New Release + Excerpt + 5 Star Review: Real Good Man by Meghan March

Posted on 01/05/2017 by shellbellereads

From USA Today bestselling author Meghan March comes a sexy new duet. We’ve all had the bad boys, now it’s time for a Real Good Man.

Fall for a woman over text messages? No way in hell.

Reality can never be as good at the fantasy, right?

Wrong. It’s better.

Banner Regent is smart, funny, and she’s so far out of my league, she might as well be royalty.

I’m a mechanic from Kentucky. She’s a New York City party girl.

We were never supposed to meet, but one text started something neither of us saw coming.

How do you seduce the woman who already has everything?

Show her what it’s like to be with a real good man.

Real Good Man is book one of the Real Duet. Logan and Banner’s story will conclude in Real Good Love, releasing January 17, 2017.

iBooks | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA | BN | Kobo | Audible

Finally, fifteen minutes after we said we’d meet, Logan Brantley walks into the tapas bar. Every curse word known to woman—and several I make up on the fly—flash through my brain.

This isn’t fair. Logan Brantley is even sexier when he’s not dressed in camo and carrying a big gun. More than one head swings in his direction. Women flip their hair and uncross and re-cross their legs as he steps up to the hostess stand.

A shaft of possessiveness lights up inside me, right along with nervous energy and my pounding heart. Back off, bitches. He’s not here for you.

I hear the low rumble of his deep drawl when he speaks to the hostess. She gestures in my direction, and he turns. Piercing blue eyes find me at the table where a lone water glass sits in front of me.

Liquid courage should definitely have been on the menu. Why didn’t I order a drink?

Because I’m an idiot. Because I thought I could handle this.

Now my heart is hammering so loud, my voice will probably be inaudible, or even worse—quaver when I speak.

Logan walks toward me with long, sure strides. He’s taller than I realized. And broader. And bigger. Everywhere. He’s wearing a black Henley that stretches across his chest, leaving no doubt of the fact that the man is built. And his jeans. Jesus. They’re worn and snug in all the right places.

The picture I found was clearly not recent, and it’s not just the fact that his brown hair is longer and shaggier. He’s one of those men who age well.

Logan stops in front of me when he reaches the tall bar table. He says nothing as his gaze drops to the toes of my boots and drags up every inch of my body.

“You’re a hard woman to find.”

Tracey’s Review

Banner Regent is a city girl through and through. Smart, sassy, and self-assured, she’s the queen of the one-night stand. So when a chance text connects her with Logan Brantley, she’s pretty sure that she and this man from BFE, Kentucky, have nothing in common. Except that…they totally do. What begins as an online friendship quickly turns into so much more, and Banner is about to find out that there is something very special about this real good man.

Oh, my gosh. Just, oh. my. goodness. I loved absolutely everything about this book. I fell for both Banner and Logan from the first pages, and what followed was a full-blown lovefest. Banner is the snarky New York friend that you’d want to have as a bestie, and Logan, well, I’m not sure that I can find words that do justice to this man.

Meghan March is the queen of the alpha bad boy, but she’s knocked it out of the park with Logan. Sure, he’s got baggage, like the rest of us, but he’s what so many book boyfriends aren’t. He’s self-assured, successful, hardworking, and knows exactly what he wants. He’s very well-aware of what he brings to the table, and is not afraid to pull out all the stops to show Banner, a woman that he wouldn’t normally think would be a good fit for him, that seeing what could happen between the two of them is worth their time.

“So, where do we go from here?”
“We’re going to get to know each other. I’m going to take you out on dates and show you what we’ve both been missing. You’re gonna fall in love with me, Banner. That’s where we’re going from here.”

And, color me smitten, done, completely won over. Because, Logan is not your typical bossy alpha guy, but he does know what he’s doing, and what he’s doing is winning Banner over.

Beyond the awesomeness of this couple, Meghan does a believable job of writing life in a small Kentucky town, and the problems that the people that live there face. There is an undercurrent of desperation and danger that runs through REAL GOOD MAN that is sure to come to a head in REAL GOOD LOVE, the second book in this book duet, and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds, and what it means for Logan and Banner. And, y’all, Meghan does the total mic drop at the end of this book, and, oh, is it going to be all kinds of awesome to see where the story picks up come the second book (I’m totally rubbing my hands together in anticipation right now..).

Yes, it’s early days, and yes, I’ll read a ton more books in 2017, but REAL GOOD MAN is a fantastic start to my reading year. This is a 5+-star read for me, and the only thing that would have made it better was having REAL GOOD LOVE ready to go immediately, because, dang, I cannot wait to get my hands on the rest of this story. Don’t wait, guys, snap this one up right now, because you need to read it. Like, now. You’ll thank me later, I guarantee.

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

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

New Release + 5 Star Review: One Careful Owner by Jane Harvey-Berrick

Posted on 01/04/2017 by shellbellereads

One Careful Owner

By Jane Harvey-Berrick

Release Date: January 2, 2017

Buy : Amazon / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Amazon AU / B & N / IBooks / Kobo

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Synopsis

“Take me, all of me, broken and in pieces, or say to hell with me.”

WARNING!
This book will break your heart!
From the best-selling romance author of THE EDUCATION OF SEBASTIAN comes a sexy, heart-breaking and heart-warming story about one man and his dog. (Standalone)

* * * * *

Alex is lost and alone, with only his dog, Stan for company. He doesn’t expect kindness from anyone anymore, but sometimes hope can be found in the most unlikely places. He has a second chance at happiness, but there’s a dark side to Alex, and a reason that more than one person has called him crazy.

Single mother Dawn is doing just fine. Except that her ex- is a pain in the a**, her sister isn’t speaking to her, and her love life is on the endangered list.

At least her job as a veterinarian is going well. Until a crazy-looking guy arrives at her office accompanied by an aging dog with toothache. Or maybe Alex Winters isn’t so crazy after all, just … different.

