Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Cover Reveal + Giveaway : Heavy Secrets by Elle Aycart

Posted on 06/25/2015 by shellbellereads

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Heavy Secrets

By Elle Aycart

Release Date : June 30, 2015

Pre Order: Amazon

Synopsis

Christy Sheridan has come a long way from the physical and emotional wreck she used to be. She’s made Alden her home and is happily engaged to a man who loves and accepts her for who she is, curves, quirks, and geekiness included. Life is good. Until mommy dearest blows into town to “help” her clueless daughter seal the deal.

Cole Bowen is experiencing a world of firsts: first time in love, first engagement, first Valentine’s, first in-laws. He’s found the woman of his dreams, so he figured dealing with Martha Sheridan was a small price to pay. That is before his monster-in-law plants herself in their home and inside Christy’s head, stirring up old demons and destroying her newly regained self-esteem. And while his hands are full with trying to neutralize their meddlesome guest, a mysterious phone call turns his world upside down.

With ghosts from the past resurfacing and threatening to tear Cole and Christy apart, can they make it to the wedding they both so desperately want, or will heavy secrets send their relationship to the breaking point?

Pre Order: Amazon / Loose ID

________________________________________________

The Bowen Series

More Than Meets The Ink – Book 1

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Heavy Issues – Book 2

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

The Bowen Brothers and Valentines Day 2.3

Inked Ever After – Book 2.5

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Epilogue Inked Ever After – Book 2.6

To The Max – Book 3

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

__________________________

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

After a colorful array of jobs all over Europe ranging from translator to chocolatier to travel agent to sushi chef to flight dispatcher, Elle Aycart is certain of one thing and one thing only: aside from writing romances, she has abso-frigging-lutely no clue what she wants to do when she grows up. Not that it stops her from trying all sorts of crazy stuff.

While she is probably now thinking of a new profession, her head never stops churning new plots for her romances. She lives currently in Barcelona, Spain, with her husband and two daughters, although who knows, in no time she could be living at the Arctic Circle in Finland, breeding reindeer.

GIVEAWAY

Win one of 5 Audio Books of the Bowen Series
(Winners choice)

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Excerpt Reveal: Forsaken by Lisa Renee Jones

Posted on 06/25/2015 by shellbellereads

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Forsaken

The Secret Life of Amy Bensen – Book 3

By Lisa Renee Jones

Synopsis

Blurb

In this third book in the sexy, suspenseful “The Secret Life of Amy Bensen” series from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones, we meet Amy’s brother Chad—and the woman who either loves him or wants him dead.

Six years ago, Chad’s hunt for a dangerous treasure turned deadly when his family home was set on fire, his parents killed. Faking his and his sister Amy’s death to protect her from further retaliation, he set her up in a new life with a friend’s help, letting her believe he’d died.

But now the men who hired Chad to find the treasure have found him, imprisoning and torturing him to learn where it’s hidden. A dark-haired beauty named Gia helps him escape, promising him access to his worst enemy. And as he tries to unravel the deep secrets of the past, he starts falling for her…only to discover she’s not what she seems.

Unable to trust anyone, Chad focuses on only two things: protecting his sister Amy and getting revenge. Is love even possible in the midst of heartache?

Meet Chad in the newest addition to The Secret Life of Amy Bensen series by Lisa Renee Jones!

Now available for Pre-order!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1IckAVe

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1GxDQXI

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1FzklNE

iBooks: http://apple.co/1SHmQqH

Pre-order Forsaken and Unbroken and receive exclusive content leading up to the release and super special bonus content after the release of Unbroken as well. You can find the form here – http://lisareneejones.com/pre-order-promotion/

Join the Head Talker Campaign for a chance to win a $20 Prize Here: https://headtalker.com/campaigns/pre-order-forsaken-now/

Excerpt

“Chad.”

Gia’s voice, directly behind me, radiates through me, and with it unwelcomed white-hot need. Desire. Lust. I tell myself that it’s wrong. She’s wrong for me, and yet for some damnable reason I can’t begin to understand, this woman feels right in a way that nothing else has in a long time. Every muscle in my body tenses in anticipation of her touch, and the moment her hand comes down on my back, that blast of adrenaline I desperately need burns through me.

