Reasonable Doubt Series by Whitney G. – Reasonable Doubt Series vs. Smut Book Junkie Reviews

Posted on 09/04/2014 by shellbellereads

Reasonable Doubt Series

By Whitney G.

Reasonable Doubt Series vs. Smut Book Junkie Reviews

Case: Reasonable Doubt Series by Whitney G. vs. Smut Book Junkie Reviews

CASE FILE

(Case File: The court file containing papers submitted in a case.)

Reasonable Doubt Volume 1-Volume 3

Smut Book Junkie Review of Volume 1 –Volume 3

Deposition from Michel Reinhard

Deposition from Kelley Hawthorne Jefferson

Deposition from Whitney Garcia Williams

Deposition from Andrew Hamilton

Deposition from Aubrey Everhart

ACTION

Action: Also called a case or lawsuit. A civil judicial proceeding where one party sues another for a wrong done, or to protect a right or to prevent a wrong.

Smut Book Junkie Reviews vs. Reasonable Doubt Series by Whitney G.

Smut Book Junkie Reviews is alleging that the Reasonable Doubt Series by Whitney G. caused addiction, emotional fluctuation, and sensual stimulation. They are trying to prove beyond Reasonable Doubt that this series has earned a 5 Star rating and delivered an emotional literary experience. The Reasonable Doubt Series has led readers to experience reading addiction, release date trauma and anxiety, and undying love for a self-serving prick, Andrew Hamilton. The emotional trauma this man put Aubrey Everhart through had readers thoroughly appalled. The readers had high hopes that Aubrey would prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that Andrew Hamilton needed to be punished for the crimes of the heart and that justice would be served.

Plaintiff: Smut Book Junkie Reviews

Defendant: Reasonable Doubt Series by Whitney G.

Witnesses:

Expert Witness– Reviewer Michel Reinhard- Smut Book Junkie Reviewer

Expert Witness– Kelley Hawthorne Jefferson- Smut Book Junkie Reviewer

Witness– Andrew Hamilton- Attorney, Alpha, Leading Male fictional character

Witness– Aubrey Everhart- Law Student, Law Intern, Ballerina, Leading Female fictional character.

Expert Witness– Whitney G. – Author and Creator of Reasonable Doubt Series

TESTIMONIES

Testimony: Something that someone says especially in a court of law while formally promising to tell the truth. Proof or evidence that something exists or is true

Reasonable Doubt 1

Michel Reinhard:

Reasonable Doubt 1 is one hot, erotic book! The writing was superb! It was clever, snarky, funny, delicious, mysterious and intensely erotic. The characters were compelling.

Attorney Andrew Hamilton makes Christian Grey, Gideon Cross, Colton Donavan, and James Cavendish look like amateurs. He makes no apologies for how he is.

Aubrey Everhart is a pre-law student and ballerina. Aubrey becomes an intern at Andrew’s law firm. Andrew can’t keep his hands off of her. It is a battle of wills, an erotic battle, and only one victor. Both have secrets that can tear this fragile relationship into an all out war.

As this tumultuous relationship progresses, it will become even more disastrous. A revelation will be made that will expose Andrew’s

secrets. This volume ends on a monstrous cliffhanger.

Kelley Hawthorne Jefferson:

Wow! Reasonable Doubt 1 was so hot my e-reader about melted. What are the chances that you would meet the man in real life that you have only ever talked to online? What person is the real you? The persona you created when you never thought you would meet in person or the person you are here and now.

I loved watching Andrew try to figure out what he should do next and Aubrey did not put up with his crap for one second. Her snark and wit had me laughing as I turned the pages.

RD1 left us on a spicy high note with a twist that had us stalking Whitney’s FB page waiting for her to give us just a little taste of RD2.

Andrew Hamilton:

One dinner. One Night. No repeats.

Our conversations were long over. There was nothing more we had to discuss.

We talked. We fucked. That was the end of us.

“It’s a case of a woman who befriended me online, but she turned out to be someone completely different than who she told me she was. So, in this case, how do you feel about reasonable doubt?”

Aubrey Everhart:

“Dear Mr. Hamilton, F*ckYou.”

Whitney G:

I’m forever grateful for you and your time, and I hope to be re-invited to your bookshelf with my next release.

Reasonable Doubt 2

TESTIMONIES

Michel Reinhard

I devoured this book the moment it was downloaded. WOW…what a wild ride! Not only was this installment in the Reasonable Doubt serial extremely erotic, it was also intense. The plot escalated beyond the reader’s expectations and ended on a cliffhanger that left a knot in your stomach. It left the reader with sympathy for Andrew. It gave us an understanding why he is an absolute prick. But what it doesn’t reveal is what happened. That will be in the next installment. I am positive that all of those who have read this installment want the next installment now!

Andrew and Aubrey are complicated characters. Andrew is the type of character that you really don’t want to like. He doesn’t treat Aubrey all that well but it’s obvious he is delusional about his real feelings. Once his secrets begin to unravel we see a completely different person. Aubrey, on the other hand, is compelling. She is a strong woman. She fights for what she wants and doesn’t back down. She has a lot to give. It’s unfortunate that those who should care about her only want to take from her. They don’t care if she has to make sacrifices that will cost her dreams and her heart. I wanted smack down Andrew, her parents, and those who were treating her badly. I am hoping that Aubrey will come out the victor and that all her dreams will come true.

I could not wait for Reasonable Doubt Volume 3 to release.

Kelley Hawthorne Jefferson:

I was up until 1:30 am when RD2 hit my kindle. I mean how in the hell was Andrew going to explain what happened at the end of RD1. What was really exciting about this series is that Whitney kept Andrew with his same true colors throughout the book. He was a character that you hated. He was hot, sexy, alpha, and broody and you wanted him to tear off your clothes and at the same time you wanted to slap him across the face. I was dying to figure out what the hell made Andrew such a jerk.

Aubrey was going through so much as it was trying to make her dream happen that everyone told her never would. She was not good enough for anyone including her parents, her teachers, and the man who unfortunately, she was falling in love with. She really read Andrew wrong and once he showed his true colors again she did not have much of a choice. It was do or die time and she was on her own.

When I finished RD2 I was saying a prayer for Andrew. I was praying for redemption and for him to pull his head out of his ass before it was too late.

Andrew Hamilton:

I was officially done with this monogamous game we’d been playing for the past couple weeks. It was quite fun-different, but since Aubrey could never be mine and I could never be hers, it quite fucking pointless too.

Aubrey Everhart:

You are a disgusting and vile asshole, and I honestly regret ever sleeping with you.

“Seeing as I’m the only one between us who actually feels anything, yes. Yes, that is how I really feel about you.”

“This is the last time you’ll ever pull this hot and cold shit on me.”

Everything we had was built on lies…

Whitney G:

**End of Episode 2**

Reasonable Doubt Volume 3

TESTIMONIES

Michel Reinhard:

Reasonable Doubt Volume 3 went way beyond the readers expectations. Whitney G delivered a grand finale that readers are going to more than satisfied with.

The tumultuous relationship between Aubrey and Andrew has clearly come to a conclusion. The closing arguments were delivered. The jury deliberated from page one to the very last word. The final conclusion and verdict were unanimous. The verdict was that Whitney G. and her Reasonable Doubt series had earned a 5 star review based upon the facts, the evidence, and proof beyond Reasonable Doubt.

The alleged addiction, emotional trauma , sensual expectations, and release date anxiety were clearly the readers reactions. Whitney G. did her job as a writer and delivered an outstanding literary experience.

Kelley Hawthorne Jefferson:

This is where you turn the pages slowly and relish each moment as it will be the last time you get to spend time with Andrew and Aubrey and learn anything new about what is going on in their lives. I think Whitney G. gave us a beautiful end to a very dark emotional rollercoaster ride and delivered the best Andrew and Aubrey there could be. I as well as several other readers will never accept this as the end and will beg Whitney mercilessly to write another chapter. This series was filled with just the right amount of spice, snark, wit, sexual tension, and angst to earn a Five Star Review by the Smut Book Junkies. Whitney G. will forever have a place in our heart, mind, body, and spirit as well as a special place on our e-readers. When people ask for reading recommendations the Reasonable Doubt Series will be on the tip of our tongue and at the top of our list. Bravo Ms. Gracia Williams on a job well done!

