Happy Release + Giveaway : When Fate Isn’t Enough by Isabelle Richards -When Fates Collide Series – Book 2

Posted on 02/26/2015 by shellbellereads

Can a romance that was written in the stars survive real life? Lily Clark and Gavin Edwards met when their lives collided in a crazy twist of fate. Their relationship started amidst chaos, fraught with lust, passion, and love. Building a life together will take more than destiny, especially when ghosts from their past try to tear them apart.

Needing a fresh start, Lily decides to escape her life in Washington, DC to join Gavin in London. Trust and faith have never come easily to Lily. She’ll be put to the test now that she and Gavin are living under the same roof.

To make matters worse, trouble finds Lily wherever she goes. She thought she’d rid herself of her late husband’s demons, but she soon learns that when you make a deal with the devil, he often comes back to up the ante. Can she learn to let Gavin in or will she continue to fight her battles alone? Find out what happens When Fate Isn’t Enough.

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Exclusive Excerpt:

Oxford in a suit… hot damn. It’s obviously a custom job because it fits him perfectly, showing off his broad shoulders and tight, toned torso. The allure of the suit is more than just the way it highlights his ridiculous body. His commanding presence while wearing it, the air of confidence that surrounds him. Everything about him screams “power”. Or more accurately it screams, “Don’t fuck with me or I’ll destroy you.” I may not give a shit about his money but power seems to be a bigger turn on than I would have expected.

“What? What’s wrong?” He looks in the mirror, trying to figure out what isn’t working.

“Your ass in those pants! I can hardly contain myself. How does anyone get any work done? All your female employees must just swoon with you strutting around like that. I bet you actually stop traffic. You do, don’t you?”

A sexy smirk spreads across his face. “Trousers, Lily. They’re called trousers. I can assure you I’m a slave driver. My employees are too busy to notice me.” He straightens his tie and looks back at me. “And only occasionally.”

“Occasionally what?”

He winks. “Occasionally I stop traffic.”

I throw a pillow at him. “You’re an arrogant bastard, you know that?”

He sits on the edge of the bed and slips his shoes on. “Hey, you asked! Don’t ask a question unless you can handle the answer.”

I scoot down on the bed and wrap my arms around his stomach. I rest my chin on his shoulder and say, “You’re just lucky I’m prohibited from attacking you, or there’s no way in hell you would be leaving this bedroom. Not for a good long while anyway.”

He peels my arms off of him, stands, and then kisses each of my hands. “I’m going to hold you to that after the doctor clears you.” He walks to his dresser and puts his watch on.

I smirk. “Oh, you’ll be holding something to me all right.”

Gavin closes his eyes and leans against the wall. “You’ll be the death of me, woman. Can’t you talk about football or skiing or carpentry? Anything other than… this?”

“You want to show me what you can do with a hammer, Gavin?” I bat my eyes at him.

He glares at me.

I cock my head and flash him a coy smile. “What? You said carpentry,” I say innocently. “Fine, soccer? You want to come over here so I can show you how to score? I’m sure you’re amazing at getting it in the goal! No? Not better?” I explode into laughter as he storms out of the room.

“Goodbye, Lily,” he yells from the hallway.

I don’t know what he’s so pissy about. I’m just as sex starved as he is! I lie down and close my eyes for a few moments, mentally calming my libido. Suddenly, I feel his weight on me, and he kisses me with a passion that literally takes my breath away. I feel my heart pounding as if it’s going to fly out of my chest.

I pull back. “You change your mind about staying in bed with me all day?”

“If only, Lily. If only. I couldn’t leave without a proper goodbye.”

“Well that was one hell of a sendoff. You’d better go. Don’t want to be late. I hear your boss is a real bastard.”

He kisses my forehead and walks out the door. Damn, that man knows how to make an exit.

When Fates Collide

Fates Series – Book 1

Sometimes everything needs to crash and burn before life can begin again.

Life can change in the blink of an eye. One moment, Lily is trapped in a loveless marriage. In a split second she is free, but at what cost? Her mundane life is set into a freefall of tragedy and terror. Her husband may be out of her life, but he left a storm of collateral damage behind and the burden is on Lily to sort it out.
Fate connects Lily with Gavin, a charmingly handsome British gentleman that has been drawn into her tangled circumstance. Gavin is everything Lily’s husband wasn’t and gives her hope that love really does exist. Gavin wants nothing more than to sweep Lily up and carry her off into the sunset, far away from the devastation left behind by her husband. Gavin has been the first breath of fresh air in her life, but she isn’t looking to be saved. She needs to clean up her husband’s mess and find a way to save herself in the process.
Does she throw caution to the wind and open her heart? Or listen to her head that tells her and go it alone until she’s found herself again?

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When Fates Align

Book 3

Coming May 6, 2015

PreOrder: Amazon

Why would fate bring them together only to tear them apart?
Lily and Gavin were brought together in a clash of tragedy and chaos. Amid the ashes of lives gone wrong, they thought they found a second chance at love. With trouble from their previous lives lurking around every corner, they quickly learned that love from a star-crossed romance isn’t enough to survive.
Lily has slipped through Gavin’s fingers, and he feels as though he’s been sentenced to an eternity in hell. But if he’s going to perish in the ninth circle, everyone responsible for coming between him and Lily will go down with him.
Perhaps their love was never meant to be. But, if he’s learned anything from his time with Lily, it’s that sometimes everything has to crash and burn before life can begin again.

Isabelle Richards Bio:

Isabelle Richards spent years as a speech writer before tackling fiction. An avid reader of all genres, Isabelle is drawn to romance novels as they provide an escape from daily life. Through her complex cast of characters, Isabelle creates a sanctuary for readers to dive into for a break from reality.

When she is not writing, Isabelle works as an advocate for persons with disabilities in Washington, DC. Her two yellow labs are her writing partners, although they frequently sleep on the job.

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Happy Release : Dangerous Temptations by Brooke Cumberland

Posted on 02/25/2015 by shellbellereads

Dangerous Temptations

By Brooke Cumberland

Synopsis

One night was all it took…

One night to ruin everything I thought I knew.

From the outside, I had the perfect lifestyle.

Wealthy fiancé, blossoming career, amazing friends.

I wasn’t looking to get married yet, but when William—“Manhattan’s royalty”—charmed his way into my life, I couldn’t deny the security and comfort that overcame me.

To society, I was the girl only after his money. I was the party-goer who managed to seduce a man twice my age to have the lifestyle some could only dream of. I was every magazine’s cliché of what a gold-digging whore was.

I wanted to prove them wrong—that our love was real and that I wasn’t that girl.

But then everything changed.

One wrong decision. One unfaithful night. One haunting reality.

Perhaps they were right.

The media didn’t see it coming…and neither did I.

**This is a stand alone romance suspense novel with no cliffhanger. HEA depends on who you ask.**

Recommended for readers 18 and up due to strong language and explicit sexual content.

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Excerpt

“How long do you plan to act like this?” His question shocked me, my body jerking in response.

“Act like what?” I turned around, narrowing my brows in disapproval.

“That you despise me,” he said bluntly.

I thought about his question for a moment, realizing this was probably just as hard on him as it was on me, but he was the one acting like an arrogant jerk.

“I wouldn’t have to if you’d stop trying to cross boundaries with me when you know it’s inappropriate.”

