Holiday Review: The Hazard’s of Mistletoe by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Posted on 12/10/2014 by shellbellereads

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The Hazard’s of Mistletoe

Hazards Series- Book 3.5

By Alyssa Rose Ivy

One snowy Christmas Eve, one mistletoe kiss, one friendship changed forever.

Don’t underestimate the power of mistletoe. It looks innocent enough, but a single branch has the potential to change your life. One mistletoe kiss led to the most embarrassing night of my life, but thankfully by the next Christmas I ended up exactly where I was supposed to be.

Excerpt:

“Ice skating and hot cocoa? What are you buttering me up for?” I sat down on the bench and unlaced my skates. The snow was falling a little bit heavier, but the flakes were still light and more pleasant than a nuisance.

“I’m just enjoying an evening with a beautiful woman. I do have a romantic side you know.”

“Romantic?” What was Glen playing at? I’d had a crush on him for years, but things had stayed completely platonic. We were good friends who saw each other once a year, and teased each other through text messages and late night phone calls. That was it.

He didn’t hear me. He was already in line to return our skates. I waited for him to return with my boots, and not for the first time I was glad I’d worn wool socks. It was cold during the day, but the nights were absolutely freezing.

“Here you go, my lady.” He bent down and proceeded to put my foot into my boot.

I pulled away from him. “Knock it off. What’s gotten into you tonight?” As charming as Glen was being something seemed off with him. I wondered if maybe I wasn’t the only one who was upset.

He proceeded to move on to my next boot. “It’s Christmas Eve. Aren’t you Miss Holiday Spirit?”

“Usually.”

“Exactly.” He put on his shoes and tugged on my hand to pull me to standing. “Let’s get those hot chocolates.”

The line at the café on the other side of the rink was nearly out the door, but I was enjoying Glen’s company so much I didn’t mind.

He insisted on buying my hot cocoa for me, and considering he’d already paid for my skate rental, I was starting to feel uncomfortable. Glen had all the money he could ever need, but I wasn’t used to guys buying me anything. My dating experience wasn’t extensive, and it involved boys who were all about going dutch. “I really don’t mind paying.”

“Yeah, but I want to pay. Stop arguing and enjoy yourself.” He lightly bumped his shoulder into mine.

“Well, thanks.”

We walked around the village sipping our hot chocolate and not saying much. After a while we took a seat on a bench. It was underneath a tree, and the pine needles blocked some of the falling snow. I closed my eyes and listened to the chatter of people walking by mixed with the low hum of holiday music.

“You guys need to kiss.”

I opened my eyes and saw a girl staring at us. “You’re sitting under mistletoe. That’s the rules. You’re under mistletoe, you kiss.”

I looked up. Sure enough there was mistletoe hanging over us from the tree. It wasn’t real, it was just the decorative stuff they used, but it had the same unmistakable appearance.

Glen put an arm around me. “I think she’s right, Savy.”

I turned to glare at him. “Don’t even start.”

“Why not? Scared to kiss me?” he teased.

Yes. I was scared. Terrified. This was Glen. Kissing him wasn’t something I was prepared to do casually while sitting on a bench in the snow with a bunch of onlookers. Of course I couldn’t tell him that though. “Why would I be scared?”

“I don’t know. Just checking.” He got a twinkle in his eye. That twinkle should have given me all the warning I needed, but it didn’t. I was wholly unprepared when his lips made contact with mine. They were warm and soft, and they moved perfectly against mine. I kissed him back, desperately wanting to know what his mouth tasted like, and if his tongue felt half as good as his lips.

Michel’s Review

The Hazard’s of Mistletoe by Alyssa Rose Ivy is a charming mature YA/ New Adult romance. This book captured the hopes and fears of young people falling in love for the first time. It also showed the importance of communication, honesty, and staying true to your heart.

The characters were easy to relate to and easy to understand. Their feelings for one another were clearly obvious from page one. They just needed a boost from friends and family to recognize their feelings. Once they do, they are getting more than mistletoe kisses, they are getting a love to last a lifetime.

The Hazard’s of Mistletoe is a charming holiday romance that is perfect to help you get into the holiday spirit.

Alyssa Rose Ivy Bio:

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.

Twitter ** Author Goodreads ** Pinterest ** Website ** THE HAZARDS OF MISTLETOE Goodreads ** Facebook

Holiday Review: The Navy Seal’s Christmas Bride by Cora Seton- Heroes of Chance Creek Series -Book 4

Posted on 12/09/2014 by shellbellereads

The Navy Seal’s Christmas Bride

A Holiday Romance

Heroes of Chance Creek Series – Book 4

Synopsis

It’s Christmas time at Crescent Hall, but don’t expect expect peace, harmony and goodwill among men. When Mason Hall and his wife, Regan, invite their friends to stay for the holidays, sparks fly in an epic battle of the sexes, military style!

Navy SEAL Dan Hemmins goes head to head with soldier Sarah Metlin to prove once and for all that woman can’t possibly qualify for an elite branch of the military, but when Sarah proves she’s not just one of the most qualified warriors he’s ever met, she’s also one of the smartest and sexiest, too, he’ll do whatever it takes to get close to her, even if he has to challenge her to another contest…or three…or five!

The Navy SEAL’s Christmas Bride is a Heroes of Chance Creek novella, and has also been featured in the SEALs of Winter box set.

Pre Order: Amazon

Also Available

Seals of Winter Boxed Set

Amazon

Michel’s Review

Want to spend the holidays with some very hot military men and military woman? Spend it with the Heroes of Chance Creek.

Dan Hemmins is retiring his Navy Seal career. He is hoping to start up a new business. He wants to build a camp where civilians can go and do some of the training exercises that Navy Seals and military special ops have to go through in order to serve. He is hoping to get some of his friends at Crescent Hall to come on board in this new endeavor. What a great way to spend the holidays, reconnecting with friends and finding a new team in civilian life. What he didn’t count on was Sarah Metlin. Sarah has the potential to become his partner in every way. That is if he can drop his caveman attitude and give Sarah the respect she has hard earned and deserves.

Sarah has served in the Army for years. She has trained hard and is disappointed that they will not allow women in the special forces. She has reached her limit as to be told what women can and can’t do. Maybe it’s time for a career change. Maybe it’s time for some life changes. When she goes to spend the holiday with her friends in Montana she meets another man that has that same kind of attitude. A Navy Seal that thinks he’s superior to a mere enlisted soldier. He has another thing coming. She is going to show him what a woman soldier can do.

The bets are on. It’s a battle of the sexes. It’s a battle of the different armed forces. Little do Dan and Sarah realize is that it is a battle of the heart. They are going to get the best Christmas gift of all. Love. That is if they can stop competing with one another.

I loved this book. It was fun and light hearted. Watching a woman show up the men was downright awesome. The chemistry between Dan and Sarah is so hot that it could melt one of the glaciers. Readers …you are in for a very special treat. Dan and Sarah are going to create their own little special ops task in the bedroom.

I highly recommend this book. I am going to read this entire series. I loved the characters and their own little family unit.

Author Bio:

USA Today and NYT Times bestselling author Cora Seton loves cowboys, country life, gardening, bike-riding, and lazing around with a good book. Mother of four, wife to a computer programmer/eco-farmer, she ditched her California lifestyle nine years ago and moved to a remote logging town in northwestern British Columbia.

Like the characters in her novels, Cora enjoys old-fashioned pursuits and modern technology, spending mornings transforming a one-acre lot into a paradise of orchards, berry bushes and market gardens, and afternoons writing the latest Chance Creek romance novel on her iPad mini.

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Review: Dirty Secret by Emma Hart – The Burke Brothers Series- Book 1

Posted on 12/08/2014 by shellbellereads

Dirty Secret

The Burke Brothers Series – Book 1

By Emma Hart

Synopsis

Conner Burke never expected Sofie Callahan to come back.

Where she’s been for the last two and half years is a mystery, and so is the reason she left in the first place. Now, though, she’s back in their hometown of Shelton Bay, South Carolina, at the same time Conner’s band Dirty B is home on a tour break.

Sofie Callahan has spent the months since her father’s death avoiding anything to do with her home town. But with her brother in Afghanistan, she has no choice but to return and sort out her father’s house, even if it means facing the boy she fell in love with and revealing the reason she left.

Conner has questions, and when his broken heart and her guilty one collide, Sofie has to start answering them. Their present is rocky, their future unknown. Only one thing is certain:

Sofie’s daughter will change everything.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Excerpt

That kid that could be mine.

I get up and let the empty bottle drop to the floor. The woods are eerily quiet, as if it can sense my anger. As if it knows the bitterness that lingers in my veins, as if it knows the burn of not knowing anything.

Like the woods, I’m left in the dark. Completely.

Branches and twigs crunch under my feet as I increase my pace to a gentle jog. And again, to a slow run. Then to a sprint.

The need to know increases with every footstep, as evenly paced as the ticking of the clock. It doesn’t matter that I’ve probably drunk too much beer to be here or that we’ve only been back for a matter of days.

I can’t be in this shithole full of memories without knowing. I can’t move on until I know. I can’t forgive her for a single fucking thing until I know—and even then, maybe I won’t be able to.

Maybe she’s unforgivable.

Instead of knocking on the back door like I did yesterday, I round the side of the house to the front door. The front room light glows softly through the curtains, but the rest of the house is dark.

My chest heaves with the exertion of my run here and I grab the doorframe to balance myself. I’m definitely too fucking drunk for this conversation, but what the hell.

I bang on the door, once, twice, again and again and again. “Sofie! Open the fuckin’ door!”

“Shut up!” she hisses, yanking it open. “The hell’re you doing here?”

I smirk, leaning against the wall. “Shouldn’t I be askin’ you that, princess?”

“Are you drunk?” Her voice rises a little at the end, and her eyes widen.

Those eyes. Fuck, those baby blues that have always undone me.

“Drunk? No. If I was drunk I’d be sitting at home like a miserable bastard and not here facing the cause of my misery.”

“You’re being an asshole. I don’t have to listen to this.”

She pushes on the door, but I wedge my foot in front of it. I let go of the wall and grab the edge of the door.

“Actually, you do.”

She can’t overpower me, and she knows it, because she lets up and the door swings open. “Why are you here, Conner?”

“You have a kid.”

She smacks her lips together. “Yep.”

“When? When did you have her?”

Sofie takes a deep breath in and presses her hands to her stomach. They’re shaking, even as she links her fingers to hide it. I can see that fucking tremble.

She whispers something but I’m too pre-occupied by her hands to hear it.

“What?”

“August last year,” she repeats, still a whisper.

August. Last year. My stomach clenches as I meet her eyes. “When? When in fuckin’ August, Sofie?”

“August fifteenth.” Her voice hitches halfway through the ‘fifteenth.’

Almost seven months to the day she walked out on me and the rest of Shelton Bay.

Adrenaline hums through my body, and I stare at her. At the tears building in her eyes, the quiver of her lips, the bob of her throat as she swallows harshly.

It’s no different from the burn in my chest, the twisting of my stomach.

“Is she mine?”

She shudders and a tear drips from her eye.

“Sofie. Is. She. Mine?!”

Michel’s Review

Wow! What a great start to a new series. The Burke Brothers Series has a little bit of every type of sub genre romance readers desperately crave. First and foremost, the series is about the four Burke Brothers and their family. Not only are these brothers sizzling hot, they are sizzling hot rockstars in the chart topping band Dirty B. They are the tattooed heart throbs every woman wants rocking their world. This series also has a small town romance feel to it. The Burke’s are from a small South Carolina coastal town that is still their home although they are big stars. They come home on every tour break to spend time with family and friends. The first book, Dirty Secret is a second chance romance. This book not only has the second chance romance it also has two very distinct genres blending together. Those genres would be New Adult and Erotic Romance. The passionate love scenes will leave the readers fanning themselves.

Dirty Secret featured the youngest brother and lead singer, Connor Burke. Sophie Callahan was Conner’s childhood sweetheart and once in a lifetime love. She walked away from him without an explanation or single clue as to why. They had the perfect relationship. His band was on the brink of making it big. Everything they had worked and sacrificed for was finally becoming a reality for them. So why would Sophie walk away when he is finally becoming a true success?

Sophie Callahan found out she was pregnant just as Conner’s band was about to make it big. She left Connor without a word. She never told him about the baby. She disappeared without a trace. Two years later she is back in the small town she grew up in. She is ready to face the music. She is ready for Conner to know his little girl. She knows her decisions are unforgivable. She doesn’t expect Conner to forgive her or repair their relationship. She knows she made mistakes and she owns the responsibility of her choices. She just wants Conner to be a part of Mila’s life. They need each other.

There are other reasons she left Conner. She will have to face n the truth she has been hiding from herself and Conner. Is it too late for them? She seems to think so. Conner has a different opinion.

They will have to deal with their past. The will have to deal with the fame. They will have to learn to be parents together. They will have to reach deep within their hearts to find out what is the most important thing for their daughter and themselves.

The chemistry between Conner and Sophie is steamy. They have a passion that will last until the end of time.

I loved all the characters in this book. I felt like I knew them personally. I can’t wait for the next book in the Burke Brothers Series.

Author Bio:

By day, New York Times and USA Today bestselling New Adult author Emma Hart dons a cape and calls herself Super Mum to two beautiful little monsters. By night, she drops the cape, pours a glass of whatever she fancies – usually wine – and writes books.

Emma is working on Top Secret projects she will share with her followers and fans at every available opportunity. Naturally, all Top Secret projects involve a dashingly hot guy who likes to forget to wear a shirt, a sprinkling (or several) of hold-onto-your-panties hot scenes, and a whole lotta love.

She likes to be busy – unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to be when all the ideas come to life.

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Holiday Review: Santa’s Secret by Serenity Woods

Posted on 12/08/2014 by shellbellereads

Santa’s Secret

A Holiday Romance

By Serenity Woods

Synopsis

Will the magic still be there when they wake on Christmas morning?
Having long since lost his Christmas spirit, Rudi comes to Santa’s Secret Village looking to sell the resort. His seven-year-old daughter already knows the truth about Santa, and neither of them is particularly in the mood for the festive season.

Practically a recluse since the death of her husband, Eva’s not looking for romance. Her trip to Santa’s Village is for the sole purpose of making Christmas more festive this year for her young son. But Eva brings an unexpected sparkle to Rudi and Isabel’s lives that renews their belief in the spirit of Christmas.

As the weather grows colder, things heat up between Rudi and Eva. But will the magic still be there when they wake on Christmas morning?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Santa’s Secret by Serenity Woods had all the holiday magic readers crave during the holiday season. This book captured the joys of Christmas, the innocence of a child’s heart, and the gift of love. It had an international theme that showcased some different holiday customs on the European Side.

Two single parents, two adorable children, two lonely hearts, one magical christmas village, and the magic of Christmas will warm your heart. We will watch the children teach their parents the wonders of Christmas. Two lonely people will find a love they thought they could never experience again. Four people will become a family on this very special holiday.

I loved everything about this holiday book. It was well written and flowed with ease. The love scenes were sizzling hot and the emotional scenes were well played. The characters captured the readers heart. It warmed my heart and make me feel the holiday magic.

Read Santa’s Secret for a special holiday experience.

Author Bio:

Serenity Woods writes contemporary romances with both heat and heart, often set in the sub-tropical Northland of New Zealand, where she lives.

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Play Me Series by Tracy Wolff-Review- Play Me Hard – Book 3

Posted on 12/08/2014 by shellbellereads

The Play Me Series

A Spin Off of the Ethan Frost Series

5 Novellas = 1 Sizzling Hot Romance

By Tracy Wolff

Play Me Hard – Book 3

No one ever said love is easy. In the third installment of an eBook original serial from the New York Times bestselling author of Ruined and Addicted, Aria and Sebastian discover that building trust might be harder than they ever imagined.

My name is Aria Winston. I’ve fought desperately to escape the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas. Now I’m on my own, in control of my own life and my own destiny . . . just the way I like it. Until Sebastian Caine changes everything.

Ever since taking Aria under his wing and into his seductive domain, Sebastian hasn’t been able to think straight. Their chemistry is intoxicating. Their power exchange is exhilarating. And the sex leaves them both absolutely exhausted. But if there’s one thing Sebastian does know, it’s that he needs to protect this strong yet vulnerable woman. Because she has depths that are unknown—even to her. Aria has worked hard to establish herself as anything but submissive. That isn’t who she is, or who she wants to be. So why does it feel so sweet to give up control . . . and so intense when Sebastian takes care of needs she doesn’t even realize she has? But he has needs of his own—and secrets that run just as dark and deep as Aria’s.

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

__________________________________________________________________________
The Play Me Series is a spin off of the Ethan Frost Series. This series features one of Ethan Frost’s best friends and his return to Las Vegas. There are 5 Books in this series and each is novella length. Each installment is sensual, breathtaking, addicting, and paced perfectly to keep the reader intrigued. Each installment ends on a major cliffhanger that leaves the reader wanting more. The final book does not end on a cliffhanger but leaves the reader anxious for the next Ethan Frost book. The characters from this series will be in the next Ethan Frost book and will be involved in Ethan’s mission to destroy his enemies.

The characters in this series are phenomenal. Their attraction and sexual chemistry is smoldering hot. Their erotic relationship will keep the readers fanning themselves. Their story is thrilling in so many ways. From their current lives, their secrets from the past, their steamy relationship, their smoldering sexual escapades, and complicated new directions , The Play Me series is addicting.

Each book in this series was released on December 2, 2014. Readers do not have to wait for the next book to come out. The pricing for each book is similar to other serial romances on todays market. The pricing for the series all together is equivalent to purchasing one book by one of the major publishing houses. It is well worth the price and I highly recommend this series.

Although this series is a spin off of the Ethan Frost series it can be read as a stand alone series.

_________________________________________________________________________

Play Me Hard is my favorite book in this series so far. This book picked up where the last book left off. Sebastian is doing what he was supposed to do after his and Aria’s erotic sexual combustion. He is taking care of Aria the way a Dom is supposed to. The way a man should treat a woman that has given him a precious gift.

This book made me fall in love with both Sebastian and Aria. We got a glimpse of their personalities, odd little quirks, and funky little habits that make them unique individuals. Rather than exploring their sexual attraction, they were taking the time to get to know one another. It was very endearing and made their characters more human.

Even though Sebastian and Aria are on somewhat good terms. We discover that Sebastian is hiding some secrets of his own. The revelation comes at Aria’s apartment building and leaves the readers antsy to find out what he is hiding. I guess we will have to read the next book to find out!

I am really enjoying the Play Me Series.

Author Bio:

Tracy Wolff collects books, English degrees and lipsticks and has been known to forget where—and sometimes who—she is when immersed in a great novel. At six she wrote her first short story—something with a rainbow and a prince—and at seven she forayed into the wonderful world of girls lit with her first Judy Blume novel. By ten she’d read everything in the young adult and classics sections of her local bookstore, so in desperation her mom started her on romance novels. And from the first page of the first book, Tracy knew she’d found her life-long love. Now an English professor at her local community college, she writes romances that run the gamut from contemporary to paranormal to erotic suspense.

And for all of those who want the unedited version:
Tracy Wolff lives with four men, teaches writing to local college students and spends as much time as she can manage immersed in worlds of her own creation. Married to the alpha hero of her dreams for twelve years, she is the mother of three young sons who spend most of their time trying to make her as crazy as possible.

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Spotlight + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: In His Shadows by Tiffany Snow

Posted on 12/07/2014 by shellbellereads

In His Shadow

The Tangled Ivy Trilogy- Book 1

By Tiffany Snow

Release Date: December 16, 2014

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Synopsis

Ivy Mason is hiding—from her past, from herself, and from anyone who could love her. The only kind of love she’s ever known hurts, leaving scars on her body and soul. Now, her world may be boring and predictable, but that’s exactly what she wants. Until Devon Clay walks into her life.

A lonely man in a deadly profession, Devon works as an agent for an underground British agency known only as the Shadow. Nothing about him is safe or ordinary. The danger that consumes his life turns into an addiction Ivy can’t resist…even if it proves fatal.

As Ivy’s past begins to catch up with her, she wonders if love really is the twisted thing she’s always thought it was. Maybe it could be more with this man, who’s shown her that she doesn’t need to protect herself from everyone. Is what she feels for Devon worth the risk? He may save her heart or break it, if she manages to stay alive.

Pre-Order

Guest Post: Getting To Know An International Man of Mystery by Tiffany Snow

Devon Clay, from my romance novel In His Shadow, is a British spy, and the only thing Ivy Mason knows about spies is what James Bond taught her. Ivy’s past gives her an acute ability to read people, and she can read from a mile away the danger emanating from Devon. She doesn’t like him, doesn’t want to get to know him, but Devon doesn’t give her much of a choice.

Ivy’s past has left her with issues no one’s been able to touch…until Devon. Perhaps it takes two damaged souls to recognize the other because he’s able to break through the barriers she’s built around herself.

At heart, Devon is a protector and a warrior, clothed in twenty-first century civility and sophistication. Attracted to Ivy because of her beauty, he becomes intrigued by who she is the more he learns about her. Add to it his innate desire to protect, and Ivy becomes someone his heart can’t resist, even though his head tells him their destiny is bound to be separate.

Secrecy is what keeps Devon alive. Experience has taught him that anyone he loves can become not only a liability, but being involved with him puts them in grave danger. Can he have both? A woman to love, but who he can also keep secret and safe?

Devon turns into an addiction, an obsession, for Ivy. The first man to really show her the depth of feeling and intimacy between a man and a woman, she can’t say no to him despite the multitude of reasons why she should. Could you give up the one thing that makes you feel alive? Neither can she. Is obsession love? Or is it ultimately a selfish emotion? Ivy finds out when circumstances force her to choose between betraying Devon, or sacrificing herself.

In the Tangled Ivy Trilogy, Ivy and Devon grow as characters as their relationship moves from lust, to sex, to obsession, and finally into love. But their love story comes at a price and the stakes for their happily ever after will affect millions.

Excerpt

“Come you need to rest.”

Taking my hand, Devon pulled me to my feet and led me down the hall to the bedroom. He flipped on the switch and a lamp illuminated the room. Although spacious, the huge bed dominated the space and my eyes were drawn inexorably to it.

“You can sleep in here,” he said. “I’ll take the sofa.” The way he said it, almost with a wry smile, had me glancing at him.

“You don’t have to give up your bed for me,” I protested. “I mean, it’s not like you’re a gentleman.” I didn’t know why I added the dig, maybe I wanted to push him and see how far he’d go.

But his lips only twisted further. “I can pretend as well as the next man,” he said.

Devon moved closer until we were nearly touching. I stood my ground though I wanted desperately to take a step back.

“What are you doing?” I asked, immediately hating the throaty sound in my voice.

Devon didn’t answer me. His gaze dropped to my mouth and my pulse leapt. Leaning down, his lips brushed mine in a feather-light touch. His lips were soft and warm, teasing gently and coaxing a response from me as his tongue swiped my bottom lip

It was electric and I moaned softly, opening my mouth so he could deepen the kiss. He tasted of strawberries, his tongue sliding along mine as his hand palmed the back of my head. Devon kissed me as though he had all the time in the world, until I was breathless and clutching his shoulders, my body pressed against his.

“You’re body was made for me, “ he murmured, his lips sliding along my jaw to leave my skin burning. “That’s why you’re not afraid. It knows me. It wants me between your legs, buried inside you.”

The words curled in my ear like the sweet, silky promise of a viper. I stiffened but before I could push him away again, Devon pulled back.

“Good night, sweet Ivy.” Then he was gone, the door closing softly behind him.

How the hell was I suppose to sleep after that?

Michel’s Review

It is no secret that I am a huge fan of the Romantic Suspense genre. I love the thrill of danger and suspense that place the hot alpha male hero and brave heroine in a world of peril. Tiffany Snow is a master of writing romantic suspense books. Her books are loaded with high octane action, page turning peril, and sizzling hot loves scenes that leave the readers hearts racing.

In His Shadow is the first book in the Tangled Ivy Trilogy. It was a page turner that I couldn’t put down. The first page gives the reader a sense of the dangerous undertones that Devon Clay possesses. It also gives the reader a strong sense of Ivy Mason’s sharp intelligence, quick sense, and a strong intuition of dangerous threats.

As the story begins to unfold Tiffany Snow keeps the reader guessing at why Ivy is being involved in the world to shadows that Devon rules. She is put in perilous situations. She witnesses several murders. She is attracted to man she knows nothing about. She is giving up her innocence and her instincts of self protection all for a man that only brings death and danger to her door. Little does she know is that she was involved before Devon even came on the scene. One innocent moment with a lonely old man placed her on the radar to a world of espionage and mass destruction.

The chemistry between Devon and Ivy is sizzling hot. Devon will make your panties melt off with his sexy English accent and mysterious persona. He brings Ivy to her knees with one look, one touch, and one suggestion. He is a man that knows his way around a woman’s body. When he seduces Ivy he is also seducing the reader.

Ivy is one of my favorite kind of heroines. She is intelligent and compassionate. She has a strong sense of self and does not let Devon walk all over her. She makes her own decisions and accepts the good with the bad. She has an ugly past that would scar anyone for life. She does not let the past rule her present. She has learned from all she endured and has become a strong woman.

In His Shadow kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the chemistry between Ivy and Devon. I loved the pacing of the story. I loved the intricate plot. The book had a satisfactory ending even though it was not the conclusion to Ivy and Devon’s story. It has me anticipating the next book.

I highly recommend In His Shadow by Tiffany Snow. It is a thrilling reading experience.

About Tiffany Snow

I love to stick with characters over a series of books when I read, which is the same way I write. My first series – THE KATHLEEN TURNER SERIES – includes five books, two companion novels, and features a love triangle. My new series, coming from Montlake Romance December 16, 2014, is the TANGLED IVY TRILOGY, beginning with IN HIS SHADOW.
As for me, I’ve been reading romance novels since I was way too young to read such things, have an unhealthy obsession for all things Doctor Who, prefer Pepsi to Coke and Absolut to both, think men who drink girly cocktails are wusses, have learned to never stop believing in my beloved St. Louis Cardinals, and can recite the entire scripts of When Harry Met Sally and Apollo 13. George Washington is cool, Bon Jovi still rocks the house, and Bruce Willis is the ultimate alpha-male hero. Most of all, romance never, ever gets old.

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Holiday Feature + Giveaway : Merry Christmas, Baby by Jill Shalvis and All I Want For Christmas Is You by Jessica Scott

Posted on 12/05/2014 by shellbellereads

Merry Christmas, Baby

By Jill Shalvis

A Lucky Harbor Holiday Novella -Book 12.5

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Synopsis

SEASON’S KISSES . . .
Wild child Chloe Thompson can’t believe how much things have changed. She still can’t get enough of her sexy husband Sawyer, but he seems to prefer working to impending fatherhood. So tonight, a very pregnant Chloe is escaping her troubles at the town Christmas party.

Sheriff Sawyer Thompson hopes surprising Chloe at the party will give him a chance to set things right. But as the snow begins to fall and the wind rages, he wonders whether he can make it back in time. While mother nature conspires to keep Sawyer and Chloe apart, an unexpected arrival will require them to kiss and make up . . . and ring in the happiest holiday Lucky Harbor has ever seen.

Tracey’s Review

Chloe Thompson knows that she’s been less than easy to live with lately, but, heck, being nine months pregnant should get a girl a pass, right? Then there’s the fact that things between her and her hunky husband Sawyer seems to be less loving than usual, and that he’s gone more than he’s around, making Chloe wonder how he really feels about the impending arrival of their ‘Bean.’

MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY was my first experience with reading one of Jill Shalvis’ books, and, so, my first introduction to Lucky Harbor. This was a novella, so was very short, but Jill was able to pack a lot of entertainment into it. I love a smalltown romance, and the folks of Lucky Harbor just make the homey feel more evident. Jill’s characters are great; all of them are so unique, with their own quirks and personalities, and, with snappy dialogue and a holiday theme, it was fun to see them interact with each other. My only wish is that I’d read the whole series first, so that I knew more about who everyone is, because I have a feeling that I’d have been in love with them, and with Lucky Harbor, long before now. I recommend this sweet, sexy, and sassy little holiday read for anyone. While it is not necessary to have read the other books first, I do suggest that it may not be a bad idea, but it is completely enjoyable either way.

All I Want For Christmas Is You

A Coming Home Holiday Novella – Book 5.5

By Jessica Scott

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / I Tunes

Synopsis

From USA Today Bestselling author Jessica Scott comes an all new novella about a woman who came back from war changed and the man who loves her enough not to let her go.

All Major Patrick MacLean wanted was Christmas with the woman and child who were his family in everything but name. But Captain Samantha Egan has come back from the war a different woman than the one who left – and she doesn’t know if she can love him anymore.

But neither of them counted on the determination of a little girl they both call daughter and if Natalie has her wish, her parents may have no idea what’s coming for them. It’s going to take Christmas miracle to bring these two wounded warriors back from the edge of a broken heart.

This story has been featured in Home For Christmas: A Holiday Duet with JoAnn Ross.

Michel’s Review

Wow! All I Want For Christmas by Jessica Scott packed a powerful punch! I cannot believe a novella could be this powerful and dig so deeply into my emotions. The story was beautifully written. Jessica Scott illustrated a very honest glimpse into the lives of those that serve in the Armed Forces. Their sense of “normal ” life is a completely different definition than most average Americans. They have chosen a career that serves and protects. Their jobs are 24/7. They sacrifice their personal and family lives to perform their jobs so that we can have peace in our own personal lives. There isn’t down time when deployed. There isn’t weekends off or nights to unwind. Their sense of normal changes completely, from sleeping arrangements or use of the facilities. It is not a resort vacation or an exclusive campground. It is a wartime arena that is dictated by their surroundings at every moment. Danger is a constant threat. Lives are lost, lives are broken, and lives are saved. No wonder is so difficult for the soldiers to return home and try to blend into our sense of “normal”.

All I Want For Christmas Is You is about a military career couple. They are not married but have been together for years. They have an eight year old daughter and a strong loving relationship. With both of them being in the military , they have deployed at different times so that one parent is always home with their daughter. Their last deployments have caused this couple to have a two year separation. Not only that, Samantha has returned home with some very serious PSTD issues. She is disconnected with the normal world, disconnected from those she loves, and emotionally numb. Rather than reaching out for help, she leaves with the intent of ending her relationship with Patrick.

Patrick is determined to save his family and save the woman he loves. He understands what she is dealing with. Through love, patience, complete honesty, insight into his own war experiences, and guidance in getting the right kind of help, Patrick will show Samantha that there is more to their “normal” life than she realizes. She is worth fixing.

The love they have for each other and the love for their daughter Natalie is all that matters.

This story was beautifully written and very emotional. It is the perfect holiday book that will validate and honor the lives we live. The men and woman have sacrificed their own personal lives to allow all of us to have Happy Holidays. They deserve them too!

Jessica Scott has once again wowed me with her writing and sensitivity to powerful issues.

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Play Me Series by Tracy Wolff – Review for Play Me Hot – Book 2

Posted on 12/05/2014 by shellbellereads

The Play Me Series

A Spin Off of the Ethan Frost Series

5 Novellas = 1 Sizzling Hot Romance

By Tracy Wolff

Play Me Hot – Book 2

Return to a world of secrets and desires. In the sultry second installment of an eBook original serial from the New York Times bestselling author of Ruined and Addicted, Aria and Sebastian turn up the heat. But will they get burned?

If getting tangled up with her new boss is wrong, Aria doesn’t want to be right. Powerful men usually have a way of thinking they can take whatever they want while giving nothing back, but Sebastian is different. He’s gentle with her body. Rough in all the right places. And hot enough to make Aria break every last rule she’s set for herself. But with her history, it’ll take more than mind-blowing sex to heal the pain deep inside . . . no matter how good Sebastian’s intentions are. She’s spent her entire life fighting for control of her own life, and no one’s going to take that from her. But the more time she spends in Sebastian’s world, the deeper she’s drawn into his sensual games.

Play Me is an erotic serial intended for mature audiences. Aria and Sebastian’s story continues in Play Me: Hard.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Although this series is a spin off of the Ethan Frost series it can be read as a stand alone series.

_________________________________________________________________________

Play Me Hot is the second book in the Play Me Series. Hot is not the right word to describe this book. It was BLAZING!

Play Me Wild finished on a cliffhanger. Sebastian and Aria have met for the first time in his office. He quickly recognized that she was like him. A person that had to be in control at all times. He admired her strength and willpower, but he also saw that she needed something else. He saw that she needed to learn the true meaning of control. He is a master Dom and has learned to that the true power and absolute contra is totally in the Sub’s hands. He wants to give her that power. But before he can properly lead her down that road, his attraction to her gets the best of him. He takes this attraction between them further than he intended. He lets his desire take control of him. Together they are explosive. Although Sebastian has control over her sexually, he does not have her mental submission. Their explosive sex was the best he has ever had but he let his duties fall by the wayside. He took Aria to her subspace but did not take the proper steps in bringing her back to a normal level. His loss of control and failure to do his duties puts Aria in a very bad way. Will he recognize his failure in time or will Aria fall apart on the job?

Sebastian is a determined man. He will take control. He will take Aria to the place she needs to be and he will rectify his mistakes. Play Me Hot ends on less of a cliffhanger but dangles enough teasers that the reader wants to get to Play Me Hard, Book 3.

I am hooked on the Play Me Series. I can’t wait to see where this story is going to lead.

Author Bio:

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

ARC Review: Idle Bloom by Jewel E. Ann

Posted on 12/05/2014 by shellbellereads

Idle Bloom

By Jewel E. Ann

Synopsis

“What lies beneath my veiled perfection is the ugly truth—my truth, my reality, my destiny.”

Vivian Graham has an acceptance letter into Harvard, a badass tattoo, loyal friends, ties to marijuana, a penchant for Dunkin’ Donuts, and her pesky V-card.

Everyday she takes the Red Line to her job at The Green Pot in Boston while her friends enter the coveted, black iron gates to higher learning. The ramifications from a tragic accident have put her life on hold while time marches on for everyone around her.

After graduating from Harvard Law, Boston native, Oliver Konrad, moves to Portland to start his career and his life. Three years later, after a horrific discovery, he returns home to trade in his three-piece suit for leather work boots and his suburban home for a condo in Cambridge.

All he brought back to the East Coast was an aversion to pillows and secrets he keeps hidden behind a mysterious locked door. Oliver’s days are predictable and his nights are lonely until he meets Vivian on the subway. Her long raven hair, green eyes, and mile-long legs are achingly sexy, but the way she “innocently” fingers and licks her Boston Kreme doughnut can only be described in two words—complete torture.

When their paths cross at every turn, laughter is abundant, friendship is easy, and love is unintentional. However, their future seems improbable.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Wow! Idle Bloom by Jewel E. Ann was a very pleasant surprise. I have never read any of her other books and she is a fairly new author. The synopsis of Idle Bloom sounded intriguing and I was looking forward to reading this book. Let me tell you this, Idle Bloom was outstanding! I love everything about this book!

Idle Bloom had a very unique story line. It was so unique that it is hard to determine what genre it should fall in. It had a mixture of new adult romance, contemporary romance, romantic comedy, and fictional drama. The book was so well written and flowed with ease. It captured my attention from the very first sentence until the very last word. It had the perfect blend of comedic scenes, sensual scenes, emotional scenes, and downright heart wrenching scenes. The characters were in a class by themselves. Their personalities were unique and endearing. The secondary characters were just as promising and gave the book a richer reading experience.

The dialogue was enchanting. It was creative,witty, fun, and made the characters come to life. I loved the snakiness, the sarcasm , and creative analogies.

Although this story was mostly upbeat there was also some very serious issues that molded these characters into the people they were. Their past experiences have broken their lives. They are both learning to live new lives and move on from the past the only way they possibly can manage. When they are together, they are truly inspirational for one another. The love they build is strong, supporting, and unconditional. Sometimes love isn’t the complete answer for healing. They will have to dig deep within their souls to find that answer.

Vivian and Oliver are complete opposites but fate throws them together one doughnut at a time. That one doughnut leads to an entertaining sexy relationship. That one doughnut gives them a second chance at finding the love of a lifetime. That one doughnut provides multiple orgasims in every place imaginable, including the doughnut shop. Boston Cremes have never been sexier. Most of all that one doughnut will lead them on a path to finding the peace within themselves. That one doughnut is going to go down in history as the greatest thing created by mankind. At least that is what Vivian and Oli declare.

Vivian and Oli have become one of my favorite couples. They grabbed my heart in so many ways and made me crave a trip to my favorite doughnut shop.

Idle Bloom by Jewel E. Ann is a must read book! It is an emotional rainbow! It’s better than your favorite doughnut!

Author Bio

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

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

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

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

Holiday Review: Second Chance Holiday by Aurora Rose Reynolds

Posted on 12/04/2014 by shellbellereads

Second Chance Holiday

By Aurora Rose Reynolds

Synopsis

Mike Rouger isn’t looking for love. He decided long ago that he would rather stay single than get mixed up with a woman again. Then Kathleen Mullings comes back into his life with her teenage son and changes everything. What happens when a man set in his ways meets a sassy woman who knows what she wants? Mix in the Mayson clan and the Christmas season and you’re sure to enjoy the ride of Second Chance Holiday.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Are you a fan of the Until Series by Aurora Rose Reynolds? She has given the readers a very special gift for the holidays. She gave us Mike Rouger’s story. Yes, November’s dad is finally going to meet his match and settle down.

Mike has been a die hard bachelor since November’s mother left him when November was a baby. Being the owner of a strip bar would give the impression that Mike is a player and doesn’t value committed relationships. That is quite the opposite of the kind of man he really is. He is a man of honor. A man with strong family values. He is a man that has earned respect and given respect to all those who cross his path. He takes his business seriously and treats his help with the utmost respect. He is also a very lonely man. He lives his life quietly. He spends his time with his daughter and his precious granddaughters. Who would think that a man pushing his mid forties would find love and happiness. Who would think that he would be gifted with another chance to have the family he always wanted? Who would think that he would become a father figure to a very troubled teenage boy. But there’s more, Mike was granted the ultimate Christmas gift. He has been given a Christmas miracle.

When Kathleen Mullings runs into her high school crush after twenty years she is still in awe of the man he has become. He is just as attractive and tempting as he was in high school. She has moved back to Tennessee after a failed marriage. She never imagined she would want to be in another relationship. She has a troubled teenage son that needs direction and guidance toward the right paths in life. He is the reason she returned home. Can she get involved in a relationship with Mike? Will he accept her son? Or will they be casual plus ones?

Mike and Kathleen are in for some big surprises. They have been given a second chance and they are both determined to make the most of it. They will be given a Christmas Miracle that will give the Rouger / Mayson clan joy for many years.

I highly recommend this Christmas novella. It is the perfect holiday romance that will warm your days and make them brighter. This novella can be read as a stand alone book or in series order.

About Aurora Rose Reynolds

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

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Category Archives: Michel

Holiday Review: The Hazard’s of Mistletoe by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Holiday Review: The Navy Seal’s Christmas Bride by Cora Seton- Heroes of Chance Creek Series -Book 4

Review: Dirty Secret by Emma Hart – The Burke Brothers Series- Book 1

Holiday Review: Santa’s Secret by Serenity Woods

Play Me Series by Tracy Wolff-Review- Play Me Hard – Book 3

Spotlight + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: In His Shadows by Tiffany Snow

Holiday Feature + Giveaway : Merry Christmas, Baby by Jill Shalvis and All I Want For Christmas Is You by Jessica Scott

Play Me Series by Tracy Wolff – Review for Play Me Hot – Book 2

ARC Review: Idle Bloom by Jewel E. Ann

Holiday Review: Second Chance Holiday by Aurora Rose Reynolds

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

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