Pre Release + Excerpt + 5 Star Review: The Farthest Edge by Kristen Ashley – The Honey Series – Book 2

Posted on 06/05/2017 by shellbellereads

✮✮✮A delicious world of erotica, BDSM with alpha-subs and their Dommes, and a gripping love story…Welcome to The Bee’s Honey! The second standalone title in New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley’s Honey Series, THE FARTHEST EDGE is a seductive and rich love story releasing June 6, 2017! Order your copy today! ✮✮✮

Go to THE FARTHEST EDGE and order your copy today!

About THE FARTHEST EDGE (Erotic Romance Releasing June 6, 2017):

Step into the Honey Club, where every sensual boundary will be tested in search of the ultimate pleasure…

Branch doesn’t exist. Living off the grid, he’s looking for a way to forget his past and the guilt that plagues him. But no woman has ever been able to bring him to the edge he craves.

After a traumatic experience of her own, Evangeline stepped away from the decadent world of the Honey Club. But when she gets Branch’s offer—to play without boundaries or commitments—it’s too tempting for her to refuse.

As their passion ignites, Evangeline and Branch push each other to their farthest limit, fulfilling their darkest desires while falling harder and deeper than they ever imagined.

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GooglePlay | Kobo | IndieBound | BAM

And don’t miss the first standalone title in the Honey Series,

THE DEEP END!

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Giveaway

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Excerpt

Aryas knew her.

He knew what she liked.

He knew how she played.

He knew exactly what would make her squirm in her seat.

And he knew precisely how long it had been since she’d had her kink.

“You’re throwing down the gauntlet,” she accused quietly.

“You feel like picking up the glove?” he shot back, shaking the piece of paper at her.

She stared into Aryas’s eyes.

No strings.

Anything she wanted to do to get him off.

When he was done with her, he’d vanish from her life.

Her gaze dropped to the paper.

“Be you, and we’ll make it interesting, lay five grand on that fucker, he’ll give you one go and then he’ll move on,” Aryas pushed, but it was a dare.

She looked back at him.

A dare.

Yes, he knew her.

“No reflection on you and your skills, which are sublime, my beautiful baby.” He grinned wicked grin. “Just that this guy is unbreakable. There’s no edge for him any Domme can get anywhere near to push him off and that’s what he’s looking for. Being taken to the farthest edge and shoved right the fuck over.”

Taken to the farthest edge.

Evangeline was not into that. She wasn’t into extreme. Not like many who were into that in the life.

No, the edges she coasted were exactly what Aryas wasn’t quite saying, but she read this guy couldn’t handle.

Unless he had the right Mistress to lead the way.

Damn it all, she was getting wet.

“Five grand?” she snapped.

Aryas pressed his lips together and she was too peeved to get more peeved that he did it to suppress his amusement.

He unpressed them to confirm, “Five grand. But Leenie, babe, just to get it straight, he walks away from you at first meet, we’re even. It’s only if you get a crack at him the bet is on.”

She lifted her nose at the same time she snatched the paper from his hand, declaring, “He won’t walk away.”

“He might,” Aryas said gently, and his sudden loss of humor and careful tone made her focus on him again. “Beware of that. He’s done it before. In some ways, he doesn’t give a shit about anything. In some ways, he can be frustratingly choosy.”

“If I want him, he walks away, I’ll still get him,” she announced.

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Michel’s Review

The first thing I want to say is that when Kristen Ashley picks up a pen or strokes a keyboard complete magic happens.

An alpha sub and a soft hearted woman who is a hardcore Domme shouldn’t work, right? Most alpha men are pure Doms at heart and want total control in every aspect of their lives. But think about the BDSM world, it’s all about control and trust. The real power lays in the hands of the sub and how far they are willing to go. It’s a Dom’s or Domme’s responsibility to handle that trust with complete competent care. With that thought in mind, Kristen Ashley really tapped into the real idealism behind BDSM as well as the real kink.

Branch was a ghost long before he actually died. He’s been living off the grid of humanity for years waiting to take his final revenge for the death of his last drop of humanity he still possessed. He has lived under the radar and gone through countless Domme’s because none of them can take him to the farthest edge, the edge he desperately needs to fall over. It’s not about sexual satisfaction but rather about validating that he is still physically alive even though he is emotionally dead. When the owner of the Honey Club offers up his Queen Bee Dominatrix, he’s leary. He’s seen Evangeline in action. He respects her work but even she can’t take him where he needs to go. She’s experienced the bad side of a scene gone wrong and is damaged. She’s been out of the world for over a year. How can a tiny snippet of a damaged woman break the unbreakable?

Everyone thought Evangeline was broken, completely damaged after a scene went violently wrong. They underestimated her willpower, her strength, and her courage. She has been biding her time, healing her wounds and broken heart, and concentrating on building her life outside of the club. Even though she hasn’t stepped foot in the Honey Club in over a year, she’s ready to become who she was before it went terribly wrong. When her friend and owner of the Honey Club offers her the perfect sub, she’s ready to crack her whip. When she meets the unbreakable sub, she’s even more determined. He may walk out on her but she is going to have the last word.