I grab her and pull her in front of me, stepping into her, my legs framing hers, my hands on her waist, fingers flexing into the soft flesh there. And when she looks up at me, I see none of the blame I feel toward myself. The understanding that I didn’t think she could have is there.

And she’s here.

Not offering words of sympathy that do me no good—offering herself. I see it in her eyes, her desire to match mine, and even if I believed she was still loyal to Sheridan, which I don’t, I’m not sure I would care.

Wrapping my hand around her neck, I pull her to me, flattening her body against mine, bringing her mouth a breath away from the next kiss I’ve denied myself too long. “I don’t care who’s going to hate who later. I just want to fuck you.”

She curls her fingers around my shirt. “Then stop talking and do it.”

“You can’t handle this part of me.”

Her chin lifts defiantly. “Try me.”

“Be careful what you ask for. You might get it.”

“If you’re trying to scare me, it won’t work. In fact, it might make me want it more. Just like you want to escape your memories, I have a few of my own I’d like to forget right now.”

That’s all the encouragement I need. My mouth slants over hers, tongue pressing past her lips, and the heady taste of her, all sweet honey and temptation, fills my senses.

________________________________________________________________

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT SERIES, and is now in development by Suzanne Todd (Alice in Wonderland) for cable TV. In addition, her Tall, Dark and Deadly series and The Secret Life of Amy Bensen series, both spent several months on a combination of the NY Times and USA Today lists.

Watch the video on casting for the INSIDE TV Show HERE

Since beginning her publishing career in 2007, Lisa has published more than 40 books translated around the world. Booklist says that Jones suspense truly sizzles with an energy similar to FBI tales with a paranormal twist by Julie Garwood or Suzanne Brockmann.

Prior to publishing, Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by Dallas Women Magazine. In 1998 LRJ was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at on her website and she is active on twitter and facebook daily.

STALK HER: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

Release Blitz + Excerpts + Giveaway : Wasted Lust by JA Huss – A 321 Spinoff Novel

Posted on 06/25/2015 by shellbellereads

2

Wasted Lust

A 321 Spin Off Novel

By J. A. Huss

Release Date : June 25, 2015

Synopsis

A GIRL WITH REGRETS…

Sasha Cherlin died the night she let Nick Tate walk out on her for a life of crime. Her very essence was destroyed when they broke their promise to one another.

A MAN WITH REMORSE…

Nick Tate made his choice with her future in mind. He loved Sasha enough to know that leaving her behind was the only way to keep her safe.

A PATH TO REVENGE…

Special Agent Jax Barlow understands the bond of love and he plans to use it to get justice. Nick and Sasha will do anything to rewrite their past. He’s counting on that to bring them down.

Wasted Lust is a 321 spin-off, full-length, romantic suspense filled with lies, secrets, and the power of redemption by the New York Times bestselling author, JA Huss.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Excerpt

SASHA

I’m not a player. I know there are girls out there who do this kind of thing for a living. They scout out prospective husbands. Dress up, put on a show, try to hook one with the bait.

I have no bait. I’m cute—not sophisticated like my mom’s friend Rook, or badass like her friend Veronica, or even smart and sassy like my mom, but cute. A Smurf, they used to call me. And those ladies are the only real role models I ever had growing up. That’s it. The extent of my wily ways with men come from half-ass copy-catting people who have more game in their pinky fingers than I have in my whole body.

So I’m at a complete loss here. Because Jax insists on treating me like a woman. And I’ve spent a good number of years trying to avoid this kind of scenario. The kind that sweeps you off your feet. The kind that jumpstarts your heart and makes it hum in a way you never thought possible. The kind that makes you doubt all those pledges you made to yourself through the years.

I will never love again. I will never give my heart to a man. I will never have to endure the crushing reality that comes after the only person I ever wanted to be with practically begged me to forget about him.

