Cover Reveal: Beneath These Lies by Meghan March

Posted on 02/18/2016 by shellbellereads

We are very excited to bring to you the next cover in the Beneath Series from Meghan March. BENEATH THESE LIES will release on March 15. This book will keep the twists and turns going until the very last page.

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BTL Amazon (2) Look, but don’t touch…she might as well wear a neon sign that says it. It just makes me want her more.

She might be above me in every way, but I still want her under me.

I’ve got no business touching her rich-girl skin, but that won’t stop me from stealing a taste. Because rules were meant to be broken—especially when the prize is so fine.

In a world where nothing is at it seems, what’s buried beneath these lies?

ADD TO GOODREADS

Pre-Order Now on iBooks

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meghanmarchpic Meghan March has been known to wear camo face paint and tromp around in woods wearing mud-covered boots, all while sporting a perfect manicure. She’s also impulsive, easily entertained, and absolutely unapologetic about the fact that she loves to read and write smut. Her past lives include slinging auto parts, selling lingerie, making custom jewelry, and practicing corporate law. Writing books about dirty talking alpha males and the strong, sassy women who bring them to their knees is by far the most fabulous job she’s ever had. She loves hearing from her readers at meghanmarchbooks@gmail.com.

Exclusive Teaser… Dirtiest Secret by J. Kenner – Stark International Series

Posted on 02/18/2016 by shellbellereads

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Get ready for bad boy Dallas Sykes…..

Dirtiest Secret

Stark International Series

By J. Kenner

Release Date: April 19,2016

Pre Order: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Amazon Print / Audible

Synopsis

From the New York Times bestselling author of such “racy, sizzling Stark novels” (RT Book Reviews) as Release Me and Say My Name comes a Stark International Novel featuring provocative bad boy Dallas Sykes—the first in a new trilogy in the S.I.N. series.

It was wrong for us to be together, but it was even harder to be apart.

The memory of Dallas Sykes burns inside of me.

Everyone knows him as a notorious playboy, a man for whom women and money are no object. But to me, he’s still the one man I desperately crave—yet the one I can never have.

Dallas knows me better than anyone else. We bear the same scars, the same darkness in our past. I thought I could move on by staying away, but now that we’re drawn together once more, I can’t fight the force of our attraction or the temptation to make him mine.

We’ve tried to maintain control, not letting ourselves give in to desire. And for so long we’ve told ourselves no—but now it’s finally time to say yes.

Dirtiest Secret is intended for mature audiences.

******

J. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.

Though known primarily for her award-winning and internationally bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list and #1 internationally, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.

JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swopn for him.” A four time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy).

WEBSITE FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM YouTube Amazon Author Page

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Surprise Cover Reveal: Save Me by Heidi McLaughlin

Posted on 02/18/2016 by shellbellereads

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Meet Tucker McCoy… Deployed 6 Years on a top secret mission… 6 Years away from his family… 6 Years of Waiting… Only to come home and find out he was dead.

His wife and daughter have disappeared without a trace.

He’s not wasting any more time… it’s time to find his family and bring them home.

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

Save Me

The Archer Brothers Series – Book 3

By Heidi McLaughlin

Release Date: April 5, 2015

Pre Order: Amazon

Synopsis:

Tucker McCoy thought the hardest mission of his life was over. After being deployed for six years, all he wanted to do was return home to his wife and daughter. But when he arrives home with roses in his hand, the last thing he expects is to be welcomed by a stranger. Being presumed dead for six years doesn’t help his cause as no one is giving him the answers he needs.

Now his mission is to find out where his family is and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to bring them home, even if that means bringing down the people involved.

Penelope McCoy has a secret and one she’s willing to keep until she can find someone to trust. In order to do that, she and her daughter must hide, change their identities and forget about their previous life.

For six years she’s been running and she soon realizes that time is catching up with her. Now she has to decide whether to run again or face the ghosts of her past head on.

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The Series that started it all… The Archer Brothers

Here With Me – Book 1

Ryley Clarke has grown up with the military in her blood, with both parents serving their country. Ryley knows the risks of being married to the military. But when the unthinkable happens, and her future husband is killed in action, Ryley can barely survive… until Evan’s twin brother, Nate, helps her pick up the pieces.

After serving on a special mission with the military for six years, Evan Archer returns home to find the unthinkable – the love of his life, Ryley Clarke – engaged to his brother, Nate. With Nate on deployment, Evan needs to figure out what happened in his absence, and more importantly, how to win Ryley back from the man he once considered his best friend, but now thinks of as his rival.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Choose Me – Book 2

Two brothers.
One woman.
One son.
One choice.

Lives ripped apart, shattered and rebuilt.

Evan and Nate Archer: Brothers, best friends, warriors and now enemies. Both in love with the same woman. Both determined to fight for what they want.

Nate Archer promised to protect Ryley Clarke in the event Evan didn’t make it back. It’s a promise between brothers since the early days of basic training. Nate never considered that his feelings, long buried since high school, would resurface and grow stronger.

Evan Archer wants answers. He wants someone to pay. After being gone for an unprecedented amount of time, nothing is making sense now that he’s home. Most of all, he can’t understand how his brother ended up engaged to his fiancée. Evan is determined to uncover the mystery, and win back his family.

The Archers are about to fight dirty.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / Kobo

________________________________________

Heidi is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup, two Parakeets, Gonzo & Hedwig, and their newest addition of a Highland West/Mini Schnauzer, Jill.

