Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: The Affiliate by K.A. Line

Posted on 09/24/2015 by shellbellereads

The Affiliate Synopsis:

On the day of her Presenting, in front of the entire Byern Court, seventeen-year-old Cyrene Strohm’s lifelong plans come to fruition when she’s chosen as an Affiliate to the Queen.

Or so she thinks. When Cyrene receives a mysterious letter and an unreadable book, she finds nothing is as it seems. Thrust into a world of dangerous political intrigue and deadly magic, Cyrene’s position only grows more treacherous when she finds herself drawn to the one man she can never have…

King Edric himself.

Cyrene must decide if love is truly worth the price of freedom. Find out in this first book in USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde’s new Ascension series.

Buy Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Itunes

Exclusive Excerpt:

“I see the way you look at her, Edric. Your eyes follow her, you dance the longest dances with her, and now, you’re sending her presents. I’ve known you too long not to know that this is unlike you. You’re not Kael. You don’t fraternize with the Affiliates who parade themselves in front of you, hoping for a scrap of your time. Yet here you are with this Cyrene. What is she to you?” Daufina asked.

At her question, Edric paced the long room. She watched him through the silence and wondered what he was thinking.

“You told me once that you would inform me if you wanted to take a mistress—”

“I do not want to take a mistress,” Edric snapped.

Daufina straightened in surprise. He never raised his voice with her.

“I apologize,” he said with a sigh. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“Just talk to me.”

“Would you believe me if I said that I didn’t want anything to do with her?” His eyes were pleading.

“No,” Daufina admitted.

“No,” he agreed. “No, I wouldn’t either. I keep telling myself that I’m acting like a fool, Daufina, but then I see her again.” He stroked his chin as he tried to find the words. “She has this pull. When I’m with her, the throne slips away, and I’m just a man with a beautiful woman. It both intrigues and terrifies me.” He splayed his hands before him. “I can never be anything but the king…but when I’m with her, I want to be.”

Robin’s Review

In her acknowledgments, author K.A. Linde tells us The Affiliate was borne from her great love for reading fantasy and young adult fantasy. She explains The Affiliate has been a book that’s been “several years in the making.” Linde is the author of the Take Me Duet, and the Avoiding, The Record, and the All That Glitters series. Her typical writing falls into the new adult and contemporary romance genres. I was incredibly excited to learn Linde was writing The Affiliate! To the best of my knowledge, this is her first venture into the young adult fantasy genre. I really love seeing an author step out of his or her comfort zone, and it’s exciting when those efforts are successful!

Cyrene Strohm dreams of becoming an Affiliate. Although she was raised in a First Class family, it doesn’t guarantee her own placement in First Class. But on her seventeenth birthday, the day of her Presenting Ceremony, Cyrene catches the attention of handsome King Edric. She is named Affiliate to the Queen in First Class, just as her mother was before her. Even as the dreams for her future come to fruition, a whole world of court politics and intrigue opens up before Cyrene. She starts to notice strange occurrences and senses the presence of evil and deadly magic. King Edric and Prince Kael both vie for her attention, while she also garners the unwanted attention of Queen Kaliana. Cyrene has a long, dangerous road ahead of her as she navigates through the difficulties of her new life.

Linde plans at least four novels for her Ascension series, and much of the first novel is dedicated to world-building and the introduction of characters. She sets the Ascension series in a world named Emporia. Linde provides readers with a detailed map of Emporia to refer to while reading. This map includes locations of kingdoms, cities, mountains, lakes and rivers. Readers will also notice there is a pronunciation guide, which is important, because the names of characters and locations are unique and have unusual pronunciations. Linde explains the differences in the Class system, and she gives a very important history lesson about the Kingdom of Byern.

Linde begins The Affiliate with an intriguing prologue, sharing background information that immediately piqued my interest. Don’t cast aside what you read in the prologue. In my opinion, this information will be very important to the entire Ascension series. From the start, I was captivated by the fantasy, magic and intrigue. Royalty and court politics. The energy that flows between Edric and Cyrene. If you look beneath the surface of the story, I believe there much going on that is just beyond our reach. We are given a wealth of information to speculate about, and I have many theories. This is the type of story that I thrive upon – a story full of mystery, clues and foreshadowing, and I’m looking forward to finding out if any of my theories are correct!

While I was in the process of reading The Affiliate, thoughts of this story were in the back of my mind during my workday. I couldn’t wait to get home to pick back up in my reading. Although there are moments in the story where the pacing felt a little slow, my overall opinion of The Affiliate is very positive. The Affiliate is a strong start for the Ascension series, and I have no doubt this series will continue to strengthen with the addition of future novels. I’m giving The Affiliate a 4.5 star rating, and adding it to my list of 2015 favorites! Congratulations to author K.A. Linde!

________________________________________________

K.A. Linde Bio:

USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde is the author of The Affiliate, the first book in the Ascension Series. As a military brat, she traveled the world with her family, imaginary friends, and ever-increasing supply of books. She has spent much of her life dreaming up new worlds and characters and forcing them into uncomfortable, usually life-threatening scenarios. After graduating from the University of Georgia with a masters degree in political science, she began spending every waking hour putting those characters onto paper.

When not writing, she spends her time dancing, collecting paperbacks in the hopes of filling a Beauty and the Beast style library one day, traveling to visit her friends who live all over the country, and still reading anything she can get her hands on. She currently resides in North Carolina with her husband and two puppies, Lucy and Riker, where she is hard at work on her next novel.

Links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Enter K.A. Linde’s fantastic giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Kick by Carmen Jenner – Savage Saints MC Series – Book 2

Posted on 09/24/2015 by shellbellereads

Title: TANK

Series: Savage Saints MC #2

Author: Carmen Jenner
Genre: Adult/Dark Romance

Release Date: September 24, 2015

Enter an unsettling world of volatile relationships, hot bikers, and even hotter sex that will have you on the edge of your seat and force you to keep a white-knuckled grip on your e-reader.

Blurb

Killer. Criminal.
Sociopath.

All of these words have been used to describe me,
and for the longest time I believed that that’s all I was.

I’m the man you call in to clean up your mess,
assuming your mess is a guy who needs a bullet to the head. I’m the man the MC
calls when they want their dirty work done.

I’m the man who doesn’t feel.

Until now.

Until her.

Now my mess is a woman who won’t save herself. I’ll
fight like hell to save her, but at what price to the club? And at what cost to
me?

Warning: TANK
contains graphic violence, profanity, drug use, and explicit sexual situations
that may be a trigger and cause some readers emotional discomfort. Intended for
an 18+ audience only. Not intended for pussies.

ADD TO GOODREADS

Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / AU

iBOOKS / KOBO / B&N

Michel’s Review

*** Warning***

This book has graphic violence, graphic language, substance abuse, rape, and explicit sexual situations. This book can be.. but should not be… read as a stand alone novel. It should be read in series order. This book is recommended for a mature audience of 18 or older.

Tank by Carmen Jenner is the second book in the Savage Saints MC series. Although it can be read as a stand alone novel, I highly recommend reading this book in series order because of the subject matter and content. Tank coincides with Kick. Many of the scenes and passages take place at the same time as the scenes in Kick but from a different perspective or coinciding with the club business dealt with in Kick.

Readers were introduced to Tank, the assassin for the Savage Saints in the first book. He joined the Savage Saints with his best friend Kick when they left their former MC. He’s earned his status as a killer. He’s heartless except where Ivy is concerned. She is his woman and he has made his claim.

Readers also met Ivy in the first book. Ivy is one of the club whores and fixated on Kick. She’s a junkie and will do anything to get her next hit. When she caused all kinds of trouble for Kick, she was almost banned from the Savage Saints. Tank stepped in and claimed her. He took her home. He forced her to detox. He’s forcing her to stay off the drugs and away from the club. He is forcing her to stay away from Kick, the twisted man she thinks she loves. She hates Tank. She hates that he is forcing her to become clean. She hates that he can see through her facade. She hates that he knows what drives her addictions. He doesn’t know everything though. Her past is beyond the worst nightmare. Her past could get the entire club killed.

Ivy may hate what Tank is forcing her to do but she also appreciates it. He’s the first person to show her compassion. He’s the first person that cared enough to help her. He’s the first person to truly love her. She hopes his love is not for nothing. She hopes that he won’t end up dead because of her.

I am not going to say too much more about this story because it’s something a reader must experience for themselves. What I will say is that Carmen Jenner did not pull any punches and did not sugar coat this book at all. She gave a realistic accounting of what it’s like to have addictions. She gave a vivid view of the abuse that Ivy went through. I can thoroughly sympathize with Ivy and understand her addiction. Carmen Jenner took something that was horrifically ugly and turned it into something beautiful without making it perfect. She let Tank and Ivy’s imperfections fuel their relationship and make them stronger.