What begins as a battle of wills and excessive need turns into something neither one of them anticipated. It’s more than achieving the ultimate sexual satisfaction, it’s about learning to live a complete satisfying life. Pushing Brock to the furthest edge is bringing him back to the land of the living. Accepting an alpha sub in her heart is more than accepting who she is, it’s about accepting a whole life instead of a fractured one.

With the stroke of the pen or keyboard, Kristen Ashley brought her magic. She made a hardcore BDSM book a beautiful romantic experience. It brought all the kink a book like this needs while also bringing all the heart a romance reader expects. I am amazed by this woman’s ability to create magic on the pages.

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About Kristen Ashley:

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA and nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorizeand she hadn’t taken her first breath!). Her mother said they took Kristen away, put her Mom back in her room, her mother looked out the window, and Gary was on fire (Dr. King had been assassinated four days before). Kristen’s Mom remembered thinking it was the end of the world. Quite the dramatic beginning.

Nothing’s changed.

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana and has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus, she’s blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her family was (is) loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write. They all lived together on a very small farm in a small farm town in the heartland. She grew up with Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing, it keeps getting better.

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Release Blitz + Excerpt + Review: Wicked Favor by Sawyer Bennett – The Wicked Horse Vegas Series

Posted on 06/05/2017 by shellbellereads

Wicked Favor

The Wicked Horse Vegas Series – Book 1

By Sawyer Bennett

Buy

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New York Times bestselling author, Sawyer Bennett, is happy to introduce a new Wicked Horse club in Las Vegas and you’re cordially invited to attend the grand opening…

As the owner of The Wicked Horse, an elite sex club located along the Vegas Strip, Jerico Jameson never spends the night alone. Gorgeous, ripped, and totally alpha, Jerico doesn’t grant favors and will rarely give you the time of day—unless he wants you in his bed. So when the sister of his sworn enemy shows up asking for help, saying no should be easy. But when Jerico takes one look at her and sees an opportunity to help this beautiful woman while exacting revenge on her brother, he’s not about to pass that up.

Beaten and bruised, Trista Barnes is running out of options, and Jerico is her last chance to get out of the mess she’s in. She doesn’t know why Jerico despises her brother so much, but as long as he can help her, she doesn’t care. Jerico offers her safety while opening her up to a sinful world she never knew existed.

As she succumbs to Jerico’s erotic charm, Trista lets herself fall into the wicked world of guilt free pleasure with no regrets. Under his strong alpha hand, she blooms, and so does Jerico’s possessiveness. But what happens when Trista finds out she was a pawn in Jerico’s game all along, and that the price for his favor was steeper than she ever imagined – her heart.

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Excerpt

Jerico

For three nights, I’ve watched her.

By any definition, I’d totally be considered a stalker.

But from the comfort of my office, I can pull up the security feeds on my monitor and take note of the subtle changes in Trista as she works the condiment tray. Truth be told, I don’t need her working that job and have a much greater need for her to go back to cleaning, but fuck if she doesn’t look a hell of a lot sexier in a thong than a turtleneck and pants.

Part of my training in the military was gathering intelligence, so I can pick up on the slightest of details that could tell me a very important story, and there were a lot of changes I noticed over the last three days with Trista as she settled into her job routine.

The most important and pleasing thing was that Trista’s stopped hiding her sexual curiosity. When she first started working here, she looked around a room in a vague way, not taking in too many details. I think she was afraid to watch.

Afraid of what it would do to her body.

But that has definitely changed.

Now, Trista watches what the patrons are doing. Sometimes, she stares for long moments and much to my delight, the kinkier the acts, the longer she stares. My trained eyes take in her chest rising and falling to keep up with what I’m sure was a racing pulse. She’d adjust the straps covering her breasts in a very minute way either because the pressure on her nipples was too much, or because she wanted to create some friction.

Naughty, naughty girl.

My favorite though was when she would cross one long leg over the other and squeeze her thighs together as she watched, and I had no doubt her clit was probably pulsing with desire.

Trista was getting braver too. She never once took any man up on an offer to join, and there had been some I’d seen. I had told her she could if business was slow, but I also made a spectacle in front of Willis that she was off limits. Perhaps Trista thinks she’s off limits to everyone, and it’s fine by me if she wants to think that.

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Michel’s Review

I was surprised when Sawyer Bennett announced that the Wicked Horse series had branched out Vegas style. This compelling erotica romance series captured the readers attention with it’s blend of erotica and western romance combined with some romantic suspense. She built up the series by introducing a few characters in the last book of her highly popular Last Call Series. Readers were chomping at the bits to get their hands on the Wicked Horse series and visit the kinky Silo. The Vegas crew seemed to come out of no where but thrilled the fans of this series. Readers can once again visit the Silo Vegas style.

