Release Celebration + Giveaway : Gentle Chains by Nazarea Andrews – The Eleyi Saga – Book 1

Posted on 03/05/2015 by shellbellereads

Today is the release day blitz for GENTLE CHAINS by Nazarea Andrews. We have a few character profiles from the book below and a contest for a beautiful necklace and swag pack!

If you want to read part of GENTLE CHAINS, click the link below to read the first 6 chapters!

CLICK HERE TO ADD GENTLE CHAINS TO GOODREADS.

Read the first 6 chapters of GENTLE CHAINS

BUY LINK:

PURCHASE GENTLE CHAINS from Amazon

BOOK BLURB:

When slavers steal Juhan and his twin sister Chosi from their home planet of psychics, their only comfort is in the fact that they’re together. When they are separated at auction, Juhan swears to find his sister, no matter the cost.

Juhan is bought by the spoiled daughter of a political scion. Caught in her glittering world of intrigue and politics, Juhan is startled to find Sadi playing a long game to change intergalactic politics and Juhan is merely a pawn in her game. But as his vow and Sadi’s lies takes them across galaxies, he begins to wonder if his young owner is more than an arrogant rich girl. And he has to consider the cost of his promise—especially when people they both care for begin to die.

A galaxy away, Chosi is sold into blood sport. With her psychic ability, she earns a precarious position of value within the gladiator school, training the draken—wild creatures of smoke and fire—for the arena. In the midst of that hell, she forges a friendship with the slave Jemes and the draken she cares for. But when her defiance comes with devastating results, Chosi contemplates suicide as an escape from her chains. Yet, she can’t forget the brother who promised to find her, and even as she welcomes the risk of death, she clings to that promise.

Spun across space and exotic worlds, Juhan and Chosi try to find each other, and home in a stunning story about the lengths love will take you.

Meet Juhan’tr et Chentq (aka Juhan) and his twin sister, Chosi’le et Chentq (aka Chosi) from GENTLE CHAINS.

a Rafflecopter giveaway AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Nazarea Andrews is an avid reader and tends to write the stories she wants to read. She loves chocolate and coffee almost as much as she loves books, but not quite as much as she loves her kids. She lives in south Georgia with her husband, daughters, and overgrown dog.

AUTHOR LINKS:

You can follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Booktropolous.
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/MtHwj

Happy Release + Review : Before I Fall by Jessica Scott – Falling Series – Book 1

Posted on 03/04/2015 by shellbellereads

Before I Fall

Falling Series – Book 1

Genre: New Adult

By Jessica Scott

Synopsis

Stay focused. Get a job. Save her father’s life.

Beth Lamont knows far too much about the harsh realities of life her gilded classmates have only read about in class. She’ll do whatever it takes to take care of her father, even if that means tutoring a guy like Noah – a guy who represents everything she hates about the war, soldiers and what the Army has done to her family.

Noah Warren doesn’t know how to be a student. All he knows is war. But he’s going to college now to fulfill a promise and he doesn’t break his promises. Except he doesn’t count on his tutor being drop dead gorgeous and distracting as hell. One look at Beth threatens to unravel the careful lies Noah has constructed around him.

A simple arrangement turns into something neither of them can deny. And a war that neither of them can forget could destroy them both.

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

Excerpt

Chapter One

Beth

My dad has good days and bad. The good days are awesome. When he’s awake and he’s pretending to cook and I’m pretending to eat it. It’s a joke between us that he burns water. But that’s okay.

On the good days, I humor him. Because for those brief interludes, I have my dad back.

The not so good days, like today, are more common. Days when he can’t get out of bed without my help.

I bring him his medication. I know exactly how much he takes and how often.

And I know exactly when he runs out.

I’ve gotten better at keeping up with his appointments so he doesn’t, but the faceless bastards at the VA cancel more than they keep. But what can we do? He can’t get private insurance with his health, and because someone decided that his back injury wasn’t entirely service-related, he doesn’t have a high enough disability rating to qualify for automatic care. So we wait for them to fit him in and when we can’t, we go to the emergency room and the bills pile up. Because despite him not being able to move on the bad days, his back pain treatments are elective.

So I juggle phone calls to the docs and try to keep us above water.

Bastards.

I leave his phone by his bed and make sure it’s plugged in to charge before I head to school. He’s got water and the pills he’ll need when he finally comes out of the fog. Our tiny house is only a mile from campus. Not in the best part of town but not the worst either. I’ve got an hour before class, which means I need to hustle. Thankfully, it’s not terribly hot today so I won’t arrive on campus a sweating, soggy mess. That always makes a good impression, especially at a wealthy southern school like this one.

I make it to campus with twenty minutes to spare and check my e-mail on the campus WiFi. I can’t check it at the house – Internet is a luxury we can’t afford. If I’m lucky, my neighbor’s signal sometimes bleeds over into our house. Most of the time, though, I’m not that lucky. Which is fine. Except for days like this where there’s a note from my professor asking me to come by her office before class.

Professor Blake is terrifying to those who don’t know her. She’s so damn smart it’s scary, and she doesn’t let any of us get away with not speaking up in class. Sit up straight. Speak loudly. She’s harder on the girls, too. Some of the underclassmen complain that she’s being unfair. I don’t complain, though. I know she’s doing it for a reason.

“You got my note just in time,” she says. Her tortoise-shell glasses reflect the fluorescent light, and I can’t see her eyes.

“Yes, ma’am.” She’s told me not to call her ma’am, but it slips out anyway. I can’t help it. Thankfully, she doesn’t push the issue.

“I have a job for you.”

“Sure.” A job means extra money on the side. Money that I can use to get my dad his medications. Or, you know, buy food. Little things. It’s hard as hell to do stats when your stomach is rumbling. “What does it entail?”

“Tutoring. Business statistics.”

“I hear a but in there.”

“He’s a former soldier.”

Once, when my mom first left us, I couldn’t wake my dad up. My blood pounded so loud in my ears that I could hardly hear. That’s how I feel now. My mouth is open, but no sound crosses my lips. Professor Blake knows how I feel about the war, about soldiers. I can’t deal with all the hoah chest-beating bullshit. Not with my dad and everything the war has done to him.

“Before you say no, hear me out. Noah has some very well-placed friends that want him very much to succeed here. He’s got a ticket into the business school graduate program, but only if he gets through Stats.”

I’m having a hard time breathing. I can’t do this. Just thinking about what the war has done to my dad makes it difficult to breathe. But the idea of extra money, just a little, is a strong motivator when you don’t have it. Principles are for people who can afford them.

I take a deep, cleansing breath. “So why me?”

“Because you’ve got the best head for stats I’ve seen in a long time, and I’ve seen you explain things to the underclassmen in ways that make sense to them. You can translate.”

“There’s no one else?” I hate that I need this job.

Professor Blake removes her glasses with a quiet sigh. “Our school is very pro-military, Beth. And I would consider it a personal favor if you’d help him.”

She’s right. That’s the only reason I was able to get in. This is one of the Southern Ivies. A top school in the southeast that I have no business being at except for my dad, who knew the dean of the law school from his time in the army. I hate the war and everything it’s done to my family. But I wouldn’t be where I am today if my dad hadn’t gone to war and sacrificed everything to make sure I had a future outside of our crappy little place outside of Fort Benning. There are things worse than death and my dad lives with them every day because he had done what he had to do to provide for me.

I will not let him down.

“Okay. When do I start?”

She hands me a slip of paper. It’s yellow and has her letterhead at the top in neat, formal block letters. “Here’s his information. Make contact and see what his schedule is.” She places her glasses back on and just like that, I’m dismissed.