Tank was well written and I commend Carmen for having the guts to portray this story with an honest delivery. It’s not a pretty story. It’s a story of second chances and personal redemption.

Tank is a solid 5 Star Book.

Also Available

AMAZON US / UK / AU
iBOOKS / B&N / KOBO

Kick Trailer

Excerpt

“So, the usual?” Louis asks.“Yeah.” Tank intervenes by knocking Louis’ arm away when he tries to hand me a menu.

I glare at the obnoxious arse. “I don’t get to decide what I want?”

“Nope.” He smirks, and it’s quite possibly the millionth one I’ve seen today. “I know exactly what you want. You just need to trust me.”

“Okay then,” Louis says. “Coffee?”

“Yes,” I practically shout. “The strongest you have.”

Tank shakes his head. “Get her a latté.”

I swear if looks could kill, Tank would be burnt to a char right about now. No one takes my coffee from me and lives to tell about it.

“Your system doesn’t need any more stimulation.”

“It’s caffeine, Tank, not cocaine,” I argue. “I’m pretty sure I’ll be okay.”

He shrugs, and Louis glances nervously between us again. He looks as though he wants to flee. Tank has that effect on a lot of people. Then again, it could be the fact that I just admitted to being a junkie and at any second he’s expecting me to break out my stash and start snorting lines off of his fancy table. Louis says, “Okay, so latté it is then.”

“No, I want—”

“I’m sorry, sweetheart, but your man is too scary to say no to.” He backs away from the table, shouting, “But don’t you worry, it’ll be the best latté you’ve ever tasted. You just sit tight.”

“He’s not my fucking man,” I shout back, drawing the attention of every patron in the room, which is really only two other people, not including Louis and Kerri. I look around sheepishly and then wrap my arms around myself, turning my attention back to Tank. “Stop fucking smirking, you arsehole, or I’m walking.”

“Try it and see how far you get, Warrior Princess.”

“I’m betting I’d at least get halfway down the street before you caught up to me.”

“You wanna test that theory?” He challenges with a grin, though his gaze warms me head to toe with its intensity. “My money says you’ll make it to the door before I drag you back to the table, put you over my fuckin’ knee and spank your arse ’til it’s red raw.”

I let out a deep, shaking breath and lick my lips. Jesus Christ do I want that. I want it so fucking bad. My nipples turn rock hard and Tank’s gaze drops to my black singlet. I’m suddenly hot, wet, and hyper aware of his lingering gaze. This man is going to be the death of me.

SAVAGE SAINTS MC
SERIES

READING ORDER

KICK

TANK

JETT

GRIM

KILLER

Visit the Savage Saints MC Official Website

Author Bio

Carmen Jenner is a thirty-something, USA TODAY and international bestselling author of the Sugartown, Savage Saints, and Taint series.Her dark romance, KICK (Savage Saints MC #1), won Best Dark Romance Read in the Reader’s Choice Awards at RWDU 2015.

A tattoo enthusiast, hardcore MAC addict and zombie fangirl, Carmen lives on the sunny north coast of New South Wales, Australia, where she spends her time indoors wrangling her two wildling children, a dog named Pikelet, and her very own man-child.

A romantic at heart, Carmen strives to give her characters the HEA they deserve, but not before ruining their lives completely first … because what’s a happily ever after without a little torture?

http://www.carmenjenner.com

Published titles to date:

Welcome to Sugartown (Sugartown Series #1)

Enjoy Your Stay (Sugartown Series #2)

Greetings from Sugartown (Sugartown Series #3)

Now Leaving Sugartown (Sugartown Series #4)

REVELRY (Taint #1)

KICK (Savage Saints MC #1)

Author Links

WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
GOODREADS

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway
//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Review: Softer Than Steel by Jessica Topper + Love & Steel Series Reviews

Posted on 09/24/2015 by shellbellereads

Softer Than Steel

Love & Steel Series – Book 2

By Jessica Topper

Synopsis

From the author of Deeper than Dreams and the Much “I Do” About Nothing novels, a story that proves that you have to find yourself before you can find love…

As rock star “Riff Rotten”, Rick Rottenberg has enjoyed all the perks that fame can offer, especially now that he’s reunited with his former band mate, Adrian “Digger” Graves. But despite his success, Rick is a mess. Still reeling from the death of his wife years ago and terrified his demons will end his career, he agrees to seek help for his anxiety.

Burned by a musician in the past, Sidra Sullivan has closed her heart to love. So when Rick walks into her yoga studio, she wants nothing to do with him–until the bad boy shows an unexpected soft side.

As Sidra and Rick work through their painful pasts, they realize just how strongly opposites can attract. But when a crisis threatens the delicate balance they’ve forged, they’ll discover if their love is strong enough to weather another storm or just too broken to survive…

INCLUDES A PREVIEW OF THE FIRST LOVE & STEEL NOVEL: LOUDER THAN LOVE

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Excerpt

“Making music has got to be like . . . like childbirth, bringing something totally new into the world like that. Isn’t that scary?”

Rick contemplated her comparison and she waited, watching him with those incredible eyes, both dark and bright. “Yes, in a way it’s bloody terrifying,” he admitted. The creating and the coaxing, making sure what you envisioned in your head translated into reality and not just a shadow of itself. “But the excitement and exhilaration trumps the fear.” He popped a pair of headphones on her ears and backed out of the room with a grin.

Behind the console, he flicked switches, adjusted levels, and pressed the talkback button. “Pay no attention to the man behind the glass,” he whispered, but Sidra’s broad smile told him the console mic had sent his fluid murmur to her ears crystal clear.

She tentatively tapped the double-mesh screen of the microphone in front of her. “But don’t you worry, once it’s out in the world . . . what everyone thinks of it? Of you?”

“I used to get caught up in it. But you’ve just got to trust and make peace with the fact that you put in—and put out—your very best effort.”

The track he chose for her flowed not only through her headphones, but the speakers of the console in front of him as well, its beat and melody causing the indicator lights to jump and fall in time. Sidra’s eyes closed and her frame rocked slightly. To me, Rick thought.

That’s my music, moving her.

Michel’s Review

I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Softer Than Steel by Jessica Topper. The Love & Steel series is an unique rock star romance series. Rather than featuring young rock gods making their rise to fame, Jessica chose to create rock god legends making a comeback from their super stardom of the eighties. These are middle aged men that can rock the house and still make the panties drop.

Softer Than Steel features Rick Rottenberg , aka Rick Rotten. He’s at crossroads in his life and the pressure is on. Rick is a widower, father, empty nester, perfectionist, and lead vocalist for the band. He can handle being on the stage in the spotlight better than he can handle most social situations. He has anxiety attacks that can be brought on by the slightest imbalance or new situation. He hasn’t engaged in relationships with the opposite sex since his wife passed fourteen years earlier. He carries guilt, grief, and remorse with stoic pride. He loved fiercely and lost his wife too early.

The band has been touring for the last four years. They were supposed to control their own destiny but the old patterns are playing out. Adrian is finally going to get married. The band is finally going to make an new album. For Rick this is his main focus and priority, for the other members of the band it is secondary to their own personal lives.

Rick’s panic attacks escalate and he starts to take yoga as a way of releasing his built up tensions. Rick wanted to learn how to control his panic attacks but he got a bonus to go along with it. He was learning to love again.

Sidra is a yoga instructor. Her vast knowledge of the practice keeps her students coming back for more. When the handsome English Professor joins her class, she finds herself deeply attracted to her new student. When she finds out he is a famous musician all bets are off. She’s been there, done that, and walked away deeply scarred. Never again! But Rick is persistent and he shows Sidra there are more sides this man than fame and music.

I really enjoyed the book but it felt a bit slower than the previous books in this series. The book was too well researched. The practice of yoga took over the story and the main characters seemed secondary. I did not feel the overwhelming chemistry, attraction, or passion between Sidra and Rick. I also think that there were too many secondary characters that hindered the flow of the book because the reader had to stop and think how they were connected to the story before they could move on in the passage. There were the band members, their business associates, Kat’s group of friends and their families, Sidra’s family and friends, yoga instructors, and other supporting characters. Also there were too many different themes going on. Sidra was half Indian and half Irish. There was focus on her culture as well as her family background. The reader also got to experience her past relationship with a musician that left heartbroken. Rick was English and Jewish and there was quite a bit of focus on that, not to mention the band’s past and present careers. There was also a focus on Rick’s personal past and his loss. There was just too much going on in this book and the romance got lost in many passages.

