Release Blitz + 6 Star Review + 2015 Favorite: Come To Me Recklessly by A. L. Jackson

Posted on 04/07/2015 by shellbellereads

Come To Me Recklessly

The Closer To You Series – Book 3

By A. L. Jackson

AMAZON / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

His heart was turned off…

Until she turned him on…

Christopher Moore gave up on the idea of love years ago. Now, his life is an endless string of parties and an even longer string of girls. Enjoying the physical perks with none of the emotional mess, hes convinced everyone that hes satisfied—everyone but himself.

Samantha Schultz has moved on with her life. Finishing her student teaching and living with her boyfriend, shes deluded herself into believing shes content. But there is one boy she never forgot—her first love—and she keeps the memory of him locked up tight. She will never allow any man to break her the way Christopher did.

When Christopher’s sister and her family move into a new neighborhood, Christopher is completely unprepared to find Samantha living at the end of the street. Memories and unspent desires send them on collision course of sex, lies, and lust. But when guilt and fear send Samantha running, Christopher will have to fight for what has always been his.

She lowered herself, gave a little shove, and slid down. I stopped her
descent at the bottom, her back pressed into the metal. I grasped the sides,
holding myself up, my nose an inch from hers as I hovered in her space. Her
eyes were doing that wild thing again, a raging sea that churned with all that
shyness, but flamed with bold strikes of courage, a storm that didn’t know which way to turn.

“Anyone ever kiss you before, Samantha?”I murmured low,
letting my nose do a little exploring along her jaw.

She shook her head no.

“Didn’t think so,”I whispered, before
I took a chance I was pretty damned sure was worth taking, and brushed my mouth
against hers. And was I ever right. She tasted like sugar and all things sweet,
like a spoonful of pure honey. A remedy.

Her kiss was every kind of timid, cautious in her inexperience, but it
didn’t take a whole lot to convince me that this kind of kiss was my
favorite.

_____________________

Tracey’s Review

“From the moment we met, he always had the power to bring me to my knees. I should have known his control over me would never diminish or dim. I should have known it would only intensify. Maybe I should have run. But somewhere inside, I knew he’d never let me get far.”Samantha Schultz, the daughter of a pastor, and Christopher Moore, wild child and bad boy, were never supposed to be together. When he rescued Samantha from the girls that were making her life a living hell in high school, neither one of them could have know what they were setting in motion.”He was gorgeous. Beautiful. And a little bit terrifying. He was trouble with a capital T. And I didn’t do trouble.””You don’t even know me.”
“I know your name is Samantha Schultz. I know you sit one row over and two seats in front of me in English Literature because I can’t stop watching you.”Once sure that they would be together forever, life as they knew it had changed, seemingly overnight, ripping Christopher and Samantha apart, and sending them on separate paths in life. Still reeling from those events of the past, Christopher has chosen to numb his pain by losing himself in meaningless hook-ups, going through the motions of life, refusing to allow himself to love again. Having been completely broken by Christopher, Samantha now finds herself in a safe but passionless relationship. A chance encounter with Christopher’s sister Aly, now married to Christopher’s best friend Jared, brings the past flooding back, and Samantha can no longer deny that she is settling for something less than she wants.Good Lord, the things that I felt while reading this story. A.L. Jackson is a master of writing the kind of book that evokes every possible emotion. Joy, sorrow, anger, edge-of-your seat, nail-biting angst, I experienced every one of these while reading Come To Me Recklessly.I absolutely love this story. Samantha and Christopher are inextricably bound together, unable to move on from their intense first love, even over the intervening years. Their love is truly like a force of nature. Tragedy, broken trust, distance, none of these has dimmed the power that each of them holds over the other, try as they may to forget.

“God, how many times had I imagined this? Seeing him again. What it would feel like, if it’d feel the same or less or more, if I’d burn up with desire or if I’d realize the years had only exaggerated the memories of him, building him up into something he was not. What I never imagined was he would crush me anew. As much as I wanted to look away, my gaze was locked on the boy who held every piece of my heart.”

I really appreciated having the past interspersed with the present and the alternating POVs between Samantha and Christopher. It brought their story full circle, while filling in the gaps, and allowed me to understand all of the circumstances that have brought them to their current place. Come To Me Recklessly is a book that I cannot recommend enough, and unequivocally give it and A.L. Jackson 5+ stars. If I could rate this read any higher, I would. Add this one to your TBR, because it is an absolute must-read, and you will not be sorry.

“What is this?” I forced out, the words shaky.
He grasped both sides of my face, bringing us nose to nose. “This is unstoppable.”

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times bestselling author of Take This Regret and Lost to You, as well as other contemporary romance titles, including Come to Me Quietly, Come to Me Softly, Pulled, When We Collide, and If Forever Comes.

She first found a love for writing during her days as a young mother and college student. She filled the journals she carried with short stories and poems used as an emotional outlet for the difficulties and joys she found in day-to-day life.

Years later, she shared a short story she’d been working on with her two closest friends and, with their encouragement, this story became her first full length novel. A.L. now spends her days writing in Southern Arizona where she lives with her husband and three children. Her favorite pastime is spending time with the ones she loves.

To stay up to date with important news on A.L. Jackson, including new releases, sales, and exclusive specials and excerpts, text “jackson” to 96000 to subscribe!

