Cover Reveal + Release Blitz + Giveaway: #Social Media Series by @JA Huss- #Follow + #Like Part Two

Posted on 08/27/2014 by shellbellereads

Like

#SOCIAL MEDIA- BOOK 2

BY: @JA HUSS

PRE ORDER: AMAZON

Synopsis

#WhatADick

Vaughn Asher. I’ve stalked him relentlessly. I shaped and formed my lust into the perfect dirty hashtag…day after day… weekend after weekend. He was my prince. My fairy tale. My fantasy.

I gave him the best years of my online life and what did he do for me?

Ruined my social media experience one tweet at a time. That’s what.

#Fantastic #BackToNatureFucking

#MissingSomething #You

And now #TheDickWhoIsVaughnAsher thinks he can weasel his way back into this filthy blue bird’s Twitter account? He’s wrong.

His public fantasy is about to collide… ah, fuck it. He’s hot as hell, bitches. I need more than a free sample. This time I want it all and I’ll do whatever it takes to get it.

BUY: AMAZON

EXCERPT

My name is Grace Kinsella and I’m a filthy tweeter.

I can turn a hundred and forty characters into living sex. I can string words together in a way that will make you wet your panties with lust. I can make a man blush before he even gets to the hashtag. I am famous for pithy filth.

In fact, my girlfriends and I have an online Facebook group called the Filthy Blue Birds. And we’re not the only ones. The world of pithy filth is booming, friends. There are endless groups like ours. There are legions of shy girls who come alive when faced with the hundred-and-forty-character challenge. And there is a very special place online where we meet, challenging each other to achieve a new level of smexy typing.

I call that Twitter list Dirty Heaven. I made it up, like literally I’m the freaking founder. So Dirty Heaven is my kingdom and I’m the queen.

I’ll stop here to take a bow.

Besides being a list, Dirty Heaven is an online competition that happens on Twitter every Saturday night across the world—yes, we have filthy tweeters from all walks of life. At 8 PM Eastern the FT’s come alive and each league puts up their best and brightest. You get one tweet, one hashtag, and one chance to shine.

I don’t win anymore, it’s simply not fair. I’m now the judge. But back when we were first putting this together my tweets took me to Dirty Heaven time after time after time. That’s back when we used to have the competitions nightly and the group was small. Just fifteen or twenty of my closest online stranger friends. Each competition we had an online muse and we took turns choosing who would benefit from our blush-inducing prose. Sometimes the girls picked models or rock stars.

I only ever had one muse and his name is Vaughn Asher.

Yes, the Vaughn Asher. A Hollywood legend. He started out in the boy band 2 Far Out, then when his angelic voice changed as he hit puberty he graduated into Disney sitcoms. Most child actors would fade after that, never able to make the transition. But Vaughn Asher doubled down on the workouts—gaining the title of Most Envied Body in Hollywood six years in a row from Buzz Hollywood Magazine—and the preteen wannabe turned into an action-hero heartthrob overnight.

Just thinking his name makes me sigh. He’s so freaking gorgeous. That messy dark hair that makes him look like he just rolled out of bed. Those tight abs that just make you want to drag your tongue all over them to see if they taste as good as they look. And that package, boy. He’s never done any nudes so I have to use my imagination, but my imagination is vivid. I have a very clear picture.

Besides, you know what they say about a man’s thumbs, right? Well, Vaughn Asher has incredible thumbs. And large feet. They say that too.

Yes, doing filthy things to his six-foot-two frame has been my idea of Dirty Heaven for almost three years now. I’d like to say I’ve said everything imaginable about him, but that’s not true. I never run out of ideas. It’s like my brain only exists to compose a one-hundred-and-forty-character sentence that will turn him red.

That’s my fantasy. That’s my fairy tale. Vaughn Asher doing things to me that can only be said in a hashtag.