Overall it was a well written book but just not the same caliber as the previous books in this series.

I would still highly recommend the Love & Steel Series by Jessica Topper.

The Love & Steel Series

Louder Than Love – Book 1

In this powerful debut novel, a young librarian grieves the loss of her husband…and discovers a love that defies classification.

It’s been over three years since a train accident made a widow of Katrina Lewis, sending her and her young daughter Abbey back to the suburban town of her youth…the only place that still makes sense. Lauder Lake is the perfect place to hide and heal.

Recluse rocker Adrian “Digger” Graves survived the implosion of his music career, but his muse has long lain dormant. Until Kat hires him to play at her library—not on the basis of his hard rock credentials but rather, because of the obscure kids’ TV jingle he wrote years ago. In a case of mistaken identity, Adrian stumbles into the lives of Kat and her comically lovable daughter.

Using tattoos as a timeline, Adrian unfurls his life for Kat. But as the courtship intensifies, it’s unclear whose past looms larger: the widow’s or the rocker’s. Will their demons ever rest, or will they break these soul mates apart?

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

Reviewed: September 2013

A strong debut for new author Jessica Topper.

Louder Than Love is an extraordinary love story. It’s about second chances in life. It is about making peace with oneself and moving on to become a better person. It is about letting go of grief and moving on.

Adrian “Digger” Graves was once a metal guitar god in the eighties. His star burned bright. Corroded Corpse was the metal band could shred the metal and rock the house. Fame, fortune, sex, drugs, and corruption ruled his life. It also sent him spiraling down into the depths of hell. It was time to pay the devil his dues. In the process he lost himself. He lost his family. He lost his self respect. He lost his band. It took him years to recover and become a part of the real world once again. He learned from his mistakes and vowed he would never make them again. Along the way he learned there were other things more important in life than fame and fortune.

Katrina Lewis had the perfect life. She had the perfect husband and child. One tragic moment takes it all away. Now she is a single parent trying to overcome her grief. She’s not ready to move on but she knows it’s time. When she seeks out the mysterious composer that created music for a popular children’s show to perform at her library, she’s in for a great surprise. Rather than getting an unknown musician, she gets Digger Graves from Corroded Corpse. The rock god that covered her bedroom walls as a teenager. Kat is going to learn that there is more to this legend. She’s going to meet the man who’s music touches her soul. It doesn’t matter if he’s playing a children’s song or shredding the metal, he controls the strings to her lost heart.

Louder Than Love is unique because of the characters. This is not your typical rocker book that is in the new adult genre. It is a mature contemporary romance with mature characters. They have both loved and lost. They both have had lives that most would of would envy and want for their own. Both their worlds tumbled out of control. Amongst the chaos they both survived their worlds and came out different people. They have both had to rebuild their lives, rebuild themselves, and face past mistakes. The end result is that they will experience a love that is extraordinary.

This is not a second chance romance where lovers reunited. It’s a second chance for happiness. It is a new romance that enriches their lives and brings out the best in both of them.

I truly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.

Deeper Than Dreams

Love & Steel Series – Book 1.5 – Novella

By Jessica Topper

Synopsis

Will wedding bells rock out for Louder Than Love’s most beloved couple in this Love and Steel novella?

Falling in love with rock star Adrian “Digger” Graves was a dream come true for former librarian Kat Lewis. But with a little help from friends and family–including Kat’s adorable daughter, Abbey–Adrian has planned an evening and a proposal beyond her wildest dreams.

The night before, Kat witnessed the triumphant reunion of Adrian’s rock band at Madison Square Garden. Tonight, he will escort her to the elegant, ultra-exclusive Library Lion’s benefit. It seems like a fairytale, but even fairytales have a deeper, darker side. When old habits return to tempt her knight in shining heavy metal armor, will Kat’s happily ever after come crashing back to reality?
THIS IS AN EPILOGUE NOVELLA THAT PICKS UP THE DAY AFTER LOUDER THAN LOVE ENDS. This novella is intended to be read after Louder Than Love.
Don’t miss the next Love and Steel novel, Softer Than Steel, coming in September 2015 from InterMix.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

It”s been two years since the first book, Louder Than Love in the Love & Steel series by Jessica Topper released. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and was excited to see the sequel novella, Deeper Than Dreams releasing. As I started to read Deeper Than Dreams, I realized that it picked up right where Louder Than Love left off. With such a lengthy time span between the release of these two books I had forgotten quite a bit of the story. Therefore I felt like I had to go back and reread Louder Than Love. After reading Louder Than Love once again, I had to revise my review. I was still enraptured by this story and felt like I had a more constructive review the second time around. I was anxious to proceed on and read Deeper Than Dreams.

Deeper Than Dreams cannot be read as a stand alone novella. It is more of an epilogue for Louder Than Love.

Adrian Digger Graves has just had his big comeback performance. He has reunited with his old band and played at Madison Square Gardens. He is on a high from the success. The music world is praising their performance. Corroded Corpse is on their second claim to fame. The first time almost destroyed him. Will the resurgence of Corroded Corpse be a good thing or bad thing for Adrian?

This time around he has life experience, maturity, and a strong woman in his corner. He knows that love and family come first. He’s determined to hang onto it all.

A dream date. A magical proposal. A perfect Cinderella. A beautiful princess. A solid support group. And finally a better band.

Adrian Graves has it all. Most of all he has the love that lasts a lifetime.

I loved this novella. It gave another happily ever after for Adrian and Kat.

About Jessica Topper

Jessica Topper is an ex-librarian turned rock n’ roll number cruncher. She can trace her love for the written word back to age three, when she memorized Maurice Sendak’s “Chicken Soup with Rice” in its entirety.

After her daughter was born, Jessica left the Manhattan library world and began working for her husband’s music management company. He offered her a part-time bookkeeping job so she could “stay home for the baby’s first year” and pursue her dream of writing.

The baby is now thirteen, and Jessica has been working her full-time, sold-her-soul-for-rock-n-roll job as Office Manager for veteran jam band moe. ever since. She may have traded in books for bookkeeping, but the written word is never far from her mind, or her heart.

Jessica lives in upstate New York with her husband, daughter and one ancient cat.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

5 Star Review: A Desperate Man Volume 3 by Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine

Posted on 09/23/2015 by shellbellereads

A DESPERATE MAN

Volume Three

Ella Frank Brooke Blaine

Series: A Desperate Man: Volume Three

Release Date: September 13, 2015

Synopsis:

Sex. Addiction. Lies.

One night changed everything.

With the sins that stand between Evan and Reagan, can a relationship emerge from a past that is so broken?

Or will the weight of their deceptions crush any hope of redemption?

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Excerpt

“SO LET ME get this straight.” Dr. Glover lifted the end of his pen to his lips as his eyes narrowed on Evan over the top of his glasses. “The woman we’ve been discussing over the past few weeks finally shows you that she wants more, and you left her in an emotional heap in her office. Did I get that right?”

Evan stretched his long legs out in front of him. She thinks I fucked a prostitute the day after I left her apartment, so, yeah, that’s about right. Sighing, he leaned back into the worn leather couch. “You left out the part about her being a liar. And not someone I met in the last few weeks. She had an agenda.”

“So did you.”

“And what the hell was that?”

“You wanted to fuck her.”

“Jesus, you get right to the point, don’t you?”

“Well, that’s what you do. Isn’t it?”

I thought it was until I became obsessed with a leggy fucking blonde. Evan glared at the man whose eyes he swore fucking twinkled. “Even if it is, what therapist talks like you do? I’m positive they don’t teach you that in Patient-Client Relations 101.”

“I’ve always been a firm believer in no bullshit. I told you that the day you walked in and tried to lie to me. We aren’t going to make any progress if you don’t trust me and I don’t trust you.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know. You’re just—”

“Yes, Evan?”

Evan waved him off. “Nothing. I guess I’m still trying to process the fact that Reagan is that little girl from so long ago. A whole fucking life ago. It’s… I don’t know,” he said, running his fingers through his hair in frustration. “It’s disconcerting. She knew me before.”

“And that bothers you.”

“Fuck yes, it bothers me. I was ten years old the last time I saw her. Innocent. And now I’m…this.”

“You’re awfully hard on yourself. I wonder if you’re upset over what you’re saying or over Reagan thinking bad of you.”

And there it was. The truth he didn’t want to admit. Reagan accusing him of being with anyone hours after he’d been with her had infuriated him. Which was ridiculous, because he knew what he was. The demons he’d been trying to fight. Why would she assume anything but the worst? But with that anger came embarrassment and shame. He hated that she’d seen him on that corner. Hated that she’d seen him with Layla. But how the fuck could he ever convince her otherwise? And why would he even want to?

