Play Me Series by Tracy Wolff- Review for Play Me Wild- Book 1

Posted on 12/03/2014 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 Wild – Book 1

In the seductive first installment of an eBook original serial from the New York Times bestselling author of Ruined and Addicted, a woman running from her past has finally found a bit of control . . . until her powerful new boss makes her go wild.

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.

Working as a cocktail waitress at one of Vegas’s hottest five-star casinos means putting up with a ton of bad behavior from the big spenders. But it pays the bills—and that’s all that matters to Aria, who needs every last dollar to escape from her father’s destructive grasp and the brutal man he expects her to marry. But when she lashes out against a billionaire who won’t take no for an answer, she nearly loses everything—until Sebastian steps in. The owner’s son and handpicked successor, Sebastian is dark, sexy, and kinder than any rich man should be. And when he apologizes and offers to keep her job safe, Aria can’t help the way her body reacts to his. Suddenly her job, and the security it brings her, isn’t the only thing Aria wants.

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

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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.

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In Play Me Wild the reader gets an introduction to the characters and their lives. It sets the pace for the entire series.

Aria Winston is a strong woman. She is independent and never asks for help. She accepts her strengths and weaknesses. She is also hiding a very startling secret. But it is her secret to harbor. She is working as a cocktail waitress in one of the most popular hotel casinos in Vegas. She has moved up to serving the elite high rollers, otherwise known as the whales. She does her job well but when one customer gets out of hand it brings her to the attention of her boss, Sebastian Caine.

Sebastian Caine has returned to Vegas to take over his fathers hotel casino. He left Vegas ten years earlier determined to never return. His father has had a series of strokes and needs someone to step in and run the business he has been running into the ground. This is the last place Sebastian wants to be but also understands that this is his legacy. When a waitress is fired and the disgruntled customer wants restitution, Sebastian has to step in. When he views the actual occurrence on the video feed , he is appalled. He is appalled that these high roller men treat his waitresses with disrespect and disregard. He is also fascinated with the waitress that is involved in the situation.

When Sebastian and Aria meet face to face their attraction to one another is smoldering. Sebastian recognizes a kindred spirit. He also recognizes a need that Aria has that only he can show her how to fulfill. What happens in that meeting will leave the reader breathless. It ends on a cliffhanger that leaves the reader rushing to download the next installment in the 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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ARC Review: Full Throttle by Julie Ann Walker- Black Knights, Inc. Series- Book 7

Posted on 12/02/2014 by shellbellereads

Full Throttle

Black Knight, Inc. Series- Book 7

By Julie Ann Walker

Synopsis

She Needs a Hero…

Abby Thompson didn’t sign up to be the daughter of the President of the United States. The position was forced on her by the small matter of her birth. Preferring a quiet life of study, she’s content to leave the politics and the international intrigue to her father. Unfortunately, the most powerful man on the planet is sure to make enemies. When a group of armed thugs takes her hostage half a world away, demanding the U.S. government release prisoners in exchange for her safe return, she fears her father’s policy of “not negotiating with terrorists” means she’ll never see the shores of the Potomac again. Luckily, there’s one glimmer of hope. His name is Carlos Soto. And though she abruptly ended things with him years ago, she knows now he’s the only man who can save her…

Black Knights, Inc. to the Rescue…

Carlos “Steady” Soto has taken part in his fair share of dangerous missions working at the covert government defense firm of Black Knights Inc. But nothing prepared him for the emotional rollercoaster he faces when he’s tasked with rescuing the only woman he ever loved—who also broke his heart. Racing against time and outmaneuvering a group of trained terrorists will take everything he’s got. Plus there’s the heat simmering between them which is threatening to ignite into an inferno. While ruthless enemies stalk them, they must learn to trust each other again. Even if they do make it out alive, will Abby turn her back on him…for the second time?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tina’s Review

*** ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ***

Abby Thompson was the youngest daughter of the POTUS front-runner eight years ago and a student at Georgetown, studying pre-med when an explosion on campus rocked everything and everyone near to her and subsequently she ended up having to give up pre-med and took up botany instead. Currently, as the President’s daughter, she is protected more heavily than even before, especially when she leaves the country and there’s inconclusive buzz and murmurs of kidnapping one of the President’s daughters.
Carlos “Steady ” Sotos was studying to become a General Surgeon in college, claiming he enjoyed the thrill and challenge of not knowing what would come through the ER doors next. But, that was then… before that tragic day eight years ago. After that day, he signed up and joined the military. Now he’s a member of Black Knights, Inc., a covert government defense firm that operates under the cover of being a custom motorcycle shop, and finds himself on Abby’s supplemental BKI security detail in Malaysia.

As a fan of Ms. Walker’s BKI series, I was very grateful and appreciative to have been approved to receive an ARC of this book. My fandom will not reflect in the ratings or review, as you will see.
The Prologue starts you out eight years ago when Abby was in college with Carlos and his twin, Rosa, all of which were studying medicine in one form or another. Then, tragedy strikes and forever changes their lives. Chapter One flashes you forward to present day. Carlos is, hands-down, front and center from page one. He is an extremely Hot Alpha Male. Muy Caliente! I feel that most of the focus of the book was on him, overshadowing Abby. I could not connect with her as much as I’d have liked to. The secondary characters, both good and bad, were very well-written. I had to wonder if, in Ms. Walker’s extensive travels, she’d ever been to Malaysia. The descriptions of the sights and sounds transported me to that Hotel with them. Perfectly executed. There’s a secondary relationship building between Dan and Penni that I am guessing we’ll see further develop in a later book. The plot itself was excellent, I really enjoyed the story line. It was a silky, smooth read with great character interaction and dialogue. There was a lot of conflict that carried on throughout the entire book that was not fully confronted and resolved until the very end. There was very little predictability. The conclusion felt a bit rough; it seemed rushed and there were questions left. Where do they go from here, with her in D.C. and him in Chicago? If it would have had an Epilogue with a more solid ending, this would have definitely been a five-star book. As is, it was VERY close.

Michel’s Review

I am a huge fan of the Black Knights, Inc. series by Julie Ann Walker. This is one of the best romantic suspense series out there. Add the biker element and special ops background to the characters of this series to make the formula even more enticing.

Full Throttle is the seventh book in the series. It was a steamy and suspenseful book. The characters captured the readers attention. Carlos Soto is one hot alpha man that had me swooning. Abby was a strong woman with a personality that made readers empathize with her. The plot, the use of words, the flow of the story, and suspenseful plot were masterfully executed.

I highly recommend reading Full Throttle. It can be read as a stand alone book or in series order.

Author Bio:

Julie Ann Walker is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of award-winning romantic suspense. She has won the Book Buyers Best Award, been nominated for the National Readers Choice Award, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award. Her latest release was named a Top Ten Romance of 2014 by Booklist. Her books have been described as “alpha, edgy, and downright hot.” Most days you can find her on her bicycle along the lake shore in Chicago or blasting away at her keyboard, trying to wrangle her capricious imagination into submission.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Day Blitz + Review: You Were Mine by Abbi Glines- Rosemary Beach Series- Book 9

Posted on 12/02/2014 by shellbellereads

You Were Mine

Rosemary Beach Series- Book 9

By Abbi Glines

Synopsis

Gossip is the ultimate currency in Rosemary Beach, but Bethy and Tripp have managed to keep one big secret to themselves.

Eight years ago, Tripp Newark was dating a rich girl he didn’t like and was on his way to Yale—and a future he didn’t want. The only way he could escape his predictable life would be to give up the money and power that came with his family’s name. And that’s exactly what he planned to do. At the end of the summer, he was going to ride off on his Harley and never look back.

That was before he met Beth Lowry.

It was only supposed to be a summer fling. She was a sixteen-year-old trailer-park girl who served drinks to his friends at Kerrington Country Club. They didn’t run in the same social circles. No one even knew they were friends, let alone lovers. Yet, for one summer, Bethy became his entire world.

But he couldn’t give up on his plan. He needed to leave Rosemary Beach, but he vowed he would come back for her.

Problem was, by the time he came back—years later than promised—it was too late. His cousin, Jace, had already claimed the woman he loved. . . .

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Fans of the Rosemary Beach series have been biting at the bits for If You Were Mine to release. It was well worth the wait and I know readers are going to be thrilled with this book.

From the very beginning of the Rosemary Beach series, Bethy Lowry has been a very prominent character throughout the series. She is the happy go lucky, party girl, that works at the Kerrington Country Club. She has befriended the staff members, become a part of the elite crowd, and proved her loyalty to all those she loves. Her outgoing personality has captivated the readers. We have watched her go from a wild girl to a mature young woman madly in love with one of the golden members, Jace Newark. Her relationship with Jace went from carefree hookups to a serious committed relationship. They were very happy until Tripp Newark, Jace’s cousin came back to Rosemary Beach. Bethy’s behavior begins to spiral out of control. She is reverting back to her irresponsible ways and her drinking is out of control. When tragedy strikes and Jace loses his life trying to save Bethy’s life it sends her into a very dark place. She has lost the love of her life and feels responsible. She feels like she betrayed Jace and her friends. She has withdrawn from life and seperated herself from her friends. She doesn’t feel like she deserves their friendship. She doesn’t feel she deserves love or redemption from her mistakes. She is haunted by the past and has condemned herself to being it’s prisoner. What caused her behavior to spiral out of control? What secrets was she hiding. Only Tripp Newark knows. Now he is back in Rosemary Beach and determined to make Bethy whole once again.

Tripp Newark was a golden son of the Rosemary Beach elite. He had the perfect future planned out by his family. His wealth, prestigous family, education, and social standings guaranteed he would live the golden life. But those were not his dreams, they were expectations that he could not live up to. Eight years ago he had to choose between his family and his dreams for the future. The one thing he didn’t count on was meeting a girl that would capture his heart completely. When he made his decision to leave Rosemary Beach behind, he had to leave the love of his life. The damage and scars he left behind are beyond repair.

Tripp returned to Rosemary Beach to find the one woman he has always loved is engaged to his cousin. To make matters worse his cousin loses his life trying to save that girl. Tripp wants Bethy to heal and come back to the world of living. It doesn’t matter that she no longer loves him. He just wants her to be a whole person again.

As Tripp and Bethy’s past is revealed and a hidden secrets are unraveled, they will both be shattered. They will also find their way back to one another. They will find that love never really dies. Love comes in many different forms. They will find there is room in their hearts for love once again.

This time around Tripp is going to do everything right. This time around Bethy is going to forgive herself and learn her self worth. This time around they are going to do things the right way. This time around is forever.

The Rosemary Beach series has been building up to this moment, this couple, and their secrets. The big revelation at the end of the previous books left readers dying to know the whole story. This book was emotional and grabbed my heart in so many ways. It was the perfect story for these two charismatic characters.

The readers will get more of all the beloved characters from this series. They will see our favorite little ones growing into charming little people. They will see the Rock God Grandpa wrapped around a toddlers finger and loving every moment. They will see Grant flourish with fatherhood. They will get to know Thad a little better. Best of all, they will get to witness the wedding vows between Della and Woods. The one thing that was glorious in all this was that “Nasty Nan” was completely absent from this book. We didn’t have to deal her rotten attitude. We got to see all our beloved characters from Rosemary Beach have a wonderful time without her spoiling the moment.

I absolutely love the Rosemary Beach series. I cannot wait for the next book. I think Abbi Glines has some great surprises for fans of this series.

I highly recommend If You Were Mine. If you have not read the Rosemary Beach series, don’t put it off. It is a guaranteed fantastic reading experience.

Author Bio:

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

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

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz + Review: Elect by Rachel Van Dyken- Eagle Elite Series- Book 2

Posted on 12/02/2014 by shellbellereads

Elect

Eagle Elite Series – Book 2

By Rachel Van Dyken

Synopsis

Would you die for the one you love?
Nixon Abandonato made his choice. And now he has to pay the price. Tracey is the love of his life, but being with him has made her a target of his family’s enemies. The only way to keep Trace alive is convince the world she means nothing to him.

Trace Rooks has fallen irrevocably in love with the son of her family’s sworn rival, and she knows in her bones nothing can tear them apart. Until Nix suddenly pushes her away and into the arms of his best friend… But Trace isn’t ready to give up on a future with Nix–and if he won’t fight for them, she will.
In the end, a sacrifice must be made. A life for a life. For what better way to cover a multitude of sins than with the blood of a sinner . . .

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Excerpt

“Let’s make a pact.” Chase put his hand on my shoulder.

“A pact?” I sniffled and turned to him. “What kind of pact?”

“One that’s forever. One that protects people rather than hurts them.”

“How do we do that?” I was suddenly interested. What if I could make all the hurt go away? What if I could save everyone!

“We do this.” Chase pulled out his pocketknife and cut open his hand, then nodded to me to do the same thing. Without pausing I cut open my hand and handed back the knife. “Blood brothers. We’re never gonna hurt each other and we’re gonna save those like your ma, Nixon. Ones who can’t save themselves. We’re going to protect them.”

“How?” I watched as the blood dripped from my open palm.

“Rules.” Chase shrugged. “They keep people safe, right? At least that’s what my mom says.” He smiled. “We make rules and we start our own club. That way, we don’t have to listen to anyone but us.”

I liked it. I chewed on my lower lip. “What do we call ourselves?”

“The chosen?” Chase offered.

“No, that sounds lame. We have to sound… more powerful than that.”

My eyes flickered to the road, and a sign poked into the ground. It said election. “Elect.” I pointed. “Let’s call ourselves The Elect.” It made sense; after all, the president was elected, wasn’t he? We weren’t exactly chosen, but we were making the choice, we were electing ourselves protectors. That’s what we were.

“Who else can join?” Chase asked.

“Tex and Phoenix. They’ll want to.” A weight suddenly felt like it was being lifted off my twelve-year-old shoulders. “Should we shake on it?”

“Yeah.” Chase smashed his hand against mine as our blood mixed. “No going back, Nixon.”

“No.” I shook my head. “No going back.”

I pressed my fingers to my temples and watched, replaying that moment over and over again in my head as the outline of Chase and Tracey flickered in the moonlight. Would he really do this to me? After all the shit we’d been through?

I gauged her reaction, hoping that I would be wrong. Praying to God that Trace would just this once listen to me. Her eyes flickered with interest for a few brief seconds before she looked down at the ground.

“Shit.” I waited in the shadows. A part of me knew this would happen. The part that told me to damn my feelings to hell and ignore all the warning signs that I’d been seeing. But now it seemed like it was too late. I stayed, planted where I was, watching, waiting.

“Chase, you can’t…” Trace shook her head. “You can’t be like this. We can’t do this!”

“We aren’t doing anything,” Chase said in low tones, reaching for Trace’s hand. “Don’t you?” He looked directly at me, although all he saw was a shadow. I knew I was well hidden. “Don’t you feel the same way?”

Trace jerked her hand away from Chase’s. “It doesn’t matter what I feel. It’s not about me, Chase.”

“But it is.” Chase reached for her again. This time her hand grasped his in such an intimate embrace I thought I was going to vomit all over the ground. The outside air was cold as hell as little pieces of ice tried to find their way into my wool coat.

“It isn’t.” Trace sighed. “It never was.”

Chase jerked her toward him. She fell against his chest and looked up into his eyes. “What are you doing?”

Chase sighed. “What I should have done a long time ago.” He grabbed the back of her head and pulled her in for a kiss. Their lips touched.

I had to look away.

The only sound in the night was that of my soft footsteps as I walked away… leaving my heart in broken pieces where I’d last stood. She was lost to me; it wasn’t even the Sicilians that had taken her, but my best friend.

A gunshot rang out loud and clear in the night air. I turned back around just in time to see Trace collapse into Chase’s arms.

Michel’s Review

The Eagle Elite series by Rachel Van Dyken is one of the most intense and riveting series I have read. This series portrays the life in the Mafia hierarchy. The new generation is taking over. They are determined to carry on the family legacy but also change the way things are done. It is their time to rule. Their legacy is about Family. Family always comes first no matter what. This new generation will pay the costs, sacrifice their own happiness, and turn their backs on the possibility of that once in a lifetime love. Family comes first.

Elect is the sequel to Elite. It is not a stand alone novel. I can guarantee once you have read Elite you will be opening Elect to find out what happens next. This intense story of Nixon Abandonato’s rise to power. He has taken over the Abandonato’s leadership over the five families. He has inherited his father’s enemies. He has made enemies of his own. He has fallen in love with his family’s number one rival. The granddaughter on one of the most powerful families.

Nixon inherited an old family rivalry that somehow does not add up. He has fallen in love with the enemy’s golden princess, Tracey Rooks. The corruption and struggle for power among the families has made Tracey a target. He will have to sacrifice their relationship to appease his enemies and keep her safe. He willingly hands her over to his most trusted confidant, his best friend and cousin. He trusts Chase Winters to keep Tracey safe and take care of her as he would. He wants him to pretend to be in a romantic relationship with her. He purposely pushes Tracey into Chase’s arms.

Chase Winters has been secretly in love with Tracey since the moment he met her. When Nixon hands her over on a silver platter he tries to honor Nixon’s feelings. Chase has always made sacrifices for his family. He has always been second in the family. Now that he has Tracey in his care, he may take this opportunity to finally be the one who comes first. He may betray the man he loves like a brother for the woman that makes him feel alive.

Nixon plans to get to the bottom of this treachery and punish his enemies. It may cost him his life. It has already cost him the woman he loves. It’s the price he will have to pay because family comes first. He will destroy his enemies but he may make some new ones in the process. He may lose his most trusted friend. He may lose the woman he loves. He may have to kill them both.

Elect is steamy, heart wrenching, and intense. It keeps the reader’s on the edge of their seats. The Eagle Elite series is one of my all time favorite series. How can one not like men who have guns with their Wheaties, women that can throw a knife as fast as they can find a sale in Nordstroms, and love with an intensity that is just as gentle as it is fierce ? This series is hot and I highly recommend these books.

EAGLE ELITE SERIES

Elite

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Elect

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Entice

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Elicit

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Bang Bang

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

About Rachel Van Dyken:

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 and their snoring Boxer, Sir Winston Churchill. She loves to hear from readers! You can follow her writing journey at www.rachelvandykenauthor.com

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Holiday Review: Cowboys For Christmas by Liz Talley, Kim Law, and Terri Osburn

Posted on 12/01/2014 by shellbellereads

Cowboys For Christmas

A Holiday Romance Anthology

By Liz Talley, Terri Osburn, Kim Law

Synopsis

3 cowboys…2 weeks…1 wedding!
Three all-new stories by Kim Law, Terri Osburn, and Liz Talley
Claire, Georgia, and Mary Catherine couldn’t be more different, but they promised they would be there for one another no matter what. And when they all gather in Holly Hills, Texas, for Mary Catherine’s Christmas wedding, they’ll find they have one thing in common: hearts that are about to be branded—by unforgettable cowboys.
In “Love Me, Cowboy” by Terri Osburn, wallflower Claire would be more excited about the wedding if it didn’t mean running into Mary Catherine’s brother—the bull rider she once had a scorching one-night stand with…
Ivy League volleyball coach Georgia never wanted to see Holly Hills—or another cowboy—again. But a sexy veterinarian is making her rethink her vow to never marry a Texas man in “Kiss Me, Cowboy” by Liz Talley.
Claire and Georgia both think that Mary Catherine is getting hitched to the wrong man, despite how perfect he is. And in “Marry Me, Cowboy” by Kim Law, a local rancher with a wild reputation gives Mary Catherine a glimpse of what might have been—and what could still be…

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Cowboys For Christmas was a fantastic anthology. The authors did a wonderful job of tying their individual story with those of the other authors. The plotting was precise throughout the three stories. The individual plots of each story focused on one of the leading female characters and their personal trials and tribulations. Each of these stories not only gave the readers insight to their individual leading character but also stayed very true to other characters and the personalities the other co authors created. Throughout each book there are some of the same scenes, with the same tone, but delivered from their characters perspective of that moment. The flow of each story was in perfect timing with the other two stories and made the overall story seem effortless. To deliver this kind of book with three different stories, the same characters, and the same overall plot takes a lot of work and collaboration between the authors. This was done with supreme care and made this anthology an excellent read.

We meet three women that have been friends since childhood. They grew up in Holly Hills, Texas. Holly Hills, Texas is a small ranching community that is basically defined by two prominent families. The Holly Family and the Campbell Family.

Love Me, Cowboy by Terri Osburn

Claire Campbell was the fat girl that was ruled by her mother’s commands. Her mother cared more about the family’s social status and position in Holly Hills. Claire was always insecure and fed her emotions. Now at twenty eight, she has returned to Holly Hills to teach elementary school. She is no longer the “fat” girl and “weak” girl that her mother once controlled. She has started to develop a backbone. The one thing that haunts her from her past is Tyler Holly. Tyler Holly is the younger brother of her best friend and the one boy she always had a crush on. A high school one night stand that didn’t turn out so well has always haunted her.

Tyler has returned to Holly Hills as well after a serious rodeo injury. He is looking to recuperate and get back on the rodeo circuit. With his sister’s upcoming wedding, he is bound to run into the one woman that could hold him in Holly Hills. Claire Campbell has always been the girl his heart has wanted.

Can these two find happiness together with their futures going in different directions?

Kiss Me, Cowboy by Liz Talley

Georgia Hightower left Holly Hills, Texas as soon as she could. She was the poor trailer trash of the community. The only people that saw the girl that hid beneath the surface were her best friends, Claire Campbell and Mary Catherine Holly. She vowed to never return to Holly Hills unless she was successful and had money to prove her self worth.

She is dreading returning to Holly Hills. She is dreading attending Mary Catherine’s wedding. She feels Mary Catherine is selling herself short. But because she is a loyal friend she returns to the one place that has horrible memories for her. Not only is she dreading the return to Holly Hills, she is also dealing with some problems in her life she has established in Boston.

When she meets Reed McCormick, the new vet in town, Holly Hills doesn’t look so bad. She will see the town through new eyes and come to appreciate everything the sexy vet can show her.

As her problems come to a head in Boston, she will have to choose a lonely successful life or a life filled with love in Holly Hills? Is Reed McCormick enough to make Georgia stay in Holly Hills.

Marry Me, Cowboy by Kim Law

Mary Catherine Holly has come home to Holly Hills to get married on Christmas Eve. She is marrying the town’s golden boy who is now a successful doctor in Dallas. The two were high school sweethearts until Mary Catherine exhibited an independent wild streak.

Her wild streak included dating a boy from the wrong side of town. Jax Tipton was the very definition of trouble and wild. The two had a wild teenage affair that ended badly.

Now she is a mature adult woman. She has a successful career and good social standing in the community. She would prefer to be married in Dallas but because of her family’s social status in Holly Hills she is getting married there.

Her step mother is planning the entire wedding. The wedding must be perfect and meet the expectations of their social status. Mary Catherine is fine with her step mother taking over all the wedding planning. She is fine with someone else choosing her dress, choosing her bridesmaid dresses, and choosing the venue. She just wants to get the wedding over with and get out of town before she runs into Jax Tipton.

Betweem the bridezilla step monster and a sexy boyfriend from the past, Mary Catherine’s world is spiraling out of control. Her friends know she isn’t happy. Jax Tipton knows she isn’t happy. Will Mary Catherine recognize it before it’s too late? Is Jax the man that can put a smile back on her face?

I absolutely loved this anthology. I would of given this book a 5 Star Rating but there was one thing that held me back. This book was supposed to be a Holiday Romance. It was not. There was very little mention of the holidays. The few scenes that revolved around some kind of holiday event where more focused on the upcoming wedding rather than the upcoming holiday. I never felt the holiday spirit. This book focused more on the wedding theme rather than the holiday theme. This was a great disappointment to me.

I would highly recommend Cowboys For Christmas. It is well written, highly entertaining, and loaded with small town romance.

About the Authors:

Terri Osburn is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Anchor Island series. She makes her home along the coast of Virginia with an eye-rolling teenager, three fat tabbies, and a hyper yorkiepoo.
Liz Talley is a former English teacher who lives in North Louisiana with her high school sweetheart, two rough and tumble boys, and a gaggle of pets.
RITA-nominated and Golden Heart winner Kim Law is a former computer programmer, now spending her days writing happily ever afters. A native of Kentucky, she lives with her husband and a passel of animals in Middle Tennessee.

Release Blitz + Giveaway +Review: Trashed by Jasinda Wilder – A Stripped World Novel- Book 2

Posted on 12/01/2014 by shellbellereads

Trashed

A Stripped World Novel- Book 2

By Jasinda Wilder

Synopsis

I’m nobody. I’m an orphan. A janitor. A college student. A virgin.
And him? He’s a god. One of the hottest action stars to ever grace the silver screen, huge and muscular and gorgeous and famous. He could have anyone in the world.
Yet, despite the chasm separating my world from his, I find myself in his hotel room, and he’s acting like I’m the most beautiful girl in the world. I’m not. He’s everything every woman could ever want, and I’m just…me.

***

She doesn’t know how sexy she is, and that’s it’s own kind of beauty. But for real, she’s gorgeous. I’ve met some of the hottest women in Hollywood, and none of them can hold a candle to this girl. I want her. And the fact that she’s closed off and impossible to figure out only makes the pursuit that much more intriguing.
The last thing I expect is for one night of pleasure to turn into something I’m unable to forget, even after she’s gone her way and I’ve gone mine. I can’t forget her, no matter how I try. And the next time we run into each other, I know there’s no way I can let her go again. No matter what it takes.
***This is a full length, stand-alone contemporary romance, set in the world of STRIPPED***

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Kelley’s Review

I abosultely adored this modern day Cinderella story! This is an amazing HEA for you HEA junkies. Sometimes you just need a feel good story and Jasinda delivers with a hot hollywood hunk and trash collecting former foster child. She once again keeps her characters true to who they are. Destiny Ross has not had an easy life. She was tossed around in the foster care system in Detroit until she was old enough to stand on her own. Some places she lived were good and others were not. She has learned that you have to put up walls in order to survive and is not interested in letting them down for anyone. Torrence Adam Trenton is a hollywood action star. He is on Mackinac Island for a special red carpet event and finds himself bored out of his mind on a tour bus until he sees Destiny on the side of the road picking up trash. He is mesmorised by her beauty and before he can think he is jumping off the bus and heading towards her.

I love how Jasinda makes Adam a very down to earth character true to his roots. He puts on a persona for the cameras and does an excellent job catering to his fans. Seeing Destiny and Adam come together is pure magic. She is so closed off but Adam will do anything he can to break down her walls. Their chemistry is purely erotic. Yes this book has a lot of hot sex in it and Jasinda is the queen of smutty sex scenes. She will have readers crossing their legs and looking for BOB for relief. Jasinda has a talent for making us all believe in fairytales with this one.

Michel’s Review

Trashed is another Hollywood Romance smash hit. It is a light hearted and supremely sexy romance. It was a highly entertaining book that left the reader with a gooey & tingly feeling.

The characters, Adam and Des, are absolutely charming. Adam may be a big Hollywood Action Star, but he is down to earth. His fame has not ruined him. He is good about managing his life as a star. When he sees Des, it is love at first sight. He will do anything to get to know her. He does not expect her to meet his celebrity life style. He just wants her love.

Des, has had a rough life. She was in the foster care system and has never had anyone to call her own. She has quite a few issues and recognizes the fact that she does. She is not in any way allowing her issues to hold her back from having a happy and successful life. When she meets Adam, she is not star struck. She treats Adam as a regular guy. When a celebrity fundraiser puts her in the spotlight, she will have to decide if she can handle that life style.

Both Adam and Des will have to go through some trying moments and a separation before they find that their destinies are tied together.

I loved that Adam stayed true and consistent throughout this book. I loved watching Des expand her world. I loved how she accepted her weaknesses and was willing to overcome them with work.

Everything about Trashed fantastic. It was a charming story that didn’t weigh the reader down with angst and emotional duress. It is the perfect book to read when you need something to warm your heart and a lighten your world. It is guaranteed to make you smile.

I highly recommend Trashed.

About Jasinda Wilder

NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, WALL STREET JOURNAL and international bestselling author Jasinda Wilder is a Michigan native with a penchant for titillating tales about sexy men and strong women. Her bestselling titles include ALPHA, STRIPPED, WOUNDED, and the #1 Amazon and international bestseller FALLING INTO YOU. You can find her on her farm in Northern Michigan with her husband, author Jack Wilder, her five children and menagerie of animals.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway
A Pink Kindle
Signed Paperback copies of Stripped and Trashed

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ARC Review: Ryley’s Revenge by L. P. Dover – Gloves Off Series- Book 4

Posted on 11/30/2014 by shellbellereads

Ryley’s Revenge

Gloves Off Series- Book 4

Release Date: December 1, 2014

By L. P. Dover

Synopsis

UFC Middleweight fighter, Ryley Jameson, swore it would never happen again. He was done with his ex, and over the pain she’d inflicted when she left him. At least, that’s what he tells people. Maybe if he says it enough, he’ll begin to believe it himself.

Regretting her decision to let Ryley go, Ashleigh Warren comes back into town and confronts him. Holding only one secret back, she puts the rest on the line and asks for a second chance. Too bad he’s not going to let her off easy.

Camden Jameson loves his twin brother, but his jealousy runs deep. They may be identical in looks, but that’s where the similarities end. When Ashleigh comes back into Ryley’s life, Camden has the perfect opportunity for revenge. Two birds, one stone.

A journey to the Dark Side affects them all, but only one feels the true sting of revenge.

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Michel’s Review

Ryley’s Revenge was a complete unexpected surprise. We met Ryley Jameson and Ashleigh Warren in A Fighter’s Desire Part 1. This couple captured our attention along with Ryley’s twin brother Camden. When all was said and done, no one really got their happily ever after. Ashley had left Ryley and went back to her college sweetheart , Collin. After a pregnancy scare that could have been Ryley’s child, Ashleigh realizes she has made a mistake leaving Ryley for Collin. Now she is back and ready to fight for Ryley’s love.

Ryley was heartbroken when Ashleigh left him for Collin. He was also hurt by his twin brother’s actions and reactions to his relationship with Ashleigh. Ryley has been betrayed by the two people he loves the most. When Ashleigh comes back from Aspen wanting to rekindle their relationship, he’s still angry over her betrayal. He almost lets her go a second time but realizes that love is more important than pride. He mans up, swallows his pride, and sets his focus on restoring his relationship with Ashleigh.

His twin brother Camden is harboring an unhealthy dose of jealousy. He and Ryley are scheduled to fight one another for the championship title. Camden wants to destroy Ryley in and outside of the ring. He will stop at nothing to destroy his brother.

Camden has joined “the dark side”. He is fighting in the illegal underground fighting arena where anything goes, including death. He has enlisted Collin to help him destroy Ryley and Ashleigh for good. He is determined to destroy Ryley’s fighting career as well as his future happiness. His actions force Ryley to join the “dark side” to defend his honor, fight for his relationship with Ashleigh, and seek revenge against those that have tried to hurt them. Ryley will have to choose between love and blood. Ryley has more on the line than losing his brother, he could lose the Ashleigh and his future family.

Ryley’s Revenge was much more than a romance that revolves around the MMA fighting world. It is about making choices that will define the kind of person you are at the end of the day. It’s about learning to love despite all of the opposition standing in the way. It is about sacrificing oneself for the one you love with all your heart. It shows the importance of family and friendship in life.

I cannot wait for the next book in the series. We got a taste of what’s to come with Paxton and Gabriella. I am also hoping somewhere along the way Camden is going to be redeemed.

I highly recommend the Gloves Off Series by L. P. Dover.

The Gloves Off Series

A Fighter’s Desire Part 1

Amazon

A Fighter’s Desire Part 2

Amazon

Tyler’s Undoing

Amazon

Ryley’s Revenge

Amazon

Paxton’s Promise

Coming December 29, 2014

Pre-Order- Amazon

Author Bio:

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

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

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

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Review and Series Feature: All For You by Jessica Scott- The Coming Home Series

Posted on 11/28/2014 by shellbellereads

All For You

Coming Home Series- Book 4

By Jessica Scott

Synopsis

Can a battle-scarred warrior . . .

Stay sober. Get deployed. Lead his platoon. Those are the only things that matter to Sergeant First Class Reza Iaconelli. What he wants is for everyone to stay out of his way; what he gets is Captain Emily Lindberg telling him how to deal with his men. Fort Hood’s newest shrink is smart as a whip and sexy as hell. She’s also full of questions-about the army, its soldiers, and the agony etched on Reza’s body and soul.

. . . open his heart to love?

Emily has devoted her life to giving soldiers the care they need-and deserve. Little does she know that means facing down the fierce wall of muscle that is Sergeant Iaconelli like it’s just another day at the office. When Reza agrees to help her understand what makes a soldier tick, she’s thrilled. Too bad it doesn’t help her unravel the sexy warrior in front of her who stokes her desire and touches a part of her she thought long dead. He’s the man who thinks combat is the only escape from the demons that haunt him. The man who needs her most of all . . .

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Michel’s Review

I cannot praise the Coming Home series by Jessica Scott enough. This series is an honest outlook at military life, those who chose the military as lifetime careers, the ramifications this career will have on their own personal being, how their professional and personal lives are affected by their choices and how love is the strength that holds these courageous men and women together. Each and every book has been outstanding and has featured different aspects of military life. The writing is exceptional, the romance is sizzling, the story themes are compelling, and the unique blend of humor mixed in with emotional issues keep readers begging for more of this series. All For You is no exception. It maintains the same excellence as all the other books in this series.

All For You is Reza Iaconelli’s story. Reza Iaconelli, known as Sarn’t Ike, has been an enigma throughout this series. He is a man of steel, a hardened warrior, a soldier you want protecting your back and a strong leader for his men. He has deployed several times and has faced almost every horror that comes with war. His strength, attitude, and dedication in times of war are what heroes are made of. Despite all his admiral traits and dedicated service, his flaws are the very thing that could destroy his military career. Reza is an alcoholic.

During deployment Reza is stone cold sober. He can deal with the realities that he has to face in the war arena. Being stateside is a different story. Without the high adrenaline rush of war he has to deal with the everyday stress, as well as the realities of wartime experience. He has to deal with his men on a different level. He has to deal with military politics, the chains of command and officers that should not be leaders. He is responsible for keeping his troop in tip top shape and molding them into solid soldiers. To top that off, he has to deal with his own personal demons as well as the nightmares from war. His coping mechanism is alcohol.

Some of his soldiers are having emotional issues that are leading to destructive behaviors that could lead to the end of their service. His commanding officer is demanding that these soldiers be evaluated and discharged. He is ordering Reza to get to the bottom of this and get their records from medical. It is another unpleasant duty that Reza will have to perform. As he follows through on his latest order he meets Captain Emily Lindberg, the psychiatrist working on his soldiers files.

Although Reza and Emily’s professional opinions clash, they are drawn together. They will enlighten each other and give each other a different view on military life and it’s affects on a soldier’s psyche. They will also find that, by leaning on each other, it will strengthen them both. It will give Reza a reason to cope with his past and look to his future. It will help him recognize that his drinking problem is more than he can handle on his own.

With the suicide rate up among the enlisted, the army will have to find new ways of dealing with their soldiers. They will have to learn to recognize when a soldier may be in trouble. Not only is PTSD a problem in the suicide rate, there are others that fall through the cracks because of their own personal backgrounds. There is a fine line in what can break a soldier.

This book is a real eye opener to one of the bigger problems in all branches of the military. What makes this problem harder to deal with is that the military is a combination of people from all walks of life coming together to make one unit. These people are molded into soldiers that will perform together in the best interest of their unit. They are not recognized as individuals. They are only a number in a large unit. It is harder to recognize the signals that something may be amiss until it has done damage. It is hard for leading officers to single out problems when they have so many that they are responsible for.

Jessica Scott wrote a very touching story that brings awareness of mental health issues in the military. Not only did All For You give an honest insight to this problem, it gave the readers a beautiful love story for a very flawed and damaged man. This man is a true hero because he faced his demons and recognized that his coping mechanisms did not work.

Well done Jessica Scott, All For You is by far the best book in the Coming Home series.

The Coming Home Series

Because Of You

From the war-torn streets of Baghdad to the bittersweet comforts of the home front, two wounded hearts navigate the battlefield of coming home from war in this explosive eBook original from newcomer Jessica Scott.

Keeping his men alive is all that matters to Sergeant First Class Shane Garrison. But meeting Jen St. James the night before his latest deployment makes Shane wonder if there’s more to life than war. He leaves for Iraq remembering a single kiss with a woman he’ll never see again- until a near fatal attack lands him back at home and in her care. Jen has survived her own brush with death and endured its scars. And yet there’s a fire in Shane that makes Jen forget all about her past. He may be her patient, but when this warrior looks her in the eyes, she feels – for the first time in a long time – like a woman. Shane is too proud to ask for help, but for Jen, caring for him is more than a duty -it’s a need. And as Jen guides Shane through the fires of healing, she finds something she never expected – her deepest desire.

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Anything For You

From the USA Today Bestselling author of Because of You comes an all new Coming Home short story.

Sergeant First Class Shane Garrison has spent a year recovering from his combat injuries. A year spent in the arms of the woman of his dreams. But loving Jen comes with a price: every time he touches her, he faces the uncertain fear that loving her might mean losing her forever.

Jen is a breast cancer survivor and with Shane, she’s found a man who loves her despite her scars. But her scars may be too much for their love to survive.

As their love grows, so does the risk to Jen’s life. And Shane must make the toughest decision any man can make to save the woman he loves.

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Until There Was You

From the author of Because of You comes an all-new contemporary eBook romance. He plays by the rules, she’s not afraid to break them. Now these two strong-willed Army captains will prove that opposites attract . . .

A by-the-book captain with a West Point background, Captain Evan Loehr refuses to mix business with pleasure–except for an unguarded instance years ago when he succumbed to the deep sensuality of redheaded beauty Claire Montoya. From that moment on, though, Evan has been at odds with her, through two deployments to Iraq and back again. But when he is asked to train a team prepping for combat alongside Claire, battle-worn Evan is in for the fight of his life.

Strong, gutsy, and loyal, Captain Claire Montoya has worked hard to earn the rank on her chest. In Evan, Claire sees a rigid officer who puts the rules before everything else–including his people. When the mission forces them together, Claire soon discovers that there is more to Evan than meets the eye. He’s more than the rank on his chest; he’s a man with dark secrets and deep longings. For all their differences, Evan and Claire share two crucial passions: their country and each other.

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I’ll Be Home For Christmas

There’s nothing in the world Army Sergeant Vic Carponti loves more than his wife and his country. Smart-mouthed and easy tempered, he takes everything as a joke . . . except his promise to come home to his wife, Nicole, for Christmas. As he prepares to leave for his latest deployment into Iraq, Vic will do everything he can to shield his beautiful, supportive wife from the realities of war . . . and from his own darkest fears.

As a career army wife, Nicole Carponti knows just what to expect from her husband’s tour of duty: loneliness, relentless worry, and a seemingly endless countdown until the moment Vic walks through the door again. But when the unthinkable happens, Nicole and Vic’s bond is tested like never before and changes everything they believe to be true about the power of love and the simple beauty of being home for the holidays.

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Back To You

He’s in for the fight of his life . . .

Army captain Trent Davila loved his wife, Laura, and their two beautiful children. But when he almost lost his life in combat, something inside him died. He couldn’t explain the emptiness he felt or bridge the growing distance between him and his family-so he deployed again. And again. And again…until his marriage reached its breaking point. Now, with everything on the line, Trent has one last chance to prove to his wife that he can be the man she needs …if she’ll have him

. . . to win back his only love.

Laura is blindsided when Trent returns home. Time and again, he chose his men over his family, and she’s just beginning to put the pieces of her shattered heart back together. But when Trent faces a court martial on false charges, only Laura can save him. What begins as an act of kindness to protect his career inflames a desire she thought long buried-and a love that won’t be denied. But can she trust that this time he’s back to stay?

Amazon/ Barnes and Noble / ITunes

All For You

Can a battle-scarred warrior . . .

. . . open his heart to love?

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It’s Always Been You

She plays by the rules . . .

Captain Ben Teague is many things: a tough soldier, a loyal friend, and a bona fide smart-ass. He doesn’t have much tolerance for BS, which is why he’s mad as hell when a trusted colleague and mentor is brought up on charges that can’t possibly be true. He’s even more frustrated with by-the-book lawyer Major Olivia Hale. But there’s something simmering beneath her icy reserve–and Ben just can’t resist turning up the heat . . .

. . . and he’s determined to break them

The only thing riskier than mixing business with pleasure is enjoying it . . . and Olivia can’t resist locking horns–and lips–with Ben. He’s got more compassion in his little finger than any commander she’s ever met, a fact that makes him a better leader than he realizes. But when the case that brought them together awakens demons from Olivia’s past, she will have to choose between following orders–or her heart . . .

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All I Want For Christmas

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.

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

About Jessica Scott

USA Today Bestselling author Jessica Scott is a career army officer, mother of two daughters, three cats and three dogs, wife to a career NCO and wrangler of all things stuffed and fluffy. She is a terrible cook and even worse housekeeper, but she’s a pretty good shot with her assigned weapon and someone liked some of the stuff she wrote. Somehow, her children are pretty well adjusted and her husband still loves her, despite burned water and a messy house.

She’s also written for the New York Times At War Blog, PBS Point of View Regarding War, and IAVA. She deployed to Iraq in 2009 as part of OIF/New Dawn and has had the honor of serving as a company commander at Fort Hood, Texas twice.

Most recently, she’s been featured as one of Esquire Magazine’s Americans of the Year for 2012. Learn More at http://www.jessicascott.net

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz + Review + Giveaway: Any Way We Want Vol. 1 by Grey Cole- Any Way We Want Series

Posted on 11/25/2014 by shellbellereads

Any Way We Want

Want Series – Book 1

Genre : Erotica

Menage-M/M/F ~ M/M/M ~M/M ~M/F/M

Synopsis

I couldn’t have picked two men more opposing than they. One dark-headed, slightly controlling, but intuitive. The other all unruly copper curls, somewhat bashful, but sensual. Yet, my fall for them felt the same—hard and fast.

I never slept around or cheated, but when you’re the girl who got dumped for being too kinky–you realize and accept you are different. Somehow, some way, they had to be mine. My mind spun with what could be, and I set out to entice them with my fantasy.

Only, my plot had a twist…Royce and Shea were already lovers. Luckily for me, they liked to share.

Warning: Contains a headstrong daughter of nudist, hippy parents, an Alpha with seriously protective instincts, positive representations of Asperger’s Syndrome and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and oh yeah, M/M, M/M/M, M/M/F, and M/F/M.

Buy: Amazon

Excerpt

Champagne always made her giggly and warm and tingly. Especially tingly. If she’d had a man, you better believe she would be fucked six ways from Sunday right about now. Instead, Luna found herself finishing off a few reports after saying goodnight to the guys. It had been a stellar day. Phase Two—by far the largest coup in their plan—had been firmly achieved. Royce had broken out the champagne, and Luna managed to consume copious amounts before promising the men she would call a cab when she was ready to head out for the night. They were reluctant to leave her behind, but their desire to do a little personal celebrating of their own was palpable. Far be it for her to stand in the way of the double dose of the pure male need and testosterone that engulfed the room.

Since she and Shea had become fast friends, he had divulged more than his share of their passionate tale to her over the last six months, even though she felt sure that he’d kept it toned down for her benefit. Still, she felt like she could read them. When she noticed little things, like the way Royce’s fingertips would curl possessively around Shea’s bicep at the end of even the briefest touch or when Shea’s eyes would suddenly shine brighter while Royce presented the most boring of facts and figures, Luna would glance to the others present in the room to see if they, too, were aware of exactly how sexual … how sensual … their bosses were. But, it seemed she alone picked up on these things. No raised eyebrows. No gossip around the water cooler.

That made her wonder if she was actually picking up on things, or if she was just perving on the gorgeous duo. Her subconscious picked that moment to send X-rated images flitting across her brain, involuntarily making her squeeze her crossed legs tighter. In an effort to halt her mind’s deviant trajectory, she grasped at the water bottle to her right, only to send it spinning across the desk until it toppled over the edge and skittered across the floor to come to a halt by the door.

Deciding she had probably done enough damage for the night, she saved all her documents and logged out of the computer before jotting herself a note. Sticking it to the computer, she laughed out loud at the message. You were drunk and horny last night, double check your files before sending. A little unsteady, she made her way to the abused water bottle, figuring she should refill it to stay hydrated. She’d call for a cab and head home to finish off the night with some Pinot and some porn. This time she actually giggled out loud. Pinot and porn. God, if only to have the third P present. Oh well, she thought, wiggling her fingers in front of her face, you’ll have to do.

She ended up tiptoeing down the hall, cringing at how dark and still it was when no one was around. Just when she seemed to become accustomed to the difference, she heard them. Moans and groans and curses and near shouts. Luna froze for a moment before understanding hit her with her blunt force. Where her body tingled before—now it sang. Where she’d been warm—she blazed. Her eyes flew to the partially closed door of Royce and Shea’s office, only daring to listen for a moment longer before she turned on her heel and darted back to her own office.

Her water bottle hit the floor with a clang as she slammed the door behind her. Wincing at the loud noise, she waited a moment to see if she would be discovered before rushing over to her desk. Only a security light from the hall cast a dull ray of light into her office. She eased herself into her chair and spun it so that she faced the windows. Luna’s face burned anew as she recalled the frantic words exchanged between Royce and Shea. Even her wicked imagination had not done them justice.

She could make out her own expression in the glass—pupils blown, hair disheveled, clothes askew. Taking a few calming breaths, Luna closed her eyes tightly, but as soon as she did, images of the two men locked in a passionate embrace flooded her brain.

Fuck me, Royce.

Take every inch of me. You like that don’t you? When I pull your hair, you nearly come undone.

Fuck yeah. Please, Royce.

Luna would do anything to have those words lavished upon her, to be able to say those very things to them. So, she pretended they included her. That she was the object of their desire and they were hers. The little app on her iPad filled with the gay porn blogs she’d become addicted to after meeting the men had nothing on the heat those two created within her. She couldn’t have stopped her hands if she’d tried. The things had a mind of their own when they bunched her loosely flowing skirt around her waist and dove into her panties. Her fingers circled her clit for a moment before dipping into the searing wetness. She fingered herself hard for a moment, even throwing her own hand over her mouth to muffle the obscene noises threatening to bubble from her throat.

When her clit throbbed with need, she pushed her thumb to it.

Pressed.

Teased.

Pinched.

Repeated the pattern again and again.

When she felt herself on the verge of coming, Luna shoved both fingers in her vagina again.

Rotated them.

Spread them.

She liked it rough. Fuck, did she like it rough. She held her breath, knowing that would make her orgasm all the more intense. Her head slammed back against the chair. Her hips circled to ride her fingers to the finish.

Then her fingers were replaced by Royce’s. Fuck, but they were thick and demanding.

She needed Shea too. She pinched her lips together so that she could remove her hand. That hand flew down to squeeze one nipple. Hard. It was Shea thumbing the bud and then twisting so hard, asking if she liked that. Yes, Shea. Just like that, Luna moaned.

Royce told her to fuck his hand like she meant it, so she did. He needed to know she meant it. She cried out his name.

She bent and bucked and writhed. Then she came.

Silently.

Harshly.

Harder than she’d ever come before.

Her men smiled at each other. Then at her. Then they kissed, almost chastely, counteracting the wild moment. They kissed her. She tasted them on each other. Royce pressed his fingers into her mouth, and Luna licked them clean before he removed them and sucked her tongue into his mouth.

Luna’s body seemed to melt into the chair. Time was suspended. Her breaths were shallow and hot. Once she opened her eyes, she knew they would disappear, taking their sweet kisses and their panty-combusting commands with them. She almost couldn’t bear it. Right now, their presence was so strong she could almost feel it.

With a deep sigh, she let her fingers fall from her mouth and her breast. Both hands dropped to the chair with a thud. She giggled again at how deeply sated she was.

Only, her giggle seemed to echo. But it was deeper. Richer. More masculine.

She was drunker than she thought.

Luna’s eyes fluttered open and closed. Open and closed. She finally fixed her stare on the glass where twin gazes of amusement shone back at her. One an intense blue. The other a mesmerizing hazel.

Too late to pretend embarrassment, Luna swallowed her nerves and met their eyes with her own.

“Luna, dear girl,” Royce tsked, “if only we’d known.”

Shea dipped his head and bit Royce’s shoulder. “God, if we’d known,” he groaned.

Luna chose to believe that the champagne made her bold when she brazened, “And if you’d known?”

“That’s simple, darling. We could have celebrated. The three of us. Together,” Royce declared.

Inside, she gasped, even though she hoped she remained steadfast in appearance. But you’re both gay. Why would you want me? Her naïveté won in the end when she whispered, “But how would that even work?”

Royce spun her chair around to face them as they sat perched on her desk. “Any way we want.”

Michel’s Review

I can honestly say that Menage Romances are generally not my cup of tea. The reason I don’t tend to read these kinds of books is not because the kink bothers me, it is the content. Most Menage Romances tend to focus on the sex scenes and not the actual content of the story. The characters are hard to connect with because we don’t see their individuality but more of their sex drives and preferences.

When I read the synopsis for Any Way We Want by Grey Cole, I was intrigued. I can honestly say that this book was so much more than pages and pages of sex scenes. It is a rich story about three people who are in a very committed and loving relationship. Their commitment to one another is unquestionable. The problem is that they have kept their unique relationship a secret. They are not sure “modern” society is quite ready for this kind of relationship even though this goes on behind closed doors all the time.

Shea, Luna, and Royce have been in a happy relationship. Now Luna wants to rock their world by doing an interview about their unconventional lifestyle. Their relationship has already had enough of a rocky start.

Shea and Royce have been best friends for years. Somewhere along the way their friendship evolved into more. They became lovers, partners, and soul mates. Shea struggled with his sexuality for years. Royce has always been attracted to women. Shea is the one exception. Shea is the other half of Royce’s soul. When Luna comes into the picture, she adds the extra something special both men needed in their lives . Luna felt blessed to have the love of two very dynamic men.

Luna wants to tell the world about their love. Can their relationship survive this?

Any Way We Want Vol. 1 was an introduction into these three peoples lives. It mainly focused on Shea and Royces background and relationship. The reader got an insight on the love and commitment these two men have for one another. There was no question about their love for Luna, it just was not the focus of this installment in the overall story.

I think Any We Want Vol. 1 was building the foundation for an explosive story that is going to test every emotion we possess. This first volume was sizzling hot with it’s erotic scenes and emotional passages. I am looking forward to the next installment of the Any We Want series.

Author Information

Grey Cole

Grey Cole always dreamt of a book that featured hot male-on-male action that grew to encompass one lucky woman. Okay … maybe Grey really dreamt of this scenario playing out in real life and then decided to purge all those dirty thoughts onto the page.

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Giveaway

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ARC Review: Undefeated by Melissa Cutler- Bomb Squad Series- Book 2

Posted on 11/21/2014 by shellbellereads

Undefeated

The Bomb Squad Series- Book 2

By Melissa Cutler

Synopsis

Welcome to Destiny Falls, New York, home of Bomb Squad—an ice hockey team full of rugged military heroes. The team’s battling a losing streak, but the season’s biggest game changer is one player’s second chance with the one who got away…

Yoga instructor Marlena Brodie is always up for a challenge, and her new job of snapping Bomb Squad out of their rut is definitely that, even though it means being in close contact with Liam McAllister, her high school crush gone bad. She can feel the damage pouring off of him—but also a wild and sexy strength that calls to her.

The Army turned Liam McAllister into a man, but as a combat medic, he saw far too much to ever be whole again. He’s not interested in the civilian world beyond his job as a carpenter, but he never stopped wondering what might have been with Marlena—and it isn’t long before she’s crashed through his carefully constructed walls. He longs for a new beginning with her, but to be the man she deserves, he’ll have to step out of his defensive zone and score the most important play of his life…

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

When I chose the ARC copy of Undefeated, I thought I was getting a light hearted sports romance with the typical story line. I love any kind of book that is based upon a hockey team and their players. What I didn’t count on was getting a deep, emotional book that dealt with some heavy issues. Needless to say, this book was a rewarding surprise. I enjoyed every single word, the complex characters, and the emotional angst they experienced.

Liam McAllister has come back from the war with a severe case of PTSD. He served as medic for three tours in Afghanistan. He is haunted by the memories of soldiers he couldn’t save, the soldiers that were maimed for life, and the atrocities committed against innocent civilians. He can’t get these horrific memories out of his head and it is affecting his life. He has become anti social, aggressive, withdrawn, and very uncomfortable around crowds. He is not assimilating back into civilian life very well. He is struggling to survive his daily life and routines. The one thing that is helping him is being a member of the Bomb Squad Hockey Team.

The Bomb Squad Hockey team is a recreational community team compiled of wounded veterans. Some are missing limbs, some are suffering from PTSD, and all of them have some kind of issue. Their former war experiences have bonded them together. They are more than teammates. They are brothers. Hockey is more than a sport for them. It is an outlet that allows them to vent their aggression, pent up hostilities, and antsy feelings on the ice rather than in their personal lives. It is their therapy.

Marlena Brodie is a yoga instructor. She is a very spiritual person. She understands PTSD because she suffers from her own version of it. She was attacked as a child. She has embraced the wholesome new age lifestyle as a means to dealing with her memories. When she meets Liam she recognizes a kindred soul. She understands him more than he understands himself. She can deal with his outbursts, bad attitude, and triggers. She truly sees the real man that he is beneath all of the pain and suffering. She stands by him and helps him deal with the emotional scars he carries.

Liam and Marlena are perfect for one another. Their relationship goes beyond the explosive sexual chemistry. They are both very aware of their own issues but also aware of each other’s pain. They have an unique understanding of each other. They lend each other their strengths. They support their weaknesses. They soothe the pain. They give each other the kind of love that heals the soul. They have learned to set aside their own issues and put the other ones needs first. That is the true meaning of love.

Melissa Cutler wrote a beautiful emotional story. Not only were the main characters compelling, the secondary characters each had a story. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. These wounded warrior hockey players have captured my heart.

The Bomb Squad Series

Welcome to Destiny Falls, New York, home of Bomb Squad–an ice hockey team full of rugged military heroes. But the season’s biggest match-up isn’t on the ice as one of their own prepares to go head to head with his new boss…

Allison Whitely’s ex left her with a mountain of debt and Cloud Nine, a struggling boat rental business. With zero job skills, her only hope of getting back in the black lies in a brooding ex-soldier who has her seeing red…

Theo Lacroix’s teammates are counting on their star player to help them win an upcoming high profile hockey game. But when a sexy tornado of a woman sweeps into Destiny Falls and expects him to help her with Cloud Nine, Theo is tempted to skate away from it all.

Theo vowed never again to be someone’s knight in shining armor, but his feelings–and desire–for Allison are becoming harder to ignore. He longs to save her, but to win Allison’s love, he’ll have to throw out his old playbook and take the ultimate risk…playing from the heart.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Author Bio:

Melissa Cutler knows she has the best job in the world, dividing her time between her dual passions for writing sexy contemporary romances and edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense for Harlequin, Penguin, and Kensington Books.

She was struck at an early age by an unrelenting travel bug and is probably planning her next vacation as you read this. When she’s not globetrotting, she’s enjoying Southern California’s flip-flop wearing weather and wrangling two rambunctious kids.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

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