Dawn realizes that she’s treated him the same way that all the gossips in town have treated her—people can be very cruel.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33001549-one-careful-owner

Contains scenes of an adult nature.

This is a standalone novel with no cliff-hanger.

Excerpt

He still reminded me of a Mountain Man, and he appeared to be wearing the clothes that I’d thought were rags. His long, shaggy brown hair and thick beard hid most of his face. A shudder of apprehension ran through me.
He seemed just as ill at ease as he had been by the lake, his eyes darting around restlessly, but then he walked around to the passenger door and I lost sight of him.
When he reappeared, he was carrying a large dog, one that easily weighed 80 or 90 pounds. He must have been strong because he carried the weight easily. I recalled the thick slabs of muscle that sculpted his chest and arms when I’d seen him earlier. Yes, there was no doubt that he was strong, but as he held his pet, his hands were gentle.
I watched his chin bob, and I realized that he was talking to his dog.
Carefully, he set the animal on the ground and fixed a leash around its neck.
The dog immediately sat down and refused to budge. His coat was thick and looked glossy and healthy, his muzzle starting to gray. I guessed he was part retriever, part mastiff—large and solid. And heavy.
Ashley giggled as the man tugged on the leash, but the dog still wouldn’t move. The man stood still, looking at his pet, his hands on his hips, then he shook his head in defeat. Bending down, he scooped up the dog again and shouldered his way through the door into the office.
Now he was closer, I could study him in more detail.
His hair was a tangle of light brown with sun-blond lights, still uncombed, an off-putting mess of wild, crazy curls. His clothes were even worse now I could see him wearing them, unkempt and torn as if he’d given up, but they were clean. And when he stopped in front of Ashley, I caught the faint scent of soap and laundry detergent—no cologne. This man was a paradox.
Ashley smiled tightly from her position behind the reception desk.
“Mr. Winters and Stan, is that right?”
He nodded but didn’t speak, still holding his dog in his arms. His face was grim, as if he’d never smiled, never thought of smiling.
So this was the man who’d bought Old Joe’s place? I immediately felt guilty that I’d assumed he was trespassing and camping illegally. I didn’t know that somebody had already moved into the property. Technically, I’d been the interloper this morning. I felt like such a judgmental bitch. But he’d really scared me, and I hadn’t been thinking clearly.
“I’m so sorry,” Ashley said with fake sweetness, “but Dr. Petz, our male veterinarian, had to go out on an emergency visit. Dr. Andrews over there is available.”
He turned to stare at me and his body stiffened. I saw a flicker of recognition in his eyes before he dropped his gaze to the floor again. I thought for sure that he’d turn and walk out, but then he glanced at his dog and I saw the expression soften in his curious golden-brown eyes as he peered up at me and nodded slowly.
“Great!” said Ashley, her gaze glancing across to me. “I’ve got basic information from your email, but if you could just fill out this form and…”
“Maybe you’d like to bring Stan into the examination room, Mr. Winters,” I interrupted quickly. “He looks rather heavy.”
The man blinked twice, but carried the dog inside without commenting or even looking at Ashley.
“Rude!” Ashley said, not quietly enough, and although I agreed, I shot her a look and took the form from her.
She leaned toward me, her eyes wide as her voice dropped to an urgent whisper.
“I’ll keep my ears open, Dawn. He looks kind of weird. You know, serial killer weird.”
I pressed my lips together and followed my new client.

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Michel’s Review

Jane Harvey-Berrick is starting out 2017 with a bang with her new release of One Careful Owner. One Careful Owner has everything readers are looking for in a great book. One Careful Owner is an emotional story that every reader can relate to on some level. A single mother doing everything in her power to give her child a good life, a broody and seriously flawed hero, a lovable pouch with unconditional love and wisdom, an adorable little girl that loves with her whole heart, an evil sibling ( that may not be quite so evil) and very real social and criminal issues that are prominent in today’s world. Jane Harvey- Berrick adds her special blend of magic through her thought provoking words and gift of story telling. From the moment I picked up this book I could not put it down until I finished the last word.

One Careful Owner starts with a very dramatic scene that instantly draws the reader into the story and forces the reader to instantly become sympathetic to the hero. The next scene introduces the heroine as she encounters the brooding hero for the first time. From that point the reader is hooked but what comes next, the meat of the story that includes a hundred pound pouch and an adorable eight year old girl has the reader completely under the author’s spell. It’s a story of every kind of relationship we encounter in our lives. It’s a story of learning to deal with life, the good and the bad, the rewards and the messy mistakes. It’s a story of the true meaning of families.

Jane Harvey-Berrick is one of those authors that never seizes to amaze me. Every book she has written has touched my heart in many ways. Her gift of creating an entertaining and emotional story that steps outside the boundaries of the typical romance formula without becoming too dark, offensive, or too sappy truly showcases her talent. She challenges her writing skills and imagination to create a story that reaches deep within the readers souls.

I highly recommend One Careful Owner by Jane Harvey-Berrick.

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She is also a campaigner for former military personnel to receive the support they need on leaving the services. She wrote the well-received play LATER, AFTER with former veteran Mike Speirs. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk1CyB8c0xA )

Jane is a writer of contemporary romance fiction, known for thoughtful stories, often touching on difficult subjects: disability (DANGEROUS TO KNOW & LOVE, SLAVE TO THE RHYTHM); mental illness (THE EDUCATION OF CAROLINE, SEMPER FI); life after prison (LIFERS); dyslexia (THE TRAVELING MAN, THE TRAVELING WOMAN).