Andrew Hamilton:

“We’re more than friends…We always were. I just can’t be with you now.”

I’ll just replace the word ‘one’ with more…

Aubrey Everhart:

I liked you as “Thoreau,” but I love you as Andrew.

Whitney G.

** End of Episode 3**

FINDING

Finding: The court’s or jury’s decision on issues of fact.

The court has found that Whitney G. did her job as an author and delivered a literary experience that earned a 5 STAR Review for the complete Reasonable Doubt Series. Whitney G. developed charismatic characters whose behaviors and emotions captured the reader’s attention. Their story may have caused emotional angst, release date trauma, and reading addiction. That proves beyond Reasonable Doubt that Whitney G. did her job as an author and upheld her responsibility to deliver an unforgettable reading experience.

The court also finds that Andrew Hamilton was indeed an obnoxious prick with just cause. Andrew Hamilton will be placed on house arrest under the supervision of Aubrey Everhart until the court deems that he has paid for his crimes of the heart.

Aubrey Everhart will be awarded Andrew Hamilton’s heart with the contingency of a lifetime of devotion.

Smut Book Junkie will pay restitution to Whitney G. by awarding her a 5 Star Review for the Reasonable Doubt Series. Smut Book Junkie will also award the Reasonable Doubt Series the acknowledgment of a 2014 Favorite Read.

The court also recommends that readers purchase this series for an outstanding literary experience.

My cock has an appetite.

A huge and very particular appetite: Blonde, curvy, and preferably not a fucking liar…(Although, that’s a story for another day.)

As a high profile lawyer, I don’t have time to waste on relationships, so I fulfill my needs by anonymously chatting and sleeping with women I meet online.

My rules are simple: One dinner. One night. No repeats.

This is only casual sex. Nothing more. Nothing less.

At least it was, until “Alyssa”…

She was supposed to be a 27 year old lawyer, a book hoarder, and completely unattractive. She was supposed to be someone I shared law advice with late at night, someone I could trust with details of my weekly escapades.

But then she came into my firm for an interview–a college-intern interview, and everything fucking changed…

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

She lied to me…

She betrayed the one rule that I’m most adamant about: Honesty. Complete and utter fucking honesty.

I really wish she was someone else—someone who didn’t have the ability to make me feel, someone I could easily discard like the hundreds of women before her.

She isn’t.

I’m drawn to her like I’ve never been drawn to a woman before—completely captivated by the very sight of her. But unfortunately, with my past slowly re-surfacing for all of the world to see, I’ll have to find a way to let her go.

She can never be mine.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

I hate him…

I hate that I fell in love with him, I hate that he didn’t love me back, and I hate the fact that I just made a life-altering decision just so I could get the hell away from him.

He’d always said that he was unchangeable, heartless, and cold…

I really should’ve believed him…

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Pre-Order Complete Series: Amazon

Author Bio:

A self diagnosed candy addict, travel junkie, and hypochondriac, Whitney Gracia Williams LOVES to write about characters that make you laugh, cry, and want to (in the case of Selena Ross) reach through your Kindle and slap them.

She is the “imaginary bestselling” author of the Jilted Bride Series, Mid Life Love, Wasted Love, and Captain of My Soul.

When she’s not locked inside her room, feverishly typing away on her laptop, she can be found here:

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

ARC Review: Shatter by Erin McCarthy-True Believers Series- Book 4

Posted on 09/02/2014 by shellbellereads

Shatter

True Believers Series- Book 4

Genre: New Adult

By Erin McCarthy

Synopsis

Kylie Warner prides herself on being optimistic, but after finding her best friend in bed with her boyfriend and flunking chemistry, her upbeat attitude has taken a dive. Even an impromptu hook-up with her sexy new chemistry tutor only brightens her mood slightly. After all, it’s not like she’ll ever see the tattooed scholar again…

While he’s a whiz at complex equations, Jonathon Kadisch has trouble when it comes to figuring out women. So when Kylie tells him that she’s pregnant after their night of passion, he’s at a complete loss. He’s prepared to be a good father—unlike his own deadbeat dad—but he’s less prepared to fall for the genuine and alluring blonde bearing his child.

With emotions running high, Kylie wonders if Jonathon’s devotion is out of growing love or looming obligation. And when heartbreak threatens to tear them apart, Jonathon will have to fight for the only girl who’s ever made him feel whole…

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Kylie Warner has been the rainbows and sunshine personality of the group. Her positive attitude and optimistic outlook on life has been the inspiration for her friends. But after her boyfriend cheated on her with one of her best friends, she is struggling to hold herself together. She has moved out on her own and her academics are suffering. She is failing Chemistry and needs a tutor.

When she meets Darwin, her sexy tattooed tutor, she’s in for a very pleasant surprise. A new kind of Chemistry lesson is taking place. A one night stand is just what she needed to get her spirits up, her self confidence up, and a new outlook towards her new life. This outstanding Chemistry lesson has now led into the very basic Biology lesson. She is pregnant.

Jonathon “Darwin” Kadisch is all about science and equations. Everything in life has a process, a procedure, and an answer. It’s just a matter of research and application. When he finds out he is going to be a father he is a bit stumped. But like anything he has done, he puts himself completely into the equation, researches the avenues to pursue, and is determined to be a good father, unlike his own father.

As the two decide how pursue the unexpected parenthood they find that there is more to it than biological changes, life changes, and financial changes. It’s about changes of the heart. Two polar opposite people will find that their chemistry cannot be defined by a textbook or formula. They will find that matters of the heart create the perfect balance in life.

I loved the relationship between Kylie and Jonathon. Their personalities complemented each other and gave each other something the other was missing. Their banter and corny science jokes made me laugh out loud. Their emotional journey made me ache for them and celebrate with them. When the two come to the realization that they were meant for each other, it became the perfect formula and equation.

Erin McCarthy once again delivered an entertaining and sexy romance. She combined intelligence, wit, and compassion into a story that will have the readers glued to the pages.

I highly recommend Shatter. It can be read as a stand alone novel or in order of the True Believers series. I highly recommend this series.

The True Believers Series

When Rory Macintosh’s roommates find out that their studious and shy friend has never been with a guy, they decide that, as an act of kindness they’ll help her lose her virginity by hiring confident, tattooed bad boy Tyler Mann to do the job…unbeknownst to Rory.

Tyler has told Rory that he’s not good enough for her. She’s smart, doctor smart, while he’s barely scraping by at his EMT program, hoping to pull his younger brothers out of the hell their druggy mother has left them in. But he can’t seem to stay away from her, and even when Rory knows she should push him away, something about him makes it nearly impossible for her to resist—even though her heart is at stake…

Torn between common sense and desire, the two find themselves caught up in a passionate relationship. But when Tyler’s broken family threatens to destroy his future, and hers, Rory will need to decide whether to cut her ties to his risky world or follow her heart, no matter what the cost…

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Jessica Sweet thought going away to college would finally make her free of her parents’ constant judgments and insistence she play chastity club role model for their church events, but if anything, the freedom has made her realize she can’t go home and be a hypocrite anymore. Tired of dodging their questions, she stays at school over the summer and lands in an unexpected crash pad: Riley Mann’s house.

Sarcastic, cocky, and full of opinions, Riley is also sexy personified with tattoos and biceps earned from working as a roofer all day. Not the right guy for her even if Jessica was looking for a relationship, which she is definitely not. But Jessica knows that Riley hides the burden of having to raise his younger brothers behind that grin and as she helps him get his house in order for a custody hearing, they begin to fall hard for each other, and she is forced to question what she’s hiding herself.

Jessica has never had a problem getting naked with a guy, but when it comes to showing Riley how she truly feels inside, her fear of rejection may just ruin the best thing—the best guy—to ever happen to her…

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Robin used to be a party girl… until she got black out drunk and woke up in bed with her best friend’s boyfriend. Now she’s faced with being THAT girl, and couldn’t be more disgusted with herself. She can’t even tell her friends the reason for her sudden sobriety and she avoids everyone until she meets Phoenix—quiet, tattooed, and different in every way that’s good and oh, so bad…

Phoenix is two days out of jail when he meets Robin at his cousin’s house, and he knows that he has no business talking to her, but he’s drawn to her quiet demeanor, sweet smile, and artistic talent. She doesn’t care that he’s done time, or that he only has five bucks to his name, and she supports his goal to be a tattoo artist.