“Inappropriate?” He laughed, pissing me off more. “Good god, it’s like you’re a Stepford Wife.”

“You know what I mean.”

“You mean…that I’m tempting you? That I’m giving you something more to desire?” He took a step toward me, caging me in with his arms around me. I stepped back as far as I could before hitting the back of the sink. “If you didn’t feel it too, there’d be no issue. But I know for a fact you do.”

I swallowed, hating that he was right, but it didn’t mean anything. It couldn’t.

“Just because your technique—“ I waved a finger between us, “—normally works for other girls, doesn’t mean it’s going to work on me.”

He furrowed his brows and asked, “And what technique would that be?”

“Getting what you want, who you want.” I pushed against his chest, needing the space. “You’re not used to girls saying ‘no’ to you. You use your name, your father’s popularity to gain respect, and truthfully, it’s a little pathetic,” I snapped, the courage I’d felt quickly left as his eyes darkened, getting more intense.

He leaned into me and shot back, “Do you see any other girls here?”

“Give it time.” I held my ground as best I could. His face that close to mine was making it almost impossible to think straight.

He laughed in my face, a deep, throaty laugh that came out as if he was amused by my antics. “If it’s on the Internet, it must be true, right?”

I had looked him up late last night when sleep wouldn’t come to me. Although I tried, wanting—needing—to forget that whole day, it just wasn’t happening. Most of the stories were from his teenage and early college years, there hadn’t been anything recent, but I used it against him anyway.

“Isn’t that the way the game works?”

“I don’t know what game you’re playing, sweetheart, but I know what you felt when you kissed me. You feel what I feel and there’s no denying that.”

His eyes looked into mine, confident and tense as I stared back. “It doesn’t matter, Alex. It’s never going to lead to anything, so you should just stop trying.”

“And what if I don’t?”

“You’re just wasting your time.”

“I’m willing to bet I’m not, but if you want to be delusional, fine with me.” He pressed his chest against me and brought his face closer to mine. “I wasn’t sorry for what we did, Mac. I’ll never be sorry for that. I’m only sorry you felt guilty about it afterward.”

“If you cared about me at all like you claim, you’d back off, Alex.”

He huffed in an amused laughter. “That’s one thing you should learn about me, Mac. I don’t back off on something I want.” He gripped my chin with his thumb. “I was trying to get you out of my mind, and I failed miserably. The only thing I want from you isyou. I don’t need to parade you around like a little trophy wife or show you off to my friends. Once you see that, you’ll change your mind.” He dropped his hand and stepped back, walking away with the last word. It didn’t matter anyway, I had nothing left to say.

Read the first chapter here >> http://brookecumberland.com/read-ch-1/

About Brooke Cumberland:

Brooke Cumberland is a USA Today Bestselling author who’s a stay-at-home mom and writes full-time. She lives in the frozen tundra of Packer Nation with her husband, 4 year old wild child, and two teenage stepsons. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading love stories, listening to music that inspires her, and laughing with her family. Brooke is addicted to Starbucks coffee, leggings, and anything sweet. She found her passion for telling stories during winter break one year in grad school–and she hasn’t stopped since.

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Happy Release + 6 Star Review + Giveaway + 2015 Favorite : Slow Burn by K. Bromberg – The Driven Series – Book 5

Posted on 02/24/2015 by shellbellereads

Slow Burn

The Driven Series – Book 5

By K. Bromberg

Synopsis

From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Driven series.

ONE NIGHT. THAT’S ALL IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE.

Reeling from the sudden loss of her sister, Haddie Montgomery has sworn off relationships. All she wanted from Beckett Daniels was a sexy distraction to help her escape her pain for just a little while….There weren’t supposed to be any strings attached—so why can’t she shake the memory of that unforgettable night from her thoughts? Or the taste of his kiss from her lips?

No matter how hard Haddie tries to forget about him, Becks relentlessly tries to prove that she should start living for today. But she is determined to avoid romantic commitment, and she can always use her ex-boyfriend’s reappearance to help snuff out the slow burn within her that Becks has sparked….

Or will fate force her to realize that this kind of connection doesn’t come along very often and a chance at love is worth the risk?

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Excerpt

“Yeah. That’s one way to put it. Is there something else you called for besides trying to stick your nose in where it doesn’t belong?”

I open my mouth and then shut it, unsure how calling him because I just needed to hear his voice has devolved so quickly into this. Into me scrambling for words I can’t find to fix shit that doesn’t need fixing.

Because I don’t want this. Don’t want him.

“Well then, if you want to actually talk instead of pull this ridiculous bullshit, I’m here for you…but Had…? Whatever this is here…this passive aggressive crap? I don’t do too well with that. We had our one night. You made it quite clear you didn’t want anything more than that so you don’t get to call me up and question what I might or might not be doing with anybody else. You want no strings? Then cut the ties…but frankly I don’t think you know what the fuck you want so until you figure your shit out, I think it’s best that we say good night before we make a bad situation even worse.”

“Wait!” Desperation rings in my voice in the single word. And I hate myself for sounding like this but I’m so lonely, so scared and just want the comfort I know he can bring me right now.

I wait for the sound of the dial tone to assault my ears. Wait for the incessant beep that reaffirms why I have barbed wire wrapped around my heart – painful but necessary. But there is nothing for a few moments until I hear the phone scrape against the stubble on his face.

And I wait…my throat burning with the tears I want to shed but am so sick of. The ones that no longer bring me comfort.

“I’m here, Haddie. I’m not going anywhere, okay?” The timbre of his voice carries his concern and sympathy to me through the line.

The incoherent sound I make is all I can offer in thank you to him for not hanging up on me. For not giving up on me.

Kelley’s Review

Wow! K. Bromberg brings readers a scorching hot romance filled with love, loss, and healing. Get your tissues ready because you will need them for this emotional ride.

Haddie is so lost after losing her sister to breast cancer. Lexi was her other half. They were inseparable as kids and when the opportunity to open their own business together presented itself it was too good to be true. Lexi was diagnosed with a rare form of genetic breast cancer and she was taken from Haddie in the blink of an eye. Haddie has been living in the darkness ever since and has been pushing everyone away….that is until Becks comes along. He slowly and stubbornly creeps his way into Haddie’s heart. Will Haddie be able to let her walls down long enough to let him in? or when times get really tough will she shut him out? Becks is a determined man but there is only so much a man can take.

This book had me turned inside out. I could not put it down. Kristy weaves an emotionally gripping story about a selfless woman who will do anything to keep those that she loves from being hurt. This story resonates with me because my grandmother died of breast cancer. She died because she tried to hide it from everyone and by the time it was found out it was too late. I admire Kristy for writing such a strong character that is willing to go to drastic measures in order to survive. I went through and entire box of tissues. When we go through tough times in life we have so much more of a fighting chance if we are surrounded by people who love us.

I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight…I wish I could have a love as strong as Haddie and Becks.

About K. Bromberg

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author K. Bromberg is that reserved woman sitting in the corner who has you all fooled about the wild child inside of her—the one she lets out every time her fingertips touch the computer keyboard.

K. lives in Southern California with her husband and three children. When she needs a break from the daily chaos of her life, you can most likely find her on the treadmill or with Kindle in hand, devouring the pages of a good, saucy book.