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Silver Bastard by Joanna Wylde- Silver Valley Series – Book 1

Posted on 04/07/2015 by shellbellereads

Silver Bastard

The Silver Valley Series – Book 1

By Joanna Wylde

Release Date: April 7, 2015

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

First in the new Silver Valley series from the New York Times bestselling author of the Reapers Motorcycle Club Novels

Fourteen months. For fourteen months, Puck Redhouse sat in a cell and kept his mouth shut, protecting the Silver Bastards MC from their enemies. Then he was free and it was time for his reward—full membership in the club, along with a party to celebrate. That’s when he saw Becca Jones for the first time and set everything in motion. Before the night ended he’d violated his parole and stolen her away from everything she knew.

Five years. It was five years ago that Puck destroyed Becca and saved her all in one night. She’s been terrified of him ever since, but she’s even more terrified of the monsters he still protects her from… But Becca refuses to let fear control her. She’s living her life and moving forward, until she gets a phone call from the past she can’t ignore. She has to go back, and there’s only one man she can trust to go with her—the ex-con biker who rescued her once before.

Puck will help her again, but this time it’ll be on his terms. No more lies, no more tears, and no more holding back what he really wants…

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Excerpt

“What the fuck happened out here?” Danielle asked, her arm suddenly around my shoulders. I immediately felt better. Danielle and I balanced each other out perfectly—she was batshit crazy and insanely optimistic. Make that dangerously, recklessly optimistic. As for me, I spent nearly all my time focused on staying sane and getting ahead. That didn’t leave much time for things like actually living my life.

We’d met each other our senior year of high school, when she’d offered to drive me back and forth to town in her shiny new Jeep Wrangler. This spared me from the horror of sharing a battered school bus with every hormonal teen living in the greater Callup metropolitan area. After a particularly harrowing ride home in her car one night (long story short, it took us six hours to travel thirty miles and by the time we pulled into town, we had matching tattoos of chipmunks wearing scarves) I decided it was my job to keep her from accidentally killing herself.

In return, she pushed me to do fun things, reminding me at least once a week that I was only twenty-one and perhaps the fate of the universe didn’t literally rest on whether or not I balanced my checkbook to the penny. Along the way, she taught me how to do smoky eye makeup, how not to freak out when a guy asked me to dance, and how to “borrow” music off the Internet. (When I pointed out that “borrowing” music was stealing, she agreed and started using iTunes for her downloads. To finance this, she “borrowed” her dad’s credit card.)

“Well, apparently me and Blake no longer work here,” I said, leaning my head against her. “I don’t know if you’re fired or not.”

“Fuck that,” Danielle declared. “Eva can kiss my ass. If you’re out, I’m out.”

“You weren’t even part of it,” I protested.

“I don’t care. You’re a much better waitress than I am. If she fired you, no way I’d last there anyway. Let’s go get drunk!”

Michel’s Review

The Reapers aren’t the only MC that is ruling in Idaho. The Silver Bastards are ruling the Silver Valley area and they protect what is theirs. We have met a few of the members of the Silver Bastards in various Reaper books. The Silver Bastards are friends and allies with the Reapers. They have each others backs.

Puck Redhouse was a recruit in the last Reaper book, Reaper’s Stand. He is a hard young man that was raised in the club life. He knows the ins and outs, do’s and don’ts, and the code to live by. He has served time to protect his brothers and the club. He has made long term friendships and lifetime enemies. He wouldn’t change a thing except the night he almost ruined not only his own life but the life of Becca Jones.

That one night formed a bond between Becca and Puck that could not be broken. In fact, five years later, even though they have avoided one another, the bond is stronger than both care to admit.

Becca was also raised in the MC world. Her experiences were quite different than Puck’s. The club she grew up in was not like the Silver Bastards or the Reapers. She has witnessed the worst of the worst. She escaped that life and no longer wants any part of that world. But that is the world in Silver Valley.

As Becca builds a new life she grows as an individual. She has dreams, goals, and determination. She is going to school and working full time. She has made her small cheap apartment a home. She has made friends that will stand by her no matter what. She has a good life. She tries very hard not to look back. She will never allow herself to live like she was raised. The only thing she can’t put behind her is Puck. She is still deeply attracted to him. At the same time she is fearful of him. He lives the life that she ran from.

It will take the past coming back to haunt her to make her open her eyes to the reality of what her life really is. It will open her eyes and make her see the man Puck has always been. It will take a man like Puck to show her that her demons will never touch her life again. But demons are not easily slayed. The devil himself is on her tail. Her life is crumbling and Puck can’t change that.

At the same time, Silver Valley has it’s own problems brewing. It will be up to the Silver Bastards and the Reapers to protect their beloved town and area. The Irish mob is moving in. The Silver Bastards are not welcoming them. Trouble is brewing.

Through it all, Becca and Puck will find each other again. They will learn that there are two sides to every coin. They will learn to give and take. They will learn the true meaning of love.

Joanna Wylde has another sensational series that will take readers by storm.

I can’t wait for the next book.

I highly recommend Silver Bastard. It can be read without reading the Reapers MC series. There is also a bonus novella that will give the readers insight to the Silver Bastard’s president, Boonie. I absolutely loved it!

About Joanna Wylde

Joanna is a freelance writer living in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She started writing fiction in 2002, then took a long hiatus to explore other writing opportunities. She returned to fiction in January 2013 with ‘Reaper’s Property’, the first book in the Reapers Motorcycle Club series, and has recently released ‘Reapers Legacy’, the second of the series.

