Book Tour + 5 Star Review: Mercy by M. N. Forgy – Sin City Outlaws Series – Book 2

Posted on 04/07/2016 by shellbellereads

One bad biker. One gorgeous sheriff.

One intense biker romance.

The conclusion of Zeek and Jillian’s romance releases April 4th!

*******

Mercy

Sin City Outlaws Series – Book 2

Biker / MC Contemporary Romance

By M. N. Forgy

Release Date: April 4, 2016

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

I’m an outlaw. I don’t fall in love and I sure as fuck don’t run… Until Jillian McAdams.

I fell for a law abiding Sheriff, breaking my vows to my own club, and turning her against her family of blue.An outlaw and a sheriff, it can only end in one way… Mayhem.

Now we both have to pay the ultimate price for betraying our families.

I swore to kill my brother, his allegiance sworn to another club, if I ever saw him again.

Yet here I am running to him in hopes to save Jillian’s life…

We both will have to rewrite the rules we know to stay alive.

Even if it means we lose everything we had in doing so…

Excerpt

“We need to keep moving, I don’t have time to explain this over and over to you. I can’t penetrate your naive little brain any more than I have.” His Adam’s apple bobs, and he grips my cuffs, pulling me after him.

“Why do you have to be such an asshole!?” I yank back on the cuffs to get his attention.

Looking over his shoulder, he jabs, “I guess you just bring it out in me, Rookie.”

That stung.

We walk for what seems like forever, and not one car drives by. The moon is high in the sky, and the wind is beginning to blow with a chill that has me shrinking into myself to keep warm.

My emotions are a mess. I don’t know what to accept as truth, and what is a lie. I’m always so sure of everything, until Zeek walked in my life. Now, I know nothing about nothing.

A shiver trembles from my lips causing my teeth to clatter. Zeek looks over his shoulder and stops.

“You cold?”

“I’m fine.”

Ignoring me, he shimmies his leather cut off.

“Here, this will help.”

I shake my head and hold my cuffed hands up.

“No, really I’m fine.” The last thing I want is to wear the insignia of the club that just offed one of my family members.

His face hardens, his eyes narrowing in on me.

He grips my upper arm turning me forcefully, and places the warm leather on my back. The smell of cologne, worn leather, and a hint of mint cocoon me in a blanket of danger. I find it comforting, the lingering scent a warning of adventure and risk. It’s no surprise I crave an adrenaline rush, and Zeek is a non-stop high.

Peering up under my lashes I catch Zeek looking me over hungrily, the look in his eyes anything but earnest. They’re hooded and trailing up and down my body unforgivingly.

___________________________________

Michel’s Review

I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Mercy by M. N. Forgy after the cliffhanger in the first book, Reign.

Mercy should not be read as a stand alone novel. Read Reign first.

Sin City Outlaws MC President, Zeek DeLucca and Las Vegas Sheriff, Jillian Adams have defied their peers, friends, and family. They chose their passion for one another even though it was forbidden. Two very different people on very different sides of the law. The heart wants what it wants.

After an explosive scene in the end of Reign, Zeek and Jillian are on the run. They are wanted for the murder of a Sheriff Lieutenant, Jillian’s stepfather. They have stirred the hornets nest with Uncle Frank, the mafia, and the Sin City Outlaws MC. There is nowhere to turn and no one to trust. Everyone is an enemy. Their only hope may be one of Zeek’s most personal enemies and a rival MC that has declared war on the Sin City MC. Zeek is seeking help from his estranged brother Phillip, otherwise known as Lip, and the Devil Dust MC. He’s made enemies and may have to pay with his life. He’s willing to take that risk in order to save Jillian’s life.

Their path has been difficult but now it is impossible.

Mercy was an explosive conclusion!

M. N. Forgy did a fantastic job with Zeek’s story. She created a character that most of the readers hated in the Devil’s Dust MC series. This character was beyond bad, he was evil. Somehow she managed to turn the readers opinion of Zeek DeLucca. She didn’t fix him, she didn’t redeem him, she added multiple layers to an already complex man. She allowed him to struggle with his choices, regret some of his actions, but at the same time own his actions without changing his very character. She allowed him to become human once again. She taught him how to love.

Zeek and Jillian’s story was passionate. Their bond was unbreakable. Their union should of never happened but they embraced it.

Read the Sin City Outlaw Series by M. N. Forgy. It is fantastic! I can’t wait to see what comes next for the Sin City Outlaws.

__________________________________

Reign

Sin City Outlaws – Book1

A SPIN OFF OF THE DEVIL’S DUST MC SERIES

By M. N. Forgy

******

One bad biker. One gorgeous sheriff.

One intense biker romance.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

As the president of the Sin City Outlaw Motorcycle Club, l I fuck as hard as I ride and rarely go to bed alone.

The women are fast and the violence is intense.

I excel in both.

People either respect me or fear me. I’m not arrogant. It’s just the truth.

I was a king, reigning over Vegas without complication, until one gorgeous sheriff made everything fall apart.

When I saw her, I became a Neanderthal, wanting nothing more than to be between those legs.

I guess that’s where I went wrong, because my reality was shot to hell real

fucking fast.

One kiss caused her to step over that blue line.

One night in her bed made me a traitor.

And now… we’re both screwed.

___________________________________

About the Author

M.N. Forgy was raised in Missouri where she still lives with her family. She’s a soccer mom by day and a saucy writer by night. M.N. Forgy started writing at a young age but never took it seriously until years later, as a stay-at-home mom, she opened her laptop and started writing again. As a role model for her children, she felt she couldn’t live with the “what if” anymore and finally took a chance on her character’s story. So, with her glass of wine in hand and a stray Barbie sharing her seat, she continues to create and please her fans.

Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Release Blitz + 6 Star Review + 2016 Favorite : The Beast by J. R. Ward – The Black Dagger Brotherhood – Book 14

Posted on 04/05/2016 by shellbellereads

The Beast

The Black Dagger Brotherhood – Book 14

By J. R. Ward

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Available in Hardcover Edition and Ebook Edition

Synopsis

Rhage and Mary return in a new novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, a series “so popular, I don’t think there’s a reader today who hasn’t at least heard of [it]” (USA Today).

Nothing is as it used to be for the Black Dagger Brotherhood. After avoiding war with the Shadows, alliances have shifted and lines have been drawn. The slayers of the Lessening Society are stronger than ever, preying on human weakness to acquire more money, more weapons, more power. But as the Brotherhood readies for an all-out attack on them, one of their own fights a battle within himself…

For Rhage, the Brother with the biggest appetites, but also the biggest heart, life was supposed to be perfect—or at the very least, perfectly enjoyable. Mary, his beloved shellan, is by his side and his King and his brothers are thriving. But Rhage can’t understand—or control—the panic and insecurity that plague him…

And that terrifies him—as well as distances him from his mate. After suffering mortal injury in battle, Rhage must reassess his priorities—and the answer, when it comes to him, rocks his world…and Mary’s. But Mary is on a journey of her own, one that will either bring them closer together or cause a split that neither will recover from…

Michel’s Review

Spoiler Free Review

I have been a Black Dagger Brotherhood fan since the first book, Dark Lover, released in 2005. I anxiously count down the months, days, and hours for each new release in this series. I have been on pins and needles waiting for The Beast to release because Rhage has always been my favorite brother.

