Happy Release + ARC Review: Beyond The Consequences by Aleatha Romig- The Consequences Series – Book 5

Posted on 01/15/2015 by shellbellereads

Beyond The Consequences

The Consequences Series- Book 5

By Aleatha Romig

Synopsis

BEYOND THE CONSEQUENCES

Book #5 of the bestselling Consequences series

From New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig comes more of the suspenseful romantic thriller about secrets and deception, passion and love, choices and consequences.

Secrets and deception

As the pieces of their puzzle come together, Anthony and Claire Rawlings continue to defy the odds. Together they overcame an incomprehensible beginning. Apart they endured unimaginable heartache. Reunited with family and friends, their journey continues as they navigate a dangerous world where secrets threaten to destroy what they hold the most dear.

Passion and love

Tony and Claire turn up the heat as sparks fly, passion rages, and love prevails. With only a dark glance or devilish grin, the fire that sparked in an isolated suite, continues to burn. Though no longer willing to be less than Tony’s equal in life, behind closed doors only one man makes the rules.

Choices and consequences

The safety of the Rawlings family is not debatable, and only Phillip Roach can assure that they are not disappointed. Learn how he leads old friends and new associates through the dangerous world of delusion and revenge. The choices he makes for both the family and his personal life will have consequences.

Beyond the Consequences is a novel that began as the novella, A Peek Beyond the Consequences, in a limited-release anthology, Breathless. Since its publication in 2014, Beyond the Consequences has more than tripled in length with more action, heat, and secrets to reveal. Learn once and for all the identity and fate of the sender of the Rawls-Nichols letters as you join the Rawlings for a special surprise!

Theirs was a long, complicated story with a monster and a knight. What made their story unique was that these two players were the same person.—Aleatha Romig, CONVICTED

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Robin’s Review

Back in September of 2014, Aleatha Romig published a novella that was included with 11 other stories in Breathless: an Anthology. A Peek Beyond the Consequences was unexpected and a welcomed surprise for fans of the Consequences series! We were given a glimpse of the future as it relates to Anthony, Claire and Nichol Rawlings, their extended family and employees. Romig has now expanded this novella to a full-length novel titled Beyond the Consequences. Her new novel is now almost three-times longer than its original size!

Up until now, I have considered the novels of the Consequences series to be dark psychological thrillers, but Beyond the Consequences seems to fall into the contemporary romance or romantic suspense genres. Yes, there are some elements of darkness, suspense and intrigue in this novel, but overall, I felt a sense of peace and happiness within the Rawlings family while I was reading. If my memory serves me correct, the first five chapters of Beyond the Consequences are the original novella found in Breathless: an Anthology. Just like me, there may be readers who realize they have already read the beginning of Beyond the Consequences. If you have not, please know these five chapters are excellent! They have their own story arc, complete with an entertaining mystery which is resolved.

Most of Beyond the Consequences takes place after the events of Convicted and Revealed. According to Romig, “It’s meant as a fun glimpse into the future of a family that had a very dark and unusual beginning.” Claire is now involved in the day-to-day running of the estate. Tony has resumed his position as the CEO of Rawlings Industries after a two-year absence, but he has also decided to share this position with Tim Bronson, who ran the company in his absence. Tony works from home quite often so that he can spend more time with his family. There are some very touching moments between Claire, Tony and Nichol in Beyond the Consequences. There are moments between the Rawlings, their family and friends which made me smile.

A good portion of this novel centers on Phillip Roach. Phil struggles with the decision to add a woman named Taylor Walters to the security team. He knows she is more than capable of doing her job, but he is very protective of the Rawlings family. After all, Phil considers them his family. There is less darkness in this novel, but don’t let that fool you. The security team continues to be concerned about packages and letters from an unknown individual that continue to arrive at the estate. Phil, Eric and Taylor are involved in an ongoing investigation that is one of the more interesting parts of this novel. If you enjoyed the mystery in Consequences, Truth, Convicted and Revealed, you won’t want to miss reading this.

The only negative criticism I have for Beyond the Consequences is that this story is missing the spine-tingling drama – something Aleatha Romig is well- known for – that is found in the earlier novels of the Consequences series. As I mentioned earlier, expect some elements of suspense and intrigue, but overall the darkness of the vendetta has played itself out. I consider this novel to be a contemporary romance or even a romantic suspense novel. Beyond the Consequences is actually a more realistic portrayal of life. The Rawlings family is now dealing with real life issues such as mental health, continued therapy sessions, medications, and the possibility of having more children. Family is a huge theme in this story. And, as always, Aleatha Romig’s writing style is beautiful. Please know that I enjoyed Beyond the Consequences. It was refreshing to see Tony and Claire continue to move forward in their relationship! Beyond the Consequence earns a solid 4 stars!

About Aleatha Romig

Aleatha Romig is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Together with her high-school sweetheart and husband of twenty-eight years, they’ve raised three children. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time with her family and friends. Her pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams!

CONSEQUENCES, her first novel, was released August 2011, by Xlibris Publishing. Then in October of 2012, Ms. Romig re-released CONSEQUENCES as an indie author. TRUTH, the sequel, was released October 30, 2012, and CONVICTED, the third in the series, was released October 8, 2013. Unexpectedly, the fourth book of the Consequences series came to life with REVEALED: THE MISSING YEARS. It is the fourth full-length novel in the series. It explores the years in CONVICTED that previously were only mentioned, as well as a complete character glossary and timeline. REVEALED was released May 20, 2014. BEYOND THE CONSEQUENCES, book #5, will be released in 2015. Yes…MORE Tony and Claire.

Aleatha also wrote reading companions for the Consequences Series. BEHIND HIS EYES CONSEQUENCES (Book 1.5) and BEHIND HIS EYES TRUTH (Book 2.5) are currently available for those times and scenes when the readers asked, “What was he thinking?” These companions also contain never before released behind-the-scenes scenes.

INSIDIOUS, the first released book from TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE was be released October 21, 2014. TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE will be a series of standalone, dark, erotic thrillers guaranteed to take you on a wild, hot, and dark ride. Each novel in the series will be independent of the next. The characters from one book will never be revisited. Instead, Aleatha leaves it up to her readers to imagine how each story will end while remembering that it is the journey that is the most fun. DUPLICITY, book #2, will be released in 2015.

Aleatha is a “Published Author’s Network” member of the Romance Writers of America and represented by Danielle Egan-Miller of Brown and Miller Literary Associates.

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::::SECRET CONSEQUENCE AUTHOR HOP::::

YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS!!

Starting TODAY, Aleatha Romig will be having a Secret Consequence Author Hop in honor of the release of Beyond The Consequences (Consequences Book #5). More than 30 prizes, More than 30 authors, 1 amazingly epic love story! Make sure to follow Aleatha Romig’s Author Page for details.

Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Held Against You by Season Vining

Posted on 01/13/2015 by shellbellereads

Held Against You

New Adult / Romantic Suspense

By Season Vining

Synopsis

A gorgeous bounty hunter. A wanted woman. A passion they can’t deny.
Accused of a horrific crime and on the run, Kat has been rejected by everyone she loves. She’s a fugitive from her past, flitting from town to town with nothing but the clothes on her back—until she meets a man who literally stops her in her tracks.
A notorious bounty hunter with powerful instincts, he never fails to capture his prey. But there’s something about Kat that gets under his skin–and it’s not just the naked innocence he sees in her pretty eyes. Behind his ice cold demeanor, he has his own darkness… and now his lively, vulnerable mark is about to crack him wide open.
As they travel across the country together, both captor and captive are unable to deny the spark of attraction between them. Will their journey bring them together…or will their dangerous secrets tear them apart?

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Michel’s Review

I am always on the look out for new authors to read. Held Against You by Season Vining was brought to Smut Book Junkie Reviews attention through publisher/ publicist outreach months before the actual book was released. When I read the synopsis I was intrigued. It was a combination of two of my favorite genres, New Adult and Romantic Suspense. I took this generous offer to read the ARC copy for review.

I LOVED Held Against You! It was witty, entertaining, adventurous, gritty, and a very sexy read. The characters were larger than life. They had personality in spades. The dialogue was creative, snarky, and intuitive. The pacing of the story was perfect. The suspense and high octane was consistent throughout the story and had readers guessing the outcome to the very end. It had the right amount of sexual tension, emotional passages, and passionate moments. This book was a little less graphic in the bedroom scenes but was not lacking in projecting the red hot passion and chemistry between the characters. The entire plot to this story was unique and fresh. When I finished this book I was amazed at how much I enjoyed it. It was a page turner that kept my attention to the very last page.

Held Against You was not your typical angsty New Adult book. It may have been classified in this genre because of the characters age and general life experience, but they were not tormented angsty souls. They had a very defined situation that they had to deal with. They dealt with this situation to the best of personal abilities ( I say this loosely, because both characters fall in opposite sides of the spectrum, therefore they dealt with things to their individual ability). Somehow, even though they had opposing roles in their situation, they were able to merge and find a solution that worked for both of them.

Held Against You is not your typical romantic suspense either. There are several players in the story and at times the reader is not sure who the bad guy is. The danger and fear does escalate to an explosive ending, but the journey getting there is full high octane explosions that have the reader wondering where this is leading. It was not predictable.

Held Against You starts out with a fast paced heart racing moment. The reader gets to meet Kat. She is on the run. She committed murder and is trying to get to the Canadian border. She is penniless and without means for survival. Through sheer wit she manages to elude the authorities. Little does she know that a bounty hunter has been sent to collect her. Her determination and wit has kept her out of his grasp for over a month. He is tired, cranky, and pissed off that one little woman could elude him in the flash of an eye. But luck is on his side and he finally is able to capture her. Bringing her back is going to turn out to be an even bigger nuisance than capturing her was. It is going to be the road trip from hell. Kat is more than a murderer, she is a snarky pain in the butt. She doesn’t know when to shut up and she doesn’t know how to obey. What seems like easy money is going to make him earn every penny. It may make him grow a conscience and change his profession, or it may make him change his profession for peace and quiet.

All is not what it seems. As the story unfolds it becomes quite clear that there really isn’t a right and wrong, black and white. Kat’s life is every shade of grey. Is her head worth the money it is going to bring? Or is there a sinister motive for the hunt?

Read this book! It will not disappoint! I loved every word!

I was so impressed with Season Vining’s writing. I had to go and download her previous book, Beautiful Addictions. I think that she is going to make her mark in the book lovers world.

Author Bio:

SEASON VINING is an author, a designer, a philanthropist, a bookworm, a cook, inked, and a night owl. She loves John Hughes films, tattooed boys, and celebrating anniversaries of her 29th birthday. She lives in Louisiana, where she likes to spend time with her corgi, Chap.

Season is a graphic designer by trade and adores all form of art. She’s a fan of live music, vintage cars, and people who know the difference between their, there, and they’re.

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Happy Release + Review: A Shot Of Sin by Eden Summers- Book 1 in Vault Of Sins Series

Posted on 01/13/2015 by shellbellereads

A Shot Of Sin

A Novel in the Vault Of Sin Series – Book 1

By Eden Summers

Synopsis

Throw back a shot of pure pleasure.

Vault of Sin, Book 1

Leo Petrova is between a rock and the hard place in his pants. Shot of Sin, the night club he owns with his two best friends, is short one bartender downstairs. The only available replacement is the upstairs bar manager—the one woman Leo knows he can’t take downstairs, can’t have, can’t touch. The one time he gave in to temptation convinced Leo that Shay’s no match for his sexual demands.

Only a select few know Shot of Sin’s guilty secret, that beneath the packed dance floor lies a very private sex club—the Vault. The place Leo can let his sexual proclivities run wild.

Shay Porter is curious as to why her boss, the king of mixed messages, seems almost desperate to keep her from discovering what’s on the other side of the guarded door at the back of the club.

Sliding out of her comfort zone and into Leo’s arms risks everything. Their friendship, the Vault, and most of all, their hearts.

Warning: This sex club does not carry the government’s stamp of approval. Contains devilish debauchery, delightful deviance, and dancing on the edge of the darkest of sexual desires.

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Tracey’s Review

What do you get when you combine equal parts sassy bartender, super-alpha club owner and his partners, and said club that is definitely more than meets the eye? You get A Shot of Sin, one ultra-sexy read about a very special club, the people that work there, and what goes on behind closed doors.

This was my first time reading a book by Eden Summers, and, oh, my goodness, what a way to start. I liked Shay Porter right away. Head bartender for the club, she’s been wanting Leo Petrova, one of Shot of Sin’s owners, since she first met him. Leo, though, isn’t about to get involved with a co-worker, especially when his past experiences with relationships have always ended in heartache. These two are absolutely combustible, and I could not turn the pages quickly enough. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the relationship between Shay and Leo heat up, and absolutely loved both T.J. and Brute, Leo’s partners in the club. If you’re reading this, Eden, PLEASE give these awesome guys their books, too!

I give A Shot of Sin 4.5 sizzling stars, and hope that Eden has plans to give us more books about this lively group of characters, ’cause I’ll be first in line to keep reading. Grab this one, guys, get out your fan, and enjoy!

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Author Bio:

Eden Summers is a true blue Aussie, living in regional New South Wales with her two energetic young boys and a quick witted husband.
In late 2010, Eden’s romance obsession could no longer be sated by reading alone, so she decided to give voice to the sexy men and sassy women in her mind.
Eden can’t resist alpha dominance, dark features and sarcasm in her fictional heroes and loves a strong heroine who knows when to bite her tongue but also serves retribution with a feminine smile on her face.

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Happy Release + Review: You Can’t Always Get What You Want by Chelsey Krause

Posted on 01/13/2015 by shellbellereads

You Can’t Always Get What You Want

By Chelsey Krause

Synopsis

Fans of Jill Shalvis and Molly O’Keefe will love this deeply romantic and uplifting debut novel about losing everything you thought you wanted—and getting exactly what you need.

Sophie Richards has been looking forward to a much-needed girls’ night out: a Rolling Stones tribute-band concert, a few drinks, a distraction from her grueling nursing shifts in acute care. But when her best friend bails, Sophie gets stuck with a blind date.

Although Brett Nicholson may be the hottest carpenter alive, and Sophie may technically be single, she isn’t exactly on the market. Six years ago she found The One. He was everything Sophie dreamed a man could be—and then she lost him. In an instant, her whole life changed, and she forgot all about happily ever after.

But as she gets to know Brett, Sophie starts to wonder about the future for the first time. With a broken heart still clouding her mind, jumping into a new relationship feels impossible. When she’s in his arms, walking away feels even harder. Now Sophie faces an impossible choice: living in the past or choosing love in the here and now.

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Tina’s Review

:: DEBUT NOVEL :: First-person, present tense narrative with some flashback windows into the past.
Two not-so social people with common friends agree to go together to a concert. Neither have really dated in years. She’s experienced a tragedy, he grew tired of casual dating. They defy the odds and find they have an easy, immediate connection and chemistry. The reader is provided ample backstory on Sophie, but not a lot on Brett, it’s almost like he’s a secondary character rather than a lead male. The characters are very feel-good and well-written. They are all very likable and the interaction is good. I just really wish there was more depth and background for Brett’s character. The plot is sweet and flows nicely. The main conflict runs through the length of the book and is finally resolved in the last few chapters, which provides enough time to tie all loose ends and provide a solid and satisfactory conclusion. Predictability is virtually non-existent. Overall, this was quite a pleasant debut novel.

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Author Bio:

Chelsey is a Canadian nurse. She lives with her husband and two children.

She loves thrift shops and musty old books stores, DIY projects, and has a serious Starbucks addiction.

She has recently published her first novel with Random House. Check out Chelsey’s thoughts on reading and writing at: http://www.chelseykrause.com

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Happy Release + 5 Star Review : New Year In Manhattan by Louise Bay – The Empire State Trilogy – Book 3

Posted on 01/13/2015 by shellbellereads

New Year In Manhatten

The Empire State Trilogy- Book 3

By Louise Bay

Synopsis

The Empire State Series concludes in New Year in Manhattan.

Anna and Ethan are separated by the Atlantic Ocean. Their previous rules no longer apply.

In order to make things work, Anna needs to let go of her past and take a risk with Ethan. Ethan needs to learn how to deal with the ambiguity of a relationship.

Long-distance relationships are never easy and their relationship is fragile. For how long can it survive under the pressure of separation? Are either of them prepared to give up what they have for the other?

But distance isn’t the only obstacle Anna and Ethan face. Ultimately they have to decide whether they want to share a future together.

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Tracey’s Review

Although they’ve agreed to a long-distance relationship, Anna Kirby and Ethan Scott are finding it harder than they’d thought to deal with being separated by 3,000 miles. Having fallen hard and fast for each other, they’re beginning to wonder whether their love will survive the separation. But, where there’s a will, there’s a way, and these two are nothing if not strong-willed…

Oh, yeah, game, set, and match to Louise Bay. If I thought that I could not love Ethan Scott one bit more, well, I was wrong. With NEW YEAR IN MANHATTAN, the third and final installment in the Empire State series, Louise has managed to make me fall in love with these characters all over again. I have so thoroughly enjoyed these books, and could not be happier with this one. Ethan and Anna and their story are delectable; one bit, and I was in for the long haul, unable to stop once I’d begun, until I’d finished each book, and sat waiting impatiently for the next. Their commitment to each other, the absolutely sizzling connection that they have, and their willingness to do whatever it takes to make things work kept me turning the pages, because I was not stopping until I’d finished. With NEW YEAR IN MANHATTAN, Louise continues to write characters that I would absolutely want to hang out with, conversations that had me laughing, worrying a bit, and fanning myself in turn, and sexy scenes that deliver in all the best ways. While I’m sorry that the series has reached its conclusion, I am so glad that I had the chance to read it. These characters and their story are ones that I will happily revisit, and couldn’t recommend more highly. 5.5 swoony and super-satisfied stars for this one.

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Author Bio:

I write sexy, contemporary romance novels – the kind I like to read. My books Faithful and Hopeful are stand-alone novels although there are some overlapping characters. The Empire State Series of novellas starts with A Week in New York.

Ruined by romantic mini-series of the eighties, I love all things romantic. There’s not enough of it in real life so I’ll settle for books and films.

I love the rain, the West Wing, London, days when you don’t have to wear make-up, being alone, being with friends, elephants and champagne.

Hearing from readers is the best thing in the world so get in touch!
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Happy Release + Giveaway: Raveling You by Jessica Sorensen – Book 2 in Unraveling You Series

Posted on 01/13/2015 by shellbellereads

Happy Release Day to Jessica Sorensen and her new book RAVELING YOU! This is book 2 in the Unraveling Series following Lyric Scott and Ayden Gregory. Make sure to enter the giveaway below for a chance to win an ebook copy of this book. Good luck!

Ayden Gregory may want to keep running from his nightmares, but he no longer has a choice. His past is catching up with him. And fast. He relies on one person to keep him from crumbling. His best friend Lyric Scott.

Lyric feels helpless watching her best friend’s world turn upside down. But she does her best to remain positive and upbeat. She gets their band their first gig and even with everything going on, her relationship with Ayden starts to heat up.

But when danger enters Ayden’s life again, even Lyric might not be able to help him.

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“Close your eyes, Ayden,” he begins with a droning tone. “You’re in a safe place, where no one can hurt you. Now let your mind relax.”
Like always, I fleetingly feel like I’m falling.
Down.
Down.
Down.
Then I crash into a wall.
You can’t think about it.
You aren’t allowed.
There was a reason.
For your amnesia.
You think we’d let you off that easy.
You think we’d really let you go.
Don’t think too much.
Or you’re going to lose control.
We’re going to come after you.
Pale eyes… thin bodies…. yellow teeth… blue and red lights flash as sirens near closer to the home. Someone is banging on the door, shouting, “Open up!”
My sister lifts her head, life in her eyes for the first time. My brother is curled up in the corner though, thin, fail, so close to death.
Our capturers flee, but not without an impending warning.
“No one escapes,” the woman whispers as she stabs her fingernails into my hands. “We’ll come back for you.” Her face… blurred… but the pain… is excruciating.
My eyelids spring open to the patch on the ceiling. The room is quiet, but my heart thunders like a storm inside my chest.

The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Jessica Sorensen, lives in the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.

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♥SERIES READING ORDER♥

Book 1 – Unraveling You (currently FREE at time of posting)

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Book 2 – Raveling You

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Happy Release: Wasted Summer by Cathryn Fox – Stone Cliff Series- Book 2

Posted on 01/13/2015 by shellbellereads

We’re having a release day launch for Cathryn Fox’s WASTED SUMMER!! I’m so in love with this amazing NA romance. Cathryn is sharing an excerpt with us and hosting a fantastic giveaway. Be sure to check it out and grab your copy of Wasted Summer today!!

Exclusive Excerpt:

“You okay?” he asked.

She wrapped her arms around herself and stared at the sky. Ryeland followed her gaze and took in the streaks of pink and purple bruising the horizon.

She rubbed her hands over her arms. “Yeah, it’s just, the sun is going down and the temperature is dropping.”

“We could always get in the hot springs.”

“I don’t have a suit.”

“We can wear our clothes.”

“I guess it wouldn’t be the first time you caught me soaking wet and fully dressed.”

“Then I take that as a yes.” He jumped to his feet and pulled her up.

She yelled when he scooped her into his arms and carried her to the edge. “No, I was kidding.” She whacked him and wiggled to get free. Jesus, he wished she wouldn’t wiggle like that. “And we just ate.”

“Don’t care.” He jumped, and she wrapped her arms around his neck to hold on as the warm water enveloped them. She pushed away from him and they both came up sputtering.

Laughing, she swiped her hair off her face and swam away. “You’re crazy.”

“You think?”

“Yeah, I think.”

He moved closer when she stopped swimming, watching the way the water dripped down her face, making her look so sexy, so damn tempting. His cock thickened, need propelling him forward and urging him to act on what he was feeling. Her smile fell and her mouth opened slightly as his gaze dropped to her lips.

He took a breath and let it out slowly as he closed the distance between them, standing so close he could feel the pounding of her heart. “You want to know what I think?”

She stared into his eyes and he could almost hear her brain buzzing. She opened her mouth and closed it again. When she finally spoke, her voice was so soft, so quiet he had to strain to hear it.

“Okay,” she whispered.

With his heart picking up tempo, he ran his thumb over her cheek then cupped her chin. “What I think is I’d like to kiss you.” When she didn’t flinch, he leaned forward and pressed his mouth to hers. His lips moved over hers, reveling in the warmth, the softness.

“Ryeland,” she whispered into his mouth.

“Yeah?” he asked, barely able to think straight as she melted against him. His body tightened, pleasure racing through him.

Her breath grew shallow, her chest rising and falling quickly against his. “What are we doing?”

“We’re kissing.”

“Friends don’t kiss.”

“Friends kiss,” he murmured.

“No, they don’t.”

Breathing hard, he rested his forehead against hers, working to keep his shit together. “Do you want me to stop?” he asked, his voice so tortured he barely recognized it. “If you want me to stop, I will. Just tell me and I will.”

Wasted Summer Synopsis:

When Broken meets Beautiful. Melody Spencer has a plan: work hard, stay focused and save enough money to get out of Stone Cliff and the rumors that surround her. Wounded and distrustful, she’s learned the hard way that if a guy is nice to her, it means he’s only after one thing.

Until Ryeland Montgomery cruises back into her resort town, beautifully protective as he insists they get to know each other better.

Ryeland’s future is in the palm of his hands. Problem is it’s the future his hard-nosed father has chosen for him, not the one he wants. Warned by his folks to steer clear of the local girls who will do whatever it takes to escape the sleepy mountain town, he’s always played the good son and kept his distance.

Until he sees Melody, sweet yet tough, standing on the road side, drenched and furious—a girl he knows he has to have.

Soon this unlikely pair find themselves lost in each other, and after a whirlwind summer of passion and pleasure, he vows to protect her from everything and everyone. But when secrets unfold, Melody is forced to make the toughest decision of her life and Ryeland must determine whether he’s wasted the summer on nothing more than a beautiful lie, or if they can move past the deceit and rebuild the wreckage that has become their lives.

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Cathryn Fox Bio:

New York Times and USA today Best selling author, Cathryn is a wife, mom, sister, daughter, and friend. She loves dogs, sunny weather, anything chocolate (she never says no to a brownie) pizza and red wine. She has two teenagers who keep her busy with their never ending activities, and a husband who is convinced he can turn her into a mixed martial arts fan. Cathryn can never find balance in her life, is always trying to find time to go to the gym, can never keep up with emails, Facebook or Twitter and tries to write page-turning books that her readers will love.

Check out Cathryn’s giveaway!!

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Happy Release: Branded by Tara Sivec- The Ignite Trilogy- Book 2

Posted on 01/12/2015 by shellbellereads

Branded

The Ignite Trilogy – Book 2

By Tara Sivec

Synopsis

Ignite Trilogy, Volume 2: DJ & Phina

I wear my scars like a scarlet letter, reminding myself that I’m not worth the trouble.
I’ve spent seventeen years pushing men away, never allowing myself to believe in the fairytale…then, he walked back in.

Just like before, we explode when we’re together. I hate him for what he did to me, but I can’t stay away.

Eighteen days filled with passion and promises.
Nineteen letters filled with threats and foreboding.
It only takes twenty minutes for the numbers to all add up.
One thousand, two hundred seconds until everything changes and there’s no going back.

This is my story, and it’s going to leave a scar.

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Author Bio:

Tara Sivec is a USA Today best-selling author, wife, mother, chauffeur, maid, short-order cook, baby-sitter, and sarcasm expert. She lives in Ohio with her husband and two children and looks forward to the day when they all three of them become adults and move out.

After working in the brokerage business for fourteen years, Tara decided to pick up a pen and write instead of shoving it in her eye out of boredom. She is the author of the Playing with Fire series, the Chocolate Lovers series, the Chocoholics series, the Fool Me Once series and Watch Over Me. Her novel Seduction and Snacks won first place in the Indie Romance Convention Reader’s Choice Awards 2013 for Best Indie First Book.

In her spare time, Tara loves to dream about all of the baking she’ll do and naps she’ll take when she ever gets spare time.

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Happy Release + Review + Giveaway : Something Amazing by M. Clarke- A Spinoff of the Something Great Series

Posted on 01/12/2015 by shellbellereads

Something Amazing

A Spinoff of the Something Great Series- Book 1

By M. Clarke

Synopsis

**Can be read as stand alone, but to get the full story of the characters that will be mentioned in the story, start from Something Great, book 1.** Currently FREE

****Watch the book trailer created by Once Upon an Alpha http://vimeo.com/112017360

Some nights have passion, some waves leave you wet, but everything is sexy at Knight Fashion Magazine…

From the International Bestselling, Reader’s Favorite Award winning author of My Clarity; M. Clarke has readers plunge into the depths of romance and desire with Rachel and Jackson’s story.

No one said breaking up was easy, but escaping to Kauai only adds to Rachel Miller’s confusion when fate collides her with Jackson Clark. He’s everything Rachel wants—confident, charismatic, and in charge—but his past catches up to them, creating rough waves that seems impossible to calm. Will their love for each other be strong enough or will it crash against the shore?

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Teaser

“It’s raining,” Stacey said out loud all of sudden.

Rain splashed on us, only it wasn’t rain.

“Did you see me, Hendrix?” a deep, manly voice asked, causing all sorts of tingles in me just from the sound of his voice.

“Ugh.” Hendrix wiped his face and gave each of us a towel. “Must you flip your hair and shake like a dog? No, I didn’t see you.” He sounded annoyed, then softened his tone when he turned to us. “I was too busy staring at these two beautiful ladies in front of me. One that is off limits and the other one that needs a lot of hands on.”

Stacey blushed and giggled like a schoolgirl. Since my back was to this stranger, my face didn’t get as wet as theirs, but when I peered up after I wiped myself off … holy shit! It was the guy from the swimming pool.

Our eyes locked for the first time, but neither of us looked away. In fact, his dark chocolate eyes grew, and small dimples appeared on both of his cheeks when his lips curled wider. His stare was so strong and intense that he might as well have fucked me with it. All sorts of butterflies fluttered in my stomach and spread to every nerve in my body, sending electrifying tingles everywhere. And seeing stubble along his strong jawline produced another shudder within me.

“Hi there.” His grin got wider and hotter. “Sorry about that.” He sounded sincere. When he leaned closer to my ear, my heart drummed faster, and I lost my breath. Heat infused through me, and I was trying really hard to compose myself. Before I could move away, he whispered slowly and sensually, “Did I make you wet? I can fix that for you.” His words came out hot and playful, intended only for me to hear, each word accentuated with warm puffs in my ear.

Michel’s Review

Something Amazing by M. Clarke was a fun and fluffy kind of romance. What starts out as a vacation fling evolves into deeper feelings. Jax and Rachel find a love that could be the once in a lifetime. They live on separate sides of the country. They are on different paths in life. Jax has been mysterious about his career and life commitments. Rachel is at crossroads. Her career in New York is going nowhere. She has just gotten out a long term relationship after she realizes that she was just settling rather than waiting for that “once in a lifetime” experience. She may have found it on vacation but vacations don’t last forever.

Fate brings Rachel and Jax together again in California. Jax’s secrets are revealed. Can Rachel accept Jax for the man he is and the life he leads? Her heart says yes but her head says no.

Together they will have to find a way to make their love work. This time the vacation is over and now they have a real chance at Something Amazing.

I enjoyed this book. It was a nice but predictable romance. It is the perfect kind of book when you just want to shut down and experience a happily ever after romance.

The Something Great Series

Something Great- Currently Free

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Something Wonderful

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Something Forever

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Author Bio:

Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book-No Bullies Allowed

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ TSU

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Happy Release and Giveaway: The Phoenix Candidate by Heidi Joy Trethway- The Complete Serial in One Book

Posted on 01/12/2015 by shellbellereads

The Phoenix Candidate

A Grace Colton Serial -Book 1

By Heidi Joy Tretheway

Synopsis

Fans of Scandal and House of Cards will love Grace Colton…
Congresswoman Grace Colton is the most famous woman in politics—and the loneliest—until a drawling, sexy stranger offers her one night: no strings and no regrets. And it rocks her world.

Grace wakes to an empty hotel room and a phone call. The dark horse for the 2016 presidential election, Senator Shep Conover, is considering her as his vice presidential running mate. But before she can be selected, Grace must be vetted and coached by Shep’s political consultant, Jared Rankin, who already knows too many intimate details about her. He’s Mr. One-Night Stand.

Grace is torn: play nice with Jared to join the senator’s ticket, or play hardball and back the slick frontrunner? Grace must decide where her loyalties lie and if she can trust Jared with her future—and her heart.

The Phoenix Candidate is an adult erotic romance recommended for mature readers

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Exclusive Excerpt:

Setup: Senator Shep Conover has just asked Congresswoman Grace Colton to consider being his vice presidential running mate in the 2016 presidential election. But before he’ll choose her, she must be vetted and coached by his political consultant, Jared Rankin—the stranger she thought was a one-night stand.

I hold the wingback chair for support and paste a smile on my face as I watch the senator leave the suite. That leaves me and Jared and a hell of a lot of silence.

He picks up several thick manila files from a side table, perhaps the same ones I saw in his hotel room last night, and sits in the chair opposite me. His expression is unreadable.

I remain standing. Fight or flight. That’s what I’m deciding as I lament there’s nothing in view that I could bludgeon Jared with.

“Ms. Colton. Please, have a seat.” He gestures to the chair I’m supposed to occupy.

“No.” I sound like a petulant child.

“Grace—”

“No! What the hell was that, Jared? What the fucking hell?” I bend to get in his face to really shout him into submission, but he grabs my wrist.

I struggle but can’t break from his grasp. His deep brown eyes are smoldering with intensity, and I shoot as much hatred as I can from my eyes.

I’m embarrassed. Mortified. This man who has seen me naked, who made me scream his name less than twelve hours ago, is now Ms. Colton-ing me like I’m his kid’s schoolteacher.

That sends a shockwave to my gut. I know nothing about this man: not whether he’s married, or has a kid, or exactly what his business is here.

Sensing that the fight’s left me, Jared drops my wrist and slowly stands.

I hold my ground, standing toe to toe with him. His hair is combed neatly, but I remember the way my grasping fingers teased it into wild waves last night. His stubbled jaw remains.

I fold my arms across my chest because my gray pantsuit and silk top aren’t doing the trick. My heels don’t boost me to an even height with Jared.

His thumb brushes my lower lip and I gasp and take a step back.

“Pouting doesn’t suit you. Tuck that lip back in.”

“Don’t touch. I bite,” I snarl, angry that he’s mixed the familiarity from last night with the utter seriousness of this political opportunity.

“So do I,” Jared says, taking another step toward me and forcing me to step back. “But you like it.”

I bump into a wall covered in fancy wallpaper. Jared’s body cages me in.

“You’re a bastard.” I’m even angrier he’s getting to me. I grab his shirt, ready to push him back, but he captures my wrists and slams them against the wall above my head.

“I hear that a lot.” Jared’s body molds against me. I feel his erection hardening as he presses his hips into mine, and my traitorous body responds in turn, too eager to tip my hips at just the right angle.

I can’t get the word bastard through my lips again when every cell in my body is screaming Encore! Encore!

“How could you?” I hiss.

“It’s what you wanted. No stories. No strings.”

“But I’ve got a hell of a lot of regret.” I move to turn away from him, but Jared lowers his mouth toward mine. His lips land on my jaw and skim down my neck, his tongue explores the hollow of my throat then glides back up my neck to taste the soft skin behind my earlobe. I whimper and twist, but he just anchors me harder, both body and wrists.

“You knew,” I hiss, trying to get my brain to focus on why I’m here, not the hardening length in his pants that has me rubbing against him like a freaking cat in heat. “You knew who I was and you let me … you let me humiliate myself.”

I stifle a cry as his teeth come out, sinking into the flesh at the base of my neck. It stings, and the twinge heightens my need to retaliate, to touch him in all the ways he’s touching me. To drive us to release.

His knee presses between mine and my legs part, my body in full meltdown.

“You didn’t humiliate yourself. You just let go. Got out of your head for One. Fucking. Minute.” With each word his hips rock against mine until my core is aching to be filled again.

My God, is he really going to make me come? With every stitch of clothing on? I struggle against his hold on me. “You knew who I am. You knew we could be working together!”

“I didn’t go to the club expecting to pick you up, if that’s what you’re wondering.” His lips are inches from mine and his eyes narrow. The force in his expression nearly my undoing.

“Bullshit. You were all about picking me up.”

“And do you regret it?” Jared’s voice drops to a low, dangerous whisper.

No! “Yes.”

He drops my hands. Spins and strides to the opposite side of the room.

I go cold. And fucking frustrated. He wound up my body so tight that I’m vibrating with tension, needing just a little more to take me over the edge.

He gathers the folders and slides them inside a leather attaché case as if we’ve been sipping coffee for the last five minutes rather than slammed up against a wall. “Let’s go.”

“Where?”

“Your place.”

I almost snap, imagining the relief he could offer to my wound-up state. But his face says all business. He looks at his watch. “We’ve got a long list on our agenda today. Your place is good enough to start.”

About Heidi Joy Tretheway:

Heidi Joy is a sucker for campfires, craft cocktails, and steamy romance in books and real life. She sings along with musicals (badly), craves French carbs, and buys plane tickets the way some women buy shoes.

Her first career as a journalist took Heidi behind the scenes with politicians, rock stars, chefs, and detectives, all of whom inspire her stories. Heidi Joy is currently working on her eighth book from her home in Portland, Oregon. She adores hearing from readers at author.heidi@gmail.com.

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Category Archives: Release Day Blitz

Happy Release + ARC Review: Beyond The Consequences by Aleatha Romig- The Consequences Series – Book 5

Aleatha is a “Published Author’s Network” member of the Romance Writers of America and represented by Danielle Egan-Miller of Brown and Miller Literary Associates.

YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS!!

Starting TODAY, Aleatha Romig will be having a Secret Consequence Author Hop in honor of the release of Beyond The Consequences (Consequences Book #5). More than 30 prizes, More than 30 authors, 1 amazingly epic love story! Make sure to follow Aleatha Romig’s Author Page for details.

Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Held Against You by Season Vining

Happy Release + Review: A Shot Of Sin by Eden Summers- Book 1 in Vault Of Sins Series

Happy Release + Review: You Can’t Always Get What You Want by Chelsey Krause

Happy Release + 5 Star Review : New Year In Manhattan by Louise Bay – The Empire State Trilogy – Book 3

Happy Release + Giveaway: Raveling You by Jessica Sorensen – Book 2 in Unraveling You Series

Happy Release: Wasted Summer by Cathryn Fox – Stone Cliff Series- Book 2

Happy Release: Branded by Tara Sivec- The Ignite Trilogy- Book 2

Happy Release + Review + Giveaway : Something Amazing by M. Clarke- A Spinoff of the Something Great Series

Happy Release and Giveaway: The Phoenix Candidate by Heidi Joy Trethway- The Complete Serial in One Book

Aleatha is a “Published Author’s Network” member of the Romance Writers of America and represented by Danielle Egan-Miller of Brown and Miller Literary Associates.

YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS!!

Starting TODAY, Aleatha Romig will be having a Secret Consequence Author Hop in honor of the release of Beyond The Consequences (Consequences Book #5). More than 30 prizes, More than 30 authors, 1 amazingly epic love story! Make sure to follow Aleatha Romig’s Author Page for details.

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