I tried it, it just didn’t work. I can’t just erase my first crush. I can’t just throw away the one thing I held onto after my father died. I kept the boys at bay all during high school. I didn’t even lose my virginity until my first year of college. Ford made sure of that. The memory of his crazy overprotective antics as I grew up make me smile.

So I don’t have much experience.

But Jax is a player, I can see that now. He’s got me wound up tight. My head is pounding with the possibilities he comes with.

Sex being one of them. I have not had sex in over two years. And I’m not one of those girls who go for a toy at the first hint of a dry spell. After two years though, I’m considering that option.

But now Jax is here. Kissing me. Making my whole body tingle. Awakening the desire I’ve pent up for so long.

“Are you afraid of planes, Sasha?”

I look over at Jax. “What?”

“Does landing bother you?”

“No,” I say, confused. “Why?”

“You’re squeezing my hand so hard, you might be cutting off my circulation.”

Excerpt 2

JAX

Nick is an idiot.

But I can’t fault him for it. If he had realized Sasha’s true worth—aside from killing and secret information—she’d still be his. She’d probably be dead because of it too.

My hatred for him dims a little. I will never like that man. Ever. But he left Sasha for a reason, I think. He left her because she was too good for him. She was pure and he was corrupt. I have a feeling that leaving her behind was as purposeful a move as any of the others he’s made throughout the years.

But why?

Does he love her? Is she the missing woman? She can’t be. Sasha freely admits she has not heard from or talked to him in a decade and I believe her.

So who is the woman who lured him back to the States six years ago? Sasha would’ve been just graduating high school. Her passport shows she was in New Zealand with her family that summer after graduation. So if he didn’t come to see her, then who?

This mystery has plagued me for years. Why does one of the FBI’s most wanted criminals leave Central America and come back to the US when he’s got a powerful position in a Honduran gang to protect him at home?

Why risk it?

For the job?

No. It can’t be that simple. Nothing about this guy is simple.

Did he lie to Sasha? Was he really her promise? It’s convenient that her father and his, the only two men who could substantiate the claim he made, are both dead.

I ponder this until we reach the airport. And by that time, Sasha is sleeping so deeply, she doesn’t even wake up when I pick her up in my arms and walk her up the stairs. I take her to the back of the plane and place her on the bed. “Sasha,” I whisper softly in her ear.

“Hmmm?” she moans back.

“Let’s take off your coat.”

“Mmmm.” She moves just enough for me to get her coat off, and then she turns over and falls back asleep with her hands bunching the pillow up to her face.

I stand there and smile down at her. Just smile. She’s so fucking adorable. And I’m starting to regret that rash decision to have sex with her in the car. You only get one first time. This one was pretty good as far as first times go. But still… I should’ve waited. Made it more romantic and less primal.

I lean down and kiss her on the head and then I walk out, leaving the lights off so she can get some rest. I go all the way up front to the business end of the plane and take a seat at the table.

“Drink, sir?” Essie asks.

“Sure. Brandy, if you’ve got it. You the only one on staff tonight?”

“No, the other girls are chatting in the galley. But if you want them, I can get them.”

“No, let them chat. I’ve got everything I need and I can use the quiet time.”

“Very good, sir,” she says, placing a snifter with two fingers of brandy in front of me on the table. “Just call if you need anything.”

I need a lot of things. But nothing Essie can help with. So I won’t be calling for her. I just drink my brandy and think about Sasha. I think about picking her up again and carrying her to the car that will be waiting for us when we land. I hope she doesn’t wake up.

Mostly because I want to carry her again. I loved that feeling. Her soft body against my hard one. But also because I’m not taking her home. And when she figures that out, she’s gonna be pissed.

_____________________________________________________

Just some general info about this book and how it relates to the rest of my books:
This is a story about Sasha Cherlin who appears in Slack, Come, Come Back, Coming For You, 321 (unnamed at the very end), and Meet Me In The Dark. It CAN be read as a standalone, but readers should be aware that this book is meant to be “The End” for Sasha and her life in the Company. Wasted Lust occurs ten years after Coming For You, two years after Meet Me In The Dark and AT THE SAME TIME as 321, so it is a parallel book, and although there are no real spoilers for 321 (I was very careful to avoid them) the plots converge in the middle of Wasted Lust. I would consider this to be a traditional romantic suspense and it is not dark.