Professor Blake is not a warm woman, but I wouldn’t have made it through my first semester at this school without her mentorship. If not for her and my friend Abby, I would have left from the sheer overwhelming force of being surrounded by money and wealth and all the intangibles that came along with it. I did not belong here, but because of Professor Blake, I hadn’t quit.

So if I need to tutor some blockhead soldier to repay her kindness, then so be it. Graduating from this program is my one chance to take care of my dad and I will not fail.

Michel’s Review

Before I Fall by Jessica Scott is the first book in the Falling Series. It is quite different from the past books by Jessica Scott. It is her first New Adult book. The new series is focused on college students in civilian life after they have served in the ARMY. It is an interesting combination that brings two different kinds of worlds together. Jessica Scott did an amazing job of bringing these worlds together and setting up the series. Not only did the reader get to experience a quality New Adult romance, they were also introduced to other characters that will be in future stories. She built a world where veterans, newly released from the military, are trying to build a new life in the civilian world. They are dealing with their past experiences in the military, trying to acclimate to college life, and facing their new futures. These students are not your average coed nor will they ever be. The first book, Before I Fall was an outstanding debut in this series.

Noah Warren has enrolled in the business program after serving five years in the military. He was injured in his last tour of duty which led to his release. He is trying to rebuild his life and make a future for himself. It is a big adjustment to civilian life. He doesn’t feel like he fits in with the college way of life after the experiences he had in the ARMY. To top it off, he is suffering from PTSD and pain from his injuries. He is trying to take one day at time. He is trying to make the most of his opportunity for a college education. His one road block is Statistics. He needs a tutor to help him pass the class. Acquiring a tutor is how he meets Beth Lemont.

Beth Lemont has her hands full. She is attending college, working full-time, taking care of her father, and tutoring to make ends meet. She doesn’t have time for a social life or the coed life. Forget dating. Her father was injured while serving in the military. His injuries have caused chronic pain and suffering. His condition is worse. Now that he is a civilian, he no longer falls completely under the military umbrella of benefits. The treatments for his condition are questionable according the VA. He has had too many run arounds, cancellations, and different treatments. The results are the same and his condition keeps getting worse. As his health benefits are declined or postponed, he is forced to self medicate. Beth is struggling to take care of her father, manage his doctor appointments, manage his health care benefits, and make enough money to keep them going as well as paying for his medications. It is a no win situation. When she picks up a tutoring job she meets Noah Warren. He is different from the usual college guys she meets. He understands the difficulties in her personal life. He touches something deep in her soul and makes her want a normal relationship like most girls her age have.

These two seem to be perfect for one another. They get along great, they have sexual chemistry, and their lives have been affected by the military. Can these two come together and build a normal kind of life?

Just when things are looking positive for their relationship, their lives will spiral out of control. Beth’s father takes a turn for the worse. Beth will be forced to make decisions that a young woman should not make. Noah’s PTSD will roar it’s ugly head and he will have to face some ugly truths about himself. These truths are not something any woman should have to deal with.

Is there a future for Beth and Noah? Read Before I Fall by Jessica Scott.

About Jessica Scott

USA Today Bestselling author Jessica Scott is a career army officer, mother of two daughters, three cats and three dogs, wife to a career NCO and wrangler of all things stuffed and fluffy. She is a terrible cook and even worse housekeeper, but she’s a pretty good shot with her assigned weapon and someone liked some of the stuff she wrote. Somehow, her children are pretty well adjusted and her husband still loves her, despite burned water and a messy house.

She’s also written for the New York Times At War Blog, PBS Point of View Regarding War, and IAVA. She deployed to Iraq in 2009 as part of OIF/New Dawn and has had the honor of serving as a company commander at Fort Hood, Texas twice.

Most recently, she’s been featured as one of Esquire Magazine’s Americans of the Year for 2012. Learn More at http://www.jessicascott.net

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

5 Star Review + Giveaway: Very Twisted Things by Ilsa Madden-Mills – The Briarcrest Academy Series – Book 3

Posted on 03/04/2015 by shellbellereads

Very Twisted Things

A Standalone Briarcrest Academy Novel – Book 3

By Ilsa Madden-Mills

Release Date: March 1, 2015

A sassy violinist who lives next door…

The rock star who spies on her…

And the one night she bares it all.

Life will never be the same in Tinseltown.

Synopsis

Vital Rejects front guy Sebastian Tate never imagined his YouTube music video would go viral, sky-rocketing him to acting success in Hollywood. Okay, maybe he did. After all, he’s a cocky dude who knows he’s hot-as-hell, and it was only a matter of time before his stars aligned.

But life in Tinseltown is never what it seems.

After being cheated on by his ex-lover, his only rule to falling in love is simple: Keep Calm and Don’t Do It. So, spying on his mysterious new neighbor with binoculars seems innocent enough, but quickly escalates into an erotic game between two very unlikely people.

Twenty-year-old Violet St. Lyons is a world-renowned violinist who’s lost her mojo on stage. She hides away in a Hollywood mansion, trying to find her way through her twisted past in order to make her future.

He’s the life of the party with girls chasing him down for his autograph. She’s the introvert with a potty mouth who doesn’t even know who he is.

When they meet, stars collide, sparks fly, and clothes come off. Yet, giving his heart to a girl isn’t Sebastian’s plan; falling for a guy who craves attention isn’t Violet’s.

Welcome to Briarcrest Academy—Hollywood style—where sometimes the best things in life are VERY TWISTED THINGS.

This book is a standalone even though it’s part of a series. Everything you need to know is in this book. Genre: 18+ Hot New Adult Romance.

Buy: Amazon

Prologue

Violet

“Fairy dust is not real. This I know.” —from the journal of Violet St. Lyons

Boom!

I, Violet St. Lyons, who once believed herself the luckiest girl in the world, was born on the same day that the Violette–Sells comet was discovered. My parents, two avid stargazers, said it was a sign of how special I was and promptly named me Violet. They claimed my life had been blessed with fairy dust.

At the very least, comet residue.

I’d foolishly believed it for eighteen years, until the moment of my death.

Which was now.

Boom! Another explosion rocked the plane and metal ripped away as a section of the aircraft to my right vanished. Luggage flew through the air. People disappeared. The mom with the baby who’d sat in the aisle across from us—gone. The redheaded flight attendant who’d been collecting trash—gone. Disembodied screams echoed from the surrounding passengers as my own scream took up most of the space in my head. Air sucked at us viciously from the outside as a tornado of people banged around the space and one by one got pulled out into the swirling abyss.

I watched, helplessly transfixed, as I sat between my parents, gripping each of their hands as the plane we’d boarded six hours earlier for Dublin spiraled toward the Atlantic Ocean. I was going to die. My mother was already dead, a twisted piece of shrapnel sticking grotesquely from her chest as her head lolled around her neck. Blood had already soaked her shirt, yet I refused to let go of her hand. She’d be okay. We were always okay. We were the St. Lyons family of Manhattan, an icon of old money wealth with deep political ties. Page six of the New York Times featured pictures of us on a monthly basis. We couldn’t die on a plane.

Reality dawned as we plummeted. The yellow breathing apparatus dropped and dangled in my face, taunting me with its pointlessness. Fire and black smoke boiled in front of us where the cockpit had been, and my mind recognized that the pilots had to be dead. Just a few minutes ago, they’d come over the intercom and announced that the plane was making its descent into Dublin Airport exactly on schedule.

Then the first explosion had gone off.

Bits of debris flew around, narrowly missing me. My elderly father grabbed my hand and squeezed, his face drawn back in a horrible grimace. Fear and then horror flickered across his face as he saw Mother, but there was no time to comfort him.