THE SOCIAL MEDIA SERIES

FOLLOW – AUGUST 27, 2014

LIKE – SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

BLOCK – SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

STATUS – OCTOBER 8, 2014

PROFILE – OCTOBER 22, 2014

HOME – NOVEMBER 5, 2014

Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card

Signed Paperback of Follow

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Author Bio:

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

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

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Day Blitz: The Beautiful Ashes by Jeaniene Frost

Posted on 08/26/2014 by shellbellereads

Title: The Beautiful Ashes

Author: Jeaniene Frost

Expected Publication: August 26th, 2014

About The Beautiful Ashes
In a world of shadows, anything is possible. Except escaping your fate.
Ever since she was a child, Ivy has been gripped by visions of strange realms just beyond her own. But when her sister goes missing, Ivy discovers the truth is far worse—her hallucinations are real, and her sister is trapped in a parallel realm. And the one person who believes her is the dangerously attractive guy who’s bound by an ancient legacy to betray her.
Adrian might have turned his back on those who raised him, but that doesn’t mean he can change his fate…no matter how strong a pull he feels toward Ivy. Together they search for the powerful relic that can save her sister, but Adrian knows what Ivy doesn’t: that every step brings Ivy closer to the truth about her own destiny, and a war that could doom the world. Sooner or later, it will be Ivy on one side and Adrian on the other. And nothing but ashes in between…

Buy Links
Amazon | BN

About Jeaniene Frost:
Jeaniene Frost is the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of the Night Huntress series, the Night Prince series, and the upcoming Broken Destiny series. To date, foreign rights for her novels have sold to twenty different countries. Jeaniene lives in North Carolina with her husband Matthew, who long ago accepted that she rarely cooks and always sleeps in on the weekends. Aside from writing, Jeaniene enjoys reading, poetry, watching movies with her husband, exploring old cemeteries, spelunking and traveling – by car. Airplanes, children, and cook books frighten her.
For information on Jeaniene’s books, reading the first 20% of each book free, book trailers, deleted scenes, creature mythology, and more, please visit: http://www.jeanienefrost.com

Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website

Excerpt:
“What is that?”
Adrian’s voice startled me. For a second, I was disoriented, the dream clinging to me as it always did. Yes, I was in a car, but I wasn’t the unknown woman driving away from her baby. That wasn’t real. The glare Adrian leveled at my chest was, though.
“Is that a mirror?” He sounded horrified.
I looked down. My locket was open, the mirrored side facing me. At some point while I was sleeping, I must’ve opened it. Adrian’s hand shot out, but this time, I was too fast for him.
“Don’t you dare,” I snapped, holding it out of his reach. “It’s the only picture I have of my sister after you left everything I own back at that hotel in Bennington!”
He lunged again, actually letting go of the steering wheel to reach the side of the car where I held it. With a sharp yank, he wrested the locket from my hands. I tried to snatch it back, but he shoved me into my seat with one hand, finally grabbing the steering wheel with the other.
“Are you crazy?” I shrieked. “You could’ve gotten us killed!” If this hadn’t been a lonely stretch of desert road, our careening into the next lane might’ve had permanent consequences.
“You’re going to get yourself killed,” was his chilling response. Then, still pinning me to my chair with that single hand, he held my locket up.
I gasped. Something dark poked out of the small mirror, like a snake made of blackest smoke. It disappeared when Adrian smashed the mirror against the steering wheel, but an eerie wind whistled through the car, ruffling my hair and stinging my nostrils with its acrid scent.
Adrian muttered a word in that unknown language, and I didn’t need a translator to tell me it was a curse.
“What was that?” My voice was hoarse.
He threw me a pitying glance, which frightened me even more. If he wasn’t angry, we must really be screwed.
His next words proved that. “Brace yourself, Ivy. You’re about to meet a demon.”

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Release Day Blitz + Giveaway + Review: Her Destiny by Monica Murphy

Posted on 08/25/2014 by shellbellereads

Her Destiny

Sequel to His Reverie

By Monica Murphy

Synopsis

I knew from the moment I first saw him he was the one. The only boy I could ever want.
The only boy I could ever love.
They say he’s bad for me.
But I know he’s not.
Until the day he rejects me.
And breaks my heart.
Completely.
Everything changes in the blink of an eye. My entire life as I’ve known it is…gone. Secrets are revealed. Promises once made are irrevocably broken. There’s no way my family can get back to what we once were.
So when Nicholas Fairfield walks back into my life like he never left it, I’m furious. Thrilled. Irritated. Excited.
Conflicted.
Despite my confusion, I want to be with him. I love him. But danger lurks where we least expect it. Someone will do whatever it takes to tear us apart. All I know is: I won’t let them.
Because Nick Fairfield? He’s mine.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Excerpt