On a whim, K. Bromberg decided to try her hand at this writing thing. Her debut novels, Driven, Fueled, and Crashed of The Driven Trilogy were well received and went on to become multi-platform bestsellers as well as landing on the New York Times and USA Today lists. Her other works include a short story, UnRaveled, and a companion piece to The Driven Trilogy titled Raced. She is currently working on three stand alone Driven novels, Slow Burn, Sweet Ache, and Hard Beat. She also plans to release a novel addressing the 10 year gap at the ending of Crashed in late fall 2015

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Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Tempt The Night by Dixie Lee Brown – Trust No One Series – Book 5

Posted on 02/24/2015 by shellbellereads

Tempt The Night

Trust No One Series – Book 5

By Dixie Lee Brown

Synopsis

Dixie Lee Brown concludes her thrilling Trust No One series with the fast-paced tale of a damaged hero and the sexy fugitive he can’t help falling for.

Samantha “Mac” McCallister barely believes her own tale of dirty cops and murder that landed her in the hands of the sexy Jim Brady. One minute she was enjoying a ride-along in her best friend’s cruiser, the next he’s dead and she’s wanted for his murder. Mac never expected to be hiding out from the law, but with Jim by her side, maybe she can survive long enough to clear her name. The question is, can she survive the way Jim makes her feel?

Former Navy Seal Jim Brady works best under pressure. At least he used to. Now, fighting flashbacks from his time in Iraq, he has given up everything he knows in order to protect the innocent … from himself. So working with a woman on the run from the law? Not in his plans for this lifetime. Still, something about the blue-eyed beauty tells him she’s not the source of the danger—she’s running from it. Deep down he knows he’ll protect her no matter what. But his heart? That’s another story.

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Michel’s Review

Tempt The Night is the final book in the Trust No One series by Dixie Lee Brown. It can be read as a stand alone novel or in series order. This book will not disappoint. It is action packed, immersed in thrilling suspense, and has a red hot romance.

This book is well written with charismatic characters that encompass the traits readers love. Who doesn’t like an alpha man that has issues but still is able to draw upon his personal strengths ? The leading lady has strength, guts, and the right amount of softness. The pacing of this book kept the reader’s attention and never hit any bumps that made the story stall. I couldn’t put this book down. The story kept me captivated to the end.

Samantha ( Mac ) McCallister has witnessed a horrific murder committed by some Alaskan State Troopers. She is in fear for her life, accused of murder, and on the run. Jim Brady, a former Navy Seal, now working for Joe’s group of merceneries, stumbles upon Mac while doing surveillance for a case. Even though he doesn’t usually get involved in other people’s business, he can’t help but want to protect Mac. But can he protect her from himself and the mind games his PTSD plays?

As the story plays out there will be many twists and turns that keep the reader guessing to the end. Amidst the twists and turns Mac and Brady will find a smoldering hot attraction that cannot be denied.

Tempt The Night was thrilling. This is the kind of book I love to curl up with and lose myself.

Author Bio:

Dixie has been writing stories for years, storing ideas and first drafts of manuscripts in every spare closet and drawer. Then one day she decided she wanted to be an author more than anything, pulled out one of those story ideas and got serious!

Her romantic suspense novels are great for curling up and losing yourself in the story. Dixie’s first novel in the Trust No One series, All or Nothing, placed 3rd in the romantic suspense category of the 2011 TARA (Tampa Area Romance Authors) Contest. The second, When I Find You, has just been released. The third book in the series – If You Only Knew – is coming soon!

Dixie moved from Montana to a small town in Central Oregon in 1972, married and raised two daughters. Today her two small dogs hold down the back of the couch and watch for intruders as she works on another novel.

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

Posted on 02/24/2015 by shellbellereads

Only For Him

Only Series – Book 1

Genre – New Adult

By Cristin Harber

Synopsis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I highly recommend Only For Him.

ABOUT CRISTIN HARBER

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

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

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Happy Release + Giveaway : Innocent Ride by Chelsea Camaron – The Hellions Series – Book 4

Posted on 02/24/2015 by shellbellereads

Innocent Ride

The Hellions Series – Book 4

By Chelsea Camaron

Synopsis

***Although best read in order, each book of the Hellions Ride series can be read as a stand alone novel.***

She is a corporate accountant. Her life is full of structure, routine, and organization. Settled, comfortable, and content, Caroline Milton loves knowing what to expect every minute of every day. More importantly, she loves knowing her life is what she pictures it to be and not what she came from.

He is the Catawba Hellions VP and a wild one, refusing to be tamed. His motto—’hit it, get it, and go; no repeats’ where women are concerned—guarantees a new woman in his bed nightly. His life, though, suddenly tilts on its axis when his wild days come barreling back with a major responsibility. Suddenly, Drexel ‘Rex’ Crews finds he has a real reason to settle down.

When a situation quickly spins out of control at work for Caroline, she reaches out to the one group she least expected to find herself dependent upon—the Hellions Motorcycle Club. Asked as a personal favor from Doll to protect her best friend, Rex can’t refuse.
Protecting Caroline was supposed to be an innocent task. However, the attraction from their first meeting is a fire burning strong inside of them both. Neither can deny the pull, despite the fact that they come from different worlds.

Can Rex show Caroline the safety and security of the MC? Can Caroline tame the wild beast inside of Rex? Can their innocent ride become a journey to long lasting love?
*Intended for mature audiences only*
This series contains strong language, strong sexual situations, and violence. Please do not buy if any of this offends you.

This is not meant to be a true or exact depiction of a motorcycle club, rather a work of fiction meant to entertain.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Excerpt

~Rex~

As the wind whips around me, she dances violently, slapping the leather of my cut harshly against my T-shirt covered chest. A storm is brewing in the air around me as another one rages on inside my darkened soul.

The road before me is curvy. They call it Dead Man’s Trail. Riding a ledge is what it feels like. With the fine line of one wrong move, life and death are in the balance as the road winds through a mountain.

I am hours from home, and I still can’t bring myself to turn around and go back. I am not on a transport or on a run for the club. I am out alone, just me, my Harley, and the open night sky.

Not a star shines tonight as the humidity rises and the wind swirls through the thick air. A summer storm is in the midst. My mind races as the pipes on my bike scream out under the pressure of my speed.

“Be a man to be proud of. Carry your name—our name—with pride,” Pop’s voice echoes in my head.

A name. My name. Our name.

Tessie gave my boy—her son, my son, our son—my name. My fucking name.

Axel Devon Crews. Mini-me. One look and I fucking knew he was mine. My gut twists. Mine. My blood. My responsibility. My name. My fucking mirror image.

Throttle down, I push on faster, harder, needing to feel something slice through me besides the disappointments running through my mind. My life is officially at a crossroads, every mistake of my past now shoved in the forefront of my mind.

How did I get so lost? How have I become so consumed in things that don’t matter? When did I become so self-absorbed?

I would lay down my life to protect the very cut moving across my back right now. Yet, the woman who freely lay beneath me, giving her body, heart, and soul to me, I left without a glance back. She ripped her body—literally—to give life to my seed, and I did nothing more than wink, smile, and move on to the next woman. I was so focused on myself I missed the signs. I should have known. Hell, I should have been there.