During the day Heidi is behind a desk talking about Land Use. At night, she’s writing one of the many stories planned for release or sitting court-side during either daughter’s basketball games.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

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Release Blitz + Excerpt + Giveaway: Dawn of Forever by Jewel E. Ann – Jack and Jill Series- Book 3

Posted on 02/18/2016 by shellbellereads

dawn of forever release blitz

dawn of forever now available

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Jack & Jill’s dark & uniquely funny story concludes in

Dawn of Forever by Jewel E Ann!

Find out what happens!

******

Dawn of Forever

Jack and Jill Series – Book 3

By Jewel E. Ann

Buy : Amazon / Amazon UK / ITunes

Synopsis

**This is the final book in this series. NOT A STANDALONE

’til death do us part.

Aric James Monaghan promised Jillian Knight Portland. With a heavy heart and a light bag, she travels to the West Coast for the man she loved. In a blink her worlds collide, holding her hostage to a past filled with lies, deceit, and revenge.

Four Caskets
Two Bodies
It all started with a boy and a girl—their tragic love story is shared through the eyes of the enemy.

Every word fades dreams and shatters memories as life slips away. Jillian needs a Knight, Jessica needs a miracle, and together they need a savior.

** This book contains explicit language and sexual content.

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Excerpt

Tugging off her shirt, she smiled. Gone were the compression bras; she didn’t burn them, but they were hauled off with the trash shortly after the infamous refrigerator sex. Lace, satin, and underwire took their place.

“What you’re doing right now feels more intimate than anything you’ve ever done to me with your mouth.”

“We’ll see about that.” He wet his lips, eyeing her white lace bra. Approval glimmered in his eyes.

She removed the rest of her clothes, eager to be in his arms. He took a step back as she moved toward him.

“Stop.”

She froze. Her hands searched for a place to be: hanging idle at her sides, covering her breasts, shielding her neatly-shaven pussy?

“Repeat after me.”

“What?” Her voice squeaked with disbelief.

He grinned as his ego gobbled up her confidence. “I’m beautiful.”

Ryn squinted.

“Say it.”

She sighed. “I’m beautiful.”

“I’m taking back every bit of confidence that bastard took from me.”

It would never happen like that, but someone who hadn’t been in her shoes could never understand. However, she loved the naked man standing before her for saying it.

“I’m taking back every bit of confidence that bastard took from me.”

“I’m worthy of happiness.”

That one hit harder than it should have. She’d never given happiness much thought.

“Say it.”

“I’m … I’m worthy of happiness.”

“I’m going to marry Jackson Knight and love him in spite of his multiple fucked-up personalities.”

“Jackson—”

“Say it.” His voice carried a rare pain and vulnerability.

“I’m going to marry Jackson Knight…” she stepped closer and rested her hands on his chest “…and I’m going to love Every. Single. One. Of his fucked-up personalities.”

“I’ve had a shit day,” he whispered, brushing his thumb along her cheek. “Until now.”

She nodded slowly, then looked up at him. “I’ve had a shit life … until now.”

“Touch me,” he said.

“Where?”

“Everywhere. Make me feel human again.”

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_________________________________

The Jack and Jill Series

End of Day- Book 1

Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in the sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life.

Four caskets. Two bodies.

Jessica and Jude Day witness their funeral and that of their parents a few yards away from mourning family and friends. Stripped of the only life they’ve ever known, the Days say goodbye to San Francisco forever.

Six months later, two thirty-year-old misfits with elite self-defense skills and penchants for alcohol, sex, and trouble arrive like an earthquake to Peaceful Woods, a retirement community in Omaha, Nebraska, that thrives on rules and gossip. Welcome home, Jackson and Jillian Knight.

Jackson celebrates his new beginning by embracing his job and wiping his cavalier past clean with a temporary oath of celibacy. But Jillian’s past is branded into her soul—the deaths, the insanity, Dr. Luke Jones, and the need to make her lovers bleed. Her chance for redemption comes in the form of a next door neighbor, one Senior Master Sergeant Monaghan. He’s sexy, dangerously alluring, and riddled with emotional issues from years of service. He’s also … So. Damn. Grumpy.

Their mission is simple: Let go, start over, don’t kill anyone, and pray that nobody wakes the dead.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Middle of Knight – Book 2

Book 2 in the Jack & Jill Series – NOT a standalone.

The living seek forgiveness. The dead seek revenge.

A first love.
A last breath.
A haunting past.

Armed with a sinful past and an equally sinful body, Jackson Knight absolves his vow of celibacy to pursue Sergeant Monaghan’s unsuspecting—older—housekeeper.

Ryn Middleton, on the cusp of turning forty with a snarky daughter, a killer dog, and an abusive ex-husband, finds Jackson’s advances humorous and unbelievable. After intense negotiations including Vera Wang, Ed Sheeran, and sex four times a day, Ryn accepts Jackson’s marriage proposal on their first date.

What could possibly go wrong?

While struggling to lay claim to the woman of the dreams he never had, Jackson is forced to deal with a grief-stricken Jillian trying to hold on to her past without letting go of her future—the doctor who took her heart and the Sergeant who gave her a new one.

Beyond the hope for light, lies the middle of darkness, the illusion of truth, and a haunting past.

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Dawn of Forever -Book 3

**This is the final book in this series. NOT A STANDALONE

’til death do us part.

Four Caskets
Two Bodies
It all started with a boy and a girl—their tragic love story is shared through the eyes of the enemy.

Every word fades dreams and shatters memories as life slips away. Jillian needs a Knight, Jessica needs a miracle, and together they need a savior.

Buy : Amazon / Amazon UK / ITunes

____________________________

Author Bio

Jewel is a free-spirited romance junkie with a quirky sense of humor.