“She’s a liar,” he said.

“And you’re a sex addict. Fantastic pairing.”

Tracey’s Review

Feeling betrayed after learning the truth about who Reagan really is, Evan is angry. And, while appearances can be deceiving, actions speak louder than words, and Reagan just knows that she can’t trust Evan at all. The more things change, the more they don’t…

Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine have made me love Evan and Reagan and their story more with each installment of this series. Both Evan and Reagan are intent on protecting themselves and holding onto their anger, but these two couldn’t stay away from each other if their lives depended on it. All of the heat that was present from their very first meeting, coupled with the bond that they’d begun to form just will not go away, and nothing is going to change that.

I really enjoyed this entire book, but seeing their relationship beyond the physical made it that much more special for me. The lengths that both Evan and Reagan were willing to go to to show their support for each other made me smile again and again, and the awesome epilogue was just the wrap-up I needed to continue the 5-star love for this story. I highly recommend A Desperate Man (all three volumes!), and look forward to reading more from both Ella and Brooke.

A Desperate Man: The Complete Series

A Desperate Man: Volume 1

Amazon

A Desperate Man: Volume 2

Amazon

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

About the Authors

Brooke Blaine

You could say Brooke Blaine was a book-a-holic from the time she knew how to read; she used to tell her mother that curling up with one at 4 a.m. before elementary school was her ‘quiet time.’ Not much has changed except for the espresso I.V. pump she now carries around and the size of her onesie pajamas.

Her first solo novel, a romantic comedy, is due out in early 2015, but first, she thought she’d write a raunchy story with her best friend that would scar her conservative southern family for life.

If you’d like to get in touch with her, she’s easy to find – just keep an ear out for the Rick Astley ringtone that’s dominated her cell phone for ten years.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Ella Frank

Ella Frank is a #1 Amazon Bestselling Author. She writes both contemporary and erotic fiction and is best known for her Exquisite Series, and Temptation Series.

The minute she began her love affair with reading, she became and avid supporter of the romance genre and has never looked back.

Ella is Australian born and bred but currently resides in Houston, Texas with her husband.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Day Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Hard As Steel by Laura Kaye – A Hard Ink / Raven Riders Crossover Novella

Posted on 09/23/2015 by shellbellereads

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Release Day Launch for Laura Kaye’s HARD AS STEEL!! HARD AS STEEL is a Hard Ink/Raven Riders Series Crossover Novella brought to you by 1001 Dark Nights. Grab your copy today!!

Amazon eBook Amazon Paperback**

Excerpt:

I’m thrilled to be here celebrating the release of my 21^st book, HARD AS STEEL! After a midnight break-in at her apartment, close friends and Hard Ink Tattoo co-workers Ike Young and Jessica Jakes are forced into hiding—and forced to confront the feelings they’ve always denied for one another. I have always adored friends-to-lovers and forced proximity stories, and HARD AS STEEL delivers that and more, including a taste of both my award-winning and best-selling Hard Ink and upcoming Raven Riders series! Check out this excerpt:

They stared at each for a long moment. Jess went from feeling amused to awkward to observed…and that made her hot. Especially as she was standing there in nothing but a towel.

As if he could hear her thoughts, Ike’s gaze slowly ran down her neck to her chest. She wiped at something there and the wetness on the fingers told her it had been a droplet of water from her hair. Ike watched the movement of her hand openly, hungrily, and his desire made her bold, daring, hungry in return.

Without giving herself time to second guess the idea, she reached out and lightly dragged her wet fingers against his bottom lip.

And it was like she’d unleashed a beast.

Ike grabbed her wrist and hauled her to him. He was on her everywhere. His hands in her hair, on her back, grabbing her ass and lifting her up. His tongue licked the exact route that water droplet had taken, from chest to neck to ear. And then he was kissing her, fucking her mouth with his tongue, absolutely devouring her.

Jess held on like her life depended on it, and at some point she became aware of the breeze on her bare skin. She’d dropped the towel, which meant she was totally buck-ass naked in Ike’s big arms, and she couldn’t have cared less.

Ike licked her mouth, sucked her tongue, nipped at her lips. He turned and made for the stairs, and Jess thought she might die from sheer joy and anticipation. He tasted like strength and sin and sex, and she tightened her legs around his hips as he carried her to the loft, eager to see if all of him tasted so good—or even better.

When they reached the second floor, Ike growled low in his throat and his grip tightened on her on her ass, his fingers digging in. She moaned and—

Cool air from the ceiling fan washed over Jess as Ike dropped her onto the bed—and promptly turned around to leave. Jess was so stunned she couldn’t speak. Just as he hit the top of the steps, he said, “Don’t fucking tease me, Jessica. I’m trying to do right by you, but I’m still just a goddamned man.”

About HARD AS STEEL: A Hard Ink/Raven Riders Crossover Novella

After identifying her employer’s dangerous enemies, Jessica Jakes takes refuge at the compound of the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club. Fellow Hard Ink tattooist and Raven leader Ike Young promises to keep Jess safe for as long as it takes, which would be perfect if his close, personal, round-the-clock protection didn’t make it so hard to hide just how much she wants him—and always has.

Ike Young loved and lost a woman in trouble once before. The last thing he needs is alone time with the sexiest and feistiest woman he’s ever known, one he’s purposely kept at a distance for years. Now, Ike’s not sure he can keep his hands or his heart to himself—or that he even wants to anymore. And that means he has to do whatever it takes to hold on to Jess forever.

Michel’s Review

Once again Laura Kaye delivers another exciting addition to the Hard Ink Series. Not only does she give the readers another glimpse of what was happening in the grand finale of the Hard Ink crew, she also introduced the readers to her upcoming biker series, The Raven Riders.

This book coincides with Hard To Let Go. Tattoo artist Jessica Jakes has unknowingly placed the crew at Hard Ink in grave danger. After her apartment is ransacked and she is almost hurt, she realizes her grave mistake. She contacts fellow tattoo artist Ike Young for protection. Ike is part of the Hard Ink crew and also a member of the Raven Riders.

Jessica and Ike have worked side by side for years. They have become great friends. It doesn’t hurt that they are both attracted to one another. Jessica is a free spirit. Ike is reserved for good reason. He has secrets from his past. When he vowed to protect Jessica it was to rectify his past mistakes when he was supposed to protect someone. This time around he isn’t going to make mistakes. This time around he isn’t going to let his heart get involved.

The heart wants what it wants. Being hidden away in a secluded cabin with Jessica is going to do Ike in.

I loved this novella. It gave me another piece of the Hard Ink series that I have come to dearly love. I loved the introduction to the Raven Riders MC. I am looking forward to seeing where this new series will go.

Laura delivered a great story with a sizzling hot romance.

__________________________________________________

About Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

Website | Facebook |Twitter | Newsletter SignUp | HARD AS STEEL on Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: The Lies Between Us by M. N. Forgy – The Devil’s Dust MC Series – Book 4

Posted on 09/22/2015 by shellbellereads

The Lies Between Us

Devil’s Dust MC Series- Book 4

By M. N. Forgy

Release Date: September 22, 2015

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK / B & N / ITunes

Synopsis:

Cherry’s life growing up was nothing short of a nightmare. Having an abusive father forced her to fend for herself from an early age. Bruised and emotionally broken, she finally escaped, running straight into the comfort that Lip’s arms brought. In the beginning, everything seemed to fall into place perfectly. He made her forget the messed-up ways of her life. But secrets can’t stay neglected. They have a habit of revealing themselves regardless of the consequences. Terrified, Cherry can’t speak a word or she’ll lose it all.

Lip is no stranger to the criminal life. Growing up among convicts, he wanted nothing more than to show his worth. He’ll do anything for the club without question, including serving six years in prison. But nobody could have predicted life’s plan. Rugged, tattooed, and wanting nothing more than to have Cherry, Lip is no longer the man whom Cherry remembers. After his release, he came out a beast with more secrets and lies than his cage could hold.

Excerpt

After he leaves, I open his wallet, reading his name, address, weight. All of it.

“Phillip DeLuca.” I taste his name running off my lips as I trace my finger over his picture. He’s so handsome. He’s the kind of guy most people would be afraid of, but not me. I want to get to know him. Lost in a daydream, my car door is yanked open.

“Where the fuck is it, bitch?”

“What?” I shriek as I’m pulled out of the car and slammed forward onto the hot hood. “I don’t have anything!” I scream, trying to pull free. He shoves me back down on the hood. His hand tangled in my hair.

“Don’t think about moving,” he spits, his tone harsh. I roll my eyes and continue leaning over the hood. My heart slams against my chest in pure panic, and my hands shake. He pulls away and leans in to the car. Within seconds, he finds his wallet. Shit.

He peers at me with a fierce energy in his eyes. The intensity has me pulling off the hood, scared out of my mind.

“You have some balls,” he mutters, shoving his wallet back in his pocket. His tone is soft and tender suddenly. I turn my head and eye him angrily.

“Fuck you.” I cross my arms and lean my hip against the car. My choice of words more confident than I’m feeling.

He steps up to me and grabs my hips hard with both hands. My skin burns, and my mouth parts with desire. His brown eyes find mine, and his hands yank my body closer to his. I feel like all the air is sucked from my lungs as I search his dark eyes. Placing my hands on his solid chest to steady myself, my palms buzz with excitement.

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” He looks me up and down and leans in close. “You’d like it if I pushed you over the hood of this car and fucked you ‘til your legs gave out.” His words feather against my lips, he’s so close. I hold my breath, willing my body to pull away, but I don’t move. Just when I think he’s going to kiss me, he grabs my hand and pulls it upward. I furrow my brows and watch as he pulls a pen from his back pocket, pulling the cap off with his teeth. He writes his number and the word ‘Lip’ on my hand.

“Call me. Don’t make me come find you, Cherry.”

“Cherry?” I ask out loud.

“Your swimsuit,” he yells over his shoulder before starting his bike. I look down at my white shirt noticing my cherry bikini peeking out from the bust line. A smile creeps across my face. I know I shouldn’t like him, but I kind of do. Driving past me, he winks and I swear I sigh like a damn fool.

Michel’s Review

The Lies Between Us by M. N. Forgy is my favorite book in the The Devil’s Dust MC Series. I loved Cherry and Lip’s story! I could not put this book down!

Cherry is the feisty red headed, old lady that befriended Dani in the previous books. We all know that her old man Lip was serving time. Now the readers are going to get her story and witness how she became a valuable member of the Devil’s Dust family.

Cherry has not had an easy life. She grew up in a run down trailer park. She’s had an abusive father and very rough life. She has been bullied, abused, and used. She’s learned to be tough. She’s a survivor.

One drunken mistake sends her life into a tailspin. A drunken hook up with the wrong person leads to a surprise pregnancy. Things couldn’t get worse… but they do. She loses custody of her baby and witnesses the corruption of the legal system. She’s pissed off some very powerful people and now she has a mark on her head. She makes a vow that she is going to get justice and get her baby back.

She is forced into running and living on the streets. She’s living in her car and pulling scams to survive. When a sexy biker falls prey to her scams, not only is she caught, but she has also caught Phillip “Lip” DeLuca’s eye. He wants Cherry.

What starts out as a helping hand evolves into a complicated relationship. A relationship built on lies and secrets. A relationship that is nothing but a smoke screen to cover the real truths behind their passions.

Cherry is hiding her past. She is protecting her secrets until she can get vengeance. Lip’s first priority is the Devil’s Dust MC. He’s willing to do whatever needs to be done. He will go to prison for the club. He will take on an old lady for the club. He will keep Cherry under wraps. What he didn’t count on was Cherry. She is everything he could possibly want in a woman. She has a way of touching the soft side he had long lost. He could really keep her as his old lady but she doesn’t know who he really is. She hasn’t seen his true colors.

Six years of lies and deceipt. Six years of passion and heartache. Six years may not be enough for Cherry and Lip.

After so many lies can they finally open up to each other and prove that through it all they were meant for each other ?

Danger is coming at the club from all directions. Cherry’s past has caught up with her. Lip’s dangerous past is threatening the club. Someone is going to die. The club has gained too many powerful enemies.

This book was fantastic. The story kept me on the edge of my seat guessing to what would come next. There were quite a few surprises. I can honestly say that Cherry & Lip’s story has been my favorite.

M. N. Forgy has grown as a writer. Her stories have become more complex. The build up and delivery are well paced and keeps the reader glued to the pages. The passion is sizzling. The characters come to life and grab your attention.

I can’t wait to see what comes next!

The Devil’s Dust Series

What Doesn’t Destroy Us – Book One

When Dani’s sheltered life is turned upside down by her mother’s secrets, she finds protection with her estranged outlaw father. Against all warnings, she falls for bad boy biker, Shadow. He is beast and beauty sealed in a leather cut with a gun holster. Can Dani learn to live within the Club rules? Is she more like her father than she could imagine?

Shadow has grown up among drug addicts, whores and murderers. The only family he’s ever trusted has been the Devil’s Dust motorcycle club. He will do anything for a brother; even kill. In fact, killing is so easy, he’s made a career of it. His one regret is not being able to kill his own worthless mother. When Dani shows up with her provocative temper and innocent charm, Shadow begins to question his violent lifestyle. But can he trust her with his demons?
Sex.
Blood.
Betrayal.
Will Dani and Shadow let family ties destroy them?
***WARNING***
This novel contains explicit language, sex, drugs, violence, and sexual situations that some might find offensive. This book is intended for adults 18+ years of age.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

The Scars That Define Us – Book 2

The Devil’s Dust MC has a list of new threats to the club’s lifestyle. Dani, to prove her loyalty, is trying to embrace a part of herself that she never knew existed until now. A sinful beast lurking beneath her surface has been awakened and is ready to eliminate anyone that stands in its way. Looking at her stained hands, she rinses the blood from them. She resigns herself to innocence lost and welcomes her thirst for more blood.

After a breathtaking turn of events, Shadow is looking at life in a different perspective. Not knowing who he can trust or who he can forgive has left him feeling desolate and alone. As Shadow is laying behind his rifle, he wonders if he can pull the trigger to eliminate the threat. He takes a deep breath and squeezes the trigger, the rifle recoil ignites the fuel that drives him.

Retaliations will be required.

Boundaries will be shattered.

Redemption will be lost.

Betrayal so deep, yet they still yearn for one another. Can Shadow overlook Dani’s transgressions? Can Dani overlook the mistrust that Shadow has placed upon her?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

The Broken Piece Of Us – Book 2.5

***WARNING – This is not your typical happily ever after.

Babs is no stranger to the MC world. As an ol’ lady, she takes the hell that comes with it and dishes it out times two. When things take a turn for the worst, it leaves her questioning just how equipped she is for the hell she lives. She thought her marriage with Locks was it; that she had it all. But the past has a way of sneaking up and tearing life apart. Finding herself trapped as Locks’ ol’ lady, with the threat she will be his till the grave, her world spirals out of control. The only person risking it all to save her is the last person she thought would care: Bull.

The president of the Devil’s Dust MC, Bull, is good at running women off and is even better at pissing off his brothers. When he sees the way his vice-president is treating his ol’ lady, he tries to keep his thoughts to himself. The one thing Bull insists on in his club is respect and loyalty: respect for the patch, respect for your brother, and loyalty to the club. However, after finding Babs in a harsh predicament after a run in with Locks, he can’t help but step in.
Crossing lines and hurdling around life’s unpredictability, will they find refuge in each other or will they have to endure what life gives them?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Love That Defies Us – Novella

Dani has taken the role of a mother easily, and is loving the title ‘wife to be.’ But with that happiness, comes complications. Having children, and a fiancé involved in a motorcycle club, has her and Shadow becoming distant, and missing their sexy escapades. A spark that was once a vibrant flame is now a suppressing ember.

Shadow knows he has not been there for Dani, not like he should be. Doing the dirty work of the club, and taking on the responsibilities of Vice President of The Devil’s Dust, he’s had his hands full.

With violent murders unfolding around the club, it has thrown town locals into a panic. What they didn’t expect was for them to get caught up in the carnage.

Can Dani and Shadow survive the distance that has been wedged between them, or will it have them questioning their imminent marriage?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

The Fear That Divides Us – Book 3

Road Captain of the Devil’s Dust Motorcycle Club, Bobby has the scars to prove just how dangerous his life is. He gives the world he knows hell and loves every moment of it. Wearing a panty-dropping grin along the way, his fierce life has never been a problem for him, until her. Jessica is the only female who has him distracted in his game. After taking him to bed, she’s the only woman to tell him to take a hike. Waking with her gone, he can’t resist her pull. He’s seen the marks on her body, ones which tell the horrors she’s lived through. He’s also seen the fear in her eyes when she lets herself become weak to his advances. Bobby has a decision to make. Can he help Jessica, or will it mean giving up his carefree life?

Jessica, also known as Doc, lives life in fear. Years back, she ran to the Devil’s Dust for protection, seeking the demise of her abusive, dominant husband. Her mind and soul tortured by her past, she can’t allow herself to move forward. The only thing in her sight is her daughter’s safety. Even if she has the attention of one particular tattooed biker, she can’t succumb to his charm and drag her daughter back into a world of danger, no matter how much he thinks he can save her.

Mistakes will be made.

Fears will be faced.

Pain will be remembered.

Can Bobby and Jessica survive the dangers they bring upon themselves?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

_______________________________________________________

About M. N. Forgy

M.N. Forgy was raised in Missouri where she still lives with her family. She’s a soccer mom by day and a saucy writer by night. M.N. Forgy started writing at a young age but never took it seriously until years later, as a stay-at-home mom, she opened her laptop and started writing again. As a role model for her children, she felt she couldn’t live with the “what if” anymore and finally took a chance on her character’s story. So, with her glass of wine in hand and a stray Barbie sharing her seat, she continues to create and please her fans.

Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY
Swag pack, including a signed paperback of What Doesn’t Destroy Us, & $50 Amazon gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Blow by Kim Karr – The Tainted Love Duet – Book 1

Posted on 09/21/2015 by shellbellereads

One Couple…

Two New Books…

A Story of Tainted Love…

Blow – September 21, 2015 – Book 1

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK

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

Crush – November 16, 2015 – Book 2

Pre Order: Amazon

****

Blow

By Kim Karr

Release Date: September 21, 2015

Synopsis

2 fatal sides.

1 epic love.

7 days to survive.

They met in the face of danger. They weren’t looking for love. They both knew better. But they couldn’t stay away, and they fell hard.

He is heart-stopping handsome, fearless—and haunted by deadly ties.

She is breathtakingly beautiful, determined—and in harm’s way.

They should have parted. They didn’t. They never should have fucked. They did. And now time is running out. One hundred sixty eight hours. That’s all that remains. While Logan McPherson fights to save them, Elle Sterling is forced to make a choice that could change everything.

When torn between right and wrong, tainted love doesn’t have a chance…or does it? ‪#‎taintedlove ‪#‎weshouldhaveknownbetter

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK

Excerpt

Prologue

Four Months Before

Logan

Mile after mile, I ran. Faster, feet pounding against the broken asphalt, breath crystalizing in the air. I’d been fleeing along the edge of the road for what seemed like eternity. Trucks zoomed past me, taillights fading in the distance, and still there were no sirens.

The moon slipped behind a cloud and left me moving blindly. Finally, a whistle filled the darkness. It was what I’d been waiting for.

Let’s see how bad they want this.

I spun in the opposite direction and spotted the familiar red and blue lights. With a quick jump, I vaulted over the damaged guardrail and found myself tumbling down a steep ravine.

Landing on my stomach, blood dripped from my nose, and the taste of rust flooded my mouth. I didn’t take the time to wipe it away. I had to keep moving. I’d started this game and I was going to finish it.

Quickly, I leapt to my feet and began to run again. When a sharp burning and throbbing pulsated in my right ankle, I knew my speed would be impaired. I must have twisted it in the fall. With everything I had, I tried to ignore the pain.

Adrenaline pumped through my bloodstream, making my heart race and giving me the strength I needed. I was no longer on the pavement and my terrain was harder to navigate. Trees, broken branches, and the sickening smell of the stagnant river surrounded me. I pushed onward.

It could have been worse—at least there wasn’t any ice.

Still, it was fucking freezing out here. Snow fell around me. Chilled to the bone, I tugged my hat farther down over my ears.

I didn’t stop, though—I had to keep going.

When my eyes were streaming from the cold and my leg muscles began to seize up, I knew my body needed a break. I’d find cover and play the wait-and-see game.

The dilapidated abandoned warehouse a few yards away seemed like my best choice. The hinges were rusted and appeared broken, but when I yanked on the door, it wouldn’t open.

With a sigh, I stomped my salt-stained shoes in the slush I was standing in and looked around.

No sign of them, yet.

They’d be here soon enough.

My lungs burned as I bent over with my hands on my thighs in an attempt to catch my breath.

Poised to move in any direction, I thought about my decision to bait them.

Smart?

Stupid?

I couldn’t believe the game of cat and mouse I had entered into—with the Boston Police Department nonetheless.

But I’d had enough. They’d been following me around for almost a week. Their more-than-obvious tail was bordering on harassment. Pushed to the limit, today I’d decided it was time to find out what it was all about. I was going to force their move. I left my vehicle and took off. They were tracking me, but what they were waiting for to approach me, I had no idea. At this point I had two choices—approach them or keep going. Since I didn’t want to make it easy, I kept running.

Time seemed to be at a standstill as I looked around again. I knew they were close. Yet, as I searched my surroundings, there were no signs of life; everything around me was dark except for the golden glow from the cables of the Zakim Bridge.

The bridge.

I couldn’t believe I’d ended up on the West End. That was more than a slight hike from the tip of the South End, where I’d started all this.

What time was it anyway?

Before I could look at my watch—the one my grandfather had given me, the one worth more than most of the houses in the surrounding area, the pretentious Patek Philippe with an authentic enamel dial and custom-made rubber watchband, the one almost a match for his own—a yellow beam of light shined down on me.

I guess the BPD finally decided to make their move.

A heavily Boston-accented voice carried through the wind. “Put your hands in the air where we can see them.”

“Fuck me. Really? You’re going to arrest me? For what?” My gaze scoured the area until they came into sight.

There were three of them and one of me. I didn’t plan to keep running. I didn’t need to, but even if I wanted to, there was nowhere to go. The riverbank was on one side and they were on the other. The trio moved closer and drew their weapons. I responded with equanimity and raised my palms. Still, not a single one of them lowered a gun. Step by step, they moved toward me. When they were about five feet away, I decided to help them out and face them, but before I could, the tallest figure lunged for me.

He pinned me to the wall. “I just wanted to talk. I wasn’t going to arrest you until you assaulted me. But thanks for giving me a reason.”

“I was putting my hands behind my back, asshole,” I grunted.

“Right,” he snickered.

Nostrils flaring, the fatter one grabbed me by my collar and yanked me to him. “Stop resisting.”

What the fuck?

A quick punch to the gut and a kick to my leg had me belly down in a matter of seconds.

Most men would have been scared shitless, but not me. I grew up living in two very different worlds, the only similarity being power and greed. To look at me, you wouldn’t believe I was capable of doing the things I had done. Born with a silver spoon in my mouth, I was the grandson of one of the wealthiest men in New York City.

It wasn’t my trust fund background that anyone had to worry about, though. I was also the grandson of the former head of Boston’s Blue Hill Gang—a piece of me I had tried to renounce. That I wanted to escape. But my family ties kept me bound. The Irish Mob might have changed since my father’s father ran things, but there were some things that never changed.

I’d been raised in both worlds and these cops knew it. They were counting on the Blue Hill Gang part of me to greet them.

Well fuck them very much—but that’s not what they were going to get.

Michel’s Review

Wow! Blow by Kim Karr was fantastic! I could not put this new contemporary romantic suspense down. Blow is the first book in The Tainted Love Duet.

Blow is an intricately woven story that involves the Irish Mob in Boston. There is the added mystery of a missing woman, missing drugs, and the different factions- two powerful gangs in the mob playing against one another. Add the DEA and law enforcement to the mix and the story gets more intense. Caught in the middle of the mess is an innocent woman and baby. They both may end up being casualties before all is said and done.

After fifteen years of not hearing from her sister, Elle gets a call out of the blue. Her sister Elizabeth asks her to take care of her young daughter Clementine if anything should happen to her. When Elizabeth goes missing, Elle moves to Boston to help her sister’s husband Michael O’Shea, take care of the baby and help find Elizabeth. It is not just a matter of a restless housewife leaving home. There are millions of dollars and missing drugs that belong to the Irish Mob. It is believed that Elizabeth O’Shea is involved. Her husband and child are being threatened. Now that Elle is in the picture, her life is in danger as well.

Logan McPherson has been dividing his time between his families in New York and Boston. One side of the family is powerful old money. The other side of the family has powerful Irish Mob ties. Logan is not a part of the family illegal business and is an attorney in New York. But the mess in Boston has drawn him back. His family is in danger. His family may be involved. Now an innocent woman and baby are drawn into the mess.

It will be up to Logan to figure out what is going on and who is behind it. Logan is falling for Elle which could make her situation even worse. Any woman he loves is a target.

As the danger escalates to an all time high so does the passion between Logan and Elle. Just when they think they figured out how to get out of this mess alive, new players make their moves. Their situation goes from dangerous to absolutely deadly.

Blow ended on a suspenseful cliffhanger. I can’t wait for Crush to release in November.