“You sure Evan doesn’t mind me being here?”
“He probably hates that you’re staying the night, but he’ll get over it.” I take a step toward him and pat him on the shoulder, marveling at the solid feel of muscle beneath my palm, beneath the thick fabric of his sweatshirt. Has he gotten taller since the last time I saw him? Broader? He’s so big, standing next to him makes me feel small. “Do you need anything else?” I remove my hand from his shoulder, wishing I could touch him more.
“Nah. I’m gonna change, brush my teeth and go to sleep.” He smiles, looking cute, like a little boy and my heart flutters. When he reaches for the hem of his sweatshirt I step away, watch in silent fascination as he pulls the fabric over his head, taking the T-shirt he’s wearing beneath it upward so I catch a glimpse of his flat, perfect stomach, the little trail of dark hair that starts just under his navel.
I’m breathless, my skin is tingling and when he tosses the sweatshirt onto the couch, I start to walk backwards. “Okay well, good night.” I need to get away from him before I do something really stupid.
Like jump him.
“Night, Reverie,” he calls after me as I hurry to my bedroom. Glancing over my shoulder, I find him watching me with that penetrating, thoughtful gaze and I turn away, practically tripping over my feet in the hall. I rush into my room, shutting the door quietly before I slump against it, closing my eyes and pressing my forehead against the rough wood.
My feelings for him haven’t stopped. I still want him. I’m still in love with him. So why am I denying myself from being with him? Because I’ve changed and I’m worried he won’t accept me for who I really am? And because my life is so crazy the last thing I need is another complication to muck it all up?
Valid reasons, but why would I deprive myself from being with him? He’s the only one who understood me. Who listened to me. Who cared about me.
I think he still does.
Cracking open my eyes, I push away from the doorway and shut off the light before I crawl into bed. I lay there in the dark, listening to him move about inside the bathroom, which is right next to my bedroom. He finishes brushing his teeth before he exits the room and I swear I can feel him standing on the other side of my closed door, waiting. Listening for any sign of life coming from within.
I can’t move. I’m frozen, holding my breath, waiting for him to knock on the door, to turn the knob, anything to show that he wants to see me. I want him to both respect my brother’s wishes and defy them. I want him overcome with need yet cautious. I want…everything.
All of him.
Disappointment crashes through me when I realize he is definitely obeying Evan’s wishes. He doesn’t sneak into my room, doesn’t attempt to talk to me, nothing. I should be happy. Pleased that he doesn’t want to upset anyone.
Instead, I’m sad.
Rolling over on my side, I punch the pillow beneath my head and settle in for the night, willing myself to fall asleep. I get to spend pretty much the entire weekend with him. Maybe we can work it out then since we’ll have plenty of time. But for now I’ll have to settle for Nick visiting me…
Only in my dreams.

Michel’s Review

Her Destiny by Monica Murphy is the sequel to His Reverie, that released a few weeks ago. I was happy I didn’t have to wait a long time to get the grand finale of this story.

Her Destiny begins a few months after the summer has ended. Nick and Reverie’s relationship ended when Nick was taken in by the police for the murder of his ex girlfriend. At the same time, Reverie’s family is falling apart. Her father is being exposed for embezzlement from his church/followers. He is under investigation and family secrets are exposed.

Reverie is now back in school. Her life has spiraled out of control. She has become a wild child to deflect from the actions of her father and mother. She is living with her older brother Evan. She has lost her old friends because of the scandal and is having trouble finding where she fits. Her grades are plummeting. Her financial security is gone. Her mother and father have more or less abandoned her. And the worst of all it is that she lost Nick.

Nick turned Reverie away after while he was being held for questioning by the police. He did want this scandal to touch Reverie’s perfect reputation. When he is finally released from the police Reverie is long gone.

After several months of separation Nick finally finds Reverie. Can these two overcome the scandal, the accusations of murder, and the desperation their lives have become? Will the real truth come out? Will the truth be enough? Will they be able to let go and find their love again?

All will be revealed in Her Destiny.

Monica Murphy did an excellent job with the sequel to His Reverie. She solved the mystery, strengthened her characters, and gave them their second chance at love. She handled the maturity level, content, and realism of the Mature Young Adult genre with extreme care and very believable characters. I think most teenage readers are going to love this romance.