With 10 years of flossing lectures under her belt, she took early retirement from her dental hygiene career to stay home with her three awesome boys and manage the family business.

After her best friend of nearly 30 years suggested a few books from the Contemporary Romance genre, Jewel was hooked. Devouring two and three books a week but still craving more, she decided to practice sustainable reading, AKA writing.

When she’s not donning her cape and saving the planet one tree at a time, she enjoys yoga with friends, good food with family, rock climbing with her kids, watching How I Met Your Mother reruns, and of course…heart-wrenching, tear-jerking, panty-scorching novels.

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Giveaway

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Excerpt Reveal: Specimen by Shay Savage

Posted on 02/18/2016 by shellbellereads

SPECIMEN EXCERPT REVEAL

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Speciman

By Shay Savage

Release Date: February 24, 2016

*******

A soldier, a doctor, and a stark white laboratory full of lies.

Pre-order NOW!

Amazon / Amazon UK

Blurb

I awaken in a laboratory.

I don’t know who I am.

I’m inexplicably drawn to the doctor who cares for me. She tells me I’ve been altered, that I’m stronger and faster, that I’ll be a key component in a war between corporations. She says I volunteered for this. She says I volunteered to be transformed, but I have no way of knowing if what she says is true.

Something isn’t right. My memories have been taken, wiped clean, but dreams begin to slip into my conscious mind. I can’t let anyone know when that happens, or they’ll remove my memories again. Somewhere inside of me, I know I need to remember something important.

I’m fighting a war I don’t understand, and the one woman I rely on can’t be trusted.

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Excerpt

Suddenly, my body goes rigid. I can’t move at all, but I can feel a surge through my entire system. I can see it, taste it, smell it. My heart forces blood through my veins, warming my insides. As the blood flows, the muscles in my legs, arms, and chest flex.

“Sten? Are you all right?”

I try to focus on her face, but my vision is blurred.

“Hold on, Sten. You just need to ride it out.”

“What…” I can’t utter another word. My throat seizes up, and for a second, I am unable to take a breath.

Riley’s palm touches my face as she presses a sensor to my temple. My arm jerks, and I grasp her hand. I press it to my chest.

“Relax. Focus on your breath.”

“I can’t!”

She takes my free hand in hers and holds it to her body, right over her heart.

“Focus on me, then,” she says. “Feel my heartbeat.”

My fingers twitch. I can feel the steady beat in each fingertip. Closing my eyes, I count the beats. One hundred. Two hundred. Three hundred.

Minutes pass. I keep counting. Eventually, my body begins to adjust and my muscles relax. I become aware of not just her heartbeat, but of how close my hand is to her breast. My dick strains in my shorts.

I reach out with my legs, wrapping them around her waist and bringing her body toward my crotch. Releasing her hand, I reach up and grab the back of her head and use the other hand to push the collar of the lab coat out of the way. The blue of her blouse contrasts with her skin. It’s beautiful, enticing.

With one finger, I trace the edge of her collar, brushing over her skin. I can feel her heart beat under my fingertip, and I want to taste the spot where I’ve touched her. I look back to her eyes. She’s staring at my lips.

I bring us together, pressing my mouth to hers gently at first but then with more vigor. I can taste mint on her breath as my tongue slides over hers. I thread my fingers through her hair and tighten my thighs around her waist, holding her close to me. I trail my finger farther down her collar and spread my hand to cup her breast.

She pulls back, breaking the kiss.

“Sten, you’ll have to stop that now.”

“I don’t want to.”

“I know.” She touches the side of my face, running her hand over my rough cheek.

“I want you. I need you.” I don’t understand why I’m explaining myself. It’s clear to me from her scent that she wants this too, but she keeps pushing me away. She denies me as she denies herself.

Why?

____________________________________________________

Shay Savage lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her family and a variety of household pets. She is an accomplished public speaker, and holds the rank of Distinguished Toastmaster from Toastmasters International. When not writing, she enjoys science fiction movies, masquerading as a zombie, is a HUGE Star Wars fan, and member of the 501st Legion of Stormtroopers. When the geek fun runs out, she also loves soccer in any and all forms – especially the Columbus Crew, Arsenal and Bayern Munich – and anxiously awaits the 2014 World Cup. Savage holds a degree in psychology, and she brings a lot of that knowledge into the characters within her stories.

Stalk Shay Here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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5 Star Review: Craving Molly by Nicole Jacquelyn – The Aces Sons Series – Book 2

Posted on 02/17/2016 by shellbellereads

Craving Molly

The Aces Sons Series – Book 2

A Spinoff of the Aces MC Series

By Nicole Jacquelyn

Buy : Amazon

Synopsis

Will Hawthorne has been running since the day his baby brother was killed.

He takes the jobs no one else wants, pitches in when he’s needed and never complains, all in an effort to win back the trust of his brothers at the Aces and Eights Motorcycle Club.
Then he catches sight of Molly Duncan across a crowded bar.

He’d grown up with her, known her when she had lopsided pigtails and buck teeth, and had watched uninterested as she’d caught the eye of their high school football star.

She’d also been his nurse on the worst night of his life.

He wants her and he gets her… and it’s better than he could have ever imagined.

But Molly isn’t interested in his life at the MC. She’s got her own life as a nurse and a single mom to her little girl.

As Molly and Will grow closer, Will is pulled in two different directions.

Life with the Aces or life with Molly and her daughter.

When he leaves Molly without a word, his decision is clear.

He knows immediately that it was the wrong one.