Then, when the opportunity came for me to step up for her, did I do it? No. Shooter stepped in like I knew he would. He is a far better man than I am. Tessie deserves a man like him, not the mess that is me. No matter what life throws at them, he will be there to have her back, to be her security. He will be her strength and her calm within the storm. He will be her best friend and her lover. Everything that Tessie needs, wants, and damn sure deserves is found in the man I now proudly call my brother.

Sure, there was a time I wanted to rip him limb from limb. He went after what could have been mine. No, he didn’t go after her, not really, not if I keep it real with myself. I pushed him there. I sent him to her. I gave him what could have been my future. The only person to blame here is me. She needed me, and I tossed her off to him. My mistakes. My losses. I know, if I am ever given a chance to have something good again, I am not going to waste my opportunity.

When the clouds open up, the hot rain comes down, pelting me in the face, on my arms, and all my exposed skin. The road beneath me gets slick as I push on. Soft gravel gives way, and my back tire shifts under me. I don’t correct the movement. The delicate balance keeping me upright drops as does my bike, and my body hits the pavement hard. Gravel digs in even through the denim of my pants as the material rips. I feel my arms shred as my bike is no longer under my now broken body, only the unforgiving road.

Broken, shredded, a bloody mess of a man—that is what I am.

Pops’ voice is the last thing to sound through my head as I succumb to the blackness consuming me.

“The past is the past; the future is before you. Change is a power we all hold. Learning from your mistakes is growth, and it’s a necessary change. How you pick yourself up when you hit rock bottom will tell what kind of man you really are.”

The Hellions Ride Series

One Ride- Book 1

Content with living in the bubble of safety the Haywood’s Hellions Motorcycle Club has always provided, Delilah ‘Doll’ Reklinger never gave a second thought to any danger surrounding her.

She’s never imagined her life without the club. She also never thought the day would come a man would come along and prove himself worthy enough to her father, Roundman, Hellions Club President. Life was easy going and carefree.

Roundman has kept the chaos surrounding the Hellions contained for the last thirty years. When the dangerous side to their business comes knocking on his only child’s doorstep, he realizes his precious Doll isn’t safe anymore.

The Hellions code may be control the chaos, but one thing Roundman quickly learns there is always the wild card to stir up trouble. For the Hellions, women and children may be off limits in any altercation or dispute, but that doesn’t mean their enemies follow the same moral compass.

With Doll in danger from the association she has with him and his club, Roundman makes the only decision he feels he can- send her away. Calling on the one charter club president he trusts, he sets up a ride to keep her safe, all in hopes the trouble won’t follow.

One Ride. One simple ride across the country.

Talon ‘Tripp’ Crews has been ordered to take Doll on one ride away from the danger while the club handles the threat. She’s off limits. His head knows this, but his body can’t deny the attraction. She’s feisty, fierce, and fearless. He’s never been one to be tied down. He lives for the next ride.

Constantly in close confines together, can they deny the chemistry? Will they give in to the desire?

Can one ride turn lust into love?

This book contains strong language, strong sexual situations, violence and is not suitable for readers under the age of 18. Please do not buy if any of this offends you. This is a work of fiction and is not meant to be a true or exact depiction of a motorcycle club but rather a book meant to entertain.
Although part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone novel. This is a full length novel with a HEA, no cliffhanger.

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Forever Ride -Book 2

Often times the people who come across as the strongest can be the weakest underneath it all.

Events happen in life that can awaken our truest and deepest desires. They also show us our greatest fears. Sometimes we are forced to face those fears, other times we build walls that can’t be climbed or broken to protect ourselves.

A profound connection these two once shared, a strong friendship once formed is now shattered. Fate has stepped in and shaken both their worlds.

The danger, the wild, the chaos, and the lifestyle of the Hellions world has become far too much for Savannah ‘Sass’ Perchton. Swearing off bikers and attempting a ‘normal life’, she has settled. She pushes away her old life, her old self. She is trying to fit into a mold, to be everything she never was.

Things aren’t always what they seem. Wrap an empty box in pretty paper, tie it off with a bow- it may look amazing, but it’s still just a hollow shell.

He is a playboy. A different chick in his bed, off on a different ride, and always chasing something new. Frank ‘Tank’ Oleander, Haywood’s Hellions Road Chief will give anything for his club, including his life.

Throttle down, ride it out.

The fast pace of the Hellions life catches up to him. At a crossroads he is forced to face some life changing thoughts or succumb to the darkness of death. Teetering on the brink of giving in, her voice is all he is holding onto. The coma he can’t come out of is full of the memories he can’t let go of. She’s the light in the darkness.

She has left behind everything she has ever known chasing stability. His life literally hangs in the balance. Can she see beyond the chaos to the man behind the cut? Can he pull through?

Will they find their Forever Ride?

Although part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone novel. This is a full length novel with a HEA, no cliffhanger.

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Merciless Ride – Book 3

***Although this book is part of a series it can be read without reading books one and two.***

Mercy is no friend of mine. Karma, she has yet to show kindness to me.

The hits just keep on coming for Tessie Marie Harlow. She has never had an easy life. Her mom disabled, her dad long gone, and a single mom raising a rambunctious little boy, that’s Tessie’s world.

Her childhood aspirations to be a nurse long since disappeared after a college spring fling both blessed and burdened her with a baby boy. Dropping out of school, she returns to her hometown and begins to settle in. Getting the only job she could as a bartender she spends her days caring for her son and nights serving the Hellions Motorcycle Club and their affiliates.

Tired of waiting for Rex to grow up, she’s faced with the bane existence of her life until one night changes everything. In the darkest hour of her merciless ride through life, she’s saved by a quiet, laid back Hellion.

Andy ‘Shooter’ Jenkins has always been around. Too wrapped in Rex she has never really noticed him before. He has never been loud or known to have the girls hanging all over him. He is a mystery. A chance encounter brings him to her rescue not once but twice.

The Desert Ghosts Motorcycle Club are in town and bring their own brand of chaos right to Tessie’s door. Forced into her day to day life, Shooter is doing everything he can to shelter and protect her as lines are crossed and a war between two clubs begins.

Secrets revealed putting two brothers in the Hellions Motorcycle Club at a serious crossroads in their lives.

This is not a ride for pleasure. This is not a ride for safety. This is not a ride for love. This is a ride for endurance. Mercy has never once shined her grace down for these two, but in the midst of the danger and lies can they learn to rely on one another and ride it out together?

*Intended for mature audiences only* 18 and older
This series contains strong language, strong sexual situations, and violence. Please do not buy if any of this offends you. This is not meant to be a true or exact depiction of a motorcycle club rather a work of fiction meant to entertain.

Although part of a series this book can be read as a stand alone novel. This is a full length novel with a HEA, no cliffhanger.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Author Bio

Chelsea Camaron was born and raised in Coastal North Carolina. She currently resides in Southern Louisiana with her husband and two children but her heart is always Carolina day dreaming.

Chelsea always wanted to be a writer, but like most of us, let fear of the unknown grab a hold of her dream; she realized that if she was going to tell her daughter to go for her dreams, that it was time to follow her own advice.

Chelsea grew up turning wrenches alongside her father, and from that grew her love for old muscle cars and Harley Davidson motorcycles, which just so happened to inspired her ‘Daddy’s Girls’ series. Her love for reading has sparked a new love for writing and she currently has a few more projects in the works.

When she is not spending her days writing you can find her playing with her kids, attending car shows, going on motorcycle rides on the back of her husband’s Harley, snuggling down with her new favorite book or watching any movie that Vin Diesel might happen to be in.