She is also a campaigner for former military personnel to receive the support they need on leaving the services. She wrote the well-received play LATER, AFTER with former veteran Mike Speirs.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk1CyB8c0xA )

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

New Release + 5 Star Review: Hard Hitter by Sarina Bowen – The Brooklyn Bruisers Series – Book 2

Posted on 01/03/2017 by shellbellereads

Hard Hitter

Brooklyn Bruisers Series – Book 2

By Sarina Bowen

Release :January 3, 2017

Buy : Amazon / B & N / IBooks / Kobo

Synopsis

He’s a fighter in the rink, but he’s about to learn that playing nice can help you score…

As team captain and enforcer, Patrick O’Doul puts the bruise in the Brooklyn Bruisers. But after years of hard hits, O’Doul is feeling the burn, both physically and mentally. He conceals his pain from his coach and trainers, but when his chronic hip injury becomes too obvious to ignore, they send him for sessions with the team’s massage therapist.

After breaking up with her long-term boyfriend, Ari Bettini is in need of peace of mind. For now, she’s decided to focus on her work: rehabilitating the Bruisers’ MVP. O’Doul is easy on the eyes, but his reaction to her touch is ice cold. Ari is determined to help O’Doul heal, but as the tension between them turns red hot, they both learn that a little TLC does the body good…

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Michel’s Review

The Brooklyn Bruisers are back making another scoring goal with Hard Hitter ! Nobody writes a hockey romance better than Sarina Bowen.

Patrick O’ Doul is one of the NHL’s most fierce enforcers. For years he has put a hurt on his team’s opponents. He has built a reputation of being one of the most brutal enforcers in the league. He is also a dedicated team leader. He leads by examples. He always puts the team and the game first. He’s given years to the game giving it his all. Now he finds himself in his thirties and feeling every hit. The years have taken it’s toll. He can no longer brush off the pain. His coach is insisting he takes the help and relief he desperately needs. He has been forced into massage therapy with the team’s therapist. It’s not that he is against massages, he just can’t stand being touched by anyone. It’s going to take a miracle to get him on Ari’s table.

Ari has Patrick’s number, she understands his aversion to being touched. She’s good at her job and will find a way to treat this dynamic powerful athlete without disrupting his psyche. She’s a professional.

Ari and Patrick enter into an unlikely friendship that becomes valuable to them both. Ari is trying to move on from an abusive relationship. Patrick is searching for something more in his life than hockey. He has kept people at arms length all of his life. He needs a change. Ari is not only going to soothe his aches and pains, she is going to help him soothe his soul. She is teaching him how to be a real friend and teammate. She is healing his soul.

Both Ari and Patrick are healing each other. Patrick is showing Ari how honorable men behave. He is showing her the respect she deserves. He is also willing to give her his heart. Ari must choose to take a chance on love again or her career.

Sarina Bowen delivered another emotional story that showcases what matters most in life, love and friendship.

Everytime I open a new Sarina Bowen novel I know that I am in for a fulfilling and entertaining reading experience. She creates very real characters and gives them a story every reader can relate to. She is a must read author that never disappoints.

Hard Hitter by Sarina Bowen is a 5 Star Book. I can’t wait to see what comes next for the Brooklyn Bruisers.

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The Brooklyn Bruisers Series .

Rookie Move

Brooklyn Bruisers Series – Book 1

By Sarina Bowen

Release Date: September 6, 2016

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

In high school they were the perfect couple—until the day Georgia left Leo in the cold…

Hockey player Leo Trevi has spent the last six years trying to do two things: get over the girl who broke his heart, and succeed in the NHL. But on the first day he’s called up to the newly franchised Brooklyn Bruisers, Leo gets checked on both sides, first by the team’s coach—who has a long simmering grudge, and then by the Bruisers’ sexy, icy publicist—his former girlfriend Georgia Worthington.

Saying goodbye to Leo was one of the hardest things Georgia ever had to do—and saying hello again isn’t much easier. Georgia is determined to keep their relationship strictly professional, but when a press conference microphone catches Leo declaring his feelings for her, things get really personal, really fast…

“Romantic and hilarious, Rookie Move will hook you from page one. Nobody does hockey like Sarina Bowen.” –Elle Kennedy, New York Times bestselling author of the Off Campus series.

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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.

Sign up for Sarina’s Mailing List

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter~ Goodreads ~Amazon Author Page

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New Release + 5 Star Review: Hate Story by Nicole Williams

Posted on 12/30/2016 by shellbellereads

Hate Story

By Nicole Williams

Release Date: December 26, 2016

Buy: Amazon / B & N / IBooks / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Amazon AU

Nina can’t let herself fall in love with the man she’s going to marry. Both of them have experienced the sting and sham of love and have no intentions of falling victim to it twice. Love is expensive—hate is free.

Three years. A million dollars. A solution to both of their problems. They planned it all, from the story of their first meeting to the date of their divorce. Nothing could go wrong.

But what they didn’t consider was chemistry, and Nina and Max have no shortage of it. After too many near-kisses, Nina convinces herself that hating Max is better than loving him, and the more she gets to know this soon-to-be-husband of hers, the more she discovers just how very much she truly, madly, and deeply . . . hates him.

This isn’t a love story. This is the other kind.