Readers met Rhage in the second book, Lover Eternal. He’s the brother that carries a curse on his back. He chose to keep his curse when the Scribe Virgin allowed his mate, Mary, to receive the gift of immortality. Rage and Mary were granted a life of love, happiness, and prosperity but there was one thing they would never have. They would never be able to have their own children. At the time it was more than enough for both of them. Their love and commitment to one another fulfilled their needs and wants.

Ten books and several years later, Rhage and Mary’s relationship has evolved into strong allegiance. They’re happy within their marriage and their communication with one another is honest and open. Although they have a formed a very healthy relationship, they have also grown as individuals because of that relationship. Every relationship evolves and as it evolves it takes the individuals to a new level with new expectations, desires, and needs. It doesn’t change the main element of the relationship, it makes it grow stronger. Rhage and Mary have reached this point and like most people they are a bit oblivious to the changes until it smacks them in the face and the realities begin to surface.

The Beast is Rhage and Mary’s next road in their life journey. Their need to take the next step and change their inner family dynamics.

****

The Beast opens with an action packed scene that places the Brotherhood into an epic battle with the lessers. The outcome of this battle changes the path the Brotherhood is on. It is the game changer in Rhage and Mary’s relationship. It is also the beginning of a new direction for the Vampire race. New alliances will be made. The face of the enemy will evolve into several different faces. The dynamics in the mansion will change. It all begins at the abandoned Brownswick School for Girls in an epic battle with the lessers. The Beast has emerged and is destroying everything in sight. It could cost more than the lessers lives, it could cost the brothers some of their own. The one paying the highest price could be Rhage himself…

***

” I’ve seen this night.”

“I want you to go home. Now.”

***

The battle is a game changer for Rhage and Mary…

***

“I’ve missed you too,” he said in a low tone. “We’ve been….kind of parallel lately. Not apart, but parallel.”

I tried to kill myself last night, he said to her in his head. And I have no idea why.

Yup, it was official.

He’d lost his mind.

***

“You don’t have anything to worry about. Not now and not ever—- at least not about me. I love you til forever and back, and nothing else matters as long as that is true.”

***

“I’m serious Mary. Now that I’m thinking about it… now that I’m running the math in my head? No, Life without you is a tragedy. Life without our young? That’s …well, it’s just a different path.”

***

Life didn’t have to be perfect…for true love to exist in it.

***

When Mary glanced at Rhage, he cleared his throat. “ I eat people, I mean… the beast. It eats things. That shouldn’t, you know, be eaten.”

He was reminding her that the future was unknown and unknowable.

So if you had the chance…even if there was no music and no ballgown, no tuxedo or gala… when your true love asked you to dance?

It was important to say yes.

Like all of the previous books, The Beast has a lot of meat to it. Rhage and Mary are not the only individuals going through changes. The Vampire world has been exposed to the humans. The enemies are increasing. Revelations are brought to the surface that creates new scenarios in the Brotherhoods lives.

***

She stood up by herself and brushed her slacks off. “ Is it just me or does this feel like a grown up episode of Scooby Doo?”

***

Six new characters are introduced into the Black Dagger Brotherhood world. I think each of these new characters is going to have quite an impact in the future books.

There are some bombs dropped within The Beast that will leave the readers shocked and may change the direction of the series. The only person who knows is the author herself.

V and Assail had quite a bit of page play in the Beast. The mysterious Assail is beginning to unravel. It will be interesting to see it all unfold.

The Beast was magnificent! The series has come full circle and taken on a new life. Rhage and Mary have found a new happily ever after that trumps their beautiful beginning. I fell even more deeply in love with my favorite brother, Rhage.

J. R. Ward brought her A-Game to the table. The writing was flawless. The meticulous scene descriptions brought the world to life. The evolution of all of the characters made them even more dynamic. She added layers to their souls. The thing that made this book shine the most was the beautiful portrayal of how love grows, evolves, and completes an individual.

The Beast was an emotional journey for Mary and Rhage. The Beast also delivered a defining moment in the Vampire world. This series is evolving and could go in many directions. Only J. R. Ward’s brilliance could create an intricate world that has so many threads of life woven into the layers. As I finished The Beast, I could not predict what was to come next or who would be the next star in the next book. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

***

It was…. magic.
It was …. family.
It was.. absolutely, positively, everything that mattered and was important.
__________________________________________

Jessica Rowley Pell Bird was born on 1969 in Massachusetts, USA. She is the daughter of Maxine F. and W. Gillette Bird, Jr. She began writing as a child, penning her thoughts in diaries as well as inventing short stories. She read her first Harlequin Presents novel in a rose garden when she was in her teens. She was hooked immediately. By the time she went to college, she had boxes and boxes of Harlequins and Silhouettes. Every year, her mother would ask why all those books had to live in the house and Jess would reply that if even one of them disappeared she would know. (She’d catalogued them.)

Jess finished her first romance manuscript the summer before her freshman year of college. She attended Smith College and graduated with a double major in history and art history. She then received a law degree from Albany Law School. Shortly after that, she began working in the healthcare industry in Boston. She spent many years as one of the premier medical center’s Chief of Staff. While working as a lawyer in Boston, she completed two novels more and started a number of partials. In 2001, Bird married John Neville Blakemore III. Both her mother and her new husband kept telling her to send something in to an agent, a publisher, the Tooth Fairy, anyone. She thought they were nuts, but eventually got her nerve up and bought a lot of stamps. Since getting published, she has written contemporary romances as Jessica Bird and paranormal romances as J. R. Ward. She has been a Rita Award finalist, received two Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice nominations and has been a HOLT medallion finalist.

New England born and bred, Jess is surprised to find herself living south of the Mason Dixon line. (But that’s what happens when you marry a Southern gentleman.) She and her husband live with their golden retriever, who oversees her writing in a supervisory role.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: The Matchmaker’s Playbook by Rachel Van Dyken – Wingmen Inc. Series – Book 1

Posted on 04/05/2016 by shellbellereads

The Matchmaker’s Playbook

A Wingmen Inc. Novel

By Rachel Van Dyken

Wingman rule number one: don’t fall for a client.

After a career-ending accident, former NFL recruit Ian Hunter is back on campus—and he’s ready to get his new game on. As one of the masterminds behind Wingmen, Inc., a successful and secretive word-of-mouth dating service, he’s putting his extensive skills with women to work for the lovelorn. But when Blake Olson requests the services of Wingmen, Inc., Ian may have landed his most hopeless client yet.

From her frumpy athletic gear to her unfortunate choice of footwear, Blake is going to need a miracle if she wants to land her crush. At least with a professional matchmaker by her side she has a fighting chance. Ian knows that his advice and a makeover can turn Blake into another successful match. But as Blake begins the transformation from hot mess to smokin’ hot, Ian realizes he’s in danger of breaking his cardinal rule…

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

The Matchmaker’s Playbook by Rachel Van Dyken from Becca the Bibliophile on Vimeo.

Blake let out another pitiful groan. “I don’t think it fits.”

“They measured you. It fits. Just, tell me if it looks okay so we can go.” I checked my watch. “Gabi said dinner was at six, and it’s already a quarter till.”

“This is too much pressure.” Her voice was frantic. “I can’t do this. I mean, how do I know if it looks good? They’re boobs.”

I groaned. “Boobs always look good. Believe me.”

“Boobs are gross!”

Said no man ever. Even the gay ones.

One of the salesladies eyed me up and down. “Are you two okay?”