She hates being serious and is still a big kid at heart. She is a small town country girl enjoying life and, Chelsea hopes that her readers remember not to take life too seriously and to embrace your inner five year old, because five year olds know how to enjoy the simple things in life and how to always have fun.

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Happy Release + Review + Exclusive Interview : Broken Honor by Tonya Burrows – Hornet Series – Book 3

Posted on 02/24/2015 by shellbellereads

Broken Honor

Hornet Series – Book 3

By Tonya Burrows

Synopsis

Ice-cold and unbreakable, Travis Quinn is the HORNET team’s hard-ass. No weaknesses. Except, of course, for the accident that not only destroyed his career as a Navy SEAL, but left terrifying blanks in his memory. But Travis remembers everything about Mara Escareno–the curve of her lips, the feel of her body…and how he walked out on her suddenly six weeks ago.
Mara could never resist the dangerously sexy Travis, which is probably how she ended up pregnant and disowned by her family. But before Travis can fully process the news, Mara is kidnapped by his enemies and plunged into the violent, merciless world of human trafficking. They want Travis–and the information locked within his damaged memory–no matter the cost. And now Travis’s enemies have discovered his only weakness…Mara.

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The Hornet Series

Seal of Honor – Book 1

It’s a good thing Gabe Bristow lives and breathes the Navy SEAL credo, “the only easy day was yesterday,” because today, his life is unrecognizable. When his prestigious career comes to a crashing halt, he’s left with a bum leg and few prospects for employment that don’t include a desk.

That is, until he’s offered the chance to command a private hostage rescue team and free a wealthy American businessman from Colombian paramilitary rebels. It seems like a good deal—until he meets his new team: a drunk Cajun linguist, a boy-genius CIA threat analyst, an FBI negotiator with mob ties, a cowboy medic, and an EOD expert as volatile as the bombs he defuses. Oh, and who could forget the sexy, frustratingly impulsive Audrey Van Amee? She’s determined to help rescue her brother—or drive Gabe crazy. Whichever comes first.

As the death toll rises, Gabe’s team of delinquents must figure out how to work together long enough to save the day. Or, at least, not get themselves killed. Because Gabe’s finally found something worth living for, and God help him if he can’t bring her brother back alive.

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Honor Reclaimed – Book 2

Former Marine sniper Seth Harlan is determined to prove that he can still do his job despite his ongoing battle with PTSD. When an old friend contacts HORNET to rescue a black ops soldier, Seth’s stability is strained. He knows all too well what it’s like to rot inside an enemy camp, praying for rescue and waiting for death. And he’s not about to leave a man behind.

Photojournalist Phoebe Leighton just stumbled into the middle of an arms deal. Teaming up with a ragtag team of mercenaries is the last thing she wants to do–especially when she realizes Seth Harlan is assigned to the mission. He may ignite a passion in her she thought long dead, but Phoebe’s hiding a secret that could destroy him.

With a bomb in the mix, HORNET’s mission is suddenly about a lot more than an abandoned soldier. Racing against the clock, Seth, Phoebe, and the rest of the team struggle to stop a ruthless warlord bent on power, revenge…and death.

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Tina’s Review

The men of HORNET are back! Although Ms. Burrows does a wonderful job at writing this so it may stand on it’s own, I feel it would be most beneficial and enjoyable if the reader reads SEAL of Honor and Honor Reclaimed prior to this to appreciate the supporting characters to their fullest value. I’m always nervous to review a book by one of my favorite authors. I worry it won’t live up to my lofty expectations and I also worry that the author may not like my review… because, regardless of who the author is, I took a vow to read and review each book fairly and honestly.
That said, here I go… although Quinn has been an important member of HORNET, his character never left a strong, positive impression with me. He knew he was suffering side effects from the brain injury, but kept playing it off as no big deal. It’s irresponsible, reckless and selfish to do, especially as the commanding officer of the team. But, this book redeems him. Mara’s kind of a more obscure character, meaning though they have history and she’s been introduced in a previous storyline, she played more of a cameo than a minor role. Her character is quite enjoyable and I find her blend of vulnerability and feistiness to be refreshing. The dialogue and interaction between characters can easily be envisioned playing out in front of you, it’s very believable and feels feel. The plot is darker than the others of this series, it is dynamic and exciting, providing thrills and laughs and tears all while flowing with the smoothness of a decadent chocolate fountain. I’ll never be able to look at a Whac-a-Mole game again without thinking of Jean-Luc… priceless! There were plenty of conflicts being tossed at them from many different directions, all of which seem to have been resolved quite neatly. I had some speculations early on about “Captain Cold” and was oh-so close to being right, but I was just wrong enough for it to still be have that “whoa” factor upon the big reveal. Glad Tank made it back from London, he had me worried for a bit. The conclusion was solid and there’s just enough of a slight tease to whet the appetite for what might be the next book in the series. I really enjoy this series. If you like Maya Banks’ KGI series, you will love Tonya Burrows’ HORNET series.

Interview With Tonya Burrows

The third book in the HORNET series, BROKEN HONOR, by Tonya Burrows is about to release. Congratulations & Happy Release! She was kind enough to take time out of her super busy schedule to sit down with me long enough to conduct a short Q & A session.
Thank you, Tonya.

Tina:
Hi, Tonya. Thank you for taking time out to answer a few question for me.
Let’s start at the beginning… When did you know you wanted to become a professional writer/author and who were your influences and role models at that time? And now, what author(s) do you admire most?
Tonya:
Hi, Tina! Glad to be here!
I’ve always known I wanted to be an author. I remember telling my first grade teacher I would be an author someday, but it wasn’t until I was in 8th grade that the idea really took hold. I have my literature teacher to thank for that. She read everything I wrote, no matter how horrible it was, and encouraged me to keep writing. And I did.
There are two big-name authors I admire. Nora Roberts because she always manages to suck me into her stories, and J.R. Ward because her Black Dagger Brotherhood series inspires such a huge fandom. Those are two things I aspire to with my books.

Tina:
Your heroes are all kick-ass, uber-macho Alpha men. Is there any correlation between the fictional heroes and a real, live Alpha muse or muses?
Tonya:
Nope. I wish, but my heroes are complete fantasies.

Tina:
For those who follow the HORNET series, we have come to expect some pretty controversial plot locations. SEAL of Honor taking place in Columbia, Honor Reclaimed set in Afghanistan, and now Broken Honor is in… Transnistria? Can you tell us how you FOUND and decided on this obscure location?
Tonya:
Well, I knew I wanted Broken Honor to take place in a country that has problems with human trafficking, so that’s where I started with my research. When I came across Transnistria, a small breakaway republic of Moldova, I found the idea of an unrecognized country so interesting, I knew I had to set the book there.

Tina:
It sounds like Quinn’s story will be a little darker and/or edgier than the others with having to take on Human Traffickers in some unrecognized Eastern European country. How difficult was getting his story put into written words? It all sounds pretty foreign and complex; how deep did you need to research the topics and location for this book?
Tonya:
I do so much more research than what makes it into the actual book. Human trafficking is a very dark topic and I wanted to make sure I did it justice and had my facts right. Same with the setting—I read and watched everything I could find about Transnistria and Moldova because I wanted to make sure to do the countries justice. No place is all bad and I really try to show some of the good with the bad in these books.