About Monica Murphy:

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

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

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Review: Stay With Me by Sharla Lovelace

Posted on 08/24/2014 by shellbellereads

Stay With Me
By Sharla Lovelace
Synopsis

From national bestselling author Sharla Lovelace, comes another romantic and heartwarming novel set in the heart of Texas.

Ian was the wild boy every girl dreams of, a renegade who thrived on breaking the law and setting Savi’s body on fire. It was all fun and games and hot excitement, no strings attached, until the one day he got serious—and then disappeared without a trace.

Savi has spent the ten years since committing herself to her work, her daughter, and to not thinking about Ian—or love. Just when it’s possible she might have found the one man who can change her mind, Ian pulls into town, bringing with him all of the lust, danger, and excitement Savi remembers.

As Ian stirs up old feelings and draws Savi back into memories and passion she’s too weak to fight, he’s also digging up dirt on the man Savi is falling for, doing everything he can to prove that Duncan is not who he seems to be. And Savi, unsure whether she can trust either man, will be forced to decide between rekindling a love that never really burned out and building a new one that looks ready to catch fire.

Contemporary Romance

Amazon B&N

iBooks | All Romance eBooks

Kobo | Smashwords | Google Play

Goodreads

Tracey’s Review

Growing up, Savanna Barnes was a wild child, living life to the fullest and taking no prisoners, and Ian McMasters was her willing partner in crime. They were everything to each other, best friends, partners, lovers. But Ian betrayed Savi in the worst possible way, leaving her broken and untrusting, determined to live a life that did not include love and commitment. But Savi is not dead, and can still appreciate Duncan Spoon, hot veterinarian, killer chef, and the sexiest guy around. She’s dying to spend some sexy time with him, and it looks like she’s about to get her chance. Then, suddenly, Ian is back in town, and Savi isn’t sure anymore what her heart wants.

I absolutely adored this book. There are equal parts nostalgia, romance, and intrigue, with plenty of hot and sexy times. Duncan, oh, my goodness, Duncan. He is pretty much everything that any hot-blooded woman could hope for. Ian, on the other hand, is trouble with a capital ‘T.’ He’s Savi’s kryptonite, and, even though they are explosive together, they are absolutely not good for each other. Waiting to see who Savi would ultimately choose had me flying through this book.

There is a well-crafted secondary storyline intertwined with the love triangle which completely held my interest. The supporting characters are realistically and lovingly written, and add so much to the story. That Savi is able to navigate her life with humor and sass, and not completely lose her mind makes reading ‘Stay With Me’ a real pleasure. I absolutely recommend this book, and am looking forward to reading a lot more from Sharla Lovelace.

Author Bio:

Sharla Lovelace is the bestselling, award-winning author of sexy small-town love stories. Being a Texas girl through and through, she’s proud to say she lives in Southeast Texas with her retired husband, a tricked-out golf cart, and a mutt puppy with ADHD. She is the author of The Reason Is You, Beforeand Ever Since, Just One Day, Don’t Let Go, and Stay with Me.

For more about Sharla’s books, visit www.sharlalovelace.com, and keep up with all her new book releases easily by subscribing to her newsletter at http://sharlalovelace.com/my-newsletter.

Website | Facebook

Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway

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Release Day Blitz + Giveaway: Stay With Me by Sharla Lovelace

Posted on 08/22/2014 by shellbellereads

Stay With Me

Sharla Lovelace

Release Date: August 22, 2014

Contemporary Romance

Amazon | B&N

iBooks | All Romance eBooks

Kobo | Smashwords | Google Play

Goodreads

Synopsis

From national bestselling author Sharla Lovelace, comes another romantic and heartwarming novel set in the heart of Texas.

Excerpt

“I’m not perfect and I will never claim to be,” I said. “I’m screwed up. I have baggage that has baggage, I have issues with girly things, and have done some not-so-smart things in my past. I have jacked up hair and I talk when I’m nervous. You once called me a mess, and it’s true. I’m—”

“A beautiful mess,” he said, stepping closer again. My breathing quickened and I had to think about exhaling. That look. That damn look. “I said you were a beautiful mess.”

The burn that had started low was up in my throat then, threatening to choke me. “Yeah, well,” I managed, the words clipped and quivery. “You were high on steak then.”

A sound escaped his throat that almost sounded like a chuckle, and his hands came up again. They stopped just short of touching me, as if he had to think about it one more time, and then they were on either side of my face, pulling me to him. I sucked in a breath and let my hands move slowly around his waist.

