Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review : Rookie Move by Sarina Bowen – Brooklyn Bruisers Series – Book 1

Posted on 09/06/2016 by shellbellereads

Rookie Move

Brooklyn Bruisers Series – Book 1

By Sarina Bowen

Release Date: September 6, 2016

Synopsis

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

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

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

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

Excerpt

“Come right this way,” Georgia heard her coworker and roommate Becca say, the clomp of her Dr. Martens echoing through the grand old passageway. “Nate is excited to meet you.” Becca was the owner’s assistant, and Georgia lingered half a second to wave her down and offer her a donut, too.

But Becca didn’t happen to look in Georgia’s direction as she led a tall man down the corridor. Something about his gait snagged Georgia’s subconscious. So she took a second look.

And that’s when her heart took off like a manic bunny rabbit. Because she knew that man. She knew the chiseled shape of his masculine jaw, and the length of his coal-black eyelashes.

Oh my God.

Omigod, omigod, omigod.

“How was your flight?” Becca asked him, oblivious to the fact that Georgia was spying.

“Not too bad. I got in late last night.”

The sound of his voice fluttered right inside Georgia’s chest. It was the same smoky sweet timbre that used to whisper into her ear while they made love. She hadn’t let herself remember that sound in a long time.

Now it was giving her goosebumps. The good kind.

“Welcome to Brooklyn,” Becca said while Georgia trembled. “Are you familiar with the area?”

“Grew up about thirty miles from here,” he answered while chills broke out across her back.

Holding her breath, Georgia eased her office door further closed, until only a couple of inches remained. She could not be caught like this—freaked-out and speechless, hiding behind a door.

The movement caught Becca’s eye, though. Georgia saw her turn her head in her direction and then pick her out in the crack where the door was still open. Becca raised one eyebrow—the one with the barbell piercing in it.

All Georgia could do was close her eyes and pray that Becca wouldn’t call out a greeting.

There was a pause before Georgia heard Becca say, “Right this way, please.”

Quietly, Georgia stepped into her office and shut the door. After flipping on the light, she let her briefcase and pocketbook slide right to the floor. Only the folder that Nate had given her was still in her shaking hands. She flipped it open, her eyes searching for the new player’s name on the page.

But she didn’t even need the paperwork to confirm what her racing heart had already figured out. The newest player for the Brooklyn Bruisers was none other than Leonardo “Leo” Trevi, a six-foot-two, left-handed forward. Also known as her high school boyfriend, the boy she’d loved with all her heart until the day that she’d dumped him. And now he was here?

“Thanks, universe,” she whispered into the stillness of her office.

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Michel’s Review

Sarina Bowen has moved up to the NHL. Moving right along with her from the Harkness College Hockey Team is Leo Trevi.

Leo Trevi’s dream has come true. He’s moving up to the NHL after spending the last year and a half on a farm team in Detroit. He has been traded to the Brooklyn Bruisers franchise. It’s a win win situation. He will be closer to his family and playing in the NHL. He can’t wait to start his rookie season.

Leo’s start with the Brooklyn Bruisers isn’t anything like his dreams. Right off the bat he’s confronted with several obstacles. His new coach hates him and wants him traded asap. His old high school girlfriend, who happens to be his new coach’s daughter, is the head of the PR for the Brooklyn Bruisers. To top it off, he gets into it with a new teammate and it’s caught on microphone at his first press conference. He might as well not unpack his suitcase. He’s going to be sent packing before he steps on the ice.

Leo Trevi is a fighter in the true sense of the word. He’s going to fight for time on the ice and prove he’s a player to be contended with. He’s going to earn his coach’s respect on the ice. He’s going to prove to his teammates that he is a warrior and not just a pretty face. The biggest thing on his list is Georgia. He’s going to win her back. First he will have to figure out why he lost her. He will also have to figure out why his coach hates him. Winning the respect of his teammates is the easy part.

The NHL is nothing like the Harkness College Team. He’s prepared to show his Rookie Moves.

Sabrina Bowen wrote more than a second chance romance. Like any of her books there are sensitive issues that her characters have to deal with and learn from. She allows her characters to grow as individuals. She also gives them a romance that is swoon worthy.

Rookie Moves is a winning goal in the Brooklyn Bruisers series.

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Coming Soon….

Hard Hitter

Brooklyn Bruisers Series – Book 2

By Sarina Bowen

Release :January 3, 2017

Pre Order: Amazon

Synopsis

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

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

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

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

Sign up for Sarina’s Mailing List

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter~ Goodreads ~Amazon Author Page

******

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review: Change Of Heart by Nicole Jacquelyn – Fostering Love Series – Book 2

Posted on 09/06/2016 by shellbellereads

Change Of Heart

Fostering Love Series – Book 2

By Nicole Jacquelyn

Buy: Amazon / B & N / IBooks / Kobo

Synopsis

They’ve spent their lives pushing each other away, but what will happen when they need each other most?

Anita Martin doesn’t expect much from life. Growing up on the street, bouncing from one foster home to another, she learned to rely only on herself. Even after she finally found a loving family to take her in, she was still an outsider-something Abraham, one of the family’s older sons, never let her forget.

Abraham Evans doesn’t know how Ani always manages to get under his skin, only that’s she’s been doing it since they were teens. She is-and always has been-undeniably gorgeous. But he’s never met anyone as pissed off at the world as Ani.

For fifteen years, Ani and Bram have agreed on exactly one thing: they can’t stand each other-until one night when their anger gives way to passion. Yet even as Ani and Bram begin to secretly seek comfort in one another’s arms, they remain emotionally worlds apart. When Ani’s life takes a dramatic turn and she realizes she needs more than Bram can give, their fragile, no-strings relationship unravels. One way or another, Ani is determined to survive. But when Bram finally admits his true feelings, he may discover Ani has moved on without him . . .

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Excerpt

“Shut up,” I bitched, letting go of his back with one hand so I could grip his hair in my hand. “Please, just—” My words cut off on a strangled groan as he shifted and slid a finger inside me. No build up. No hesitance.

“Damn, you’re tiny everywhere,” Bram stuttered in surprise, making me chuckle then gasp.

“Pants,” I said frantically, my hips moving against his hand as my mind blanked. “Pants. Off.”

My hands went to his jeans, and he sighed against my face as I rubbed my hand down the length of him.

“I’m so hard, not sure if I can get them off,” he said half-seriously, pulling his finger from me in a slow glide.

“I have an exacto knife in the console,” I whispered back, our hands tangling as we pulled at his jeans.

“You’re not getting anywhere near my junk with a knife,” he hissed back, moaning as his jeans finally loosened and he pushed them down his hips.

“Commando?” I muttered as my hands hit warm skin.

“Need to do laundry.”

I laughed lightly as he leaned back to sit on his heels, grabbed his wallet out of his pocket, and pulled out a condom.

“Hurry,” I murmured as I reached down and wrapped my hand around his dick. Holy shit. Bram was packing. My lips turned up in a grin. “We’re working on borrowed time here.”

Bram’s head snapped up as he rolled on the condom, and he looked out the windows, making sure no one was nearby. “Shit.”

He looked down at me, then up at the windows, then down at me again before gripping my hips and yanking my lower body up so high that most of my weight was resting at the tops of my shoulders.

“What the—”

I let out a high pitched sound that I’m pretty sure I’d never made before in my life when his head dropped between my thighs and his mouth opened wide over my pussy. His beard rubbed softly against my thighs and the undersides of my ass cheeks, and I shuddered.

“Oh my God,” I mumbled squeezing my eyes closed as his tongue licked up my center, curling around my clit. The wet sound of his mouth opening and closing and licking and sucking filled the SUV, partnered with his groans and my heaving breaths.

At first, it just felt really, really good, but then, he focused in, rubbing over and over my clit with his tongue, bringing me closer and closer to orgasm. My body locked, and I clenched my teeth against the urge to scream.

Then he stopped and lowered my hips back down.

“No, no!” I lifted my hips frantically against his hands, “Don’t stop!”

“Shhh,” Bram murmured, coming down on top of me as I slapped at his shoulders. “Knock it off, Ani.”

I froze at the raspy sound of my name on his lips.

“You’re small,” he murmured, lifting my knee high until it was wedged between his arm and my ribs.

He pressed against me slowly, and my entire body relaxed to let him in. I rolled my hips slightly as he moved, and he pulled back out a fraction before pushing forward again. Doing it over and over until our bodies were completely locked together.