Paralyzed in my seat, we spun like a drunken top, and a part of my brain noticed the sun was rising, its pink tinge lending a soft glow, catching the reflection of clouds and making them silver-lined. The rocky coast of Ireland glittered in the distance. Mocking me. We’d been headed there to celebrate my eighteenth birthday.

Just then my violin case flew past my head from the overhead compartment and crashed against the wall of the plane. Shards flew. I shuddered and wanted to vomit. God, help us. We were here because of me. Our deaths were my fault. I spared a glance at the diamond promise ring Geoff had given me before we’d left. Would the Mayor of New York’s son go on without me?

The air was turbulent yet thin, and my chest tightened as dizziness pulled at me. I resisted. Had to stay awake. Had to be with my dad. I was younger, stronger, faster. My eyes went to the gaping hole in the plane. Had to think ahead. Plan. Water would fill up the plane on impact, ensuring we’d sink rapidly.

My fear escalated as the ocean rushed at us, its surface choppy and ominous. I took in a giant breath and braced myself. We hit at an angle, the plane a torpedo as it sliced into the sea. Daddy disappeared, ejected by the impact, and I yanked on my seat belt, unclicking it to go after him. Heart thundering, I sent a final look at my mother. I wanted to take her with me, but she was gone.

Water everywhere, bubbling and gurgling as it filled up the plane. Salt water stung my eyes. People floated by, some alive as they floundered for the opening. I kept my gaze off the dead ones. Focus. Get out. Only seconds left.

I swam from my seat and fought my way out of the large hole in the plane, lungs exploding. Burning. I’d been under too long.

Daddy! I caught a glimpse of his red shirt above me and kicked harder.

Up, up, up. Must get up. My arms moved. My legs kicked. Excruciating pain. Ignore it. Almost there. So close that I could see the daylight breaking through the water.

The hottest fire I’ve ever known lit in my chest. Scorching.

Air. Just want to breathe. Just get to the top. Please.

My body rebelled and I inhaled and swallowed water, the burn racing down my throat making it spasm as I tried to cough it out. I struggled but took in more and more, the cold liquid filling my lungs.

Dark spots filled my eyes. This was drowning.

Exhausted.

Done.

My body twitched. I grew disoriented.

I let go of the fight. My hands floated in front of me.

Oblivion.

Darkness.

No bright lights, no tunnel.

No heaven, no mother, no father.

No comets.

No fairy dust.

Michel’s Review

Very Twisted Things by Ilsa Madden- Mills is the third full length novel in the Briarcrest Academy Series. It can be read as a stand alone novel or in series order. Either way, it is a book that will keep the reader glued to the pages.

Violet St. Lyons is not your ordinary young woman. She is a prodigy. She has also lived through one of the most horrific tragedies to happen in the world. She was the sole survivor of a plane crash caused by a terrorist bombing. She lost her family and her fairytale life. She may have been the only survivor but she is not really living. The emotional and mental scars have inconpacitated her life. She is no longer attending college, no longer performing, and no longer interacting with others. She left her home in New York and moved to LA to escape the memories. She has closed herself off and become a recluse.

Sebastian Tate has moved to LA. His huge success with his band, Vital Rejects, has put him in the limelight. He wants to further his career and pursue an acting career. Moving to LA, being seen with the right people, and being a part of tinsel town is exactly what he needs to land the coveted role for an upcoming movie project. He has to tone down his rock star reputation and prove that he is a stable person.

When he spies his beautiful neighbor playing her violin in the moonlight he is mesmerized. Her moonlight serenades have captivated a part of his soul that he locked away. She is bringing his soul back to life.

When these two finally meet, the one on one interaction is intense. Their attraction for one another is undeniable.

Their lives are on very different paths. Violet has to learn to live in the real world again. She will have to chose how she wants to live the new life she is building. Will Sebastian be her future or will she go back and claim the stardom she left behind. Sebastian will have to figure out what is more important in his life, his career or a chance with Violet.

The sparks fly. The passion is intense. Their worlds are tilted on an axis. Will these moonlight serenades make them or break them?

Ilsa Madden-Mills has delivered another fantastic book to her highly successful Briarcrest Series. She has created characters that pull at your heart strings. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had the right amount of angst, emotional moments, humor, and romance. The love scenes were smoldering. The book was fantastic.

Read Very Twisted Things.

Author Bio

New York Times and USA Today best selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills writes about strong heroines and sexy alpha males that sometimes you just want to slap.

She spends her days with two small kids, one neurotic cat, and one husband. She collects magnets and rarely cooks except to bake her own pretzels.

When she’s not crafting a story, you can find her drinking too much Diet Coke, jamming out to Pink, or checking on her carefully maintained chocolate stash.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Instagram ~ Amazon Author Page

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Receive a FREE Briarcrest Academy novella ($2.99 value) plus get insider info and exclusive giveaways!

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Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Becoming Rain by K. A. Tucker – Burying Water Series – Book 2

Posted on 03/03/2015 by shellbellereads

Becoming Rain

Burying Water Series- Book 2

By K. A. Tucker

Release Date: March 2015

US BUY LINKS:

Amazon Barnes & Noble Books-a-Million IndieBound Apple Blio Books-a-Million ** Google

UK BUY LINKS

Amazon Barnes & Noble Apple Google Waterstones ** Foyles

About BECOMING RAIN:

Luke Boone doesn’t know exactly what his uncle Rust is involved in but he wants in on it-the cars, the money, the women. And it looks like he’s finally getting his wish. When Rust hands him the managerial keys to the garage, they come with a second set-one that opens up the door to tons of cash and opportunity. Though it’s not exactly legal, Luke’s never been one to worry about that sort of thing. Especially when it puts him behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 and onto the radar of gorgeous socialite named Rain.

Clara Bertelli is at the top of her game-at only twenty-six years old, she’s one of the most successful undercover officers in the Washington D.C. major crime unit, and she’s just been handed a case that could catapult her career and expose one of the west coast’s most notorious car theft rings. But, in order to do it, she’ll need to go deep undercover as Rain Martines. Her target? The twenty-four-year old nephew of a key player who appears ready to follow in his uncle’s footsteps.

As Clara drifts deeper into the luxurious lifestyle of Rain, and further into the arms of her very attractive and charming target, the lines between right and wrong start to blur, making her wonder if she’ll be able to leave it all behind. Or if she’ll even want to.

Michel’s Review

Becoming Rain was fantastic. It is the second book in the Burying Water Series. We met Luke Boone in Burying Water. He was Jesse’s roommate and worked with him in the garage. The garage is owned by Luke’s Uncle Rust. Uncle Rust is more than a suave business man in the car export business and car repair business. He is involved in an international car theft ring that is mainly operated by the Russian Mafia.

Luke grew up fatherless and his Uncle Rust stepped up to the father role. Luke wants to be like his Uncle. He wants the clout, the luxuries, and the exalted business reputation his Uncle has. He is willing to overlook the fact that his Uncle has some illegal underground operations. He is willing to become a part of that underground world. He has been blinded by greed. On the other hand, Luke is a good guy. He has compassion for those who are down and out. He is a loyal friend. He is a family oriented guy. He loves as hard as he plays.

It would seem that Luke Boone has the world in his hands. Life is sunshine and roses. His world is about to crash. His illegal activities are about to rain on his ideal world.

Clara Bertelli has joined forces with the FBI to go undercover. Her job is to infiltrate the car theft ring and bring them down. Her mark and way in is through Luke Boone. Her new alias is Rain Martines. She is going to bring Luke’s world to the ground. She is the rain.

Like the old saying goes, “look beyond the surface”, applies ten fold. When Rain gets to know Luke, she sees a very different man than she was led to believe. She sees the goodness in him. She is hoping that his goodness will win over his greed. She does not want to bring him down. She has fallen in love with her target.