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GIVEAWAY
Signed Paperback of Silver Bastard (3 copies)

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: When I’m Gone by Abbi Glines- Rosemary Beach Series – Book 11

Posted on 04/07/2015 by shellbellereads

When I’m Gone

Rosemary Beach Series – Book 11

By Abbi Glines

Synopsis

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Abbi Glines comes the next new adult novel in the Rosemary Beach series, in which we meet Mase, a Texas heartthrob first introduced in Take a Chance who comes to Rosemary Beach to stir things up.

I had an urge to fix all her problems. Which was stupid. She was doing fine without me. But something about those big eyes…

Mase Colt-Manning has always preferred his humble life as a Texas rancher to his birthright as the son of a legendary rock star. In fact, he rarely visits his father’s rarefied world in Rosemary Beach, especially if it means bunking at his vile half-sister Nan’s house—until one visit leads to a chance encounter with a young, gorgeous house maid who awakens him with her off-key but spirited imitation of a country music star…

Reese Ellis finally has her freedom. After escaping a lifetime of abuse from her parents and classmates for an undiagnosed learning disorder, she seizes the opportunity to be a house maid to some of the richest families in Rosemary Beach. But her job is in jeopardy when she causes an accident at the home of her most important client, Nan Dillon. When a hot, half-naked stranger with a cowboy’s swagger comes to her rescue, she’s intrigued—then afraid once he shows his own interest. Reese has never met a trustworthy man in her life. Will Mase be any different?

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

It’s hard to believe that this is the eleventh book in the Rosemary Beach series by Abbi Glines. This series has captured the readers hearts. The dynamic characters from this series not only find their happily ever after, they have formed a deep bond of friendship and family. They look out for one another, protect the ones they love, and always have each others backs.

Mase Colt Manning may not be from Rosemary Beach, but he has a very important part in the lives of those that are. He is the illegitimate son of Kiro Manning, the lead singer of Slacker Demon. He is very close with his half sister Harlow. He has grown up with Rush Finlay and become very good friends. He has been around Grant and Nan all his life. He is a Texan that can fit in with country club gang at Rosemary Beach as easily as he fits in at his ranch.

While visiting his sister Harlow in Rosemary Beach, he meets Reese Ellis. She is his other half sister, Nan’s, maid. When an accident occurs in Nan’s home, it brings Reese to Mase’s attention. He’s determined to get to know her.

Reese is unlike any girl that Mase has met. She’s kind, witty, shy, and beautiful. She seems to be harboring a lot of insecurities and secrets. When Mase finds out one of her secrets, he’s determined to help her overcome it. He wants her to realize that she is just as good as any of the other people from Rosemary Beach.

They form a close friendship that is evolving into a relationship. Life has a way of throwing obstacles that can destroy their new found love. One of those obstacles is his sister Nan. She has a way of poisoning everything that comes into her path.

Reese will have to overcome her fears, her insecurities, and her past. If she can do this she will be able to experience the love of a lifetime with Mase.

As always, Abbi Glines wrote another fantastic book that made not only Rosemary Beach crew come to life, but also those quirky relatives in Texas. I absolutely loved Mase. He is the kind of man every woman can fall in love with.

When I’m Gone by Abbi Glines was a fantastic addition to the Rosemary Beach series. I am looking forward to seeing who is up next on the Rosemary Beach roster. And yes…I am still a Nan hater!

______________________

Author Bio:

Since publishing her first novel Breathe in May of 2011, Abbi has also released The New York Times bestselling Seabreeze Series which includes Breathe, Because of Low, While It Lasts, Just For Now and Sometimes It Last, The Existence Trilogy that includes the USA Today Bestseller Ceaseless. New York Times and USA TODAY bestsellers The Vincent Boys and The Vincent Brothers. Last but not least her most popular series to date, Rosemary Beach which includes The New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestsellers Fallen Too Far, Never Too Far, Forever Too Far, Twisted Perfection and Simple Perfection. Her newest book scheduled to be released on December 17th, 2013 is Misbehaving (Seabreeze).

When Abbi isn’t locked away in her office typing away she is hauling her kids to and from their many social activities. You could say her second job is the Glines Kids personal chauffeur. It’s a rather illustrious job.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release: Homefront by Jessica Scott – Homefront Series- Book 1

Posted on 04/07/2015 by shellbellereads

Homefront

Homefront Series – Book 1

By Jessica Scott

Synopsis

“Beautifully Written” JoAnn Ross – New York Times Bestselling author of the Shelter Bay series

He’s always loved her…

First Sergeant Gale Sorren waited a war and half a lifetime for a chance to get stationed near the ex-wife who left him years ago. When he finally musters the courage to see her, the life he imagined she was living was nothing close to the reality.

She’s never stopped loving him…

Melanie never stopped worrying about Gale each time he headed off to war. But he’s never been there when she needed him and she’s had fifteen years to steel her heart against him.

But when Gale moves to Fort Hood, he finally has a chance to make things right with Melanie and the daughter she raised without him.

Can Mel trust her heart to a man who has always let her down?

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

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

Release Blitz + Review: Clash: A Legal Affairs Story by Sawyer Bennett – Book # 1 of Cal and Macy’s Story

Posted on 04/07/2015 by shellbellereads

Clash: A Legal Affairs Story

Book # 1 of Cal and Macy’s Story

By Sawyer Bennett

Synopsis

Clash (verb): to conflict, disagree.