But Phoenix knows Robin has a secret, and that it’s a naïve dream to believe that his record won’t catch up with them at some point. Though neither is prepared for the explosive result when the past collides with the present…

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Author Bio:

USA Today and New York Times Bestselling author Erin McCarthy sold her first book in 2002 and has since written almost fifty novels and novellas in teen fiction, new adult, and adult romance. Erin has a special weakness for New Orleans, tattoos, high-heeled boots, beaches and martinis. She lives in Ohio with her family, two grumpy cats and a socially awkward dog.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

ARC Review: In His Sights by Jo Davis- The Sugarland Blues Series- Book 3

Posted on 09/02/2014 by shellbellereads

In His Sights

Sugarland Blues Series- Book 3

By Jo Davis

Synopsis

From the author of Hot Pursuit and the Firefighters of Station Five novels…

When a dangerous criminal targets those whom Sugarland detective Chris Ford holds dear, nothing will stop him from hunting down his man.…

Chris is one the best and brightest at the Sugarland PD, but lately a mysterious illness has him struggling to get through the day. When his symptoms land him in the care of brilliant and sexy Dr. Robyn Lassiter, Chris realizes that he is the latest victim in a rash of mysterious poisonings in the area—most of them fatal. Figuring out who’s causing the fatal outbreak has become a very personal—and deadly—race against time.

Despite battling her own personal demons and painful past, Dr. Robyn Lassiter can’t fight her attraction to her new patient. But as she struggles to help Chris track down the sick mind behind the deaths, she’s not only at risk of losing her heart but of falling headlong into a lethal plot that could take her life.…

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Michel’s Review

ARC provided by the Publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

In His Sights is the third book in the Sugarland Blues series by Jo Davis. It can be read as a stand alone novel or in series order.

This series is one of the best romantic suspense series I have read. Jo Davis creates strong, passionate characters that will do whatever it takes to uphold the law, solve the case, and serve justice. She adds the right amount of high octane action and a sensual romance that will have the readers fanning themselves. The plot is well delivered and keeps the readers on the edge of their seats.

Sugarland Detective Chris Ford has recovered from his injuries he sustained during a previous case. He’s ready to get back to work and back to his normal daily activities, including his activities with the ladies. The only problem is he seems to be suffering from some kind of illness that is affecting his return to normalcy. He doesn’t seem to be getting better. His symptoms are getting worse and are becoming more debilitating.

Dr. Robyn Lassiter moved to Sugarland with her daughter after the death of her husband. She has thrown herself into her work and raising her daughter. After noticing similar symptoms causing the deaths in several patients, she has become suspicious. When Chris Ford starts displaying the same kind of symptoms that caused the deaths of other patients, she is determined to find the connection. It is looking more like someone is poisoning people. Together the two will have to find out if it is random or connected. They will have to find the source of the poison as well as the source behind it.

The attraction between the two just escalates both their blood pressure. Chris will use all his determination and skill that he uses on the job to convince Robyn she needs more than her work and daughter in her life. The chemistry between these two is combustible.

In His Sights is a story packed full of suspense and danger. The ending will have the readers on the edge of their seats. This life threatening, passionate case will be solved with a heartwarming ending that is exactly what Chris had In His Sights.

Jo Davis delivered another fantastic book. She is the queen of romantic suspense and erotic romance. I highly recommend In His Sights and The Sugarland Blues series.

The Sugarland Blue Series

Armed and Dangerous

When Detective Shane Ford, Sugarland’s favorite man in blue, and Juvenile Detective Daisy Callahan work together on a dangerous case, they find themselves ignoring their professional instincts and falling hard. But when their romance gets in the way of their job—and puts both their lives in jeopardy—Shane vows to break things off. But as they’re about to discover, this kind of steamy passion is impossible to deny…

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Sworn To Protect

Sugarland loves their men in blue, especially Detective Shane Ford. But Shane’s mission to protect and to serve has just gotten personal….

Detective Shane Ford, Sugarland’s favorite cop, has been blindsided by the sudden death of his best friend, NFL star Brad Cooper, and by becoming the legal guardian of Brad’s son, Drew—a bitter, angry sixteen-year-old with a dangerous secret. Shane is determined to pry the truth from Drew, but he manages only to alienate him—and winds up going head-to-head with Juvenile Officer Daisy Callahan, whose job is to protect the teen’s best interests.

Shane has always been drawn to Daisy’s beauty and strength, but he’s determined not to allow their intense attraction to interfere with his duty ever again. It’s a vow that will prove difficult to keep, as the realities of Shane and Daisy’s blossoming love and their growing bond with the grieving teen propel Shane headlong into danger for the new family he has sworn to protect.

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Hot Pursuit

In Sugarland, Detective Taylor Kayne is always ready with quick wit and a quicker smile. But he’s about to meet a woman who will make him want to take his sweet time….

Taylor is a laid-back, smart-aleck kind of lawman. He’s also a man’s man, as well as every woman’s private fantasy. But years ago, he was part of a botched hostage situation that ended with him being hailed as a tough-as-nails hero—even though the pain, fear, and shame from that terrible day still haunt his every moment.

Cara Evans couldn’t care less about Taylor’s pain. In the moment he became a so-called hero, she lost someone she dearly loved. Yet neither of them is prepared for the instant, undeniable attraction that flares between them—or the danger that’s soon hot on their heels.

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Author Bio:

National Bestselling author Jo Davis is best known for her popular Firefighters of Station Five series written as Jo Davis, and her dark, sexy paranormal series Alpha Pack, written as J.D. Tyler. PRIMAL LAW, the first book in her Alpha Pack series, is the winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award in Paranormal. She’s also been a multiple finalist in the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, a finalist for the Bookseller’s Best Award, has captured the HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, and has been a two-time nominee for the Australian Romance Readers Award in romantic suspense.

Jo’s books regularly appear on the Neilson Bookscan, Barnes and Noble, BooksOnBoard, and Amazon bestseller lists, among others.

Jo is currently at work on the SUGARLAND BLUE series, a spin-off of her Firefighters of Station Five series, and her new contemporary romance novella trilogy TORN BETWEEN TWO LOVERS, scheduled to debut in October 2013 with RAW. She’s also publishing a new FBI series, ARMED AND DEADLY, set to debut in Fall 2013 with ONE LAST KISS. Jo lives in Texas with her two kids and a cute Boston terrier.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Day Blitz + Review + Giveaway: Frayed by Kim Karr- The Connections Series-Book 4-

Posted on 09/02/2014 by shellbellereads

Frayed

The Connections Series- Book 4

By Kim Karr

Synopsis

He didn’t think, he didn’t question—he just acted.

What she wanted, she took—without regard.

It was only one night, but it changed everything.

After losing his fiancée, Ben Covington is unsure he’ll ever love again. But he’s so deeply drawn to Bell Wilde that he’s thrown for a loop. Maybe it’s purely sexual chemistry that’s igniting their spark… or maybe it’s his second chance at love.

Bell Wilde has just gotten her life back on track and may not be up the challenge of Ben Covington coming back into it. However, once the spark is reignited…there’s no stopping it. But even if they both manage to pull together their frayed hearts, a secret from Bell’s past just might shatter them both.

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Michel’s Review

Ben Covington has become my favorite character in The Connections series by Kim Karr. The man has died, resurrected, hit rock bottom, climbed out of the rubble, and began to build a meaningful and productive new life. He has suffered the loss of a fiance, the loss of his mother, the loss of the career he gave his life up for, and the loss of his true sense of self. It took hitting rock bottom to realize that there is more to life than loss. Life is what you make of it. The one thing that has been consistant in his past life and his present life is the undeniable chemistry he has Bell Wilde. She threatened his past life and now she may be the one that makes his new life meaningful.

