, which means she has to put up with his grey eyes and dimples, his arrogance and playboy ways.

While I did personally struggle to connect with Nicola’s character, I agree Halle did a phenomenal job of developing her primary characters in this story. Nicola is uptight. She needs to loosen up and live a little, and Bram antagonizes her plenty about this. All Nicola sees in Bram is his playboy image – he’s a man who enjoys one-night stands, someone who just wants sex and would never consider being in a relationship.

Bram and Nicola are both very stubborn individuals. However, there really is a lot more depth to these characters, and as readers, we are able to see them gradually open their eyes and hearts to each other and fall in love. Their banter made the build-up of their relationship exciting. As I said earlier in my review, the chemistry between Bram and Nicola is really hot. Once they connect, Bram can’t seem to get enough of Nicola – just you wait!

Halle has written about children in her previous novels, but it seems like they were always minor characters – ghost children in the Experiment in Terror series or Camden’s child in The Artists Trilogy. I really don’t remember a time when a child character was so important to the story. Kudos to Karina Halle for Ava Price! She is adorable and funny, and she also has a health issue which requires a whole lot of research to write about. Before I conclude, there are a couple of items I really need to mention. There is an interesting twist to this story that completely caught me by surprise! And the epilogue – who is this Lachlan McGregor? I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we get another spinoff to The Pact! The Offer receives a solid 4-star rating!

With
her USA Today Bestselling The Artists Trilogy published by Grand Central
Publishing, numerous foreign publication deals, and self-publishing success
with her Experiment in Terror series, Vancouver-born Karina Halle is a true
example of the term “Hybrid Author.” Though her books showcase her
love of all things dark, sexy and edgy, she’s a closet romantic at heart and
strives to give her characters a HEA…whenever possible.

Karina holds a screenwriting degree from Vancouver Film School and a Bachelor
of Journalism from TRU. Her travel writing, music reviews/interviews and
photography have appeared in publications such as Consequence of Sound, Mxdwn
and GoNomad Travel Guides. She currently lives on an island on the coast of
British Columbia where she’s preparing for the zombie apocalypse with her
fiancé and rescue pup.

LINKS:

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Category Archives: Contemporary

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Spotlight Tour + Giveaway + Review : Rule Breaker by Harper Kincaid – Break On Through Series – Book 1

Release Blitz + Giveaway: Repaired by Melissa Collins

BLOG TOUR + REVIEW + GIVEAWAY…. RELINQUISH BY M. N. FORGY

Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: Step F*@k by Scarlett Ward

Review : The Offer by Karina Halle

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