Unfortunately for Will, a strong woman like Molly doesn’t forgive easily.

Michel’s Review

Craving Molly by Nicole Jacquelyn was one of those surprise releases. As a die hard Aces MC fan, I try very hard to keep up with Nicole Jacquelyn’s releases. Imagine my surprise when I got a FB notification that Craving Molly had released. I was instantly on Amazon purchasing this book. Of course I had several review commitments that I had to do before I cracked this book. The wait was killing me because I wanted to dive into this book after what happened in Craving Trix. T

he Aces world had been tilted upside down. The tragedies they were dealt was devastating. The healing process was going to be hard for all of them. The one that took it the hardest was Will Hawthorne. Will Hawthorne is Grease and Callie’s oldest son. He felt responsible for the death of his younger brother. He felt like he brought the devastation to their front door. For the past few years he has been living with the guilt. While the others moved forward with life, he was stalled. The only thing he could commit to was the Aces MC club itself. He became one of their most employed soldiers. His only mission was to protect the club.

When he runs into Molly Duncan he finds his interest is once again engaged in something other than club business. Molly was the shy, untouchable girl from high school. She was the nurse that took care of him while he was in the hospital. Now she’s the woman he wants in his bed. He knows she’s different from the women he is used to. She’s never been around club life and he is okay with that. She’s something that he can have for himself, that is separate from his obligations. Something that isn’t a reminder of the horrific day that killed his younger brother.

Molly Duncan is different from the folks from the Aces MC. She has led a pretty sheltered life that was laced with her own personal tragedies. Her high school sweetheart and father of her daughter died unexpectedly when she was pregnant. Her young daughter is a special needs child. Her only focus is taking care of her daughter to the best of her ability. But when she runs into Will Hawthorne, she also realizes she is a woman with her own personal needs. The question is can she take a risk on fulfilling her needs? How is it going to affect her daughter? Will being a member of the Aces is another problem. Her father is their attorney and he has laid the law down where they are concerned.

Will and Molly start a beautiful friendship that becomes something more. He’s fallen in love with her and her daughter. When they try to blend their worlds it becomes clear that they might not mix. Rather than trying to make it work, Will does what he does best, he chooses the club.

Months later Molly’s world and Will’s world collide in a very violent and horrific way. This time Will is choosing Molly. He will protect her at any cost. This time around he is playing for keeps. But can he protect Molly and the Aces.

As the story unfolds it becomes clear that The Aces Sons Series is heading towards one explosive plot. Rather than each book having it’s own story that fits into the Aces world, the new series has an individual love story that is thrown into the fire of the Aces world. Each book is building up to an explosive ending. The ongoing plot is getting more treacherous and dangerous for all of the Aces.

Once again Nicole Jacquelyn wrote a compelling and passionate story. This time around she added something special. She gave the Aces a beautiful special little girl to take into their fold.

I loved Craving Molly!

I must say that this is not a stand alone book. It’s better to read the Aces MC series and the first book in the Aces Sons series. The characters, the club dynamics, and build up to this book are laid out as the series progresses.

____________________________________________

The Complete Aces MC Series

Over 400,000 words.

Four complete novels.

Four never before seen bonus scenes.

Four protective men.

Four strong women.

Four stories that will break your heart and then piece it back together again.

Craving Constellations- Dragon and Brenna
Craving Redemption- Callie and Grease
Craving Absolution- Casper and Farrah
Craving Resurrection- Poet and Amy

Come meet the Aces MC, the loyal men who carry its banner and the women who love them.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Craving Trix

Ace’s Sons Series – Book 1

Spinoff of Aces MC Series

By Nicole Jacquelyn

Release Date : July 13, 2015

Synopsis

Bellatrix White had loved Cameron Harrison for as long as she could remember. He was her best friend and her closest confidant, and she knew one day he’d be her forever.

Then he broke her heart.

After five years of complete silence between them, the motorcycle club they grew up in comes under attack, giving Cam the opportunity he needs to work his way back into Trix’s life.

Because while Trix was nursing her broken heart, Cam was realizing exactly what he’d given up.

They fall into a relationship easily, but when new tragedies mix with old memories, neither of the lovers are prepared for the fallout.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Craving Molly

The Aces Sons Series – Book 2

A Spinoff of the Aces MC Series

By Nicole Jacquelyn

Buy : Amazon

Synopsis

Will Hawthorne has been running since the day his baby brother was killed.

He’d grown up with her, known her when she had lopsided pigtails and buck teeth, and had watched uninterested as she’d caught the eye of their high school football star.

She’d also been his nurse on the worst night of his life.

He wants her and he gets her… and it’s better than he could have ever imagined.

But Molly isn’t interested in his life at the MC. She’s got her own life as a nurse and a single mom to her little girl.

As Molly and Will grow closer, Will is pulled in two different directions.

Life with the Aces or life with Molly and her daughter.

When he leaves Molly without a word, his decision is clear.

He knows immediately that it was the wrong one.

Unfortunately for Will, a strong woman like Molly doesn’t forgive easily.

_____________________________________________

About Nicole Jacquelyn

Nicole Jacquelyn is the mom of two little girls and a full time college student. She hasn’t watched television in well over a year, she still does things that drive her mother crazy, and she loves to read. At eight years old, when asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she told people she wanted to be a mom. When she was twelve her answer changed- to author. By the time she was eighteen, when people asked her what she wanted to do with her life, she told them she really wanted to be a writer- but the odds of that happening were so slim that she’d get her business degree “just to be safe”. Her dreams stayed constant. First she became a mom, then she went to college, and during her senior year- with one daughter in first grade and the other in preschool, she sat down and wrote a story.

