Release Blitz + Excerpt + 6 Star Review + 2015 Favorite : Hollywood Dirt by Alessandra Torre

Posted on 09/07/2015 by shellbellereads

Hollywood Dirt

By: Alessandra Torre

Genre: Contemporary Romance

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Cole Masten. Abandoned by his superstar wife, Hollywood’s Perfect Husband is now Hollywood’s Sexiest Bachelor: partying hard and screwing even harder. Move over Colin Farrell, there’s a new bad boy ruling Los Angeles.

Summer Jenkins. That’s me, a small town girl stuck in Quincy, Georgia. I cook some mean chicken and dumplins, can bluff a grown man out of his savings in poker, and was voted Most Friendly my senior year. Other than that… I don’t have too much going on.

We were from different worlds. Our lives shouldn’t have collided. But when Cole Masten’s jet landed in our country airport, we all sat up in our rocking chairs and watched. And when an opportunity crossed my path, I jumped at the chance.

But I didn’t expect what ended up happening. I didn’t expect Cole Masten to be an ass, or to pursue me, or for everything to get tangled up around set riggings, camera cords, bra straps and heartstrings.

Sometimes, opposites just aren’t meant to attract.

amazon |nook | iBooks | kobo

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Excerpt

When the door to the production trailer burst open, it brought with it a wave of heat and beauty. Cole looked up from the storyboards and locked eyes with Summer, who blew across the room at him like a tornado on tilt.

“There’s no love story between Ida and Royce.” Summer snapped, throwing down the script, pages fluttering down between them. In the small trailer, conversations stalled and he could feel the attention turn their way. “I’ve read the book. Three times!”

It was good to know that someone had read the damn book. Cole glanced down at her temper tantrum of a mess and back up, raising his eyebrows mildly. “It’s a movie,” he said, turning back to the storyboards. “The writers are adding some excitement. It’s normal. You’d know that if you were in this business.” The dig was unnecessary but he couldn’t help it. This woman turned him into the devil.

“I read the first script. The one you sent over with my contract. Ida and Royce hated each other. Why would Royce…” she snatched up a page from the ground and read out a line. “pushes Ida against the file cabinet and kisses her passionately.” She balled up the page and threw it down to the ground and he could see, in her eyes, the panic. Panic. An unexpected reaction.

“We’ll use that,” Don made the dangerous move of stepping in, putting a soft hand on her shoulder. “You don’t understand. The passion from their hatred will make it hotter.”

“No.” Summer said, her face hard, her eyes on Cole. “It doesn’t make it hotter. It makes it stupid.”

“Aww… come on, Summer.” Cole chided, stepping closer, his hand reaching out to pull at her wrist. She fought him, yanking it back and the moment of their bodies meeting didn’t happen. He leaned down and whispered, right against her ear, the smell of her apple-scented lotion enough to make him want to empty out the production trailer right that moment. “Sure it does.”

She jerked back and twisted away. “If he kisses me on camera I’m going to lose it.” She shot at Don, pointing an accusatory finger in Cole’s direction.

“I know you will,” Cole laughed, crossing his arms to fight from reaching out. “You’ll fall apart under my mouth, baby.”

Summer screamed in response, her hands thrown up in frustration, and spun to leave, her script left behind, the slam of the exit door loud in the full production trailer.

“That went well,” Cole mused. He linked his hands and rested them on his head, rolling his shoulders back. Panic. She’d had panic in her eyes. Fuck.

“What do you expect?” Don said. “You threw this on her without warning. I told you we should have met with her this morning, gone over the changes to prepare her. But no – you just wanted to dump it on her via call sheets and sides.”

“Dump it on her? I was People’s Sexiest Man last year. She’s not mentally adjusting to a war camp for God’s sake. How hard is it to kiss me?”

“It’s actually three kisses,” a dark-haired PA to his left pointed out. “And a grope.”

He gave her a hard look and she withered a little.

“I’ll go talk to her,” Don said. “Eileen, you shoot #4 and I’ll talk to Summer. I want to try to get #14 shot at eleven so let’s get our asses in gear and get this done.”

“I’ll talk to her.” Cole stepped in. “You shoot #4 and I’ll talk to her.”

“No,” Don snapped. “With my luck you two would make up and any authenticity to the scene would disappear. Just stay away from her and be ready at eleven.”

Cole chewed on his cheek, then nodded. “Fine.” Don was right. He should stay away from her. Far. Far away.

Want to read the first pages of Hollywood Dirt?

Visit http://www.meetcolemasten.com/

Michel’s Review

Hollywood Dirt by Alessandra Torre is a box office hit! It is by far one of my favorite Hollywood Romances to date . It is fun, fresh, quirky, and heartwarming. The moment I started reading this book I was drawn into the story. It was like it was unfolding on the big screen right before my eyes. I could not put it down.

Summer Jenkins is not your typical sweet southern girl. Yes, she has the southern manners. Yes, she can cook up a mouth watering meal. She can bowl you over with her southern charm and cut you down to size in nicest southern drawl. She is not your usual southern belle. She is not completely put together like a beauty pageant queen. She could care less about appearances. She’s a good southern girl that is the pariah of her small hometown. She embarrassed the good folks of Quincy three years earlier. She did the unthinkable and brought shame to the good townsfolk. Now she’s the girl who has no friends or community support. She is just waiting for the opportunity to escape this slow southern town and never look back. When Envision Entertainment rolls into town looking to make a movie, it is her ticket out of Quincy.

Cole Mastens is Hollywood’s Golden Boy. He has numerous film credits to his name, he has three oscars under his belt, he has the most beautiful Hollywood Starlet as his wife, and every woman wants him. He has an entourage of people in his employ to do everything for him. The only thing he has to do is show up, act, and look pretty. Now he is about to embark on producing his first film , The Fortune Bottle. His life is golden until he catches his wife cheating in his Hollywood mansion. His life begins to fall apart. The spoiled golden boy doesn’t know how to handle rejection and hurt. His actions send him into a destructive frenzy that could ruin his career, lose all his assets, and lose his financial rights to the The Fortune Bottle. He needs help in the worst way. In steps the renowned divorce attorney, Brad De Luca ( the Innocence series ) to straighten Cole Mastens out. His word is the law. His demands are unquestionable. Cole Mastens now has to march to Brad De Luca’s beat if he wants to save his golden butt.

Brad has a plan. Cole has to go to Quincy, GA and stay out of the spot light until the production of The Bottled Fortune is complete. Making Cole Mastens live in the small sleepy town of Quincy is like making him move to Mars. It is a whole different world. People are not dropping and jumping to his beck and call. Women aren’t swooning when he steps into a room, especially Summer Jenkins.

The Bottled Fortune is going to be the best film in Hollywood. Cole Mastens is going to learn how to be a real man once again. Summer Jenkins is going to get her ticket out of Quincy. Along the way they are going to find the true meaning of love and passion. Brad De Luca knew what he was doing when he sent Cole Mastens to Quincy. Summer Jenkins capitalized on Cole Jenkins. Cole Jenkins earned his title of Hollywood Golden Boy. And the town of Quincy has a whole new story to gossip about.