“Great,” I chirped. “Just having a very heated discussion about the beauty of breasts.” I dipped my chin to Blake’s chest. “What are you? A double D?”

Scowling, she marched off.

Thank God.

“Blake,” I hissed.

No answer.

I’d never had such a difficult client. If anything, they jumped when I told them to, asked how high, and then kept jumping until I was satisfied. Blake fought me at every turn.

“Open the door before I crawl underneath it. I’ll pick the bras, you can close your eyes if you want so you don’t have to watch me look at you, alright? My stomach literally just ate my liver. I need protein. Open. The. Door.”

The door slowly creaked open. Taking advantage of the small crack of air, I pushed it farther, then clicked it shut behind me and turned around.

Blake was facing me, hands on hips, face beet-red, body . . . freaking perfect. My tongue almost lolled out, like a dog.

Most girls starve themselves to have abs like that, which was disgusting. But her abs? They had muscle, actual muscle, but still appeared feminine.

She also had a nice tan, just enough to show that she spent time outside or maybe just had naturally darker skin.

My throat went completely dry as I continued to stare.

“Well?” Her voice was weak. “How awful do I look? On a scale of one to ten?”

I’d convinced her to buy some new workout clothes to replace her old ones. I knew I’d never get her to actually completely change her style. She liked workout clothes? Fine, at least buy the kind that fit and actually point to the correct gender. I tried to steer her away from the boyfriend sweats and sweatshirts, but she eventually wore me down, so I told her if she bought at least five new Pink outfits that had spandex in them, I’d let her get one pair of ugly slouchy sweats. You’d think I’d just given her a million dollars, from her reaction.

Currently, she was sporting a short pair of bright-blue yoga shorts.

And a black push-up sports bra that did wonders for her boobs.

And the world just in general.

Holy shit.

I gulped as I became more and more irritated with the fact that my body was reacting as if it had never seen a girl without her shirt on before. “Blake, it’s great.”

“You sound bored!”

I had to, damn it! What did she want me to do? Sound interested? Turned-on? Intrigued? Curious? I was all those things. I just tried to ignorethe insanity bouncing around in my head and blurted, “Your boobs look really good. Perky, happy, just . . . awesome.”

Did I just call her boobs “happy”?

“You think?” She stared down at her breasts, then grabbed them.

Holy shit, was she seriously feeling herself up? I braced my hand against the door and sucked in a breath.

“They still feel comfortable,” she said.

“Do they?” I managed to choke out while she continued bouncing them a bit in her hands. Dear Lord, did she know what she was doing? Waving a flag in front of a bull. My jeans suddenly tight in all the wrong areas, I tried to envision Lex naked, anything to get my dick to clue in to the word “client,” meaning I was in a no-play zone.

Another first.

It was because I was hungry.

And Marissa? Melissa? Hadn’t satisfied me. I’d gotten off, and made sure she did too, but the entire experience left me feeling empty, bored, and—if I was being completely honest? A bit depressed. Besides, her tits paled in comparison. I had to wonder what the hell I’d been doing all my life if this was the first time I was having such a strong reaction to boobs.

Something about Blake had me wondering if I’d been satisfied at all up until this point. And I had no idea what the hell was so confusing about her, and about the situation. I was unable to put my finger on it, and the more I thought about it the more my head hurt.

Hunger does weird things to guys.

“Yeah.” More bouncing, then turning and staring in the mirror. I wasn’t sure what was worse. Her staring at her own boobs or touching them. “I’m just no good at this stuff. I didn’t grow up with a mom, and I hit puberty really early. The girls made fun of me, and the boys pointed.” Her shoulders slumped inward again.

Could we please go back to the bouncing? I was a fan of that Blake. The one that rolled up like an awkward armadillo? Not so much.

__________________________________

Michel’s Review

I wish Ian Hunter was around when I was in college floundering around and looking for love. I needed a coach that was invested in me as a woman. I am not talking about the sexual investment, but an investment that made me believe the best about myself. One that helped me become confident in my choices. One that led me to make better choices in the men I was attracted to.

After the devastating end of a promising NFL career, Ian Hunter came to a realization while healing from his injury. As he watched his sister settle into her life, he realized that was the problem. She settled rather than aiming for the one she really wanted. Not that she was unhappy but she could of been happier. He came to the realization that women needed a better understanding of men, how they reacted, and how to catch their attention. He realized that they needed to see themselves differently. So he devised a new direction in his life. He created a partnership with his best friend Alex, together they created Wingmen Inc. Aside from his skills with the ladies, Alex’s computer and analystic skills brought a better business plan to the table. Add Ian’s skills of reading people and creating the perfect situation, they were destined to become the perfect matchmaking company. To become successful, there has to be rules. No fraternizing or involvement with the clients beyond the contract description. Contracts are by referral only. Lastly ,follow the timeline of the contract with no distractions.

Their business is flourishing and their success rate is one hundred percent. That is until Ian gets a client that makes him break all of the rules.

Blake Olson should of been an easy contract but when Ian gets to know this tomboy woman, all bets are off. She has ignited his interest. He wants to get to know her beyond making her over. In fact he likes the way she is and when he wields his magic she becomes even sexier. What starts out as a business relationship evolves into friendship. The friendship evolves into romance and passion. A first for both Ian and Blake.

They are both winners in this arrangement because they both come out of this contract better and stronger people. The added bonus is Blake got her contract fulfilled, she got the man even though it wasn’t the intended man. Ian delivered the goods and fulfilled his contract obligations. Blake found the love of a lifetime she was looking for… his love.

Rachel Van Dyken always delivers a fantastic book. She has the ability to create characters that jump off the pages and into the readers hearts. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for Alex and Gabi. I’m sure it’s a whole new page in the Wingmens Inc playbook.

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Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.
She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!
Want to be kept up to date on new releases? Text MAFIA to 66866!

You can connect with her on Facebook www.facebook.com/rachelvandyken or join her fan group Rachel’s New Rockin Readers. Her website is www.rachelvandykenauthor.com.

NEWSLETTER | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Release Blitz + Excerpt + Review + Giveaway: Catching Summer by L. P. Dover – Second Chances Series – Book 6

Posted on 04/05/2016 by shellbellereads

Catching Summer

Second Chances Series – Book 6

By L. P. Dover

Blurb

Former nurse Summer Jacobs has seen her fair share of suffering, but she never expected tragedy to hit so close to home. After watching her husband die in the MMA ring, Summer spends the next two years fighting her way through the darkness. The last thing she needs is another hardheaded athlete turning her life upside down. But that’s exactly what happens when she meets a gridiron star who’s as skilled at stealing hearts as he is at snagging passes.Carolina Cougars wide receiver Evan Townsend usually has no problem winning fans, so he’s intrigued when Summer shoots down his go-to plays for winning a woman’s attention. Never one to back down from a challenge, Evan turns up the heat, setting off sparks that neither can deny. But as his slow seduction begins to chase away Summer’s pain, he gets the feeling that someone is desperate to keep them apart. Now Evan will do anything to protect her—because he never misses a chance to make a perfect catch.

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TRAILER

EXCERPT

Once out the door, I breathed a sigh of relief and slowed my pace. “Come on, Summer, stop acting like an idiot.”

“Talking to yourself now?” Evan teased from behind.

I stopped mid-step and closed my eyes. “Do you enjoy provoking me?”

When he circled around me, I opened my eyes. “Not really, but I do love seeing you blush. I didn’t realize I had that effect on you.”