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Book Tour + Review + Giveaway: Roomhate by Penelope Ward

Posted on 02/17/2016 by shellbellereads

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Roomhate

By Penelope Ward

A Contemporary (Stand Alone) Romance Novel

Release Date: February 15, 2015

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

From New York Times Bestselling Author, Penelope Ward, comes a new standalone novel.

Sharing a summer house with a hot-as-hell roommate should be a dream come true, right?

Not when it’s Justin…the only person I’d ever loved…who now hates me.

When my grandmother died and left me half of the house on Aquidneck Island, there was a catch: the other half would go to the boy she helped raise.

The same boy who turned into the teenager whose heart I broke years ago.

The same teenager who’s now a man with a hard body and a hardass personality to match.

I hadn’t seen him in years, and now we’re living together because neither one of us is willing to give up the house.

The worst part? He didn’t come alone.

I’d soon realize there’s a thin line between love and hate. I could see through that smug smile. Beneath it all…the boy is still there. So is our connection.

The problem is…now that I can’t have Justin, I’ve never wanted him more.

Author’s note – RoomHate is a full-length standalone novel. Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

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Excerpt

His eyes darted to the side, and he noticed me standing there. We just stared at each other. It was ironic, but the only times I could ever feel the remnants of our old connection were in fleeting moments of silent eye contact. Sometimes moments of silence spoke the loudest.

I left him alone again, making my way back down the hall and into the restaurant to tend to the customers I’d been ignoring.

Things really started to get busy. Without Jade working tonight, we were short-staffed, and I was having a hard time keeping up with the orders. Sandy’s had indoor and outdoor seating. Normally, I would only be working one section, but tonight I was going back and forth between the two.

It was nice out, so I knew they would have Justin performing outside. I kept glancing over to the small stage to see if he was there. It was past eight, and he hadn’t made an appearance yet.

Sometime close to eight-thirty, I was in the middle of serving a large party of ten when I first heard it: the chilling sound of a soulful voice that was not familiar in the least. He gave no introduction. No warning. He just started to sing out the first few words, followed by the strum of his guitar. The song that Justin had chosen to start with was a cover of Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers.

The entire room soon quieted down, and all eyes were on the stunning blond male specimen with the spotlight shining down on him. Despite the fact that I was carrying a large round tray of dirty dishes, I couldn’t move. The vibration of his thick, smoky singing voice had completely paralyzed me, penetrating my body and soul.

Aside from the lone teardrop that fell the night he lost it on me during steak dinner, I hadn’t shed any more tears—until now. It was all too much. Hearing how different his voice sounded, how he’d trained it over the years, was a wake-up call as to how much I had missed. All of the hours of practice that must have gone into honing that beautiful voice, and I wasn’t there for any of it. The guilt, the emotions, the reality of a decade gone…everything started to pummel me at once. Not to mention the song—about a girl leaving. It probably had nothing to do with me, but in my mind, it sure as hell felt like it did.

Roomhate teaser 3

5Star

Tracey’s Review

They were best friends, inseparable, sure that nothing would ever change. Until she ran away, and ended what they had. Now, ten years later, events bring them back into each others’ lives, but things have changed, and not for the better.

Penelope Ward cannot write a book that I do not love. I mean, really, I love every angsty, heart-rending, love-filled story, bar none, and ROOMHATE is no exception. From the moment that I began reading Amelia’s and Justin’s story, I could not put it down. I am a sucker for friends-to-enemies-to-lovers reads, and Penelope excels at writing just this kind of book.

The way that these two feel about each other is almost palpable. From the minute that they met, becoming fast friends, the growing, but unnamed, love that blossomed, replaced by the feelings of betrayal and anger, all of these feelings are so vivid, and it makes this story that much more engaging. I love seeing the way that Amelia and Justin react to each other, from the time that they were kids, and, of course, once they are reunited at ‘their’ beach house. They just have so much history, and seeing them unpack the feelings that they have kept buried over the course of a decade is very emotional.

Penelope can write one heck of a hot book boyfriend, and Justin has absolutely joined the ranks of my favorites. His dedication to Amelia, and, later, Bea, is nothing short of swoony and heartwarming, and I couldn’t love him more.

Penelope continues to write books that conjure up every emotion, and reel me in completely, and I happily give ROOMHATE 5 stars. It is one sexy and moving read, and I highly recommend adding it to your TBR.

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

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

Penelope Ward is a USA Today Bestselling author.

She grew up in Boston with five older brothers. She spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor, before switching to a more family-friendly career.

Penelope lives for reading books in the new adult genre, coffee and hanging out with her friends and family on weekends.

She is the proud mother of a beautiful 10-year-old girl with autism (the inspiration for the character Callie in Gemini) and a 8-year-old boy, both of whom are the lights of her life.

Penelope, her husband and kids reside in Rhode Island.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Additional Books by Penelope Ward

Sevin- Amazon / Amazon UK / ITunes / B & N / Kobo/strong>

Cocky Bastard– Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Stepbrother Dearest – Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

My Skylar – Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Gemini –Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Jake Undone –Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Jake Understood –Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

*****

GIVEAWAY
$100 Gift Card (Winner’s choice of Retailer)

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roomhate cover

Excerpt Reveal: Set The Pace by Kim Karr

Posted on 02/17/2016 by shellbellereads

Set the pace FOR WEB

Every city needs a hero, but Detroit’s white knight just might be a villain.

