Happy Release + Review: When You’re Back by Abbi Glines – Rosemary Beach Series – Book 12

Posted on 06/30/2015 by shellbellereads

When You’re Back

Rosemary Beach Series – Book 12

By Abbi Glines

Synopsis

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Abbi Glines comes the next new adult novel in her beloved Rosemary Beach series, which continues the story of Mase and Reese from When I’m Gone.

She was where my home would always be. It was time I took the next step and proved to her I was all in. Forever.

A chance meeting in Rosemary Beach has turned into a fairy-tale romance as Reese prepares to move in with Mase on his family ranch in Texas. With the loving support of the Colts, and her recent discovery that she has family of her own, Reese can finally move on from the dark horrors of her past and into a bright future.

But Aida isn’t going to let that happen. The beautiful blonde has been raised to think of Mase as her cousin, but it’s clear to Reese that Aida doesn’t love Mase like a cousin should.

And then there’s Captain, the inescapable stranger who has connections in Dallas and Rosemary Beach—and who conveniently shows up wherever Reese happens to be. Hot, mysterious, and plain-speaking, Captain isn’t afraid to tell Reese what he thinks about Mase—and how he feels about her.

As the competition for Mase and Reese’s hearts heats up, Reese’s past begins to unravel, illuminating shocking truths that will forever change the lives of the happy couple—and set the final stories of Rosemary Beach in motion.

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Michel’s Review

I was surprised when this book came across my desk. I was completely satisfied with the conclusion of When I’m Gone in the Rosemary Beach series. I really didn’t feel a compelling need to have more of Mase and Reese’s story. Their story ended on a good note that I felt blended perfectly into the Rosemary Beach series.

When You’re Back picks up where the previous book left off. Reese has gone to visit her real birth father to meet his family. She is no longer a misplaced individual. She has a family and she has Mase.

Upon her return back to Texas life is looking a bit different. She is learning to deal with her dyslexia. She is learning how to trust other people. She is learning that love makes all the difference in her world. She’s anxious for her and Mase’s future.

When she returns she learns she is going to have to face much more before she and Mase can have their happily ever after. She meets Mase’s jealous cousin Aida. Aida is displaying some unnatural feelings towards her cousin and treating Reese like crap. At first Mase can’t see what’s happening until it almost tears him and Reese apart. Aida isn’t his cousin by blood ( secretly I think she may be Nan’s cousin…just kidding!).

Then there is the issue of Reese asserting her new found confidence and independence. When she takes a job off the ranch it throws her into the path of Captain, Blaire’s half brother. His business is also crossing from Texas to Rosemary Beach. Captain is not all that he seems but there is one thing that is perfectly clear. He is interested in Reese.

Reese’s past comes back in full force. Now she has three men that want to protect her. Mase, Captain, and her father will go to the ends of the earth for her.

Mase and Reese will have a lot to deal with to combine their love and lives together. They may be in Texas but Rosemary Beach crew has their backs.

This book ended on a bit of a cliffy but I don’t see a sequel to this book. The next book slated for this series is Captain’s story and it is going to be good. Hopefully Reese and Mase’s story will carry on in the future Rosemary Beach books.

I love the Rosemary Beach series and devour every book that is released. These characters have become as dear to me as my own family. These books never disappoint. They are built upon love and friendship.

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Author Bio:

Since publishing her first novel Breathe in May of 2011, Abbi has also released The New York Times bestselling Seabreeze Series which includes Breathe, Because of Low, While It Lasts, Just For Now and Sometimes It Last, The Existence Trilogy that includes the USA Today Bestseller Ceaseless. New York Times and USA TODAY bestsellers The Vincent Boys and The Vincent Brothers. Last but not least her most popular series to date, Rosemary Beach which includes The New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestsellers Fallen Too Far, Never Too Far, Forever Too Far, Twisted Perfection and Simple Perfection. Her newest book scheduled to be released on December 17th, 2013 is Misbehaving (Seabreeze).

When Abbi isn’t locked away in her office typing away she is hauling her kids to and from their many social activities. You could say her second job is the Glines Kids personal chauffeur. It’s a rather illustrious job.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Blog Tour + 5 Star Review + Giveaway… UP IN SMOKE by TESSA BAILEY – Crossing The Line Series – Book 2

Posted on 06/29/2015 by shellbellereads

Up In Smoke

Crossing The Line Series – Book 2

By Tessa Bailey

Release Date: June 23, 2015

Synopsis

Never start a fire you can’t control…

Connor Bannon is supposed to be dead. Dishonorably discharged from the Navy SEALs, he’s spent the last two years working as a street enforcer in Brooklyn for his cousin’s crime ring. Through a twist of fate, he’s now in Chicago, working undercover to bust criminals. But when a cute little arsonist joins the team-all combat boots, tiny jean shorts, and hot-pink hair-Connor’s notorious iron control slips.

Erin “she’s getting away” O’Dea knows two things. She hates authority. And… Nope, that’s it. When she’s forced to operate on the “right” side of the law, her fear of being confined and controlled blazes to the surface. The last thing she expects is a control freak like Connor to soothe her when she needs it most. Worse, something behind the sexy ex-soldier’s eyes ignites a dangerous inferno of desire. One that invites Erin to play with fire. And one that could get them both killed…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Excerpt

As if her thoughts had made him appear, Connor strode into the courthouse. Her pulse started beating double time, her stomach muscles tightening. Good Lord, the man was a fucking panty dropper. She’d only been away from him for a few hours and it felt like years since she’d experienced his presence. In jeans and a fitted gray T-shirt that molded to his muscles like her hands itched to do, he personified confidence and authority. Hot, rugged male. His gaze connected with hers immediately and darkened. She thought back to that morning when he’d dressed in the early morning light, his abs flexing as he pulled the shirt over his head. His erection barely contained by his boxers. She’d never been one to beg for anything, but she’d been seconds from offering him her mouth. Pleading for the privilege of sucking him off.