Wiping a hand over his beard, he shuddered, then leaned down to kiss me sweetly. “If I woulda waited until you came, you’d be too tight for me to get inside,” he said with a soft chuckle. “This way’s better.”

Then he began to move, shifting his hips just barely back and forth as he ground his pelvic bone against my clit.

My nails dug into his back as he pushed up until his arms were fully extended and looked down to watch my face. I didn’t know what expression I was making, and for a split second, it bothered me that he was watching me so intently, but then it began to build again. Faster and harder than before.

My muscles began to tighten and flex, and unable to control it, my leg that he’d been pressing up into his side shot straight down, my thighs wrapping around his hips like a vice as I came, making the fit of him inside me even more snug.

“Holy shit.” He snapped his hips forward hard as I pulsed around him, pulling back quickly and shoving forward again, over and over until my muscles went limp.

“Knees up,” he murmured frantically, leaning back to grip my jelly-like legs beneath my knees. He pressed them to my chest and then began to really move, pulling out almost completely and sliding back in hard three or four times before his movements went clumsy and he jerked, groaning deep in his throat.

He fell down to his elbows above me and rested his lips against my shoulder as we each caught our breath.

But as my breathing slowed, my heart began to pound.

What the hell did we just do?

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Michel’s Review

The Fostering Love Series by Nicole Jacquelyn is one of the most unique series published in the romance genre. Rather than a series based on small town, sports, biker MC, or the typical family, it is based on two unique families put together by choice rather than genetics. Two foster families bonding from the heart. Proving the true definition of family is by the heart and not by blood.

Anita Martin joined the Evans family when she was fourteen. She has been in and out of foster homes since she was six years old. Her childhood left her with scars. She developed a quirky sense of humor that could come off as antagonistic. When she joined the Evans family she had finally found a real home. A home where people accepted and loved her just the way she was. For once she didn’t have to prove herself except to her one foster brother Abraham. Abraham was determined to find her flaws. He didn’t trust her. Thus began their confrontational relationship. A relationship that evolved through the years. From strangers to siblings,complete mistrust to a shaky friendship, and trusted friends to insatiable lovers; both Anita and Abraham have changed and evolved as individuals. Both are still prickly, rough around the edges, and have lingering damage from their former lives before the Evans family took them in. Now it’s time for them to make choices about their own lives and families.

Anita and Bram have always had a confrontational relationship. When they realize it’s a form of foreplay, they begin a shaky, secret sexual relationship without the promise of commitment. Bram does not want children. Anita’s choice of starting a family has been taken away from her. Their future goals mesh until they don’t.

Anita has the opportunity to become a mother. She will have to choose between Bram and her future child. She chooses her child.

Bram has once again had something taken away from him because of his adamant choice of not having children. He finally found a woman he could give his heart to. He’s not going to change and will let his heart bleed. What he didn’t realize is that his life was incomplete. One small child is going to change his world. Is it too late with Anita?

Bram and Anita are going to learn the true meaning of family and giving it one hundred percent. Unforeseen events will change how they look at life and what they hold dear.

Nicole Jacquelyn wrote a heart wrenching story that not only affected Anita and Bram, it also affected both the families that took them in as their own.

Read the Fostering Love Series by Nicole Jacquelyn, it’s a powerful series about the true meaning of love and family.

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Unbreak My Heart

By Nicole Jacquelyn

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

What do you do when your soul mate marries your best friend?
If you’re Kate Evans, you keep your friend Rachel, bond with her kids, and bury your feelings for her husband. The fact that Shane’s in the military and away for long periods helps-but when tragedy strikes, everything changes.
After Rachel, pregnant with her fourth child, dies in a car accident and the baby miraculously survives, Kate upends her entire life to share parenting duties. Then on the first anniversary of Rachel’s death, Kate and Shane take comfort in each other in a night that they both soon regret.
Shane’s been angry for a year, and now he feels guilty too – for sleeping with his wife’s best friend and liking it . . . liking her. Kate’s ability to read him like a book may have once sent Shane running, but their lives are forever entwined and they are growing closer.
Now with Shane deployed for seven months, Kate is on her own and struggling with being a single parent. Shane is loving and supportive from thousands of miles away, but his homecoming brings a betrayal Kate never saw coming. So Kate’s only choice is to fight for the future she deserves – with or without Shane. . .

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About Nicole Jacquelyn

Nicole Jacquelyn is the mom of two little girls and a full time college student. She hasn’t watched television in well over a year, she still does things that drive her mother crazy, and she loves to read. At eight years old, when asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she told people she wanted to be a mom. When she was twelve her answer changed- to author. By the time she was eighteen, when people asked her what she wanted to do with her life, she told them she really wanted to be a writer- but the odds of that happening were so slim that she’d get her business degree “just to be safe”. Her dreams stayed constant. First she became a mom, then she went to college, and during her senior year- with one daughter in first grade and the other in preschool, she sat down and wrote a story.

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

*****

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Winning It All by Victoria Denault

Posted on 09/06/2016 by shellbellereads

Winning It All by Victoria Denault

Hometown Players #4
Release Date: September 6^th, 2016
Publisher: Forever Yours
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

All’s fair in love and hockey. . .

As his team’s enforcer on the ice, Sebastian Deveau is America’s favorite fighting Frenchman. But he’s just as likely to get into trouble off the ice–especially when it comes to women.

Shayne Beckford is so over hockey. It ruined her parents’ marriage. It spoiled her brother’s dreams. And let’s not even talk about her college boyfriend . . . So when Sebastian Deveau walks into her brother’s gym, she has no idea who he is. All she knows is that he’s one gorgeous man with the sexiest accent she’s ever heard. And since she never has to see him again, she lets him give her the best orgasm of her life right on top of the gym’s dryer.

But Sebastian isn’t going to let this one-night stand get away so easily. He fights for what he wants, even if it takes fighting a little dirty . . .
More in the Hometown Players series:
One More Shot
Making a Play
The Final Move

Amazon US / Amazon UK / Google Play / Nook / iBooks / Kobo

Add to Goodreads

Excerpt

I am nothing if not competitive and I will not let this man – this delectable stranger – feel like he’s won some kind of Flirt Off. I don’t pull back far from the kiss, just enough to break our contact. My eyes flutter open at the same time his do and any hint of that smile on his lips is gone. I see the debate flickering behind those unreal crystal blue eyes and dark, heavy eyebrows. I feel the hesitation. His hand on my jaw gets looser. His thumb lifts up like it’s going to sweep my lips again, but it doesn’t. He stops because I pulled back and it’s made him uncertain. Good. I don’t want to be the only one off-balance here. But he doesn’t want to stop – I can sense that, feel his desire radiating off of him. I can see the debate in his head dancing behind those light eyes. Does he play it cool and wait for me to make another move, or does he just go for what he wants, admitting to himself and to me, that he can’t resist just as much as I can’t?

He tightens his grip on me and I smile for the briefest second before it’s forced from my face when he leans in and captures my lips again. This time he’s the one who gave in. Now we’re even.
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Michel’s Review

Victoria Denault is melting the ice with her latest release in the Hometown Players series. Winning It All is the fourth book in the series and by far the sexiest book. The winning combination of a sexy Frenchman and NHL enforcer has Sebastian Deveau heating up the pages.

Sebastian Deveau has wanted a steady permanent relationship. His quest to settle has left a trail of ex girlfriends and a bit of a tarnished reputation. It’s not that he’s a chronic player, he just hasn’t met the right one.

Attending an opening night party at a local gym is going to turn the tides. There he meets Shayne Beckford. Shayne is an instructor at her brother’s gym. She is also the daughter of a legendary NHL enforcer. Her father’s career in hockey was great on the ice but his family suffered for his greatness. He had numerous affairs and always put hockey first. The last thing Shayne wants is to become involved with a hockey player. She’d rather walk through the fires of hell first.

The chemistry between Sebastian and Shayne is undeniable. From their first hook up to their manufactured dates, the sheets are blazing. Chemistry is not enough for Shayne.

Sebastian will do everything in his power to prove he is not like her father. He will have to prove he has the ability to put her first and hockey second. He has to show Shayne he has what it takes to love her completely. Winning Shayne’s heart is better than winning the Stanley Cup. As far as Sebastian is concerned, it is Winning It All.

Victoria Denault delivered a fantastic story that kept me glued to the pages. Between the sizzling chemistry and creative dialogue, I loved Shayne and Sebastian’s relationship. I loved the involvement of all of the beloved players we have met in the previous books. I can honestly say that the Hometown Players Series is one of my favorite sports romance / hockey romance series. I can’t wait to see what player is going to score a goal next.