“You seriously are full of yourself, aren’t you?” How could I be so stupid? There was no way in hell I could hide my face now. I didn’t want him to know how flustered he made me.

Chuckling, he shook his head and kept his gray eyes solely on mine. “I’m really not. I was just hoping to hear your laugh again. I guess I didn’t get enough of it yesterday.”

“So, this is you flirting with me? What do you expect to gain from that?”

He took a step closer and smiled. “For starters, I was hoping to persuade you to come to my party after the game Saturday night.”

My heart thumped wildly in my chest. I could feel the sweat pouring down my back. “Like what? A date?”

“Only if you want it to be. I just figured I’d save you the trouble of having to ward off my teammates. I can name three of the guys who are interested in you. My threats to stop their advances can only go so far.”

“What if I didn’t want to go to your party? I can easily just tell them I’m not interested.”

He nodded and crossed his arms over his chest. “You could, but that doesn’t mean shit to these guys. They’ll keep hounding you until you give in. They love the chase.”

“Just like you,” I retorted with a smile.

“What can I say? I’m relentless when I want something.” I sucked in a breath and bit my lip. Did he really want me like that? The thought made everything inside of me tighten. It was too dangerous to think of him like that.

“So are you trying to save me from your friends or are you really wanting me to join you? I know how you guys work, and I don’t want to be a part of some game you’re playing to get girls.”

His grin faded, gaze hard. “I don’t play games, Summer. I may have in the past, but I would never do that to you. Have I ever given you the impression that you can’t trust me?”

Sighing, I shook my head. I felt like such an idiot. “No, and I’m sorry for being presumptuous. It’s just . . .” I paused and bit down on the side of my cheek.

“It’s just what?” he asked in all seriousness.

“It’s just this is all new to me. All I’ve ever known is Austin. Being around you makes me nervous. I’m not like the girls you’ve brought into the restaurant. If it’s sex you want, you can forget it. I’m not one of your groupies.” For a second there, I thought he was at a loss for words, but then he belted out in laughter. Ouch, that hurt. “I’m glad I could amuse you.”

When he straightened up, he took off his hat and ran his hands through his hair. And again, my heart sped up at the sight. Shit. “Damn, you are a fiery one. And just so we’re clear, I’m not trying to fuck you or trying to put another notch in my belt. Believe it or not, I’m actually interested in something else.”

“What is that, exactly?”

“I don’t know, but I’m hoping you can help me figure it out.” Grabbing my hand, he pulled me toward his truck. “Let’s go.”

Michel’s Review

Summer Jacobs, a former nurse, is finally healing. She has spent the last two years grieving the loss of her husband. She has lost her best friend, her companion, and her future dreams. After months of therapy and the healing of time, she is finally ready to move forward in her life. She has built the successful restaurant her husband dreamed of opening. She is also keeping her nursing license active. She has made great strides with her career and now she’s ready to take another step and become socially active again. Part of that step is the openness to begin dating once again. The opportunity to take that step becomes available when she signs up for continuing ed with an NFL team.

****

Summer met NFL star, Evan Townsend, through her friend. When they begin working together the chemistry between the two is undeniable. They are forming a solid friendship and are taking that friendship to the relationship level very slowly.

****

As their relationship begins evolving, strange and dangerous things start to surface. It seems as if their relationship is upsetting someone. Neither has a clue who is behind the danger. Even though they are going slow and steady, can they withstand the dangerous interference thrown in every turn?

***

Catching Summer was more than a second chance romance, it became a romantic suspense novel that delivered quite a surprise. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it.

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AUTHOR BIO

Author Bio:

USA Today Bestselling author, L.P. Dover, is a southern belle residing in North Carolina along with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she even began her literary journey she worked in Periodontics enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries.

Not only does she love to write, but she loves to play tennis, go on mountain hikes, white water rafting, and you can’t forget the passion for singing. Her two number one fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime and those songs usually consist of Christmas carols.

Aside from being a wife and mother, L.P. Dover has written over nine novels including her Forever Fae series, the Second Chances series, and her standalone novel, Love, Lies, and Deception. Her favorite genre to read is romantic suspense and she also loves writing it. However, if she had to choose a setting to live in it would have to be with her faeries in the Land of the Fae.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Release Blitz and 6 Star Review + 2016 Favorite : Paper Princess by Erin Watt – The Royals Series – Book 1

Posted on 04/04/2016 by shellbellereads

Paper Princess

The Royals – Book One

Mature YA / New Adult

Recommended for ages 17 and up…

By Erin Watt ( aka Elle Kennedy & Jen Frederick

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes

Synopsis

From strip clubs and truck stops to southern coast mansions and prep schools, one girl tries to stay true to herself.

These Royals will ruin you…

Ella Harper is a survivor—a pragmatic optimist. She’s spent her whole life moving from town to town with her flighty mother, struggling to make ends meet and believing that someday she’ll climb out of the gutter. After her mother’s death, Ella is truly alone.

Until Callum Royal appears, plucking Ella out of poverty and tossing her into his posh mansion among his five sons who all hate her. Each Royal boy is more magnetic than the last, but none as captivating as Reed Royal, the boy who is determined to send her back to the slums she came from.

Reed doesn’t want her. He says she doesn’t belong with the Royals.

He might be right.

Wealth. Excess. Deception. It’s like nothing Ella has ever experienced, and if she’s going to survive her time in the Royal palace, she’ll need to learn to issue her own Royal decrees.

Michel’s Review

When the offer to review Paper Princess came across my desk I was intrigued. What intrigued me was the secrecy behind this book. There was a brief description, not a full synopsis. The author’s name was withheld. The only thing revealed was that it was two New York Times and USA Today best selling authors collaborating to write this book. I was intrigued. When I found out the collaborating authors were Elle Kennedy and Jen Fredrick, I was ecstatic!

Although Paper Princess may be listed as Mature YA, it will easily appeal to readers of all ages and romance genres. I was drawn into the Royals world and held captive. I could not put this book done and read it in one sitting. After I finished the book I was dying for the next book in the Royals series.

Elle Harper was not the typical high school junior. She’s had to learn to survive after her mother fell ill. She became responsible for the household bills and medical bills. After her mother passed away, she fled Seattle because she didn’t want to go in the foster care system. She’s smart, responsible, and capable of taking care of herself. She carefully planned her life. She chose an area in Tennessee with good schools and employment opportunities. It doesn’t matter that she has to work as a stripper by night, waitressing and retail by day. She has one goal in mind, to finish high school and go onto college. Her education is more important than her social life and teenage dreams. When a complete stranger shows up at her new school claiming to be her legal guardian, she is once again planning to run. Callum Royal has Elle’s number and foils her escape. He intends to honor her father and take care of Elle as his own. Elle is skeptical because she never knew her father. The only way Callum can get her to agree is with the promise of money and educational opportunities.

Elle moves from a life of poverty into the world of posh indulgence. A world much more cruel than her previous world. Callum Royal has five spoiled, egotistical teenage sons that are determined to keep the trash, Elle, out of their world. Their cruel treatment and vicious actions would send any person running for the hills. The only person welcoming Elle into her new life is Callum Royal, a man that knows nothing about being a parent. His relationship with his sons is nonexistent. The Royal home is a house full of hate and animosity . Each Royal sibling has ulterior motives and their own execution of cruelty.