It might be fair to say that I despise Macy Carrington. She slings insults with precision, not caring about the destruction she leaves in her wake. We clash in a battle of wills every time we’re around each other, and yet… I still fantasize about being lodged deep within her body.

Clash (verb): to come together or collide.

I have never encountered someone that grates me the way Cal Carson does. His pompous, arrogant demeanor. A holier-than-thou attitude. Any interaction with “Saint Cal” ends in a verbal clash of epic proportions, and yet… there’s no one I’d rather have in my bed than him.

Clash (noun): a battle, fight or skirmish.

Her breathy moans mingle with the sound of our flesh coming together, clashing with the silence that surrounds us, dispelling any notions I once had about Macy Carrington.

Maybe I can break down her walls if we can call a truce to this battle.

He whispers filthy words in my ear, provoking feelings I never knew were possible. The burning desire in his touch clashes with everything I once believed about Cal Carson.

Maybe he can be the balm I need to soothe my broken soul, if only temporarily.

**Clash is the first book in this Legal Affairs trilogy and is releasing on 4/7/15. Grind will be released on 4/21/15 and Yield will be released on 5/5/15.

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

Michel’s Review

Clash: A Legal Affairs Story by Sawyer Bennett is a spin off of the best selling Legal Affairs Serial. The characters were secondary characters in the Legal Affairs Serial. Macy Carrington and Cal Carson are starring in their own story. It is going to be a wild ride in and out of the bedroom.

Cal Carson is Mac’s law partner. They formed a close friendship as well as a successful law practice. Although Mac really likes Cal, the jury is out as far Matt Conniver is concerned. He still has trust issues over their former friendship. Macy Carrington has reached her verdict, she cannot stand the self righteous, strait laced, stick up his butt Cal Carson. She thinks he is the biggest jerk she has ever met. But she tries to stay civil for her best friend Mac’s sake.

Although Cal Carson values his friendship with Mac, he has deep reservations about her best friend Macy Carrington. Macy is a spoiled rotten rich princess. He assumes that she is self entitled and can’t understand how Mac can tolerate her. She is known for her loose morals and vicarious sexual appetite. She has no qualms about her sexual activity. It’s hard for Cal to understand because most of his experiences with women revolve around them wanting a committed relationship. He has reached the point in his life where he wants to be settled and start a family. So he is looking at Macy through rose colored glasses.

Needless to say, these two clash. It is like trying to mix oil & vinegar. But one encounter in the pantry of a kitchen will result in some down and dirty angry sex. Both will walk away with battlescars. Both will be surprised by their opponent. Both will be desiring more of the “angry” sex. Can they still be adversaries and still screw like bunnies? Or was the kitchen incident a one time thing? Stay tuned in for the next installment….Grind.

Sawyer Bennett has done it again. The latest in the Legal Affairs world is a red hot and sensual. Cal and Macy’s story is completely different from Mac and Matt’s story. Their erotic journey is going to be full of some wild monkey sex and more. I have a feeling that Cal Carson has some delicious surprises under his Armani suit. Macy Carrington has met her match!

Author Bio:
USA Today Best-Selling Author, Sawyer Bennett is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and three big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

Sawyer is the author of several contemporary romances including the popular Off Series, the Legal Affairs Series and the Last Call Series.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release + Giveaway: Once Upon A Dare by Jennifer Bonds- Risky Business Novel

Posted on 04/07/2015 by shellbellereads

It’s release day for Jennifer Bonds’ Once Upon a Dare. I am so excited for this sexy new contemporary romance. Jennifer is sharing an excerpt with us and a fantastic giveaway, so be sure to check out all the release day festivities!

Exclusive Excerpt:

“Look, the other night was fun, but it had nothing to do with this place, right? We both got what we wanted. Now we forget about it and move on.”

“You can’t seriously expect me to act like it never happened.” Cole’s words were carefully measured, his playful smile nowhere to be seen. If she didn’t know better, she would have thought he was offended. His words flowed like silk, but his gray eyes held a different emotion as he pinned her with his gaze. Was she imagining it or did he look… disappointed?

Shifting in her seat, she tried to quell her own warring emotions. They needed to be able to work together, at least until she could figure things out. And despite her racing pulse, she didn’t want him to know how hard this was for her. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. Was it her fault she couldn’t look at him without her blood pressure spiking? Or that she couldn’t stop thinking about the smoking hot kisses he’d lavished upon her body?

“And it would be so easy for you to forget?” he challenged, forcing her to remember the feel of his sinful hands claiming her body and the way he’d made her come over and over again. Damn him!

“Yes,” she lied, struggling to keep her tone light. She stood and moved to the window. It was a desperate attempt to put more space between them. The room had grown insufferably hot, a fact that had little to do with the temperature and a lot to do with the way his gaze lingered on her mouth, like he was imagining all the dirty things she could do with it. Only he didn’t have to imagine, did he? He had firsthand knowledge.

“Olivia.”

She froze at the feel of his breath on her neck. With the protection of the desk gone, she was defenseless. His hand snaked around her waist, crushing her body to his. He leaned in, his breath hot on her cheek as he pressed her body to the cool glass of the window with his massive weight. His arousal found the swell of her ass and she melted against the hard muscles of his chest, an unexpected gasp escaping her lips as desire ripped through her.

It was all the invitation he needed.