_______________________________________________

Author Bio:

J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label).

She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

$100 Amazon Gift Card, Coach Tote Bag, all JA Huss Books SIGNED – starts June 24 ends July 5.

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Cover Reveal: Gold Shimmer by P. T. Michelle – Black Shadow Series – Book 4

Posted on 06/25/2015 by shellbellereads

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Title: Gold Shimmer

Series: In the Shadows #4

Author: P.T. Michelle

Cover Design: P.T. Michelle

Release Date: August 4, 2015

Blurb

I never thought that my plan to crash a masked party to exact a bit of revenge would fall apart so easily. It was a foolproof plan. The absolute best scenario. Moon-and-stars-aligned worthy. No one would suspect I was anyone other than the wealthy, self-absorbed girl I pretended to be. The one who would wreak havoc that night.Then again, I also didn’t plan on running into a wall of sharp wit and steely determination named Calder. The dominant, charismatic Navy SEAL might’ve called me by Celeste’s name, but he refused to let me hide my true self from him. His special brand of honest, seductive charm was impossible to resist. He was confident and demanding…and everything I wanted. But the deeper I fell, the higher the stakes rose while playing a role. So I held onto our intense connection for as long as I could, knowing that he would never know me as Cass.

When an unexpected turn of events gives me a second chance to see Calder again, of course the opportunity comes with strings attached. I had no idea how dangerously tangled and deeply knotted those strings would become, but for the one man who gave me the courage to live my life for me again, I’d do just about anything.

Even become someone else.

Add to Goodreads

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$2.99 PRE-ORDER PRICE

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#1 Mister Black

FREE

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#2 Scarlett Red

AMAZON US / UK

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#3 Blackest Red

AMAZON US / UK

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Author Bio

P.T.
Michelle is the NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY and International Best
Selling author of the Contemporary romance series IN THE SHADOWS, the YA/New
Adult crossover series BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS, and the romance series: BAD
IN BOOTS, KENDRIAN VAMPIRES and SCIONS (listed under Patrice Michelle). She
keeps a spiral notepad with her at all times, even on her nightstand. When P.T.
isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading or taking pictures of
landscapes, sunsets and anything beautiful or odd in nature.

Author Links

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

Posted on 06/23/2015 by shellbellereads

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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

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

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

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

Posted on 06/22/2015 by shellbellereads

1

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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Happy Release + Review : Step F*@k by Scarlett Ward – A Complete Series Review

Posted on 06/18/2015 by shellbellereads

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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

I’m reaching for a napkin when I see that Jai is on the other side of the table, helping himself to a generous portion of the oysters.

“You know what they say about oysters,” he says. I pretend I didn’t hear him, but when I look over, he’s staring right at me.

“What?” I hiss. “You think you’re being clever? You think you’re going to impress me with that totally unoriginal line, like I’ve never heard that oysters are an aphrodisiac? That’s not why I took some—I happen to like how they taste very much and as a poor college student, I can’t afford to eat like this!”

He’s still staring. At my chest. Then the smirk returns. “Might want to pull up that dress, Janet Jackson.”

“What?” I look down. My left breast has completely popped out of the top of the dress, my nipple there on full display for anyone who happens to be looking. “Shit!” I try to stuff myself back in the dress, dropping the plate of salad and oysters in the process. “Fuck!”

“You know, they’ve got things you can paste on in these sorts of situations.” He reaches over and picks up the wayward oysters and puts them back on my plate.

“I’m not eating those,” I say. “I need to talk to you.”

I wriggle my shoulders and try to get myself as secure in the dress as I can before I hurry around to the other side of the buffet table. “I need to talk to you over here.” We go to the back of the restaurant, near the hallway to the bathroom, and I strategically place myself behind one of the columns that keeps us partially obscured from the rest of the restaurant.