Excerpt

“Okay. So how do you think this is going?” Max tipped the broom handle between us. “You and me?”
My forehead pinched together. “You and me the plan? Or you and me the surprise?”
Max’s brow answered my question.
“And this topic is what you consider not-so-deep?” I nudged him and moved to finish stocking syrups.
“All I’m looking for is a simple estimation. Since we were just talking about school, give us a grade for how you think this is going.”
“A grade? Like A, B, C, D, F?”
“Exactly like that.”
I shook my head. “Did you have a rough day at work today? Lose an Olympic-size swimming pool of money or something? Are you needing your daily ego stroking to come from somewhere else today?” When I glanced back at him, I found Max leaning into the door he’d relocked, arms crossed and waiting.
“Our relationship is unique,” he said. “Intricate. I’m asking not because I need my ego stroked, but because I care. If I need to make some changes, I’m willing to. Anything you need, whatever you want, that’s what I’ll give you. But first, I have to know how I’m doing.”
If a man could get a woman pregnant from a piercing stare and a collection of words, I’d just gotten myself good and knocked up. With twins.
“You know how it’s going,” I said, trying to focus on the syrups instead of what—or who—I wanted to focus on.
“I know how I think it’s going. I’d like to know how you think it’s going.”
My mouth went a little dry. Having these kinds of talks was hard for anyone—they were next to impossible for me. “Well, you haven’t gone and confessed your undying love or scared the hell out of me by asking me to be your baby mama, so you’re keeping your promise to take it nice and slow.” When he gave a mini bow, I rolled my eyes. “Not to mention you aren’t too shabby in the sack, you don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink, and you share the remote well.”
Max’s face went flat. “Not too shabby?”
“Oh, please. You know how good you are. Stop fishing for compliments.” A flush crept up my neck as I thought of the most recent evidence to support that theory.
A slow, crooked smile spread across his face. “I want a grade.”
“Like comprehensive? Or broken down by category?” I was stalling, and Max knew I was stalling.
“You’re making this way too difficult,” he grumbled.
“An A minus,” I said abruptly. “I’d give you an A minus.”
“Why not an A plus?”
I kept my head turned so he couldn’t see my smile. Only Max Sturm would be outraged by an A minus. “Because there’s always room for improvement. And I wouldn’t want it to go to your head, that’s why not an A plus.”
The door creaked when he shoved off of it. He made no move to tame the way he was checking me out, leaning into the counter as I organized the syrups. “Something’s definitely going to my head.”
My gaze roamed his zipper region. “I was talking about the one north of your neck.”
“And I’m talking about the one at the end of my dick. My, at present, hard dick, thanks to you.” He came up behind me, fitting himself against my backside as his hands moved around to work on my jeans.
“Max,” I protested, my eyes closing a second later when his dick nuzzled deeper into my backside.
“Nina. I’m taking your body. Here. Now.” His chest pressed into my back as he lowered my zipper. “Accept that so we can move on to the next part.”

Michel’s Review

Some say there is a fine line between love and hate. Both of these emotions can be all consuming. Hate Story by Nicole Williams is not a story of two strong emotions battling to overtake the other. It is a beautiful love story of two strong willed individuals on a journey of self discovery. Two people finding themselves as well as finding the perfect partner in life.

Nina agreed to marry Max so that he could obtain his green card for one million dollars. They have a three year contract that is perfectly synchronized to the very last detail. Max wants his green card so that he can remain in the United States the rest of his life. Nina needs the money to keep her grandmother’s home. It’s the perfect arrangement. Neither want a real marriage. Neither of them wants to fall in love. In fact, Nina doesn’t believe in love. Love has let her down her entire life.

As Nina and Max embark on their arrangement they soon find they sincerely like one another. They find their attraction slowly building into something more. Something that isn’t in the contract. Once they admit their true feelings it changes everything. Their contract is null and void.

Once they have broke the contract it has broken both of them. Now they have to face the real truths of their lives. They have to learn to deal with their real emotions. They have to choose their future.

Nicole Williams once again delivered an emotional love story that leaves the reader swooning. I highly recommend reading Hate Story by Nicole Williams.

Nicole Williams is the New York Times and USATODAY bestselling author of contemporary and young adult romance, including the Crash and Lost & Found series. Her books have been published by HarperTeen and Simon & Schuster in both domestic and foreign markets, while she continues to self-publish additional titles. She is working on a new YA series with Crown Books (a division of Random House) as well. She loves romance, from the sweet to the steamy, and writes stories about characters in search of their happily even after. She grew up surrounded by books and plans on writing until the day she dies, even if it’s just for her own personal enjoyment. She still buys paperbacks because she’s all nostalgic like that, but her kindle never goes neglected for too long. When not writing, she spends her time with her husband and daughter, and whatever time’s left over she’s forced to fit too many hobbies into too little time.

Nicole is represented by Jane Dystel, of Dystel and Goderich Literary Agency.

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New Release and 5+ Star Review: Face- Off At The Alter by Toni Aleo by Toni Aleo – The Assassins Series – Book 10

Posted on 12/28/2016 by shellbellereads

Face-Off At The Alter

The Assassins Series

By Toni Aleo

Buy: Amazon / B & N / IBooks / Kobo / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Amazon AU

Synopsis

Markus Reeves is sucking. Big-time. Toiling away on a minor-league hockey team hundreds of miles away from home, he’s watching his dreams of an NHL career fade away. Add in the lingering guilt he has over the dramatic demise of his relationship with college girlfriend, Mekena, and he’s a mess on and off the ice.

But the family of his heart, the Sinclairs, won’t let Markus suffer any longer. When he arrives himself back in Nashville for a trial run on the Assassins, it feels like his life may be making a turn for the better. If only he could get Mekena to forgive him…

Mekena Preston has been hurting since fleeing Nashville following the horror of Markus’s betrayal with her sister. Now a professional photographer, Mekena finds herself in the same place at the same time with Markus to celebrate Lucy and Benji Paxton’s wedding. Neither of them has been able to move on—and they’re starting to wonder if they really want to.

____________________________________

They’re headed for a face-off at the altar unless they can confront their past and unearth the truth about what really happened on that fateful night.