About Once Upon a Dare:

The first night was a dare. The second night was trouble…

Advertising guru Olivia Masterson is all work and no play. But on the eve of earning her dream promotion, her best friend dares her to drop her ice queen façade for one night and seduce a sexy stranger. Olivia’s worked her ass off to get where she is-why the hell not?

Cole Bennett never thought he’d run into his feisty one-night stand at the office, furious that he stole her promotion. No matter how hard she tries to ice him out, they can’t seem to keep their hands to themselves…or their clothes on.

Olivia’s talented-maybe even more than Cole-so when his dropped hints to the boss net her a promotion of her own, he’s ready to celebrate…until she accuses him of fueling office rumors that she slept her way to the top. She wants to earn her own way? Fine. So what the hell does a guy have to do to permanently melt an ice queen?

Buy Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | KOBO | iTunes | Goodreads

Jennifer Bonds Bio:

Jennifer Bonds writes sizzling contemporary romance with sassy heroines, sexy heroes, and a whole lot of mischief. When she’s not writing or wrangling toddlers, she can be found curled up with a good book and a bottle of wine. Jennifer lives in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where her overactive imagination and weakness for reality TV keep life interesting. She’s lucky enough to live with her own real life hero, two adorable children, and a pair of rambunctious dogs. Loves Buffy, Mexican food, the Winchester brothers, and all things zombie. Sings off-key.

Twitter | Facebook | Website | GoodReads | Pinterest

Enter Jennifer’s giveaway:
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Cover Reveal: Baited Series by Ali Parker

Posted on 04/07/2015 by shellbellereads

Baited Series

Three Volumes

By Ali Parker

Release Date: April 20,2015

Synopsis

Rebecca Martin has achieved most things one might hope to by thirty. She is a successful business owner, drives a nice car and is wrapping up the details on a custom built home on the lake. The only thing she is missing is someone to share her accomplishments with.

One man has never been far from her thoughts – Kade McMillian, but his return to town after far too many years of chasing his dreams couldn’t be more poorly timed.

With a younger man demanding Rebecca attention at the office, she has to decide between reconstructing a relationship from her past or diving in deep to something new and seemingly forbidden.

Trust what you know or step out and hope that you don’t end up Baited …

Happy Release + Review + Giveaway: Ricochet Friendly Fire by Heather C. Leigh- Ricochet Series- Book 2

Posted on 04/06/2015 by shellbellereads

Richochet: Friendly Fire

Richochet Series- Book 2

By Heather C. Leigh

Synopsis

Rick “Ricochet” Brennan served eight years as an elite Marine special ops Force Recon soldier. After an injury, and the terrible memories from that night, he retires and goes to work for his former Command Officer, Howard “Mack” McEvoy, at his training center in Atlanta.

Sanctum MMA appears on the surface to be a normal gym, training elite fighters to be the best. Except each trainer, hand-picked by Mack, possesses a special background that allows Mack to run one of the best-kept secrets in the country.

When twenty-three year old Quinn Wallace finally escapes her abusive husband, she turns to her father’s old Marine Corps buddy, Mack, for help. Broken and skittish, Quinn finds herself surrounded by large, intimidating men— men who could easily overpower her. She avoids them the best she can, but when Rick turns out to be more than just a rough fighter with bruised knuckles, she finds herself wondering if she can allow herself to trust again.

Ricochet is a full-length novel to be released as three parts. Friendly Fire is part 2.

Buy: Amazon

Excerpt

“Law breaker? Hardly,” she scoffed. “I just don’t want to go through the trouble to get a license and then have to change my…” The conversation came to an abrupt halt. Quinn looked up at Rick slack-mouthed, with discernible fear in her wide eyes.

“Change? Change what?”

She waved a shaky hand in the air dismissively. “Nothing. I don’t know what I was saying.”

Rick knew she was lying. He didn’t even need the extensive interrogation training he received in the Marines to see the blatant lie.

What in the hell is she hiding from me?

He was getting damn sick of the evasiveness and the games that Quinn played. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the time or the place to get into an argument with her and he promised that he wouldn’t push her to discuss things. Rick silently seethed, clenching his hands under the table.

The rest of the meal was finished quickly. Neither of them touched on subjects other than safe, impersonal ones, sports, traffic, and the weather.

Fuck! I’m sitting here discussing the mother fucking weather while the girl I love slips through my fingers.

Love? A bolt of fear shot through Rick’s heart, jump starting it until it was pumping erratically against his chest.

I love her?

Rick mulled it over as they drove back to Quinn’s apartment, turning it over in his mind a hundred different ways with no clear answer. He walked her up the stairs, waiting for her to unlock the door. As he stood there watching her, the sun glinting off of the golden highlights in her dark hair, it finally hit him, sucking the air from his lungs.

Without a doubt, I fucking love her.

Quinn opened the door, turning to say good-bye. This time, Rick wasn’t going to let her push him away. There would be no more keeping him at arm’s length. He loved her, and he wasn’t going to give up. Pride be damned, he’d fucking grovel on his knees if that’s what it took.

Rick inhaled a deep breath and moved into the apartment, forcing Quinn to step back so he could fit through the doorway.

“Rick, what—”

Done with the bullshit dance they’d been doing, he silenced Quinn by crushing his mouth over hers, spinning them until her back hit the partially open door, slamming it closed. Rick pressed his weight against her, pinning her soft body against the thick slab of wood as he dominated her, thrusting his denim-covered cock against her abdomen. He could sense the exact moment Quinn stopped fighting, giving herself over to the pleasure. Her tense muscles relaxed and her mouth joined in, yet she allowed Rick to control the kiss.