Elle Harper thought she was a survivor but she’s going to quickly learn she has been thrust into a much more vindictive world. She may be street smart but she is not prepared for the opulent world of the entitled. She’s the lamb in the Royals world. These lions are going to eat her up, spit her out, and stomp on her remains.

Reed Royal has decreed that Elle Harper does not belong in his world. The Royal king has declared Elle a Royal princess. The Royal princes have gathered their kingdom to remove the peasant and overthrow the king.

Elle Harper is beginning to agree with Reed Royal. She doesn’t want to be a princess. She doesn’t want the kingdom. She is not a Royal. There isn’t enough money or wealth that could make her want to be one of them. The longer she remains in the Royal mansion is more destructive than the day before. At the same time she begins to see a very broken family and five lost little boys. She sees a father just as lost as his sons. Each boy has a dynamic personality hiding beneath surface. Is that enough to make her stay? Just when she thinks she has it figured out the Royals once again show their true colors.

This book ends on a major cliffhanger that has the reader begging for more! The dynamics between all of the characters is riveting. Their compelling story is addictive.

As I said before, I could not put this book down. Elle Kennedy and Jen Fredrick have delivered a charismatic world that captivates the reader. I can’t wait for the next book, Broken Prince, to release in July 2016.

______________________________________________

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!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Newsletter

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

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

5 Star Review: Quinn by J. C. Cliff – Undaunted Men Series – Book 1

Posted on 03/31/2016 by shellbellereads

Quinn

Undaunted Men Series – Book 1

By J. C. Cliff

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

You have been warned – Explicit scenes, unexpected twists full of suspense and off the grid angst which skirt along the edges of the dark side will make your heart pound, your pulse race, and the pages flip. And…be prepared to be thrown over a damn cliff.

Fearless and determined, Quinn is the perfect man for the job the Moretti mob has in mind: track down missing mafia princess, Alexis Moretti, and bring her home.

What starts out as a simple task to repay an old debt turns into so much more than he bargained for… And so does she.

As Quinn and Lexi grow close, she becomes more than just his mission. But Lexi and Quinn are both keeping secrets–secrets that could destroy their blossoming romance just as quickly as it ignited. When Lexi’s past catches up with them, secrets and lies will be revealed, and the ultimate test of forgiveness will be upon them both.

*Join Quinn and Alexis as their story unfolds in two full-length contemporary erotic romance novels. Quinn II will release April 19th!

Michel’s Review

I have not read any of J. C. Cliff’s previous books. I have heard wonderful things about this author’s writing. I can honestly say everything I heard proved to be true.

Quinn is the first book in the Undaunted Men series. This book is super sexy, fast paced, loaded with action, and has a gritty backstory. The added bonus is a furry friend becomes a very prominent character in this story.

Quinn owes a mob boss, Tony Moretti, a favor and when the boss decides to collect, it’s going to change the coarse of Quinn’s life. Quinn is a former military special ops operator. After retirement from the military, he and his buddies formed a specialized private security agency. One of their specialities is retrieval. When Moretti’s daughter runs away, he calls in his favor and hires Quinn to bring her home.

The story is that she is wanted for murder and very pregnant. Quinn feels like he isn’t getting the complete story but wants his ties to the mob severed. She has disappeared into the national forest in North Carolina. It should be pretty easy to track her and bring her home. She’s in his backyard, the playground he grew up in. Like the old saying goes nothing is ever easy.

Alexis Moretti ran after her fiancé framed her for murder. With the help of her best friend Connor, she disappears into the forest. The idea is to hide out on the trails for a few weeks and resurface at the safe house. Her former finance has an agenda and he won’t rest until Alexis heels to his commands.

Finding Alexis is easy. Keeping her safe and alive is another story. Quinn and Alexis will find something extraordinary on the trails. They will find that once in a lifetime love. Their happiness depends on staying alive. At every turn they are faced with danger, murderers, and the elements. There is definitely more to what’s behind the Moretti family dynamics. A mafia princess and a seasoned warrior are about to step into a war.

I loved this book and ended on a nail biting cliffhanger. Readers will be hanging on the edge of their seats to find out what happens to Quinn and Alexis. They will also be dying to find out the secrets that caused Alexis to flee.

I can’t wait for the next book. Quinn II will release on April 19, 2016. Quinn and Alexis fate is hanging by a thread.

********

Quinn II

Undaunted Men Series – Book 2

Release Date: April 19, 2016

Pre Order: Amazon

Synopsis

QUINN IS BACK and pushing the limits on it all — suspense, sex, love, gut-wrenching emotions — with a fiery intense conclusion to his and Lexi’s story. The more Alexis runs, the harder Quinn fights for her.

It’s an undeniable truth; bad things happen to good people, and Lexi is not impervious to the realities of the life she left behind.

Keeping Lexi safe at all cost, Quinn remains unwavering in his duties, constantly putting his life on the line, time and time again.

Two tortured souls are pushed to the edges of their sanity and their love will be put to the test. Tempers flare, emotions burst, and love flickers, but after the ultimate explosion, can forgiveness be found amongst the rubble?

Alexis needs Quinn more than ever…and Quinn must decide if Lexi is truly his fate or if their romance was never meant to survive beyond his mission. One thing is for certain: neither Quinn nor Alexis will be the same after surfacing from the mountain trails. Now that they’ve survived the wild, can they survive each other?

*Join Quinn and Alexis in the final chapter of their happily ever after!

*****

Also By J. C. Cliff

The Blyss Trilogy

Buy : Amazon / B & N

Synopsis

HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF SUCH A GENRE-THE LIGHTER SIDE OF DARK?

Everyone will have their own definition of “Dark” vs. “Contemporary”, and perhaps there is a mixture of the two. I like to call this the “Grey” genre.

However, there is one thing for certain; you haven’t ever read this type of story before. Blyss is an original, one of a kind storyline in theme, circumstance, and character action.

You will definitely need all three books in order to put together the pieces of this puzzle, but isn’t that what makes reading fun? Embrace the thrill, the suspense, and the anticipation. Each book is full of twists, turns, and “I didn’t see that one coming” moments. There is a romance story amongst all the turmoil…you will just have to hang on for the ride.

Warning:
**Mature Audiences Only** This book is intended for mature audiences only (18+) and contains explicit descriptions of sex, drugs, dirty talk, strong language, kidnapping, and violence.

*****

Blyss is something the world has been trying to create since the beginning of time, the ultimate aphrodisiac, a drug used against women with one single purpose in mind….

Julianna Oakley has just finished up her junior year at college and flies home to spend her last free summer with her father on their prestigious Georgia estate. Julianna isn’t the stereotypical rich girl, a spoiled prima-donna. She’s down to earth and has an independent streak a mile wide, insisting she makes her own way in this world.

Nick has been setting the stage for a long time, and sparks fly when their separate worlds collide. She is Nick’s ultimate obsession, and he will stop at nothing to own her.

When Travis, Nick’s right hand man, lays his eyes on the prize, all hell breaks loose. He should know Nick is playing for keeps, and while Julianna is fighting for her freedom, a lifetime full of secrets and twisted perceptions slowly unravel as Julianna gets caught in the fray.

Warning:
** Mature Audiences Only** This book is intended for mature audiences only (18+) and contains explicit descriptions of sex, drugs, dirty talk, strong language, kidnapping, and violence.

________________________________________

The one thing JC works most hard at is steering clear of the typical romance templates. JC Cliff likes her stories to be unique, one of a kind, and never read before original plots.