Tina:
I understand that you are planning to donate a portion of your first month’s proceeds. NOT FOR SALE (notforsalecampaign.org)’s goal is to protect people and communities around the world from Human Trafficking. What was it about this cause and this organization that made you choose it over so many other charities?
Tonya:
After researching Broken Honor, I felt like I had to do something to help combat human trafficking, so when it was mentioned in passing that I could donate a portion of my proceeds, I jumped on the idea. I researched several organizations and decided I wanted to donate to a smaller, more “grassroots” effort. Not for Sale appealed to me for many reasons, but I made sure to get a second opinion by posing the question to my street team.

Tina:
You have two other series ongoing, WILDE SECURITY and D.I.E. SQUADRON. Can you tell us what’s happening with those? Any more New Releases we should be watching for in the near future?
Tonya:
Yes, I hope to finish the Wilde Security series this year. I don’t have release dates for any of them yet, but I hope to soon!
As for D.I.E. Squadron, I’m going to have to put that series on hold. Vision of Darkness was my first self-published effort and unfortunately, it didn’t sell well. So as much as I want to tell D.I.E. Squadron’s stories, I can’t justify spending the time or money to continue it at the moment. Hopefully I’ll be able to do it sometime in the future!

Tina:
With writing books for three series at a time, how do you keep all of your characters and plots organized and/or separated?
Tonya:
I have notebooks, my “bibles” for each book, but as I get farther into the series, I’m starting to realize that isn’t working anymore. I really need to take the time to put all the information into one binder for each series. And, I’m not gonna lie, the character profiles on my website have saved me from giving the characters the wrong colored eyes more than once.

Tina:
Finish these sentences:
“I’m going to celebrate my New Release by___” … work. I don’t usually do anything fun on release days. I’ll having marketing stuff to do and I’ll be working on the 4th Wilde Security book. I might indulge in a margarita that night, though.
“My ideal way to chill and relax is to ______” … veg out with Netflix. I’ll fully admit to being addicted to TV.

Tina: Could you describe a typical day in the life of Tonya Burrows? What do you enjoy doing when you’re not trying to meet deadlines?
Tonya:
My days are pretty uneventful. I walk my dogs, then have my coffee and catch up on emails, social media, and other online stuff. That usually takes me until lunchtime. I walk the dogs again, catch up on my TV shows while I eat and if I have any errands to do, I’ll do them in the afternoon. I do almost all of my writing in the evenings and at night. I’m a night owl. When I’m not writing, I like to spend time outside with my dogs at the park or beach. And, like I said, I’m addicted to TV so Netflix usually plays a big part in my days off. 🙂

Tina:
Lastly, I’d love to learn a little more about YOUR reading preferences.
What book did you just finish reading? What are you currently reading? What 2015 New Release are you looking most forward to?
Tonya:
I am most looking forward to J.R. Ward’s new releases. The Shadows, The Bourbon Kings, and the first book in the new series she just announced. I’m also looking forward to the next book in Cindy Gerard’s One-Eyed Jacks series and the next J.D. Robb book.
Right now, I’m listening to Rebecca Zanetti’s Blind Faith on audio, but I can’t share with you what I’m reading because I’m currently judging books for the RITA awards.

Tina:
Again, I’d like to thank you for taking the time out of your schedule to sit down and answer my questions. I enjoyed it. Best wishes on BROKEN HONOR!
Tonya:
You’re welcome! Thanks for having me!

Author Bio:

Tonya Burrows wrote her first romance in 8th grade and hasn’t put down her pen since. Originally from a small town in Western New York, she’s currently soaking up the sun as a Florida girl. She suffers from a bad case of wanderlust and usually ends up moving someplace new every few years. Luckily, her two dogs and ginormous cat are excellent travel buddies.

When she’s not writing about hunky military heroes, Tonya can usually be found at a bookstore or the dog park. She also enjoys painting, watching movies, and her daily barre workouts. A geek at heart, she pledges her TV fandom to Supernatural and Dr. Who.

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Happy Release + Review + Giveaway: Killian by Brenda Rothert – On The Line Series – Book 1

Posted on 02/24/2015 by shellbellereads

Happy Release Day to Brenda Rothert and her new book KILLIAN! Read a sneak peek into the book below and make sure to enter the giveaway! Good luck!

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Killian Bosch knows he’s his own worst enemy – he just doesn’t give a damn. The star forward of a minor league hockey team, he’s unstoppable on the ice. His reckless behavior, devil-may-care attitude and complete disregard for consequences have made him a major source of headaches for the Fenway Flyers’ brass.
But the new Flyers owner is more steel than brass. Sidney Stahl is a disciplined woman who parlayed earnings from a college job into a real estate empire. She’s determined to transform the Flyers from marketing nightmare to hockey powerhouse. Once she gets Killian in line, she knows the rest of the team will follow his lead.

The seduction of his sexy new team owner is a challenge too forbidden for Killian to resist. Sidney plays into his attraction as a means of controlling him, but soon finds that she’s the one surrendering. It’s all on the line as Killian and Sidney are forced to choose – business or pleasure?

My mind was jerked back to the present when I became aware the coach had moved on from his teaching lesson. “The new owner’s upstairs watching practice,” Orion announced, giving us the evil eye. We all looked up in the direction of the owner’s box, but I couldn’t see anyone standing inside.

Orion turned to Bruce, the Flyers assistant coach, and spoke in a voice loud enough that no one could miss what he was saying, “Bruce, did we not have a meeting with the new owner before practice this morning?”

Bruce nodded his agreement.

“Tell me if I remember this right, Bruce.” Orion continued. “Did she tell us this team will be undergoing some major changes? That we’ll be making cuts and bringing in new talent?”

“That’s right, Coach,” Bruce said in an even tone.

Sighs and shuffling from around me indicated nervousness. I had nothing to worry about. I was the captain of the team and probably the best player here, though Bennett was a very close second. But the idea of cutting the dead weight got my attention. I was as disgusted as Orion with the record of our team. It was fucking embarrassing. He’d been brought in by the new ownership to turn things around and it sounded like that was about to happen.

“I’ve been here two weeks,” he said. “I’ve given all of you a chance to show me you want to be on this team. Starting today, there’ll be one on one meetings between some of you and the new owner. Later on, Bruce and I will talk to each of you individually to let you know who’s staying and who’s going. Now back to the fucking play, boys.”

As we turned to get back in line, Orion called Liam’s name. “You’re up first with the owner,” he said. “You know where her office is?”

My head swiveled to look at Orion. Her? The new owner was a woman? Fucking hell. A woman wouldn’t be able to make the tough decisions this team needed to recover from its place at the bottom of the league.

And what about Liam? He was a quiet, solid player on the first line. What the hell did the new ownership want with him? I wanted to go with him to that meeting, but that was never going to happen.

Liam skated over to the bench and I glanced back up at the owner’s box, glowering. Anybody who fucked with Liam was also fucking with me. I had nothing to lose, and a man with nothing to lose was never someone you wanted to fuck with. Especially not by some woman who thought she could overhaul this team and turn things around. Others had tried and failed. She would be no different.