Conner shook his head at her with a sexy half smile on his face, as if he could read her thoughts across the room. He stopped at the metal detector and walked through after the security guard beckoned him forward. When the woman grabbed her wand and instructed him to raise his hands in the air, something ugly reared its head deep inside her. The detector hadn’t even beeped. There was no reason for the personal service. When the woman smiled at Connor and ran a hand down her ponytail, Erin propelled herself forward, boots echoing on the polished marble.

Erin hissed as she drew even with the guard. “If you’re done feeling up my boyfriend, I’d love a turn. We were in a rush this morning.”

The guard dropped the wand, letting it dangle near her thigh. “Did you just hiss at me?”

Erin hissed again.

“Okay.” Connor stepped between them, winking down at her. “We should go. Don’t want to keep the clerk waiting.”

Appreciation spread in her belly like honey. He hadn’t chided her for her behavior or apologized to the woman on her behalf. Instead he’d given the impression they were on their way to get married, appeasing her jealousy in one fell swoop. “That’s right.” She sauntered toward the elevator. “There’s vows to be exchanged. Rings to put on fingers. Shit like that.”

She glanced behind her to find Connor staring at her ass as she walked, so she put a little swing in her hips and savored his groan. Damn. She’d definitely never had this much fun at a courthouse.

A moment later, she and Connor stepped into an empty elevator. She hit the button for the top floor even though the clerk was on the first, and leaned back against the wall, looking up at him through her eyelashes. “How was your morning, baby? Was it worth leaving me in bed, all hot and bothered for you?”

“Fuck no, it wasn’t.” He crooked a big finger at her. “Climb on up here.”

MICHEL’S REVIEW

What do you look for when picking your next book to read? Is it an alpha hero? Is it a tormented broken hero that has flaws? Is it a dirty talking man that makes your panties melt off with his words alone? Is it a hero that knows how to back up his dirty talk with hands on action? Are you looking for a sassy heroine that knows how to handle her hero? Look no further. Tessa Bailey is the go to author that always delivers all of this and so much more. Her books are sizzling hot, fantastically fun, super sexy, and romantic. They never fail to entertain and always deliver a good story.

Up In Smoke by Tessa Bailey has it’s own special blend of romance that she is so famous for writing. This time both of the leading characters are broken. Their supporting cast is a group of broken misfits that will capture your heart as much as the leading characters.

This book is loaded with sexual tension, witty dialogue, heart wrenching moments, and fuzzy warm feel goods.

A former Navy Seal with anger issues. An Enforcer. A pyromaniac escape artist that can’t stand to be touched. These two have more baggage than a cargo carrier. They don’t want to fix each other. They can’t seem to keep their hands off each other. Together these two will send the pages into scorching flames.

Don’t miss out on this explosive new release by Tessa Bailey.

Get Up In Smoke by Tessa Bailey and be ready to burn. It is one of my favorite summer scorchers.

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About Tessa Bailey

Tessa lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband and young daughter. When she isn’t writing or reading romance, Tessa enjoys a good argument and thirty-minute recipes.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

GIVEAWAY
Signed copies of Risking it All & Up in Smoke
$100 Amazon Gift Card (2 Winners)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ARC Review: Safe At Last by Maya Banks – Slow Burn Trilogy- Book 3

Posted on 06/24/2015 by shellbellereads

Safe At Last

Slow Burn Trilogy – Book 3

By Maya Banks

Synopsis

The third book in the beloved #1 bestselling author’s sexy, romantic suspense Slow Burn series…

They say young love doesn’t last, but a girl from the wrong side of the tracks with unique abilities and the hometown golden boy were determined to defy the odds. For Zack Covington, Anna-Grace—his “Gracie”—was the one. Until one night forever alters the course of their future, when a devastated Gracie disappears without a trace, leaving Zack to agonize over what happened to the girl he loved. As the years pass, his desperate efforts to find her uncovered nothing.

Now working for Devereaux Security, he stumbles across a painting featuring a special place only he and Gracie would know. The image is too perfectly rendered for it to be coincidence. His Gracie must be alive. When he finally tracks her down, he is shocked—and heart-broken—to discover the wounded shell of the girl he once knew and still loves. Her psychic gifts are gone, and worse, she believes he betrayed her all those years ago.

Zack has enemies, and once his weakness is discovered, Gracie becomes a target for revenge. He’ll have to save her before he can earn her trust and her love. And he vows they’ll never be torn apart again.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

Safe At Last is the third book in the Slow Burn trilogy by Maya Banks. It can easily be read as a stand alone novel or in series order. The Slow Burn series has been building up to Zack’s story and it is a doozy. This book tapped into my emotions and had me aching for both Zack and Gracie. It is by far my favorite book out of the Slow Burn series.

Zack and Gracie were high school sweethearts. They truly loved each other with everything they had. Both had big dreams and bright futures. Everything seemed to be perfect in their young lives until Gracie disappeared without a trace. There were no signs of trouble, no signs of anything. Zack didn’t know is she was dead or alive.

Fast forward to twelve years later. Zack is on a different path in life than what was expected in his teen years. When he unexpectedly runs into Gracie, his life takes another turn. He wants answers or at least some closure. The one thing that is certain, he still loves Gracie with every bit of his being.

Gracie is not over thrilled with connecting with Zack once again. She has finally been able to put aside the pain and fear of what happened when she was sixteen years old. She still is haunted by her past.