Ben and Bell had a passionate one night stand in college. That one night affected both of their lives very differently. For Ben is was the threat of his fiance finding out about his indiscretion. It could cause him to lose the woman he has loved all his life. For Bell that night left scars on her soul and led to an event that would forever haunt her life.

Ben kept secrets to save his relationship with his fiance. Bell kept secrets to save her sanity. Now both are alone and single. Their paths keep crossing and the attraction they felt in college is still undeniable. Can these two overcome their past indiscretions and build a life of love and happiness. Will their secrets still keep them apart.

Ben Covington knows the value of life. He has had to rebuild a new life for himself. He is positive that nothing can keep him from rebuilding one with Bell Wilde.

I loved Ben and Bells story. They are both charismatic individuals that have had some heavy obstacles to overcome. Both are strong people that have a passion for life. Their story will melt your heart.

Kim Karr has created a well written series that keeps the readers addicted. Not only do the characters experience an epic love story individually, they are all connected in some way. It is fantastic how Kim Karr has woven an intricate web of past and present circumstances that connect all the characters in some way. I look forward to the next book in this series and how the characters will be Connected.

I highly recommend Frayed and The Connections series by Kim Karr. It will not disappoint!

The Connections Series

Connected – Book 1 – Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Torn – Book 2 – Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Dazed– Book 2.5 – Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Mended – Book 3 – Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble/ ITunes

Blurred – Book 3.5 – Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble/ ITunes

Frayed– Book 4 – Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble/ ITunes

Author Bio

Kim Karr lives in Florida with her husband and four kids. She’s always had a love for reading books and writing. Being an English major in college, she wanted to teach at the college level but that was not to be. She went on to receive an MBA and became a project manager until quitting to raise her family. Kim currently works part-time with her husband and recently decided to embrace one of her biggest passions–writing.

Kim wears a lot of hats! Writer, book-lover, wife, soccer-mom, taxi driver, and the all around go-to person of her family. However, she always finds time to read. One of her favorite family outings was taking her kids when they were little to the bookstore or the library. Today, Kim’s oldest child is seventeen and no longer goes with her on these, now rare and infrequent, outings. She finds that she doesn’t need to go on them anymore because she has the greatest device ever invented–a Kindle.

Kim likes to believe in soul mates, kindred spirits, true friends, and Happily-Ever-Afters. She loves to drink champagne, listen to music, and hopes to always stay young at heart.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

** Giveaway**

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/dda4dfec177/

Release Day Blitz: Song Of The Fireflies by J. A. Redmerski

Posted on 09/02/2014 by shellbellereads

Song Of The Fireflies

By J. A. Redmerski

Synopsis

SONG OF THE FIREFLIES by J.A. Redmerski (September 2, 2014; Forever Trade Paperback; $14.00)

THE TRUTH WILL SET THEM FREE

Brayelle Bates has always been a force of nature. Even as a child, Bray’s wild and carefree spirit intimidated everyone around her. The only person who’s ever truly understood her is her best friend, Elias Kline. Though every fiber of her being wants to stay with Elias forever, Bray can’t bear the thought of him discovering her agonizing history. She’s done everything she can to keep him at arm’s length, including moving away. But their undying bond was too strong a pull to deny, and Bray couldn’t survive without him. Now she’s back home with Elias, and things have never felt more right–until one night changes everything.

Elias vowed never to be separated from Bray again. So when she decides to flee in a desperate attempt to escape her fate, Elias knows he must go with her. As the two try to make the most of their circumstance, taking up with a reckless group of new friends, Elias soon realizes there’s a darkness driving Bray he can’t ignore. Now in order to save her, he’ll have to convince Bray to accept the consequences of their reality–even if it means losing her.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Excerpt

Bray and I spent the whole night in the field chasing the fireflies and laying on the grass, staring up at the stars. She told me all about her sister, Rian, and how she was a snob and was always mean to Bray. I told her about my parents, because I didn’t have any brothers or sisters. She said I was lucky. We talked forever, it seemed. We may have been young, but we connected deeply on that night. I knew we would be great friends, even better friends than Mitchell and I had been, and I had known him since first grade, when he had tried to con me out of my peach cup at lunch.

And before the night was over, we made a pact with each other that would later prove to see us through some very troubled times.

“Promise we’ll always be best friends,” Bray said, lying next to me. “No matter what. Even if you grow up ugly and I grow up mean.”

I laughed. “You’re already mean!”

She elbowed me.

“And you’re already ugly,” she said with a blush in her cheeks.

I gave in, though really I needed no convincing. “OK, I promise.”

We gazed back up at the stars; her fingers were interlaced and her hands rested on her belly.

I had no idea what I was getting into with Brayelle Bates. I didn’t know about such things when I was nine. I didn’t know. But I would never regret a moment with her. Never.

Bray and I were found early the following morning, fast asleep in the grass. We were awoken by three cops; Mr. Parson, who owned the land; and my frantic mother, who thought I had been kidnapped from my room, stuffed in a suitcase, and thrown on the side of a highway somewhere.

“Elias! Oh dear God, I thought you were gone!” She scooped me into her arms and squeezed me so tight I thought my eyeballs were going to burst out of the sockets. She pulled away, kissed me on the forehead, embarrassing the crap out of me, and then squeezed me again.

Bray’s mom and dad were there, too.

“Have you been out here all night with him?” Bray’s dad asked with a sharp edge in his voice.

My mom immediately went into defensive mode. She stood up the rest of the way with me and wrapped one arm around the front of me, pressing my head against her stomach.

“That daughter of yours,” my mom said, and already I was flinching before she finished, “she has a mouth on her. My son would never have snuck out unless he was influenced.”

Oh geez…

I sighed and threw my head back against her.

“Mom, I—”

“Are you blaming this on my daughter?” Bray’s mother said, stepping up front and center.

“As a matter of fact, I am,” my mom said boldly.

Bray started to shrink behind her dad and every second that passed I felt even worse about her being blamed.

Before this got too out of hand, I broke away from my mom’s arms. “Dammit, Mom—!” Her eyes grew wide and fierce, and I stopped midsentence.

“Watch your mouth, Elias!” Then she looked at Bray’s mom again and added,

“See, Elias never uses language like that.”

“Stop it! Please! I snuck out on my own, so leave Bray out of it!”

I hated shouting. I hated that I had to put my mom in her place like that, but I spoke what I felt in my heart, and that was something my mom always taught me to do. Take up for the bullied, Elias. Never stand back and watch someone take advantage of someone else, Elias. Always do and say what you know in your heart to be right, no matter what, Elias.

I hoped she would remember those things when we were back at home.

My mom sighed deeply and I watched the anger deflate with her breath. “I apologize,” she said to Bray’s parents. “Really, I am sorry. I was just so scared something had happened to him.”

Bray’s mom nodded, accepting my mom’s apology with sincerity. “I understand. I’m sorry, too. I’m just glad they’re safe.”

Bray’s dad said nothing. I got the feeling he wasn’t as forgiving as her mom had been.

I was grounded for the rest of the summer for that stunt I pulled. And yes, I met the fly swatter that day, after which I vowed never to sneak out of the house again. But whenever it came to Bray, from that time up until we graduated high school, I did sneak out. A lot. But I never got caught again after that first time.

I know you must be wondering why after so many years of being best friends, attending the same school, working together at the local Dairy Queen, even often sharing a bed, why we never became something more to each other.

Well, the truth is that we did.

Michel’s Review

Wow! Song of the Fireflies by J. A. Redmerski is an honest, compelling, consuming story of a young couple facing a very terrifying reality. It is beyond one of the best books I have read that deals with a very real problem many face in life ( I can’t say too much because it would give away spoilers).

Song of the Fireflies is a story of true love and the devotion to that love. It is story of facing the realities in life and learning to deal with those realities. Learning that mistakes can force people to make poor choices. It is not a simple matter of facing a mistake and learning from it. It is a story of recognizing why these mistakes are made and recognizing what led to making these mistakes. It is story of giving up oneself for the one you love. Taking a risk of losing that person in order to let that person have a healthy and happy life.

This story is beautifully written. It addresses an issue that affects many people. It is brutally honest about how this issue not only affects that person, it affects every single person that loves them. It is a story of destruction. This is a story of destruction, irrationality, excessive behavior, delusion, and poor judgement. It is also a story of unconditional love, acceptance, hope, healing, and learning to cope with one’s reality. It is a story of learning how to reach your happily ever after.

I loved the cast of characters in this book. Not only were Elias and Bray strong characters that the reader sympathized with, the new friends they chose caught the readers attention. These characters showed strengths and flaws that we could easily identify with. They showed that there are many facets to each and every individual.

If you have read the Edge books you will recognize a scene from that book in Song of the Fireflies. That scene will be from a different characters perspective and you will look at it in an entirely different way. Andrew and Camryn’s take will stay the same but you will see what exactly happened and why. I love when an author can intermix their books into another story and make it work.

J. A. Redmerski delivered a truthful rendition of a life many people are living. I highly recommend this book.

Author Bio:

J. A. Redmerski, New York Times, USA Today andWall Street Journal bestselling author lives in North Little Rock, Arkansas with her three children, two cats and a Maltese. She is a lover of television and books that push boundaries and is a huge fan of AMC’s The Walking Dead.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Cover Reveal & Sneak Peek Excerpt

The Moment Of Letting Go

Coming April 2015

He kisses me passionately for three brief seconds, his hands gripping the sides of my face, and we’re both breathless when he says, “I wanted to tell you about Landon. I wanted to tell you a lot of things, but I knew you had to go home and none of it would’ve mattered.”

I touch his lips with two of my fingers. “You can tell me whenever you’re ready. I’m here to listen, and I’m not going anywhere. There’s nothing you can say to scare me away. I won’t leave again unless it’s what you want. I still have four days left of my vacation and I want to spend them with you.”
“I want you to stay.”
“Then I’m staying.”
“What about after that?”
“We’ll figure it out.”
He gazes into my eyes, searching for something, I could never know what, but I think he finds it because his lips smash against mine and he kisses me hungrily. I feel my body being lifted into the air, my legs wrapped around his waist, and the air in the room hitting me as he carries me quickly through it, never breaking the kiss. In seconds I feel the comfort of his bed beneath my back and his lumpy pillows I missed so much, around my head.
We strip off each other’s clothes clumsily and Luke is on top of me before I can even catch my breath. But I don’t need my breath when I have his, and his kiss is deep and forceful and it alone makes my body dizzy with need.

Giveaway

10 Signed Paperback Copies of Song of The Fireflies

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Release Day Blitz: In Her Wake by K.A. Tucker- A Ten Tiny Breaths Series Novella

Posted on 09/01/2014 by shellbellereads

We are stoked to bring you all the Release Day Launch for K.A. Tucker’s IN HER WAKE! IN HER WAKE is a new adult contemporary romance and a prequel novella in the Ten Tiny Breaths Series, published by Atria Press (an imprint of Simon & Schuster).

Amazon | B&N | iBookstore | BAM | Bookish | Other

EXCERPT:

That’s how I spot her.

There’s no doubt that it’s her; I’ve memorized her face.

Leaning against a wall on the opposite side, her lips wrapped around a clear bottle filled with clear liquor, her fiery red hair a wild mane against the stark white wall, a tight black T-shirt showing off toned arms. She’s in no rush to part with that bottle, guzzling back a good portion before she hands it off to someone, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.

Her eyes at half-mast.

She’s wasted.

My heart starts racing. What the hell is Kacey Cleary doing here? By my calculation, she’s probably finishing her last year of high school, having lost at least half a year while recovering.

I tug my cap down even farther, though I doubt she can see two feet in front of her.

What if she does recognize me? How would she react? Does she know my real name? What I look like? I can’t say for sure that my face wasn’t printed in a newspaper somewhere. She could have Googled my name and found a dozen game shots with me in them. I have my helmet on in most of them, but you can find a profile picture of me easily enough if you’re looking.

I don’t know that she was, though. I wonder if Kacey Cleary gives a fuck about anything anymore. Her Facebook account is inactive. She hasn’t posted a single word and the well-wishes have dwindled, as everyone moves on.

I do know that she shouldn’t be at a party in this state. I’ve heard of bad things happening when girls get that drunk. Especially when they don’t care.

But what do I do?

A blonde stumbles into my chest with two beers in hand. “Hey, do you go here? What’s your name?” She’s tipping her head back way farther than necessary to look up at me, telling me she’s trying to flirt but is too drunk to do it right.

I smile down at her anyway. She’s a good cover. I can stand right here and watch Kacey. “I’m Trent, and I used to go here.”

“Really? When’d you graduate?”

From the corner of my eye, I see Kacey shift from the wall and begin climbing the stairs, her arm hooked around the railing to help her. Two guys following her.

About IN HER WAKE:

Cole Reynolds had it all. And then one night he makes a bad choice… and loses everything.

When a drunken night out at a Michigan State college party results in the death of six people, Cole must come to terms with his part in the tragedy. Normally, he’d be able to lean on his best friends. The best friends that have been in his life since he could barely walk. Only, they’re gone. Worse, there’s the shattered body of a sixteen-year-old girl lying somewhere in a hospital bed, her entire life ripped from her because of a case of beer and a set of keys.

Everyone assures him that they know it wasn’t intentional and yet he can’t ignore the weight of their gazes, the whispers behind his back. The all-consuming guilt he feels every time he thinks of that girl who won’t so much as allow him near her hospital room to apologize. As the months go by and the shame and loneliness festers, Cole begins to lose his grip of what once was important-college, his girlfriend, his future. His life. It’s not until Cole hits rock-bottom that he can begin to see another way out of his personal hell: forgiveness.

And there’s only one person who can give that to him…

And don’t miss the previous titles in the Ten Tiny Breaths Series!

Michel’s Review

I am a huge fan of the Ten Tiny Breaths series by K.A. Tucker. I was hooked the moment I read Ten Tiny Breaths. Every book in this series has been excellent and maintained the high standards of the previous books in this series.

When I saw that In Her Wake was releasing I was very excited. It is the prequel to Ten Tiny Breaths from Cole’s / Trent’s POV. I thought I knew the story that lead Trent to Kacey’s side in Miami. But like anything in life, there are two sides to a story. Two people can experience the same life impacting moment and be affected differently. They both will carry the emotional trauma throughout their lives and be forever changed because of it. How the individual deals with the trauma, reacts to the impact of that moment, and changes because of it is uniquely theirs. No one can say one person had it harder or easier than the other. They are both affected and have earned their emotional scars.

As Cole’s story about the night of the accident unfolds, we see a very different person than the one we met in Ten Tiny Breaths. We get to meet Cole (not Trent). We get a glimpse of his happy life, a life full of laughter, friendship, love, and happy family. We see a young man very secure with himself and his bright shining future. One moment changed everything. He lost his best friends, shattered his family, destroyed another family, and most of all he lost himself. Cole Reynolds died in that accident and Trent Emerson was born. These two men are completely different from each other and yet they share the same body, the same mind, and the same family. One destroyed his perfect life and the other is just trying to get through life day to day, moment to moment.

In Her Wake is an emotional story that makes your heart bleed for Cole and his family. The devastation to their lives is heart wrenching.

K. A. Tucker handled Cole’s / Trent’s story with tender loving care. She gave the readers another reason to love this man completely. Cole needed hugs and a reason to go on. K.A. Tucker gave him to us…now he will have more hugs and love than he ever thought he deserved. Thank you for giving us Cole and our friends in the Ten Tiny Breaths series.

In Her Wake is a powerful novella. It has become my favorite book from the Ten Tiny Breaths series.

ABOUT K.A. TUCKER:

Born in small-town Ontario, Kathleen published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She is a voracious reader and the farthest thing from a genre-snob, loving everything from High Fantasy to Chick Lit. Kathleen currently resides in a quaint small town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.

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Release Day Blitz + Review: Indiscretion Volume 3 by Elisabeth Grace- Indiscretion Serial-Book 3

Posted on 09/01/2014 by shellbellereads

Indiscretion: Vol. 3

Indiscretion Serial

By Elisabeth Grace

Synopsis

A summer of f*ck buddies? Something to take the edge off? I was down.

But when Chloe shows up at my hotel door, wanting to rip my head off, rather than give me head—I cared. A lot. Too much, in fact.

This is turning into more. And I can’t do more.

Like the ink under my skin she’s becoming permanent. Enduring. Immovable.

Was I ready to let her go though?

Not a f*cking chance.

***Note: This is the third instalment in the Indiscretion serial. There are 4 Volumes total. Volumes 1-3 are approximately 23K-25K in length, with the final fourth instalment being longer. The release schedule for the remaining instalment is as follows: Volume 4: Sept 15th.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Indiscretion Volume 3 by Elisabeth Grace has gone beyond readers expectations. Elisabeth Grace intensified the plot, added a new twist that has readers mystified, added new characters, and taken Max and Chloe’s fragile relationship to a whole new level.

Indiscretion Volume 3 picks right up where Volume 2 has left off. Chloe is confronting Max about his business agenda and how it affects her. Max’s explanation is more than satisfying, it is downright erotic and emotional. It still appears that he has a secret agenda and is hiding a multitude of secrets from Chloe.

Their relationship will continue on the out of control rollercoaster ride until both are willing to let go of their pasts, misconceptions, secrets, and give into their true emotional feelings. They now not only have to battle each other but also an enemy that could destroy them both. They can confront this enemy together with a united front or they can do it solo and lose the one thing they both need more than anything, each other.

No matter how hard they try to deny their feelings , their erotic chemistry is the glue that keeps them together. Although we know it is much more than their sexual needs being satisfied. What starts out as a not strings attached summer relationship is turning into much more.

In this installment to the series we get a better understanding of the characters, their motivations, and personalities. Although Max still remains somewhat mysterious. I think we are going to be surprised when his persona is cracked open and exposed to the readers.

This volume was sizzling hot. It ended on a cliffhanger that had my heart racing and my loyalties to Max in question.

September 15, 2014 cannot get here fast enough. I need to know what is going to happen in the finale volume, Indiscretion Volume 4. I have no doubt Elisabeth Grace is going to give the readers a grand finale that will have fireworks.

Author Bio:

Welcome! I’m Elisabeth Grace, or El if you prefer, and I write New Adult Contemporary Romance. been an avid reader my entire life, but when I discovered romance novels during my first pregnancy I was hooked! Not sure if it was the hormones or the lack of a life that was headed my way once my daughter was born, but since then I’ve been devouring several romance books a week. I love nothing more than reading about some serious alpha males and a happily ever after.

Things you should know about me…

I live outside Toronto, Canada…eh. (Yes, it’s true. We Canadians say ‘eh’ A LOT.)

I’m a wife and mommy to two small children which I refer to as Little Miss and Mr. Magoo.

I own one cat spawned by the devil. Seriously. He’s as cute as they come but you’ve never met a meaner feline. In retrospect we should have named him, Lucifer. I have the scars to prove it.

I believe there’s no such thing as too much chocolate. Or popcorn. Or bread. Or potatoes. Yes, you guessed it…I’m a sugar and carb addict.

I hate running. Always have, always will. Unless David Gandy’s in the vicinity you won’t find me doing it. Ever. Not sure who David Gandy is and think you might want to become a Gandy Girl like me? Google him. You can thank me later.

I’m a LOVER of all music. The 1200+ songs on my IPod can attest to the variety of my musical tastes. Hubby and I try to travel to a different music festival every year and are regular concert goers.

My name is Elisabeth and I like reality TV. There I admitted it and that’s the first step, right? Yes, I’m a writer and I see the need for scripted shows, but sometimes there’s just something so entertaining about watching one Real Housewife lose it on another one. I could listen to Cochran’s diatribe on his fellow castaways for hours.

Of the four of us that make up my family, three of us are Leo’s. Let’s say it together…DRAMA!

I may be the world’s worst cook. My poor children. Unless Daddy’s cooking they know not to expect much.

I write every night after my kids are in bed until the wee hours of the morning. This wouldn’t be a problem except for the fact that I have always been an early-bird-catches-the-worm kind-of girl, so 5:00am comes early. Sleep is over-rated, I say.

If you are a lover of romance novels, steamy bedroom scenes and alpha males than you may enjoy my stories! 🙂

I LOVE talking with fellow readers about books! There’s nothing better than discovering your next favorite read because someone recommended it to you! If you’re the same I’d encourage you to reach out to me via one of my social media links so we can chat!

Happy Reading!

Best, El

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

If you’re US based and you want to receive a text message when Elisabeth has a new book go LIVE, text ROMANCE to 313131!

Release Day Blitz + Review: Assumption by Aurora Rose Reynolds- Underground Kings Series- Book 1

Posted on 08/26/2014 by shellbellereads

Assumption

Underground Kings Series- Book 1

By Aurora Rose Reynolds

Synopsis

as·sump·tion:

a thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof

They say when you assume that you make an ass out of you and me. Kenton Mayson learned this lesson firsthand when he made assumptions about Autumn Freeman and the kind of woman she is based on what little information he had. What he finds out is she’s not only beautiful, but also smart, funny, a fighter, and exactly the kind of woman he wants to share his life with. Autumn made assumptions of her own about Kenton, and now he needs to prove her wrong in order to protect her and their future.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Aurora Rose Reynolds has done it again! Another hot alpha Mayson that makes us swoon and temperatures rise.

We met Kenton Mayson in the previous Until series. He is the cousin to the Mayson brothers of that series. He is mysterious, dangerous, and a self made man. His work as a bounty hunter and private investigator keeps him busy in the underground world. He doesn’t have time for relationships or love. When he sees his manwhore cousins finding good women, settling down, and raising families, he’s envious and wants that kind of life for himself. When Autumn Freeman is placed in his home for protection it is very clear she is not that kind of woman. She is a stripper and because of her profession she has loose morals. ASSUMPTION!

Kenton is in for a real eye opener. Autumn is more than a two bit stripper. She is intelligent, funny, loving, and innocent. She is everything he wants in a woman that he wants to spend his life with. Because she is naive and innocent, he assumes that she will trust his words. Again ASSUMPTION! He will have to earn her trust, break through her walls, and show her what love really means.

Autumn has been around plenty of men. Most of these men are cheaters, liars, and untrustworthy. She assumes Kenton is the same way once he makes some derogatory remarks about her chosen profession. Assumption!

A life time of heartache and wounds keeps Autumn from opening up to Kenton. She thinks he will see her past life as a reason to reject her. Assumption!

These two have made a lot of assumptions about one another. They are clearly attracted to one another but both are clinging to their assumptions. Once they let go of those assumptions and open their hearts, they are going to find something much better than what they assumed happily ever after would be.

I loved this story. Aurora’s writing and male characters remind me of Kristen Ashley’s men in all their alpha hotness. Aurora has that same easy going manner that makes her stories flow with natural ease. Her voice is fresh, fun, sexy, and entertaining. Her male characters may be hot Alpha men, but her women outshine these boys. They are the perfect blend of sweet and sassy, innocence and street smart, intelligent and naive, and they know how to put these Alpha men on their knees. And like Kristen Ashley, her dialogue will have you laughing, crying, and swooning. You will close this book with a big smile and a heart full of happiness.

I loved the new characters introduced into the Mayson world. Jason stole my heart with his wit and geekiness. Kai peeked my interest with his mysterious badness. Sven has more in his pockets than a lot of cash. I am so looking forward to what comes next in this series.

I highly recommend Assumption by Aurora Rose Reynolds.

**Note: I don’t usually compare authors to one another. But when I compared Aurora Rose Reynolds with Kristen Ashley, it was intended as a huge compliment. She evokes the same kind of light hearted happiness while giving us an intense romance. It is a gift to be able to pull that kind of magic through words alone.**

The Until Series

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

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

ARC Review: Rival by Penelope Douglas- Falling Away Series- Book 3

Posted on 08/26/2014 by shellbellereads

Rival

Falling Away Series- Book 3

By Penelope Douglas

Synopsis

From the New Adult sensation and New York Times bestselling author of Bully and Until You

Madoc and Fallon. Two estranged teenagers playing games that push the boundaries between love and war…

She’s back.

For the two years she’s been away at boarding school, there was no word from her. Back when we lived in the same house, she used to cut me down during the day and then leave her door open for me at night.

I was stupid then, but now I’m ready to beat her at her own game…

I’m back.

Two years and I can tell he still wants me, even if he acts like he’s better than me.

But I won’t be scared away. Or pushed down. I’ll call his bluff and fight back. That’s what he wants, right? As long as I keep my guard up, he’ll never know how much he affects me….

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

The Fall Away Series

Bully

My name is Tate.

He doesn’t call me that, though. He’ll barely refer to me at all, and he’ll hardly ever speak to me.

But he still won’t leave me alone.

We were best friends once. Then he turned on me and made it his mission to ruin my life. I’ve been humiliated, shut out, and gossiped about all through high school. His pranks and rumors got worse as time wore on. I even went to Europe for a year, just to avoid him.

But I’m done hiding from him now, and there’s no way I’ll allow him to ruin another year. He might not have changed, but I have.

It’s time to fight back.

When one brave young woman stands up to her best friend Jared, now tormenter, the consequences go beyond anything either of them ever would have imagined….

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Until You

This is Jared’s story.

Have you ever been so angry that hitting things felt good? Or numb to all emotions? The past few years have been like that for me. Traveling between fury and indifference with no stops in between. Some people hate me for it, while others are scared of me. But none of them can hurt me, because I don’t care about anything or anyone.

Except Tatum.

I love her so much that I hate her. I hate that I can’t let her go. We used to be friends, but I found out that I couldn’t trust her—or anyone else. So I hurt her. I pushed her away. But I still need her. She centers me. Engaging her, challenging her, pushing her—it’s the one last part of me that feels anything anymore.

But then she went and screwed everything up. She left for a year and came back a different girl. Now, when I push, she pushes back…and I’m not sure either one of us will ever be the same.

Includes a teaser for RIVAL, the next unforgettable novel from Penelope Douglas….

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Falling Away- Coming January 6, 2014

Jaxon is the guy she’s supposed to avoid. K.C. is the girl he won’t let get away….

K. C. Carter has always followed the rules—until this year, when a mistake leaves her the talk of her college campus and her carefully arranged life comes crashing to a halt. Now she’s stuck in her small hometown for the summer to complete her court-ordered community service, and to make matters worse, trouble is living right next door.

Jaxon Trent is the worst kind of temptation and exactly what K.C. was supposed to stay away from in high school. But he never forgot her. She was the one girl who wouldn’t give him the time of day and the only one to ever say no. Fate has brought K.C. back into his life—except what he thought was a great twist of luck turns out to be too close for comfort. As they grow closer, he discovers that convincing K.C. to get out from her mother’s shadow is hard, but revealing the darkest parts of his soul is nearly impossible.…

Pre Order- Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Robin’s Review

Once again, Penelope Douglas has written a powerful story for her Fall Away series. Rival is a new adult contemporary romance novel written from a dual point of view. It’s the explosive story about Madoc Caruthers and his stepsister, Fallon Pierce. Expect white heat in Rival, similar to the tone and intensity found in the first novel of the series, Bully.

Their family is completely dysfunctional. His father is married to her mother. Biologically speaking, the siblings are not related. Their parents are estranged, with neither parent living at the family home. After being forced to attend a Catholic boarding school for two years, Fallon decides to return home, where she finds Madoc and the housekeeper, Addie, are the only persons in residence. Hostility reigns between Madoc and Fallon. They clash repeatedly. Filled with rage, Fallon does not back down from Madoc. He goads her, she taunts him. It’s an interesting type of foreplay, but imagine what follows.

There is so much more to this novel than a sibling rivalry. The plot of Rival is absolutely compelling. While reading, I found myself continually shocked by the unexpected twists and turns layered into the story. Penelope Douglas uses flashbacks to fill in the blanks. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, I found that I was completely wrong. Once I reached a certain point in Rival, I found myself struggling with the believability factor, as it pertained to the ongoing hostility between Madoc and Fallon. However, this wasn’t something I continued to feel for the entire novel. Other than this one drawback, I can say that I found myself completely invested in Madoc, Fallon and their story. Rival has earned a solid 4-star rating.

Michel’s Review- 4.5 Stars

Rival by Penelope Douglas is book three in the Fall Away series. It can be read as a stand alone or in series order. The previous books are Bully and Until You. These books feature Jared and Tate and the characters from this series. This is where we meet Madoc, Jared’s best friend and cohort. Of the two, Madoc is the more laid back, fun loving, party kind of guy. He seems to let things roll off easily and nothing brings him down. With his family’s wealth, lack of parental guidance, and good looks it appears that Madoc has everything going for him. But behind this façade is a completely different young man. His family is dysfunctional, he is a product of a split home, and is left to his own devices most of the time. His father is a high profile attorney that has more interest in his career than he does his family. He remarried but never invested himself in his new family. His new wife was obviously only married to him for his prestigious standing and wealth. She also had a teenage daughter that she neglected as well.

These two teenagers were thrown together and forced to become a family. They were polar opposites. Fallon was a shy, quiet, and studious kind of girl. Madoc was a popular party kind of guy. Most of the time the two butted heads and took sibling rivalry to a new level. It would seem these two were destined to hate each other. But they both had something in common, they were both deeply hurt by their parents neglect and disregard. They found solace in each other that soon led to the forbidden attraction to one another. Once the parents discover the secret relationship between the two all hell breaks loose. What little family unity existed is now fractured beyond repair. Fallon is sent away to a Catholic boarding school. Madoc is left to his own devices. Their parents have more or less gone their own ways, living apart, and married in name only. There are deep resentments and malicious feelings for all that are involved.

Two years later Fallon returns to her former home with a vendetta of revenge. She wants to destroy Madoc and his father for the treatment she received in their home. Madoc hates Fallon after she deserted him and left him to deal with the ugliness their parents had made of their lives.

It’s an all out war. It’s a love hate relationship. It’s their way of dealing with the feelings neither one of them knows how to express. It is their foreplay.

What unravels and comes into play will have the readers glued to the pages. The story is unpredictable and very well plotted. Fallon and Madoc are Rival’s that make the battlefield look like a playground. When the peace treaty is finally reached the reader’s will be ecstatic.

Rival is sizzling hot! It is almost an erotic romance. The connection between Fallon and Mardoc is undeniable.

I loved how Penelope Douglas portrayed these two teenagers maturing into adulthood. They were very realistic to what young people are really like. She showed the many different types of families our modern day world knows. The secondary characters, the cast from the first two books, their families, and their community will definitely hit home. I am invested in this series and cannot wait for the next book, Falling Away to release in January, 2015.

This series is New Adult and is graphic. It will appeal to young adults as well as the mature audience. It is well written, has original plots, charismatic characters, and steamy romance.

I highly recommend Rival and The Fall Away series.

My seventeen year old daughter has read the Fall Away series. It has become her favorite. She has recommended this series to all her friends and they love it. When I asked them what made this series so special, they all replied that the characters seemed very real. They were like a lot of their friends and classmates. They loved that Penelope showed a truthful side of how teenagers really are in today’s world. Bully made a huge impact among their friends and fellow students. Bully is now on the recommended reading list in the Anti-Bullying campaign in their school.

The WVHS Girls have rated and voted the Fall Away Series & Rival their TOP PICK OF 2014.

About Penelope Douglas

Penelope Douglas is a writer living in Las Vegas. Born in Dubuque, Iowa, she is the oldest of five children. Penelope attended the University of Northern Iowa, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, because her father told her to “just get the damn degree!” She then earned a Masters of Science in Education at Loyola University in New Orleans, because she HATED public administration. One night, she got tipsy and told the bouncer at the bar where she worked that his son was hot, and three years later she was married. To the son, not the bouncer. They have spawn, but just one. A daughter named Aydan. Penelope loves sweets, The Originals, and she shops at Target almost daily.