A rough childhood branded Jasper Storm trouble. A bad boy. Not worth a damn. His love of cars was the only thing that could battle his delinquency. With the need for speed in his blood, he overcame his wayward ways. Mostly. Now the broken city of Detroit hails him their shining star. And the man behind a new cutting-edge automobile is ready to turn this bankrupt town around.

Charlotte Lane was the tomboy who lived next door. She was his best friend. He was her protector. Then tragedy struck and she disappeared, forever—or so he thought.

Everything Jasper does in life is fast. He talks fast, f*cks fast, and drives fast. But when one reckless turn brings him face-to-face with the childhood he has tried very hard to forget, he finds himself on the edge of wondering if he shouldn’t slow down.

Time hasn’t erased who they are though. Jasper has many reasons to hate Charlotte and keep his distance, which is easier said than done. Soon she’s infiltrating his every thought and he can’t stay away. Back in town with an agenda of her own, she should push him aside. Make him turn around. Walk away herself. Yet she can’t.

With the past lurking between them, they proceed with caution. That is until one sex-filled night leads to murder, and things are forced to change. Now that Detroit’s biggest ally has suddenly become suspect number one, will Charlotte—the girl Jasper once kept safe—be the one to save him?

Set the Pace

Excerpt

Jasper Storm

Control is an absolute necessity when driving fast on the road, and there is no other car that applies force to the pavement as directly as the Storm. Whether turning the wheel, accelerating the gas, or stepping on the brake, I am always in contact with the road, and therefore I always have control.

Too bad I can’t say the same for my life, which right now seems to be spinning out of control.

Driving through the streets of the old Cass Corridor, I manage to suppress the bad memories of my childhood from surfacing. Sure, the area’s history is a sad cocktail of drugs, prostitution, and crippling poverty. And even though this section of midtown is a shadow of its former self, I can still see the neglect in the thoughtless demolition. However, as I come to a stop in front of Charlotte’s building, I can also spot change and hope for the future.

Then again, her building isn’t the grimy brick front with a dark lobby lit only by streaks of light through cracked windowpanes that I grew up in. Her stairs aren’t rotting, her hallway isn’t a putrid shade of green, the carpet isn’t worn, nor does it smell like piss, and there isn’t the yelling going on that makes me want to cover my ears.

This isn’t the same place where I grew up.

Slowly, I glance around. She’s right—her building isn’t that bad. As I take the stairs and look out the window, I think I might have been a bit harder on her than I needed to be.

Walking down the hallway, I can’t suppress the smile on my face when I see that her bike is just outside the door. This means she’s planning on coming with me. After my confession last night, I wasn’t exactly sure she would.

Way too soon, I’m standing in front of her apartment.

Not quite ready for this, I give myself the pep talk. This is not a date.

Not.

Date.

Answers.

You’re looking for answers.

That’s all.

You don’t need to be thinking of her in any other way than as someone you used to know. You look only at her face. You definitely don’t watch the way she moves. You don’t need to feel guilty because you f*cked her co-worker. You don’t even remember much about it anyway. And for fuck’s sake, you don’t need to be thinking about how good this girl would feel wrapped around you.

With that out of the way, I’m feeling clear-headed and focused. Before that changes, I hurry up and knock.

No one answers.

I knock again.

Maybe she changed her mind and she isn’t going to come with me after all.

Feeling impatient, I knock one more time.

“Just a minute,” I hear from inside.

The sound of her voice makes me feel desperate to see her. That’s not a good thing. I should leave. I really should. I seriously consider it for about a hot minute. Nothing but bad can come out of this. But my feet seem cemented in place and when I hear the click-clack of a lock and it begins to turn, it’s too late.

Slowly the door opens and she comes into view. As soon as she does, the wind is knocked right out of my lungs. She looks a little disheveled but all the more beautiful because of it. Feeling like I’ve been zapped, I’m overwhelmed by the energy between us and it holds me in place. Everything about her is like it used to be—just the sexier, hotter, grown-up version. Her hair is pulled back, but even so, it still looks wild and untamed. She always said her hair was a bother and she just wanted it out of the way. Because I used to really like her hair, it always made me laugh.

I still like her hair, and the fact that she pulled it back because it might be a bother makes me want to laugh now. That, along with the toothpaste on her lip, is just too much. I try to hold back my laughter but fail miserably.

“What?” she asks with mild curiosity.

“Nothing,” I say with a shake of my head. “It’s just I wasn’t sure you’d come with me today.”

She looks at me as if considering her words, and I use this time to study her further. She’s not wearing any makeup and everything about her face screams how gorgeous she is. For no reason at all, my chest tightens.

It doesn’t mean anything.

So what if it took less than 1.4 seconds for that hurricane within me to start batting around.

It means nothing.

But then that fucking myriad of conflicting emotions starts to mess with my mind and yeah, I realize, it means something. Just like that, it’s as if my pep talk never took place. Still, I can handle this. Find out what she knows. Drop her off. And say goodbye—forever.

How hard can it be?

Reader * Writer * Coffeelover * Romantic

Kim Karr is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She is a daydreamer. So much so that if daydreaming could be a hobby it would be her favorite. It’s how her stories are born and how they take root. An imagination that runs wild is something to be thankful for, and she is very thankful.

She grew up in New York and now lives in Florida with her husband and four kids. She’s always had a love for reading books and writing. Being an English major in college, she wanted to teach at the college level but that was not to be. She went on to receive an MBA and became a project manager until quitting to raise her family. Kim currently works part-time with her husband and with the rest of her time embraces one of her biggest passions–writing.

Kim wears a lot of hats! Writer, book-lover, wife, soccer-mom, taxi driver, and the all around go-to person of her family. However, she always finds time to read.