I absolutely loved this book. Alessandra Torre stepped out of her usual type of writing. Rather than writing a dark, complicated, twisted, erotic romance; she wrote a fun, fresh, sizzling hot contemporary romance that is uncomplicated. I loved how she used Hollywood quotes at the beginning of each chapter to portray how twisted the Hollywood lifestyle is. At the end of each chapter she added a passage of Quincy gossip about Summer that built up to the mysterious reason why she was shunned by her own town. When the revelation was finally revealed it is very original and unpredictable. It made Summer an even bigger woman! After I finished this book I wanted to run to Walmart late at night to buy a bottle of coke in hopes of sighting Cole & Summer at their finest!

Read Hollywood Dirt by Alessandra Torre …. you will love it!

Want to read the first pages of Hollywood Dirt?

Visit http://www.meetcolemasten.com/

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Alessandra Torre is an award-winning New York Times bestselling author of ten novels. Her books focus on romance and suspense, all with a strong undercurrent of sexuality. Torre has been featured in such publications as Elle and Elle UK, co-hosted Dirty Sexy Funny with Jenny McCarthy, as well as guest blogged for the Huffington Post and RT Book Reviews. She is also the Bedroom Blogger for Cosmopolitan.com.

You can learn more about Alessandra on her website at www.alessandratorre.com, or you can find her on Twitter (@ReadAlessandra) or Facebook.

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Website | Facebook | Twitter

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway : Roustabout by Jane Harvey-Berrick – The Traveling Series – Book 3

Posted on 09/07/2015 by shellbellereads

Roustabout

Traveling Series – Book 3

By Jane Harvey-Berrick

Release Date: September 9, 2015

Buy : Amazon / Amazon UK / B & N

Synopsis

Twelve years ago Tucker McCoy walked away from the hell that was his family with not much more than the shirt on his back. No regrets. Never once looking back.

Living his life as a roustabout turned stunt rider with a traveling carnival keeps a smile on his face. His new family are the people he’s chosen to be in his life, the people who travel his road. Kes, Zach and Zef don’t share his blood, but they share his hopes and dreams. Understand his fears and know what makes him tick. They’re his brothers, his real family.

If you keep moving, no one can catch you—it’s a simple rule. So when Tucker crosses paths with Tera Hawkins, he knows he should move on. There’s no woman that’s ever been worth breaking his rules for. Besides, she’s off limits, untouchable. He knows stronger men would walk away, but dammit, he’s always been weak.

All he can offer her is a night she’ll never forget, but will that one taste be enough?

Buy : Amazon / Amazon UK / B & N

Excerpt

The motorcycles circled the stadium like gladiators, or maybe like men jousting on horseback in days gone by: charging at each other, daring each other, until eventually they were ringed around the outer fence, each preparing for their first jump.

Zef went first, blasting off the ramp, followed a split second later by Tucker in the opposite direction, and I was so certain they were going to crash in the middle, I screamed and closed my eyes.

Aimee squeezed my hand hard, causing me to wince. I opened my eyes just in time to see Kes leaping through a circle of fire, the flames glancing off his helmet.

On and on it went, higher, faster, closer. Sweat trickled down my body, pooling under my armpits, leaving me drenched and weak.

The engines revved and hummed, and then they all charged together, a flying tower of men, with Kestrel cartwheeling over the top of them.

The crowd screamed and clapped and cheered, and Aimee and I stood up, shrieking with them.

“Oh my God!” I yelled over the noise. “I nearly had a heart attack!”

Aimee laughed and wiped her eyes.

“Every time,” she whispered, her voice shaky. “Every time.”

I followed her back to the RV where the guys were peeling off their sweat-soaked leathers, standing in their underwear, huge smiles plastered across their faces.

Tucker scooped me up in a sweaty hug, his hot skin slick to the touch.

“You are amazing!” I said honestly, a relieved laugh breaking out of me. “Stinky, but amazing!”

He laughed loudly, his head thrown back, his eyes crinkling with happiness, and then he kissed me, deeply.

Michel’s Review

Ladies and Gentlemen, Children of all ages… Welcome to the Greatest Show on Earth! You are about to witness the most exciting … death defying show of the century! Are you ready for the Donohue Daredevils? Let the show begin!

Roustabout by Jane Harvey- Berrick is the third book in the exciting Traveling Series. The Traveling Series is based upon the lives of carnies and their families. Their lifestyles and free spirits are captivating. Their sense of honor and code that they live by is just as unique as each individual that is a part of their world. Their world is quite different from the normal lifestyles that most people live. They march to their own beat. Those who are part of their world are loved fiercely. Jane Harvey-Berrick created a series that will capture the readers hearts, imagination, and awe. She has brought that special magic to our hearts.

The Traveling Series features the electrifying daredevil stunt riders that tour the country with the carnival. Roustabout can be read as a stand alone romance or in series order. I would highly recommend reading this book in series order because each and every book in this series is sensational.

Tucker McCoy is the fun loving, easy going, manwhore of the daredevil riders. He has a different lady in every town. He’s just as famous for his bedroom endeavors as he is for his death defying stunts. His only purpose in life is to ride his bike and please the ladies. He doesn’t believe in love, commitments, or relationships. The only thing he is committed to is his daredevil team and his carnie family. When he meets Tera Hawkins, the half sister to his teammate, rules may be broken. He may be tempted to break the rules and hook up with his teammate’s sister. She may be out of his league but she is perfect for his bed.

Tera Hawkins is not a part of the carnie world. She has been brought up as a privileged princess. Her father is a powerful Senator with a sketchy past. Part of his sketchy past includes two brothers she never knew she had. She is determined to become a part of her brother’s lives and embrace the family her prestigious family doesn’t want to acknowlege. Getting to know her brother Kes opens a whole new world for Tera. She is getting to know his world and the people that are important to him. She didn’t count on Tucker McCoy, the charming daredevil rider.

Their lives may be worlds apart but the heart wants what the heart wants. You can’t pick who you fall in love with. The only thing you can do is find a way to make the impossible work. Tera and Tucker have a hard road to travel but the journey is worth every loving moment.

Once again Jane Harvey-Berrick wrote an emotional and exciting story. I was glued to the pages and experiencing the magic until the very end.

I highly recommend Roustabout and The Traveling Series.

The Traveling Series has made the 2015 Favorites List.

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The Traveling Series

Traveling Man

The Traveling Duet Series – Book 1

By Jane Harvey-Berrick

Synopsis

I was ordinary. Nice.

He was extraordinary. And he wasn’t always nice.

Moody and difficult, brilliant and beautiful, Kes scared me and he protected me. He could be incredibly hurtful and incredibly thoughtful. He wasn’t perfect, but he was perfect for me. He challenged me, he took me out of my safe little box and showed me the world could be magnificent. He was everything I wasn’t.”

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Aimee Anderson is ten when the traveling carnival first comes to her nice little town. She doesn’t expect her world to change so completely. But meeting Kestrel Donohue puts her life on a different path.