Read Winning It All by Victoria Denault. It’s in the net!

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About the Author:

Victoria Denault loves long walks on the beach, cinnamon dolce lattes and writing angst-filled romance. Before focusing on writing novels, Victoria was a journalist and a stand-up comic. She’s also an avid hockey fan who cheers more than one team and has a thing for play-off beards. Victoria grew up in Montreal, Canada but has lived in many major cities across North America. She spent her childhood summers in Maine and adult summers in Spain. She’s now happily settled in Los Angeles with her husband and their two chubby Chihuahuas.

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Release Blitz … Excerpt … 5+ Star Review: The Hard Way by Katie Ashley

Posted on 09/02/2016 by shellbellereads

Sports + Bad Boy + Second Chance

The Hard Way by Katie Ashley NOW AVAILABLE!

*****

The Hard Way

By Katie Ashley

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK

Synopsis

Cade Hall has always been the golden boy of the gridiron. Because of his talent at football, coupled with his father’s wealth, he’s always gotten his way. But when a night of drunken debauchery lands him in hot water with the college athletic board, neither his influential father nor his charming grin can save him. Cade finds it a total buzz kill when he is sentenced to community service with troubled youth at an inner-city shelter. But his nightmare is only beginning when his greatest high school regret is the very one in charge of the program, and she has him by the balls in more ways than one.

For Avery Prescott, senior year was a nightmare of epic proportions, and Cade Hall played the lead villain. After she fled her small town for college in the bright lights of Atlanta, she thought she had escaped the painful memories of her past. She never could have imagined Cade would waltz through the door of the outreach program she presided over. But Avery has news for Cade—she isn’t the same shy, doormat of a girl she was in high school. Since she holds Cade’s football future in her hands, she’s more than ready to make payback a real bitch.

Will they stay in the defensive zone or discover that sometimes life’s greatest lessons are learned the hard way?

Excerpt

“Is this one of those old-timey record players?”

“A Victrola,” I answered as I joined him.

Cade snapped his fingers. “That’s right. There was one of these at my grandparents’ house.” He eyed the contraption curiously. “Does it work?”

“Sure.” I set my cup down before winding up the crank. Then I placed the needle on the record, and a slow instrumental tune came out of the Victrola’s horn. At Cade’s groan, I grinned. “Not a fan of classical music?”

“No. It’s more about the fact that it’s one of Strauss’s waltzes.”

Cocking my brows at him, I asked, “You know Strauss?”

With a snort, Cade said, “Don’t look so surprised, and no, I didn’t learn about him in Harlington’s music appreciation class either.”

I held up my hands. “I wasn’t alluding to anything.”

“Yes, you were alluding, as you say, to the stereotype of me being an uncivilized jock,” Cade teased in a snooty-sounding voice.

“I’m sorry. I’ve got to stop doing that. You really are so much more than a jock.”

He swept his hand to his heart. “Why, thank you.”

“So tell me how you know Strauss.”

“I have waltzed at ten cotillions and three debutante balls.”

“Wow. That’s quite impressive.”

“What about you?”

“I’ve never been to a cotillion or deb ball.”

“No, I mean, haven’t you ever waltzed before?”

I laughed. “Oh yeah, I often practice my dance skills out in the corn.”

“Every lady should know how to dance.”

“But I’m not a lady.”

Cade smiled. “Yeah. You are.” When I started to protest, he said, “Money and position aren’t what make a lady. It’s what’s inside you that counts.”

His words and his tone caused the breath to wheeze out of my lungs. Just when I thought he couldn’t surprise me any more with the things he said, he went and said something like that. “Thank you,” I finally mumbled.

“You’re welcome.” The world seemed to slow to a crawl around us as we stood there staring at each other. The sound of Cade clapping his hands together caused me to jump. “Okay. One waltz lesson coming up.”

“I’m going to warn you that you’re probably going to regret this. I’m the worst dancer ever.”

“How can anyone who plays the piano suck at dancing?”

“I’m not sure how it’s possible, but trust me, it is.”

Cade laughed. “We’ll see.”

A tingling jolt of electricity shot through me when Cade took one of my hands in his. After he put his other hand on the small of my back, he drew me closer to him. Even with all the times I had sat next to him while we worked on our project, I hadn’t been this close.

“Now you put your other hand on my shoulder.”

“Okay.”

“Step back with your left foot and then bring your right to the side.” After I followed Cade’s lead, he said, “Now bring your left foot to your right, and then step forward with your right.”

My mind spun as I frantically tried processing Cade’s instructions. Somehow it managed to click together, and I followed his lead. “Hey, you’ve got it,” he remarked with a smile.

“It’s not because of me—it must be the teacher.” I glanced up at him and smiled. “Sports, brains, and dancing; you’re really a true triple threat.”

“You forgot devastating good looks and charm.”

I grinned. “Does that make you a quintuple threat?”

“Make it a sextuple threat if you throw in the money.”

“I should have known you’d find a way to have ‘sex’ in your title.”

Cade threw his head back and laughed. “Always busting my balls, Prescott.”

“Yep. Just consider me your Little Ball Buster like Judith in Walking Dead was called Little Ass Kicker.”

Cade’s brows rose in surprise. “You watch Walking Dead?”

“Sure I do.”

“That surprises me.”

“Why?”

“I guess I just figured you only watched pretentious stuff like Downton Abbey.”

“Downton Abbey is not pretentious.”

Cade grinned. “I’ll take that as a yes that you watch it.”

“I certainly do.”

“At least I’m 1 and 1 on picking the TV shows you like.”

“While you know me pretty well, you have a lot more to learn, Mr. Hall,” I teased.

“I look forward to you educating me.”

As I stared into his face, Cade’s expression grew serious. The idea of educating him suddenly seemed to take on a deeper meaning—one of both mental and physical knowledge.

Cade dipped his head to where our mouths were just inches apart. His breath fanned across my cheek, causing me to shiver. I stared into his eyes, silently pleading with him to go ahead and kiss me. We’d already been down this road before. Since Thanksgiving night, I’d wanted nothing more than to feel his lips on mine again.

When he finally kissed me, it sent energy humming all over my body. I’d kissed other boys, but it had never felt the way it did with Cade. It was all-consuming of my mind, body, and spirit.

Considering his experience, it shouldn’t have been too surprising that Cade was a good kisser. What surprised me the most was the emotion behind his kiss. It ran so much deeper than just a physical act, as if he was putting his heart and soul into kissing me.

Cade deepened the kiss by plunging his tongue into my mouth. It tangled along with mine in a waltz of its own composing. My hand snaked up his back to capture the hair at the base of his neck, and I ran my fingers through the silky strands, marveling at how much softer it was than I had imagined.

The Victrola ran out of steam, and the only sound filling the room was heavy breathing. At the loss of music, Cade stopped leading me around the floor, and his hands slid underneath my buttocks. He gripped the globes of my ass before hoisting me up to wrap my legs around his, and I molded myself tighter against him. I couldn’t seem to get enough of him—the way his strong arms felt around me, his thick waist against my legs, his broad, muscular back underneath my hands. Even though I knew I shouldn’t, I wanted all of him.

When we crashed into a chest of drawers, Cade momentarily released my lips to breathlessly ask, “Are you okay?”

“Mmhmm.” I gazed into his hooded eyes. “Don’t stop. Please don’t stop.”

I rubbed myself against the ridge in Cade’s pants, causing him to groan against my throat. “Jesus, Prescott, if you keep doing that, I won’t be able to stop.” When I did it again, my action was rewarded with a growl.

Cade’s wild eyes glanced around the room before leading us over to the wide red settee in the back corner. We collapsed onto the smooth velvet material. I widened my legs to allow Cade’s hips between them and his mouth sought out mine in a frantic kiss.

As our tongues battled against each other, Cade’s hand came to my breast. He kneaded and cupped it over the fabric of my uniform, my nipples hardening under his touch. When he began undoing the buttons of my dress, he broke the kiss to glance at me as if asking my permission. At my nod, he practically ripped the remaining buttons open.

He gave me a sheepish grin as he pulled me into a sitting position. “Sorry about that.”

“It’s okay,” I said as I slid my arms out of the sleeves.

My breath hitched when Cade’s arms snaked around my back to undo my bra. Once it was unhooked, I couldn’t help bringing my arms to cover my chest and keep the bra in place. I hated that in this moment I couldn’t seem to get past my modesty, or my fear that my average-sized chest would turn him off.

Cade tilted my chin with his fingers, forcing me to look him in the eye. “You sure you’re okay with this, Prescott?”