She likes to believe in soulmates, kindred spirits, true friends, and Happily-Ever-Afters. She loves to drink champagne, listen to music, and hopes to always stay young at heart.

5 Star Review: Appealed by Emma Chase – Legal Briefs Series – Book 3

Posted on 02/16/2016 by shellbellereads

Appealed

Legal Briefs Series – Book 3

By Emma Chase

Buy : Amazon / B & N / Kobo

Synopsis:

When Brent Mason looks at Kennedy Randolph, he doesn’t see the awkward, sweet girl who grew up next door. He sees a self-assured, stunning woman…who wants to crush the most intimate–and prized–parts of his anatomy beneath the heels of her Louboutins.

When Kennedy looks at Brent, all she sees is the selfish, Abercrombie & Fitch catalogue-worthy teenager who humiliated her in high school in order to join the popular crowd. A crowd that made those years a living hell for her.

But she’s not a lovesick social outcast anymore–she’s a Washington, DC, prosecutor with a long winning streak. Brent is the opposing attorney in her next case, and Kennedy thinks it’s time to put him through a little hell of his own.

But things aren’t exactly working out the way she planned. Brent has his sights set on Kennedy, and every fiery exchange only makes him want her more–and makes her wonder if he’s as passionate in the bedroom as he is in the courtroom. In the end, they may just find themselves in love…or in contempt of court.

__________________________________________

Michel’s Review

The court is in session. The case has been tried.

The verdict…

Appealed by Emma Chase is a 5 Star Book!

The new year has started out with quite a bang. Each week has seen over twenty five new releases in the romance genre. It’s hard for readers to keep up. We are loading our kindles and draining our bank accounts because we are passionate about our vice. Our to be read list is growing. Luckily it is winter. The colder weather tends to keep us inside and snuggled up with a good book. The snow days are an extra bonus for readers. It gives us a little more time to engage in our passion. One of my chosen snow day books was Appealed by Emma Chase.

Appealed by Emma Chase is a second chance romance that will leave the readers with a warm and fuzzy feeling.

Brent Mason is the final partner to take the plunge in the romantic pool. He is probably the most well adjusted, self assured, and easy going partner in the firm. Although he was born rich, he doesn’t believe he is entitled. He has a strong work ethic and sense of justice. He’s able to see both sides of the coin. His clients may be guilty but he looks beyond the criminal infractions to the criminal himself. He looks at the motivating factors, the past experiences, and the potential for reform. Not every client is going to make the list but the ones that do, he gives 200%.

The case he’s working on now is a case that involves a seventeen year old boy hacking into banking records. He is clearly guilty but he is also redeemable. Brent is trying to find the best solutions that will give this kid more than a criminal record. He wants to give this kid a second chance. The case looks like an easy win until the DA trying the case is changed to a new DA. This new DA is going for the maximum sentencing.

When the case finally goes to court Brent is in for another big surprise. The prosecutor is none other than his former best friend, his former almost girlfriend, and the girl who broke his young heart. Kennedy Randolph is back in town. She has a whole new look and a whole new attitude. She’s tougher than nails and unbendable. What happened to the sweet girl he played with in his backyard? What happened to the beautiful young girl that stole his heart? It’s clearly evident this icy, hard woman is not the same person. He’s still intrigued.

As the story unfolds, Brent is going to get a run for his money. His cool, self assured manner is going to be tested. His psychiatrist is going to be working overtime. Brent is determined to win the case and win Kennedy’s heart.

Kennedy Randolf has changed and for good reason. She doesn’t need a spoiled rich boy that betrayed her to remind of the stupid girl she once was. But that spoiled rich boy was more than she thought. She knew he had a good heart but just used it stupidly. Now that rich boy is a sexy lawyer pleading his case. Can she find it in her heart to give him a second chance.

Appealed lives up to the previous books in this series. It is loaded with humor, snarky dialogue, downright fun moments, and a touching romance. I could not put this book down.

Emma Chase has delivered another fantastic book!

The Legal Briefs Series

Overruled – Book 1

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

A Washington, DC, defense attorney, Stanton Shaw keeps his head cool, his questions sharp, and his arguments irrefutable. They don’t call him the Jury Charmer for nothing—with his southern drawl, disarming smile, and captivating green eyes, he’s a hard man to say no to. Men want to be him, and women want to be thoroughly cross examined by him.

Stanton’s a man with a plan. And for a while, life was going according to that plan.

Until the day he receives an invitation to the wedding of his high school sweetheart, the mother of his beloved ten-year-old daughter. Jenny is getting married—to someone who isn’t him.

That’s definitely not part of the plan.

***

Sofia Santos is a city-raised, no-nonsense litigator who plans to become the most revered criminal defense attorney in the country. She doesn’t have time for relationships or distractions.

But when Stanton, her “friend with mind-blowing benefits,” begs her for help, she finds herself out of her element, out of her depth, and obviously out of her mind. Because she agrees to go with him to The-Middle-Of-Nowhere, Mississippi, to do all she can to help Stanton win back the woman he loves. Her head tells her she’s crazy…and her heart says something else entirely.

What happens when you mix a one-stop-light town, two professional arguers, a homecoming queen, four big brothers, some Jimmy Dean sausage, and a gun-toting Nana?

The Bourbon flows, passions rise, and even the best-laid plans get overruled by the desires of the heart.

Sustained – Book Two

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

A knight in tarnished armor is still a knight.