They will have to confront the past. Answers are not going to come easily. Zack has been in the dark about Gracie’s secrets. Gracie feels like she was betrayed and is fearful of Zack. The reality is both are going to face some harsh realities and some truths that might just look completely different twelve years later.

This book was very emotional. It dealt with all of the emotions that you go through with your first love. It also dealt with learning to accept your mistakes, failures, and misconceptions. This book focused more on the present relationship between Zack and Gracie as mature adults facing their immature past.

At the same time there is another plot developing throughout the book. There is a dangerous enemy threatening both of their lives. Zack and his colleagues at Devereaux Security will have to protect the ones they love. There are high stakes for everyone involved.

This book was quite different from the first two books in this series. This book revolved around the emotional aspects of a relationship. It didn’t have the heated romance or high octane suspense. This book focused on the heart.

The Slow Burn Trilogy

Keep Me Safe

The Slow Burn Series- Book 1

Synopsis

A sizzling story of a woman who risks her life and her heart to find a wealthy man’s missing sister—the first novel in a sexy new romantic suspense series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Maya Banks

When Caleb Devereaux’s younger sister is kidnapped, this scion of a powerful and wealthy family turns to an unlikely source for help: a beautiful and sensitive woman with a gift for finding answers others cannot.

While Ramie can connect to victims and locate them by feeling their pain, her ability comes with a price. Every time she uses it, it costs her a piece of herself. Helping the infuriatingly attractive and impatient Caleb successfully find his sister nearly destroys her. Even though his sexual intensity draws her like a magnet, she needs to get as far away from him as she can.

Deeply remorseful for the pain he’s caused, Caleb is determined to make things right. But just when he thinks Ramie’s vanished forever, she reappears. She’s in trouble and she needs his help. Now, Caleb will do risk everything to protect her—including his heart. . . .

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Kobo

In His Keeping

Slow Burn Series – Book 2

Synopsis

Abandoned as a baby to a young wealthy couple and raised in a world of privilege, Arial has no hint of her past or who she belonged to. Her only link lies in the one thing that sets her apart from everyone else—telekinetic powers. Protected by her adoptive parents and hidden from the public to keep her gift secret, Ari is raised in the lap of luxury, and isolation. That is, until someone begins threatening her life.

Beau Devereaux is no stranger to the strange. As the head of Deveraux Security, he’s more than familiar with the realities of physic powers. So when a family friend approaches him about protecting his daughter, he’s more than ready to jump on board. What Beau isn’t prepared for is the extent of his attraction to his beautiful and powerful client. What began as a simple assignment, just another job, quickly turns personal as Beau discovers he’ll do anything at all to protect Ari. Even if it costs him his life.

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Safe At Last

Slow Burn Trilogy – Book 3

Synopsis

The third book in the beloved #1 bestselling author’s sexy, romantic suspense Slow Burn series…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

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Author Bio:
&nbsp:Maya Banks lives in Texas with her husband, three children and assortment of pets. When she’s not writing, she can be found hunting, fishing or playing poker.

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: On My Knees by J. Kenner – The Stark International Trilogy – Book 2

Posted on 06/23/2015 by shellbellereads

On My Knees

Stark International Trilogy – Book 2

Stark Series – Book 5

By J. Kenner

Synopsis

Jackson Steele and Sylvia Brooks continue to thrill in the second novel of a scintillating, emotionally charged new trilogy that returns to the world of J. Kenner’s beloved Stark novels: Release Me, Claim Me, and Complete Me.

I never thought I’d lose control, but his desire took me right to the edge.

Powerful, ambitious, and devastatingly sexy, Jackson Steele was unlike any other man I’d ever known. He went after what he wanted with his whole mind, body, and soul—and I was the woman in his sights. One touch and I surrendered, one night together and I was undone.

Jackson and I had secrets, dark pieces of our pasts that threatened to swallow us both. We couldn’t outrun our demons, or the people trying to tear us apart. But in our passion we found salvation, and in each other’s arms we found release.

I was scared to trust Jackson fully, to finally let go. Yet no matter the dangers that lay ahead, I knew I was his—and now that we’ve laid claim, there’s no more holding back.

On My Knees is intended for mature audiences.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

Wow! J. Kenner knocked it out of the park with the second book in the Stark International trilogy. This trilogy is by far my favorite in the Stark Series.

On My Knees by J. Kenner is the second book in the Stark International Trilogy. It should not be read as a stand alone novel. It is the sequel to Say My Name. This trilogy features Jackson Steele, a world renowned architect, and Sylvia Brooks, Damien Stark’s PA & Project Manager for the Cortez Resort Project.

Jackson and Sylvia have a history that ended badly when Sylvia chose to leave Jackson without explanation five years earlier. She not only broke her own heart but also left Jackson broken. When she asked that he not contact her in the future he respected her wishes, not only for self preservation but because he loved her that much. Five years of harboring a broken heart has left Jackson bitter. When the opportunity to work with the Stark Corporation presents itself he sees this as an opportunity to get revenge on Sylvia and Damien Stark. What starts out as a quest for revenge turns into a quest for love and redemption. Jackson is finally getting answers for why Sylvia left him and he finds he loves her even deeper than he thought. As far as his revenge on Damien Stark, it is a whole different animal altogether. It’s much more complicated than a business deal gone wrong. But for Sylvia, he is willing to put aside his hatred towards Damien and work on the project. This project ends up being more than he expected. It is an architect’s dream.

That is pretty much how Say My Name ended. Both Jackson and Sylvia are trying to make their relationship work. They have revealed some of their secrets and looked past the old hurts in their relationship.