It all begins with a forgotten favor and a need for revenge. Jerico Jameson is a man of honor who repays his debts but he is also a man of his word and punishes those who have wronged him. When Trista Barnes shows up at his sex club, The Wicked Horse Vegas, collecting a favor he owes, he sees this as an opportunity for revenge. It doesn’t matter if Trista is completely innocent and will be collateral damage. It doesn’t matter if she is too vanilla and too pure for his methods of revenge. What matters is she’s his weapon of choice. It doesn’t hurt that she’s beautiful and drop dead sexy. It just makes the revenge all the sweeter.

Trista Barnes needs money and she needs it yesterday. She owes a loan shark a large sum of money. She’s on the brink of losing her home and that is the least of her problems. She will do anything to get the money and put this debt behind her so that she can build the life she desperately needs to build. Working at a sex club isn’t beneath her standards. She can suck it up for one month and give into every one of Jerico’s demands. What she didn’t realize is how intriguing the Wicked Horse would be. Repaying Jerico’s loan may not be a hardship after all.

Trista has secrets. Secrets she wants to keep. Jerico has needs. Needs that do not include revenge. Trista’s and Jerico’s worlds are colliding at the Wicked Horse in the sexiest way. Both are going to walk away different people.

Once again Sawyer Bennett had me fanning myself with this sizzling erotica romance. The Wicked Horse is still just as taboo and dirty in a new location with a new cast of interesting characters. While each of the books in the original series had a stand alone plot, they all built towards a pretty big climax in the last book. Wicked Favor is the first book in the Wicked Horse Vegas Series and just began to introduce the new cast of characters and feel for the new club. I can’t wait to see where this series leads.

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Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists on multiple occasions.

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two.

Release Blitz + 6 Star Review + 2017 Favorite: When Life Happened by Jewel E. Ann

Posted on 06/05/2017 by shellbellereads

When Life Happened, an all-new standalone romance from

Jewel E. Ann is now LIVE!

When Life Happened

By Jewel E. Ann

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

Synopsis

Parker Cruse despises cheaters. It might have something to do with her boyfriend sleeping with her twin sister.

After a wedding day prank involving a strong laxative, that ends the already severed relationship between the twins, Parker decides to grow up and act twenty-six.

Step One: Move out of her parents’ house.

Step Two: Find a job.

Opportunity strikes when she meets her new neighbor, Gus Westman. He’s an electrician with Iowa farm-boy values and a gift for saying her name like it’s a dirty word.

He also has a wife.

Sabrina Westman, head of a successful engineering firm, hires Parker as her personal assistant. Driven to be the best assistant ever, Parker vows to stay focused, walk the dog, go to the dry cleaners, and not kiss Gus—again.

Step Three: Don’t judge.

Step Four: Remember— when life happens, it does it in a heartbeat.

Read Today!

***

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

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Michel’s Review

The one thing I have discovered is that when I open a Jewel E. Ann novel I am in for a great surprise and an all consuming reading experience. Her writing is charismatic, engaging, and real. She delivers a very entertaining story with a sense of humor while slamming the reader with a raw emotional experience. Not only does she create an entertaining romance, the one thing that stands out is the story itself is completely original. Of course we all know that there really aren’t too many plots that are original, especially this day in age where the publishing world doesn’t have specific guidelines and rules. What makes Jewel E. Ann stand out is her gift to tap into several plot ideas and combine them to make them completely her own and completely different from the other million books out there. She adds her magical touch of creating dynamic characters that are charmingly imperfect but very endearingly human.

The first thing I want to say about this book is no matter what your reading tastes are just KEEP READING! I know many of the romance genre readers have hard limits with books about cheating and will not read a book where the synopsis indicates this may happen. Again I say KEEP READING! This book is exactly what the title is. It’s a messy, emotional, delightful story about When Life Happened.

As I began reading When Life Happened I immediately connected with Parker Cruse. Parker was betrayed by her twin sister Piper. Parker caught Piper cheating with her fiancé/ high school sweetheart Caleb. Weeks later her sister walked down the aisle Parker should of been walking. Parker made sure her walk of shame was done in style with a huge dose of laxatives resembling the scarlet letter on the train of her wedding gown. Revenge was sweet but it would never heal the wounds of a broken heart. Two years later and still emotionally paralyzed, Parker is moving on with her life. She’s taking on the world of adulting. She’s moving out of her parents house, she’s going to get a real job, and she’s going to be an independent grown up. It doesn’t matter that she’s moving across the street into her grandparents old farmhouse. It’s far enough away from her parents. It’s also far enough away from conniving twin sister and despicable husband that are returning to town in a month. What she didn’t anticipate is a grubby sheepdog and sexy neighbor intruding in her space. She didn’t count on the sexy neighbor, Gus Westman, making her feel things she hadn’t felt in years. She didn’t count on her neighbor making her feel like a woman. She also didn’t count on him being married. She can overlook his ordinary wardrobe and baseball caps, she can deal with his adorable mangy dog and give it a haircut, she can hold herself back from swooning at his bad jokes and quirky grins. Being around him on a hourly basis isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. What she cannot overlook is his wife. The wife who becomes her boss and meal ticket. It doesn’t matter if she’s the world’s worst human being and wife. Gus belongs to that despicable woman, her boss. Gus wants to save his marriage until he doesn’t. Parker despises cheaters. She has taken back control of her life and learned to love herself. Who does Gus Westman think he is to take that away from her? He’s the man who loves her exactly for who she is until When Life Happened.