“Imagine meeting you here,” Jai says, a slow grin spreading across his face. “I really had no idea. No idea at all. I knew I was going to be getting some stepsisters out of this blessed union, but I really had no clue—”

“Are you fucking kidding me? You expect me to believe that? You’re a fucking dog. A total fucking asshole.”

“I really do like the scarf. And the dress, too. You should’ve left the tit out. You’ve got great tits, you know.”

“I do NOT want to talk about my tits!”

“That’s certainly not the tune you were singing last night.”

“Do you realize how not funny this is? What a complete disaster this is? OUR PARENTS ARE GETTING MARRIED. That means we’re going to be brother and sister.”

“Step brother and sister. There’s a difference, darling.”

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

Happy Release : Grey by E. L. James – Fifty Shades of Grey as told by Christian

Posted on 06/18/2015 by shellbellereads

1

Grey

Fifty Shades of Grey as told by Christian

Synopsis

See the world of Fifty Shades of Grey anew through the eyes of Christian Grey.

In Christian’s own words, and through his thoughts, reflections, and dreams, E L James offers a fresh perspective on the love story that has enthralled millions of readers around the world.

Christian Grey exercises control in all things; his world is neat, disciplined, and utterly empty—until the day that Anastasia Steele falls into his office, in a tangle of shapely limbs and tumbling brown hair. He tries to forget her, but instead is swept up in a storm of emotion he cannot comprehend and cannot resist. Unlike any woman he has known before, shy, unworldly Ana seems to see right through him—past the business prodigy and the penthouse lifestyle to Christian’s cold, wounded heart.

Will being with Ana dispel the horrors of his childhood that haunt Christian every night? Or will his dark sexual desires, his compulsion to control, and the self-loathing that fills his soul drive this girl away and destroy the fragile hope she offers him?
This book is intended for mature audiences.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

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Author Bio

I’m a former TV executive, wife and mother-of-two based in the leafy suburbs of West London. Since January 2012 my life has taken an extraordinary turn with the runaway success of the Fifty Shades Trilogy. From an early age I had always dreamt of writing stories that readers would fall in love with – and my dreams have come true, thanks to you guys. Now that life seems to have settled down a little, I want to crack on and write my next novel – another adult, provocative romance. I do hope you will enjoy that too.

Thank you for all your support. It has meant the world to me. If any one were to ask me for my thoughts about this whole experience, I would say: life is not a dress rehearsal – seize the day and follow your dreams. I wish you the best of luck.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release : Relinquish by M. N. Forgy

Posted on 06/17/2015 by shellbellereads

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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.

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

5 Star Review : Lance by Christi Snow – The Male Model Chronicles – Book 2

Posted on 06/16/2015 by shellbellereads

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Lance

The Male Model Chronicles – Book 2

by Christi Snow

Synopsis

As the owner and CEO of Lancer Industries, Matthew Lancer spends his days in three piece suits and conducting meetings that affect the world financial markets. What the world doesn’t know is that Matthew Lancer has a deep, dark secret. He’s actually super-hot, super-sexy, and covered in tattoos. When he can, he spends his free time letting loose as bad-boy male model, Lance Jones. No one knows and it has to stay that way or Lance will lose the one thing that’s keeping his high pressure life sane.

Andi Kelly writes erotic romance. Day in and day out, she imagines a world filled with bondage, multiple partners, and just a few whips and chains. But that’s the fantasy life in her novels. In the real world, she’s an introvert who spends her days at home living out her fantasies through her laptop. Andi’s finally worked up the courage to ask Shauna Kruse if she can sit in on the photoshoot for Andi’s next novel…with her model-crush, Lance Jones.

But Lancer Industries has a mole and it’s put both Andi and Lance in danger. Lance’s two worlds collide and when corporate espionage meets erotic romance, there’s no telling what might happen.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

Christi Snow has released another solid and highly entertaining romance in her Male Model Chronicles series. This series is based on real life cover models but their story is completely fictional. These guys are more than a pretty face with six pack abs. These guys have substance and heart.