On My Knees picks up where Say My Name left off. The Cortez project is beginning to come to life. Everything is running smoothly until Jackson gets arrested for attacking the movie producer Robert Cabot Reed. The result is Damien Stark firing him from the project. Damien’s reasons are much deeper than the arrest. Jackson revealed one of his dark secrets that infuriated Damien.

It would seem like this would put a huge kink in Sylvia and Jackson’s relationship but it does just the opposite. Even though their careers are colliding ,their relationship is much more important to them. They become even closer by talking things out, rationalizing their problems, and finding solutions to control their personal needs. They handled their weaknesses and pressure points by trusting and depending on one another.

Eventually Jackson is brought back on the Cortez Resort project but there are still problems that could keep this project from getting off the ground. The media has run with Jackson and Sylvia’s connection to the producer of a movie that Jackson wants killed. He hasn’t revealed his reasons but it is quite clear they are valid. Sylvia is trying to survive the dark past that Robert Cabot Reed caused. Damien Stark is being a complete dickhead. It seems like he is gunning for Jackson because of the secret he revealed. Still Jackson and Sylvia’s relationship is staying true and strong until Damien reveals a secret that could tear them apart. At the same time something underhanded is going on at Stark Industries. Someone is sabotaging the Cortez Project and it looks like it may be coming from within.

I could not put this book down. It really pulled the reader into the story and gave the reader more insight on who the characters really were. Sylvia is a strong woman with integrity. Jackson may be caring around a lot of secrets but all of his intentions are good and pure. He always puts Sylvia first. He is an honorable man and shows much more character strength than Damien Stark. I couldn’t help falling head over heels for Jackson Steele. As for Damien Stark, I was really beginning to hate the man , but he wouldn’t be where he is in the world if he was any other way (his story will change the readers view of him). I loved how J. Kenner let readers see the other side of Damien Stark and not let his powerful personality overshadow this trilogy.

J. Kenner has done a magnificent job with this trilogy thus far . It is able to stand apart from the first three books in the Stark Series. These characters shine. Their story is captivating. She didn’t let the characters from the previous books overshadow the leading characters in this part of the series. They have a fresh voice and unique story. I can’t wait for the final book , Under My Skin, releasing September 1, 2015,

I am team Jackson Steele!

The Stark International Trilogy

Say My Name – Book 1

“>New York Times bestselling author J. Kenner kicks off a smoking hot, emotionally compelling new trilogy that returns to the world of her beloved Stark novels: Release Me, Claim Me, and Complete Me. Say My Name features Jackson Steele, a strong-willed man who goes after what he wants, and Sylvia Brooks, a disciplined woman who’s hard to get—and exactly who Jackson needs.

I never let anyone get too close—but he’s the only man who’s ever made me feel alive.

Meeting Jackson Steele was a shock to my senses. Confident and commanding, he could take charge of any room . . . or any woman. And Jackson wanted me. The mere sight of him took my breath away, and his touch made me break all my rules.

Our bond was immediate, our passion untamed. I wanted to surrender completely to his kiss, but I couldn’t risk his knowing the truth about my past. Yet Jackson carried secrets too, and in our desire we found our escape, pushing our boundaries as far as they could go.

Learning to trust is never easy. In my mind, I knew I should run. But in my heart, I never felt a fire this strong—and it could either save me or scorch me forever.

Say My Name is intended for mature audiences.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo / Google Play

On My Knees – Book 2

I never thought I’d lose control, but his desire took me right to the edge.

I was scared to trust Jackson fully, to finally let go. Yet no matter the dangers that lay ahead, I knew I was his—and now that we’ve laid claim, there’s no more holding back.

On My Knees is intended for mature audiences.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Under My Skin – Book 3

Jackson Steele and Sylvia Brooks are back in the powerful finale of a provocative, sizzling-hot new erotic trilogy set in the world of J. Kenner’s beloved Stark novels: Release Me, Claim Me, and Complete Me.

He’s the only man I’ve ever loved, and the one man I can’t bear to lose.

Jackson Steele is my light in this world. Charismatic, bold, and always in control, he knows what he wants and how to get it—and absolutely nothing stands in his way. His hold on me is magnetic, his claim on me complete, his kiss my ultimate escape.

We both harbor dark secrets that could tear our lives apart. Though we’ve tried to bury our pasts, there are certain people who won’t let us forget. But the closer danger comes, the brighter the fire between us burns—our ecstasy consuming and soothing us both.

There’s no telling what lies ahead, but I know that Jackson never gives in without a fight. I’d do anything he wants to keep him safe, give him anything he needs. And now that we’re in deep, nothing can make me run.

Under My Skin is intended for mature audiences.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

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Author Bio:

J. Kenner spent more than ten years as a litigator in Southern California and Central Texas, using her rare free time to indulge her passion for writing. California born, she now lives—and writes—in Texas, with her husband and daughters.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway… Up In Smoke by Tessa Bailey – Crossing The Line Series – Book 2

Posted on 06/23/2015 by shellbellereads

Up In Smoke

Crossing The Line Series – Book 2

By Tessa Bailey

Release Date: June 23, 2015

Synopsis

Never start a fire you can’t control…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Excerpt

Erin hissed as she drew even with the guard. “If you’re done feeling up my boyfriend, I’d love a turn. We were in a rush this morning.”

The guard dropped the wand, letting it dangle near her thigh. “Did you just hiss at me?”

Erin hissed again.

“Okay.” Connor stepped between them, winking down at her. “We should go. Don’t want to keep the clerk waiting.”

She glanced behind her to find Connor staring at her ass as she walked, so she put a little swing in her hips and savored his groan. Damn. She’d definitely never had this much fun at a courthouse.