JC Cliff is an independent author who enjoys creating page turning novels from the moment they pick up the book until the second they finish. She loves a good book full of mystery, intrigue, scorching hot romance, and all the elements of suspense.

She’s a die hard 80’s rock’n roll fan, and loves a good concert! JC wears many hats. They include being a wife of 24 years, 4 children, a small business owner, writer, reader, and what ever else is required of her. She loves taboo stories with twists and turns, and full of suspense.
She likes to spend her time with her family and friends. Her pastimes include: offshore fishing, learning anything new, sewing, spending time at the beach, or the mountains.

If you’re interested in getting your hands on an advanced release copy of her upcoming books, sneak peek teasers, or information on her upcoming personal appearances, and sales, you can join her newsletter list and get those details delivered right to your inbox!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

5 Star Review : Unseen Messages by Pepper Winters – A Survival Romance

Posted on 03/31/2016 by shellbellereads

From New York Times Bestseller Pepper Winters comes a timeless love story answering the question of what happens when everything is stripped away.

“There is a message for everything. From handwritten to verbal, seen and unseen. Messages exist all around us.”

But what if you don’t see?
What if you don’t understand?
What if, by ignoring the message, your life is never the same again?

Estelle Evermore morphed from nobody to somebody overnight.

Galloway Oak put his past behind him and endeavored to make his fortune using his trade.

Two strangers.
One plane.
Multiple unseen messages.

From sky to island, they find neither fame nor skills can save them. Stripped from society and left alone to survive the elements, the very task of staying alive outweighs all other needs.

Until survival turns to desire.
And desire turns to danger.

Michel’s Review

Author Pepper Winters is known for bringing the unexpected into her books. Her dark thrillers have kept readers on the edge of their seats. Her bold choices in subject matter have earned her the reputation of being the queen of dark romantic thrillers and the queen of angst. She has a gift of building a story that keeps readers glued to the pages.

Pepper Winters has once again surprised the readers with her latest release of Unseen Messages. She has stepped out of the dark world and created a completely different reading adventure. A reading adventure that once again kept me glued to the pages. The nicest thing about this latest release is that it was a stand alone book. There were no CLIFFHANGERS! I didn’t close this book with knots in my stomach. I closed it with extreme satisfaction. I marveled at the reading experience. I was left with the thoughts…What If? Would I survive? I also marveled at the journey Pepper created for each of her characters.

I think most of us are intrigued with the idea of being stranded on a deserted island. We romanticize the theory in our heads, but the reality of it is brutal. Would any of us be able to survive without our cell phones? Could we live without the comfort of air conditioning, electricity, and automobiles? Could we forage for food rather than going to the frig or going through a fast food drive through. Then think about hot showers, soap, deodorant , toothpaste, and body lotion. Could we survive without pain killers, bandaids, sunscreen, or antiseptics? A mere scratch could be deadly in a primitive world.

A group of travelers anxious to get to their destinations fall into the hands of fate. A family eager to reconnect on their long awaited vacation, a young man desperate to begin his penance and redemption, a young woman desperately seeking peace and quiet, and an experienced pilot taking his passengers to their dream destination. Fate intervenes. The helicopter crashes. Lives are lost. Some survive but the cost is high. Now the survivors must learn how to survive in a primitive, untouched world. None of the survivors have the proper skills to exist in a hostile environment.

Two adults and two children will learn a new meaning of life. A new life with different values and different dreams. They will learn to become a part of their new existence or perish. Along the way they will experience life, friendship, love, loss, and renewal. Their experience will forever change their perception of the world. It will change their lives. They are no longer the same people that boarded a helicopter on August 29th. They have evolved. Their secrets of the past no longer matter. Their future is on a new path. Their hopes of rescue may be in vain.

Pepper Winters did a phenomenal job writing this story. It was very realistic and heart breaking. She didn’t romanticize the harsh realities of her characters lives. She didn’t give them the kind of happily ever after we would expect. She gave them new lives that were molded by their time on an island.

This is a true love story in many ways. Four people bonded with their complete hearts. The survivors had a new perception of love, life, and happiness.

I highly recommend reading Unseen Messages by Pepper Winters!

About Pepper Winters:

Pepper Winters is a NYT and USA Today International Bestseller. She wears many roles. Some of them include writer, reader, sometimes wife. She loves dark, taboo stories that twist with your head. The more tortured the hero, the better, and she constantly thinks up ways to break and fix her characters. Oh, and sex… her books have sex.

She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends. She’s also honoured to wear the IndieReader Badge for being a Top 10 Indie Bestsellers, best BDSM series voted by the SmutClub, and recently signed a two book deal with Grand Central. Her books are currently being translated into numerous languages and will be in bookstores in the near future.
To be the first to know of upcoming releases, please join Pepper’s Newsletter (she promises never to spam or annoy you.)

NEWSLETTER: http://eepurl.com/120b5

Or follow her on her website

www.pepperwinters.com

She loves mail of any kind: pepperwinters@gmail.com

You can stalk her here:

Pinterest/Pepperwinters
Facebook Pepper Winters
Twitter @pepperwinters
Blog pepperwinters.wordpress.com

5 Star Review: Desperately Seeking Epic by B N Toler

Posted on 03/28/2016 by shellbellereads

Desperately Seeking Epic

By B. N. Toler

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

Paul James loved Clara Bateman.
Hating her would have been easier.
She was the past, and he was hell-bent on keeping her there.
Or so he thought…

Craigslist Ad: DESPERATELY SEEKING EPIC

You’re my father.
I don’t know much about you. I know your name is Paul James, you’re a thrill seeker, and once upon a time you did stunts and people called you ‘Epic.’
I’ve been told you don’t know about me. That it’s complicated.
But for me it’s simple.
Here’s the thing: I’m twelve years old…and I’m dying.
And as much as this could crush my mother, I have to meet you before I go.
In time, I’m sure she’ll understand. She’s still in love with you.
So, Epic, if you read this, please come back. You don’t have to be my dad. You don’t even have to tell me you love me or you’re sorry. Just come see me.

Patiently waiting, but running out of time,

Neena

________________________________

Michel’s Review

I saw this book blowing up on social media and I had never read any books by B. N. Toler. The synopsis intrigued me. I had to read this book.

It was an EPIC reading experience.

Get out the tissues and be ready for that really ugly, snotty cry.

Does that sound depressing? Believe me it’s not! This is a story of love, life, friendship, and family. It makes the reader realize that every moment we spend we are experiencing something EPIC. Every moment is defining in some way. Every moment changes our lives. Every moment makes a difference.

Paul James and Claire Bateman made quite a few mistakes in their younger lives. Both were stubborn, independent, and head strong. Both had different definitions of happiness. Regardless of those definitions they found that once in a lifetime love with one another. The problem was that neither knew what to do with those powerful feelings. Neither knew how to surrender or compromise. Neither knew how to surrender to the heart. Rather than experiencing something epic, they went their separate ways with a heart full of hurt and regret. Their short time together left a mark on both of their souls. Their love for one another created something EPIC. They created a beautiful daughter, a girl with a pure heart and soul. They created Neena.

When Paul left, not only was Claire devastated, but also his best friend Marcus. As one door closed, another opened. Claire and Marcus bonded and became best friends. Marcus became the rock Claire needed and the father figure Neena needed. Both felt betrayed by Paul’s disappearance. As Neena’s health begins to decline they realize that they have to let their anger go and bring Paul home. He may be Neena’s only hope for survival.

