Happy Release + Review + Giveaway: Wrath by LP Lovell and Stevie J. Cole – Wrong Series – Book 2….Also Review for Wrong – book 1

Posted on 08/28/2015 by shellbellereads

Wrath

Wrong Series – Book 2

By: LP Lovell & Stevie J. Cole

Blurb

Tor

Jude Pearson could just as well kill me as kiss me most days. He was my captor, my living hell, and yet, he became my saviour, my heart. Stupid. He’s heartless, conditioned to feel nothing, and so I ran… straight into the clutches of his enemy. Joe Campbell wants Jude to suffer, and I just became a pawn in a very dangerous game.Joe has broken me in every way, everything that I once was stripped away, and in it’s place is festering hatred and a rage so cold I feel nothing else. I have one purpose. Revenge.JudeLove makes you weak, it makes you irrational. She was collateral, completely innocent when she was unwillingly dragged into my corrupt world. With the damage I’d already caused her, I couldn’t let her love me, so I let her go, and now…he has her.No matter where she is, she will always be mine. This man has taken every-fucking-thing from me, and he has the last thing that matters to me. I will kill him. Slowly. Joe Campbell better run because the devil is fucking coming for him.Sometimes two wrongs can make a right.Rage.Hate.

Revenge.

Our Wrath binds us, but it may also break us.

ADD TO GOODREADS

Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Michel’s Review

Wrath is the second book and final conclusion in the Wrong Series by LP Lovell and Stevie J. Cole. These two outstanding authors teamed up to write a dark erotic romantic thriller that takes the reader into dark underworld of the deep south.

Wrath cannot be read as a stand alone novel. It must be read in series order. It picks up where Wrong, book one, left off on a major cliffhanger.

The Wrong series is not for the faint of heart. This series is sexually graphic, has multiple rape scenes, extreme violence, and graphic language. If any of these are hard limits …do not buy the books.

Wrath picks up where Wrong left off. The frightening cliffhanger was only the beginning. Joe Campbell has taken Tor. He wants to punish Jude before he kills them both. What happens in those six days is horrific and will forever change both Tor and Jude’s life. They are both going to walk away broken and damaged beyond repair.

The body can physically heal but the mind and soul are quite a different issue. Both are haunted by what Joe Campbell has done to them and their family. Both want revenge. Both are furious and will never rest until Joe Campbell is dead.

Is revenge worth the cost they are going to pay? As this story unfolds it will become clear that revenge has a very high price. They have come too far to walk away. Joe won’t allow them to walk away.

After everything is said and done and Wrath has been sated , they will still be paying the price. These two may never get their happily ever after.

I am no stranger to dark erotic romantic thrillers and love a good dark read. Wrath was intense and at times a bit too violent. It turned my stomach at times but it also made me admire the both Tor and Jude all the more. Their fortitude and strength was the glue that held them both together in desperate times.

Tor evolved into a different person. She was no longer innocent and pure of heart. She embraced her darkness and allowed it to make her a stronger person. The one thing that remained the same was her love for Jude.

If you want an intense dark thriller, the Wrong series is the go to books.

*** Review for Wrong – book one in the Wrong Series- is below.

Also Available

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N

Blurb

Tor
My life was mapped out and planned to perfection. I knew exactly what I wanted and where I was going, until I was thrust into his world and ripped from mine. In the blink of an eye everything shattered, proving to be nothing more than a cheap illusion. Now I’m living in this twisted form of hell, where enemies and friends are one and the same. I thought I wanted perfection. Now I don’t know what I want – perhaps not even my own freedom.Jude
I’m the definition of wrong. I’m violent, I’m greedy, and I stop at nothing to win. I’m a notorious bookie and in my game paying with your life is not just a figure of speech. You lose, I collect. I take whatever you have. She’s collateral for a debt, and if that debt’s not paid someone will die. This should be just business, so why can’t I kill her?
Everything is not always as it seems.
Lust. Blood. Lies.

Michel’s Review

I was looking forward to starting the new exciting Wrong Series by LP Lovell and Stevie J. Cole.

I will say that this book is not a fluffy feel good type romance. This book has graphic language, extreme violence, and implications of rape. If these are hard limits please do not buy the book. These graphic uses and situations are an integral part of this story and a driving force in the plot.

Wrong came as a complete surprise to me. The plot was extremely complicated and unpredictable. The characters are complex. Jude Pearson is a ruthless bookie. He does not give his clients second chances. He would just as soon kill them and write the money owed off as a loss. But first he is going to make them suffer. He is going to take everything they own and everything they hold dear. He shows no weakness. But even Jude has his limits. He would never harm a woman. He would never endanger a woman’s life. He would never take a woman against her will.