“I am, I promise.”

“Then what’s wrong?”

“I’m just a little scared,” I whispered.

“That I’ll hurt you?” Cade questioned with a wounded look.

I gave a quick jerk of my head. “That you won’t like what you see.”

“Huh?”

“You’ve been with so many other girls. I’m afraid I won’t measure up.”

His expression darkened. “That’s the stupidest fucking thing I’ve ever heard.”

I ducked my head. “I’m sorry, but I can’t help the way I feel.”

Cade cupped my face in his hands. “There’s only right here and right now, and there’s no one else but you and me. None of the past, just us and this moment.”

My heartbeat thrummed wildly at his sentiment. “Okay,” I murmured as I stared deeply into his eyes.

“And you could never not be beautiful to me. I like everything about you, both inside and out.” At what must’ve been my incredulous look, Cade grinned. “And I’m not just saying that so you’ll let me in your pants.”

“I know you wouldn’t.” Deep down, I knew it to be the truth. If Cade had really wanted to just screw me, he would have attempted it over the past two months.

“I wouldn’t be here tonight if I didn’t want to be with you for the long haul.”

Once again, my heart began to beat so erratically that I felt a little dizzy. “Really?”

He nodded. “You’re all I need, Avery.”

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Michel’s Review

Some people learn through the school of hard knocks while others learn by examples. For some people life is a breeze, everything comes easily without much thought.

Everything came easy for Cade Hall. He’s a star football player at Georgia Tech. He isn’t the typical jock, he’s special because he is a triple threat. He has looks, personality, and brains. He’s also a filthy rich, spoiled brat. He has a knack for getting in trouble and a dependency on daddy bailing him out when push came to shove. He has no qualms using his athletic status or flashing his social status to get what he wants. He utilizes every asset and gift he has been blessed with to skate through life. He has never considered how his actions affected other people. He has never had to own up to his digressions. It’s not that he was a bad person, he just isn’t a really good person.

When a college prank lands him in the hot seat, he thinks daddy can bail him out with false threats or a hefty donation. The Dean of Athletics has a different opinion. He has given Cade an ultimatum , he has to do community service, or lose his position in football program for the remainder of his college career. He has to serve forty hours a week throughout the entire summer. He has to work the service around his football schedule. If he screws up, he’s out of the football program. Cade loves football as much as he loves himself.

His sentence is to work at an inner city center for at risk teenagers. It should be an easy gig. What he didn’t count on was Avery Prescott being in charge of his duties at the center. Cade and Avery have a history that didn’t end well. She was one of Cade’s victims in high school. She is the one regret Cade has carried in his soul. Now he has to face the consequences of his actions.

Cade is not only going to learn humility, he is also going to learn humanity. His time with Avery and the teenagers is going to change how he looks at himself in the mirror. He’s going to become a better man. A man that can be respected and admired. A man that learns by examples and takes it to heart.

Avery Prescott finally has the opportunity to make Cade Hall pay for what he did to her in high school. She has moved on from the humiliation and devastation, but she never forgot. The one thing that she did forget is that Cade Hall also had real potential. There was more than the egotistical rich boy that everyone sees. There’s a man with a real beating heart. Still a little revenge is good for the soul. Seeing Cade Hall grovel will bring her great joy. Seeing Cade Hall live up to his potential will make her heart soar.

Can Cade Hall be redeemed? Can Avery Prescott forgive him? Can the two find the love they were meant to share? Will Cade and Avery help change the lives of the teenagers who desperately need someone in their corner cheering them on?

I was drawn into this book with the very first paragraph. I could not put it down. There was an entertaining as well as emotional story that went beyond the typical new adult romance. Katie Ashley has a gift of bringing her characters to life and making their story unforgettable. I mean that in a true sense because some of secondary characters were from a previous book, Don’t Hate The Player, Hate The Game ( which I loved), that was released in May 2013. Three years later these dynamic secondary characters are standing strong and screaming for their own book.

There is a special bonus book, that I mentioned above, at the end of The Hard Way. Katie graciously has given her readers a sensational gift and another fantastic reading experience.

The Hard Way is my favorite Katie Ashley book to date.

____________________________

Katie Ashley is the New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon Best-Selling author of The Proposition Series, Runaway Train Series, as well as several New Adult and Young Adult titles. Her latest series, Vicious Cycle, has been picked up for publication by Penguin Books.

She lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her two very spoiled dogs. She has a slight obsession with Pinterest, The Golden Girls, Harry Potter, Shakespeare, Supernatural, Sons of Anarchy, Downton Abbey, Designing Women, and Scooby-Doo.   With a BA in English, a BS in Secondary English Education, and a Masters in English Education, she spent 11 1/2 years educating the Youth of America aka teaching MS and HS English until she left to write full time in December 2012.   She is represented by Jane Dystel of Dystel and Goderich Literary Management.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz + Excerpt + Review + Giveaway: Lost In Rewind by Tali Alexander – Audio Fools Series – Book 3

Posted on 09/02/2016 by shellbellereads

Lost In Rewind

Audio Fools Series – Book 3

By Tali Alexander

Release Date: September 1, 2016

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK / ITunes

Synopsis

Inside every story lies more than one truth.

“Come, boy, I will give you a reading…show me your hands.”

Jeffery Rossi wants to be a man of logic but finds himself basing his life’s decisions on a prophecy delivered at the hands of an old gypsy fortune teller. The death of his beloved wife coupled with the loss of what he thought would be his carefully crafted future, have spun him onto a path of self-destruction.

“Three children will come from you—a king and two queens.”

Jeff believed he knew how his future would unravel, but he’s about to get a lesson in how the Universe works. Fate should not be left to the interpretation of mere mortals. Interfere and suffer, surrender… and let the fates help you find your destiny.

“No matter what you do, no matter how far away you run, what’s written in the stars cannot be undone.”

Excerpt

Chapter 3

Jeffery

“Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley

A good person, a good man, a good father wouldn’t leave his children a few days after their mother died to go hide in a secret love-shack he once kept with their biological mother. Juliet and Jacob deserve a good parent, and not a shit mess like me. I’m a worthless, empty excuse for a man without my wife, I’m nothing without Sara, and they can’t see me like this. If they look into my eyes, they’ll know I’m dead, too.

My secretary has left no less than two voicemails every fucking hour on the hour—my father-in-law, too. The whole world wants to tell me how sorry they are for me. I only check my phone to make sure it’s not my babies trying to reach me. My parents and my whole family are at my house with them, and all I can think about is how alone we are. My mind won’t let me forget about Sara—the girl I once met in a New York club on a dirty dance floor, the girl that offered to blow me as a joke, only the joke was on me. Just one kiss and she fucked me up for life, but I’d do it all over again because I owe her everything. What the fuck is wrong with me? It’s as if my heart is finally allowed to explode and all the feelings and thoughts I’ve trained my mind to keep under control are blasting out, and I can’t do anything but let it consume me. The prophecy I’ve held onto for fourteen years has waited long enough, and it begs to finally play out.

__________________________________________

Michel’s Review

Lost In Rewind by Tali Alexander is the third book in the Audio Fools series. I have never read any to Tali’s books and went into this book blind. I can honestly say that I am happy that I haven’t read the previous two books in the series. If I had read the previous books, which I will, I think they would of influenced my reactions to this story. I think I would of had a definite negative opinion about Jeffrey. Going into this story blind allowed me to see every facet of Jeffrey’s life and how he was influenced by uncontrollable circumstances in the past.

Imagine a fortune teller saying something about your future that hits home. A prediction that is right on mark. A prediction that is so believable it can’t be anything but the truth. Like most things, there are always two sides to a story, a bigger picture in the scheme of things. Jeffrey allowed a prediction to dictate his life. He hung on to the hopes the prediction entailed. Was he right to do this? Yes and no.

In the course of fifteen years Jeffrey’s life was beyond his control. He loved two women with all of his heart or so he thought. By hanging onto a prediction about his future, he let that rule his life rather than living for each moment. He missed out on gifts that life had to offer. The special moments he could never get back. His actions hurt other people. Most of all, he hurt himself.

After his wife’s death Jeffrey finally thinks he’s free. He can finally live the life a gypsy told him would have. What he thought was his future life has the potential to destroy him completely and destroy his children. The gypsy had the prediction right, just not what Jeffrey perceived.

He will have to face his past, open his heart, and embrace the future. It was written in the stars long ago.