Lips and teeth mashed together brutally, Rick’s tongue plunging into the depths of her mouth. This wasn’t a gentle kiss meant to be romantic. No, it was a rough display of possessiveness, of pent up desire. It was all of Rick’s love and anguish coming out in one overwhelming display of need and power.

He slid his arms around Quinn’s waist, gripping her round backside and pressing his fingers deep into the soft flesh. He tugged her hips forward, grinding their groins together almost painfully. Quinn moaned into Rick’s mouth, her desperate sounds acting like gasoline on the fire roaring through his body.

“Fuck, doll.”

Michel’s Review

Richochet: Friendly Fire is the second book in the Ricochet series by Heather C. Leigh. This book cannot be read as a stand alone, the first book in the series must be read.

This second installment was exactly as I predicted. It was an intense delivery of Rick and Quinn’s relationship. It also built up to the suspenseful event that happens at the end. It gives the reader an idea of who Rick and Quinn are. They both have secrets. They both are harboring scars from the past. They have finally given into their attraction, but can they let go of their secrets? Can they move forward? Neither one is ready to admit their true feelings and it could cost not only their love, but possibly their lives.

This installment in the Ricochet series kept me enthralled. I loved the pacing, the chemistry between the characters, and the build up of suspense. It ended on the perfect cliffhanger that will leave readers begging for more.

The third book will be out on April 12, 2015. I am ready!

Ricochet: Locked & Loaded

Ricochet Series – Book 1

By Heather C. Leigh

Synopsis

When twenty-four year old Quinn Wallace finally escapes her abusive husband, she turns to her father’s old Marine Corps buddy, Mack, for help. Broken and skittish, Quinn finds herself surrounded by large, intimidating men— men who could easily overpower her. She avoids them the best she can, but when Rick turns out to be more than just a rough fighter with bruised knuckles, she finds herself wondering if she can allow herself to trust again.

Ricochet is a full-length novel to be released as three parts.

***This book contains hot sweaty men, sexy scenes for those over 18, and uncomfortable, sometimes violent scenes.***

Buy: Amazon

Ricochet : Friendly Fire

Ricochet Series – Book 2

Release Date: April 5, 2015

By Heather C. Leigh

Synopsis

Ricochet is a full-length novel to be released as three parts. Friendly Fire is part 2.

Buy: Amazon

Ricochet : Extraction Point

Ricochet Series : Book 3

Release Date: April 12, 2015

By Heather C. Leigh

Synopsis

Ricochet is a full-length novel to be released as three parts. Extraction Point is part 3.

Buy: Amazon

___________________

About Heather C. Leigh

I’m the author of the Amazon best selling Famous series. I like to write about the ‘dark’ side of fame. The part that the public doesn’t get to see, how difficult it is to live in a fishbowl and how that affects relationships.

I was born and raised in New England and currently live outside Atlanta, GA.

I love the Red Sox, the Patriots, and anything made of chocolate (but not white chocolate, that doesn’t count).

My favorite authors are Dan Wells, Tina Reber, Ken Follett, and Stephen King. Happy reading!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

GIVEAWAY
$25 Gift Card

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5 Star Review: Sea of Stars by Amy A. Bartol- Kricket Series- Book 2

Posted on 04/06/2015 by shellbellereads

Sea of Stars

The Kricket Series – Book 2

By Amy A. Bartol

Synopsis

Eighteen-year-old Kricket Hollowell was looking for her place in the world when she discovered that the universe was bigger—and more dangerous—than she had ever dreamed. Now, whisked across space to the planet Ethar, Kricket learns that her genetic ability to see the future makes her a sought-after commodity…and the catalyst for war between her star-crossed parents’ clans. According to Alameedan prophecy, one house will rise to power and the other will be completely wiped out, and Kricket’s precognition is believed to be the weapon that will tip the scales.

A target of both the Rafe and the Alameeda houses, Kricket finds protection—and a home—in the arms of Trey, her Etharian bodyguard-turned-boyfriend. But her visions of what’s to come disturb her deeply, especially since she must discover whether the gift of foresight will allow her to rewrite the future, or if her fate is as immovable as the stars.

The highly anticipated sequel to Under Different Stars, winner of four 2014 utopYA Awards.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Robin’s Review

If you have not read the novel Under Different Stars, this review may contain spoilers. I would like to express my appreciation to NetGalley and 47North for the opportunity to read and review Sea of Stars.

I’d like to introduce you to the world of author Amy A. Bartol. She writes novels in the young adult genre. Paranormal, science fiction and fantasy with a touch of romance. She is probably better-known as the author of the Premonition series. I plowed through every novel of the Premonition series during the early months of 2013. Although her paranormal romance series about angels continues to be a work in progress, Bartol surprised readers with something completely different back in December of 2013. It was a novel titled Under Different Stars, and it was the first novel of a brand new series.

The Kricket series is a combination of science fiction and fantasy. Science fiction is not my usual cup of tea, but I knew Amy A. Bartol was capable of writing a creative and exciting new story. This review is specifically for the second novel of the Kricket series, Sea of Stars, but I’ll give a brief summary of Under Different Stars for readers who are interested in this series.