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Release Blitz + Review: Reluctantly Royal by Nichole Chase-Book 3 in Suddenly Series

Posted on 08/26/2014 by shellbellereads

We are beyond excited about the Release Day Launch of Nichole Chase’s RELUCTANTLY ROYAL!! RELUCTANTLY ROYAL is a New Adult contemporary romance novel being published by HarperCollins Avon imprint and is the third book in Nichole Chase’s Suddenly Series. We love the swoony romance in these books and this one delivers in spades!

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RELUCTANTLY ROYAL Synopsis:

Maxwell Jameson Trevor, prince of Lilaria, hates his royal role. Despising the limelight, he takes solace in his art studio and steers clear of any drama. But when one of the newly discovered royals passes away, Maxwell’s brother Alex asks him to break the news to the old man’s granddaughter. Though he hates to be the bearer of doom and gloom, he doesn’t want the poor girl to find out from the tabloids. For Maxwell knows all too well how devastating that could be.

Coming from a broken home and modest background, newly ordained Lady Meredith Thysmer has seized her chance to make a better life for herself and her son. She’s not afraid to use her best assets to get what she wants. But when the unpretentious yet devastatingly handsome Max delivers his news, her plans for the future come crashing to a halt. In the challenging days ahead, Max’s compassion, humor, and steadfast loyalty to Meredith and her son win her over. She quickly finds herself doing something she swore would never happen again: falling in love. And yet Maxwell still refuses to completely drop his guard. Somehow Meredith’s got to find a way to seduce this reluctant royal.

Excerpt:

As I turned to leave the room, my eyes fell on a sketch pad and I couldn’t help myself. Sitting back down in the chair I flipped it open and smiled at the drawings inside. Marty had promise for such a young kid. Turning to a blank page, I glanced around and searched for a pencil. Charcoal would be best, but pencil would do.

I started with the lines of his forehead, the curve of his impish nose, the roundness of his cheeks. I was lost in the sketch, enjoying the shadows, the tenderness in his expression, working to capture that moment of utter innocence.

“That’s beautiful.” Her voice was soft.

I looked up from what I was doing, not surprised that she had snuck up on me. When I’m lost in a project, the world disappears; the only thing I’m aware of are the layers of the project I’m working on.

“He’s a good subject.” I turned back to the paper and finished up the shading of the blanket.

“Only because he’s asleep and not moving.” Her quiet laugh sent shivers over my body.

“That does help.” I smiled up at her. “But it’s the contrast. The contrast of him awake versus him asleep. He looks so young right now, so innocent.”

“What do you mean?” She leaned closer to look at the picture.

“He’s so mature, quick-witted.” I whispered the words. “But here he is, looking like the child he is.”

“His teachers say that,” she said. “That he’s quick to pick things up.”

“I’d say so.” I turned and handed her the sketch pad. “I hope you don’t mind that I drew him. The light and shadows were too perfect to resist.” Sort of like her right now. The way the moonlight glinted in her eyes and shone along her hair. Her perfect features would make any artist ache to draw them. Her pixie nose, the heavy eyelashes, the curve of her body hinted at by the oversized sweater she had wrapped around herself. It made my palms itch. Partly because I just wanted to touch her, to see if she would taste as sweet as she looked in that moment.

“Thank you for keeping him entertained.” She stood up. “Can I keep this?”

“Of course.” I stood up and stretched. Her eyes swept over my chest and then back up to my face. Maybe I wasn’t the only one tempted to touch. I hated to admit it, but I had a flare of pride. “I enjoyed hanging out with him.”

I was surprised to realize I meant it. I never would have thought spending time with a six-year-old would have been enjoyable.

“Looks like he did too.” She moved away from the door and I followed her into the hallway.

“Did you get everything settled?”

“I think so.” She frowned.

“What’s wrong?” Her expression worried me.

“Granddad would have hated a large ceremony.” She sighed and headed for the stairs. “But I guess that as a duke there are some things that have to happen.”

“I don’t blame your grandfather.” I followed behind her. “I would want a small ceremony, not to be made into a production.”

“I’m starting to think you don’t like any type of production.” She looked at me over shoulder.

“Not really, no.” I wasn’t going to lie. “I don’t like being the focus, being the center of attention. It makes me uncomfortable.” I wasn’t going to lie, but I hadn’t intended to tell her so much about me.

“And yet you agreed to help me with my grandfather’s funeral.” She turned to me at the bottom of the stairs and set the sketch pad on a table. “Why?”

I stared at her for a minute, enjoying the way her eyes looked up at me, the tilt of her chin, the way her hair cascaded around her shoulders. “I don’t know.”

Unable to help myself, I reached out and touched her cheek with my fingers. Her pupils dilated and she inhaled softly. With one thumb I traced the dip under her plump bottom lip. Her hand reached up to trace my jaw and she took a step closer to me.

“You should be running from me as fast as you can.” She whispered the words. “I’m everything you don’t want.”

“I’m not so sure.”

“I live for the spotlight, it’s my food.” Her eyes were half lidded as she edged closer to my mouth. “And you’ve seen my family. I’m trouble, Max.”

Did I care? I wasn’t sure I was capable of making a real decision as her smell wrapped around my senses. The only thing I knew was that I wanted to taste her, to touch her, to press her against my body. To hear her say my name again.

Dipping my head, I grazed her lips with mine and I was lost. On a sigh, she leaned into me and wrapped her hands around my neck. Tilting her head back, I brought my mouth to hers carefully, softly, tasting. I wanted to deepen the kiss, to hear her moan, to feel the way her body could wrap around mine, but I kept it soft, sweet, and simple. She was in such a hard place, she needed to be protected, treasured by someone.

And right now, I was that person.

Michel’s Review

Reluctantly Royal by Nichole Chase is the third book and last book in the Suddenly series. It is the highly anticipated book that features the prince that would rather be anything than royal. Prince Maxwell Jameson Trevor would rather work in his art studio , live a private life, and stay clear of all the royal drama.

When he is asked to break the news of the death of a duke to his granddaughter, he reluctantly does it. The family is a newly discovered line in the royals and has lived the ordinary life. While being the bearer of bad news, he also finds it very refreshing to be around very real people. He finds himself drawn to Lady Meredith Thysmer and her young son. He willingly avails himself to help her through this trying time.

The two are drawn together and find they have much more in common than their royal lineage. Max is enthrall with Meredith’s son. From video games to fishing, these two find a charming relationship that includes the love they have for Meredith.

Reluctantly Royal is a charming romance. It is written from duo POV’s per chapter. This book is written with great ease and the reader is immersed in the story from page one. The story and plot flow effortlessly and delivers a good story.

I would recommend Reluctantly Royal.

ARC provided by the Publisher, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.

Nichole Chase Bio:

Nichole Chase is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Suddenly Royal, Flukes, The Dark Betrayal Trilogy, and several short stories. She is also the instructor of Say What? a dialogue class at the Romance Academy.

Nichole lives in Georgia with her husband, energetic daughter, superhero dog, Sulcata tortoise, and two cats. When not writing, you may find her reading, painting, crafting, or chasing her daughter around the house while making monster noises.

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Saucy Southern Readers

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Release Day Blitz: In Her Wake by K.A. Tucker- A Ten Tiny Breaths Series Novella

We are stoked to bring you all the Release Day Launch for K.A. Tucker’s IN HER WAKE! IN HER WAKE is a new adult contemporary romance and a prequel novella in the Ten Tiny Breaths Series, published by Atria Press (an imprint of Simon & Schuster).

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Release Day Blitz + Review: Indiscretion Volume 3 by Elisabeth Grace- Indiscretion Serial-Book 3

Release Day Blitz + Review: Assumption by Aurora Rose Reynolds- Underground Kings Series- Book 1

ARC Review: Rival by Penelope Douglas- Falling Away Series- Book 3

Release Blitz + Review: Reluctantly Royal by Nichole Chase-Book 3 in Suddenly Series

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We are stoked to bring you all the Release Day Launch for K.A. Tucker’s IN HER WAKE! IN HER WAKE is a new adult contemporary romance and a prequel novella in the Ten Tiny Breaths Series, published by Atria Press (an imprint of Simon & Schuster).

Amazon | B&N | iBookstore | BAM | Bookish | Other

And don’t miss the previous titles in the Ten Tiny Breaths Series!

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Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** IndieBound ** Kobo ** iBooks

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