Just as the case begins to escalate and Rain is getting close to the real players in the car theft ring, the game changes course. It has become dangerous. It has become more than car thefts, it has now become murderous. She fears for Luke’s life. It may threaten her life as well. Can she bring them down before more violence occurs?

Luke and Rain have developed a very real and solid relationship even though Rain is keeping secrets. There is no way their relationship can survive?

There may be Rain but the sun always comes out afterwards. Hopefully Luke and Rain can bask in the sun.

Becoming Rain was an intense, emotional, and thrilling book. K. A. Tucker did a phenomenal job portraying the dark underworld of international crime. Her characters were very compelling. Their story was exciting and passionate. I loved that their four legged friends were an important part of their world.

I highly recommend Becoming Rain. It will keep you captivated.

**And don’t miss the first book in this thrilling series BURYING WATER…**

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About BURYING WATER:

The top-selling, beloved indie author of Ten Tiny Breaths returns with a new romance about a young woman who loses her memory—and the man who knows that the only way to protect her is to stay away.

Left for dead in the fields of rural Oregon, a young woman defies all odds and survives—but she awakens with no idea who she is, or what happened to her. Refusing to answer to “Jane Doe” for another day, the woman renames herself “Water” for the tiny, hidden marking on her body—the only clue to her past. Taken in by old Ginny Fitzgerald, a crotchety but kind lady living on a nearby horse farm, Water slowly begins building a new life. But as she attempts to piece together the fleeting slivers of her memory, more questions emerge: Who is the next-door neighbor, quietly toiling under the hood of his Barracuda? Why won’t Ginny let him step foot on her property? And why does Water feel she recognizes him?

Twenty-four-year-old Jesse Welles doesn’t know how long it will be before Water gets her memory back. For her sake, Jesse hopes the answer is never. He knows that she’ll stay so much safer—and happier—that way. And that’s why, as hard as it is, he needs to keep his distance. Because getting too close could flood her with realities better left buried.

The trouble is, water always seems to find its way to the surface.

About K.A. Tucker:

Born in small-town Ontario, Kathleen published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She is a voracious reader and the farthest thing from a genre-snob, loving everything from High Fantasy to Chick Lit. Kathleen currently resides in a quaint small town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.

Website ** Twitter ** Facebook ** Novel Goodreads ** Author Goodreads ** YouTube ** Pinterest ** Instagram

Happy Release + Review: Stealing Rose by Monica Murphy – The Fowler Sisters Series – Book 2

Posted on 03/03/2015 by shellbellereads

Stealing Rose

The Fowler Sisters Series – Book 2

By Monica Murphy

Buy

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks / Kobo

Synopsis

People say the youngest child has it easy, but nothing can be further from the truth. Unlike my two sisters, Violet and Lily, I’m never in the limelight. I just work my butt off for Fleur Cosmetics and get little to no thanks for it. I’ve been pushed too far one too many times, and I’m finally brave enough to do something about it.

Maybe my newfound courage has something to do with the amazing pink and white diamond necklace I wear to the party in Cannes. The instant those dazzling heirloom jewels touch my skin, they excite some deep, aching need inside. And when that guy—that totally gorgeous guy—locks eyes with me, I know this nice girl is going to be naughty.

For once it’s my turn. My turn to say no to my father, to outshine my sisters, to walk away from it all—straight into the arms of a mysterious stranger. But what if Caden is much more than I bargained for? Sure, he makes me feel sexy and free in a way I never have before, but there’s something else I can’t quite place—something dangerous. Maybe our “chance” meeting wasn’t so random. Maybe he was looking for me for a reason. Whatever his motive, there’s no going back now.

And maybe I don’t want to.

Excerpt

I sit on the edge of the mattress, not about to give up. I need to get closer to her and eventually get closer to that damn neck- lace she wore. Dexter wants it. He’s been hounding my ass for it. And I’ll get it.

Eventually.

I’d rather focus on her first. Earn her trust. So I’m not casing out her hotel room. I’m not looking for any stray jewelry lying around.

Hell, I’m in too deep now.

I’m here with Rose because I want to be, not because I want to steal something from her.

Yet. Don’t forget the “yet” part at the end of that last thought.

Yeah. Who wants to focus on trying to steal a necklace when I could be sliding back into bed with her? I want to feel the hot, tight clasp of her pussy milking my cock again. I want to feel her touch me, feel her lips on my skin, hear her moan when I hit a spot that feels particularly good. I want to learn all of those spots, memorize them for later. Because there will be a later for Rose and me. I plan on that. And she’d better plan on it too, no matter how much in denial she is.

“Rose.” She turns to look at me, her expression wary. Guarded. I know the feeling. More than anything, I know that look. I’ve been wearing the same guarded expression pretty much all my life. I trust no one. They’re all out to screw me over; it doesn’t matter who they are. I’ve become so good at playing the part, of being whoever I need to be at any given moment, I have no idea who the real me is anymore.

Being with Rose is the closest I’ve felt to myself since I don’t know when. I want to explore this. Explore what we share, what she makes me feel, what we are when we’re together.

She’s ready to kick me out and I’m ready to cling. Talk about a total role reversal. I need to get my head back on straight and focus.

“Caden.” She matches my tone, watching me expectantly. When I don’t say anything she rolls her eyes. “Do you realize I don’t even know your last name? What does that say about me, that I’d let you into my room and—fool around with you for hours and I don’t know your last name? It’s appalling behavior.”

“Appalling behavior? You sound like a crabby old school- teacher.” I want to laugh but I don’t. She’s dead serious. I think she’s just shocked herself with what we’ve done.

I’ve shocked myself too, but in a good way. While she acts like we’ve committed the ultimate sin.

“You wouldn’t understand.” She averts her head as if it pains her to look at me and I move closer to her, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

“It’s Kingsley,” I murmur, wishing I could kiss her. Comfort her. But that’s not happening, not yet. I’ve got to take it slow.

She turns, a little gasp escaping her when she discovers how close I am. “What?”

“My last name. It’s Kingsley.”

Michel’s Review

If you are looking for a book with steamy erotic romance , Stealing Rose will not disappoint. If you are looking for an emotional, angsty book that pulls at your heart strings then Stealing Rose may come up a bit short. If you are just looking for a good book that doesn’t make you think too hard then Stealing Rose is the ticket. It is entertaining romance that is easy to escape in.

Stealing Rose is the second book in the Fowler Sisters Series by Monica Murphy. It features the youngest Fowler sister. Rose feels slighted, overlooked, and overshadowed by her older sisters. Her one sister is an overachiever and her other sister is an absolute mess. Rose is the steady, hard working younger sister. When she is overlooked for a promotion at work because of her father’s younger girlfriend, she decides it’s time for some changes. Rose is going to sing a new tune and march to a new beat . She is questioning her future options.

She meets Caden while in Cannes for the debut documentary featuring her family and Fleur Cosmetics. Caden comes across as a suave wordly gentleman. Caden is far from what he appears to be. He is a thief that steals from the uber rich.

These too have an instant attraction that leads into a steamy affair. It was a little too instant but very hot. This attraction is leading to more. Caden has issues and secrets. He will have to give up his life of crime, reveal his secrets, and deal with his issues if he wants to have a future with Rose.

Rose is struggling to find herself and her place within the family. I felt like her issues were abbreviated and never really explained. At times she came across as a whiny teenager. In reality it’s not far off the mark. She is only 22 years old. Her expectations in her career are not really logical for someone as young as her. She has not had enough work or life experience.

The overall romance between Caden and Rose was sweet, steamy, and sincere.