Andi Kelly is a shy erotic romance author. Her specialty is BDSM and Bondage. Her current release revolves around mastering rope bondage. Although it would seem that she is quite the expert in erotism it couldn’t be further from the truth. She is extremely shy, is not over confident in her sexuality, and is close to being a shut in. Her sister deals with all of her PR work and business dealings.

When her sister is unable to handle the photo shoot for her latest cover, Andi has to deal with the photographer. The photographer, Shauna Kruse ( a real cover photographer), knows how to get the most of her subjects. She has decided to make Andi her next subject.

When Matthew Lancer, aka model Lance Jones, sees Andi with her ropes, he’s intrigued. When the two get together the chemistry is explosive.

When his corporate world becomes a threat to Andi, Lance is more than willing to make it up to her and protect her. His ways of apologizing are amazing. He won my heart with all the shoes.

Andi and Lance find something that neither knew they could ever have. They will come out on top and happy together in the end.

Christi Snow once again penned a sexy, magical romance.

I highly recommend Lance. I love the Male Model Chronicles.

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The Male Model Chronicles

Justin

Male Model Chronicles – Book 1

By Christi Snow

Synopsis

Tara Malone is having one of those lives. Born to Oscar award-winning actor, Anthony Malone, and model-famous beauty, Veronica Scott, she should have it made. But her curvy figure and out-of-control frizzy red hair are just the start of her many, many issues. Now to make matters worse, she’s started out her week by running over model, Justin James, with her car. She had a lot of fantasies about the cover model, but never did any of them include vehicular assault.

Justin James doesn’t have time for two broken wrists, but neither does his over-achieving family. He can’t open up his fridge or unzip his fly without excruciating pain and no one else has the time to help him. Tara already shot him down at the accident scene, but maybe he can work this so that the curvy bombshell has a reason to hang around for a bit. He’s not above using guilt if it means he gets to know her better.

The first in a new series of novellas inspired by Shauna Kruse’s photography and her beautiful male models.

The Male Model Chronicles.

Disclaimer: The Male Model Chronicles, a new fictional series, built around the real-life world of Kruse Images & Photography and the gorgeous male models that Shauna Kruse gets to immortalize in her photos. The heroes are real people who also happen to be male models, but every single other thing about the series is fiction.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Lance

The Male Model Chronicles – Book 2

by Christi Snow

Synopsis

As the owner and CEO of Lancer Industries, Matthew Lancer spends his days in three piece suits and conducting meetings that affect the world financial markets. What the world doesn’t know is that Matthew Lancer has a deep, dark secret. He’s actually super-hot, super-sexy, and covered in tattoos. When he can, he spends his free time letting loose as bad-boy male model, Lance Jones. No one knows and it has to stay that way or Lance will lose the one thing that’s keeping his high pressure life sane.

Andi Kelly writes erotic romance. Day in and day out, she imagines a world filled with bondage, multiple partners, and just a few whips and chains. But that’s the fantasy life in her novels. In the real world, she’s an introvert who spends her days at home living out her fantasies through her laptop. Andi’s finally worked up the courage to ask Shauna Kruse if she can sit in on the photoshoot for Andi’s next novel…with her model-crush, Lance Jones.

But Lancer Industries has a mole and it’s put both Andi and Lance in danger. Lance’s two worlds collide and when corporate espionage meets erotic romance, there’s no telling what might happen.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

_________________________________

About Christi Snow

As an avid reader my entire life, I’ve always dreamed of writing books that brought to others the kind of joy I feel when I read.

But…I never did anything about it besides jot down a few ideas and sparse scenes.
When I turned 41, I decided it was time to go after my dream and started writing. Within four months, I’d written over 150,000 words and haven’t stopped since. I’ve found my passion by writing about sexy, alpha heroes and smart, tough heroines falling in love and finding their passion. I’m truly living the dream and loving every minute of it.
My tagline is…
Passion and adventure on the road to Happily Ever After. I have to admit, I am loving this adventure!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads