Release Blitz + 5 Star Review : The Consequence of Revenge by Rachel Van Dyken…. #SAVEMAX

Posted on 06/09/2015 by shellbellereads

After losing his best friend to another guy, the notoriously
too-confident Max Emory suddenly feels lost. He may have devastatingly good
looks, an abundance of charm, and a claim to one of the biggest hotel empires
around, but he has no ambition anymore. So when his fed-up friends decide
they’ve had enough of his moping, they sign him up to be the next bachelor on
the reality series Love Island. And between his pride and his forged signature
on an ironclad contract, Max just can’t say no.

Now he’s stranded in paradise with twenty-four women, oneterrifying goat, and Becca, the breathtaking barista who already turned him down back home. The closer Max gets to Becca, the more determined he becomes to win her over. As she gets to know him better, things start heating up. But is Becca really after Max’s heart—or is she after the cash prize she could claim once the cameras stop rolling?

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EXCERPT

“And . . .” She held up her hand like she was doing a damn countdown! “You’re kind of, like . . .” She leaned forward and whispered, “A bit . . .” Her eyes teased. “Metro.”

“As in . . . ,” I baited her.

“Feminine,” she snapped. “Yup, that’s the word. And Max, I mean that in the nicest way possible.”

“You mean . . .” I licked my lips, then slapped the water. “In the kindest way you can possibly say it, ‘Oh, look, Max has boobs’? Or you mean it in the way that says I lack the proper sexual magnetism to get your engine going?”

Becca rolled her eyes. “Hey, I didn’t come here to fight. I was just going to go over our date for tomorrow without the watchful eyes of Big Brother.”

“Hmm.” She was looking down at her feet. So I did what any desperate man who’d just been insulted in the worst way possible would do. I grabbed her feet, dragged her into the water, creating a huge splash, and then, when her head popped up for air, I gave her something else.

My tongue.

Kissing Becca could become a very nice, very addicting . . . pastime. Her lips were soft, pliant, but her hands were beating against my chest. Ah, classic move. Listen up, men: women fight us because they’re expected to. They have to put up the fight so they don’t come off as easy. So the next time a girl hits you in the chest, go with it, kiss her harder. It just means she wants more, especially when her chest is heaving and her tongue is doing . . . that. Yeah, exactly. Oh. Hell. Damn. Kill me now. When her tongue is doing that? Becca’s tongue pushed against mine and then she sucked.

I felt said sucking all the way through my body.

When she stopped fighting me, I wrapped my arms around her neck, pulling her as close against me as I could, and then pulled away.

Her eyes furrowed with confusion as she tried to lean forward.

I pulled back again, and swam her over to the ladder.

“Thanks, Becca,” I whispered. “I needed a little motivation.”

“M-motivation?”

“Game on.” I helped her up and followed. “And by the way . . .” I grabbed her hands and moved her flat palms from my chest all the way down to my waist. “I’m anything but feminine. Have a good night.” As I walked away, I did what any sane man would do. I paused so she could get her fill and realize that yes, I was, in fact, still naked. And when I heard her gasp, I turned around and saluted her in more ways than one.

Point. Max.

Michel’s Review

Get Ready To

#SAVEMAX

LOAD UP ON COFFEE

GRAB SOME CHOCOLATE

MAYBE WEAR SOME DEPENDS BECAUSE YOU MAY PEE YOUR PANTIES

AND WHATEVER YOU DO

DO NOT EAT SUGAR FREE GUMMIE BEARS

THE gang is back and they are out to get Max. After his colorful shenanigans that may have saved Jason from Bridezilla but permanently scarred Reed, the gang feels Max may need an intervention. They need to save him from himself. They have found the perfect way to save Max from his disastrous one liners. He needs a new direction. They have found the perfect thing that can straighten Max. They have entered him to become the next bachelor on a reality series.

But as we know, Max is a very good sport. Even when he has to endure the worst kind of physical known to mankind.

Even though Max is a metro man, he firmly believes he can survive on a deserted island with 25 eligible females looking to catch Max hook line and sinker.

Max is a superior man. He is fearless, well mostly fearless, unless there is a goat in the vicinity. He can handle a snake in his pants. He can handle being mauled by a pine nut eating Amazon. What he can’t handle is goats, cats, and his brother.

But Max is resourceful. He enlist one of the contestants, Becca, to be his partner in crime. He’s determined to come out of this 21 day fallacy on top. It’s a win win situation for both of them.

Max’s adventure will have you rolling on the ground holding your stomach because it hurts so bad from laughing.

Reed is going to infiltrate the enemy camp to help bring his brother down. After all Max did sic granny on him. Max deserves payback.

The gang will show up in the final episodes to help Max pick the perfect date. What happens next will have all of them trying to #SAVEMAX.

The grand finale will shock Max just as much as it does the readers. But like I said, Max is a resourceful kind of guy. Max always wins in the end.

Yes… Reed is still reliving the trauma from the first book. Jason may have gotten free from Bridezilla but he’s still getting bruises left and right. I think these two guys need their own kind of “Consequence” therapy.

Rachel Van Dyken has proved that she is a multi talented writer. She has given readers intensity, dark thrillers, emotional angst, and now romantic comedy.

Don’t miss out on The Consequence of Revenge!

Remember it is up to you to …………………

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

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Zack by Sawyer Bennett – Cold Fury Hockey Series – Book 3

Posted on 06/09/2015 by shellbellereads

Zack

Cold Fury Hockey Series – Book 3

By Sawyer Bennett

Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Sawyer Bennett goes for a hat trick with the latest romance in a sexy series about cool-as-ice hockey players and the women heating up their lives.

Warning: The following contains spoilers from a cliffhanger in Garrett.

Rising star Zack Grantham has been stuck in a downward spiral of grief that has put his career on hold. Back on the road with the Carolina Cold Fury, still crippled by emotional baggage, and now a single dad, he’s in need of some serious help with his son. But while the nerdy new nanny wins his son’s heart, Zack isn’t sure he’s ready for a woman’s touch—even after getting a glimpse of the killer curves she’s hiding under those baggy clothes.

Kate Francis usually keeps men like Zack at a distance. Though his athlete’s body is honed to perfection, he refuses to move on with his life—and besides, he’s her boss. Still, the sparks between them are undeniable, tempting Kate to turn their professional relationship into a personal one. But before she makes a power play for Zack’s wounded heart, Kate will have to open him up again and show him that love is worth the fight.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Excerpt

The doorbell rings just as I’m trying to simultaneously flip a pancake with one hand and pull bacon off the griddle with another. The pancake ends up sticking, then folding in half, and my forearm hits the edge of the griddle. I swear I can hear my skin sizzle from the contact.

“Fuck!” I jerk backward, dropping both the fork in one hand and the spatula in the other, thankful that Ben is in his room playing and didn’t hear me say that. It’s a constant battle sometimes to watch my language around the kid.

Slapping at the control knobs, I turn the heat completely off the large electric griddle I had been struggling with and rub gently the burn on my arm as I head toward the front door. As I round the corner from the kitchen into the living room, I slam my bare foot into Ben’s large dump-truck toy, causing a string of curses to come out of my mouth now as I hobble onward to the door.

My front door is honey-colored oak and has a large oval glass inset with a beveled flower design. Gina had picked it out and had it installed, claiming that it allowed more light into the front entranceway. I thought it was a little too girly, but I didn’t argue with her. The house was her domain.

The glass lets me see my visitor on the other side, but provides no details because of the beveled cuts and partial frosting, which distort the person. But I know who it is.

Ben’s new nanny.

Roberta Francis.

She was Delaney’s top choice, and after I briefly scanned her application I had to sit and listen to my sister rave about her. Delaney felt she was perfect for the job in all respects. She was fantastic with children, having helped raise her three nephews for a period of time. She was also a student with a flexible schedule. Delaney actually droned on and on about this particular situation, but I tuned her out and started thinking about everything I’d need to do to get the house ready to put on the market. I was seriously considering selling it. Maybe move farther out into the country, where we could have some land and Ben could have a dog.

Finally, I just cut Delaney off and said, “She sounds perfect. Let’s go with her.”

And now, as I’m about to open the door to let a woman into my house who will have the most important of responsibilities in helping me care for my son, I’m suddenly realizing I don’t know anything about her other than her name and a vague recollection that she’s a student who helped raise her nephews.

Just fucking great. Way to be an involved and responsible parent, Zack.

The only saving grace at this moment is that Delaney thoroughly interviewed this girl, checked out her references, and was absolutely enchanted with her. I trust Delaney, so this will be fine. She’ll be great, in fact.

I wish I believed myself.

I swing the door open and get my first look at the woman who will be moving into my house and caring for my son. I’m not sure what I expected, but this wasn’t it.

Based on Delaney’s assessment, I expected her to have a superhero’s cape on, or at the very least a shiny gold halo and massive angel wings sprouting out of her back.

Instead…she’s sort of unremarkable.

She stares up at me with round, crystal-blue eyes that are devoid of any makeup and surrounded by brown plastic-framed glasses. Her hair is dark, held back with a headband and twisted up behind her so I have no clue how long it is. She’s small, barely coming up to my shoulder, and swimming in an oversized, extremely faded red NC State sweatshirt and baggy jeans that look about two sizes too big for her. An old backpack slung over her shoulder and a pair of well-worn tennis shoes complete her outfit.

“Roberta?” I ask hesitantly, because suddenly I’m thinking this may be someone soliciting something…or maybe even a homeless person looking for a meal. The way those clothes completely swallow her makes me think she’s starving underneath all that material.

She gives me an outwardly bright smile and sticks a delicate hand out toward me. Her sweatshirt is so big, her sleeves are rolled up around her wrists. “Actually…I go by Kate. Roberta’s my first name, which I was named after my daddy, Robert, but seriously…who wouldn’t hate that name? So I go by my middle name, which is Kathryn, actually. So I shorted it down to Kate, because Kathryn sounds just so…I don’t know…like a Catholic saint or something, and I’m not Catholic. I was raised Southern Baptist, but I really don’t go to church anymore, so—”

She pauses …finally, and takes a deep breath. Her smile goes from politely earnest to a sheepish grin, and she gives an apologetic shrug. “Sorry…I’m nervous and I tend to prattle when I’m nervous.”

I just blink at her, completely shocked silent. I have no clue what to think about this strange woman…no, girl, I think, because she looks so fucking young.

“How old are you?” I ask, my eyes glancing suspiciously at her hand still extended toward me.

“Twenty-three,” she says. “Didn’t Delaney tell you about me? You knew I was coming today, right?”

“Um…yeah, she did. I guess I didn’t hear her mention your age,” I mutter.

Kate takes a small step forward and pushes her hand farther toward me, giving me a pointed look. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Her voice is soft, with a moderate southern twang. I can’t remember if Delaney told me where she was from or not. Fuck…I can’t remember anything she said.

I reach out hesitantly and shake her hand. It’s tiny and her bones feel small, but she grips me surely. “Yeah…uh, nice to meet you too,” I say absently.

Our hands break apart and we just stare at each other.

Michel’s Review

I was dreading this book as much as I was anticipating this book. At the end of the second book, Garrett, Zack experienced an extreme tragedy in his life. I knew this book was going to be one that made me an emotional wreck. So I went into this book loaded with a box of tissue and chocolate within reach.

Sawyer Bennett wove her special story telling magic and delivered a story that not only was emotional but completely unexpected. The book starts with Zack in a strip bar trying to experience some kind of physical feeling. He has been numb since the car accident that took his long time live in girlfriend, Gina’s life. He has been with Gina since high school. They had a strong loving relationship. Their relationship was a role model for many of the other players on the team. They seemed perfect. They had a beautiful home, a beautiful son, and a close relationship. Zack is lost without Gina. The only thing holding him together is his young son, Ben.

His injuries are healing. He’s ready to get back on the ice. He has to find a caretaker for Ben before he can return to the team. When his sister hires the oddest nanny for Ben, it is a blessing and a curse. Although she’s good for Ben she may not be good for Zack. I am not talking about the kind of good or bad in a sexual manner. Kate’s easy going manner, great quirky sense of humor, and genuine honesty may be Zack’s undoing. She will touch places in his soul that he long forgot he buried. He will face truths about his and Gina’s relationship. He will face truths about himself. Most of all , he will have to deal with the guilt that is related to Gina’s death.

Zack will learn to live again. He will find a new man beneath the surface. His hopes and dreams will change. Kate will be the one to bring Zack back to the land of the living. But is he strong enough to live for a new life with Kate and give it everything he’s got inside? Is there room in his heart for anyone else other than Ben?

This book came as a great surprise. I was not a blubbering mess. I didn’t even cry. Sawyer Bennett focused on life rather than death. She gave an honest portrayal on how life goes on and no matter how hard we try to fight it. we do have room for more love. What surprised me the most was Zack. I was under the impression that he was a certain kind of guy from the previous books and he ended up being altogether different in a very good way.

This was not a story of loss and heartbreak, it was a story of hope and love.

Once again Sawyer Bennett delivered an outstanding book that touched my heart. I am looking forward to Ryker’s book. That man is drool worthy goalie that is begging for his story and happily ever after.

Sawyer Bennett has made me a Cold Fury Puck Bunny! I love those mighty men on the ice.

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The Cold Fury Series

Hockey star Alexander Crossman has a reputation as a cold-hearted player on and off the rink. Pushed into the sport by an alcoholic father, Alex isn’t afraid to give fans the proverbial middle finger, relishing his role as the MVP they love to hate. Management, however, isn’t so amused. Now Alex has a choice: fix his public image through community service or ride the bench. But Alex refuses to be molded into the Carolina Cold Fury poster boy . . . not even by a tempting redhead with killer curves.

As a social worker, Sutton Price is accustomed to difficult people—like Alex, who’s been assigned to help her create a drug-abuse awareness program for at-risk youth as part of the team’s effort to clean up his image. What she doesn’t expect is the arrogant smirk from his perfect lips to stir her most heated fantasies. But Sutton isn’t one to cross professional boundaries—and besides, Alex doesn’t do relationships . . . or does he? The more she sees behind Alex’s bad-boy façade, the more Sutton craves the man she uncovers.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iBooks

New York Times bestselling author Sawyer Bennett hits the ice with the story of a playboy athlete whose winning ways lead him to a beautiful woman with a lot to lose.

Carolina Cold Fury star Garrett Samuelson never wants to miss out on a single minute of fun. Whether he’s playing hockey, hanging out with friends, or walking the red carpet with a new date on his arm, he lives every day to the fullest. When he meets Olivia Case, he sees someone who’s exactly his type—confident, sexy, smart . . . his next fling. But the more he pursues her, the more Garrett shares a side of himself that other women don’t normally get to see.

Olivia has been keeping a secret. While Garrett lives for the next thrill, Olivia’s not sure she’ll live to see the next day. She’s undergoing treatment for some serious medical issues, and she doesn’t have time for a relationship with no guarantees—especially one with a hot-as-sin womanizer who won’t take no for an answer. But as she gets to know the real Garrett, Olivia can’t help falling for him . . . hard. To reveal the truth would mean risking everything—but you can’t score without taking the tough shots.

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Ryker – Book 4

Release Date: September 8 , 2015

The rugged men of the Carolina Cold Fury hockey team are winning hearts once again in another scorching novel from New York Times bestselling author Sawyer Bennett.

The stakes have never been higher for Carolina Cold Fury goalie Ryker Evans. With his contract running out, he’s got a year left to prove he’s still at the top of his game. And since his wife left him, Ryker has been balancing life as a pro-hockey star and a single parent to two daughters. Management is waiting for him to screw up. The fans are ready to pounce. Everybody’s taking dirty shots—except for the fiery redhead whose faith in Ryker gives him a fresh start.

As the league’s only female general manager, Gray Brannon has learned not to mix business with pleasure. And yet even this tough, talented career woman can’t help breaking her own rules as she gives Ryker everything she’s got. She hopes their hot streak will last forever, but with Ryker’s conniving ex plotting to reclaim her man, the pressure’s on Gray to step up and save a tender new love before it’s too late.

Pre Order : Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

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Author Bio:
USA Today Best-Selling Author, Sawyer Bennett is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and three big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

Sawyer is the author of several contemporary romances including the popular Off Series, the Legal Affairs Series and the Last Call Series.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Release Blitz + Review + Giveaway : Trusting Liam by Molly McAdams

Posted on 06/09/2015 by shellbellereads

Trusting Liam

A Taking Chance and Forgiving Lies Novel

Release Date: June 9, 2014

By Molly McAdams

Synopsis

From the New York Times bestselling author of Taking Chances, From Ashes, and Stealing Harper, comes the new unforgettable adult romance Molly McAdams’ fans have been waiting for—the sizzling story of a young woman who must place her trust in the one man who can break through her defenses.

A night they will always remember…a connection neither can deny…a secret that could destroy it all…

When Kennedy Ryan moves to California, she never expects to come face-to-face with Liam Taylor—the intriguing man who has haunted her thoughts for a year. A man who led her to breaking every one of her rules for a single night of passion that ended up meaning more than it was ever supposed to. Accustomed to disastrous experiences with men, Kennedy shields herself before he can break down more of the carefully built control she’s clung to for the last four years. But every time she sees Liam, she feels her resolve weakening.

Liam Taylor has been asked to help socialize his boss’s nieces. But what he thinks sounds more like a babysitting job ends up leading him to the only girl who ever slipped away before morning—a girl he thought he’d never find again. And now that she’s within reach, Liam’s determined to never let her go.

But when a secret from her past tests their relationship, will they be able to cling to the trust Liam has worked so hard to build?

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Excerpt

Trying not to wake him, I slowly slid out from under his arm and off the bed to search for my clothes. Once I was dressed, I told myself to just leave, but I couldn’t help it—I turned to look at him in the light. I needed to be sure I hadn’t made him up.

The images from last night tore through my mind again when I saw the large, tattooed arm resting where my body had just been. The muscles were well defined even relaxed, and the face had a boyish charm now that he was asleep. Such a difference from the predatory stare and knowing smirk I kept seeing in my mind. Before I could stop myself, I gently ran my fingers through his dirty-blond hair that, now in the sunlight, I could see had a red tint to it. And I knew if he opened them, those arctic blue eyes would once again captivate me.

But I couldn’t risk that.

I’d already stayed too long; I’d already made a mistake with him. Drunken one-night stands weren’t my thing. Drunken one-night stands with strangers in Vegas were even worse.

Straightening, I turned and walked quietly from the room.

Michel’s Review

Fans of the Taking Chances Series and Forgiving Lies Series by Molly McAdams are in for a real treat. The babies of these series are all grown up and giving their parents a run for their money. It’s a good thing the parents have dealt with all the good and bad crap life can throw along the way. They are getting a taste of their own medicine.

When Kennedy Ryan and her twin sister are forced to move to California because of their father. Logan “Kash” Ryan has old enemies being released from prison. Kash is fearful that his daughters are going to pay a high price. Thankfully their Uncle Eli (Changing Everything) is there to help them get situated in their new lives. One of the ways he intends to help is by getting his best employee, Liam Taylor (son from Taking Chances), to introduce them to other people their age. Little does Uncle Eli know but Liam already knows Kennedy Ryan. They had an anonymous one night stand in Vegas a year ago.

When Kennedy and Liam come face to face it’s a total shock.

Liam wants to pursue Kennedy because he never forgot the girl he called Moon.

Kennedy doesn’t want a relationship with Liam because of her secret past. Even though she has moved on from the past, the scars run deep.

Just when Liam convinces her to give their relationship a shot, the past will come knocking on the door for both of them. Kennedy will have to face her past. Liam will have to force his family to let go of his biological father (Chase) memory and let him live his own life.

Meanwhile Daddy Kash and the uncles will have to get to the bottom of the danger that threatens the precious Ryan twins.

Molly McAdams tied both series together beautifully. I loved how our favorite characters from the past series became the wise adults that guided these great young adults. I loved how she handled the memory of Chase and showed what a wonderful father Brandon was to Liam. It was a very happy transition for both series and gave the new generation something of their very own.

All of these characters will remain dear to my heart.

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Author’s Bio

Molly McAdams grew up in California but now lives in the oh-so-amazing state of Texas with her husband and furry daughter. Her hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, traveling and long walks on the beach, which roughly translates to being a homebody with her hubby and dishing out movie quotes. When she’s not at work, she can be found hiding out in her bedroom surrounded by her laptop, cell, Kindle and fighting over the TV remote. She has a weakness for crude-humored movies, fried pickles and loves curling up in a fluffy comforter during a thunderstorm…or under one in a bathtub if there are tornados. That way she can pretend they aren’t really happening.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter – Goodreads

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5 Star ARC Review: Reaching Rose by J. P. Grider – Hunter Hill University Series – Book 3

Posted on 06/08/2015 by shellbellereads

Reaching Rose

Hunter Hill University Series – Book 3

By J. P. Grider

Synopsis

Rose Duncan is dancing on Broadway. She’s spent hours a day for the last two decades to get there, and now she’s living the dream. She’s happy, she’s driven, and life couldn’t get any better.

Ben Falco is a pitcher whose only goal is to make it to the Major Leagues. He keeps his grades up, he doesn’t party, and he stays away from committed relationships – they’ll only distract him.

But when Ben meets Rose, she’s no dancer, and she’s certainly not happy. In fact, she doesn’t seem to be living at all. Yet something about her makes him want to know what’s turned her into this shell of a person, and if he can be the one to reach inside her mind and pull her out.

Ben doesn’t want a relationship. Rose doesn’t want to get better. But once their hearts collide, it’s a whole new ballgame.

Reaching Rose is a story about Rose and Ben, and a little about their friend Johnny Gleason – a genius who has plans of his own until they too slip from his grasp. This is a tale about love, loss, and guts, and the ability to play hardball when life throws you a curve.

Buy: Amazon / B & N

Michel’s Review

Reaching Rose by J. P. Grider is the first book I have read by this author When I saw this book on Net Galley the synopsis intrigued me. I decided to give this author a go. I have to say I am very impressed with this author’s writing.

Reaching Rose is quite different from most books in the New Adult genre. It has all of the elements that readers expect in a New Adult romance. There is heart wrenching angst and an almost impossible romance. It also has so much more. It deals with real life issues that many people go through. It shows the pain of loss, the change in one’s self image, the loss of dreams, and the rebuilding of one’s life in all aspects.

Rose Duncan has been a dancer all of her life. She has finally gotten her big break and landed a part in a broadway show. Three weeks before the show opens, Rose is in a horrific accident. This accident causes her to lose one of her legs. The devastation of losing a limb along with the devastation of losing her life long dream is more than she can handle. Her road to recovery is a long and very painful journey. She no longer knows who she is or what she wants in life. The one thing that helps her move forward is her new friendship with Ben Falco.

Ben met Rose when he entered a specialized rehab facility for a knee injury. He is intrigued with the silent troubled girl he sees daily in the rec room. This girl is lifeless. He wants to reach her and let her know there is hope. What starts as a tentative friendship will turn into so much more. In the end this relationship with Rose will help him face the truth about his injury and future as a professional baseball player.

Both Rose and Ben will learn many life lessons. They will also learn that there is more than one dream in the journey of life. They will both find new realities. They will conquer their fears. Rose will learn that her disability is not the end of her dancing career. Ben will learn that life is more important than a career.

This book touched me in so many ways. I admired both of the characters. Ben captured my heart with his positive outlook and persistence. I loved how patient he was with Rose.

I will definitely be reading more from this author.

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The Hunter Hill University Series

Calling California – Book 1

Disclaimer : This is a story about money – the lack of it vs. having plenty. Money WILL be mentioned – it is essential to the story and essential to the growth of the lead female character, who WILL eventually learn that money does NOT make the world go ’round. And neither do the people who have it.

Cali Parker is poor. She has a lot on her plate – her father is dying, she’s working to help pay the rent, and she’s two-years behind in college.

Griffin Brooks is rich. He has not a care in the world – he’s acing his engineering courses, his hobby is restoring his fifty-thousand dollar classic car, and he has a different girl on his arm every week.

When Cali sees Griffin on her first day of class, she’s immediately smitten and thinks she’s found the perfect guy. When Griffin sees Cali at the bank, he immediately forgets the blonde he was with that morning. Then they meet, and their worlds collide.

Cali doesn’t belong in Griffin’s world, and he doesn’t understand hers. But just when Griffin convinces Cali that their two different worlds can blend, a secret is revealed that tears them apart.

Is their love strong enough to bring them back together, or will their worlds drift further apart?

Buy: Amazon / B & N

Mending Michael – Book 2

There is a fine line between love and hate.

When bartender Mick Ross first sees Holly Buchanan walk into Donny’s Bar, his heart comes to a halt. That is, until she serves him her fake ID and reveals her true nature when she’s declined her drink.

Holly thinks Mick is an ass, and she has no clue why he can’t stand her. Though, she does enjoy looking at his ass.

So, when Donny hires Holly to waitress at his bar, she must either deal with Mick’s hatred toward her or give him a taste of his own medicine.

Tensions are high.
Comments are made.
Hearts are hurt.
But if there really is a fine line between love and hate, then Mick and Holly must decide on which side they stand.

Buy: Amazon / B & N

Reaching Rose – Book 3

Ben Falco is a pitcher whose only goal is to make it to the Major Leagues. He keeps his grades up, he doesn’t party, and he stays away from committed relationships – they’ll only distract him.

Ben doesn’t want a relationship. Rose doesn’t want to get better. But once their hearts collide, it’s a whole new ballgame.

Buy: Amazon / B & N

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Author Bio:

J.P. Grider is a New Adult and Young Adult author. She is the author of seven novels. Her young adult series The Honor Trilogy consists of A Touch of Honor, A Man of Honor, and A Heart of Honor, while her first two novels – Unplugged (A Portrait of a Rock Star) and Maybe This Life – are standalone adult contemporary novels. Her most recent release is the new adult romance Mending Michael, which is the second in her Hunter Hill University series. The next book in the series – Reaching Rose – will be released in May, 2015. All the books in the Hunter Hill University series are standalone books and can be read in any order.

You can follow J.P. on Facebook at J.P. Grider, Author, on Instagram and Twitter @JPGrider1, and on her blog at jpgrider.com

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Happy Release + Review : Masquerade by J. S. Cooper – The Swept Away Series – Book 2.5

Posted on 06/08/2015 by shellbellereads

Masquerade

Swept Away Series – Book 2.5

By J. S. Cooper

Synopsis

We first met Bianca and Jakob in Illusion, stranded on a desert island and thrown into one another’s arms. But each of them has dark secrets yet to be uncovered… In this new e-novella tied to the Swept Away series, New York Times bestselling author J.S. Cooper reveals even more surprises about the dangerous Bradley family…

Jakob knows Bianca’s appearance at the Bradley, Inc. stockholders meeting was no accident. He knows her family ruined his mother’s life. And he knows that he can’t keep his hands off her. But it’s what he doesn’t know that might put both of them in deadly danger.

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Michel’s Review

Masquerade is the second prequel novella in the Swept Away series. This novella is from Jakob Bradley’s POV. In the previous books and novella in this series, most of the ongoing story is from Bianca’s POV or perceptions. This novella sheds some light on Jakob’s motivations and how he got from point A to point B.

Jakob has the need to uncover the secrecy of who and what Bianca London is. He needs to know her ties to his family and the family’s corporation. He is convinced that Bianca’s family is tied to his mother’s death. He’s convinced that Bianca is out to destroy the corporation. His half brother David is under the same assumption. The two come up with a plan to extract all of the information that Bianca has acquired after her father’s death. They concoct an elaborate plan that involves kidnapping, seduction, and betrayal.

The interesting thing is that Jakob and David each have their own personal motivations. David is not all he portrays himself to be. Jakob has his own agenda that may not be true to the Bradley family interests.

There are other players in this game of greed and deception. Jakob may end up being a victim as well. Bianca is not the only one trying to seek the truth. Jakob is not the only one trying to manipulate the truth.

How it all plays out is going to be a surprise to us all. The next book , Resolution, will release on December 1st, 2015. I can’t wait.

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The Swept Away Series

Illusion – Book 1

Illusion is the book readers are calling a roller coaster ride of emotions. It’s achingly sexy, steaming hot, full of romance and has suspense that will keep you guessing until the last page.

Indie sensation and New York Times bestselling author of the Ex Games series and the Private Club series, J.S. Cooper introduces the Swept Away series–three new, dark and sexy romances about a woman marooned on a desert island with a mysterious stranger–but is he friend or foe?

The day started like every other day…

Bianca finds herself kidnapped and locked up in a van with a strange man. Ten hours later, they’re dumped on a deserted island. Bianca has no idea what’s going on and her attraction to this stranger is the only thing keeping her fear at bay.

Jakob wants only to figure out why they’ve been left on the island and how they can get off. But as the days go by, he can’t ignore his growing fascination with Bianca.

In order to survive, Bianca and Jakob must figure out how they’re connected, but as they grow closer, secrets are revealed that may destroy everything they thought they knew about each other.

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Disillusioned – Book 2

Following on the heels of Illusion, indie sensation and New York Times bestselling author J.S. Cooper brings us the second novel in the Swept Away series, a trilogy of dark and sexy romances about a woman marooned on a desert island with a sexy stranger—but is he friend or foe?

When Bianca and Jakob awake on a sandy shore in the middle of nowhere, their first thoughts are of survival. But as they explore their surroundings and try to discover who stranded them on the island, they can’t deny the electricity surging between them. Soon it’s more than just a campfire keeping them warm…

But just as Bianca is starting to trust Jakob, she uncovers a clue to their abduction—and he may know more than he’s letting on. Was Jakob just as surprised as she to find himself alone with her…or could the man she’s fallen for be her captor?

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Masquerade – Book 2.5

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Resolution – Book 3

Coming – December 1, 2015

Indie sensation and New York Times bestselling author J.S. Cooper brings us the final novel in the Swept Away series, a trilogy of heart-pounding romances about a woman marooned on a desert island with a sexy stranger—but is he friend or foe?

When Bianca and Jakob first awoke on a sandy shore in the middle of nowhere, their thoughts were only concerned with survival. But as they explored their surroundings and tried to find out who left them stranded on the island, electricity surged between them. Soon after, Bianca uncovered clues to her abduction, but was left with even more unanswered questions, especially about Jakob’s true motives…

Now, Bianca just wants the truth. Nothing was as it seemed, especially with Jakob. As she discovers cross upon double cross, all she can trust is her instinct, her connection with him. So they decide to return to the island in hopes of finally learning the truth. Bianca and Jakob have been thrown together and torn apart by their secrets—but can she trust him enough to rescue her at last?

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About J. S. Cooper

Cooper is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She is a true romantic that is in love with love. The J. S. stands for Jaimie Suzi. She just thought J. S. sounded cooler! J. S. was born in London, England and moved to the States at age 17. She studied history in college and then went to law school and then decided to follow her writing dreams. J. S. writes ‘New Adult’ contemporary romance books because that is what she also loves to read.

Please join J. S. Cooper on her facebook page if you enjoy her books here: https://www.facebook.com/J.S.Cooperauthor. If you wish to get in contact, please email her at Jscooperauthor@gmail.com.

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Release Blitz + Review + Giveaway: Beyond The Cut by Sarah Castille – The Sinner’s Tribe Motorcycle Club – Book 2

Posted on 06/06/2015 by shellbellereads

Beyond The Cut

Sinner’s Tribe Motorcycle Club – Book 2

Release Date: June 2, 2015

By Sarah Castille

Synopsis

SHE’S HOLDING ON TIGHT.
As a teen, Dawn ran from a life on the streets straight into the arms of Jimmy “Mad Dog” Sanchez, a biker who promised to be her knight in shining armor. But his love was just another cage. Years later, Dawn’s former life still has its hooks in her and she’ll do whatever it takes to break free. When Cade “Ryder” O’Connor, a member of a rival club, makes her an offer, Dawn finds herself in a different, hotter kind of trouble with one irresistible Sinner…

WILL HE GIVE HER THE RIDE OF HER LIFE?
Cade is an outlaw biker with allegiance to one thing and one thing only: The Sinner’s Tribe Motorcycle Club. But when it comes to the stunningly sexy, fiercely independent Dawn Delgado, Cade finds himself…hungrier for more. Trouble is on Dawn’s heels and he wants to be the answer to her prayers, whether she wants him to be or not. What can’t be denied is the red-hot attraction between them. However, as they fall deeper, the danger rises and Cade may have to sacrifice it all…in Beyond the Cut by New York Times bestselling author Sarah Castille.

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Excerpt

“We never danced before,” she said softly. Her breath was sweet, citrusy, and he was tempted to lick that sugar from her lips, but uncertainty held him back.

“We never did a whole lot of anything before except fuck.” Exactly what he wanted to do now. And afterward, maybe they could talk, or do what couples did, although never having really been part of a couple, he didn’t know what that would be. Watch TV? Go for a ride? Fuck some more?

“Maybe that’s ’cause that’s all we’re good for together.”

That gave him pause. Yes, he enjoyed sex with Dawn, but he genuinely liked her. She was smart, sweet, sensitive, and funny. She had more grit and determination than anyone he’d met, working three jobs, putting up with Shelly-Ann, never giving up hope she’d get her girls back. He wanted to spend more time with her, but she was always running away.

“Well, we gotta have something together, because now you’re wearing my cut and there’s no turning back.” He brushed his fingers through her beautiful long, blond hair. They had that in common. But Dawn was soft, where he was hard. Curved where he was straight. Sweet where he was bitter.

“If you’d told me three weeks ago I’d be in a biker bar, dancing with a biker and wearing a cut, I’d never have believed you. This was the last thing I ever thought I wanted. Me. A biker’s old lady again.”

His old lady. He liked the sound of it. He liked watching the words on her lips, tumbling over the silky softness and into his heart. Three weeks ago, sitting in his booth at Peelers with Delilah in his lap, he never would have believed he’d have an old lady. “Say it again.”

She licked her lips, and the sight of her little pink tongue made him hard.

“Old lady.”

“My old lady. Say it.”

Dawn studied him for a minute, considering. “Yours.” She leaned up and kissed him and he lost the last threads of his control.

Michel’s Review

Beyond The Cut by Sarah Castille is the second book in The Sinner’s Tribe MC series. It is a gritty, sexy, and intense story that I would recommend to MC Romance fans. It is not a light and censored romance. Sarah Castille paints a very vivid picture of the MC world and their rivals.

Dawn has dealt with the MC world most of her adult life. She married a biker at the age of sixteen. She thought she was building a strong family unit. Instead she is in an abusive relationship and fears not only for her life but the life of her twin girls. When she tries to flee her husband and start a new life , the power of MC rules over her life. She loses custody of her children and has limited visitation. Her ex husband refuses to let go of her.

Dawn moved to a town where her husband’s rival MC resides. He can’t get her in this territory. She is done with the MC world. The only problem is her attraction to Cade “Ryder” O’Connor. He is a lifer in the Sinner’s Tribe MC. He is an outlaw like her ex husband. The only difference between the two in her mind is the patches on their cut. That is until she gets to know Ryder. He is everything her ex husband is not. She can’t stay away from him. But she knows she has to if she wants to get her daughters back.

The more Dawn gets involved with Ryder the deeper the cesspool of her life gets. She is being blackmailed to ensure she can see her daughters. She is being stalked and threatened by her ex husband. There is a war brewing in the Sinner’s Tribe world. Dawn may get caught up in it or become a causality of the war. Can Ryder protect his club and his woman?

I enjoyed Beyond The Cut but I found a few things that didn’t quite sit right with me. This book did not seem to have the comadery and brotherhood unity that most MC Romances have. I didn’t really feel like the club was backing Ryder and that they were more concerned with the politics of the MC world. They didn’t seem to care that women and children could be causalities. I also felt like Dawn spent more angsting over Ryder rather than her children. When the danger prevailed it seemed like the children were an afterthought. Otherwise Beyond The Cut was a good biker romance. I would recommend this book and the Sinner’s Tribe Motorcycle Club series.

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The Sinner’s Tribe Motorcycle Club Series

Rough Justice – Book 1

From New York Times bestselling author Sarah Castille comes Rough Justice, a scorching new series featuring red-hot, hard-riding bikers and the women who can’t help but love them…
IT TAKES A GOOD, STRONG WOMAN
Raised in a motorcycle gang, tough, beautiful Arianne Wilder has always dreamed of a normal life. But no sooner does she escape her father’s domineering grasp than she wakes up to find herself in a rival gang’s clubhouse—at the mercy of the dangerously sexy Jagger Knight.
TO TAME A MAN WHO’S HELL ON WHEELS.
The alpha leader of the notorious Sinner’s Tribe, Jagger Knight is all muscle, all biker, and all man. But somewhere inside this hard, tattooed outlaw, Arianne senses a kindred spirit—and she can’t ignore their tempestuous attraction. Can she beat him at his own game in a revved-up blaze of glory? Or will their passion spark a war that’s the end of the road for them both?

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Beyond The Cut – Book 2

Release Date: June 2, 2015

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Sinner’s Steel – Book 3

Release Date: October 6, 2015

HE’S HELL ON WHEELS.
Tall, dark, and dangerously handsome, Zane “Tracker” Colter is the strong, silent type of tattooed muscle biker who drives women wild. But as a master of strategy for the outlaw MC club, Sinner’s Tribe, he doesn’t have time to play around with groupies and biker chicks-especially when he can’t stop thinking about Evie, the girl who got away…

SHE’S PLAYING WITH FIRE.
Evie’s been in love with Zane ever since they were children-until he broke her heart and disappeared. Now he’s back in her life, bigger and badder than ever. Zane is stunned by how beautiful and confident Evie’s become, using her artistic talent to customize motorcycles. He wants her so bad, he’d ride through fire to win her back. There’s one problem: Evie is dating his deadliest rival-the leader of the Black Jacks-and if Evie and Zane hook up, there’ll be hell to pay… in Sinner’s Steel.
Sarah Castille’s Sinner’s Tribe series is:

“Raw, rugged, and romantic.” -Eden Bradley, New York Times bestselling author
“A sexy and dangerous ride!”-Roni Loren, New York Times bestselling author

Pre Order: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

____________________________________________________

Author Bio:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Sarah Castille, writes contemporary erotic romance and romantic suspense featuring blazingly hot alpha males and the women who tame them. A recovering lawyer and caffeine addict, she worked and travelled abroad before trading in her briefcase and stilettos for a handful of magic beans and a home in shadow of the Rocky Mountains.

Sarah loves to connect with readers. Sign up for her newsletter to hear about new releases:

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5 Star Review: Ultraviolet : Season 1 – Episode 1 by Jessica Sorensen

Posted on 06/04/2015 by shellbellereads

Ultraviolet

Season 1 – Episode 1

By Jessica Sorensen

Hidden in the Red Hill Mountains is the quiet town of Hollows Grove.

In that town, there is a field where a secret is buried deep beneath the ground.

And in that field is where Mila was found abandoned with no memory of her past and haunted by visions of the future.

Nine years later, Mila’s life is almost as normal as any other eighteen-year-old. That is until she starts foreseeing the murder of Nyjah Bradley, a guy she’s never met before, but whose face is branded into her mind.

Constantly plagued by the vision, Mila decides to track Nyjah down and warn him of his impending death. But when the search leads her back to Hollows Grove, she learns there’s more to the sleepy town than meets the eye.

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Goosebumps dot my arms as I become highly aware that there’s not a single drop of noise within earshot. Not even our shoes hitting the dirt make a sound. I want to ask Novela if she notices it, but I don’t want to risk upsetting her more than she is. I try to keep it to myself but then I hear the soft pitter-patter of light footsteps rushing up behind us.

Do you hear us? Do you hear us?

Welcome back. Welcome back.

We’ve been waiting for you, Mila.

Our gazes lock and without looking back, Novela and I take off in a mad sprint down the road

“Oh my God, we’re going to die,” she pants as she struggles desperately to keep up with me.

“We’re not going to die.” I gasp for air as I push my legs harder than I ever have before.

I don’t know what’s behind us. If it’s following us. What it wants. But as we near the edge of town, I dare look back over my shoulder and instantly wish I wouldn’t have. Because standing in the darkness of the road, watching us from a distance, is a lofty figure.

Michel’s Review

Jessica Sorensen never ceases to amaze me with her creative stories. I was apprehensive about reading Ultraviolet because it had a paranormal theme. I was expecting the predictable type of paranormal story and Jessica delivered something altogether different. I don’t know if a paranormal is the right genre to classify this series in. It could easily fall under the horror genre.

Ultraviolet : Season 1 -Episode 1 is a fast read. The reader can easily read this story on their lunch break. It is gives a strong introduction to leading character, Mila. Mila has an interesting background. She has no memory of her life before she was nine years old. She was abandoned in a small town in the mountains at the age of nine. She was adopted into a loving family and has had a happy life. The one thing that Mila has that is odd is her visions. She can foresee events in the future. She keeps her visions a secret from her family. Her best friend is the only one she has confided in about her visions.

Nine years later Mila is eighteen and has recently graduated from high school. She is planning a summer road trip with her best friend. Right before they are about to embark on their road trip Mila begins having visions. These visions are unlike any of the other visions she has had. They are coming to her in dreams as well as her conscience time. In these visions she witnesses a young man getting murdered. The vision is quite clear that she is the only one that can save him.

The road trip leads to an impromptu stop in the town where she was found deep in the mountains. What happens once she enters the town limits will frighten even the bravest soul.

Ultraviolet ends on a major cliffhanger that leaves the reader biting their nails and chills down their spine. I had goosebumps reading this book. In a lot of ways it reminded of the television show American Horror Story. It wasn’t the story itself that reminded me of it but the format and delivery of the story. Jessica Sorensen has mastered writing a chilling story that will leave the reader frightened and wanting more.

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

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Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Follow Me Back by A. Meredith Walters – Twisted Love Series – Book 2

Posted on 06/03/2015 by shellbellereads

Follow Me Back

Twisted Love Series – Book 2

By A. Meredith Walters

Synopsis

The sequel to Lead Me Not, this dangerously sexy second installment in the Twisted Love series continues Aubrey and Maxx’s love story, from New York Times bestselling author A. Meredith Walters—who “writes the most beautifully flawed characters that still have you swooning” (Sawyer Bennett, USA TODAY bestselling author of the Off series).

Aubrey Duncan has loved…and lost. Should she follow a heart that’s betrayed her or a head that tells her to let go?

Maxx Demelo’s addiction almost destroyed him. It ruined his life and, most importantly, his relationship with the only girl he ever loved.

He has vowed to become the man Aubrey Duncan deserves. Even if he has to tear himself apart to do it. So he enters rehab, trying to fix the parts of him that are shattered as he longs to be healthy and whole.

Aubrey lost everything because she chose to listen to her heart. Now she has sworn to put herself first, to heal in the only way that she can…far away from Maxx and his demons.

But just as Aubrey is starting over, Maxx is released from rehab and thrust back into her world, determined to prove how much they still need each other. And the chaos that had defined them threatens to unleash once again…

But a heart, no matter how broken, is impossible to ignore.

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Michel’s Review

Follow Me Back by A. Meredith Walters is the sequel to Lead Me Not in the Twisted Love Series. It is the conclusion to Aubrey Duncan’s and Maxx Demelo’s tumultuous relationship. Their forbidden relationship was on a very destructive path that led to the ruin of both of them as individuals and as a couple. Follow Me Back is the aftermath and consequences from their helter skelter relationship.

Maxx Demelo is a drug addict. He has finally hit rock bottom. He overdosed and very nearly lost his life. Now he is dealing with the recourse of his addiction. He is also dealing with the loss of Aubrey and his relationship with his younger brother. He has destroyed everything good in his world. His overdose was a wake up call. He could not handle his life without the drugs. The drugs defined his art, his popularity, his persona, and his relationships. Now he is in rehab and facing the truth. He has not only destroyed himself but his loved ones as well. He sincerely wants to regain his life. He sincerely wants to end his addiction. He wants a relationship with his brother. He wants Aubrey’s love. It may be too late for all of it but he is going to do everything in his power to win them back. He is going to earn their trust and deserve their love.