When I first started this book I thought Jeffrey was a complete jerk. As the pages progressed, my views about Jeffrey changed. I was able to see a vulnerable man that had loved deeply but forgot to love himself. He was too busy trying to pave the path he thought his life was on. When the truth and reality hits home, he’s a lost soul. Jeffrey is brave enough to reach out and find what really matters in life.

I will definitely go back and read the first two books in the series now that I know what a good person Jeffrey is inside. I think if I would of known any of his story before hand I would not of read this book. Like I said before, there are always two sides to every story.

___________________________________________

Have you read Love in Rewind by Tali Alexander yet?

NOW ONLY $0.99

Get your copy here:

Amazon / Amazon UK / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Blurb

Emily has the life every woman dreams of.

At 29, she has two beautiful kids, a live-in nanny, housekeeper, cook, and every imaginable luxury in the posh Upper East Side townhouse she shares with her drop-dead gorgeous husband, Louis Bruel. His company, Bruel Industries, owns a big chunk of New York City’s most sought-after real estate, and together Emily and Louis embody the perfect hot fairy tale couple for ten happy years of marriage.

But when Louis mysteriously starts pushing Emily away, becoming distant and secretive, she is forced to search for the truth among the lies, scandal and heartbreak of his past that threaten to shatter her world. What she finds out will test the strength of her love and her vows to the man of her dreams.

Can Emily and Louis rewind far enough back to a time when life was simpler and love was all they needed? Follow their story with the help of some of their favorite songs from the 80’s to discover just how deep and how far love will go.

______________________________________

Meet Tali

Tali Alexander is a Jill-of-all-trades—married mother of three, doctor of pharmacy by day and romance novelist by night. Tali has fulfilled her passion of writing with her debut romance novel LOVE IN REWIND (first book in the Audio Fools trilogy). Since its debut, fans have embraced the unconventional love story of Emily and Louis Bruel making LOVE IN REWIND #1 on Amazon Kindle charts (September 2014). With an increasing demand from her fan base for the next installment, Tali has recently released the next story in the Audio Fools trilogy…LIES IN REWIND, out now!!!

Tali’s fans will finally get their third and final book in the series titled, LOST IN REWIND, which is set to release in Fall of 2016.

Stalk Tali at: Website / Twitter / Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram | Pinterest

******

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Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review: A Husband By Any Other Name by Cheryl St. John

Posted on 09/01/2016 by shellbellereads

A Husband By Any Other Name

By Cheryl St. John

********

Blurb

Caught in a lie….

Fourteen years ago Dan Beckett’s identical twin took off without a word to his pregnant young fiancé or their father. Having secretly loved Lorraine for years, Dan assumes his twin’s identity as the first-born son, as Lorraine’s husband and father of the baby she carried. Around the lie, he created the perfect life.

But now his greatest fear is coming true. His long-lost brother is coming home—with amnesia. Dan is about to lose his tenuous hold on this masquerade, and he must tell Lorraine the truth before Tom remembers his true identity.

Lorrie built a life with Tom Beckett, the man she loves, the father of her children—or so she believed. Her first reaction to his confession is disbelief…and then anger and hurt. Her whole married life has been a lie. But Lorrie has a secret of her own—a secret that never seemed important until now.

Will the truth unravel the love they once shared? What will become of their family, their children…their marriage when everyone learns the truth?

Add to GoodReads

Buy Now

Amazon US / UK

Prologue

Fourteen Years Earlier“Sometimes I want to take off the top of your head and screw your brain in right.” Turning from his brother, Daniel Beckett gripped the wrench and tightened the last spoke on his vintage Harley, his pride and joy, as though demonstrating the procedure. “You can’t be serious.”

“Never more serious in my life, Danny-boy,” Tom replied. “Don’t make like you’re so surprised.”
Dan stared up at his identical twin standing with their father’s old duffel bag slung over his shoulder, and shock stole any words he might have come up with. He dropped the wrench with a clang and stood, wiping his grimy hands on the jersey he’d appropriated from Tom.

Tom’s dark, troubled gaze swept over the shiny black bike without seeing it and returned to Dan. “I can’t stay, man.”

He turned and faced the road.

Dan struggled with the reality of just how miserable his brother was here. Tom hated the orchards and the rural Nebraska life, always had. “I know last night was bad. Dad rides you—”

“Rides me?” Tom cut in with biting sarcasm. “He has never, for one second, got off my butt for leaving college. He talks to me like I’m some kind of idiot. Like I’m an embarrassment to him, to all of you.”

Dan scrambled for words to keep his brother home. The night before, there had been another shouting match. As usual, Dan had tried to smooth things over and only gotten himself involved in the argument. Now their father was angry with both of them.

“He thinks he knows what’s best for you, Tom. Dad wants you to take over Beckett Orchards someday.”

Tom swung around, dropping the duffel bag. “I don’t want the damned orchards!” he snapped through clenched teeth. “If I stay he’ll keep bending me. He’ll make me work the farm. He’ll make me walk and talk and act like he wants me to.” The evening sun was setting behind his shoulder. “I can’t bend anymore.” His tone changed, becoming low-timbered as he confessed, “I’ll break.”

Dan’s chest ached with a growing panic. Maybe if he’d tried harder, fought harder, he could have made a difference.

“Danny, it’s me. Not you,” Tom said.

Tom always knew what he was thinking. Dan met his knowing gaze, and nodded. He shuddered to think of his father’s reaction to this. Whether Tom wanted to admit it or not, he was Gil Beckett’s pride and joy. Or so it had always seemed to Dan. Then his thoughts shifted and something in his heart contracted. “What about Lorraine?” he asked.

Tom and everyone else called her Lorrie, but Dan always thought of her as Lorraine. The name Lorraine held the air of mystery and femininity she deserved.

Tom tilted his dark head and shrugged. “What about her?”

The offhand question sparked the first flame of anger in Dan’s gut. There was a time when he’d had his own eye on Lorraine Loring, but after Tom quit college and came home, Gil had done his best to push a relationship between them, and Lorraine was crazy about Tom. But deep in his heart, Dan had harbored an insane hope that if things didn’t work out with Tom, she might turn to him. He shook his head to clear the image. “What did you tell her?”

Tom choked back a laugh. “Tell her? Man, I haven’t told anybody anything.”

“You’re going to leave without so much as a good-bye?”

Tom scraped his jaw with a thumb. “I’m sorry about her,” he said. “Dad pushed her on me. I like her,” he added quickly. “I just don’t want to marry her. Dad told me last week it’s time to take on responsibilities, get married. Well, I don’t want to marry anybody. At least not until I’m damned good and ready.”

“Then tell Dad that,” Dan coaxed. “Tell him you don’t want to marry her.”

Tom snorted. “Oh, right. And for once you think he’s going to listen? He won’t believe the farm isn’t my thing. Why would he believe Lorrie isn’t my thing either? He’d make my life hell.”

Dan didn’t argue. He knew Tom was right. It would take something drastic—something more than talk to sway the old man. “Shouldn’t you at least tell her?”

Tom stubbed his booted toe into the dirt and shook his head. He looked past Dan’s shoulder. “She’ll get over it.”

Anger seethed in Dan’s chest. In the distance a car stirred up a cloud of dust on the road. “If you’re going, get it the hell over with then.”

Angrily, Tom scooped up the bag. Their eyes met and held. On the outside they were mirror images of each other. On the inside they were as different as night and day. Dan wished like hell he could solve this problem. Wished he could say or do something that would make a difference. But he knew his brother’s discontent, and he knew, too, that there were no easy answers. He looked away.

“Dan.”

Dan waited for his brother to speak.

“Tell Mom I love her. She’s the last one I’d want to hurt. It’s just that—” he raised his face to the lengthening summer shadows “—I can’t take this anymore.”

Their mother’s stroke had left her bedridden for the past eight months. “Sure. I’ll clean up after you, Tom. I’ve gotten pretty good at it.”

Tom didn’t reply.

Finally Dan glanced around. “How are you getting there?”

Tom’s old car had needed a new fuel pump for a month. Tom hefted the bag over his shoulder. “Someone will come along,” he said with his usual careless confidence.

Dan dug in his jeans pocket, came out with the key to his bike and threw it to Tom.

Tom stared at the key in his open palm. “You’ve barely paid it off.”

“Seems like a good deal to me, trading a bike for a farm.”

Tom turned and tied the bag on the back of the Harley. He threw one leg over the seat and started the engine. Levering the kickstand up with his heel, he headed toward the open road.

Dan’s brother and his bike grew rapidly smaller until both disappeared, leaving a cloud of dust on the gravel road. An unfamiliar emptiness filled him, one he wasn’t sure how to deal with, let alone explain.