“Fuck no, it wasn’t.” He crooked a big finger at her. “Climb on up here.”

MICHEL’S REVIEW

This book is loaded with sexual tension, witty dialogue, heart wrenching moments, and fuzzy warm feel goods.

Don’t miss out on this explosive new release by Tessa Bailey.

Get Up In Smoke by Tessa Bailey and be ready to burn. It is one of my favorite summer scorchers.

_____________________________________________________________________________

About Tessa Bailey

Tessa lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband and young daughter. When she isn’t writing or reading romance, Tessa enjoys a good argument and thirty-minute recipes.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

GIVEAWAY
Signed copies of Risking it All & Up in Smoke
$100 Amazon Gift Card (2 Winners)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spotlight Tour + Giveaway + Review : Rule Breaker by Harper Kincaid – Break On Through Series – Book 1

Posted on 06/23/2015 by shellbellereads

Rule Breaker

Break On Through Series – Book 1

By Harper Kincaid

Synopsis

Just one more can’t hurt…right?

Re-belle-ious, free-spirited Lauren Renwick has decided it’s time to trade her wings for roots. That means no more bad boys, no more foolish choices. Yet when she’s stood up on New Year’s Eve, her resolution to stick to her Mama’s Rules for Dating weakens. Especially when she spots sex-in-leather-and-tattoos, Jackson Sullivan.

One look at Lauren, and Jackson is hell-bent on getting her on the back of his Harley and riding straight for his bed. Their night together is an erotic rush that has a new word popping up on his horizon—forever.

Lauren tries to convince herself he’s just one last fling to get bad boys out of her system, yet she finds herself falling hard and fast for a man with a stalker ex and a meddling Irish family. Plus, he has zero chance of passing her uptight parents’ inspection.

Jackson has Lauren’s back, but if she wants all of his heart, she’ll have to meet him halfway—by ditching rules that hold her prisoner, and learning to stand up for what she really wants.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

MICHEL’S REVIEW

Lauren Renwick’s mother and friends, a group of good southern women, have decreed that it is time for Lauren to settle down. She needs to build a solid life, a permanent home, a steady job, and find a good man that is husband material. They have decided that Lauren is going about things the wrong way. They are going to give her guidance by giving her a set of rules that every good southern woman should live by. Lauren thinks they may have something there that might work. She is getting tired of the single life and wants to put down some roots. When she starts living by the rules, life begins to go very well for her until… her supposedly good man dumps her on New Years Eve. Now it’s time to push the rules aside to get thoroughly smashed. She needs a good break up drunk. When she ends up in a biker bar and meets the sexy bar owner Jackson Sullivan things are looking good. She may have to toss a few other rules out the window. After all there is nothing like a one night stand with a sexy stranger to help heal a broken heart.

The morning after is quite a different story. Suddenly she has guilt about breaking the rules. Jackson has different ideas about their one night stand. He definitely wants more. He’s looking for a good woman to share his life with. He doesn’t care about the rules. He doesn’t care that they met and slept together within moments. He’s going to prove that he is more of a man than what he appears to be. He is going to make his own set of rules.

Rule Breaker was a delightful romance. The writing style and character personalities reminded me of some books by Kristen Ashley and Aurora Rose Reynolds with the hot alpha hero that loves completely. I finished this book with a big smile and a warm fuzzy feeling.

This book wasn’t deep or angsty. It was a delightful romance.

———————————————————————————————–

A woman with the heart of a revolutionary,

The mind of a pragmatist,

And the inappropriate humor of your tipsy BFF…

Born in California and raised in South Florida, I’ve moved around like a gypsy with a bounty on my head ever since. Along the way, I’ve worked as a community organizer, a professional matchmaker, an art teacher, a popular blogger, and a crisis counselor (to name a few). All the while, longing to have the guts and follow-through to do what I really wanted: to write and become a published author. That wish has finally come true and I am tickled pink with glitter over this good piece of fortune.

What else? Hmm…I love indie, lo-fi, complaint rock played on vinyl, wearing black because it’s slimming, the theater, well-informed optimism, happy endings (both kinds),and making those close to me laugh ’til they snort. I’m a self-admitted change junkie, loving new experiences and places, but have now happily settled in the cutest lil’ town, Vienna, Virginia. I totally love hearing from readers so stalk me via social media or email me at HarperKincaid26@gmail.com!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

Win a Pure Romance ‘Massage for Two’ Gift Pack valued at $100. US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

RULEBREAKER

BLOG TOUR + REVIEW + GIVEAWAY…. RELINQUISH BY M. N. FORGY

Posted on 06/22/2015 by shellbellereads

Relinquish

By M. N. Forgy

Release Date: June 17, 2015

Relinquish by M.N Forgy released on June 17th!

The story where a girl follows the only route to survive, the path of prostitution. What she didn’t know was that road led to her worst nightmare.

Synopsis

In my world, there is no such thing as love. It is just a lie we whisper into our client’s ear. Love is foreign and hazardous. What I did not expect was to bare my soul to a man who is as egotistical as he is dangerous.

His name is Landon. Despite his blackened soul, he tried to save me, but what he didn’t expect was my torturous fate to catch up with me.

To your father, I’m the escort.

To your mother, I’m the whore.

To the legal system, I’m the prostitute.

In the end, I’m just the other woman.

I have no idea if I will continue to survive, if I will ever find my path aside from the gritty streets I know so well. There is a good chance I will wind up in the ditch like most women in my position. Surrendering to my fate is the only choice I have. I must relinquish it all.

ALSO AVAILABLE AT : B & N / ITUNES

EXCERPT

Following Jayden across the way, I skim the crowd at the café and land on a pair of handsome eyes. So handsome, I stop walking.