Sounds like a love story gone wrong? That’s absolutely correct but … KEEP READING… life happens and Parker is in the middle of all it’s beautiful mess. She’s going to find that life isn’t black and white. There are two sides to every story and her story is just beginning. She’s going to learn about forgiveness, acceptance, and love.

Jewel E. Ann had me with the first page. I could not put this book down and was completely surprised by the outcome because yes I am one of those readers that absolutely hates cheating. I am hopeless romantic that believes in true love and happily ever afters. I am also a human being that understands life can spin out of control and sometimes bad things happen before the good things can be appreciated. Life is messy but it is also beautiful. Parker experienced it all. Jewel E. Ann created a beautiful reading experience that left me with the warm and fuzzies!

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About Jewel:

Jewel is a free-spirited romance junkie with a quirky sense of humor.

With 10 years of flossing lectures under her belt, she took early retirement from her dental hygiene career to stay home with her three awesome boys and manage the family business.

After her best friend of nearly 30 years suggested a few books from the Contemporary Romance genre, Jewel was hooked. Devouring two and three books a week but still craving more, she decided to practice sustainable reading, AKA writing.

When she’s not donning her cape and saving the planet one tree at a time, she enjoys yoga with friends, good food with family, rock climbing with her kids, watching How I Met Your Mother reruns, and of course…heart-wrenching, tear-jerking, panty-scorching novels.

Connect with Jewel:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjeweleann/

Twitter: @JewelE_Ann

Stay up to date with Jewel by signing up for her newsletter:

http://www.jeweleann.com/free-booksubscribe/

http://www.jeweleann.com

Release Blitz + Review: Roommates With Benefits by Nicole Williams

Posted on 06/05/2017 by shellbellereads

Roommates With Benefits

By Nicole Williams

Release Date: June 5, 2017

Buy: Amazon / B & N / Kobo / IBooks

Synopsis

Soren Decker. He’s the epitome of the “bad boy, good man” persona. The best of both worlds. The worst of them too. He’s the type of guy most girls would not mind sharing a confined space with, except my new roommate isn’t all swagger and chiseled abs.

He’s bossy. Messy. Cocky. Infuriating. Doesn’t believe in personal space. Has no qualms about roaming the apartment with a loincloth-sized towel cinched around his waist. Seems under the delusion he’s my personal protector (refer back to infuriating). He plays college baseball and holds down a part-time job—I don’t know where he finds the time to get on my nerves.

We’re got nothing in common . . . except for one thing. Our attraction to one another. And in six hundred square feet of shared space, the tension only has so much room to grow before one of us gives in to temptation. But really, what chance do a couple of young kids chasing their dreams in the big city have of making it?

Since Soren claims I know squat about sports (he might have a semi-point), here’s a stat for him—one in a million. That’s our odds.

Michel’s Review

For fans of the New Adult genre, Roommates With Benefits by Nicole Williams is the ticket. This charming new adult novel gives the readers an entertaining reading experience. The dynamic characters, snarky dialogue, and heartwarming romance combined with little bit of angst will keep the readers turning the pages.

Hayden Hayes came to New York City with big dreams and very little money. She was offered a contract with one of the prestigious modeling agencies in the business. She secured an apartment on line with an established college student. She assumed this student was a female when she read the advertisement. She assumed the apartment was much grander due to the penthouse view description. She assumed she’d have her own bedroom and a steady paycheck. She should of never assumed anything. What she got was a crappy apartment, a partitioned corner with no bed, and Soren Decker, a drop dead sexy community college jock.

Learning to navigated her way through New York City and survive on pennies isn’t as easy as she thought it would be. Living with a charming slob is even harder. Soren Decker is getting under her skin with his charming personality and helping hand. He even shares his Nutter Butter cookies.

Soren and Hayden are two young people chasing their dreams. Hayden wants to make her mark in the fashion world. Soren wants a chance in the Big Leagues. They are both broke, young, and determined. The one thing they have is each other. What happens when their dreams come true? Do they chase the dream and move on or do they follow their hearts?

Read the book, it won’t disappoint!

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

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

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review Review: Bitch Slap by J. Kenner

Posted on 06/03/2017 by shellbellereads

Bitch Slap

By J. Kenner

Buy: Amazon

*****

The first time I met her I wanted to slap her.

The second time, I knew I had to have her.

As for the third time, a gentleman doesn’t tell.

So I guess it’s a good thing I’m no gentleman … right?

Let’s get this out of the way, right off the bat: I love women.

I love the way they look. The way they smell. The way they feel. Especially the way they feel. And I’ve pretty much made it my mission to give each and every woman who shares my bed the ride of her life.

Then I met her. Bitchy as hell and completely uninterested in me. And damned if I didn’t want her. Crave her. I told myself I only wanted to tame her. That it was all about the challenge.