______________________________________

Tracey’s Review

As the new owner of the Fenway Flyers, businesswoman Sidney Stahl has got her work cut out for her. Her only goal is to get her hockey team in fighting form, and to convince team captain Killian Bosch to set a good example for his teammates. Killian is anything but sedate. Working and playing hard, the last thing he’s looking for is to settle down and tow the line, but saying no to Sidney might not be as easy as he thinks.

KILLIAN is the first in a new series by author Brenda Rothert. Brenda is no stranger to delivering stories about hot hockey players. Her Fire On Ice series features some of the hottest pro players out there, and Killian and his friends are right in line to continue the trend. Killian is passionate, dedicated to the game and to his brothers on the team. Inspired to play his best by his new coach, Orion Caldwell, he finds himself drawn to Sidney, the new owner of the Flyers. Sidney knows that she should stay away from Killian, that getting involved with him is not the professional thing to do, but the heart wants what it wants, and these two definitely want each other.

I very much enjoyed reading KILLIAN. As always, Brenda has written a love story between characters with a lot of heart, but which is also absolutely full of passion and heat. Sidney and Killian are great foils for each other, each inspiring the other to evolve into better versions of themselves. Although their story is mostly wrapped up in this book, I look forward to seeing more of them in future books in the On the Line series, and to reading both Liam’s and Bennett’s stories.

Author Bio:

Brenda Rothert lives in Central Illinois with her husband and three sons. She was a daily print journalist for nine years, during which time she enjoyed writing a wide range of stories.

These days Brenda writes New Adult Romance in the Contemporary and Dystopian genres. She loves to hear from readers by email at bjrothert@sbcglobal.net.

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Happy Release + 5 Star Review – 2015 Favorite : Thoughtful by S. C. Stephens- A Thoughtless Series Novel

Posted on 02/24/2015 by shellbellereads

Thoughtful

Thoughtless Series – Book 4

By S. C. Stephens

Synopsis

In Thoughtless, Kiera told her story. Now it’s time to hear from the sexy rock star who captivated us all . . .

THOUGHTFUL

The only place Kellan Kyle has ever felt at home is onstage. Gripping his guitar in a darkened bar, he can forget his painful past. These days his life revolves around three things: music, his bandmates, and hot hookups. Until one woman changes everything . . .

Kiera is the kind of girl Kellan has no business wanting-smart, sweet, and dating his best friend. Certain he could never be worthy of her love, he hides his growing attraction . . . until Kiera’s own tormented heart hints that his feelings might not be one-sided. Now, no matter the consequences, Kellan is sure of one thing-he won’t let Kiera go without a fight.

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Michel’s Review

Our favorite rock star is back! Kellan Kyle stole our hearts in the Thoughtless trilogy. The latest release, Thoughtful is Kellan’s POV from Thoughtless, the book that began it all.

I have to admit I was a bit nervous about this book. I was fearful it was going to be the exact same book as Thoughtless with the same character motivations. I was also fearful that Kellan’s voice was going to come across more like a female POV. Many writers have attempted to retell a story from a different character’s POV and had epic fails. S. C. Stephens knocked Thoughtful out of the park. This book made me fall in love with Kellan Kyle’s character all over again. It actually endeared him to my heart more so than he already was. I closed this book with a happy heart and a satisfied mind.

S. C. Stephens has grown as a writer and mastered her craft. It is quite evident when you compare Thoughtless to Thoughtful. The writing has matured. This book clearly showcased the characters personalities with more depth and realism.

Thoughtful begins when Kellan first meets Kiera. His reaction to her was more than we were led to believe. It was beyond a physical reaction. I felt the intensity of his emotions and his deep need for her. I felt the longing he had deep in his soul.

As Kiera’s and Kellan’s relationship begins to progress the reader gets a better understanding of Kellan’s obsession for his best friend’s girl. Her rejections hurt more than his male pride and ego. They added more wounds to his deeply scarred soul. Her indecisiveness broke his heart. He wanted her to find him worthy of her love. He wanted to be her “one” that captured her heart.

Thoughtful gives the reader more insight to Kellan’s abusive childhood and a better understanding of his adult behaviors. The reader got to see where his insecurities developed and drove him to his manwhore obsessions. It validated the behaviors that led to Kellan being a manwhore. He was never shown love or affection. He never had any kind of healthy relationship whether it be a platonic , romantic, or family.

The reader got to experience all the swoon worthy love scenes, forbidden moments, and sneaking around in a whole new light. These moments affected Kellan just as deeply as they did Kiera if not more so. It seemed Kellan had more at stake because he allowed himself to become vulnerable. He never allowed himself hope.

The best part of Thoughtful was how it portrayed Kellan and Kiera’s love for each other. This book validated every action they were driven to take. They did it all for the possibility of a love that would last a lifetime. They did it because it was what their hearts needed to survive.

The moments of love, heartbreak, betrayal, and hope made this book a solid 5 Star book and 2015 Favorite. It made Kellan Kyle the man we love so dearly.

Kellan Kyle owns me!

The Thoughtless Series

Thoughtless – Book 1

For almost two years now, Kiera’s boyfriend, Denny, has been everything she’s ever wanted: loving, tender, and endlessly devoted to her. When they head off to a new city to start their lives together—Denny at his dream job and Kiera at a top-notch university—everything seems perfect. Then an unforeseen obligation forces the happy couple apart. Feeling lonely, confused, and in need of comfort, Kiera turns to an unexpected source—a local rock star named Kellan Kyle. At first, he’s purely a friend she can lean on, but as her loneliness grows, so does their relationship. And then one night everything changes…and none of them will ever be the same.

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Effortless – Book 2

After being caught in the middle of a love triangle that led to a devastating betrayal, Kiera pledged to learn from the mistakes she’d made. She was determined to never again inflict that kind of pain on anyone, especially the soulful, talented man who held her heart. But life offers new challenges for every relationship, and when Kiera’s love is put to the ultimate test, will it survive? Love is easy…trust is hard.

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Reckless – Book 3

Can love survive when life gets Reckless?

When the band hits it big, Kiera and Kellan must ask themselves: Can their love for each other withstand the constant pressures of superstardom? The friendships they’ve formed, the new family they’ve found, and the history they’ve forged will all play a part in helping them navigate the turbulent waters of the band’s exploding popularity. A greedy executive hell-bent on success, a declining pop star looking for an edge, and a media circus that twists lies into truths are just some of the obstacles the lovers will have to overcome if they are going to remain together. Fame comes with a price—but will it cost Kiera and Kellan everything?

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Thoughtful – Book 4

In Thoughtless, Kiera told her story. Now it’s time to hear from the sexy rock star who captivated us all . . .

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

About S. C. Stephens

S.C. Stephens is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who enjoys spending every free moment she has creating stories that are packed with emotion and heavy on romance.

Her debut novel, Thoughtless, an angst-filled love triangle charged with insurmountable passion and the unforgettable Kellan Kyle, took the literary world by storm. Amazed and surprised by the response to the release of Thoughtless in 2009, more stories were quick to follow. Stephens has been writing nonstop ever since.

In addition to writing, Stephens enjoys spending lazy afternoons in the sun reading fabulous novels, loading up her iPod with writer’s block reducing music, heading out to the movies, and spending quality time with her friends and family. She currently resides in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her two equally beautiful children.