Neena is facing her own mortality. She’s an impressionable twelve year old girl that has only heard stories about her biological father. She’s heard the good, the exciting, and the disappointing stories. She wants to experience her own story with him. She places a Craigs List Ad that goes viral on social media. It captures the attention of the world. The world wants Neena to find EPIC.

When Paul is finally forced to return home, he has no clue about the Craigs List Ad, social media, the media hounds, or Neena. When he meets his daughter for the first time it is beyond EPIC, it is extraordinary. He may have lost the love of his life but he was given a chance to experience a new love in his life.

Neena, Paul, Claire, Marcus, and three teenagers embark on something EPIC, something that changes all their lives. It changes their perceptions, their priorities, and their relationships. They experience something EPIC!

This book was absolutely amazing. It’s EPIC!

______________________________

B N Toler lives in Virginia. When she’s not reading and writing, she’s thinking about reading and writing. Before she became a self-proclaimed writer, she worked as a real estate agent and as an orthodontic technician. **She will notice your teeth before your eyes or hair or anything.**
She enjoys shopping (way too much) and is on a first name basis with several employees at the local Target in her town.
She loves music,(bluegrass, country, 80’s, actually she loves most music ~her favorite song is American Pie by Don McLean and she worships anything that is Elvis and Johnny Cash and Eric Church) dancing, (even though she sucks at it)reading, writing, eating (too much) sleeping late, (which she rarely gets to do) and laughing. If you can make her laugh, she will love you forever.
Random and insignificant facts:
She is addicted to Coca Cola
She hates onions
She loves thunderstorms
She wants to have Karen Marie Moning’s babies
She curses….a lot…like way too much
She’s immensely afraid of snakes
She fangirls over M.Pierce
She HATES reality television
She could eat her weight in Snickers candy bars
She loves books and movies that make her cry
She cries over anything remotely sad
She loves the Lord
She LOVES Jack Daniels and Ginger Ale. (too much)
She hopes she hasn’t bored you to death.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

New Release & 5+ Star Review: Rushing The Goal by Toni Aleo – Assassins Series – Book *

Posted on 03/28/2016 by shellbellereads

Rushing The Goal

Assassins Series – Book 8

By Toni Aleo

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

Introduced in Toni Aleo’s Bellevue Bullies Series, it’s the Sinclair brothers’ big sister’s turn to find love in the next installment of the New York Times and USA Today best-selling series, the Assassins.

Lucy Sinclair was no stranger to pain.

She grew up with three younger brothers, met a bad boy, got pregnant by him, married him, and then suffered through a nasty divorce from him. Pain. That was pain. To top it off, she even had to go through the heartbreaking divorce of her parents. Through it all, she survived. All she cared about was making sure her daughter was happy and taken care of. Despite an ex-husband hell-bent on ruining her life, she fought to overcome. She’s gotten to the point that she’s okay with being just okay. She never cared about herself because she never had the time. It was Angie and only Angie she focused on, but that all changed when Benji Paxton offered to help her daughter on the ice.
Benji knew the moment he saw Lucy, he’d never be the same. Especially when she came with the bundle of crazy that was her daughter. His heart wasn’t ready for them. After years spent sobering up and finding who he was without the alcohol, he never forgot he was being punished for not appreciating the love he had when he was younger. Because of his past, he had gotten used to being alone, a recluse, but even he had to admit it was getting old. He was lonely. Hockey wasn’t enough anymore. He wanted a family; he wanted his true love, and Lucy and Angie were just that.

Benji and Lucy were just two lost souls.
Floating through life with no purpose.
But finding each other gave them direction, a chance at a future.

And that had them both Rushing the Goal to be together.

Michel’s Review

My Favorite Book by Toni Aleo!

I am a huge fan of the Assassins series and the Bellevue Bullies series. Hot hockey players, sizzling romance, and Toni Aleo’s talented writing skills are the perfect combination of sports romance, contemporary romance, and new adult romance all wrapped up in an emotionally engaging story. I have enjoyed every single book in both series. I have to say that Rushing The Goal is my favorite book in both series. It had the special magic of both series, strong family dynamics, team unity, and the entire cast of characters (both series) helping Lucy and Benji find their happily ever after. This book had passion, heartbreak, humor, and dealt with issues that many people can relate to. Add an adorable little girl to the mix that not only steals the characters heart but also the readers. The best thing about this book is that Toni put a lot of herself in this book. A reader could easily see huge chunks of who Toni Aleo is. It made this book even better!

I love witty, snarky dialogue between characters. I love sassy women and dirty mouthed men. When the dialogue between two characters has me laughing, cussing, and engaging right along with them, you know the author has done something right. When you reach the point where the characters are revealing their hearts, their hopes and fears, and you are crying right along with them, you know the author has put her heart into these people she created. Toni Aleo brought Lucy and Benji to life in Rushing The Goal. Although the readers met these characters in previous books, the impressions we walked away with were completely off, there are many layers to these two dynamic people.

Without giving away any spoilers let’s just say… the shrew and the dork are a match made in heaven. Angela is the angel that owns both of their hearts. These three people are going to have to face the biggest battle of their lives in order to win the biggest prize, the title of FAMILY. It’s going to be more EPIC than the Stanley Cup Championship. They are fighting for each other.

Benji is going to gain more than he lost. He’s not only going to win two princesses , but he’s also going to gain three Sinclair brothers, a coach father in law, a lovable meddling mother in law, and the Glittery Butterflies hockey team. He’s going to learn to let go of the past and reach for the future. He’s doing more than collecting rare toys, he’s collecting a family. He’s getting the title of Daddy.

Lucy and Angela have lived through a horrific past. They are still dealing with the after effects of that past. Angela still has to spend time with her father. Lucy has to let go of the most precious piece of her heart every other weekend and deal with the damage every other Monday. For her baby she would do anything. Somewhere along the way she lost herself. Her family has been supportive, her career is finally taking off, and the woman she lost is beginning to surface since she met Benji Paxton. The lovable dork hockey player has stolen her heart. He stole Angela’s heart the first day they met. Can she let this man into their lives? He’s worth the risk. He’s worth opening up her heart for.

There is so much more to this story that many readers will relate to. Divorce is an ugly thing but when a child is used as a pawn it is heartbreaking. Alcoholism is devastating but when someone finally accepts and conquers their addictions it’s the ultimate victory. Learning to forgive yourself and let go of the past is opening the door for a happy future. Fighting for those you love is worth everything you are. Becoming a family is priceless. It’s the rush of a lifetime.

Toni Aleo delivered a fantastic story. I loved that she included all of the characters from both series to become the ultimate support system for Lucy and Benji. The Sinclair family is healing and gaining more members. I still love those Sinclair boys even though they play with poop… lol… read the book !

Rushing The Goal can be read as a stand alone or in series order. It is a heartwarming romance and story of family love.

I loved Rushing The Goal by Toni Aleo!

______________________________________

About the Author

Toni Aleo is the author of the Nasvhille Assassins series: Taking Shots, Trying to Score, Empty Net, Falling for the Backup, and Blue Lines.

When not rooting for her beloved Nashville Predators, she’s probably going to her husband’s and son’s hockey games and her daughter’s dance competitions, taking pictures, scrapbooking, or reading the latest romance novel.