Sitting at a table full of sexy men is a short, blond-haired guy, his face hard and chiseled. My God, his arms are pumped with muscle as his hands flex around a brown football. My core blossoms with incredible need as I eye his toned arms, and what I assume is a matching hard chest beneath his jersey.

“Charlie, let’s go!”Jayden yells, making me realize I’ve been standing here like an idiot, staring at a sexy stranger in a café. The guy smirks at me and tosses the football in the air, breaking eye contact.

I tuck my hair behind my ear, giving a small smile in return before walking forward. I suddenly crash into something, the impact throwing me back on my ass hard.

“Shit!”I shout with pain.

“Fuck!”roars a male voice standing above me. My eyes jolt upward to find a broad-shouldered man in a black suit, holding a broken plastic cup in one hand with coffee spilled all down his front. My stomach tangles into a bundle of tight knots, and my hands tremble from the strength and power this man radiates. Oh, shit.

“I am so sorry!”I stand up and start frantically brushing at the man’s very expensive-looking suit. My God, it’s like rubbing a rock. His body is so toned and strong beneath my palms, which isn’t helping me get a grip on myself. My eyes skirt up his arms, finding the fabric stretched tight around his biceps and causing me to swallow the lump forming in my throat. The knots in my stomach crawl into a fit of butterflies, and my heart races. He’s handsome—intimidating, really. The way his toned body and squared shoulders take up the space takes my breath away. His jaw is chiseled to perfection with scruff claiming it perfectly. I bite my bottom lip to keep from moaning.

“It’s fine, really,”he states, his voice deep as he grabs my wrists to stop me from slapping at his stained shirt pathetically. My body sparks with electricity where he grips me firmly. My mouth parts and my breathing shallows as I slowly trail my eyes from his hold on my wrist to his eyes. They’re green with little brown flecks thrown around them. They’re captivating. His jawline is strong and defined, his nose broad, and his dark hair is smoothed back with just a trail hanging loosely out of place on the front of his forehead from our sudden run-in. He’s fucking gorgeous, and I can’t look away.

“Are you all right?”he questions, raising an eyebrow. His voice is low and rough, making my eyes focus on his mouth.

“I-”I stutter, completely lost in the thought of his luscious lips on mine. These lips are not like any belonging to the guys at my high school, that’s for sure. When you look at them, his lips look like they’re made to make love to a woman’s body. The thoughts of the glorious pleasure they could bring make my cheeks warm, my chest ache.

“Charlie, let’s go!”Jayden hollers, catching mine and Sexy Man In a Suit’s attention.

“That your friend?”he asks, his lips that hold the perfect cupid’s bow turn into a slight smirk.

I open my mouth to speak but a wild hiccup noise escapes instead, caused from the wild beat of my heart against my chest. I close my eyes, humiliated.

He chuckles, releasing his hold of my wrists. The way he laughs causes my skin to rise with goose bumps.

“I gotta go,”I whisper nervously. I look down and stride quickly toward Jayden, praying I don’t bump into any more hot men on the way.

“Lord, give me strength. Vegas is already becoming a bad influence,”I mutter, catching up with Jayden.

MICHEL’S REVIEW

When I first read the blurb for Relinquish by M. N. Forgy, i was intrigued. This book sounded unique and on the cutting edge. I absolutely love a book with grit, darkness, and complicated characters. I did enjoy reading Relinquish but it did not quite reach my expectations I had built up in my mind.

Readers are first introduced to Charlie as a young child and then brought to present day. Charlie experienced a violent life changing event as a child which led her to spending the rest of her youth in the foster care system. Charlie has blocked the traumatic experience and has moved forward in her life one day at a time. She hasn’t known much kindness or caring. At the same time she hasn’t suffered from too much cruelty. Life in the foster care system is what it is. On her eighteenth birthday she is ready to leave her last and final foster care home. She has no intentions on looking back. As she is leaving, one of the other girls in the foster home, a year younger than Charlie, decides to go with her. In a sense they are on the run but nobody is really looking for them. They end up in Vegas.

Both girls are young and a bit naive . They may have had a tough life but they have not really lived life in the streets. What starts out as an adventure in starting their new lives quickly turns into a mess. With very little money they are struggling to survive. When Charlie’s new boyfriend starts giving her money she doesn’t realize he is giving her payment for services rendered. Once the realization hits and Charlie is put in a predicament that she didn’t see coming, she is at the start of her new profession.

Landon rescues Charlie from the dangerous predicament that she found herself in. He is not necessarily a good guy. He has his agenda where Charlie is concerned. He is also harboring some dangerous secrets. What starts as a business relationship between Charlie and Landon turns into something more.

Secrets will be revealed that will connect Landon and Charlie in the past as well as the present. It will be shocking and will keep the reader glued to the pages.

The plot was great and the pacing of the story was good. I would of liked to of seen a little more grit and darkness to the story that I know M. N. Forgy is capable of delivering.

I highly recommend Relinquish by M. N. Forgy.

_______________________________________________________________

About M. N. Forgy

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

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Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: Red Nights by Shari J. Ryan

Posted on 06/22/2015 by shellbellereads

I’m Felicity Stone, a twenty-five-year-old with my whole life ahead of me. Well, until recently.

I didn’t do it. Why would they think I did? Why would I want my twin brother dead? Why is everyone looking at me like I’m a criminal?

Well, everyone except him… Hayes Peyton, the charmingly beautiful stranger I met in the park at midnight—a totally legitimate place to meet the man of my dreams. Plus, he knows I’m innocent.

Believing him is easy. So very easy. Maybe too easy?