Even though she only sees him for the two weeks of the year when he passes through her home town, his friendship is the most important of her life. As a child’s friendship grows to adult love, the choices become harder, and both Kes and Aimee realize that two weeks a year will never be enough…

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

The Traveling Woman

The Traveling Series – Book 2

By Jane Harvey-Berrick

Release Date: April 7, 2015

Synopsis

THE CONCLUDING STORY of Aimee and Kestrel, begun in THE TRAVELING MAN
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

How many times do you gamble on love? When love has knocked you down, should you give it another chance? When does optimism become stupidity?

And what happens when the man you’re in love with is never still, always moving, always traveling? Do you say goodbye, or do you leave behind everything that you’ve worked for, everything that you’ve ever known? Can a traveling carnival be my home?

Oh. You thought I had the answers. No, sorry. No answers, just a lot of questions—and a heart that wants to rule my head.

Can one person be my home?

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

Roustabout

Traveling Series – Book 3

By Jane Harvey-Berrick

Release Date: September 9, 2015

Synopsis

Twelve years ago Tucker McCoy walked away from the hell that was his family with not much more than the shirt on his back. No regrets. Never once looking back.

All he can offer her is a night she’ll never forget, but will that one taste be enough?

Buy : Amazon / Amazon UK / B & N

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About Jane Harvey- Berrick

I lived in London for over 10 years and have a love affair with New York. It’s only since I have moved to the countryside, that the words have really begun to flow.

I live in a small village by the ocean and walk my little dog, Pip, every day. It’s on those beachside walks that I have all my best ideas.

Writing has become a way of life – and one that I love to share.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Giveaway

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Happy Release + Review : His Lover To Protect by Katee Robert – Out of Uniform Series – Book 3

Posted on 09/07/2015 by shellbellereads

His Lover To Protect

Out of Uniform Series – Book 3

By Katee Robert

Synopsis

He’s never met a challenge he couldn’t take…

Alexis Yeung did everything right….only to watch everything go horribly, horribly wrong. Broken and angry, Alexis high-tails it to Europe, determined to face the world on her own terms and without consequence. Which includes a mind-blowing night with a sexy, scarred stranger.

Except, embittered former pararescuer Luke Jackson isn’t exactly a stranger. He’s supposed to keep an eye on Alexis without her knowing. Ending up in bed together was definitely not the plan. Now he’s chasing her (admittedly hot) ass across Europe, a game of cat and mouse that always ends with the two of them tangled up in the sheets.

Something in their scarred, damaged souls calls to each other. And God help them, the sex is unbelievably hot. But if Alexis discovers who Luke really is, he’ll lose the one thing that makes him feel whole…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo / Google Play

Tracey’s Review

Alexis Yeung hasn’t always been bitter and broken. Once upon a time, she was part of a happy family, secure in the love of her parents and sister. Then, life threw a devastating curve ball, one that affected her whole family, and her whole future, and nothing was the same. She’s held it all in for so long, but she’s ready to take back her life. Former parajumper Luke Jackson didn’t sign up to babysit a grown woman, especially one with a bad attitude and a chip on her shoulder, but here he is, trailing Alexis through Europe. And, to top it off, there are those darned sparks…

As the oldest daughter, Alexis has had to deal with a lot of expectations. Losing her mother to cancer (the same cancer that rendered Alexis unable to have children), having her fiancé leave her, and the cold judgment of her traditional grandfather were bad enough, but watching her sister get pregnant and fall in love finally pushed Alexis to step out of her comfort zone and get her old self back. Luke is damaged himself, having lost everything that made him, well, him, when an IED took him apart and left him unable to continue the career that he loved. These two are damaged, angry and at a crossroads in their lives. Neither Alexis nor Luke were counting on anything more than a good time, but their attraction is white-hot and pretty instantaneous. And, beyond the physical, they spur each other to reexamine themselves and come out stronger and more whole on the other side.

Katee Robert knows how to write one heck of a sexy read. As an author for the Entangled Brazen line, she’s has perfected the art of these books. Sassy heroines that can hold their own, heroes that are a bit flawed, but hot and all too willing to save the day, and enough heat to power a small country make reading these a decadent pleasure for me. I really enjoyed Falling For His Best Friend, Avery’s and Drew’s book, and hoped that Alexis would be getting her own story, too. I have to admit that I actually liked this book a little bit more, and was rooting for Alexis and Luke all the way through. His Lover To Protect is a steamy and positive read, one that I flew through because I was invested in the story and the characters. This is an easy 4.5 star book for me, and I highly recommend that you add it to your TBR.

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New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Katee Robert learned to tell her stories at her grandpa’s knee. She found romance novels at age twelve and it changed her life. When not writing sexy contemporary and speculative fiction romance novels, she spends her time playing imaginary games with her wee ones, driving her husband batty with what-if questions, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review: Sacked by Jen Frederick – Gridiron Series – Book 1

Posted on 09/06/2015 by shellbellereads

Sacked

Gridiron Series – Book 1

By Jen Frederick

Release Date : September 6, 2015

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

What he wants he gets…

Knox Masters is a quarterback’s worst nightmare. Warrior. Champion. And…virgin. Knox knows what he wants–and he gets it. All American Football player? Check. NFL pros scouting him? Check. Now, he’s set his sight on two things. The national title. And Ellie Campbell. Sure, she’s the sister of his fellow teammate, but that’s not going to stop him. Especially not when he’s convinced Ellie is the one.

…but he’s never met her before.

But Ellie isn’t as sure. She’s trying to start a new life and she’s not interested in a relationship…with anyone. Beside it’s not just her cardinal rule of never dating her brother’s teammates that keeps her away, but Ellie has a dark secret that would jeopardize everything Knox is pursuing.

Knox has no intention of losing. Ellie has no intention of giving in.

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Excerpt

I lock my legs to keep from falling over and pull out the biggest barrel I have. “Masters, there are things about me that if you knew you wouldn’t want to spend another minute in my presence.”

He considers my words, the silence taking on a heaviness and part of me already aches for what I could have if I was just any other girl at Western. “Have you killed anyone?” he finally asks. I can feel his eyes assessing me and I keep my gaze averted afraid of what

I’ll see in his moss green gaze.

“No.”

“Have you slept with my brother?”
“What?” I can’t prevent myself from gawking at Masters, who’s smiling as he asks the question. “No! God, I’ve never even met him!”

“Are you catfishing poor athletes from Auburn? Wait, don’t answer that because I don’t think I’d find that objectionable. Oh, I have it—” He snaps his fingers.

“This isn’t a joke, Masters.”

He tucks a stray piece of hair behind my ear. “Until you tell me what it is, it’s not a reason to be apart either.”

I suck in my lower lip to prevent throwing myself at him and telling him to take me.

“Why?” I ask helplessly.

“Because I like you.”

He grips me by the chin and lays down gentlest, sweetest kiss. In that kiss he tells me everything. That he wants me. That he’s willing to take it slow. That he’s not giving up.

He kisses me as if this is the only thing he wants to do for the next ten hours.

His lips barely move but I can feel everything in me surge toward him. The short wedges
I shoved on this morning suddenly feel precarious. I grip his shoulders to steady myself and then find myself rising up on my tiptoes to press deeper against him. He hauls me flush against him until I can no longer touch the floor.

His one hand palms nearly my entire back while the other angles my head for better access. He may be a virgin, but the guy knows how to kiss. His tongue is finding places inside my mouth that I didn’t even know would feel good.

All the pent up desire that has been boiling in me for days comes pouring out of me. I attack him with my next kiss, biting his lower lip, sucking on his tongue. Against my belly I can feel the hard ridge of his erection.

“God,” I breathe as he abandons my mouth to trace the line of my jaw with his lips. He growls in response and pushes me back against the bookcases but I don’t even mind that the shelves are biting into my back. I just want more.

And he gives it to me. We cling to each other, feeding off of each other’s seemingly endless need until I hear a gasp and then a muted giggle. And those two faint sounds somehow manage to break through the haze of lust and bring with it the realization that

I am in a very public place. I wriggle against him and he sets me down reluctantly.

“We’re in the bookstore,” I say in a scandalized voice.

“You’ve never kissed a guy in the bookstore before?” He grins, the wicked mischievous one I’m beginning to associate with something tremendously naughty. “There’s a first time for everything.”

Michel’s Review

Are you ready for some football? Are you ready for the Gridiron Gods to tackle your heart? Are you ready for the college superstar Knox Masters to score? Are you ready to be Sacked? Jen Fredrick is going to deliver all your Gridiron desires in her new college football series. Knox Masters has scored a 5+ Touchdown in Sacked.

Knox Masters is the god of football. He’s the best player on the team. He’s focused, intense, and takes names on the field. He’s on the fast track to becoming a pro NFL player. Men worship him, scouts want him, and women swoon over him. He has two goals to conquer, the national title and an NFL contract. He has to stay focused and bring his team the victory title. He is Knox Masters… the Gridiron God. He is Knox Masters… The Virgin. He’s not going to let anything stand in his way, even his virginity. Knox Masters is a virgin by choice. He will not lose his focus because of sex. He will know when it’s time. He will not concede until the right woman comes along. He wants his forever woman.

Ellie Campbell has lived under the shadow of the Gridiron all of her life. Her older brother, Jack, has dominated her family’s life with his gifts on the field. Now that she is attending Western she wants to build her own life, with her own friends and not be overshadowed by football. She’s happy to be attending the same university as her brother Jack because they are very close, but she is also happy to start building her own path in life. Dating a football player is not a part of the equation .

When Ellie meets Knox, she knows she’s in trouble. He’s pursuing her with the same intensity that he applies to his football career. Her heart has been Sacked. She should not give in to her desires because she has secrets that could not only ruin her but ruin Knox’s future career. Her secrets could ruin the teams chance at a national championship.

Can Ellie and Knox’s relationship survive the final play in the game? Can Ellie pass the test that will make her “The One” to own Knox’s heart?

Fate has a way of taking over. The heart dictates the game. Love is the only true champion at the end of the day. The rest is just another play in the game of life.

I will not say too much more because this is an emotional story that the reader should experience for themselves. Sacked not only focuses on the main characters but also the other players that are a part of the team. This book highlights the ups and downs as well as the pressure’s that go along with a college football career. It raises awareness of some very real issues that many individuals struggle with daily in life. It also delivers a beautiful romance that goes beyond the bedroom.

Sacked is the perfect start for the Gridiron series by Jen Frederick. Read this book!

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Author Bio:

Jen Frederick lives with her husband, child, and one rambunctious dog. She’s been reading stories all her life but never imagined writing one of her own. Jen loves to hear from readers so drop her a line at jensfrederick@gmail.com

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Review: In The Dark by Monica Murphy – The Rules Series – Book 2

Posted on 09/06/2015 by shellbellereads

In The Dark

The Rules Series – Book 2

By Monica Murphy

Release Date: August 25, 2015

Buy : Amazon / ITunes

Stuck spending the summer with his screwed up family, Gabriel Walker is bored out of his mind and looking for an adventure. And he seems to find it with the hot girl who lives next door. The attraction between them is instant. Electric. Soon they’re spending every stolen minute together. Talk about the perfect summer fling…

Lucy isn’t what she seems. She doesn’t live next door—she’s the girl who’s been hired to house sit for the summer while the family goes on a worldwide vacation. If Gabe wants to believe she’s a spoiled rich girl looking for some fun, she can go along with that. After the summer, she’ll never see him again.

They don’t count on running into each other at college. Now Lucy must keep up the pretense of being a rich girl—and it’s exhausting. She knows she’s falling in love with Gabe and she’s scared he feels the same. Will he still care about her when he discovers the truth?

Michel’s Review

In The Dark by Monica Murphy is the second book in The Rules series. This New Adult series features three rich bad boys and the dynamic young women that capture their hearts and change their bad boy ways. This series is fun, sexy, and light hearted. It’s not weighed down with emotional angst or over the top sexcapades. It’s the perfect series to add to your ereader and is guaranteed to delight.

Gabriel Walker is on a forced summer vacation with his family. He is bored and spends his time spying on his sexy neighbor. When he finally approaches her little does he realize that he has just given away the key to his heart.

Lucy is house sitting for the summer. She knows she doesn’t fit in with the rich elite residents. She tries to stay away from Gabe Walker but it is impossible. He may be rich but he is also a decent guy that’s fun to be around.

The two decide to have a summer fling. Gabe assumes Lucy is in the same social class he is. She doesn’t tell him any different. What does it matter, they won’t see each other after summer ends.

Summer comes to an end and it’s back to school. Both Gabe and Lucy are surprised when they run into one another on campus. She thought he was living in Texas. He thought she was a rich girl living out of daddy’s pockets. Now they both have to face the truth. The one thing that is still apparent is that they can’t stay away from one another or keep their hands off one another. But first they will have to deal with their secrets.

Once again Monica Murphy wrote the perfect new adult romance. It had the perfect combination of the carefree coed spirit, the emotional moments, and the sizzling hot romance.

I highly recommend In The Dark and Fair Game. The Rules series is delightful.

I am looking forward to the final book, Slow Play.

The Rule Series

Fair Game

The Rule Series – Book 1

Release Date: May 12, 2015

By Monica Murphy

Buy: Amazon

Synopsis

FAIR GAME (The Rules Series, Book 1) May 12, 2015

Bad enough Jade Frost’s boyfriend drags her to a boring poker game. Even worse that he actually threw her into the betting pot during an intense round…and lost. Talk about the perfect excuse for Jade to make him her ex-boyfriend.

Now she supposedly belongs to the ultra rich, extremely gorgeous Shep Prescott. He could have anything he wants yet he seems to be in hot pursuit of her. No matter how rude, how snarky, how impossible she acts, it doesn’t stop him. More like her horrible behavior seems to make him want her more.

When she finds herself starting to fall for him, Jade’s confused. There’s more to Shep than the carefree rich charmer he portrays. He has secrets. And she wants to discover them, no matter how ugly they might be…

In The Dark

The Rule Series – Book 2

Release Date: August 25, 2015

By Monica Murphy

Synopsis

IN THE DARK (Book 2) August 25, 2015

Lucy isn’t what she seems. She doesn’t live next door—she’s the maid who’s been hired to house sit for the summer while the family goes on a worldwide vacation. If Gabe wants to believe she’s a spoiled rich girl looking for some fun, she can go along with that. After the summer, she’ll never see him again.