In Under Different Stars, we learn eighteen-year-old Kricket Hollowell grew up in the foster care system of Chicago, Illinois. In recent years, Kricket has become an expert at evading case workers, learning how to blend in and live on her own. She has always longed for someplace she could call home. Trey Allairis is given the assignment of locating Kricket. He is to retrieve her from Earth and bring her to Ethar. Kyon Ensin knows just how special Kricket is. She’s not just your average teenager from Chicago, and he is also in the process of locating Kricket.

Trey is from the House of Rafe; Kyon is from the House of Alameeda. Kricket learns her father is Rafian, and her mother is a Priestess from the House of Alameeda. She learns her ability to see the future is a catalyst for a war between her parent’s clans. Under Different Stars is a fantastic start to the Kricket series. We learn about the differences and conflict between the five houses of Ethar and why Kricket is so important to their future.

This brings me to Sea of Stars. If you have read any of her novels, you already know Amy A. Bartol has a fantastic imagination! Under Different Stars sets the stage for the rest of the Kricket series. We are introduced to the world of Ethar, which is very different from Earth. When I think of the differences, it makes me realize the amount of thought Bartol put into this series! Bartol created a unique language specifically for the Etharians. When I sat down to read Sea of Stars, it had been months since I read Under Different Stars. I had forgotten what many of the Etharian words mean, so I was very happy to discover Bartol included a glossary for her readers to refer to. And that glossary was a lifesaver for me – don’t be afraid to use it!

Sea of Stars is full of strategy and nonstop action and completely unexpected twists and turns! I really thought I understood who the bad guys were after reading Under Different Stars, but now I’m not so sure. We have an antagonist who I am strangely empathizing with. This is confusing for me because I absolutely love the relationship between Kricket and Trey. We are introduced to new characters who are in pursuit of Kricket in Sea of Stars. What are their agendas? Do they have good or bad intentions? And, finally, war breaks out on Ethar. All of that nonstop action that I mentioned earlier? Sea of Stars just steamrolls into pure awesomeness throughout the entire story! It keeps getting better and better until we finally reach the climax! For all of these reasons, I am giving Sea of Stars a 5-star rating and placing it on my list of 2015 favorites! Don’t be afraid to try something different. I highly recommend the Kricket series!

The Kricket Series

Under Different Stars

The Kricket Series- Book 1

By Amy A. Bartol

Synopsis

Kricket Hollowell never wished upon stars. She was too busy hiding in plain sight, eluding Chicago’s foster care system. As her eighteenth birthday approaches, she now eagerly anticipates the day she’ll stop running and finally find her place in the world.

That day comes when she meets a young Etharian soldier named Trey Allairis, who has been charged with coming to Earth to find Kricket and transport her to her true home. As danger draws close, he must protect her until she can wield the powers she cannot use on Earth…and he soon realizes that counting a galaxy of stars would be easier than losing this extraordinary girl.

Kyon knows the powerful depths of Kricket’s gifts—gifts he’ll control when he takes her for his tribe and leads the forces that will claim Ethar and destroy his enemies, starting with Trey Allairis. Now, Kricket faces the most difficult choice of her life: whether to wage a battle for survival or a fight for love.

Winner of four 2014 utopYA Awards, including Best Book of the Year and Best Sci-Fi Book of the Year.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

______________________________

Author of Inescapable: The Premonition Series (Volume 1), Intuition: The Premonition Series (Volume 2), Indebted: The Premonition Series (Volume 3) , and Incendiary: The Premonition Series (Volume 4). Currently working on a fifth novel in the Premonition Series entitled Iniquity.

Under Different Stars (Kricket Series Book 1)
Sea of Stars (The Kricket Series Book 2) – (Release date 3/31/15)

The Divided – A Science Fiction Romance short story, which is included in the Take Me To Your Reader: An Otherworld Anthology.

I live in Michigan with my husband and our two sons. My family is very supportive of my writing. When I’m writing, they often bring me the take-out menu so that I can call and order them dinner. They listen patiently when I talk about my characters like they’re real. They rarely roll their eyes when I tell them I’ll only be a second while I finish writing a chapter…and then they take off their coats. They ask me how the story is going when I surface after living for hours in a world of my own making. They have learned to accept my “writing uniform” consisting of a slightly unflattering pink fleece jacket, t-shirt, and black yoga pants. And they smile at my nerdy bookishness whenever I try to explain urban fantasy to them. In short, they get me, so they are perfect and I am blessed. Please visit me at my website: http://www.amyabartol.weebly.com

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz + Giveaway: Tempest Raging Box Set by Michelle Mankin

Posted on 04/06/2015 by shellbellereads

Temptest Raging Box Set

Tempest Raging Series- Books 1-4

By Michelle Mankin

Your all access backstage pass to the world’s most dysfunctional rock band.

Meet the sexy rockers of Tempest!

Four Best selling full length novels.

NOW AVAILABLE FOR ONLY $1.99!

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Synopsis

Four Best selling full length novels.

Your all access backstage pass to the world’s most dysfunctional rock band.

Tempest rocking.

Tempest rolling.

Tempest raging out of control.

IRRESISTIBLE REFRAIN

Two years ago everything changed for the remaining members of the Seattle rock band Tempest.

Two years is a long time.

Too long to keep on remembering.

Not nearly long enough to forget.

In trouble with nowhere else to go songstress Lace Lowell seeks refuge with the band during their stop in New York City. It’s a risky move for her because they are both there, two impossibly good looking men whose lives are inseparably entwined with hers. One who bruised her heart and one who smashed it into pieces.