When you’re a defense attorney in Washington, DC, you see firsthand how hard life can be, and that sometimes the only way to survive is to be harder. I, Jake Becker, have a reputation for being cold, callous, and intimidating—and that suits me just fine. In fact, it’s necessary when I’m breaking down a witness on the stand.

Complications don’t work for me—I’m a “need-to-know” type of man. If you’re my client, tell me the basic facts. If you’re my date, stick to what will get you off. I’m not a therapist or Prince Charming—and I don’t pretend to be.

Then Chelsea McQuaid and her six orphaned nieces and nephews came along and complicated the ever-loving hell out of my life. Now I’m going to Mommy & Me classes, One Direction concerts, the emergency room, and am knee deep in a damn compost pit.

Chelsea’s too sweet, too innocent, and too gorgeous for her own good. She tries to be tough, but she’s not. She needs someone to help her, and defend her…and the kids.

And that—that, I know how to do.

Appealed – Book Three

Buy : Amazon / B & N / Kobo

When Brent Mason looks at Kennedy Randolph, he doesn’t see the awkward, sweet girl who grew up next door. He sees a self-assured, stunning woman…who wants to crush the most intimate—and prized—parts of his anatomy beneath the heels of her Louboutins.

When Kennedy looks at Brent, all she sees is the selfish, Abercrombie & Fitch catalogue–worthy teenager who humiliated her in high school in order to join the popular crowd. A crowd that made those years a living hell for her.

But she’s not a lovesick social outcast anymore—she’s a Washington, DC, prosecutor with a long winning streak. Brent is the opposing attorney in her next case, and Kennedy thinks it’s time to put him through a little hell of his own.

But things aren’t exactly working out the way she planned. Brent has his sights set on Kennedy, and every fiery exchange only makes him want her more—and makes her wonder if he’s as passionate in the bedroom as he is in the courtroom. In the end, they may just find themselves in love…or in contempt of court.

Author Bio:

By day, Emma Chase is a devoted wife and mother who resides in a small, rural town in New Jersey. By night she toils away the hours bringing her colorful characters and their endless antics to life. She has a long standing love/hate relationship with caffeine.

Emma is an avid reader. Before her children were born she was known to consume whole books in a single day. Writing has also always been a passion and with the 2013 release of her debut romantic comedy, Tangled, the ability to now call herself an author is nothing less than a dream come true.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Cover Reveal: Gun Shy by Lili St. Germaine

Posted on 02/16/2016 by shellbellereads

gun shy cover

Gun Shy

By Lili St. Germain

Release Date: May 10, 2016

Pre Order: ITunes

Synopsis:

GUN SHY

A standalone romantic psychological thriller.

There are two thousand people living in Gun Creek, Nevada.

Only one of them knows what really happened that night.

One year ago, my boyfriend almost killed my mother.

One year ago, my stepfather became my legal guardian.

One year ago, my whole world ended.

The boy I loved was the boy who ended my world; Leo drank too much, got behind the wheel and smashed his car into my mother’s as she drove home from work. I believe him when he says it was an accident, but there’s only so much you can forgive when you’ve seen your mother laid out on a hospital gurney, all pale skin and damp hair from where they’ve tried to wash the blood away. There’s only so much you can forgive as you watch a nurse feed her through a feeding tube, because your mother has turned into a ghost.

There’s only so much you can forgive when your stepfather—the untouchable town Sheriff—moves into your bedroom and forces you to fulfill his every dark desire.

Yesterday the mailman handed me a letter from the prison where Leo’s being held. Leo’s getting out. The boy who stole my mother and thrust me into this hell? He gets to walk free after one lousy year. He gets to move on with his life, and start again, and I’m trapped in this nightmare that never seems to end.

One year ago, my boyfriend almost killed my mother.

One year ago, my stepfather became my legal guardian.

One year ago, my whole world ended.

gun shy teaser

________________________________________________

LILI ST GERMAIN BIO USE Lili writes dark, disturbing romance. Her #1 bestselling Gypsy Brothers series was created in a serial format – quick, intense episodes released frequently with some wicked cliffhangers. The Gypsy Brothers series focuses on a morally bankrupt biker gang and the girl who seeks her vengeance upon them. The Cartel series is a prequel trilogy of full-length novels that explores the beginnings of the club, to be released in 2015 by HarperCollins.

Lili quit corporate life to focus on writing and so far is loving every minute of it. Her other loves in life include her gorgeous husband and beautiful daughter, good coffee, Tarantino movies and spending hours on Pinterest.

She loves to read almost as much as she loves to write.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

gun shy cover

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Category Archives: Genre

Cover Reveal: Beneath These Lies by Meghan March

We are very excited to bring to you the next cover in the Beneath Series from Meghan March. BENEATH THESE LIES will release on March 15. This book will keep the twists and turns going until the very last page.

Pre-Order Now on iBooks

Surprise Cover Reveal: Save Me by Heidi McLaughlin

Release Blitz + Excerpt + Giveaway: Dawn of Forever by Jewel E. Ann – Jack and Jill Series- Book 3

Excerpt Reveal: Specimen by Shay Savage

5 Star Review: Craving Molly by Nicole Jacquelyn – The Aces Sons Series – Book 2

Book Tour + Review + Giveaway: Roomhate by Penelope Ward

Excerpt Reveal: Set The Pace by Kim Karr

5 Star Review: Appealed by Emma Chase – Legal Briefs Series – Book 3

Cover Reveal: Gun Shy by Lili St. Germaine

We are very excited to bring to you the next cover in the Beneath Series from Meghan March. BENEATH THESE LIES will release on March 15. This book will keep the twists and turns going until the very last page.

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