Tom was gone. His brother. His twin. Half of himself.

As though by rote, he turned, picked up his spoke wrench, dropped it into the toolbox, and closed the lid. His promise to explain things to their mother, their father, and to Lorraine closed in with suffocating heaviness. Dear God, what had he done? What had Tom done?

He slumped down on the dented lid of the metal toolbox. From inside the garage, the radio announcer predicted fair weather for the extended forecast. Tom would have a safe trip. Wherever he was headed.
A fresh shard of anger knifed through Dan’s chest. Anger at the sudden twist of fate; at being left behind, which was crazy because this was where he wanted to be; at once again taking on the garbage end of the deal and picking up the pieces while Tom went his own merry way.

An hour later, he still sat on the toolbox, chilled by the cool evening breeze, his butt numb. He was no closer to an answer. How was he going to tell his father and break the old man’s heart? It was no secret that Gil Beckett favored Thomas, the son born only minutes before Dan. Tom had the love and approval Dan craved, and he’d just thrown it all away.

Dan carried the metal box to the garage. He might as well get it over with. Come clean. Let the chips fall where they may.

Behind him, gravel crunched. He stepped out of the garage and squinted at the headlights of the car that had pulled in. The engine died and the lights went out. There was no mistaking the old Buick. Lorraine Loring got out, closed the door and walked toward him.

His heart thundered against his ribs. Not now. Not yet. He hadn’t had a chance to talk to his father, hadn’t planned what he’d say, hadn’t come to grips with it in his own mind.

“We need to talk.” Her voice trembled with something strangely like fear. Did she know already? How? Had Tom done the right thing and stopped by on his way to the great unknown? The scent of jasmine floated to him on the night air. His heart kicked into high gear. Tom was gone. Tom was gone. Tom was gone.

And Lorraine was here.

The breeze loosened a silken tendril of hair the rich color of chocolate from her ponytail.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, intuitively sensing he wouldn’t like the answer.

“Tom, I… ”

Oh, hell. Dan glanced down at the faded jersey he wore. Tom’s shirt. As she often did—as everyone did— she’d mistaken him for his brother. He opened his mouth to speak, but she stopped him by pressing her index finger against his lips. The touch struck him like a bolt of lightning and rooted him to the spot. He couldn’t have spoken if his life had depended on it.

“I’m scared,” she said, tears glistening in the moonlight.

Her fear—and the vulnerability in her eyes—did something queer to Dan’s insides.

“Tom, I—I’m pregnant.”

The evening sounds faded to silence. Her words rang in Dan’s head. She stood in front of him trembling, waiting…waiting for what? His shock? Anger? Rejection?

Rejection. Like Tom’s refusal to marry this girl, or anyone? Like his flip “she’ll get over it”? Like his leaving? Not that Tom had known, but his actions would be a rejection all the same. Lorraine—and her baby—didn’t deserve that.

“Damn,” he said, cursing his brother.

“It was just that one time,” she said on a sob. “I didn’t think it would happen.”

She bit her lower lip and Dan’s heart wrenched. “But it did,” he finished for her.

She nodded. Her gaze touched his and her chin quivered. “Tom?”

He took her delicate shoulders in his hands. It was the first time he’d ever touched her and he liked it. More than he should have, but as much as he’d always known he would. Willingly she came to him—make that to Tom—and nestled against his chest. The tremors in her body arrowed straight to his soul and rekindled his anger. How could Tom have left her like this? How?

Beneath his chin, her soft hair beckoned exploration. He tunneled his callused fingers through the silken strands. Her firm young breasts pressed against him in a delectable fashion. If he was going to tell her, he should tell her now. He could easily grow addicted to her nearness. He’d watched her for years, wanted her from a distance, but she’d been chosen for Tom.

Now this.

The thought that crept into his mind surpassed stupidity. That he entertained it in a rational state bordered on insanity. Sitting on that toolbox must have numbed his brain as well as his backside.
A soft shudder passed through her frame and her damp tears soaked through Tom’s shirt. How long he held her, he wasn’t sure. Finally sounds entered his consciousness: the motor tinging as it cooled beneath the hood of her father’s Buick; locusts in the orchards; LeAnn Rimes’ sultry voice from radio in the garage singing about underneath the starlight…’there’s a magical feeling, so right…it’ll steal your heart tonight.’

In the end, he really didn’t have a choice. No way could he make himself say the words. Tom’s gone and he won’t be back. Your baby’s father ran off and deserted you. But, hey—you’ll get over it. Had she not been pregnant, had she been someone else, he might have been able to explain things better.
But she wasn’t. She was Lorraine. And he wanted her.

‘Can’t fight the moonlight, no….’

She pulled back and gazed up, her expression so lovely and vulnerable it hurt. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.

The decision was surprisingly easy. “It’s not your fault,” he said shortly. “We can get married.”

She caught her breath.

“Will you marry me?” he asked.

Lorraine nodded and burst into tears against his brother’s jersey.

__________________________________

Michel’s Review

Imagine being married for fourteen years. Creating the perfect family life with a successful farm, four children, and a great marriage. One phone call changes everything. The perfect husband is no longer you’re legal husband. In fact he’s not the man you married. Fourteen years of lies unravel the perfect life you have built.

Dan Beckett made a monumental mistake fourteen years earlier when his identical twin brother Tom left home. Tom was throwing away the life Dan wanted. Tom was walking away from the apple farm their father was handing over on a silver platter. He was walking away from the woman that loved him with his whole heart. He was turning his back on everything Dan held dear. When Lorraine assumes he’s Tom and tells him she’s pregnant, he does the one thing he never dreamed he would do. He steps into his brother shoes and claims the life he wanted. Fourteen years of pure happiness is destroyed when a hospital in Tennessee contacts him about his brother Tom who has been in an accident. His brother has amnesia and it’s up to Dan to fill in the blanks. Dan has to turn over the life he worked so hard for in order to save his brother. The truth is going to come out sooner or later. Will the truth set Dan free or destroy his life?

Tom left home because he felt smothered. His father expected him to take over the farm he hated. His girlfriend wanted more from him than he was able to give. He had different dreams and a wanderlust heart. He never intended to return home. He never thought returning home would be just what he needed in his life.

As the story unfolds and the truth comes out, it will set Dan, Tom, and Lorraine free. Their lives will take a different path. A path that leads to happiness for them all.

This is the first book I have read by author Cheryl St. John. I thoroughly enjoyed it and have high praise for the delivery for the writing. The delivery was emotional as well as truthful. She took the characters on a journey that involved the real realities in life. This book did not come off as a happily ever romance that was easily fixed. The characters had to face all the realities a situation like this would create.

I highly recommend this book!

__________________________________

About Cheryl St. John

Cheryl is the author of more than fifty historical and

contemporary romances. Her stories have earned numerous

RITA nominations, Romantic Times awards and are

published in over a dozen languages. In describing her

stories of second chances and redemption, readers and

reviewers use words like, “emotional punch, hometown feel,

core values, believable characters and real life situations.”

With a 4.9 star rating on amazon, her bestselling non-fiction

book, Writing With Emotion, Tension & Conflict by Writers

Digest Books is available in print and digital.

Follow Cheryl St. John

Facebook / Twitter / Website

New Release + Excerpt + Review + Giveaway: Wide Open Spaces by Aurora Rose Reynolds – Shooting Stars Series – Book 2

Posted on 08/31/2016 by shellbellereads

“Zach Watters has made a lot of mistakes in his life. But when he sees Shelby Calder looking more beautiful than ever standing outside her childhood home, he promises himself that letting her go won’t be a mistake he ever makes again.”

Wide Open Spaces by Aurora Rose Reynolds is LIVE!

*****

Wide Open Spaces

Shooting Stars Series – Book 2

By Aurora Rose Reynolds

Release Date: August 29, 2016

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK

Synopsis

That moment your life changes.

That moment that changes your life.

That moment you love someone more than you love yourself.

That was the moment we gave our son up for adoption and the moment I was left bare. A wide-open space that would forever be empty.

There are moments that define you as a person, moments that prove just how strong you are, moments you push yourself to keep going forward when all you really want to do is give up. It was in one of those moments when I reached out and found him waiting for me.

When Shelby Calder left home fifteen years ago, she never planned on returning to the Alaskan town she left behind. But after the death of her grandfather and a bitter divorce, she hopes going home will be a fresh start for her and her ten-year-old son, Hunter. She wanted to return to the place that made her happy until her own personal demons forced her to run away from Cordova and Zach Watters.