I think the next book in the Fowler Sisters series is going to be the book that makes this series. Lily is going to give them all a run for their money and sanity. Pilar , the father’s young girlfriend, has her own agenda. I think that is going to come to a climax.

Overall the Fowler Sisters series is entertaining. Monica Murphy writes a good story. It won’t be a waste of time or disappointment. It is just not as emotional and gritty as her One Week Girlfriend series. It is a series that has a completely different theme. Monica has done a good job creating the Fleur Cosmetics world.

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

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. . . .

______________________________________________

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

Excerpt Reveal : Gentle Chains by Nazarea Andrews

Posted on 03/02/2015 by shellbellereads

Today we are featuring a teaser and description of one of the characters, with an excerpt, for GENTLE CHAINS by Nazarea Andrews. This is a new adult title and it will be released this Thursday, March 5th.

If you want to read part of GENTLE CHAINS, click the link below to read the first 6 chapters!

CLICK HERE TO ADD GENTLE CHAINS TO GOODREADS.

Read the first 6 chapters of GENTLE CHAINS

Pre-Order GENTLE CHAINS on Amazon

BOOK BLURB:

Spun across space and exotic worlds, Juhan and Chosi try to find each other, and home in a stunning story about the lengths love will take you.

EXCERPT:

He leads me back down the dark hallway, and despite the confinement, I breathe easier out of Henri Argot’s gaze.
“You don’t like being enclosed,” Kristoff says, when my wings twitch restlessly, the long edges brushing against my legs.
“No,” I say shortly and he glances at me, amused, before we enter a small bedroom.
There is only one bed, a detail that makes my stomach twist, threatening to send all I have eaten back up. I can’t do this.
“You’ll sleep on the floor. Henri doesn’t believe in coddling you. Tomorrow we’ll get you some gear, and practice a little—I’d like to get a feel for your strengths before we reach the jakta.”
“Why?” I ask, without thinking.
“Because I want an advantage when we get home. Did he clip your wings? Spread them; let me see.”
I shake my head, and Kristoff’s eyes narrow. Impatience and disgust fill his psyche.
Violence doesn’t. Which is why the blow to my kidneys stuns me. I half-crumple against him, wheezing. “Stand up and spread your wings.”
“No.”
Kristoff sighs, a noise that conveys regret and annoyance, and then he punches me again.
After each blow—the kidneys, my diaphragm, my ear, my face—he makes the same demand. I’m wheezing, blood pouring from my nose, and he cocks his head at me where I’m on the ground. “It’ll be your wings, next. Stand up and spread them.”
I straighten slowly, and this time I let my wings spread. The tips sting, and I flinch as they bump the door behind me. He watches, surprise flickering across his face. “Well, you are a rarity—a fighter and a le,” he murmurs, taking in my translucent, blue moth wings. Moth wings are rare—they usually morph into butterfly at puberty.
And anything rare has more value.
“How much do you know about the Eleyi?” I ask, folding them back and falling into the only chair.
Kristoff shrugs. “As much as you’d expect for a slave raised in the jakta. Enough to be knowledgeable, but not dangerous.” He gets a wet towel and hands it to me before he sits on the bed, watching me. “Do you have a name in mind?”
I shake my head. “I like my name.”
His lips twist, amused, “Your owner doesn’t. And that matters much more than your opinion.” I glare and he laughs. “You’re going to be difficult to break, aren’t you? You remind me of a slave we had from Ceren system. No one expected anything from her. Ja Argot bought her to be beautiful fodder. She was deadly in the arena, even though she was tiny. We called her Brielle.”
I let the name roll around in my head, taking its place. Except, it doesn’t.
It feels alien and Other.
It’s not me.

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

AUTHOR LINKS:

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Happy Release + Giveaway : Very Twisted Things by Ilsa Madden-Mills – Briarcrest Academy Series – Book 3

Posted on 03/02/2015 by shellbellereads

Very Twisted Things

A Standalone Briarcrest Academy Novel – Book 3

By Ilsa Madden-Mills

Release Date: March 1, 2015

This is a standalone New Adult novel with graphic sex and language.

Introductory price of $2.99 on release day for 24 hours only!

Synopsis

But life in Tinseltown is never what it seems.

He’s the life of the party with girls chasing him down for his autograph. She’s the introvert with a potty mouth who doesn’t even know who he is.

When they meet, stars collide, sparks fly, and clothes come off. Yet, giving his heart to a girl isn’t Sebastian’s plan; falling for a guy who craves attention isn’t Violet’s.

Welcome to Briarcrest Academy—Hollywood style—where sometimes the best things in life are VERY TWISTED THINGS.

This book is a standalone even though it’s part of a series. Everything you need to know is in this book. Genre: 18+ Hot New Adult Romance.

Buy: Amazon

Prologue

Violet

“Fairy dust is not real. This I know.” —from the journal of Violet St. Lyons

Boom!

At the very least, comet residue.

I’d foolishly believed it for eighteen years, until the moment of my death.

Which was now.

Then the first explosion had gone off.

I swam from my seat and fought my way out of the large hole in the plane, lungs exploding. Burning. I’d been under too long.

Daddy! I caught a glimpse of his red shirt above me and kicked harder.

Up, up, up. Must get up. My arms moved. My legs kicked. Excruciating pain. Ignore it. Almost there. So close that I could see the daylight breaking through the water.

The hottest fire I’ve ever known lit in my chest. Scorching.

Air. Just want to breathe. Just get to the top. Please.

My body rebelled and I inhaled and swallowed water, the burn racing down my throat making it spasm as I tried to cough it out. I struggled but took in more and more, the cold liquid filling my lungs.

Dark spots filled my eyes. This was drowning.

Exhausted.

Done.

My body twitched. I grew disoriented.

I let go of the fight. My hands floated in front of me.

Oblivion.

Darkness.

No bright lights, no tunnel.

No heaven, no mother, no father.

No comets.

No fairy dust.

Chapter 1

Sebastian

Two years later

“She was music with skin.” —Sebastian Tate

I tapped my foot.

What was taking her so long?

From my backyard patio in the Hollywood Hills, I watched the odd girl next door with a pair of high-powered binoculars. She flicked on her porch lights, and a low whistle came out of me at the sexy red-as-sin robe she wore, its silky material flashing around her long legs as she moved around her patio. Her hair was down, too.

This was new. Where were the usual yoga pants? The ponytail?

She looked like she knew someone watched, but that was impossible since our outside lights were off. Even the light from the moon hit our house at such an angle that she shouldn’t be able to see us just by glancing over. She’d need a high-powered lens to know I was here.

Usually she played facing her rose garden, but this time she walked to the right side of her patio, which faced us. Weird. But she didn’t play. She just stood there without moving. Staring toward our house. Uneasiness went over me.

What was she doing?

Could she see me?

As if it were a fragile bird, she positioned the violin under her chin and began playing, arms bent and wrist poised, making the most exquisite sounds. And I don’t mean classical like Beethoven or Mozart; I mean body-thrashing, blood-thumping, hard-as-hell music that had me rooted to the ground, like she’d slapped iron chains on me.

Dark and seductive notes rose up in the air, and I got jacked up, recognizing a Led Zeppelin song, only she’d ripped its guts out and twisted it into something electric. She pushed the bow hard, upping the tempo abruptly, her movements controlled yet wild. My pulse kicked up and my eyes lingered, taking in the slightly parted toned legs and the way her breasts bounced as she jerked her arms to manipulate the strings.