Excerpt

Watching as Elli crossed the ice, saying hi to everyone she passed, Mekena knew she had to go. Standing, she wobbled a lot, but she still made it to the entry to the ice. She could do this. It wasn’t that hard. Just like walking—on water. No big deal.
Oh, God, she was going to die, and everyone was going to see it.
Swallowing hard, she stepped out on the ice and figured she could ride the side of the boards to him. Elli was already there, gushing over the kids and kissing all over the guy Mekena assumed was her nephew. And holy hot genes. Dark hair, bright blue eyes, and a jawbone that could slice the ice. He was beautiful, just like his uncle and his momma. Tall, too, and thick. Obviously a hockey player. That should have given her a little more confidence to skate over there, but instead, her fingers dug into the siding as she slowly made her way toward them.
When Elli looked up, Mekena let go of the sides and waved. “I’m a little slow. I’m coming!”
Elli said something to Ryan, whose eyes lit up when he looked over at her. As he detangled himself from the kids that were trying to climb him like a wall, she figured he was coming to help.
Oh, no, that was embarrassing.
No, she could skate. She had it!
Letting go of the siding, she went with ease. And at first, things were good. She was skating! But as well as it was going, it suddenly went very bad. She felt her knee bend funny and then her body start to fall. And as the ice came into view, she let out a cry, waiting for the ice to break not only her glasses but her nose too. Maybe her teeth.
But she didn’t fall.
No, instead, someone had her by her hips, pulling her up and to her feet.
“Whoa there, girlie. I thought you knew what you were doing?”
Markus.
Everything inside her went hot. Not from embarrassment but from pure, burning desire. Trying to catch her breath, she looked up at him, his eyes so dark, his mouth so close to her cheek as he smiled.
Crap. Crap on a cracker.
“Markus.”
“Yup, it’s me,” he said, grinning as he stood her on her feet. “Saving your life.”

Michel’s Review

This time of year may be hectic but it is also joyful. Most people are taking the time to reconnect with family and friends. They are celebrating life and making new goals for the new year. The release of Face-Off At The Alter by Toni Aleo was perfectly timed. I felt like I was reconnecting with my old friends from The Assassins series and The Bullies series.

It all begins with Lucy Sinclair and Benji Paxton’s wedding. The wedding has turned into a week long event. It’s time for family and friends to reconnect and enjoy one another’s company. Markus Reeves is heading home to Nashville from Florida spend time with his adoptive family, the Sinclairs.

Markus Reeves has spent the last couple of years in Florida playing hockey for the Assassins farm team. His life has spun out of control and his dreams are no longer within reach. He always dreamed of playing in the NHL for the Assassins. His game has tanked since his move to Florida. He hates his coach, his teammates, and his life. The only thing he’s looking forward to is returning home to Nashville for Lucy’s wedding. He’s looking forward to spending time with his friends. He also knows it’s time to face the music and face the girl he destroyed. The girl that sent his life in a downward spiral.

Lucy’s wedding must be his good luck charm. Ellie Adler has come to Jacksonville. He’s being brought up on conditional terms. It’s his second chance and opportunity to prove his worth as a player and teammate. He’s going to do everything in his power to make a place for himself on the Assassins team. He’s going to become the man he was supposed to be before his world imploded two years ago. The man he was before he destroyed Mekena Preston.

Mekena Preston has returned to Nashville to photograph Lucy and Benji’s wedding. She left Nashville two years ago after Markus and her sister betrayed her. She’s not the same girl she once was. Her heart is full of anger and hate. Taking this job means she will have to face Markus Reeves. Although she is not looking forward to seeing him, this time around she is in control. This time around she is going to push back.

Mekena and Markus were both destroyed when he slept with Skylar Preston ( the Bullies series). The betrayal destroyed them both as individuals. Two years later they are both finally going to get closure. They can finally move on in life. They can finally reach their full potential. Fate is once again going to intervene and change both of their destinies. Fate is going to right some wrongs but will come at another high price.

Toni Aleo once again did a wonderful job writing a powerful and emotional book about love, life, friendship, and family. The pure honesty is what makes her books beyond exceptional. Readers have become deeply connected to all her characters and their stories.

______________________________________________

About the Author

My name is Toni Aleo and I’m a total dork.
I am a wife, mother of two and a bulldog, and also a hopeless romantic.
I am the biggest Shea Weber fan ever, and can be found during hockey season with my nose pressed against the Bridgestone Arena’s glass, watching my Nashville Predators play!
When my nose isn’t pressed against the glass, I enjoy going to my husband and son’s hockey games, my daughter’s dance competition, hanging with my best friends, taking pictures, scrapbooking, and reading the latest romance novel.
I have a slight Disney and Harry Potter obsession, I love things that sparkle, I love the color pink, I might have been a Disney Princess in a past life… probably Belle.
… and did I mention I love hockey?

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

New Release + 5 Star Review + 2016 Favorite: The Italian by Beverly Preston – Beyond the Mathews Family Series – Book 2

Posted on 12/27/2016 by shellbellereads

The Italian

Beyond The Mathews Family Series – Book 2

By Beverly Preston

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Amazon AU

Synopsis

The Italian is a standalone and book two in the Beyond the Mathews Family Series.

No ties.
No expectations.
No risks.

Antonio Giovanni, a fifth-generation winemaker in the rolling hills of Tuscany, is the epitome of temptation. Tall, dark, and handsome with an accent sexy enough to leave a trail of women’s panties in his wake. The man wears charisma like a fine silk suit…flawless and molded to perfection in all the right places, leaving just enough mystery to make you wonder what lay beneath the faultless exterior.

Hope Tidwell, a world-renowned sommelier, is a strong independent woman who fights to have control over every aspect of her life. She makes her own money, her own decisions, her own happiness, and her own mistakes. Her existence doesn’t need to be validated by a man; she refuses to ask for anything except an orgasm, and even those she can manage on her own.

Relationships for most people are as natural as breathing. However, Hope and Antonio are two players who master the art of seduction and the fear of emotional intimacy. When tragedy strikes close to her heart, Hope is fated to do the one thing that terrifies her most. Destiny reveals the biggest gifts often require the greatest sacrifices.