I never expected to break through that ice queen exterior and find the softness underneath. Never expected how wild she’d be between the sheets or the way she’d cry my name with such sincere intensity when I totally rocked her world.

Most of all, I never expected to fall for her.

But I did.

And the question is, now that I know I want her, how the hell do I go about keeping her?

Michel’s Review

I love it when one of my favorite authors jumps outside of the world they created but still maintains the flavor while adding a new spices to make it all the more tastier. Although Bitch Slap by J. Kenner is not a Stark International novel, it is still loosely a part of that Stark world but with new faces, new industries, new plots, and a bonus of some of the Stark cast playing a very minor background roles.

Pierce Blackwell, part owner of Blackwell-Lyon Security, is dedicated to building the new business in Austin. His mistress is his business. He doesn’t do relationships, he never sees a woman twice, and he never puts himself in a situation that would require any kind of commitment (other than his business). He is a commitment phobe and wears the banner with pride.

When an anonymous hook up through the 2Nite app turns into a complete disaster, it leaves Pierce Blackwell in an odd predicament. First it leaves him dateless for the night. Second it leaves him intrigued with Jez Stuart, who quite easily put him in his place. Thirdly, it is a great opportunity to land a great job that could lead to other great jobs in the future. What’s a guy to do? Find Jez Stuart, save the day, secure a contract, and flirt endlessly until she lands in his bed.

Austin meets Hollywood. Hollywood takes over Austin. Jez and Pierce finally stop to smell the roses and finally see that the pastures are greener on the other side. Getting to that point is a pure delight. They are getting a Bitch Slap by J. Kenner with a little help from some of their Stark friends.

This book came as a complete surprise. I was immediately hooked and could not put this book down until it was finished. It was loaded with good humor, the right amount of angst, and some very sexy groveling. This book was completely different from the Stark books. It had a lighter feel and was more playful. J. Kenner has a new cast of characters begging for their own page time. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

J.Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.

Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.

JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A five time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy). Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development with AwesomenessTV/Awestruck.

Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.

In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: The Resurrection of Dylan McAthie by Nancee Cain

Posted on 06/01/2017 by shellbellereads

The Resurrection of Dylan McAthie

by Nancee Cain

Series: Pine Bluff, #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover Designer: Shannon Lumetta

Release Date: June 1, 2017

At seventeen, music legend Dylan McAthie ran away from his Alabama home to chase his dreams. Years later, he’s forced to return—coming full circle to escape the nightmare his life has become. Hounded by paparazzi and plagued by the aftermath of personal and professional loss, Dylan craves some quiet anonymity so he can regroup and sort out what lies ahead.

Hired by his estranged brother, Jennifer Adams knows exactly who Dylan is. She grew up next door to his family and has followed his career. But the surly, overbearing man she’s caring for as a private-duty nurse is far from the charming boy she remembers. Nevertheless, she’s determined to be professional, do a good job—and not fail at her first time getting away from home.

As her patient heals, his demeanor softens, and their interactions grow less antagonistic. Soon their chemistry is undeniable—and inappropriate—leaving the inexperienced Jennifer thoroughly confused. Adding to the turmoil, scandal finds Dylan once again, threatening all the progress he’s made and putting Jennifer at risk as collateral damage.

It’s up to Dylan to fix what his fame has so easily broken and find a way to move forward with his life. But will his resurrection mean the death of any relationship with Jennifer?

https://open.spotify.com/embed?uri=spotify:user:12184539074:playlist:3Mfbsq7MFa49E89dAu6Nqe

Michel’s Review

Looking for an angsty rockstar romance mixed with sweet southern charm? The Resurrection of Dylan McAthie by Nancee Cain is the perfect book to rock your heart southern style.

***

Dylan McAthie’s world has imploded. His professional life and personal life has collided and left him wounded mentally and physically. He has returned home to Alabama to heal after a serious car accident and life altering events. Little does he realize that sometimes the healing process, both physically and emotionally, is more painful than the actual injury. Facing his past and redirecting his future is more difficult than his climb to fame.

***

Nineteen year old Jennifer Adams has led a sheltered life. She is the daughter of a prominent minister in the Birmingham area and has had to live by a strict moral code. When the opportunity to become a personal nurse to her former neighbor, Dylan McAthie, arises, she jumps at the chance. It’s her time to gain a little independence from her father and learn to make her own life choices. She never imagined that her patient would be as moody and difficult as he was. She remembers the sweet older boy who was kind and compassionate. She doesn’t recognize this jaded and bitter man Dylan has become.

***

Both Dylan and Jennifer are searching for something more in their lives although neither really knows what that something is. Dylan’s no longer a young man enchanted with fame and the glamorous life style. Jennifer has always done what’s right and toed the line. She’s trying to find where she fits in life. Everything she thought she wanted in life doesn’t seem like quite enough. She wants to make her own choices even if they are the wrong ones.

***

This is more than the typical rock star romance. This is the story of man who ran from his roots only to discover that those roots are the foundation of the man he wants to be. This is a story of a young woman finding herself and learning to reach out for what she wants in life. For both of them there are hard lessons to learn but together they may learn something new about life. They both will learn the true meaning of love, the importance of family, and the healing power of forgiveness.