Her body arched forward in a curve, seeming as if she might break into a million pieces before she finished the piece or climaxed first. Then, her robe slipped off her right shoulder, exposing part of her breast. Creamy and full, it quivered, vibrating as she moved her arms. Her rosy nipple teased me, slipping in and out of the folds of the material, erect from the cool mountain air and deliciously bitable. I pictured my mouth there, sucking, my fingers plucking, strumming her like my guitar until she begged me to—

Stop, I told myself just as an appreciative groan came out. Whoever Violin Girl was, she didn’t deserve me lusting after her while she was pouring her heart out with music.

I zoomed in as far as the binoculars would go, watching her surrender to the music as she bent and swayed from side to side with her eyes closed, black lashes like fans on her cheeks. Every molecule in my body focused on her, hanging on to each note she pulled from her instrument.

She finished and kept her head bowed for the longest time, perhaps letting the emotion wash over her like it had me. Then, she bowed to the banana trees and gnomes in her garden, waving her hands in a flourish as she rose.

The entire event was surreal, yet poignant as fucking poetry.

I let out a deep breath I didn’t even realize I’d been holding.

Who the hell plays Stairway to Heaven with a violin? She did.

Bam! She snapped her head up, her eyes lasering in on mine, making every hair on my body stand at attention.

And then …

Standing there in the moonlight, she untied her robe and spread apart the sides ever so slightly, her movements seeming almost hesitant, as if she’d had to work herself up. Unfamiliar jealousy hit me and I panned out and checked the rest of the patio, expecting to see a lover. Whoever it was, I wanted to rip him apart piece by piece.

And didn’t that thought surprise me.

My gaze searched her patio, the backyard, her upstairs balcony. Nothing. No one.

She flicked her dark hair back and stroked the lapels of the robe, her fingers lingering over the lacy material. Suddenly the evening smacked of something more than just music. Her arms moved back and forth across the front, opening the robe halfway and then closing it as if she couldn’t make up her mind.

My eyes went up, trying to read her face. Still as a statue, the only movement was her mouth as it trembled, her full upper lip resting against the pouty lower one. Tears ran down her face, but they seemed more of a defiant act, her jaw tightly set, her shoulders hunched inward as if she’d held it in too long and was giving in, but not without a fight.

Violin Girl was trapped in a cage of darkness.

It still didn’t stop me from holding my breath, silently begging her to bare herself to me. She’d already laid bare her music. Part of me needed the rest of her.

She jerked the robe closed, making me groan in disappointment.

And then she did something completely crazy.

The lonely girl next door flipped me the bird.

Author Bio

New York Times and USA Today best selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills writes about strong heroines and sexy alpha males that sometimes you just want to slap.

She spends her days with two small kids, one neurotic cat, and one husband. She collects magnets and rarely cooks except to bake her own pretzels.

When she’s not crafting a story, you can find her drinking too much Diet Coke, jamming out to Pink, or checking on her carefully maintained chocolate stash.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Instagram ~ Amazon Author Page

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Happy Release + Giveaway + 5 Star Series Review : Untamed by Jessica Sorensen – Unbeautiful Series – Book 2 : Review for Unbeautiful and Untamed

Posted on 02/27/2015 by shellbellereads

Happy Release Day to Jessica Sorensen and her new book UNTAMED! This is book 2 in the Unbeautiful Series following the story of Emery and Ryler. Make sure to enter the giveaway below for a chance to win an ebook copy of this book. Good luck!

Emery
No matter how hard I try, I never seem to be able to escape my family’s world. Their madness controls my life, just like insanity consumes my mind.
Sometimes it’s hard to tell what’s real.
Sometimes it’s hard to tell who I really am. The person everyone sees? Or the one I keep trapped inside?
I wonder which person Ryler sees. Just like I wonder who I can trust.
Wonder. Wonder. Wonder.
I wonder too much.
I wish I could just find a way to escape it all and finally be free.

Ryler
I live a double life and sometimes I hate myself for it. Watching Emery fall apart—pretending I don’t care—is killing me inside.
I want to tell her the truth, but I also want a new life.
Want. Want. Want.
I want too much. Sometimes it’s hard to tell what I really desire.
I wish I could be free from the confusion, free from this life.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

“If you want to dance, dance. There’s no judgment at these things, which makes them pretty awesome.”

She smiles, and then threads her fingers through mine. “Okay, let’s dance, then.”

I don’t bother mentioning that dancing can be extremely sexy when done under the right circumstances—circumstances that usually include alcohol and sexual tension.

At first, Emery is cautious, keeping her distance from me as she rocks her hips to the music. I move with her. I’ve never really been into dancing, but I can rock out to a little garage rock any day. The longer the song goes on, the more into it she gets, until she finally spins around and presses her back against my chest. That’s when the two of us decide to start playing a dangerous game of Want But Can’t Have. A very, very dangerous game that is really fucking tortuous to play yet impossible to give up.

Emery starts grinding her hips to the sultry beat of the song. With each movement, her ass brushes against my cock, making me go rock hard. I grip the curves of her hips and my hands unnecessarily slip underneath the bottom of her shirt. My fingers delve into her soft flesh, and I bite back a moan. Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve forgotten just how soft her skin is, how amazing she smells, how incredible she feels against me.

She shivers from my touch and presses closer, rolling her hips and driving my body absolutely mad. She repeats the movement over and over again, until finally, I damn near lose my mind.

Gripping her waist, I spin her around to face me. “I thought you didn’t know how to dance?”

Michel’s Review

The Unbeautiful Series is a spin off from the Violet & Luke books. It is separate from the Violet & Luke books and can be read without reading the Violet & Luke books. The Unbeautiful Series has to be read in order.

The Unbeautiful Series is unlike the previous books that Jessica Sorensen has written. Jessica is known for her dark characters that are struggling with issues from their past that has led to present day problems. Her books usually focus on the characters dealing with these issues and overcoming them to the best of their abilities. The Unbeautiful series does have a taste of this but also adds something more. It adds mystery, intrigue, and suspense. The focus is on two characters equally struggling with their past and present. Their life situations put them in very real danger for different reasons. Both of their reasons are life threatening. The one thing that they have in common is the enemy.

The Unbeautiful Series will keep you glued to the pages. It will keep you wrapped up in the mystery that unfolds. It will have you biting your nails, hoping that Ryler and Emery make it out alive and have a chance of a normal happy life.

The Unbeautiful Series will not disappoint.

————————————————————————————-

In the first book, Unbeautiful, the reader gets an introduction to the characters. Ryler was introduced in the Violet & Luke books. Ryler is Luke’s cousin from Las Vegas. Ryler was brought up in foster homes his entire life. His father was a shady professional gambler that couldn’t be bothered with raising a child. Ryler was abandoned until he turned eighteen and could be a useful asset to his father’s shady dealings.

While living in the foster homes throughout his childhood, Ryler experienced abuse, violence, neglect, and rejection. He became a juvenile delinquent. At age sixteen he landed in some very serious trouble with the law for aggravated assault. He was protecting another foster kid from abuse. In the alteration he was seriously injured and lost his voice. Once he turned eighteen his father finally decided to claim him and take him under his dirty wings. This leads to more trouble with the law. It puts the final mark on Ryler’s criminal record that will destroy his hopes for a future life away from darkness and crime. After meeting his cousin Luke and his girlfriend Violet, Ryler wants a normal life. He wants to attend college, make something of himself, and escape the ugly world he has lived in. His only hope comes from the FBI. The FBI is willing to relocate Ryler and erase his criminal record. This opportunity comes with a high price. Ryler will have to infiltrate the underworld as an informant in Laramie, Idaho. The FBI has been trying to build a case against known Mafia Kingpin leader, Donny Elderman. The FBI wants Ryler to infiltrate his network and find the location of the elusive warehouse where Donny’s operations take place. It is a very dangerous job that could cost Ryler his life. Is it worth risking his life for a chance at a normal life?