“And what’s my excuse now?” he breathed, restrained emotion making his voice gravelly.

“Lack of sleep?” I whispered, my heart doing bottle rocket launches against my ribs. “It does tend to make you—”

“Shut up,” he said, covering my mouth with his.

About the Author

For more about Sharla’s books, visit www.sharlalovelace.com, and keep up with all her new book releases easily by subscribing to her newsletter at http://sharlalovelace.com/my-newsletter.

Website | Facebook

Twitter | Goodreads

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Review + Giveaway: Only One by Tammy Falkner- The Reed Brothers Series- Book 5.5

Posted on 08/21/2014 by shellbellereads

Only One

The Reed Brothers Series- Book 5.5

By Tammy Falkner

Synopsis

He knows the value of life.

She’s still learning.

What would you do if you had one last moment to say goodbye? Would you take it?

(While this book is about Nick and Carrie, two brand new characters, the Reeds – the whole lot of them – do show up in this book. And there might even be a teeny-tiny little Reed Brothers reveal hidden in the pages. Shh! Don’t tell anyone!)

Buy Links

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ iTunes

Michel’s Review

Only One by Tammy Falkner is a novella in The Reed Brothers Series. It can be read as a stand alone novella or in the series order.

Only One is a powerful novella. It is an emotional story of life and death. It celebrates the very meaning of life, love, and family. It shows the power of forgiveness and the power of love. It also shows the beauty of hope.

Only One features the story of Nick and Carrie, two young people stepping into their new “adult” life. The summer after graduation should be one of celebration, independence, fun, and parties. For Carrie it is a summer of dread. She is forced to spend the summer at their family beach house in North Carolina with her estranged mother. Her feelings of resentment and loathing get in the way of experiencing what could be the best summer of her life. She has to learn how to forgive and cherish each moment in life.

Nick lost his parents a year before graduation. He is on his own and struggling to survive. He hangs on to the values and life lessons his parents taught him. He cherishes the examples they set for love and relationships. He would give anything to have one more moment to tell them how much they meant to him.

When Nick and Carrie re establish their friendship they will gain new outlooks on life. They will learn the true meaning of love. They will learn what is important in life. They will make new friends (The Reed Family). They will suffer hurt and loss. They will gain love and hope.

Even if you have not read the Reed Brothers series read Only One. It is a beautiful story that will bring you to tears and leave you with a strong sense of hope.

Tammy Falkner did a beautiful job telling Nick and Carrie’s story. It is obvious that this was a story that she had to write. It will touch your soul.

The Reed Brothers Series

1. Tall, Tatted, and Tempting

2. Smart, Sexy and Secretive

3. Calmly, Carefully, Completely

3.25 Finally Finding Faith

3.5 Just Jelly Beans and Jealousy

3. 75 Reagan’s Revenge

4. Maybe Matt’s Miracle

5. Proving Paul’s Promise

Giveaway

3 IBook Copies of Only One

Click the link below to enter to win

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About Tammy Falkner:

Tammy Falkner lives on a farm in a lovely, sprawling little town in rural NC with her beekeeper husband and a house full of boys, a few dogs, and a cat or two (or five – who has time to count?). As half of the Lydia Dare team, she has co-written ten books, including the Westfield Wolves series and the Gentlemen Vampyre series. A huge fan of Regency England, she wrote three books for Sourcebooks as Tammy Falkner, featuring Regency Faeries, and just began her first New Adult adult series.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Blog Tour Spotlight+Giveaway: How To Kill Your Boss by Krissy Daniels

Posted on 08/21/2014 by shellbellereads

How To Kill Your Boss

An Erotic Love Story

By Krissy Daniels

Synopsis

When Tatum’s daydreams of murder become a reality, all fingers point to her.

In Tatum Wood’s opinion, murdering her boss on a daily basis within the safety of her thoughts is better than therapy. Until he takes a swan dive off a building and all evidence points to her. Thank goodness she has Franklin Reed. Her mysterious, overprotective and drop-dead gorgeous coworker is all too eager to play hero. With two attacks in her building and her stalker with a penchant for roses, Franklin’s injection into her life couldn’t have come at a better time.