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Happy Release Day: I Loved A Rogue by Katharine Ashe

Posted on 02/24/2015 by Saucy Southern Readers

Synopsis

In the third in Katharine Ashe’s Prince Catchers series, the eldest of three very different sisters must fulfill a prophecy to discover their birthright. But if Eleanor is destined to marry a prince, why can’t she resist the scoundrel who seduced her?

She can pour tea, manage a household, and sew a modest gown. In short, Eleanor Caulfield is the perfect vicar’s daughter. Yet there was a time when she’d risked everything for a black-eyed gypsy who left her brokenhearted. Now he stands before her—dark, virile, and ready to escort her on a journey to find the truth about her heritage.

Leaving eleven years ago should have given Taliesin freedom. Instead he’s returned to Eleanor, determined to have her all to himself, tempting her with kisses and promising her a passion she’s so long denied herself. But if he was infatuated before, he’s utterly unprepared for what will happen when Eleanor decides to abandon convention—and truly live . . .

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Excerpt

Eleanor held the porcelain cup to her lips and inhaled until she felt it in her toes.

Mrs. Hodges plunked her hands on her hips. “Well, aren’t you going to drink it?”

“I am reveling.” Her lips could nearly taste it. Nearly. Temptation. The waiting teased. Deliciously.

“You’re an odd duck, aren’t you, miss?”

“Not usually.” She tilted the cup upward. “Usually I am entirely predictable. Reserved. Modest.” Her words were muffled by the rich liquid so close, heating her flesh. Heady sensation. “Usually I am very”—she let the chocolate wash against her lips—“very”—and a ripple of pleasure went through her—“good.” It stole around her tongue. Decadent. Sinful.

She sighed.

Taliesin appeared in the kitchen door.

She choked.

“Well now, sir,” Mrs. Hodges said, wiping her hands on her apron. “Miss was just teaching me here how to make chocolate like they do at all the big houses.”

He leaned a shoulder into the doorpost and crossed his arms. His shadowy eyes scanned her from toe tips to brow, finally coming to rest on her lips. “Was she?”

A thick droplet of chocolate clung to her bottom lip. Eleanor felt it there like a beacon. She should wipe it with her kerchief.

The tip of her tongue stole between her lips and licked up the droplet. Another shiver wiggled through her.

What was she doing?

“Now then, miss,” Mrs. Hodges said, “you’d best go and leave the kitchen to me, and I’ll fix up a nice dinner for you.”

Clutching the cup in both palms, Eleanor went to the door. Taliesin stepped back but with so little space she had to shift sideways to move past him. She darted a glance upward.

Immobility. His. Hers. She could see every line, every whisker that had not been on his face eleven years ago. Not the same boy she’d known. A man now. Her pulse fluttered. Then it fluttered harder as his scent mingled with the flavor of chocolate upon her tongue. Horse. Leather. Him. The same. It tangled in her nose, in her head, a memory barreling through her, while he watched her eyes from inches away.

She slipped past him.

The taproom was empty now. Mr. Treadwell was probably in the stable seeing to his Arthurian characters and Betsy must be in their room seeing to mundane tasks Eleanor was accustomed to seeing to herself.

“Chocolate?” the incubus behind her said. “Missing the luxuries of the ducal mansion so soon, are you?”

She swung around to him and the chocolate sloshed in the cup. “Is that what you think? That I have grown spoiled by my sisters’ good fortune?”

“No.” His black eyes hooded.

“No? Is that all you can say?” Her tongue, it seemed, was an unbridled thing. Too much prison. Too much feeling to swallow again and again. “We’ve not seen each other in eleven years, and now for four days you have said nothing to me.”

Again he leaned his shoulder against the doorpost in an attitude of sublime nonchalance. “You made it clear you did not wish my escort. I am respecting that.”

She didn’t believe it. He had never respected her. He had teased her endlessly. “You could at least speak to me.”

“What would you have me say?”

“Anything. How do you go along these days, Eleanor? How is the parish? Is it still the same as eleven years ago when I departed so precipitously, without warning, without word?”

His face grew still, planes of dark beauty like hewn marble. “Ah,” he said in a low voice. “You wish for empty pleasantries. Or perhaps an apology? I regret that neither is in my lexicon.”

“I don’t wish for pleasantries or apologies. I don’t care why you left as you did. But you hurt Papa. Do you even know how deeply you hurt him?”

His lips were an unbreakable line.

“He wouldn’t even speak of you.” Locked behind bars for years, Eleanor’s words now tumbled forth. “He said nothing except when Ravenna mentioned you. She did not understand why you left either, but she accepted it in her way. She always thought you would return. But Papa didn’t. And it wounded him.”

“I wrote to him,” he said after a moment.

“Rarely. So few letters that the pages grew thin from folding and unfolding. He never said a word about them or read a line to us, but do you know where he kept them? In his Bible, tucked in Luke, chapter fifteen. The story of the prodigal son.”

His eyes had become hard obsidian. But he remained silent.

Her hands clenched around the cup. “Why won’t you speak?” she exclaimed.

“Seems like you’re speaking enough for the both of us.” His perfect lips barely moved.

“Can’t you even be civil? Or did you leave those lessons behind too when you left St. Petroc?”

“Listen to you. As righteous as you always were.”

She threw the chocolate at him.

She didn’t know quite how it happened. One moment strange, frantic panic coursed through her, straight from her heels to her throat. The next moment a demon possessed her, seizing her arm and forcing it to jut forward and disgorge the contents of her cup at him. Chocolate spattered everywhere—on the wall, the doorpost, and on the dark, handsome man from her past for whom she had wept months of tears.

“What in the—” But he didn’t finish. Instead he came at her. Her foot dropped back but he grabbed her wrist and jerked her hand with the cup up between them. “What do you think you’re doing?” Chocolate dripped down her wrist and along his cheeks and lips. He stared down at her in astonishment.

“Wasting my chocolate.” She tugged. His grip tightened. Arm to arm, he held her close, and he did not look into her eyes. He looked at her lips. The shadows in his eyes were deeper, but now limned with fever brightness, so bright that she could see the flecks of brown there that she had discovered as a girl.

“How do you go along these days, Eleanor?” His voice was rough.

“Wh-what?”

“How is the parish?” His gaze never left her lips, his fingers strong around her wrist. “Is it still the same as eleven years ago when I departed?”

“Precipitously,” she whispered. “Without warning. Without word.” The syllables trailed into the silence of her raucous heartbeat.

“Precipitously. Without warning.”

Through his hand she felt him. Her skin, her bones, her blood felt him.

“You are poking fun at me,” she said. “Don’t.”

“What will it be, Eleanor? You demanded my attention. You have it now. Do you want it or not?”

She wanted to taste the chocolate on his lips. She wanted to remember the danger and delirium she’d felt the last time she had been entirely alive. …

Author Bio

Katharine Ashe is the award-winning author of historical romances that reviewers call “intensely lush” and “sensationally intelligent,” including How to Be a Proper Lady, an Amazon Editors’ Choice for the 10 Best Romances of the Year, and How to Marry a Highlander, a 2014 RITA® Award finalist. She lives in the wonderfully warm southeast with her beloved husband, son, dog and a garden she likes to call romantic rather than unkempt. A professor of History, she writes romance because she thinks modern readers deserve grand adventures and breathtaking sensuality too. Please write to her at PO Box 51702, Durham, NC 27717-1702 or visit www.katharineashe.com

https://www.facebook.com/KatharineAsheAuthor

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

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