Emery has come to Laramie to attend the university. It took a miracle to convince her parents to allow her to leave home. She has had a condition of psychosis and hallucinations her entire life. Her parents have been abusive in horrific ways using her psychosis as the reason. She has had to hide her condition beneath the facade of perfection all of her life. She has had to become a person that doesn’t really exist. Her parents have plotted and planned her entire existence . She is forced to be the perfect girl. She is forced to date the perfect boy. She is forced to live the perfect life. It is expected of her to marry the perfect boy and become the perfect wife. She does not want this even if it means going completely insane. She wants to have control of her life.

Her parents have been hiding many secrets. She is forced to hide them as well. When she finally is able to convince them to allow her to attend the university it is with conditions. They are still controlling her life from afar. She is willing to concede to these conditions in order to escape her life. She figures she can take control one moment at a time. What she doesn’t realize is that they are still watching. She is also in danger because she rebelled against them.

When she meets the mysterious boy that lives in her apartment building, she is hopeful of starting a normal life with normal friends. She is intrigued with Ryler.

Just as it looks like both are heading towards friendship and possibly more, their lives will spiral out of control. Ryler’s job with the FBI will escalate into a dangerous situation. He will become part of the underworld. His new boss will force him to do things he would never do. To make matters worse, his new boss is Emery’s father.

Emery will start getting threatening letters. Strange and dangerous things will start happening to her. Her parents know all about these things before she has a chance to tell them. The one person she has come to trust is now working for her father. Ryler has been assigned to protect her. To make matters worse, her perfect boyfriend, who is not so perfect, has showed up on the scene.

Life is spiraling out of control. Who can Emery trust? She no longer feels safe with Ryler even though he still stirs desires within her.

This book has so many things happening. There are two storylines that spin a web of deceit and danger. By the end of the book these two storylines begin to merge together and becomes a dark mystery with danger hanging over them all.

—————————————————————————————–

Untamed is the conclusion in the Unbeautiful series. It cannot be read as a stand alone novel.

The danger has escalated. Ryler is in deep with Donny Elderman’s crew. He has been taken under Doc’s (Emery’s father) wing and is being molded into his soldier. Doc is exposing Ryler to more and more of the operations. At the same time he is forcing Ryler to keep Emery in line.

Not only is Ryler frightened for his own life, he is also frightened for Emery’s life as well. Things are not adding up. Other informants are disappearing. The FBI is forcing Ryler to participate in the underground world until he can find the location of the warehouse. Ryler fears that his cover is being blown and that he is going to end up in a shallow grave.

The threats against Emery are escalating. It has become clear that her nice boyfriend, the one she is forced to date, is abusive. She has begun to have hallucinations again. Her parents are threatening to take her home. Her secrets are starting to surface. She is frightened and has no one to trust. The one person she thought she could trust works for her father. But at the same time, Ryler seems different than the men that have worked for her father. He seems to care about how she feels and what she wants.

The life threatening situations escalate into dark danger. So many REVELATIONS come into play. The suspense and danger comes from many directions. The REVELATIONS are shocking. It has readers fearing for both Ryler and Emery’s life. They are just pawns in the overall game.

It will be up to Ryler and Emery to figure out how to survive. The world of good and evil is colliding and they are stuck in the middle. The only thing that is pure and abundantly clear is their feelings for each other. Can they both survive and find the normal kind of life they both desperately crave?

Untamed does not end on a cliffhanger. Reader’s will be very satisfied with the outcome. Ryler and Emery will find their “normal”.

I highly recommend the Unbeautiful Series. It is intense, frightening, emotional, and has a pure romance that will make your heart race.

Jessica Sorensen went beyond her excellent writing standards and delivered a powerful story.

Jessica Sorensen is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author from the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

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♥SERIES READING ORDER♥

Book 1 – Unbeautiful

Emery
You want to know my secrets? What lies beneath the pretty? The scars I can’t let anyone see? The scars tied to my secrets?
On the outside I appear normal. Some might even say perfect.
They say that I’m a pretty girl. They say I should be happy. They say that I have nothing to be angry about. That I’m popular. A cheerleader. That I’m perfect.
Perfect. Perfect. Perfect.
But all they see is what’s on the outside.
On the inside I’m raw, open, bleeding. Scars that can’t seem to heal the wounds.
Carrying dark secrets about who I really am.
How afraid I am to tell the truth.
And it’s slowly killing me.

Ryler
Tattoos. Piercing. Scars. The guy who can’t speak.
Gothic freak. Mute. Punk. I’ve heard it all.
They say that I’m probably dangerous. They say people should stay away from me.
They say. They say. They say.
But who are they anyway?
To decide what I am.
They don’t know what’s hidden beneath the scars. Beneath the piercings and tattoos.
The secrets I keep hidden beneath the silence.
Maybe if they knew, they wouldn’t fear me so much.
Then again, maybe they’d fear me more.

Unbeautiful: A Novella Series (Part One)

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | Smashwords

Book 2 – Untamed

Emery
No matter how hard I try, I never seem to be able to escape my family’s world. Their madness controls my life, just like insanity consumes my mind.
Sometimes it’s hard to tell what’s real.
Sometimes it’s hard to tell who I really am. The person everyone sees? Or the one I keep trapped inside?
I wonder which person Ryler sees. Just like I wonder who I can trust.
Wonder. Wonder. Wonder.
I wonder too much.
I wish I could just find a way to escape it all and finally be free.

Ryler
I live a double life and sometimes I hate myself for it. Watching Emery fall apart—pretending I don’t care—is killing me inside.
I want to tell her the truth, but I also want a new life.
Want. Want. Want.
I want too much. Sometimes it’s hard to tell what I really desire.
I wish I could be free from the confusion, free from this life.

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

Cover Reveal + Giveaway : The Hazards of Sleeping With A Friend by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Posted on 02/27/2015 by shellbellereads

We are extremely pleased to bring you the cover reveal for Alyssa Rose Ivy’s THE HAZARDS OF SLEEPING WITH A FRIEND!! THE HAZARDS OF SLEEPING WITH A FRIEND is a New Adult romance and the fifth book in Alyssa’s Hazards Series. Add it to your Goodreads shelf! THE HAZARDS OF SLEEPING WITH A FRIEND will be available March 26th!!

Add THE HAZARDS OF SLEEPING WITH A FRIEND on Goodreads

About THE HAZARDS OF SLEEPING WITH A FRIEND:

Warning: Sleeping with a friend might change your life forever.

Sleeping with Kyle was never in the plans. Pretending to be his girlfriend was one thing, but letting our relationship become anything but platonic was another. The problem with mixing friendship with sex is that inevitably feelings get involved, and when that happens there’s no turning back.

When Kyle’s life fell apart around him, I needed to help, but doing that meant opening myself up to the most terrifying thing in the world—falling in love.
Alyssa Rose Ivy Bio:

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.

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Happy Release + 5 Star Review : Only For Him by Cristin Harber – Only Series – Book 1

Posted on 02/24/2015 by shellbellereads

Only For Him

Only Series – Book 1

Genre – New Adult

By Cristin Harber

Synopsis

Grayson Ford and Emma Kinglsey–close since they were kids, opposites in every way. He’s the stuff high school crushes are made of, Mister Popular, and captain of every team. She’s artsy, cute, and not in his league, though fully aware of Summerland’s “I Dream of Dating Grayson Ford” support group.

I can’t say no. The girl’s had my heart since before I knew it went missing.

He hides a life of hell. His father hates him, his mother’s gone. Emma is his only savior, yet she doesn’t know her power over him. She’s the only girl he wants, the only one he could ever tell–though he won’t.