Slow Play

The Rule Series – Book 3

Release Date: November 3, 2015

By Monica Murphy

Synopsis

SLOW PLAY (Book 3) November 3, 2015

Newly broke girl Alexandria Asher just wants to live a normal life. After her parents are sent to prison on embezzlement charges, she enrolls in college under her mother’s maiden name and tries her best to pretend she’s someone else.

Tristan Chadwick is everything Alex is trying to avoid. A seemingly egotistical, lazy, rich jerk, she dumps her beer on his head when he comes on to her one night at a party. This only spurs Tristan into action. He loves nothing more than a challenge. And the beautiful Alex is exactly the type of challenge that intrigues him.

Despite her reluctance, Alex finds herself quickly involved with Tristan. Underneath that playboy exterior is a good guy, a sweet and sexy guy who she is undoubtedly falling for. What they both don’t realize is the actions of Alex’s parents are the reason for so much tragedy in Tristan’s family. And when Tristan discovers who Alex and her family really is, can he forgive and forget?
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I write books. I have the best job ever. New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Writer of new adult contemporary romance-ish stuff. Published with Avon and Bantam. Mom and wife. Native Californian.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: Broken Oaths by V. L. Moon and J. T. Cheyanne

Posted on 09/04/2015 by shellbellereads

Broken Oaths

By V. L. Moon & J. T. Cheyanne

Synopsis

Betrayed by his peers and slandered as a traitor, Commander Thierry Donovan has nothing left. Locked away and targeted by the very men responsible for his incarceration, Thierry defies the odds and fights for the fundamental right to survive the hell-hole of his imprisonment. With no one to trust, Thierry finds solace in the last place he imagines…

The church is Ryan Flynn’s sanctuary. He craves the solitude and peace he finds in the hallowed halls. His oath to serve God is a calling Ryan has hidden behind all of his adult life; until his past catches up with him in the form of his foster brother, Special Agent Orrin Hunt…

Submerging himself within a world of danger, violence and corruption is the only way Orrin can cope with life. Rejected and tormented by the bitter remorse of unrequited love, Orrin is oblivious to the beauty of what life can offer him. If he’d only open his eyes, and maybe his heart….

Jaydan Callahan’s life is a wreck. Gangs, drugs and violence are a part of his normal day to day routine. For one so young, he’s seen it, been there, done it and gotten more than enough tee shirts as proof. Capable of smelling a cop from a mile away, it comes as no surprise to Jay when the guy he has the hots for is actually working under cover to bring down the town’s notoriously dangerous king pin.

Four men, four lives, each one of them stained by lies, corruption and doubt. Can love show them the path to redemption, or will broken oaths, fear and grief make the crosses they bear too heavy a mantle to carry.

Love is Love

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

Lis’ Review

The authors of “Crimson Reign” and “Love, Life and Circumstance” have never been ones to shy away from digging deep to give their readers a story that pushes boundaries, makes the readers think and feel and clamor for more. Crimson Reign gave us the wickedly sexy vampire king and his angel in a paranormal world in upheavel. LLC gave us two men with a baby to care for in the South with all its prejudices. And now “Broken Oaths” gives us Ryan and Thierry, pushing the limits again with the story of a priest and a Navy Commander.

Thierry Donovan is a former Navy Commander falsely accused of treason and jailed in a super secure facility in solitary confinement. The only other people he sees are the guards who watch over him, including his friend A.J. who goes easy on the rules for the prisoner. Thierry has no outside contact until he asks for, and is sent, a priest, Father Ryan Flynn. Their connection is instant, but like anyone else whose life is tied up in the rules and restrictions of their chosen profession or current fall from grace, both try to deny what they feel.

We learn of their pasts right away. The opening chapters tell us why these men chose the path they did, and give us a glimpse of the obstacles they faced along the way. Thierry’s career and life have been destroyed by his imprisonment. Father Flynn’s profession is an effort to get rid of the sinner label he brought down on himself because of his and his foster brother’s teenage exploration of their growing attraction. Both hide behind these shields they use so effectively – for a while. Thrown together in the priest and penitent roles, they soon acknowledge that there is something more between them as they work to bring justice to Thierry and bring down the one who used him as a scapegoat in a treasonous plot. Their story is about learning to trust in themselves and in each other, never giving up on love no matter how hard the fight.

Orrin Hunt, Flynn’s foster brother, has loved Ryan since they were wayward teens who helped each other cope through the difficult nightmares they faced. He’s involved behind the scenes trying to find the truth behind Thierry’s imprisonment and as such, is the one who brings Father Flynn into Thierry’s life. Orrin’s love for Ryan has endured all these years, until he goes undercover in a local street gang and meets Jay Callahan, the young, smart mouthed leader of the group. Jay falls hard for Orrin, but Ryan is the white elephant in the room, the love Orrin has for Ryan a wall that blinds him to what’s staring him in the face. Their story is about letting go of the past and embracing the future, daring to take the risk for love.

And tying these two couples together is the intrigue, a plot very carefully constructed that makes the reader anxious to find out just exactly how the whole thing will be revealed. It builds like the walls of Thierry’s prison cell, brick by brick. And with four strong-willed characters, there is no doubt they will figure it out.

Unfortunately, the villains were the one area that let me down. Characterization and angst is definitely these authors’ strong suit and in this book the whole mystery was right up there with it. The plot was complex and excellently crafted, with all the characters’ actions and reactions to each other and to their situation adding to the edge of the seat reading experience. Until one particular scene that made me stop and go “Really?” I just didn’t buy it. With that one scene the villains, who up until then were wonderfully evil, became caricatures of themselves. That one scene weakened the intrigue, pushing it into campiness instead of suspense.
Everyday struggles for love, for recognition, for redemption made this book a winner, overcoming the problem with the villains. The love stories of Ryan and Thierry and of Orrin and Jay are well written and very realistic. They struggle with their feelings, each one questioning his worth, his actions, his heart. As they work through all the machinations of being together, we as readers realize right along with them that outer trappings don’t matter. It’s what’s in the heart that rules.

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Giveaway
Prize: 3 ebook copies of Broken Oaths
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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About the authors

Laz and Lachi Publications is the combined writing team of J.T. Cheyanne and V.L. Moon. The two met in 2010, fell hard and fast for each other and married in April 2014. They write both independently and together in the gay erotica and gay paranormal genres. They also have a couple of contemporary romance novels under their belt.

Social media links

Our joint page

https://www.facebook.com/LazLachibooks

Website

http://www.lazandlachi.com/

JT Cheyanne

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jtcheyannestories

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JTCheyanne

VL Moon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VenusMoonstories

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VenusMoon5

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Under My Skin by J. Kenner – The Stark International Trilogy – Book 3

Posted on 09/01/2015 by shellbellereads

Under My Skin

Stark International Trilogy – Book 3

By J. Kenner

Synopsis

Jackson Steele and Sylvia Brooks are back in the powerful finale of a provocative, sizzling-hot new erotic trilogy set in the world of J. Kenner’s beloved Stark novels: Release Me, Claim Me, and Complete Me.

He’s the only man I’ve ever loved, and the one man I can’t bear to lose.

Jackson Steele is my light in this world. Charismatic, bold, and always in control, he knows what he wants and how to get it—and absolutely nothing stands in his way. His hold on me is magnetic, his claim on me complete, his kiss my ultimate escape.

We both harbor dark secrets that could tear our lives apart. Though we’ve tried to bury our pasts, there are certain people who won’t let us forget. But the closer danger comes, the brighter the fire between us burns—our ecstasy consuming and soothing us both.

There’s no telling what lies ahead, but I know that Jackson never gives in without a fight. I’d do anything he wants to keep him safe, give him anything he needs. And now that we’re in deep, nothing can make me run.

Under My Skin is intended for mature audiences.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Excerpt

She slams the door shut, the limo pulls back out onto the street, and I am left beside Jackson who sits perfectly, dangerously still.

I swallow, my skin prickling from the rising heat.

I’m breathing hard, my breasts rising and falling. My skin is warm, and beads of perspiration have gathered at the nape of my neck.

He turns his head slowly, his eyes meeting mine, wild and feral and hard. There’s a hungry glint to them, and for a moment I fear that he will tear me to pieces. That I will truly stand as proxy for the bastards who leaked the news. For the fear that I know must be consuming him, just as it is consuming me.

But haven’t I repeatedly told him that I can handle it, no matter how bad it gets? That I will be his release valve, his safety net?

That I’ll willingly take in his pain—and then we’ll turn it around into passion.

I am still holding his gaze, and I feel locked in place simply from the force of his will. He has not touched me, and though we haven’t spoken, I know that he will not until I acquiesce. Not tonight. Not when he needs to push. To go as far as he needs, and then some.

“Yes,” I say.

A muscle twitches in his cheek, but he doesn’t otherwise move, nor does he say a word to me. He simply watches me for one beat, then another. It is as if he is sizing me up, testing my resolve. I stay where I am, looking back at him. But slowly—very slowly—I part my thighs.

Jackson sucks in a breath through his nose. Then he twists at the waist so that he can reach the intercom button. He jams his finger down on it.

“Don’t go home, Edward.” His voice is hard. Tight with control. “Just drive. I don’t care where. Just drive until I tell you to stop.”

Michel’s Review

Under My Skin by J. Kenner is the third and final book in The Stark International Trilogy. It should not be read as a stand alone novel and should be read in series order.

The Stark International Trilogy has been captivating. This trilogy has everything readers look for in a series. It has a powerful erotic romance between two strong characters. It’s loaded with intrigue, mystery, conflict, and a powerful cast of supporting characters. At the same time it is a tender beautiful romance between two people that have struggled with their pasts.

Under My Skin is the powerful conclusion. On My Knees left off with a doozy of a cliffhanger. Jackson Steele was facing arrest for the murder of Robert Cabot Reed. He was also trying to get full custody of his young daughter. The impending arrest could affect the outcome of his parental rights. The arrest could alert the media of the reasons behind his extreme protests against the movie being made about a painful part of his past. If this is exposed not only will it hurt his daughter but will also make him look all the more guilty for the murder of Robert Cabot Reed. It could also expose Sylvia’s dark secrets and her connection to Robert Cabot Reed. It may very well be the final straw that destroys the Cortez Project. His house is of cards is falling down. His life is falling apart and he’s fighting to save the two most important people in his life.

This book was intense, heart breaking, emotional, and a page turner. It kept the reader on the edge of their seats. When all the revelations are made and all of the emotional battles are hard won, Jackson and Sylvia are finally going to get their happily ever after.

J. Kenner did a magnificent job with her delivery of The Stark International trilogy. She created a story and charismatic characters that left the readers wanting more. She gave a final resolution that will leave the readers more than satisfied.

I highly recommend The Stark International Trilogy. Under My Skin is the powerful conclusion.

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The Stark International Trilogy

Say My Name – Book 1

“>New York Times bestselling author J. Kenner kicks off a smoking hot, emotionally compelling new trilogy that returns to the world of her beloved Stark novels: Release Me, Claim Me, and Complete Me. Say My Name features Jackson Steele, a strong-willed man who goes after what he wants, and Sylvia Brooks, a disciplined woman who’s hard to get—and exactly who Jackson needs.

I never let anyone get too close—but he’s the only man who’s ever made me feel alive.

Meeting Jackson Steele was a shock to my senses. Confident and commanding, he could take charge of any room . . . or any woman. And Jackson wanted me. The mere sight of him took my breath away, and his touch made me break all my rules.

Our bond was immediate, our passion untamed. I wanted to surrender completely to his kiss, but I couldn’t risk his knowing the truth about my past. Yet Jackson carried secrets too, and in our desire we found our escape, pushing our boundaries as far as they could go.

Learning to trust is never easy. In my mind, I knew I should run. But in my heart, I never felt a fire this strong—and it could either save me or scorch me forever.

Say My Name is intended for mature audiences.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo / Google Play

On My Knees – Book 2

Jackson Steele and Sylvia Brooks continue to thrill in the second novel of a scintillating, emotionally charged new trilogy that returns to the world of J. Kenner’s beloved Stark novels: Release Me, Claim Me, and Complete Me.

I never thought I’d lose control, but his desire took me right to the edge.

Powerful, ambitious, and devastatingly sexy, Jackson Steele was unlike any other man I’d ever known. He went after what he wanted with his whole mind, body, and soul—and I was the woman in his sights. One touch and I surrendered, one night together and I was undone.

Jackson and I had secrets, dark pieces of our pasts that threatened to swallow us both. We couldn’t outrun our demons, or the people trying to tear us apart. But in our passion we found salvation, and in each other’s arms we found release.

I was scared to trust Jackson fully, to finally let go. Yet no matter the dangers that lay ahead, I knew I was his—and now that we’ve laid claim, there’s no more holding back.

On My Knees is intended for mature audiences.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Under My Skin – Book 3

He’s the only man I’ve ever loved, and the one man I can’t bear to lose.

Under My Skin is intended for mature audiences.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

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Author Bio:

J. Kenner spent more than ten years as a litigator in Southern California and Central Texas, using her rare free time to indulge her passion for writing. California born, she now lives—and writes—in Texas, with her husband and daughters.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Too Hard To Handle by Julie Ann Walker – Black Knights, Inc. Series – Book 8

Posted on 08/31/2015 by shellbellereads

Too Hard To Handle

Black Knights, Inc. Series – Book 8

By Julie Ann Walker

Synopsis

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker continues her red-hot Black Knights Inc. series in rough-and-tumble Peru

“The Man” is back
Dan “The Man” Currington is back in fighting form with a mission that takes him four thousand miles south of BKI headquarters, high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. He’s hot on the trail of a rogue CIA agent selling classified government secrets to the highest bidder, when Penni DePaul arrives on the scene. Suddenly the stakes are higher, and keeping Penni safe becomes Dan’s number one priority.