As Tatum and Franklin scramble to discover who’s behind the murder, secrets are unearthed that question his motives…as well as his identity.

Excerpt

Franklin tossed his cell at my feet, rolled down his window, and took a deep breath.

Classified? “Who are you?” I swiveled to face him.

His grim expression softened. Barely. “You know who I am.”

“Who are you?” I asked again, more a demand than a question.

“The man who keeps saving your ass.” He looked my way, and I got my first glance at his face. The skin surrounding his eye boasted several shades of purple and blue. His nose definitely didn’t look right, and three large scratches stretched from his left eye to below his cheekbone. Not bad for my first shot at kicking someone’s ass. Instinct urged me to reach over and offer comfort. I tucked my hand under my leg to keep it from such betrayal.

“Why were men shooting at you?” I asked, unable to cloak the seething anger in my tone.

“They weren’t.”

“Now you’re not making sense.” I pulled on the door handle. “I’ll jump out if you don’t start talking. Why were men shooting at you?”

“They weren’t aiming for me, Killer. You were the target.”

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Author Bio:

Krissy is a full time writer, an avid reader, and lover of all things romance.

Growing up surrounded by the great outdoors, her childhood was full of adventure that fueled an overactive imagination and ignited a passion for storytelling. Whether it be dolls, or running free through the wooded areas surrounding her home, playtime always included a tormented villain, a damsel in distress and a larger than life hero.

After relentless encouragement from friends and family, she finally put the characters in her head to pen and paper. The only thing she loves more than curling up with a steamy romance novel, is cozying up to her desk and writing her own sexy adventures to share with others.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

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Release Day Blitz + Review : Worth Forgiving by Vi Keeland- MMA Fighters Series- Book 3

Posted on 08/21/2014 by shellbellereads

Worth Forgiving

MMA Series~ Book 3

By Vi Keeland

Blurb

They say men like a lady in the living room and a whore in the bedroom. I never knew the sentiment was reciprocal. Until I met Jax Knight. A gentleman in public, a commanding, dirty talking rogue in the bedroom.

Daughter of legendary fighter “The Saint,” Lily St. Claire knows firsthand how fighters can be. As the owner of a chain of MMA gyms, she’s no stranger to aggressive, dominating, and possessive men. That’s why she always kept her distance. But the day Jax Knight walks through her door she’s captivated by his charm. Stunningly handsome, well mannered, Ivy League educated, and confident, he shatters all the preconceived notions she’d come to think were true about men who trained to fight.

But falling for someone so soon after her breakup wasn’t something she’d planned on. And definitely not something her ex plans to allow.

Genre: A New Adult / Adult Contemporary Romance Novel

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Worth Forgiving by Vi Keeland is the third book in the MMA Fighter series. This book is quite different from the first two books in the series. The leading man, Jax Knight, is not a professional fighter. The heroine is no stranger to the professional world of fighting, she owns a chain of gyms that train fighters.

We met Jax Knight in the second book of this series, Worth the Chance. Jax is a professional independent broker from a prominent family. His father is a powerful Senator that has used his influence for his own personal agenda. When his father’s secrets are exposed it changes Jax. He no longer admires his father and no longer wants to please the man to keep him in good graces with his constituents. He is free to live his life as he sees fit, pursue his own career goals, and recognize the dreams he let go of because of his family life. He has also gained a brother he did know he had. One of his first pursuits is to invest in a chain of gyms that cater to his beloved sport. This is how he meets Lily St. Claire, daughter of the fighting legend “The Saint”.

Lily has been reeling from the loss of her father. She inherited his half of the chain of gyms. Now his partner wants to sell out and retire. They are looking for investors to buy out his half. Jackson Knight is the man brokering the deal. When she meets Jax she is drawn to his confident and sexy demeanor. But she cannot fall for this man. She is still dealing with a bad break up that has turned into a frightening dilemma. Her ex is still trying to control her and has stalker tendencies.

As Jax and Lily’s relationship begins to develop many things will come into play. Jax has a secret that could make Lily turn her back on him. Jax’s father is trying to manipulate Jax’s life to bring him back into the fold. Lily’s ex is becoming out of control. Their world and new found love is about to explode.

What does a man do when he loses the woman he loves. He FIGHTS !

What does a woman do when the man she loves her. She FORGIVES !

Together Jax and Lily will learn when to love and when to fight.