I’m stronger, bigger, more of a man than he’ll ever be, but because I ruined his life, I’ve taken his crap, his attacks, the vulgar nature of his existence.

Until she discovers Gray’s embarrassment, his humiliation. Emma fights for him and for a chance. Theirs is a Cinderella story that she believes impossible. But as the layers peel back, it’s just a guy who needs a girl in order to keep breathing.

My mind is already doodling Mrs. Grayson Ford in imaginary notebooks. He has no clue where my head is at… But, given that I didn’t see what just happened coming, maybe I have no clue where his head is at either.

Only for Him. Only series, Volume One.
All novellas will release Spring 2015.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Only For Him by Cristin Harber is the first book I have read by this author. Although this was a novella, it packed a punch. I didn’t feel like the story was rushed or the plot was abbreviated. The characters were very well developed and easy to relate to. The emotional impact this book delivered pulled on all of my heart strings. The friendship between the characters was endearing. There was never a question of the bond between them. When their friendship began to evolve in something more it was quite clear that it was not going to be easy. The love between the two is full of heartbreak, turmoil, happiness, and hopes of a forever kind of love. The obstacles and impossibilities that keep these two from developing a real relationship is valid. The girl is pushing for more and the boy is holding back.

Emma and Grayson are very close friends. It would seem like this friendship would be impossible because Grayson is the golden boy and Emma is the artsy nerd. These differences are what makes their friendship work.

Grayson is the boy girls fantasize about. On the surface he is perfection. Beneath the surface he is hiding a lot of insecurities, hurt, and horrific secrets. His home life is abusive. The only moments of serenity he gets is when he is with Emma. She is his safe place. She doesn’t know the secrets he is hiding.

Emma wants more than a friendship with Grayson. She has always loved him. She knows that she is not the type of girl that Gray is attracted to. She hides her feelings well and settles for friendship. When she discovers some of the secrets Grayson has been hiding she no longer wants to settle. She is going to fight for Gray. She is going to prove that her love is worth the it all. She is going to prove that he is worthy of love.

This book’s emotional journey escalates as the secrets begin to surface. As the secrets surface it is clear that their world may implode.

The ending was a cliffhanger that has readers anxiously awaiting for the next book.

Cristin Harber is an amazing writer. The book is well written. The emotions portrayed throughout the story touch your soul. The characters are full of life and come across as very real people. The pacing of this story blew me away. This novella felt like a full length novel.

I highly recommend Only For Him.

ABOUT CRISTIN HARBER

Cristin Harber is a USA Today bestselling romantic suspense and military romance author. Fans voted her onto Amazon’s Top Picks for Debut Romance Authors in 2013, and her debut Titan series was #1 romantic suspense, #1 military romance, and a USA Today Top 100 bestseller.

She lives outside Washington, DC with her family and English Bulldog.

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Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Category Archives: New Adult

Release Celebration + Giveaway : Gentle Chains by Nazarea Andrews – The Eleyi Saga – Book 1

Today is the release day blitz for GENTLE CHAINS by Nazarea Andrews. We have a few character profiles from the book below and a contest for a beautiful necklace and swag pack!

If you want to read part of GENTLE CHAINS, click the link below to read the first 6 chapters!

CLICK HERE TO ADD GENTLE CHAINS TO GOODREADS.

Read the first 6 chapters of GENTLE CHAINS

BUY LINK:

PURCHASE GENTLE CHAINS from Amazon

BOOK BLURB:

Meet Juhan’tr et Chentq (aka Juhan) and his twin sister, Chosi’le et Chentq (aka Chosi) from GENTLE CHAINS.

Happy Release + Review : Before I Fall by Jessica Scott – Falling Series – Book 1

5 Star Review + Giveaway: Very Twisted Things by Ilsa Madden-Mills – The Briarcrest Academy Series – Book 3

Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Becoming Rain by K. A. Tucker – Burying Water Series – Book 2

Becoming Rain

Release Date: March 2015

US BUY LINKS:

Amazon Barnes & Noble Books-a-Million IndieBound Apple Blio Books-a-Million ** Google

UK BUY LINKS

Amazon Barnes & Noble Apple Google Waterstones ** Foyles

**And don’t miss the first book in this thrilling series BURYING WATER…**

Amazon Barnes & Noble iBooks Kobo IndieBound

Happy Release + Review: Stealing Rose by Monica Murphy – The Fowler Sisters Series – Book 2

Excerpt Reveal : Gentle Chains by Nazarea Andrews

Today we are featuring a teaser and description of one of the characters, with an excerpt, for GENTLE CHAINS by Nazarea Andrews. This is a new adult title and it will be released this Thursday, March 5th.

If you want to read part of GENTLE CHAINS, click the link below to read the first 6 chapters!

CLICK HERE TO ADD GENTLE CHAINS TO GOODREADS.

Read the first 6 chapters of GENTLE CHAINS

Pre-Order GENTLE CHAINS on Amazon

BOOK BLURB:

EXCERPT:

Happy Release + Giveaway : Very Twisted Things by Ilsa Madden-Mills – Briarcrest Academy Series – Book 3

Happy Release + Giveaway + 5 Star Series Review : Untamed by Jessica Sorensen – Unbeautiful Series – Book 2 : Review for Unbeautiful and Untamed

Cover Reveal + Giveaway : The Hazards of Sleeping With A Friend by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Add THE HAZARDS OF SLEEPING WITH A FRIEND on Goodreads

Twitter | Author Goodreads | Pinterest | Website | THE HAZARDS SLEEPING WITH A FRIEND Goodreads | Facebook

Happy Release + 5 Star Review : Only For Him by Cristin Harber – Only Series – Book 1

Today is the release day blitz for GENTLE CHAINS by Nazarea Andrews. We have a few character profiles from the book below and a contest for a beautiful necklace and swag pack!

If you want to read part of GENTLE CHAINS, click the link below to read the first 6 chapters!

CLICK HERE TO ADD GENTLE CHAINS TO GOODREADS.

Read the first 6 chapters of GENTLE CHAINS

BUY LINK:

PURCHASE GENTLE CHAINS from Amazon

BOOK BLURB:

Meet Juhan’tr et Chentq (aka Juhan) and his twin sister, Chosi’le et Chentq (aka Chosi) from GENTLE CHAINS.

Share this:

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Share this:

Becoming Rain

Release Date: March 2015

US BUY LINKS:

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** Books-a-Million ** IndieBound ** Apple ** Blio ** Books-a-Million ** Google

UK BUY LINKS

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** Apple ** Google ** Waterstones ** Foyles

And don’t miss the first book in this thrilling series BURYING WATER…

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iBooks ** Kobo ** IndieBound

Share this:

Share this:

Today we are featuring a teaser and description of one of the characters, with an excerpt, for GENTLE CHAINS by Nazarea Andrews. This is a new adult title and it will be released this Thursday, March 5th.

If you want to read part of GENTLE CHAINS, click the link below to read the first 6 chapters!

CLICK HERE TO ADD GENTLE CHAINS TO GOODREADS.

Read the first 6 chapters of GENTLE CHAINS

Pre-Order GENTLE CHAINS on Amazon

BOOK BLURB:

EXCERPT:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Twitter | Author Goodreads | Pinterest | Website | THE HAZARDS SLEEPING WITH A FRIEND Goodreads | Facebook

Share this:

Share this:

Amazon Barnes & Noble Books-a-Million IndieBound Apple Blio Books-a-Million ** Google

Amazon Barnes & Noble Apple Google Waterstones ** Foyles

**And don’t miss the first book in this thrilling series BURYING WATER…**

Amazon Barnes & Noble iBooks Kobo IndieBound