And this time she’s ready
A lot has changed since former Secret Service Agent Penni DePaul last saw Dan. Now a civilian, she’s excited about what the future might hold. But before she can grab onto that future with both hands, she has to tie up some loose ends-namely, Dan Currington, the man she just can’t forget. And a secret that’s going to change both their lives-if they can stay alive, that is.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

Julie Ann Walker has another winner in The Black Knights, Inc. Series. The diehard fans of this series have been waiting for Too Hard To Handle for quite awhile. Too Hard To Handle does not disappoint.

Too Hard To Handle is the eighth book in the series. New readers can easily pick this book up and read it as a stand alone novel. It does not have to be read in series order although I would strongly recommend reading the entire series for a more involved reading experience.

We met Dan “The Man ” Currington in the first book of the series, Hell On Wheels. He experienced the tragic loss of his wife. Throughout the series Dan has been dealing with his loss and grief. He has struggled with moving on in his life. He’s lost himself in booze and self destruction. Throughout the series ( 7 books ) readers have gotten to experience Dan’s life and were left with a bitter taste. By the time book seven released, readers were more than anxious for Dan to get his own story. Dan is ready to pull his life out of the gutter. He’s ready to become a part of the living. Julie Ann Walker listened to the readers and introduced Dan to Penni DePaul in Full Throttle.

A high staked adventure in Peru will bring Penni and Dan together. They just have to stay alive to get their happily ever after.

Once again Julie Ann Walker has delivered a sexy ,fast paced, high adreline book that has a dynamic romance heating up the pages. Too Hard To Handle is a solid 5 Star book!

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Author Bio:

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

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

6 Star Review + 2015 Favorite : Hope Is Lost by Emma James – Men of Ocean Beach Series – Book 2

Posted on 08/28/2015 by shellbellereads

Hope Is Lost

Men of Ocean Beach Series – Book 2

By Emma James

Synopsis

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”
-Jimi Hendrix

Keanu Lee, the funny man, finds himself on the sticky end of a night out with his best friend Levi. Keanu’s life is about to take another unexpected, sharp turn. New friends will be found under the most unique circumstances.

Hope Walker is a lost soul, and Ajax, the street performer, is her unspoken protector. Together, they survive the streets of Ocean Beach.

Life has a way of righting wrongs when you least expect it.

Come join this sexy crew as they show you that, even though life may take from you, it can also give back when you least anticipate it.

The Ocean Beach series continues with the brotherhood, passion, and laughter you have grown to love, and through the eyes of these survivors, you will realize love can truly heal.

The past will never be forgotten, but there is hope if you just allow yourself to have a little faith.

*Reader Note*

This is an adult contemporary romance series of five books and one novella with a difference.

There is a brotherhood of guys who will make you feel a whole range of emotions, and all of the characters are strongly involved in each sequel.

This novel does contain strong sexual content for the mature 18+ reader.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

Hope Is Lost by Emma James is the second book in the phenomenal Men of Ocean Beach Series. Once again Emma James delivered a poignant touching story that adds a few more layers to the epic ongoing story of the Men of Ocean Beach.

Hope Is Lost should not be read as a stand alone novel. The series should be read in order to experience this emotional story.

Hope Is Lost picks up where A Little Faith left off. Another revelation has been made that sent Faith into a whirlwind and left the guys dealing with the aftermath. That is only the beginning. Retro is moving full speed ahead. Slade is learning he has a softer side. Harley is learning that he can’t protect everyone, especially his heart. Levi is proving that beauty goes deeper that what is on the surface. Jase is battling his silence and is reaching out for love. Keanu is going to experience another frightening event that will renew his outlook on life. Hope Is Not Lost if you have A Little Faith. He will meet two extraordinary people that will teach him the true meaning of compassion.

Hope Walker and Ajax may not have a roof over their heads or money in their pockets. What they do have is far greater than all the riches in the world. They have heart. They have compassion for their fellow man. When they meet Keanu in a very unique situation, not only will it change their own lives but those of the Men of Ocean Beach and their close circle of friends. They are going to become a part of this close knit family and make them even better people.

Along the way the Ocean Beach crew is collecting new members for them to love and protect. A surely teenage boy and his enchanting six year old sister will become a part of this family. A stunning art gallery owner and a take charge grandmother will be embraced by this family.

The Men of Ocean Beach still have their crosses to bare. They still have their secrets. The latest members are no different. This unusual group of people will give a new definition to the word family. They will always have each others backs. They will always embrace the true meaning of compassion. They will pay it forward.

Once again Emma James delivered a multi layered story that only enhances the ongoing story of the Men of Ocean Beach. They are all leading characters that are demanding their happily ever after together. The will get it and experience a beautiful journey along the way.

Hope Is Lost ended with another astounding revelation that leaves the reading dying for the next book. It was not a cliffhanger… just an intermission for the rest of the story in The Men of Ocean Beach lives.

I can’t wait for Joy Is Found, the third book in the Men of Ocean Beach Series, to release.

Hope Is Lost was another phenomenal installment to the Men of Ocean Beach Series.

Men of Ocean Beach Series

A Little Faith – Book 1

“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.”
~ Bob Marley

Faith was nearly fifteen when her life was torn apart, she sheltered herself from knowing anything about that fateful day.

Six years later she is older and stronger and has decided to confront this sexy brotherhood of hot men she ignored for her own survival.

Harley, Keanu, Text, Levi and Retro will reveal to Faith all is not what it seems and she will discover the level of strength these friends possess.

She will come to realize the secrets they have all been shielding her from in humorous and emotional ways.

Faith isn’t going back to Dallas in a hurry, not until she can help those that need her the most.

This is a story of new beginnings, a strong brotherhood of sexy guys and a love that has been lost along the way. It is a story with twists and surprises that will tug at your heart as well as make you laugh.

Humor is a weapon that can only last so long until life peels the layers back and what is underneath and hurting shows through.

Faith wasn’t there for them when they needed her, but she damn well will make sure she is now.

Welcome to Ocean Beach.

Sometimes you just have to have A Little Faith.
Reader Note: This is a mature aged new adult/adult contemporary romance with a difference. This novel does not contain abusive parents, on the contrary. There is no mean girl, no rape or abuse or cheating. There is however a brotherhood of guys who will make you feel a whole range of emotions.

This novel does contain strong sexual content for the mature 18+ reader.

What I will tell you is this is a five book series with 2 novella’s also added to it. My style is different, readers are picking up on it. I am not just having boy meets girl in each book and HEA, there is more, much more going on. This is a series where all characters are strongly involved in each installment.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Hope Is Lost – Book 2

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”
-Jimi Hendrix

Hope Walker is a lost soul, and Ajax, the street performer, is her unspoken protector. Together, they survive the streets of Ocean Beach.

Life has a way of righting wrongs when you least expect it.

Come join this sexy crew as they show you that, even though life may take from you, it can also give back when you least anticipate it.

The Ocean Beach series continues with the brotherhood, passion, and laughter you have grown to love, and through the eyes of these survivors, you will realize love can truly heal.

The past will never be forgotten, but there is hope if you just allow yourself to have a little faith.

*Reader Note*

This is an adult contemporary romance series of five books and one novella with a difference.