After Maxx nearly died from the overdose Aubrey’s world crashed. The university found out about her secret relationship with Maxx. She has been dismissed as a councelor from the support group on campus. She has been put on academic probation and withdrawn from the counselling program. Her academic career is in the toilet. She is going to have to jump through hoops to regain her place in the program once again. One of the conditions to regaining that position is that she cannot have anything to do with Maxx Demelo. She cannot have anything to do with any of the members of the group. Like Maxx, Aubrey feels the loss. She loved Maxx with all her heart. She was devastated when she found out that not only was he using again, he was an addict. She almost died inside right along with Maxx when he overdosed. Now she has to pull herself together and move on in life in a positive and constructive manner. She has to hold onto her anger for Maxx otherwise she is going to end up right where she started.

Maxx is going to do everything in his power to get Aubrey back in his life. This time he is going to do it the right way for her and himself. He is going to prove that he is not a lost cause and that he can be the man she needs.

Maxx will struggle with his addiction. He will have to face the harsh realities of life. He will have temptation thrown in his path at every turn. He will have to be strong when the chips are down. He will find it harder and harder. In the end it will be up to him how his life unfolds.

Aubrey tried to resist Maxx but when she sees that he is really working on staying clean and sober it changes things. She allows herself to interact with Maxx. She allows herself to once again fall in love with him. The one thing she struggles with is her trust. She doesn’t know if she can ever trust him again. She is also facing some truths in her own life. She is facing her sister’s death, her bad relationship with her parents, and her own personal goals in life.

Together Aubrey and Maxx will struggle to rebuild their lives. In the end they will find out things about themselves, their relationship, and their path to happiness. Life isn’t easy. Life is a challenge. What is important is how you face those challenges.

A. Meredith Walters did an amazing job writing this sequel. She did not sugar coat the realities of being a drug addict or co dependent. She allowed these characters to experience the pain, the hardship, and the realities in their lives. She also allowed these characters to grow as individuals and become stronger better people. She allowed them to face the truths and build a new life without ever forgetting their old lives.

I highly recommend the Twisted Love series by A. Meredith Walters. It is a reading experience that will touch the reader.

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The Twisted Love Series

Lead Me Not – Book 1

In this dangerously sexy novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Find You in the Dark, a straight-laced college student meets a handsome but enigmatic stranger who lures her into an underground club scene, where she finds it difficult to resist temptation…

Aubrey Duncan understands loss. She knows what rock bottom looks like, and she is determined to crawl back up to the top after the sudden death of her younger sister. She blames herself for her part in the tragedy, convinced that she could have done something, anything, to help her.

In her effort to gain redemption, Aubrey starts fresh at Longwood University and facilitates an addiction support group, hoping she can support someone else in the way she failed her sister. But what she doesn’t count on is an all-consuming fascination with group member Maxx Demelo, a gorgeous, blond, blue-eyed enigma who hides dark secrets behind a carefully constructed mask. He only reveals what he wants others to see. But Aubrey glimpses another Maxx hidden below the surface—a Maxx who is drowning in his own personal hell.

As Aubrey and Maxx develop an attraction too intense to ignore, he pulls her into the dark underbelly of the city club scene, where she is torn by her desire to save him and an inexplicable urge to join him in his downward spiral. Worst of all, she is beginning to love everything she should run away from—a man who threatens to ignite in her a fire that could burn her alive…

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Follow Me Back – Book 2

Aubrey Duncan has loved…and lost. Should she follow a heart that’s betrayed her or a head that tells her to let go?

Maxx Demelo’s addiction almost destroyed him. It ruined his life and, most importantly, his relationship with the only girl he ever loved.

Aubrey lost everything because she chose to listen to her heart. Now she has sworn to put herself first, to heal in the only way that she can…far away from Maxx and his demons.

But a heart, no matter how broken, is impossible to ignore.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

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Author Bio

The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Contemporary and Paranormal romance including The Find You in the Dark and Bad Rep series as well as the upcoming stand alone romance, Reclaiming the Sand, and a dark new adult series for Gallery Books.

A. Meredith spent ten years as a counselor for at risk teens and children. First
working at a Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault program and then later a program
for children with severe emotional and mental health issues. Her former clients
and their stories continue to influence every aspect of her writing.

When not writing (or being tortured with all manner of beauty products at the hand of her very imaginative and extremely girly daughter), she is eating chocolate, watching reality television that could rot your brain and reading a smutty novel or two.

A. Meredith is represented by Michelle Johnson with the Inklings Literary Agency.

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Happy Release + Review : One More Shot by Victoria Denault – Hometown Players Series – Book 1

Posted on 06/03/2015 by shellbellereads

One More Shot

Hometown Players Series – Book 1

By Victoria Denault

Synopsis

They say you only get one shot at making your dreams come true.

Jordan is determined to take two.

Drafted by the NHL at eighteen, Jordan Garrison was headed for fame, and there was only one person he wanted to share it with-Jessie Caplan. He was crazy in love with her, and had finally told her so. They shared an amazing night . . . and then everything fell apart.

Jessie tries not to think about the night she gave herself to Jordan-or how he broke her heart. She tries not to think about it, but she does. Especially now, when she’s staring into his sky-blue eyes for the first time in six years. After so much time and torment, she can’t tell if she loves him or hates him. But Jordan has learned enough to know a connection like theirs is rare. He was lucky to find Jessie once. No way will he lose her again.

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Michel’s Review

One More Shot is the debut novel by Victoria Denault. This New Adult book has everything that fans of this genre look for in a book. The overall theme has so many things that readers love in romance. There is the friends to lovers theme. The second chance romance theme. The sports romance theme. And finally the small town romance theme.

Victoria Denault did an excellent job creating the atmosphere for this book. The reader was quickly drawn into the small world of Silver Bay, Maine. A world where mostly everything revolves around hockey. The younger generation wants to escape the small town life any way that they can. For Jordan Garrison and his brothers, hockey is their ticket out. For the Jessie Caplan and her sisters, education is the only way out.

Jessie and Jordy have been best friends since the third grade. Their families are close. Both have had crushes on each other since they hit puberty. One high school party and a cheating boyfriend lead to opportunity that neither Jessie or Jordy expected. It leads to them finally professing their love for one another. It leads to the loss of Jessie’s virginity. This should be the most wonderful thing in their lives and it could be, but this new found love has very bad timing. Both Jessie and Jordy are at the point in their lives where they have to make choices about their future. Jessie has applied to various colleges for a physical therapy degree. She is hoping to get a full scholarship. Jordan is going into the NHL draft. He is hoping to be drafted by a good team. He wants Jessie to go with him once he finds out what team he will be playing for.

Miscommunications, interferring manipulative ex girlfriends, and tons of insecurities will rip these two apart before they can really develop a strong intimate relationship. It will cause their relationship to go from a loving relationship to hateful enemies. It will change their families relationships. It will define how they both live in the future. Six years later they finally have to face the music to their destructive demise.

Jessie and Jordan will have to face each other once again and put the past to rest. The funeral for Jessie’s grandmother in Silver Bay, Maine will set the next stage of their relationship in motion. They have both grown up. They are both different yet deep down still the same. They both still love each other with all their hearts. Can they get past the hurts and mistrust to build the future they were meant to have together.

I really enjoyed One More Shot by Victoria Denault. At times I felt that Jessie and Jordy behaved more like immature high school kids but in the end it made sense. That was how their relationship stalled and once they let go of that they were able to act their age. I loved the secondary characters and look forward to the next book in the series.

Add One More Shot to your summer reading list. It will not disappoint.