Kim Karr has woven an intricate story that is passionate and unpredictable. I am hooked!

****

I live in Florida with my husband and four kids. I’ve always had a love for reading books and writing. Being an English major in college, I wanted to teach at the college level but that was not to be. I went on to receive an MBA and became a project manager until quitting to raise my family. I currently work part-time with my husband and full-time embracing one of my biggest passions—writing.

Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY
$25 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway
//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Release Day Blitz + 5 Star Review + 2015 Favorite + Giveaway: Fade To Red by Willow Aster

Posted on 09/21/2015 by shellbellereads

Fade To Red

By Willow Aster

Synopsis

Dancing in pop superstar Beckham Woods’ entourage was the last thing Roxie wanted. Her life with little Leo was blissfully ordinary; she didn’t have time for the drama that stirring up old memories would surely cause.

But when Roxie took a spot on an international tour with Woods and rock icon Ian Sterling, the lure of financial security and her passion for dance pulled her into an emotional storm that threatened to spin out of control and hurt the ones she loved most.

Just as she began to adjust to her new life, it became apparent that danger was in the shadows, waiting for a chance to move…

***Fade to Red is a standalone novel featuring characters from True Love Story.***

Buy: Amazon

Robin’s Review

Willow Aster introduces a new facet of her writing in her newest novel titled Fade to Red. She is proficient at telling a story, and although her novels aren’t many, those Aster has written are beautifully-crafted. True Love Story. In the Fields. Maybe Maby. Two of her previously written titles are contemporary romances, while the third is a coming-of-age novel. But Fade to Red is a different type of story for Willow Aster. It’s a romantic suspense novel, a genre in which Aster very obviously excels, and something I was pleasantly surprised to discover!

Roxie Taylor loves dancing. She’s absolutely incredible in her audition for a spot with the dancing entourage for superstar Beckham Woods. Roxie doesn’t think she’ll be offered a position, but when Beck sees her dance, he specifically requests that she be chosen for his upcoming tour with Ian Sterling. He doesn’t realize it, but Beck and Roxie have a history. When they dance together, their sexual chemistry is off the charts, but so is the underlying tension. Roxie carries a whole lot of anger for Beck, and he has no idea why.

Fade to Red is mysterious. Willow Aster kept me guessing about the circumstances surrounding Roxie and Beckham’s past for most of the book. Clues about their past begin early in the story and continue to be sprinkled throughout. Fade to Red drew on my interest like a moth is drawn to a flame. I couldn’t wait to get to the bottom of the truth, but I also enjoyed experiencing their story along the way.

Wow – Willow Aster writes great romantic suspense! I was excited to explore this new component of her writing, especially since I thought Fade to Red was a contemporary romance. She writes a scary villain – one who is mentally unstable, but cunning enough to evade detection – in Fade to Red. I was a nervous wreck the entire time I was reading! The suspense aspect, combined with the element of mystery, really makes Fade to Red a page-turner!

Fade to Red is a spinoff novel of True Love Story. Instead of a small guest appearance of Ian Sterling and Sparrow Fisher, fans of these beloved characters will be delighted to learn this couple plays a huge role in Fade to Red! In fact, along with Beckham and Roxie, Ian claims one of the four points-of-view in Fade to Red. I’ll leave the fourth point-of-view as a surprise.

Willow Aster has her own, unique writing voice, which seems to fit her personality. In Fade to Red, the writing flows beautifully and the pacing is continuous. The author quickly captured my attention with the mystery and clues and by steadily building the suspense element to the explosive climax. My nerves were completely wrecked by the time I finished reading Fade to Red! The back and forth, the push and pull between Roxie and Beck, and the mystery behind their past – all of this combines to create sexual tension that is scorching hot! Fade to Red is truly an outstanding romantic suspense novel, and I really hope we see more in this genre from Willow Aster in the future! Fade to Red grabs 5 stars and is one of my 2015 favorites!

Giveaway

//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js a Rafflecopter giveaway //widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

About Willow Aster

Willow Aster loves nothing more than writing the day away–anywhere will do. Her ideal place to write would be a remote treehouse somewhere, but not just any treehouse. It would need to be more like a fabulous cottage inside and free of bugs. Oh!–and a refrigerator full of Coca-cola, Orangina, and cheese. www.willowaster.com

Author of True L̶o̶v̶e̶ Story (USA Today Bestseller), In the Fields, Maybe Maby and the upcoming Fade to Red.

Connect with Willow

Webpage: http://www.willowaster.com/

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/willowasterauthor?fref=ts

Facebook Fan Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/870978829643191/

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6863360.Willow_Aster

Goodreads Fan Group: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/169437-fans-of-willow-aster

Instagram: https://instagram.com/willowaster1/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WillowAster

Newsletter Signup link: http://eepurl.com/bvmq9L

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: The Dark Ones by Rachel Van Dyken

Posted on 09/20/2015 by shellbellereads

To touch a Dark One is death.

To talk to an immortal is suicide.

Yet, I’ve been marked by both.

A Vampire.

And the King of the immortals.

My life is no longer my own.

And now I know the truth, my life was never mine to begin
with.

It was theirs.

It’s always been theirs.

Barnes & Noble

Smashword

EXCERPT

I didn’t open my eyes. “No staying in bed all day?”

“About that…” Ethan sighed. “The good news is it will feel like we’ve been in bed for days when really it could have been mere hours.”

“Hmm?” I perked up. “Well, that’s a nice trick.”

“I’m full of them.” His eyes sparkled. “Care to know more?”

“Yes,” I whispered, my mouth finding his.

With a groan, he pushed me back against the mattress and loomed over me, his naked body glorious-looking against the sunlight streaming through the window. “Perhaps we’ll stay a bit longer.”

“Yes.” I nodded my head eagerly. “I’m your mate, after all. Don’t you want me to be pleased?”

“You were pleased at least four times last night, possibly five, if we count the time I—”

“Shh.” I put my hands over his mouth.

He smirked. “Afraid the dust will hear?”

I rolled my eyes.

“Ethan!” Alex’s voice boomed on the other side of the door. “Feed her!”

“Ignore him,” Ethan hissed.

The knock got louder. “For the love of God, she’s human. Give her food.”

“He’s a siren. He knows nothing.” Ethan continued kissing me.

“Mason will break down the door if he has to.” Fighting broke out in the hall. “Ethan, I can smell the sex from here. One immortal to another, feed her before you can’t feed from her anymore.”

Ethan growled and pulled back from me. “They have no manners.”

I was half-tempted to cover my face with my hands. Had they heard us? Of course they’d heard us, and they knew, and they could… Yeah, I wanted to crawl under the bed and hide for a few days. Instead, Ethan pounced from the bed, put on a pair of jeans, and jerked open the door while I tried to hide beneath the covers.

Alex peered over Ethan’s shoulder and waved.

I had no choice but to wave back and hope that I wasn’t as red as I felt.

“She’s alive.” Alex held up his hand for a high five. “No? Not funny? Too soon?”

“Horrible joke,” Mason said next to him. “I made eggs. She’s going to need food. Make her eat everything on the plate and—”

He was still talking when Ethan slammed the door in his face and brought a giant plate of food over to me.

“Forgive them.” Ethan scowled. “There aren’t typically secrets between us, and they’re just concerned for you.”

I pointed at the eggs, ten slices of bacon, and toast. “Clearly, they don’t want me to starve.”

“Wolves.” Ethan looked heavenward. “He should be more concerned with his own diet, the ass.”

“It does smell good.” I moved up the bed so I could lean against the headboard. “Do you eat?”

Ethan’s lips curved into a predatory smile. “I ate several times last night. Care for me to refresh your memory?”

My cheeks burned.

“So tempting.” He reached for a piece of bacon and held it to his lips, taking a small bite that had my entire body clenching to keep from reaching out and attacking him. “And yes, I can eat. I typically do eat but haven’t been because when we drink, we don’t need normal food.”

“But before me…” I grabbed a piece of toast. “You were eating normal food.”

“I like you better.” He winked. “But yes, I was.”

“Good to know I’m better than bacon.”

“Your taste…” His eyes brightened. “…is unlike anything I’ve ever had.”

“Hmm…” I licked my lips.

“Stop it,” he hissed and looked away. “Damn, I can’t watch you eat. I’m going to shower while you eat your entire plate as per Mason’s orders, and then I’ll contemplate letting you leave this room so you can go to the bookstore.”

“Ah!” I almost knocked over the food. “My job! Am I late? Will I get fired?”

Ethan burst out laughing. “It’s eight in the morning. He’s expecting you when I drop you off. No sooner, no later. You won’t get fired. He wouldn’t dream of it, and you really are adorable.”