But when you hear things like: ‘All good is laced with some bad, and everything you think is the truth—is nothing more than a blatant lie,’ it makes you question reality.

In Shari J. Ryan’s latest Romantic Suspense, Red Nights, you wonder how dark your world can get before all you see is red.

“Great night for a walk.” I can hardly hear him over the rain, but his words don’t quite matter. I’ve been waiting to kiss him since the moment I saw him sitting in a booth at the restaurant tonight.

First kisses are always nerve-wracking and full of surprise, but second kisses are full of anticipation thanks to what I already know, what I’ve already had a taste of. “I really like you,” he says, loud enough to drown out the heavy rainfall.

I can’t invite him in…is that why he’s stalling? I point upstairs. “Aspen, my friend I’m crashing with, would ask you a million questions if you came up. I—”

“Oh, no. No. I wasn’t waiting for an invitation. I have a ‘seven date’ rule anyway.” I can see him fighting the urge to smile, but he’s losing that battle.

“’Seven date’ rule?” I laugh.

“Yeah, it’s dumb.” He runs a palm down the side of his face. “Because I’m trying to figure out how I’m going to make it that long.” He leans in, stealing a quick kiss. But I feel cheated. I want more.

“How do you know we’ll last seven dates?” I ask.

“Good point. I probably won’t be able to put up with you for that long.” I know he’s teasing. But ugh. Damn him and that smile.

I throw my arms around his neck and crash my lips into his. His body tightens, maybe from surprise, but it takes less than a second for him to relax. He strips me of my control, pushing me up against the brick wall, his body heavy against mine. Even with the rain sloshing between us, his hands find my cheeks. His tongue sweeps across my lips.

I’ve changed my mind.

I’ll bring him upstairs.

I don’t give a shit what Aspen does. I want him. I need him to keep making me forget.

“Come up,” I say in almost nothing but a breathless whisper.

He bites down on his bottom lip, appears to think about my offer, then shakes his head in this seductive slow motion, making this moment painfully enjoyable. “Not tonight,” he says, placing a small kiss on the tip of my nose. His hand is clutched around my waist and everything within me hurts and aches for him. “Good-night, Blondie-locks.” He turns and leaves in the rain, and I watch him go.

It has been a good night. A very good night, actually.

And it all ends when I get upstairs…

MICHEL’S REVIEW

Red Nights by Shari J. Ryan was one of those kind of books that draws the reader in immediately. By the third or fourth page the reader is hooked. I read this book in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it. It had intrigue, mystery , suspense, and romance. This book was not particularly explicit. The romance was more on the milder side. The mystery and intrigue was more of the focus of the story. Shari delivered a book that kept me on the edge of my seat. Some parts gave me chills and creeped me out.

Felicity Stone’s life is a mess. Her life literally went up in flames. One moment she was living a charmed life, the next moment she was mourning the death of her brother. A death that was meant for her. She feels like she caused the fire that took her brother’s life and is having difficulties moving past it.

As she tries to move forward revelations are made that make her take two steps back. When she meets a sexy stranger at the park in the middle of the night things begin to change. She is starting to find a reason to move forward.

Heyes Peyton is not all that he seems to be. He has his own demons that have forced him to resign as a detective. He is now working the private sector. When he becomes involved with Felicity it becomes clear that there is more to the story than a tragic accident. It could be more than a case of arson. It could be premeditated murder.

As the case unravels and revelations are made it is becoming clear that Felicity is in deep danger. Heyes may not be able to protect her.

Red Nights is a thrilling suspense that I highly recommend.

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Shari J. Ryan is an Amazon Top 100 Bestselling author, a Barnes & Noble Top 10 Bestselling author, and an iBookstore #1 Bestselling author. She hails from Central Massachusetts where she lives with her husband and two lively little boys. Shari has always had an active imagination and enjoys losing herself in the fictional worlds she creates. When Shari isn’t writing, she can usually be found cleaning toys up off the floor.

To learn more, visit her at, www.sharijryan.com.

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Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: Step F*@k by Scarlett Ward

Posted on 06/22/2015 by shellbellereads

Step F*@k Series

Part One Release Date : June 18, 2015

By Scarlett Ward

NOW AVAILABLE for ONLY $0.99!

Part One Synopsis

That’s all I did. A few too many glasses of wine with my best friend and the bitch convinced me to go on one of those dating websites.

A one-night stand.

A booty call.

And you know what? It.was.amazing.

I spent all night in a sexy stranger’s arms, hot and sweaty, until it was time to sneak out and do the walk of shame back to my apartment.

I never thought I’d see sexy stranger again, and I was totally fine with that – until my mother’s wedding.

She’s getting remarried, see. And sexy stranger just happens to be my new stepbrother.

All the wine in the world isn’t going to make this better.

Excerpt

He doesn’t let me finish. He lets go of my wrist and grabs my hips, lifting me up onto the bathroom counter. My breath catches in my throat as my shoulders collide with the mirror. He’s kissing my neck, his hands all over me, and I wrap my legs around his torso and run my hands through his hair.

“I don’t want to be doing this,” I gasp, but we both know that’s not true. And he’s not technically my stepbrother yet.

Michel’s Review

Debut Release of the new serial romance by Scarlett Ward is going to appeal to readers that love the forbidden romance. I had the pleasure of receiving ARC copies of all four installments. I was able to read these installments back to back without interruption. This kind of story is very hard to review in each installment, therefore, I am going to give my overall thoughts of the serial as a whole and then lightly break down each installment.

Emma is getting over a bad relationship where she caught her long time boyfriend cheating. She has trust issues and is gun shy about getting back into the dating world. After spending six months single, her roommate encourages her to join an online dating site. That is where she hooks up with Jai.