***

Once again Nancee Cain delivered an emotional novel that taps into the complicated core of humanity. I would highly recommend reading The Resurrection of Dylan McAthie.

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Paperback:
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During the day, Nancee Cain works as a nurse/counselor in the field of addiction to support her coffee and reading habit. Nights are spent writing paranormal and contemporary romances with a serrated edge.

Authors are her rock stars, and she’s been known to stalk a few for an autograph, but not in a scary, Stephen King way. Her husband swears her To-Be-Read list qualifies her as a certifiable book hoarder.

Always looking to try something new, she dreams of being an extra in a Bollywood film, or a tattoo artist. (Her lack of rhythm and artistic ability may put a damper on both of these dreams.)

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Email: nanceecain@yahoo.com

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: The Watcher by Bella Jewel

Posted on 05/30/2017 by shellbellereads

The Watcher

By Bella Jewel

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

The Watcher is a sexy, pulse-pounding romantic suspense from USA Today bestselling author Bella Jewel!

NOW YOU SEE HER . . .
Seven years ago, Marlie Jacobson was kidnapped by a serial killer—and lived to tell about it. But it was actually her mother who told the story, in a bestselling book that made Marlie famous. Today, she’s known as the girl who slayed a killer. The one who got away. Now, there’s just one thing Marlie wants to get away from: her past. But when her little sister disappears, her worst fears come rushing back—with a vengeance…

NOW SHE’S GONE.
Kenai Michelson is a world-renowned investigator. Dark, brooding, and dangerously good-looking, he’s the kind of man Marlie would normally avoid at all costs. But Kenai is her only hope in finding her missing sister. Together, Kenai and Marlie follow a trail of clues that leads them toward the truth—and into each other’s arms. As her trust in Kenai grows, so does their fierce connection. But will their desire turn deadly as they close in on a ruthless enemy who’s watching their every move?

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Michel’s Review

Once again Bella Jewel has stunned me and held me captive with her latest romantic suspense novel. The Watcher had me on the edge of my seat. It kept me guessing as the danger elevated one frightening moment at a time.

Marlie Jacobson was the only victim to survive the serial killer known as The Watcher. Her mother exploited her frightful experience and made her a victim in another way. For the past seven years she has tried very hard to overcome the nightmares and fear. She is always looking over her shoulder. She won’t ever let her guard down again. As for her mother, she has left her behind in her ill gotten mansion, and moved to a remote town in the mountains. She works as a waitress in a small diner and lives a life of solitude. She’s finally made peace with her life and accepts the burdens she has to carry. The Watcher is dead and that experience is behind her. Or so she thought. When her younger sister comes up missing she knows the Watcher is back. Her instincts are screaming at her but no one is taking her seriously.

When Marlie hires Kenai Michelson to help her find her sister she knows she’s hit another road block. Rather than believing her, Kenai has his own opinions and they are not good. When the reality of the situation becomes quite clear and Marlie is in danger, he’s finally fully on board.

They thought the Watcher was dead. Has he resurrected or is there a copycat killer on the loose? He has come back to finish off Marlie Jacobson? Will she be a victim or once again escape his grasp?

Read the book! It will give you chills and have you on the edge of your seat. Bella Jewel has created a bone chilling story that will have you looking over your shoulder.

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Author Bio

Bella Jewel is a self published, USA
Today bestselling author. She’s been publishing since 2013. Her first release
was a contemporary romance, Hell’s Knights which topped the charts upon
release. Since that time, she has published over five novels, gaining a
bestseller status on numerous platforms. She lives in North Queensland and is
currently studying editing and proofreading to further expand her career. Bella
has been writing since she was just shy of fifteen years old. In Summer 2013
she was offered an ebook deal through Montlake Romance for her bestselling
modern day pirate series, Enslaved By The Ocean. She plans to expand her
writing career, planning many new releases for the future.

Author Links

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FACEBOOK
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Release Blitz + Review: When It’s Real by Erin Watt

Posted on 05/30/2017 by shellbellereads

When It’s Real

By Erin Watt

Genre: Mature YA

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

Wealth, fame and a real-life romance she never expected—seventeen-year-old Vaughn Bennett lands it all when she agrees to become a pop star’s fake girlfriend in this smart, utterly addictive novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author duo Erin Watt

Under ordinary circumstances, Oakley Ford and Vaughn Bennett would never even cross paths.

There’s nothing ordinary about Oakley. This bad-boy pop star’s got Grammy Awards, millions of fangirls and a reputation as a restless, too-charming troublemaker. But with his home life disintegrating, his music well suddenly running dry and the tabloids having a field day over his outrageous exploits, Oakley needs to show the world he’s settling down—and who better to help him than Vaughn, a part-time waitress trying to help her family get by? The very definition of ordinary.

Posing as his girlfriend, Vaughn will overhaul Oakley’s image from troublemaker to serious artist. In return for enough money to put her brothers through college, she can endure outlandish Hollywood parties and carefully orchestrated Twitter exchanges. She’ll fool the paparazzi and the groupies. She might even start fooling herself a little.