Zach Watters has made a lot of mistakes in his life. But when he sees Shelby Calder, looking more beautiful than ever, standing outside her childhood home, he promises himself that letting her go won’t be a mistake he ever makes again.

Some things never change and love is one of them.

Excerpt

“Then why did you marry her?” I ask, wondering if I’m really ready to go there with him, but it’s too late to change my mind. The question is out, and as much as I don’t want to know the answer, I need to know the answer.

“I wanted my kids to have what I didn’t. I believed that, with time, we could find a way to be happy.”

“Maybe we shouldn’t talk about this,” I say, changing my mind as nausea and jealousy turn my stomach.

“You loved your ex, baby. I know you did. I didn’t have that. I wanted it but never had it with her or anyone else since you.”

“Please stop.” Feeling tears burn the back of my eyes for him, I close them tight. Max and I were happy and in love in the beginning, and I hate knowing Zach never had that… the kids didn’t see or feel that.

“I wish my past didn’t hurt you so much. I’m sorry for hurting you the way I have. If I could take your pain away, I would.” He gathers me against him and tucks my head under his chin.

“As sad as it makes me, I wish you would have had that with her or someone else,” I say, and his arms tighten so much that my lungs compress.

“I don’t,” he growls.

“What?” I wheeze, and he loosens his grip just enough for me to take a breath.

“I don’t want to think about what would have happened if I had been with her or someone else when you came back. I don’t want to face that demon inside of me that knows what I would have done.”

“Zach—”

“I’ve been in love with you for almost eighteen years. I carried your missing pieces around inside me for that long, Shelby. I know it would have made me an asshole, but there is only one you. You’re the only place I’ve ever called home.” His voice is thick with emotion, and that wound inside of me fills up a little bit more. I hate his words, but a part of me is relieved he feels that way, that he feels so deeply for me.

“There’s been a wide open space inside me since we placed Samuel and I left you behind. But, from the moment I came back, it’s slowly been filling up.”

He goes quiet at my words. Several moments pass before he speaks again. “One day, that space will be full. I swear, with everything I have in me, I will make sure it’s overflowing and that you never feel empty again.”

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Michel’s Review

Aurora Rose Reynolds takes the readers back to Cordova, Alaska. Cordova is a small fishing community that revolves around the summer fishing season. During the winter there isn’t much to do. This small close knit community is the ideal place if you are looking for peace and quiet. After a nasty divorce Shelby Calder is ready for peace and quiet. She wants to raise her ten year old son, Hunter, in Cordova. She wants to return to the home that made her happy until she ran because of her own personal demons and Zach Watters.

Zach and Shelby were high school sweethearts that ended up with an unwanted pregnancy. After grueling deliberations and truthful insights into their lives, they chose to give their son up for adoption. It crushed them both and they didn’t have the maturity to handle all the emotions and despair that went along with the decision.

Fifteen years later they are both now mature adults. They can look at their decision from a different perspective. They both have their own children now and know all the responsibilities that go along with parenting. They both may be parents but they are both also single. Neither Zach nor Shelby has been able to love completely like they did when they were teenagers.

Zach and Shelby have their second chance. A chance that not only will fulfill their lives but their children lives as well. Everything is possible in Wide Open Spaces… including a bear for breakfast.

Aurora Rose Reynolds once again delivered an emotional, charming second chance romance. I loved every moment I spent with Zach and Shelby in Cordova. I can’t wait to see more of them in the upcoming book in this series. Their daughter is getting married. Another great romance coming from Cordova and Aurora Rose Reynolds.

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About Aurora Rose Reynolds

Aurora Rose Reynolds is a navy brat who’s husband served in the United States Navy. She has lived all over the country but now resides in New York City with her Husband and pet fish. She’s married to an alpha male that loves her as much as the men in her books love their women. He gives her over the top inspiration everyday. In her free time she reads, writes and enjoys going to the movies with her husband and cookie. She also enjoys taking mini weekend vacations to nowhere, or spends time at home with friends and family. Last but not least she appreciates everyday and admires it’s beauty.

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******

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New Release: Homecoming by Shannon Stacey – Boys of Fall Series – Book 3

Posted on 08/30/2016 by shellbellereads

Homecoming

Boys of Fall Series – Book 3

By Shannon Stacey

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

The New York Times bestselling author of Defending Hearts returns to small-town New Hampshire where a substitute football coach and a guidance counselor tackle love.

They were the golden boys of fall: Stewart Mills High School’s legendary championship football team. Fourteen years later, they’re back to relive their glory, save the team—and find themselves again . . .

Sam Leavitt has returned home to Stewart Mills with one goal: to fill in for Coach McDonnell and lead the high school football team to the championship. He doesn’t have time for distractions or commitments—but he’s unable to resist falling for the sexy guidance counselor he shared a hot night with months ago.

Jen Cooper knows what she’s looking for long-term, and it’s not Sam—even though the night they shared was explosive. Now, with Sam back in town and working by her side, picking up where they left off is too great a temptation to resist. But before long their fun fling is looking like a future together. And as the championship approaches, Sam is faced with a big decision that will either break them apart—or help them find their way home.

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I love this series by Shannon Stacey. It reminds of me Friday Night Lights combined with Pay It Forward. There are so many positive messages about life, friendship, family, and love teamed up with a sizzling romance in this sports romance category. It showcases the positive influences from the past leaving an impression. The will to pay it forward is unquestionable.

Sam Leavitt is summoned back to Stewart Mills to fill in for Coach McDonnell. For the life of him he can’t figure out why the coach wants him to fill this position. Coach McDonnell remembers the troubled kid with more black marks against him turning himself around through high school football. This kid turned his bleak future around and made something of his life. Coach McDonnell believes he has the right stuff to mentor these impressionable young men. Coach McDonnell also recognizes that Sam needs to make peace with his past.

Sam’s journey towards forgiveness from the past will guarantee a healthy, happy future that includes love and family. His journey will make your heart swell with joy. His influence on the teenage football players is compassionate, positive, and insightful. He understands their teenage mentality along with the quirks that hide the impressionable young man beneath the surface. He understands peer pressure, family pressure, and community pressure. He understands low self esteem and sense of rejection. He’s been there, he was that boy fourteen years ago.

Over the summer he met Jen Cooper, the school guidance counselor. Jen not only understood his background but also saw what a fine, honorable man he had become. It was too bad that they only had a short encounter. With Sam being back in town, it is the opportunity for something more.

Shannon scored big with Homecoming. It had the perfect blend of small town romance and sports romance. I loved every word, every play, and every character. I highly recommend this book.

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Shannon Stacey married her Prince Charming in 1993 and is the proud mother of two incredible sons. She lives in New England, where her two favorite activities are trying to stay warm and writing stories of happily ever after. Her two cats refuse to curl up on her lap and keep it warm while she writes, but her Shih Tzu is never far away.

When she’s not writing, she’s indulging in her other passion—four wheeling! From May to November, the Stacey family spends their weekends on their ATVs, making loads of muddy laundry to keep Shannon busy when she’s not at her computer.

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New Release + Review: Show Me How by Molly McAdams – Thatch Series – Book 3

Posted on 08/24/2016 by shellbellereads

Show Me How

Thatch Series – Book 3

By Molly McAdams

Buy: Amazon / B & N / IBooks / Kobo

Synopsis

After her first love was ripped from her grasp four years earlier, Charlie Easton was sure she would never be able to trust anyone with the shattered pieces of her heart again. That is, until Deacon Carver forces himself into her life, and makes those pieces swirl in chaos. But Charlie doesn’t know how to let him in… until a stranger stumbles upon a notebook filled with her innermost secrets, and shows her how.

Deacon Carver is known for sleeping his way through the town of Thatch, as well as the surrounding cities—something he used to take pride in. But that persona has haunted Deacon ever since he decided to leave that life behind for the girl he wants more than anything: Charlie Easton.

But when another girl falls into Deacon’s life, allowing him to be himself without judgment for his past, will their conversations hinder his relationship with Charlie … even if he’s never seen her?

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Michel’s Review

Oh how the mighty have fallen. Deacon Carver, the legendary player in Thatch series has fallen hard for a woman he can’t stand. A woman that betrayed his best friends, used her brother, and has returned home to use them up once again. Charlie Easton may be one of his best friends little sister but she is not going to win him over.