Warren “War” Jinkins, the mercurial lead singer of Tempest, has always had a thing for Lace. But then again so does his best friend and band mate.

Bryan “Bullet” Jackson, the sinfully handsome tat-sleeved lead guitarist, has a bad boy reputation befitting his nickname. For the past two years Bullet’s had a rule with the groupies: one time, never twice, leave ‘em satisfied, but always leave ‘em.

Two guys, one woman, and a host of dark secrets all together within the tight confines of a tour bus as the group travels cross country.

Can the past be forgotten and buried?

Will friendships prevail?

Or will the three of them succumb to seductive impulses too addictive to resist?

ENTICING INTERLUDE

To the talented vocalist Justin Jones, love is merely a game that he plays by his own rules.

But to Bridget Dubois, love and heartache are one and the same.

Broken too many times before, the delicate beauty keeps her emotions carefully concealed. Bridget has her own set of rigid rules when it comes to men. She prefers to avoid them altogether, especially dangerously seductive auburn haired emerald eyed players like Justin.

But the new lead singer of the rising rock band Tempest doesn’t like to be ignored. Justin is used to getting what he wants, and now he’s set his sights on Bridget.

Suddenly, it’s no longer a game.

What do you do when the one you can’t have turns out to be the one you can’t live without?

As the pressure builds, will it temper them or will it shatter them both like fragile crystal?

CAPTIVATING BRIDGE

Warren “War” Jinkins is that guy.

The bad one.

Tempest’s ex front man, an arrogant rock god.

The only thing larger than his ego is his capacity for self-destruction.

His bad attitude has cost him. His woman. His best friend. His band. Everything.

Shaina Bentley is that girl.

The good one.

Hollywood’s pink candy-coated sweetheart.

The star of Pinky Swear, television’s top rated teen show.

She’s been practically perfect since that horrible day. But she’s starting to crack under the strain of being everything to everyone.

He’s a one man island. She’s a fragile captive soul.

Is love a current too dangerous to cross or will it be the bridge that brings them together?

RELENTLESS RHYTHM

The one she really wants is out of reach.

The one he really needs is already taken.

Dizzy Lowell, rhythm man for the rising rock band Tempest is a wizard on the guitar and a wonder with women. But the hookup specialist hides his emotional scars beneath his suave exterior. He never lets anyone truly touch him.

April Reynolds, the confident bartender of the Diamond Mine, knows her way around a cocktail, but Dizzy has her all mixed up. She knows what’s safe. She’s tired of settling, though. It would be so easy to fall under his spell.

Except for that ring around her finger.

Two searching souls separated by a thin metal band.

Some dreams are dangerous.

Some secrets shouldn’t be shared.

Sometimes what we wish for most can never be.

Excerpt

“Why do you stay with him?” I laid it all out there. “You don’t love him, and you’re obviously afraid of him. How does that even work?”

“Don’t.” She tried to turn away, but I framed her delicate face so she couldn’t. Her cheeks turned pink and her eyes got even brighter. “I don’t want to talk about him. Please. I don’t even want to think about him.” Her impassioned tone and her expression revealed her desperation. “Just for one night. I want to pretend he doesn’t even exist. To pretend I’m a woman a guy like you might be interested in.” She squeezed her eyes tightly shut as if wishing with all her might.

“Oh, Kitten. I’m interested all right.” I swept the pad of my thumb over the pink gloss of her plump bottom lip. Her eyes fluttered open, and I saw the raw desire in them.“ I’ve got no problem with forgetting about him.” I wanted to help her wipe every trace of sadness from her life.

Audio Books

Irresistible Refrain
Share link: https://soundcloud.com/kaikennicott/irresistiblerefrainsample

Enticing Interlude
Share link: https://soundcloud.com/kaikennicott/enticinginterludesample

Captivating Bridge
Share link: https://soundcloud.com/kaikennicott/captivatingbridgesample

Relentless Rhythm
Share link: https://soundcloud.com/kaikennicott/relentlessrhythmsample

Reimagining classic stories with sexy rock stars and thought provoking issues.
For many years she worked in the insurance industry as an underwriter. Somehow, the boredom didn’t kill her but the hours and hours of looking at facts and figures provided ample time for her mind to wander.
Love Evolution, Love Revolution, and Love Resolution are a Brutal Strength centered trilogy, combining the plot underpinnings of Shakespeare with the drama, excitement, and indisputable sexiness of the rock ‘n roll industry.
Things take a bit of an edgier, once upon a time turn with the Tempest series. These pierced, tatted, and troubled Seattle rockers are young and on the cusp of making it big, but with serious obstacles to overcome that may prevent them from ever getting there.
Rock stars, myths, and legends collide with paranormal romance in a totally mesmerizing way in the Magic series.
When Michelle is not prowling the streets of her Texas town listening to her rock music much too loud, she is putting her daydreams down on paper or traveling the world with her family and friends, sometimes for real, and sometimes just for pretend as she takes the children to school and back.

Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY
4 audio books 4 paperbacks, Tempest tour lanyard, a couple of temporary tattoos and an adjustable chain ring from soul of rose jewelry
(> than combined $100 value)
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Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

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Happy Release + Review + Giveaway: Ricochet Friendly Fire by Heather C. Leigh- Ricochet Series- Book 2

5 Star Review: Sea of Stars by Amy A. Bartol- Kricket Series- Book 2

Release Blitz + Giveaway: Tempest Raging Box Set by Michelle Mankin

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