I really enjoyed this book and the new direction. It was highly emotional, intense, and loaded with sizzling hot romance. I would highly recommend Worth Forgiving.

About The Author: Vi Keeland

Vi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn’t change for the world. She is a bookworm and has been known to read her kindle at stop lights, while styling her hair, cleaning, walking, during sporting events, and frequently while pretending to work. She is a boring attorney by day, and an exciting New York Times & USA Today Best Selling smut author by night!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway (Signed kindle cover by some amazing authros)

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Cover Reveal+ Giveaway: The Understatement of the Year by Sarina Bowen-The Ivy Years Series-Book 3

Posted on 08/19/2014 by shellbellereads

The Understatement of the Year

The Ivy Years Series- Book 3

Release Date: October 15, 2014

By Sarina Bowen

Synopsis:

What happened in high school stayed in high school. Until now.

Five years ago, Michael Graham betrayed the only person who ever really knew him. Since then, he’s made an art of hiding his sexual preference from everyone. Including himself.

So it’s a shock when his past strolls right into the Harkness College locker room, sporting a bag of hockey gear and the same slow smile that had always rendered Graham defenseless. For Graham, there is only one possible reaction: total, debilitating panic. With one loose word, the team’s new left wing could destroy Graham’s life as he knows it.

John Rikker is stuck being the new guy. Again. And it’s worse than usual, because the media has latched onto the story of the only “out” player in Division One hockey. As the satellite trucks line the sidewalk outside the rink, his new teammates are not amused.

And one player in particular looks sick every time he enters the room.

Rikker didn’t exactly expect a warm welcome from Graham. But the guy won’t even meet his eyes. From the looks of it, his former… best friend / boyfriend / whatever isn’t doing so well. He drinks too much and can’t focus during practice.

Either the two loneliest guys on the team will self destruct from all the new pressures in their lives, or they can navigate the pain to find a way back to one another. To say that it won’t be easy is the Understatement of the Year.

Warning: unlike the other books in this series, this heartbreaking love story is about two guys. Contains sexual situations, dance music, snarky t-shirts and a poker-playing grandmother.

Pre Order: Amazon/ Kobo

Q & A with Sarina Bowen

Q: Is Harkness College from the Ivy Years series based on Yale?

A: Heck yes! But it’s based on a Yale which has gone soft and fuzzy in my mind, in all the best ways. So I’ve fictionalized it to avoid the errors and inaccuracies that I’d be likely to make if I tried to get everything just right.

Q: Why did you decide to write a book about two guys?

A: In the first place, I didn’t really decide, so much as the idea for Graham’s struggle surgically implanted itself in my brain and would not let go. And when I pictured the two of them meeting up again in a locker room after five years of silence, I just got the chills. This became the book that I cheated on all my other books to write. (If my editors of other projects are reading this… sorry! I’ll get back to work now. Probably.)

Why college hockey?

A. Because… duh! Hockey players are hot. And hockey is a fast-paced game where whining is categorically disallowed. Interestingly, fighting is not legal in college hockey, either. It’s all about the game. I love that!

Q: How many Ivy Years books do you have planned?

A: Five, if you’re counting the novella. After Rikker and Graham’s book, Bella is going to need her own book. What, you haven’t met Bella yet? You will on October 1^st, when Understatement of the Year is published. She is a kick-ass chick in much the same way as Corey, Scarlet and Katie. You’ll love her. You can read a bit more about all the titles on The Ivy Years page on my website.

Q: How are the Gravity books different from The Ivy Years?

A: The Gravity books are a heck of a lot steamier than my New Adult titles. And book #1 is angstier, in my opinion. They’re set in Vermont, featuring top-level snowsports athletes. That part is so much fun for me, because we really do have a lot of awesome athletes that live up here. Today my husband spotted Olympic medalist Hannah Kearney in the grocery store. That’s the kind of celeb sightings we have on the Vermont / New Hampshire border.

Q: How did you come to write romance?

A: I’ve always loved novels—all kinds of novels. And my goal is to make the reader do three things when she’s reading my book: cry, laugh, and sigh. Romance is the best vehicle for that goal, and I’ve really enjoyed the ride.

Author Bio:

Sarina Bowen writes steamy, angsty Contemporary Romance and New Adult fiction from the wilds of Vermont.