Like most things, there are always two sides to every story. What Deacon perceives as betrayals are Charlie’s burdens to carry. The love of her life is dead, he broke her heart and left her pregnant and alone. He used her, dumped her, and was engaged to another woman before he died suddenly. He never had a chance to meet his son. That was the beginning of more betrayals to come. Her mother gained custody of her child and abandon them both. Her brother gained custody and forced her to go away to school while he raised her son. Now she’s finished with school and back in town. She’s determined to get custody of her son and make a good life for them both. She never anticipated Deacon Carver changing her carefully mapped out plans. She has trust issues and a notorious player isn’t going to change them.

Both Charlie and Deacon are both going to experience changes in their lives. These changes are for the better. They are both going to learn to love and trust with their full hearts. A beautiful little boy is going to gain a real family that only a super hero can appreciate.

Show Me How was a great addition to the Thatch series by Molly McAdams. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

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And don’t miss the first book in the Thatch Series…

LETTING GO

Thatch Series – Book 1

By Molly McAdams

Amazon Barnes and Noble iTunes Kobo GooglePlay ** Audio

Grey and Ben fell in love at thirteen and believed they’d be together forever. But three days before their wedding, the twenty-year-old groom-to-be suddenly died from an unknown heart condition, destroying his would-be-bride’s world. If it hadn’t been for their best friend, Jagger, Grey never would have made it through those last two years to graduation. He’s the only one who understands her pain, the only one who knows what it’s like to force yourself to keep moving when your dreams are shattered. Jagger swears he’ll always be there for her, but no one has ever been able to hold on to him. He’s not the kind of guy to settle down.

It’s true that no one has ever been able to keep Jagger—because he’s only ever belonged to Grey. While everyone else worries over Grey’s fragility, he’s the only one who sees her strength. Yet as much as he wants Grey, he knows her heart will always be with Ben. Still they can’t deny the heat that is growing between them—a passion that soon becomes too hot to handle. But admitting their feelings for each other means they’ve got to face the past. Is being together what Ben would have wanted . . . or a betrayal of his memory that will eventually destroy them both?

*****

To The Stars

Thatch Series – Book 2

By Molly McAdams

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About TO THE STARS:

In the second standalone book in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Molly McAdams’ Thatch series, Knox Alexander must convince his long-time love Harlow Evans that they’re meant to be together.

He promised to wait for her.
She told him he was wasting his time.
Not waiting for him ended up being the biggest mistake of her life.

When they were younger, Knox Alexander swore to Harlow Evans that he would wait for her to turn eighteen so they could be together. But that was two and a half years away, and Harlow couldn’t ask him to give up all the fun and thrills of going away to college for her. As the years passed, Knox remained a constant in her life but when her eighteenth birthday came around, Harlow’s heart belonged to someone else.

Every day for the last four years, Harlow has been haunted by that fateful choice. And though he may appear unaffected by what happened in their past, Knox has always tried to fill the void Harlow left. But when he comes stumbling back into her life and refuses to leave, will Harlow finally let him into her heart…?

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About Molly McAdams:

Molly grew up in California but now lives in the oh-so-amazing state of Texas with her husband, daughter, and fur babies. When she’s not diving into the world of her characters, some of her hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, traveling, and long walks on the beach … which roughly translates to being a homebody with her hubby and dishing out movie quotes. She has a weakness for crude-humored movies and fried pickles, and loves curling up in a fluffy comforter during a thunderstorm … or under one in a bathtub if there are tornados. That way she can pretend they aren’t really happening.

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TO THE STARS Goodreads Molly McAdams Goodreads**

New Release + Review: Furious Rush by S. C. Stephens

Posted on 08/24/2016 by shellbellereads

Furious Rush

By S. C. Stephens

Release Date: August 23, 2016

Buy: Amazon / B & N / IBooks / Kobo

Synopsis

Too fast, too furious-and way too hot to handle . . .

Mackenzie Cox has a lot to prove. Daughter of a racing legend, she is eager to show the world that she has inherited her father’s talent in the male-dominated sport of professional motorcycle racing. The last thing Kenzie needs is to be antagonized by her rival team’s newest rider, Hayden Hayes. Plucked from the world of illegal street racing, Hayden immediately gets under Kenzie’s skin. His insinuations that Kenzie is a spoiled princess who was handed her career fuels her desire to win, and much to her surprise, Kenzie soon learns she performs better when she’s racing against Hayden.

As Kenzie and Hayden push each other on the track, the electric energy between them off the track shifts into an intense–and strictly forbidden–attraction. The only rule between their two ultra-competitive teams is zero contact. Kenzie always does her best to play by the rules, but when her team slips into a financial crisis, she has no choice but to turn to Hayden for help. The tension simmers during their secret, late-night rendezvous, but Kenzie has too much to lose to give in to her desires. Especially when she begins to doubt that Hayden has completely left his street life behind…

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Michel’s Review

Furious Rush by S. C. Stephens is a winner.

Mackenzie Cox has a lot to prove in the world of motorcycle racing. Living in the shadows of her father, a racing legend, being a rookie in the sport as well as being the only female on the Cox Racing Team, is pure pressure. To make matters worse the Cox Racing Team is about bankrupt. The major financial problems could make or break the existence of this legendary team. Their rival competitors are the Benneti Motorsports team. There is more to it than being competitive teams, there is bad blood between them. The owner Keith Benneti is her father’s worst enemy.

Mackenzie’s rookie year has her in a complete tailspin. Her main competition is Hayden Hayes, a former street racer that rides for the Benneti team. She hates that she is immensely attracted to the enemy. There’s more to Hayden than his illegal racing past. He revs her motor in many ways. His influence makes her a better rider.

With Hayden’s sketchy past and position on the opposing team, he is off limits. Plus Cox Racing is experiencing sabotage every race day. Is Hayden behind it? Is Benneti Motorsports behind it? The sabotage will ruin what is left of the Cox Racing Team.

When her father learns she is fraternizing with the enemy, it could very well ruin Mackenzie’s position on the team as well as her career in racing. When she’s forced to do the unthinkable to save Cox Racing. She has more to lose more than her position on the team. She may lose everything she holds dear.

Once again S. C. Stephens delivered a red hot book loaded with pure angst. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

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Author Bio:

S.C. Stephens is a bestselling author who enjoys spending every free moment she has creating stories that are packed with emotion and heavy on romance.
Her debut novel, Thoughtless, an angst-filled love triangle charged with insurmountable passion and the unforgettable Kellan Kyle, took the literary world by storm. Amazed and surprised by the response to the release of Thoughtless in 2009, more stories were quick to follow. Stephens has been writing nonstop ever since.

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

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Saucy Southern Readers

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Category Archives: Michel

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review : Rookie Move by Sarina Bowen – Brooklyn Bruisers Series – Book 1

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review: Change Of Heart by Nicole Jacquelyn – Fostering Love Series – Book 2

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Winning It All by Victoria Denault

Winning It All by Victoria Denault

Hometown Players #4
Release Date: September 6^th, 2016
Publisher: Forever Yours
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

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Release Blitz … Excerpt … 5+ Star Review: The Hard Way by Katie Ashley

Release Blitz + Excerpt + Review + Giveaway: Lost In Rewind by Tali Alexander – Audio Fools Series – Book 3

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review: A Husband By Any Other Name by Cheryl St. John

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New Release + Excerpt + Review + Giveaway: Wide Open Spaces by Aurora Rose Reynolds – Shooting Stars Series – Book 2

New Release: Homecoming by Shannon Stacey – Boys of Fall Series – Book 3

New Release + Review: Show Me How by Molly McAdams – Thatch Series – Book 3

And don’t miss the first book in the Thatch Series…

LETTING GO

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TO THE STARS Goodreads Molly McAdams Goodreads**

New Release + Review: Furious Rush by S. C. Stephens

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Winning It All by Victoria Denault

Hometown Players #4 Release Date: September 6th, 2016 Publisher: Forever Yours Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Amazon US / Amazon UK / Google Play / Nook / iBooks / Kobo

Add to Goodreads

About the Author:

Facebook / Twitter / Amazon

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Blurb

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Prologue

About Cheryl St. John

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And don’t miss the first book in the Thatch Series…

LETTING GO

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iTunes ** Kobo ** GooglePlay ** Audio

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iTunes ** Kobo ** GooglePlay

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TO THE STARS Goodreads ** Molly McAdams Goodreads

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Hometown Players #4
Release Date: September 6^th, 2016
Publisher: Forever Yours
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Amazon Barnes and Noble iTunes Kobo GooglePlay ** Audio

Amazon Barnes & Noble iTunes Kobo GooglePlay

Website Tumblr Facebook Twitter Google+

TO THE STARS Goodreads Molly McAdams Goodreads**