One wild night of passion leads to more than an awkward morning after. It ends with a viscous bang.

The two will meet up again when they attend their parents pre wedding dinner. This situation goes from awkward to heated in the upcoming wedding celebrations. They can’t keep their hands off of each other. They both fight, misunderstand the other’s intentions, and struggle to figure out how to fit in their new family dynamics.

Each installment ends on a light cliffhanger.

I think this serial should of been one novel. The cliffhangers were not enough to keep the reader dying for more. I found flaws in the family relationships and dynamics that just did not connect leading characters and secondary characters. There was not enough of a build up of sexual tension to validate the romance between the leading characters. It was more of a sex fest in my opinion.

Further more the character development was weak. It was very hard to connect with the characters and understand their drive.

Some may say that it is impossible to develop more when the story is delivered in novella length installments. I say no it is not because I have read so many of these type of serials that leave me aching for more.

I really had high hopes for this serial. Sadly it did not do it for me as a reader.

**************

Part 1- 3 Stars

Part one covers the meeting between Emma and Jai. It covers their one night stand and disastrous morning after.

This was a good introduction that left me intrigued and curious about what happens next.

Part 2 – 2 Stars

The leading characters, Emma and Jai , meet up once again at their parents pre wedding dinner. They begin hackling each other but at the same time can’t keep their hands off one another.

The reader also gets an introduction to the secondary characters in the story. We meet the family members. I can honestly say I really struggled with the family dynamics that were going on. It felt more like these two were with acquaintances rather than their parents. It was very odd.

Part 3 – 2 Stars

This installment takes the family to the lake house. They have a few days before the wedding to bond before the other guests arrive.

What happens in this installment is like two children in the sandbox fighting over the same toy. These two bicker and irritate the crap out of each other. They still can’t keep their hands off each other. I found these two spent more time sneaking around having sex. I never felt the chemistry between the two. I also never had a grasp on who they were as individuals as well as a couple. Their POV focused more on the sexual relationship rather than the mental relationship.

Once the wedding takes place all hell breaks loose between the two. Assumptions and misunderstandings force Emma to disappear. That disappearance was down right weird and out of the blue.

Part 4- 2 Stars

The conclusion to the story. The reader finds out why Emma disappeared. Which was interesting and believable. But what happens after that was predictable. Emma and Jai do find their happy ending.

Series Reading Order

Part Two

Releasing June 25th

Part Three

Releasing July 3rd

Part Four

Releasing July 10th

Scarlett Ward lives in Los Angeles, California and is releasing her first series June 2015.

Follow Scarlett on Goodreads at: http://bit.ly/1dNiwHz

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Blog Tour + Review: The Art of Deception: Undoing Time by Alyssa Richards

Posted on 06/19/2015 by shellbellereads

The Fine Art of Deception

Undoing Time

A Paranormal Romance Mystery

By Alyssa Richards

Synopsis

Art appraiser Adeline Montgomery just wants a normal life. One where she can ignore the vicious ghosts who follow her. One where she’s free from her “gift” of touching an object and seeing the owner’s deepest secrets. And one where she can fall in love without having all of the above get in the way.

But when tall, dark, and dangerous gallery owner Blake Greenwood enters her life, normal is the last thing she’s feeling. The man has more secrets than the priceless art he sells, giving Adeline’s quest for normal no chance. That, and he may just hold the key to uncovering the truth behind her father’s unexplained disappearance.

Despite her paranormal gifts warning her to stay away, she feels an inexplicable, captivating fascination for him, something that goes deeper than attraction. There’s something between them that’s older than time, and if she can learn to give him her trust, it may just save her life.

Buy: Amazon

Michel’s Review

The Fine Art of Deception : Undoing Time by Alyssa Richards was a fantastic debut. This book had mystery, suspense, crime, the paranormal- physic element, romance, and red hot passion. It was well written. The plot was well executed and the book flowed flawlessly. I was hooked in the first chapter.

Addie has gone to work in her father’s art company. As an appraiser, she is looking to incorporate her “gift” with her passion for art. She is hoping that through the artwork can she not only get the value of the piece but also the artist perspective and vision through her “gift”.

When her father and grandfather have disappeared from the firm while working on a business deal. Addie’s gift may be able to help her solve the mystery of their disappearance. When she meets the mysterious art dealer, she is hoping that her gift can help connect him to their disappearance. The problem is that her gift does not work on him at all. Soon they are both caught in a web of deception, lies, and danger. They must work together to uncover the truth.

Revelations will be made. Addie will have to decide if she can trust Blake or if he is the real culprit behind their disappearances.

This book was loaded with mystery and suspense. The plot was well executed and kept me on the edge of my seat. The sizzling passionate scenes between Addie and Blake were red hot.

The Art of Deception by Alyssa Richards was the perfect blend of several genres in one book. I highly recommend this book.

________________________________

Author Bio:

Alyssa Richards is new to the fiction genre and has just finished her first provocative fiction novel. She’s passionate about reading, writing, meditating, magnolias, and nurturing her herb and rose garden. She loves to travel, whenever she gets the rare and precious opportunity. She also loves animals and holds the world record for taking two adorable pups from homeless to pampered. She lives in the South with her husband, two great kids and the three very spoiled, rescue dogs who run the house.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Category Archives: Michel

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Spotlight Tour + Giveaway + Review : Rule Breaker by Harper Kincaid – Break On Through Series – Book 1

BLOG TOUR + REVIEW + GIVEAWAY…. RELINQUISH BY M. N. FORGY

Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: Red Nights by Shari J. Ryan

Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: Step F*@k by Scarlett Ward

Blog Tour + Review: The Art of Deception: Undoing Time by Alyssa Richards

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