Because when ordinary rules no longer apply, there’s no telling what your heart will do…

Michel’s Review

The dynamic writing team known as Erin Watt has delivered another entertaining and compelling mature young adult romance. With the latest release of When It’s Real, readers young and old will enjoy this modern day fairy tale romance.

Although this book is classified in the YA / Mature YA genre, I feel like this book is more appropriate for ages 16 and up. It does have mature situations without being graphic. Although most teens are exposed to quite a few of these situations daily in school, among peers, and through social media, I think older teens have the right amount of maturity to read this book.

A modern day Cinderella story where the ordinary girl lands the pop star prince.

Oakley Ford is a jaded pop star on the road to destruction. His manager and PR team has been doing too much damage control. It’s time for Oakley to buckle down and get back to his music rather than partying and making tabloid headlines. Oakley has been on his own since he was fourteen. He divorced his Hollywood Royalty parents when his career took off. He has always lived a spoiled and pampered life. His indulgences are out of control.

Oakley’s manager and PR team hire Vaughn Bennett, a mature ordinary teenage girl to pose as Oakley’s girlfriend for one year. The idea is to project a positive image of Oakley’s life and get Oakley back in the studio. Vaughn and her family are in desperate need of money and this situation seems to be the answer to their financial problems. Vaughn will have to make a lot of sacrifices in order to fulfill her contract. The biggest sacrifice of all is giving up her long time high school boyfriend.

Vaughn is at crossroads in her life. She doesn’t know what she wants for her future. Oakley is also at crossroads in his life. He doesn’t want to be the pop star Prince. He wants to make a different kind of music. Music that isn’t canned. He’s reached a block and something has to change. After meeting Vaughn he begins to see a different side of life. A life outside of the Hollywood glamour.

Vaughn may have been hired to save Oakley’s reputation but she has really saved his soul. Oakley may have been the dream Prince every teenage girl wants but he taught Vaughn how to dream again and reach for the stars.

Erin Watt has delivered a compelling teenage fairytale romance that explores many issues and feelings that all teens experience on their road to becoming mature adults. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and think most teen readers will too.

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About Erin Watt

About Elle Kennedy

A USA Today bestselling author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a BA in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!

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Jen Frederick lives with her husband, child, and one rambunctious dog. She’s been reading stories all her life but never imagined writing one of her own. Jen loves to hear from readers so drop her a line at jensfrederick@gmail.com

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Shacking Up by Helena Hunting

Posted on 05/30/2017 by shellbellereads

Shacking Up

By Helena Hunting

Buy: Amazon / B & N / IBooks / Kobo

Synopsis

Ruby Scott is months behind on rent and can’t seem to land a steady job. She has one chance to turn things around with a big audition. But instead of getting her big break, she gets sick as a dog and completely bombs it in the most humiliating fashion. All thanks to a mysterious, gorgeous guy who kissed—and then coughed on—her at a party the night before.

Luckily, her best friend might have found the perfect opportunity; a job staying at the lavish penthouse apartment of hotel magnate Bancroft Mills while he’s out of town, taking care of his exotic pets. But when the newly-evicted Ruby arrives to meet her new employer, it turns out Bane is the same guy who got her sick.

Seeing his role in Ruby’s dilemma, Bane offers her a permanent job as his live-in pet sitter until she can get back on her feet. Filled with hilariously awkward encounters and enough sexual tension to heat a New York City block, Shacking Up, from NYT and USA Today bestselling author Helena Hunting, is sure to keep you laughing and swooning all night long.

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Michel’s Review

Shacking Up by Helena Hunting is the perfect book to begin the summer. This delightful and downright hilarious romance is guaranteed to have the readers laughing out loud.

Ruby Scott is turning her back on her socialite upbringing. Rather than buckling under and giving into to her father’s demands, she’s determined to make it on her own in New York City. As an aspiring actress, she knows it’s a hard road ahead of her. Jobs aren’t steady, parts are hard to come by, and there’s no guarantee the show will be a success. Ruby has accepted this and is highly motivated to pursue her dreams. She may still need financial help from her father but she’s putting forth earnest efforts to become independent. She’s about to audition for a big role and has a great feeling this is her big break. The big break she envisioned didn’t go quite as planned. One accidental misguided kiss with a hot guy at her best friend’s engagement party the night before has turned her into Linda Blair from the exorcist and literally left her homeless. Daddy dearest has cut her off at the worst possible time. What’s a girl to do? Look for a new career and live in the streets? When the opportunity arises to pet sit for five weeks arises, she knows this will buy her the time she needs to find a job and a new apartment. She’s always loved animals. This job is going to be a piece of cake.

What happens when the pet daddy is the evil hot guy who kissed her into resembling Linda Blair from the Exorcism? The hot guy with luscious lips and deadly germs that is begging for redemption with a fantastic penthouse apartment, an adorable ferret , a kind of cute tarantula, and a collection of take out menus. A hot guy with lips made for kissing and a body made to sin is icing on the cake. What’s a girl to do? Say yes to Shacking Up!