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Author Bio

Victoria Denault loves long walks on the beach, cinnamon dolce lattes and writing angst-filled romance. Before focusing exclusively on writing novels Victoria was a journalist, a stand-up comic and dabbled in acting. She has lived in many major cities across North America, spent her childhood summers in Maine and adult summers in Spain. She’s now happily settled in Los Angeles with her husband and their two chubby Chihuahuas.

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Release Blitz + Review : Vicious Cycle by Katie Ashley – Vicious Cycle Series- Book 1 – Biker MC Romance

Posted on 06/03/2015 by shellbellereads

Vicious Cycle

Vicious Cycle Series – Book 1

By Katie Ashley

Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Katie Ashley revs up the danger and sexual tension in her brand-new Vicious Cycle romance series.

Deacon Malloy’s life is dedicated to the Hells Raiders motorcycle club. Tough, hard, and fast with his fists, he serves the group as sergeant at arms. But his devil-may-care approach to life is thrown for a loop when the five-year-old daughter he never knew existed lands on the club steps.

Alexandra Evans is devoted to all her students—but there’s always been something about Willow Malloy that tugs at her heart. There’s an aura of sadness about her, a girl in need of all the love Alexandra can give. When Willow stops coming to school, Alexandra’s search leads to a clubhouse full of bikers…and a father hell-bent on keeping his daughter always within sight.

The moment Deacon sees Alexandra, he has to have her in his bed—and he’s never met a woman yet who couldn’t be persuaded. No matter how attracted she is to Deacon, Alexandra refuses to be just another conquest. But it’s Deacon himself who could be seduced—into a brighter future for himself, his daughter, and the woman he’s falling for against all odds.

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Excerpt

As I entered the door, I took a deep breath to try and still my out-of-control nerves. Smoke hung heavy in the air, stinging my eyes and causing me to cough. Several men in leather biker cuts lounged on stools at the bar, nursing beers. Across from me, a heated pool game was taking place.

I took a few steps inside and then froze. “Are you lost, darlin’?” a big busted woman in a halter top asked.

“Uh…I’m looking for David Malloy,” I said.

Two men at the pool table whirled around. The shorter of the two, a tough but cute looking blond, cocked his head curiously at me. But then the moment my gaze locked on the other man, I knew he was Willow’s father. They had the same dark hair, soulful dark eyes, and heart-shaped face. David, however, had dark scruff covering his face. Although he was Rev’s brother, I didn’t see any resemblance between the two. Although he was shorter and slightly less built, David was just as good-looking as Rev. “Mr. Malloy?” I questioned, as I closed the distance between us.

He tossed the pool stick on the table. Taking a long drag on his cigarette, he then stubbed it out in an ashtray on the table. “What do you want?” he demanded.

Without even glancing around the room, I knew that every eye in the place was on us. “I really need to speak with you for a moment.”

His dark eyes narrowed as they raked over my body. Then the next thing I knew, he leapt at me, knocking me back into the wall. One of his hands came to grip my throat while his body pinned me in place. Fear like I had never known overwhelmed me, sending my heartbeat drumming wildly in my ears. It was so loud it felt like a cannon blast going off around me. “Please,” I murmured.

David glared at me as his thumb pressed harder into my throat. “They’re really falling down on their job at the academy.”

“E-Excuse m-me?” I stammered.

With a smirk, he replied, “Don’t they train you ATF bitches to hide your fear a little better? I mean, you’re practically pissing your pants right now, not to mention your heart is beating ninety to nothing.”

I shook my head slowly back and forth as I tried processing his words. “ATF? I don’t understand.”

He rolled his eyes. “A white-bred piece of ass comes waltzing into my clubhouse wanting to talk to me alone. It doesn’t take a fucking genius to realize you’re a Fed.”

A Fed? It took me a moment to process what he meant. Holy shit, he thought I worked for the government as an agent of some sort. Quickly, I replied, “No, I’m not.”

A voice came from him. “Deacon, man, you’re gonna get your ass jacked up even further for this.”

Glancing over his shoulder, Deacon said to the young, blond haired man, “Stay out of this, Bishop.”

Bishop held up his hands. “Fine. It’s your fucking funeral.”

David’s hand slid down my throat to the buttons on my dress. Glancing over his shoulder at the others, he questioned, “What do you bet she’s wired up under her tits?”

When his hands started to rip open my dress, I couldn’t hold back my scream. “No, stop! I’m not who you think I am. I swear!” I protested.

“Then just who the hell are you?” he demanded.

Before I could answer, a tiny voice came from behind us. “Miss Alex?”

The sound of Willow’s voice caused David to release his hold on my dress, but his body still kept me pinned to the wall. At that same moment, Rev entered the clubhouse. When he saw me, his eyes bulged, and he broke into a run to reach us. Grabbing David’s shoulders, he slung him away from me. “For fuck’s sake, Deacon, what the hell are you doing?”

“I’m giving this undercover ATF bitch what she deserves,” Deacon spat, taking a step back toward me.

“Christ, she’s not ATF,” Rev countered.

“Oh, then who the hell is she?”

“She’s my teacher…and my friend,” Willow answered in a small voice.

Michel’s Review

Vicious Cycle is the first book in the new biker series by Katie Ashley.

Vicious Cycle is fresh and quite a bit different from the run of the mill biker books. This series incorporates family dynamics, southern heritage, the MC world, and a bit of religion. With all of these elements one would think that it’s a tad too much but I must say it is not. The entire story works. The reader quickly becomes connected to the characters and embraces them whole heartedly.

Vicious Cycle starts out from a little five year girl’s POV. This little girl, Willow, draws the reader into the story and quickly establishes the dark elements in her world. When she is taken to her unknown father it takes the reader into the world of the Hells Raiders MC and gets to the grit of the story.

David “Deacon” Malloy is the Sergeant In Arms for the Hells Raiders. He was raised in the Hells Raiders MC since he was adopted in his young teenage years. Although he and his brothers have been raised in an outlaw environment they have also been raised in a family environment. When he finds out he has a daughter he is at a loss. He doesn’t know what to do with a child or how to raise one. One thing is for certain, this precious little girl has captured his heart. When he finds out about the violent circumstances that led to Willow being dropped at the door, he will do anything to protect her. His old enemies now know he has something precious to lose.

When the threats from their rival club, the Nordic Knights, and their number one enemy Sigal escalate, it is time to take some protective actions. One is to keep Willow in lock down at the club’s compound. When her kindergarten teacher shows up at the compound wanting to know why Willow has missed so much school, it opens another door the Deacon didn’t know he wanted.

Alexandra Evans has a special place in her heart for Willow. She loves the bright and intelligent little girl. When she stops showing up for school she needs to know that Willow is alright. When she finds out the frightening circumstances behind the absences she offers solutions. She proposes to become Willow’s home bound teacher. She never imagined that she would become more than a teacher. She would become immersed in the Hells Raiders MC world. She would become their friend. She would become a part of their family. She would become the lover to one of the most complicated men she has ever met. She would become a target. Her life is on the line all because of a beautiful little girl and her sexy father. She can handle the danger and threats because in the end the high price is worth. She will do anything in the name of love.

Katie Ashley wrote a very edgy, suspenseful, gritty biker romance that envelops everything MC romance readers look for in a book. I quickly became connected to all of the characters. I embraced the Hells Raiders MC and their mantra. I loved the romance that developed between Deacon and Alexandra. Willow captured my heart and I fell in love with this little girl just like all those big bad bikers did.

I highly recommend Vicious Cycle by Katie Ashley!

____________________________

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

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

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Saucy Southern Readers

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