________________________________

Tracey’s Review

Rising above a past that she’d rather forget, Hope Tidwell has crafted a life that she adores. A well-known and successful sommelier, Hope lives a commitment-free life, traveling and doing the work that she loves, involving her heart with no one but her beloved younger sister. When tragedy strikes, and Hope finds herself at a crossroads, life begins to unfold in an unexpected but wonderful way.

When I think of author Beverly Preston, the first word that comes to mind is “family.” Her Mathews Family books have created a world full of the love and unbreakable bonds that come with being part of a strong, tightly-knit clan of wonderful people. Her characters are relatable and likable, and it’s always a pleasure to pay them a visit. THE ITALIAN, the second book in her Beyond the Mathews family series, focuses on people that, while related to the Mathews, are outside the family proper.

I was hooked from the first page of THE ITALIAN. Hope is a tough cookie, having had to raise herself and her sister due to the lack of involvement and nurturing from their mother. As a result, she’s happy to live a life free of emotional ties, enjoying instead the semi-casual relationships that she cultivates in her travels for her work. When events arise that shake up the life that she loves, Hope finds herself halfway around the world, and working closely with Antonio Giovanni, one of the men that Hope has known and shared time with.

Antonio. Oh, my goodness. This man is not perfect, but he’s pretty darned close. He is a man that refuses to let Hope hide behind her fear of commitment, that steps up and delivers in a BIG way, desiring only to make Hope feel safe, loved, and desirable. Beverly has written a man that is honest, forthright, secure in himself and what he wants, and is determined the make sure that what he wants comes to be. I have to say, Hope doesn’t stand a chance against him, and it is absolutely delicious seeing him work his magic.

THE ITALIAN brought all of the feelings, the warmth and safety of a loving secure relationship, the importance of strong friendships, and, oh, yes, the utter and incendiary sexiness of one certain hot Italian man. (I have to tell you, the love scenes, Oh.My.Goodness. Fan? Check. Ice water? Check. Don’t read this one without them!)

Beverly really touched my heart with this book, and has helped me end the reading year on a definite up note. THE ITALIAN, an easy 5-star read for me, is one of my 2016 favorites, and I happily recommend it as an addition to TBRs. I look forward to the next installment in this new series, and can’t wait to see what she’s got for us in future.

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

_____________________________________

Beverly Preston is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotionally rich and sinfully sexy stories about the ultimate alpha good guy; the kind of man you want to drag you to bed and put a ring on your finger. She also has a passion for strong, humorous, female characters and stories ingrained in a solid sense of family and loyalty.

She lives in Las Vegas with her husband, four kids, and two golden retrievers. If she’s not spinning richly emotional stories, you’ll find her on her spin bike.

Laugh, cry, and fall in love with The Mathews Family one Happily Ever After at a time.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Boost + Review: Swing by Adriana Locke

Posted on 12/22/2016 by shellbellereads

Title: Swing

Series: Landry Family #2

Author: Adriana Locke

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Release Date: December 19, 2016

Blurb

Screw him and his perfect stats.

Sinful smirk.

Delicious body.

Lincoln Landry probably even has game-winning stamina.I’d like to screw her and her perfect ass.

Dangerous curves.

Sweet smile.

Danielle Ashley probably even has a game-changing personality.There’s no denying the chemistry between them. It’s so fiery, it’s undeniable. They partake in it. Enjoy it.

They really enjoy it.

Attraction is not a problem. Nor is their banter, relationship status, or habits. That’s all fine. Perfect, actually.

The problem is as tangled up as their sheets.

A STANDALONE romantic comedy from USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Locke.

ADD TO GOODREADS

Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

Excerpt

The bell chimes as the front door closes behind me. I’m to my car in record speed. I need space. I need air. I need to think. When my phone buzzes right before I pull out of the parking lot, I know it’s Pepper and she’s not going to quit until I give her something to occupy her mind.“Fine!” I nearly shout into the phone. “His cock is about ten inches, if I’m guessing, and he fucked me in about every position I could explain. My favorite, though, was the corkscrew. Not sure what that is? Google it.”

My finger goes to swipe off the call when I see the name on the screen and drop the phone. “Shit!” I cry, digging through the items on my passenger’s side floorboard until I find the glowing device.

My heart is pounding as I try to decide whether to end the call or talk to Lincoln. Mortified, I bring it to my ear and squeeze my eyes shut. He’s silent.

Maybe he didn’t hear. Please, God, don’t let him have heard that.

“Hello?” I eke out.

“I’d say ten inches is fair and I’ve made a note about the corkscrew. Glad I called,” he chuckles.

_______________________________

Tracey’s Review

When Lincoln Landry made his appearance in SWAY, his brother Barrett`s book, I just knew that I was going to love him. Sassy, sexy, and full of life, he brightened every scene and made me smile. And now, in SWING, his very own story, Linc brings everything that I loved and multiplies it many times over, leaving me more smitten than ever.

Author Adriana Locke has a gift for writing strong men with heart. A fan of her many and varied guys, she has not written even one that I don`t love. And Linc, with his passion for the game, his love of his family, and his steadfast and single-minded pursuit of what and whom he wants, has stolen my heart. I, like Dani, did not stand a chance against his charm, his passion, and his determination.

Danielle is a welcome addition to Adriana`s group of leading ladies. I`m amazed that she`s been able to make the life for herself that she has, given the complete lack of nurturing that she`s received from her family. Linc and the rest of his wonderful family are just what she needs, and seeing her blossom amidst their warmth and openness truly warms the heart.

SWING is a home run for me in every way, from the instant passion and humor that continues to grow between Dani and Linc to the all-encompassing warmth and love of the Landry family to the appearances of characters that we know and love from Adriana`s other books. This story had me from the first page, and I was still smiling when I read the last word. 5 sexy, love-filled, make me swoon stars for SWING. I can`t wait for SWITCH, Graham`s book, and more of this special family that I`ve come to love so much.