The Year We Fell Down, Book #1 in The Ivy Years series, began breaking hearts in March 2014. Book #2, The Year We Hid Away, is brand new.

For Harlequin-E, Sarina writes the Gravity series. Coming in From the Cold features an angsty downhill ski racer and one of the most unique plot conflicts in contemporary romance today.

Sarina enjoys skiing, coffee products and a nice glass of wine. She lives with her family, eight chickens and more ski gear and hockey equipment than seems necessary.

She would be honored to connect with you at http://www.sarinabowen.com.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter~ Goodreads

Giveaway

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Release Day Blitz + Giveaway: No In Between by Lisa Renee Jones-Inside Out Series-Book 4

Posted on 08/19/2014 by shellbellereads

No In Between

Inside Out Series- Book 4

By Lisa Renee Jones

Synopsis

The fourth in the Inside Out erotic romance series by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones, this steamy novel resolves Chris and Sarah’s relationship and leads into Mark’s story.

“Chris and I have faced our demons and bared our souls to one another in Paris. Now that we are back home in San Francisco, I want to believe that nothing can tear us apart. Not Ava’s accusations against me to the police, or Chris’s fear that he will destroy me as he feels he did Amber. And not Mark, who was once too intimately a part of our lives, and who I can see crumbling inside out. He believes he is invincible, just as I want to believe Chris and I are invincible. We have to be invincible. We need each other too much for any other ending.

Excerpt

My fingers wrap his wrist. “I know you want to protect me, and I love you for that more than you know.”

“Yet too easily, you found a reason to shut me out tonight. Trust isn’t a fair-weather friend. It’s about a willingness to be vulnerable and exposed.”

“And I am willing to do that. That’s why I’m here now.”

He searches my face, and I don’t know what he looks for, what he needs, or what he finds. He releases me abruptly. “Hold out your hands and lace your fingers together.”

Heat rushes through me with the certainty that I’m about to fully understand the painting he’s created of me. This is him sending me a message. He’s not holding back. My confession, as incomplete as it is, has changed nothing. I offer him my arms, aware as I haven’t been in the past few minutes of my naked body, my breasts pressed together.

Chris reaches into his back pocket and produces a roll of art tape, using it to wrap my wrists. Task complete, he bends my elbows and presses my wrists to my chest, his fingers covering the bindings. He has become dark Chris, the dominant Master who never shows emotion; the Chris who arouses me in ways I would never believe a man could.

“Sit down,” he orders, and the way he manages such force with what is no more than a whisper stirs heat low in my body.

My throat is dry and my heart beats so loudly I am certain Chris can hear. I squat and he follows me down, steadying me so I don’t fall without the use of my hands. “All the way,” he murmurs, gently nudging me until my bare backside is on the floor.

He angles my knees up toward my chest, with my feet out enough to stabilize my body. His long lashes lower, half-moons on his cheeks, and I sense him struggling with what has passed between us. He knows I need to see he won’t hold back, but this isn’t just for me. I think he really needs this, too, for me to show him, not tell him, how much I trust him.

Chris tapes my ankles and then throws the roll over his shoulder. My nerve endings are so alive, so on edge that the roll hits the ground like a thundering drum that seems to radiate through the room, through my body. His hands come down on my knees and the touch sweeps over me, awakening nerve endings in the most intimate and unforgiving of places. I feel this man everywhere, I want him everywhere. But as if he knows what I feel, and he means to deny me, he withdraws. I shiver with a sudden cold certain to linger. He will torment me, make me wait for him. Make me beg.

He stands up, towering over me, and I stare up at him, trying to read him, the anticipation of what comes next tingling through me. And it’s supposed to. I see that in his eyes, and I am reminded of his words when I’d first seen the painting. It’s about trust. The kind of trust I want from you and have no right to ask for. He’s going to push me. He’s going to take me somewhere uncomfortable. Somewhere I might not want to go, but I will. With Chris, I will.

Author Bio:

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

Watch the video on casting for the INSIDE TV Show HERE

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

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

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

GIVEAWAY

$20 Fandango Gift Card

$15 Starbucks Gift Card

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Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

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Cover Reveal+ Giveaway: The Understatement of the Year by Sarina Bowen-The Ivy Years Series-Book 3

Release Day Blitz + Giveaway: No In Between by Lisa Renee Jones-Inside Out Series-Book 4

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