There is a brotherhood of guys who will make you feel a whole range of emotions, and all of the characters are strongly involved in each sequel.

This novel does contain strong sexual content for the mature 18+ reader.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Joy Is Found- Book 3

Coming 2015

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Author Bio:

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Emma James lives in Queensland, Australia with her supportive husband, three children and a big black Labrador. Life is busy and most entertaining in the James household.

Writing has been a part of her life for many years. Life was getting on and it was time to put her fears aside and do what she does best. It was time to show readers what she was made of, take that leap off the diving board and see where it takes her.

Emma is a creative person at heart. She loves to read as much as write, devouring books into the wee hours of the morning.

Who needs sleep, right?

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon Author Page ~ Pintrest

Blog Tour + 6 Star Review + 2015 Favorite + Giveaway : A Little Faith by Emma James – Men of Ocean Beach – Book 1

Posted on 08/28/2015 by shellbellereads

A Little Faith

Men of Ocean Beach Series – Book 1

By Emma James

Synopsis

“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.”
~ Bob Marley

Faith was nearly fifteen when her life was torn apart, she sheltered herself from knowing anything about that fateful day.

Six years later she is older and stronger and has decided to confront this sexy brotherhood of hot men she ignored for her own survival.

Harley, Keanu, Text, Levi and Retro will reveal to Faith all is not what it seems and she will discover the level of strength these friends possess.

She will come to realize the secrets they have all been shielding her from in humorous and emotional ways.

Faith isn’t going back to Dallas in a hurry, not until she can help those that need her the most.

Humor is a weapon that can only last so long until life peels the layers back and what is underneath and hurting shows through.

Faith wasn’t there for them when they needed her, but she damn well will make sure she is now.

Welcome to Ocean Beach.

Sometimes you just have to have A Little Faith.

Reader Note: This is a mature aged new adult/adult contemporary romance with a difference. This novel does not contain abusive parents, on the contrary. There is no mean girl, no rape or abuse or cheating. There is however a brotherhood of guys who will make you feel a whole range of emotions.

This novel does contain strong sexual content for the mature 18+ reader.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Excerpt

I’m swiveling back and forth, searching the crowd for Harley.

“Hey, short stuff.” A deep voice slices into my thoughts from over my right shoulder.

I slowly turn around, meeting Harley’s smiling face. I may have been short once, but now I am five-foot-eight, not exactly below-average height.

I take in Harley. He’s tall—six-four, at least—and gorgeous with light brown, short hair; tanned skin; and does he have some ink work on his arms? I’m normally very curious about tattoos, but now isn’t the time to look.

I know I’m looking him up and down, but it’s been so long, and he has changed. The softer boy features have been replaced by a big, muscular, chiseled man.

I swallow.

“Wow, is that really you, Harley Madden?” I’m drinking him in. I don’t remember Harley being so big and buff. His charcoal t-shirt molds tightly to his chest like a second skin. He wasn’t this muscular the last time I saw him. His belted, black jeans and boots complete his handsome look that has quite a few people in the crowd appraising him. He looks a little dangerous in his dark clothing. He would make Will purr like the cat who got the cream. I must admit, even I’m a little taken back.

He leans in and grabs me in a bear hug, lifting me off the ground, leaving me a little breathless. My face is nestled in his neck, catching his scent of cologne and soap.

Wow.

“Okay, big guy, you can stop squeezing the life out of me now,” I try to breathe out. He loosens his hold and slowly let’s go while I take a step back.

“You look amazing, Harley.” I find myself smiling. It feels good. I was worried about feeling awkward meeting Harley again after so long, but something just clicks. He was my brother’s best friend, and I’ve known him all my life. “It’s been a long time.”

“I could say the same about you. I might have to start calling you Faith.” He flashes me an amused grin, showing me perfect, white teeth and a dimple.

The baggage carousel starts up and everybody squeezes in tighter, trying to jockey for a position to get their luggage when it appears.

“Whoa!” I’m already beginning to feel less nervous having Harley here with me when I’m suddenly knocked off balance. Harley’s left arm snags me around the waist, bringing me up against his hard side. He shoots the person beside me a dirty look. Some people really do need to chill out when they travel.

I step away from him when I notice my case coming towards me.

Harley stops me with a gentle, firm hand on my arm. “I’ll get it for you, which one?”

With one, bright blue suitcase and camera bag in his hands, Harley walks me out the sliding doors of the airport and we cross to the parking garage.

The sun is shining, and my grey hoodie jacket is making me too hot. I unzip it, taking it off as I’m walking, revealing a tight white tank top. Much cooler.

Harley is staring at my chest and nearly trips over. I roll my eyes. You can never take the boy out of the man.

“Harley, are you finished staring?” I laugh a little at the look on his face. “So I grew up.”

“You certainly did,” he mutters and looks away. I could have sworn I heard him swear and mumble something about guard duty.

Michel’s Review

*** Spoiler Free Review ***

Wow ! Wow ! Wow! A Little Faith by Emma James was astonishing! This book came as a complete surprise and kept me glued to the pages. The characters jumped out of the pages and pulled me into their world. They made me experience their lives. They shared their lives with an open honesty and generous hearts. They made me admire their strength, courage, generosity, and dedication to one another. Their lives were fractured by one horrific event. They faced adversity with an eloquent spirit. They were not left untouched. They carry their scars with grace. They deal with their nightmares by depending on one another. They don’t allow this horrific event to defeat them. They allow that moment in time to define the remarkable men they are today. They will always be haunted by the memories but will move forward in life with a positive attitude. They will allow these memories to define the men they have become today. They are remarkable.

The synopsis for this book tells very little about the story itself. It is enough to intrigue the reader without giving away the meat of this story. Five men share a deep bond that will keep their lives linked together forever. It is a story of a living life to it’s fullest. It is a story of letting go of the past and embracing new beginnings. It is a story of having A Little Faith.

A Little Faith is not your typical romance that features one couple. It features six extraordinary men. They are all leading characters in their own right. They all have their own story to tell and it intertwines together. As their story unfolds , other characters are introduced into their circle. The reader will meet three exceptional women and one steely man that is honored to be their friend. Lost love will be found once again. The possibilities of new love are on the horizon. New friends are coming into their lives. They will all experience the true meaning of love and friendship.

Each man has their cross to bare. Each carries their cross differently. They use humor, silence, and over protectiveness to deflect their pain. They lean on on another. They will always have each other’s back no matter what happens in life.

Emma James did a brilliant job writing this book. A Little Faith is a story with multiple layers. Each chapter is written from a different character’s POV. The story flows beautifully. This story illustrates the past and the present with perfection. Each character is vibrant. The prologue had me hooked within the first few paragraphs. I was mesmerized and could not put the book down. Some would say it ended on a cliffhanger but I would define it as an intermission. The complete story is going to unfold in several books. The Men of Ocean Beach are demanding their story be told thoroughly. They are demanding that they all get their happily ever after together.

I was captivated by their story. I became invested in each character. When I finished the last page of A Little Faith I had to immediately download Hope Is Lost, the second book in the Men of Ocean Beach series.

A Little Faith by Emma James is phenomenal.