Shacking Up is not as easy as Ruby thought it was going to be. Bane Mills is more than a suit with luscious lips. He’s beyond the perfect roommate with adorable critters. He’s her big break!

Once again Helena Hunting has created a laugh out loud romance that leaves the reader swooning with a case of the warm and fuzzies after reading Shacking Up.

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About the Author:

NYT and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She’s writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.

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Release Blitz + Review + Giveaway: Sexy Jerk by Kim Karr

Posted on 05/25/2017 by shellbellereads

Sexy Jerk

By Kim Karr

Release Date: May 25, 2017

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Synopsis

My best friend is married.

Everyone I know is married. It doesn’t bother me. I like my life the way it is.

Since I’m single though, when my best friend and her husband finally decide to go on their dream honeymoon, she asks me to watch their three-year-old son.

Of course I say yes.

What my best friend neglects to tell me is that I won’t be babysitting alone.

Feeling Max might be too much for me to handle, her husband asks his only single friend to help.

Nick Carrington and I have met a couple of dozen times. I’ve never really given him a second thought—other than to say he’s kind of a jerk. Out loud. So he can hear. Sure, he’s tall, dark, and handsome. And yes, he has the best ass I’ve ever seen, and I mean ever seen quite literally. You see he mooned me at last year’s Fourth of July barbecue because, like I said, he’s a jerk.

He always has to be the life of the party.

He’s also arrogant.

Imposing.

Rich.

And a playboy.

I’d even go as far as to say he’s a manwhore.

Yet somehow before I know it, this manwhore and I are co-parenting. Living under the same roof.

Eating meals together and yes, talking.

Don’t look at me like that—it’s not like I had a choice. Even though I knew every minute would be hell, I had to say yes.

But after two weeks what I didn’t expect is that I’d been wrong about him.

That under his smart-ass exterior, he’s quite charming.

That his arrogance is actually confidence.

And that the sight of his naked body would do really bad things to me.

So yes, I’ve misjudged him. And yes, I like him. Really like him. Although there are times I still think he’s a jerk…I now think he’s a sexy jerk.

And I want more of him.

The question is—does he want more of me?

***

Will be available on Kindle Unlimited!

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Michel’s Review

Kim Karr is starting Summer 2017 with a sizzling hot new book! Ladies turn up the fans, fill your glasses to the rim with ice because Sexy Jerk by Kim Karr is going to set you on fire.

Tess Winters has returned to Chicago after a failed relationship that forced her to sell out her half of the restaurant she worked tirelessly to establish. Tess, not being the kind of woman to tuck tail and run, has a new life plan. She’s going to open her new cafe on her own terms and create a business she has complete control over. Coming back to Chicago is a good thing as far as she is concerned. She has good friends to help keep her grounded as she rebuilds her career. The first thing on her agenda is taking care of her best friend’s little boy Max while she takes a much needed belated honeymoon with her husband. The second thing on her agenda is to find the right location to open her new cafe. While the first part should be easy, the second part is proving to be almost impossible. Between the expensive rental prices and shady real estate agents and landlords, finding the right location seems impossible. That is until the Sexy Jerk enters the picture.

Nick Carrington has been enlisted to help to Tess take care of Max. Spending time with the adorable little boy and a drop dead sexy woman isn’t a problem for Nick. He and Tess have met several times and he’d like to get to know her better.

Nick has always rubbed Tess the wrong way. She finds him arrogant and conceited until she gets to know him better. Her perceptions of him were completely wrong. He’s even helping her find a place to get her business up and running.

While Nick and Tess play house, the chemistry between the two is sizzling hot. When they hit the sheets it’s explosive. Is great sex enough to keep them together after the babysitting gig is over? When trouble hits both of their businesses can they survive the fall out?

Kim Karr has once again delivered a great story that is only the beginning. The array of secondary characters are screaming for their own books. Jace’s story is coming and I can’t wait to see what happens in this hot little corner of Chicago.

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Go to Kim Karr’s Facebook Page to enter her Release Day Giveaway!

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About the Author:

Kim Karr is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author.

She grew up in Rochester, NY and now lives in Florida with her husband and four kids. She’s always had a love for reading books and writing. Being an English major in college, she wanted to teach at the college level but that was not to be. She went on to receive an MBA and became a project manager until quitting to raise her family. Kim currently works part-time with her husband and recently decided to embrace one of her biggest passions–writing.

Kim wears a lot of hats! Writer, book-lover, wife, soccer-mom, taxi driver, and the all around go-to person of her family. However, she always finds time to read. One of her favorite family outings was taking her kids when they were little to the bookstore or the library. Today, Kim’s oldest child is seventeen and no longer goes with her on these, now rare and infrequent, outings. She finds that she doesn’t need to go on them anymore because she has the greatest device ever invented–a Kindle.

Kim likes to believe in soul mates, kindred spirits, true friends, and Happily-Ever-Afters. She loves to drink champagne, listen to music, and hopes to always stay young at heart.