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

______________________________

Also Available

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

AUDIBLE

Free in Kindle Unlimited

Author Bio

USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys created by other authors, Adriana has created her own.

She resides in the Midwest with her husband, sons, and two dogs. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather’s nice and there’s always a piece of candy in her pocket.

For sneak peeks, giveaways, and more, please join Adriana’s Facebook Group, Books by Adriana Locke, or her Goodreads group, All Locked Up.

Author Links

WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / TWITTER

GOODREADS / INSTAGRAM

PINTEREST / NEWSLETTER / AMAZON
FACEBOOK GROUP / GOODREADS GROUP

Giveaway

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New Release + 2016 Favorite: For All The Evers by Debra Anastasia

Posted on 12/21/2016 by shellbellereads

Title: For All the Evers

Author: Debra Anastasia

Genre: Romance

Release Date: December 18, 2016

Blurb

Fallen Billow should be in college like most of her friends, but instead she’s raising her brother and working as a housekeeper at a vintage local hotel. It’s back-breaking work, but not nearly as challenging as fending off unwanted advances from the hotel’s owner.Thomas McHugh is fighting for our country, across the globe and decades before Fallen Billow was even born. So there’s no way they’re soul mates. There’s no way he can be desperate to see her, hold her, kiss her. Except there is.Is it a dream when he inks his name on her skin? Is it a delusion when she puts her hands on his face and says she loves him? Nothing has ever felt more real.

Fate has etched paths for Thomas and Fallen that even time cannot touch. A Purple Heart proclaims Thomas’ valor and bravery. And his death. But Fallen dares to dream of the impossible. She wants Thomas to stay. Just stay.

A tribute to all who have served our country, this novel honors the impossible beauty of love and the endless power of hope. Come open your heart and celebrate the many facets of bravery with Fallen and Thomas.

ADD TO GOODREADS

Debra Anastasia has created a
website for Thomas McHugh – the veteran the book is in honor of. (It is recommended readers look at this website after reading the book)

THOMAS MCHUGH WEBSITE

Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Available in Kindle Unlimited

Trailer

Excerpt

“I bet you were adorable.” He put his knuckle under her chin and encouraged her to lift her head. She rolled back over and settled against his shoulder.“I don’t want to be adorable. I want to be impossible.”

“How do you mean?” He kissed her forehead.

“I want to be impossible for you to forget, impossible for you to keep your hands off of.” She leaned up for a kiss.

“You’re my impossible then. Have no fear.” He tenderly reminded her he was her impossible, too, with his lips.

She put her hand against his stomach and snuggled in. “This is my spot. Right here. With you—it’s home.”

He swallowed before talking to the ceiling. “My heart was like a fist. Where I am? It’s not a place you plan to survive. I’ve been there for years, and it’s not about skill; it’s not even about luck. You get strapped into a machine, and fate’s driving. You can’t get out even if you want to. So you submit to it. You harden your soul. You get ready to die.”

He shifted, rolling on top of her. She sighed in contentment. Being beneath him made her feel safe and secure.

He kissed her lips, then the tip of her nose, before continuing. “But with you, it’s like my heart’s opening up, and I’m terrified to feel, after all this time. Yet I don’t have a choice. No matter where I am, I draw your face whenever I get a scrap of paper.”

He laughed a little. “We found a puppy, and I named it Fallen, just so I could say your name over and over. The guys think I’m crazy—such a strange name for a dog. But I don’t care. I’m gasping for you every moment I’m awake. And I’m making choices to keep me alive through the week.”

His eyes searched hers. “What if I’m not as tough as I was in the beginning? God, I hope no one is affected by my distraction with this. But in the end there’s you. Only you. Do what you have to to get back to me when you’re awake. You have to. I need you more than air, more than life right now. The softness of you, the tenderness in your eyes when you see me. I’m trying to force fate to throw me in your direction. To hurl me at you somehow. I don’t know if it will work. But I’m praying for it.”

Fallen touched his face, then his neck. “I will do everything I can to find you.”

___________________________________

Michel’s Review

A few months ago a fellow book junkie and I were having a discussion about our favorite authors. Debra Anastasia was one that popped up on both of our list. As the discussion about Debra’s books became more detailed, we realized that Debra was one that stood out among our favorites. She has a special gift with creating compelling characters that are outside of the norm in most romance novels. Each one of her novels is completely different and stands on it’s own merit. It cannot be compared to anything. Debra not only creates compelling characters with very unique stories, she also adds a range of emotional moments infused with humor, compassion, and honesty. Her creativity has left readers enthralled with their reading experience. Who else could create a charismatic homeless guy, a lovable ruthless crime lord, a saintly priest with an inner tiger, a blogger held hostage by a farting bad guy, a super mommy exacting revenge, and panty dropping pharmacist? This time around Debra has really dug deep and delivered a story that is not only personal for her but gives an unfinished hero his happily ever after in a very unique way. After reading For All The Evers, I was in awe of Debra’s writing talent.

***

For All The Evers by Debra Anastasia may be considered a paranormal romance or a time travel romance. It really didn’t fit quite right in either category. It was in a class by itself. The hero, Thomas McHugh, was a veteran who perished in WWII. The heroine, Fallen Billow, was a modern day young woman struggling to make ends meet in a very dysfunctional family. Their romance was defined by the dream world and Room 514 at the hotel where Fallen worked. To add to the mystic, Fallen’s boss, who is all kinds of scary and sexually harasses her at work, is able to stalk her in the dream world. Her dream world is colliding with the real world. The only friends she has is two old ladies from very different era’s and experiences.

***

Fallen and Thomas find a love they never expected. They know that their relationship is realistically doomed. Their worlds will never be fused together. The seventy year difference is not the only thing in the way of their happily ever after. Fate has already played her card, Thomas died in the war.

***

Their worlds are out of sync and their hearts beat as one.