“And hot.” I sighed.

“That too.”

“No, I mean hot, as in, it’s scorching in here.”

Ethan winced. “You may be that way for a few days.”

“Hot?”

He nodded.

“Why?”

“Too much vampire blood makes you overheat a bit.” He shrugged. “It won’t turn you— You’re very much human, like I’ve said before, but sometimes the vampire blood causes a type of burn to take over in your bloodstream, not painful, just not exactly pleasant if it’s a hundred degrees outside.”

“Good thing it’s Seattle.” I bit into the toast.

“Yes, well, I imagine at this point, raindrops would simply turn to vapor if they landed on your skin.”

I smiled.

“Shower.” He nodded. “I’m going to turn around now and walk away.”

“Narrating?”

“Apparently, that’s what I do when I can think of nothing more than ripping that sheet from your body, slamming you into the nearest wall, and possessing you all over again.”

I dropped the toast.

He growled, taking two steps toward me, then swore and turned back around.

“Have a good shower!” I called.

Another growl was his answer, and then his jeans went flying. I wasn’t laughing anymore.

Michel’s Review

Rachel Van Dyken has stepped up her game. Dark Ones is the latest release and it is not what readers have come to expect from Rachel. This book is a paranormal romance that is unique in this genre. It has the combination of paranormal entities such as vampires, werewolves, and sirens. It also has angels and Dark Ones, a combination of human and angel. The Dark Ones are considered to be an abomination in the both realms. Their existence is almost extinct. It is forbidden to reproduce more of their kind.

***

The Dark One Cassius is considered to be the King of the Immortals. His touch can enslave a human. It can give them life or death. Most times it is death.

***

Humans are numbered and called upon to serve the Immortals. They are called for breeding purposes. If they can survive the mating process they may be gifted with eternal life and become immortal themselves. But somewhere in the past 150 years the process became imbalanced. The humans began dying. The immortals were not reproducing. Cassius has gotten out of control and tries to claim each human for himself. The last time he did it he crossed the lines. He stole the vampire’s mate and caused her death. He also killed their child.

***

When the human Genesis is called upon, Cassius thinks because of her name, she is the prophecy that will turn their world back to balance. He wants her for himself. She is the intended mate for Ethan, the vampire. This time around Ethan is not going to let Cassius destroy another human, let alone his mate.

***

The battle has been declared. Immortals are taking sides. The worlds are colliding. Is Genesis the beginning or the end of the world as we know it?

***

Read this book! It is fantastic!

_____________________________________

a Rafflecopter giveaway

__________________________________

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.
She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!
Want to be kept up to date on new releases? Text MAFIA to 66866!
You can connect with her on Facebook www.facebook.com/rachelvandyken or join her fan group Rachel’s New Rockin Readers. Her website is www.rachelvandykenauthor.com

NEWSLETTER FACEBOOK TWITTER GOODREADS AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Red textured background with smoke and cracks

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Calling Me Back by Louise Bay – The Calling Me Series – Book 1

Posted on 09/17/2015 by shellbellereads

Calling Me Back

The Calling Me Series- Book 1

By Louise Bay

Release Date: September 15, 2015

Synopsis

Is it possible for a guy to turn on a switch and realize he’s been in love with a girl that’s been under his nose for over a decade? Ashleigh Franklin can’t decide.

Ashleigh wants the fairy tale. Ever since she was a kid, her best friend’s brother, Luke, has been her fantasy Prince Charming. Now he’s trying to convince her that she’s the one he’s wanted all these years. There’s no way it’s that easy to escape the friend zone.

Single after years living with a girlfriend, Luke has finally woken up. What he’s been waiting for has been right under his nose for almost his entire life. Can he persuade her that he’s serious and won’t break her heart?

A Wonder Woman costume, a bottle of tequila and a game of truth or dare between two close friends changes everything.

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Playlist

Landslide – Stevie Nicks

Here I am – Leona Lewis

I Can’t Make You Love Me – Bonnie Rait

If I Knew Then – Lady Antebellum

Say you Love Me – Jessie Ware

To Make Her Love Me – Rascal Flatts

Where My Heart Belongs – Gloriana

Tracey’s Review

Ashleigh Franklin has been in love with Luke Daniels for as long as she can remember. She even knows the exact moment when her heart became his. But Luke has always seen Ash as another little sister, a member of his family. Lately things seem to have changed, though, and now Ash doesn’t know quite what to make of it.

I met and loved Ash in WHAT THE LIGHTNING SEES, Haven and Jake’s story. As the crazy best friend and third member of the trio made up of Haven and her brother, Jake, Ash constantly had me laughing with her snark and sass. In this book, we see another side of Ash. We see her vulnerability, her utter and absolute love for Luke, and how torn she is between wishing him well in his current relationship and wishing that he could be hers.

Luke has always seen Ash as an extension of his family, always just there and much loved. He can’t imagine a life without Ash in it, even as he comes to the realization that he may not feel the same way about Emma, his girlfriend of three years. When life changes occur, it’s Ash that’s uppermost in Luke’s thoughts, and life as they knew it changes drastically.

I love the characters that Louise Bay writes. I’ve always said that they are just the type of people that I would want to be friends with, and I feel exactly the same about this book. CALLING ME BACK is a book that captured me from the first page, and I could not put it down until I’d reached the end, all too soon, I might add. Delighted about the way that things played out in this book, I was left just…waiting. As this is the first book in a trilogy, I fully expected the cliffhanger, and Louise delivered in a fashion that has me waiting impatiently to get my hands on CALLING ME AWAY (Book 2). 5 lovely, sexy, romantic, oh, finally! stars for CALLING ME BACK.

___________________________________________________

Author Bio:

USA Today bestselling author, Louise Bay writes sexy, contemporary romance novels – the kind she likes to read. Her books include the novels Faithful and Hopeful and the novella series’ The Empire State Series, What the Lightning Sees and Calling Me. The novels and together each series are stand-alone although there are some overlapping characters.

Ruined by romantic mini-series of the eighties, Louise loves all things romantic. There’s not enough of it in real life so she disappears into the fictional worlds in books and films.

Louise loves the rain, the West Wing, London, days when she doesn’t have to wear make-up, being on her own, being with friends, elephants and champagne.

She loves to hear from readers so get in touch!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Category Archives: Reviewers

Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: The Affiliate by K.A. Line

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Kick by Carmen Jenner – Savage Saints MC Series – Book 2

Review: Softer Than Steel by Jessica Topper + Love & Steel Series Reviews

5 Star Review: A Desperate Man Volume 3 by Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine

Release Day Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Hard As Steel by Laura Kaye – A Hard Ink / Raven Riders Crossover Novella

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Release Day Launch for Laura Kaye’s HARD AS STEEL!! HARD AS STEEL is a Hard Ink/Raven Riders Series Crossover Novella brought to you by 1001 Dark Nights. Grab your copy today!!

Amazon eBook Amazon Paperback**

Website | Facebook |Twitter | Newsletter SignUp | HARD AS STEEL on Goodreads

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: The Lies Between Us by M. N. Forgy – The Devil’s Dust MC Series – Book 4

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Blow by Kim Karr – The Tainted Love Duet – Book 1

Release Day Blitz + 5 Star Review + 2015 Favorite + Giveaway: Fade To Red by Willow Aster

Fade To Red

Synopsis

Giveaway

About Willow Aster

Connect with Willow

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: The Dark Ones by Rachel Van Dyken

To touch a Dark One is death.

To talk to an immortal is suicide.

Yet, I’ve been marked by both.

A Vampire.

And the King of the immortals.

My life is no longer my own.

And now I know the truth, my life was never mine to begin
with.

It was theirs.

It’s always been theirs.

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Calling Me Back by Louise Bay – The Calling Me Series – Book 1

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Release Day Launch for Laura Kaye’s HARD AS STEEL!! HARD AS STEEL is a Hard Ink/Raven Riders Series Crossover Novella brought to you by 1001 Dark Nights. Grab your copy today!!

Amazon eBook ** Amazon Paperback

Website | Facebook |Twitter | Newsletter SignUp | HARD AS STEEL on Goodreads

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Fade To Red

Synopsis

Giveaway

About Willow Aster

Connect with Willow

Share this:

To touch a Dark One is death.

To talk to an immortal is suicide.

Yet, I’ve been marked by both.

A Vampire.

And the King of the immortals.

My life is no longer my own.

And now I know the truth, my life was never mine to begin with.

It was theirs.

It’s always been theirs.

Share this:

Share this:

Amazon eBook Amazon Paperback**

And now I know the truth, my life was never mine to begin
with.