She lives in the Nashville area with her husband, two children, and a bulldog. Read more about Toni here.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: The Fire Between High & Lo by Brittany C. Cherry

Posted on 03/25/2016 by shellbellereads

The Fire Between High & Lo

Elements Series – Book 2

By Brittany C. Cherry

Buy : Amazon / Amazon UK

Blurb

There once was a boy, and I loved him.Logan Francis Silverstone and I were complete opposites. I danced, and he stood still. He was quiet, while I ran my mouth. He struggled to find a smile, and I refused to frown.

The night I saw the darkness that truly lived inside of him, I couldn’t look away.

We were broken together, yet somehow whole. We were wrong together, but always right. We were the stars that burned across the night sky, searching for a wish, praying for better tomorrows.

Until the day I lost him. He threw us away with one hasty decision–a decision that changed us forever.

There once was a boy, and I loved him.

And for a few breaths, a few whispers, a few moments, I think he loved me, too.

ADD TO GOODREADS

Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK

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Michel’s Review

The Fire Between High & Lo by Brittany C. Cherry has released! It is one of those books that needs to be put on your ” to be read list”. It is a reading experience that will touch both your heart and soul.

Brittany C. Cherry is known for delivering an emotional story that pulls at the readers heartstrings. Within the story itself she delivers some very profound insights about life . She taps into the human psyche and validates every positive and negative emotion a person has. While the reader is being absorbed in the characters lives and story, there is also a powerful underlying message hidden within the words that pops out towards the end of the story and makes the characters lives all the richer. At which point the reader is wowed by the brilliance in the writing.

High, aka Alyssa Marie Walters, and Lo, aka Logan Fracis Silverstone, met when they were teenagers. The came from very different backgrounds and their paths should of never crossed. Although they came from different worlds, they both found they had something in common. They found solace and understanding in one another. They found the peace they desperately needed in their dysfunctional lives. The bond they formed could never be broken. What started as friendship turned into a passionate love. That once in a lifetime kind of love. A love that was pure. A love that couldn’t be broken…That is until life interfered and realities changed their paths.

Fast forward to five years later, Logan and Alyssa are now strangers. They are brought back in contact with one another through their siblings upcoming marriage. Logan vowed he would never return to Wisconsin, his brother is the only person that could bring him back to the hell hole he once called home. Coming home for one week shouldn’t be too hard, he can get in and get out quickly. Once again… life rears it’s ugly head. Logan is going to experience the true meaning of life. He’s going to find that home is more than a GPS location. He’s going to find the definition of home with his heart.

Alyssa was devastated when Logan abandoned her years ago. She has moved on in life but her heart still belonged to the boy that watched the stars with her. She’s angry that Logan turned his back on her but she is still tied to his heart. When he returns for his brother and her sister’s wedding, it’s a chance to set things right between them. It may not be a second chance for their love but it is the only chance to save both of their souls. A chance to mend their hearts. Logan is home and Alyssa is going to make sure that he stays.

There is so much more to this beautiful story that the reader must experience for themselves.

Brittany C. Cherry is one of the most talented writers I have had the pleasure to read. Her stories are captivating and emotional. Her characters are every day people, like you and me. She brings them to life and lets them breathe their own fire. At the same time she allows them to learn the life lessons that we all experience in our lives with compassion. She pours her heart into the book and the book shines brightly.

The Fire Between High & Lo by Brittany C. Cherry is a must read book! I loved it!

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Also Available

The Air He Breathes

Elements Series – Book 1

AMAZON US / UK

Synopsis

I was warned about Tristan Cole.

“Stay away from him,” people said.
“He’s cruel.”
“He’s cold.”
“He’s damaged.”

It’s easy to judge a man because of his past. To look at Tristan and see a monster.

But I couldn’t do that. I had to accept the wreckage that lived inside of him because it also lived inside of me.

We were both empty.
We were both looking for something else. Something more.
We both wanted to put together the shattered pieces of our yesterdays.

Then perhaps we could finally remember how to breathe.

_________________________________________

Author Bio

Brittainy Cherry has been in love with words since the day she took her first breath. She graduated from Carroll University with a Bachelors Degree in Theatre Arts and a minor in Creative Writing. She loves to take part in writing screenplays, acting, and dancing–poorly of course. Coffee, chai tea, and wine are three things that she thinks every person should partake in! Brittainy lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her family. When she’s not running a million errands and crafting stories, she’s probably playing with her adorable pets.

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Wingman rule number one: don’t fall for a client.

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

Blake let out another pitiful groan. “I don’t think it fits.”

“They measured you. It fits. Just, tell me if it looks okay so we can go.” I checked my watch. “Gabi said dinner was at six, and it’s already a quarter till.”

“This is too much pressure.” Her voice was frantic. “I can’t do this. I mean, how do I know if it looks good? They’re boobs.”

I groaned. “Boobs always look good. Believe me.”

“Boobs are gross!”

Said no man ever. Even the gay ones.

One of the salesladies eyed me up and down. “Are you two okay?”

“Great,” I chirped. “Just having a very heated discussion about the beauty of breasts.” I dipped my chin to Blake’s chest. “What are you? A double D?”

Scowling, she marched off.

Thank God.

“Blake,” I hissed.

No answer.

I’d never had such a difficult client. If anything, they jumped when I told them to, asked how high, and then kept jumping until I was satisfied. Blake fought me at every turn.

“Open the door before I crawl underneath it. I’ll pick the bras, you can close your eyes if you want so you don’t have to watch me look at you, alright? My stomach literally just ate my liver. I need protein. Open. The. Door.”

The door slowly creaked open. Taking advantage of the small crack of air, I pushed it farther, then clicked it shut behind me and turned around.

Blake was facing me, hands on hips, face beet-red, body . . . freaking perfect. My tongue almost lolled out, like a dog.

Most girls starve themselves to have abs like that, which was disgusting. But her abs? They had muscle, actual muscle, but still appeared feminine.

She also had a nice tan, just enough to show that she spent time outside or maybe just had naturally darker skin.

My throat went completely dry as I continued to stare.

“Well?” Her voice was weak. “How awful do I look? On a scale of one to ten?”

Currently, she was sporting a short pair of bright-blue yoga shorts.

And a black push-up sports bra that did wonders for her boobs.

And the world just in general.

Holy shit.

I gulped as I became more and more irritated with the fact that my body was reacting as if it had never seen a girl without her shirt on before. “Blake, it’s great.”

“You sound bored!”

I had to, damn it! What did she want me to do? Sound interested? Turned-on? Intrigued? Curious? I was all those things. I just tried to ignorethe insanity bouncing around in my head and blurted, “Your boobs look really good. Perky, happy, just . . . awesome.”

Did I just call her boobs “happy”?

“You think?” She stared down at her breasts, then grabbed them.

Holy shit, was she seriously feeling herself up? I braced my hand against the door and sucked in a breath.

“They still feel comfortable,” she said.

Another first.

It was because I was hungry.

Something about Blake had me wondering if I’d been satisfied at all up until this point. And I had no idea what the hell was so confusing about her, and about the situation. I was unable to put my finger on it, and the more I thought about it the more my head hurt.

Hunger does weird things to guys.

Could we please go back to the bouncing? I was a fan of that Blake. The one that rolled up like an awkward armadillo? Not so much.

You can connect with her on Facebook www.facebook.com/rachelvandyken or join her fan group Rachel’s New Rockin Readers. Her website is www.rachelvandykenauthor.com.

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