***

I will not say much more because this is a book that must be read and experienced personally. The one thing I will say is that Thomas McHugh was a real man who died a hero in WWII. He was Debra’s great uncle. She shared him with the world. She made him timeless.

Green old wooden door opening with light shining through and red rose hanging from an old key

_______________________________________

Author Bio

Debra creates pretend people in her head and paints them on the giant, beautiful canvas of your imagination. What an amazing job that is. The stories hit her hard while driving the minivan or shaving her legs, especially when there’s no paper and pen around. In all of the lies she writes she hides her heart, so thank you for letting it play in your mind.Debra has now published the Seraphim Series, the Poughkeepsie Brotherhood Series, the Gynazule Series, The Revenger and Booty Camp Dating Service. Her novella, Late Night with Andres is special because 100% of the proceeds go to breast cancer research. (So go get it right now, please!) For All The Evers is her latest romantic suspense.

You can find her at DebraAnastasia.com and on Twitter @Debra_Anastasia. But be prepared…

Author Links

WEBSITE

TWITTER

FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM

AMAZON

GOODREADS

Giveaway

There is a giveaway for signed paperback of For All the Evers and Saving Poughkeepsie, signed hand crafter holiday ornaments, Booty Camp Dating Service ring, Poughkeepsie lip balm and cardboard keychain, and XL One More Chapter t-shirt

ENTER HERE

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 2016 Favorite + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: For All The Evers by Debra Anastasia

Posted on 12/19/2016 by shellbellereads

Title: For All the Evers

Author: Debra Anastasia

Genre: Romance

Release Date: December 18, 2016

Blurb

ADD TO GOODREADS

Debra Anastasia has created a
website for Thomas McHugh – the veteran the book is in honor of. (It is recommended readers look at this website after reading the book)

THOMAS MCHUGH WEBSITE

Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Available in Kindle Unlimited

Trailer

Excerpt

“How do you mean?” He kissed her forehead.

“I want to be impossible for you to forget, impossible for you to keep your hands off of.” She leaned up for a kiss.

“You’re my impossible then. Have no fear.” He tenderly reminded her he was her impossible, too, with his lips.

She put her hand against his stomach and snuggled in. “This is my spot. Right here. With you—it’s home.”

He shifted, rolling on top of her. She sighed in contentment. Being beneath him made her feel safe and secure.

Fallen touched his face, then his neck. “I will do everything I can to find you.”

___________________________________

Michel’s Review

***

Their worlds are out of sync and their hearts beat as one.

***

Green old wooden door opening with light shining through and red rose hanging from an old key

_______________________________________

Author Bio

You can find her at DebraAnastasia.com and on Twitter @Debra_Anastasia. But be prepared…

Author Links

WEBSITE

TWITTER

FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM

AMAZON

GOODREADS

Giveaway

ENTER HERE

New Holiday Release: A Perfectly Split Christmas by JB Salsbury – A Split Short Story

Posted on 12/19/2016 by shellbellereads

51tych4a3gl

A Perfectly Split Christmas

A Split Short Story

By JB Salsbury

FREE : Amazon / B & N / IBooks / Kobo

Synopsis

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author JB Salsbury ignites this holiday season with a short story so addictive you’ll hate to see it end.

Can Christmas survive the split?

Only a couple months after Lucas and Shyann met, they’re faced with their first Christmas as a couple.

While Shy tries to convince Lucas to relax and enjoy his very first holiday, he struggles with what it means to be loved for exactly who he is.

Surprises await for the unique couple making this Christmas one they won’t soon forget.

_______________________________________________

salsbury_split_tr

Split

By JB Salsbury

Buy: Amazon / B & N / IBooks / Kobo

Synopsis

JB Salsbury is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has captivated readers around the world. Her unforgettable new novel is a story of romance and suspense, with a twist no one will see coming . . .

What do you do when you wake up with no memory of what you did last night?

Lucas spent the first half of his life protecting himself from others, but now his own mind is his biggest enemy. He doesn’t know what happens when the blackouts overtake him, but he can recall the feelings—the rage, the confusion, the fear. Thankfully the quiet life he’s found in Payson, Arizona has kept the darkness at bay. Until his boss’s estranged daughter shows up in town, asking questions she shouldn’t and sparking a desire Lucas can’t control. Getting close to Shyann is the best thing that’s ever happened to him, but when his blackouts return, unleashing the truth he’s battled so long to hide, he may just lose her forever . . .

_______________________________________________

New York Times bestselling author JB Salsbury spends her days lost in a world of budding romance and impossible obstacles. Her love of good storytelling led her to earn a degree in Media Communications. Since 2013 she has published six bestselling novels in The Fighting Series and won a RONE Award. JB Salsbury lives with her husband and two kids in Phoenix, Arizona.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads

51tych4a3gl

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Category Archives: New Release

New Release + Excerpt + 5 Star Review: Real Good Man by Meghan March

iBooks | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA | BN | Kobo | Audible

New Release + 5 Star Review: One Careful Owner by Jane Harvey-Berrick

New Release + 5 Star Review: Hard Hitter by Sarina Bowen – The Brooklyn Bruisers Series – Book 2

New Release + 5 Star Review: Hate Story by Nicole Williams

New Release and 5+ Star Review: Face- Off At The Alter by Toni Aleo by Toni Aleo – The Assassins Series – Book 10

New Release + 5 Star Review + 2016 Favorite: The Italian by Beverly Preston – Beyond the Mathews Family Series – Book 2

Release Boost + Review: Swing by Adriana Locke

New Release + 2016 Favorite: For All The Evers by Debra Anastasia

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 2016 Favorite + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: For All The Evers by Debra Anastasia

New Holiday Release: A Perfectly Split Christmas by JB Salsbury – A Split Short Story

iBooks | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA | BN | Kobo | Audible

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