When a client uses his girlfriend as collateral for his debt, it goes against everything Jude believes in. He also suspects it may be a set up. The young woman is strong, defiant, and fights for her freedom at every turn. When the whole episode goes completely wrong, she shows the strength of will and bravery that would put grown men to shame. When she would rather take her own life than become a victim, it is too much for Jude. Not only has she earned his respect, she has also won his heart.

As this story unfolds it becomes quite clear that not only was Jude set up but is also being hunted. He has a powerful enemy that will stop at nothing until everything in his life is destroyed. Including the woman he loves.

The characters in this book were phenomenal. I truly admire Tor’s strength. She adapted and survived. She found love in an unlikely place. Jude was as hard as they come except when it came to Tor. He allowed her to see his vulnerabilities and proved that he could give her love she deserved.

Wrong ends on huge a cliffhanger. I can’t wait for the rest of the story.

I highly recommend Wrong for fans of dark erotic romances.

LP Lovell

Lauren Lovell is an indie author from England. She suffers from a total lack of brain to mouth filter and is the friend you have to explain before you introduce her to anyone, and apologise for afterwards.

She’s a self-confessed shameless pervert, who may be suffering from slight peen envy.

Author Links

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK
TWITTER
GOODREADS

Stevie J. Cole

Stevie J. Cole is a secret rock star. Sex, drugs and, oh wait, no, just sex. She’s a whore for a British accent and has an unhealthy obsession with Russell Brand. She and LP plan to elope in Vegas and breed the world’s most epic child.

Author Links

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TWITTER
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Giveaway

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Release Blitz + Review: Devine Domination by Lili Valente – Bought by the Billionaire Series – Book 4

Posted on 08/26/2015 by shellbellereads

The Bought by the Billionaire Series by Lili Valente is Complete!!

Lili Valente

Divine Domination

Bought by the Billionaire, book 4

Erotic Romance

Releases August 25, 2015

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1JYTbHa

iBooks: http://apple.co/1IXQKTa

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Divine Domination (Bought by the Billionaire Book 4)

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WARNING: It’s Book Four. You know what you’re in for by now–more heat, more suspense, more head games, and more Jackson f*cking Hawke.

When Jackson gets his hands on the men who kidnapped Hannah, he’s going to rip their hearts, still beating, from their chests.

Or worse.

No amount of pain or desecration seems sufficient punishment for the sin of taking Hannah away from him.

He won’t stop until he has the woman he loves back in his arms and in his bed. But as the ugly truth behind his and Hannah’s intertwined pasts is revealed, their love will face its greatest challenge yet.

* * Divine Domination is the 4th and final installment in the Bought by the Billionaire romance series. For maximum enjoyment it should be read after books 1, 2, and 3.* *

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Divine Domination Excerpt

2015 Lili Valente

WARNING: Contains spoilers for books one through three in the series.

Hannah had no idea how long she lay on top of Jackson, catching her breath, only that when she finally opened her eyes the blue sky was stained with sunset light and the sea air had grown cooler.

“I wonder if that’s what heroin is like,” she rasped, her voice rough.

“If so, no wonder it’s so hard to quit.” Jackson’s fingers played gently up and down her stomach. “How do you do it?”

“Do what?” She turned her head, meeting his eyes over her shoulder, her heart flipping when she saw the vulnerable, open expression on his face.

“Make me want you more every day?”

She lifted her hand, cupping his scruffy cheek in her hand. “Dark magic.”

He smiled, and her flipping heart turned a cartwheel. “I believe it. There’s no other explanation.”

But there was another explanation.

It was love. Once-in-a-lifetime, only-gets-better, love-you-more-every-day-until-they-put-me-in-the-ground love. She’d known that for a while now and someday soon, Jackson would know it, too.

She didn’t doubt it, not even on those mornings when he stayed in his room until well after breakfast, hiding from her after a night when close had become too close for his comfort. There would come a day when he would realize that there was no need to hide and nothing to be afraid of.

He was safe with her. He could let his guard down and be the man he truly was, the man who was as sweet as he was Dominant, as gentle as he was controlling. She would never take his love for granted or betray his trust.

Never. No matter what.

“No matter what,” she said aloud, her brows drawing together as something ugly whispered through her subconscious. It was like a foul smell drifting through the air, familiar, but horrible, something she knew she didn’t want to recognize.

Once she named it, there would be no denying the existence of the filth smeared across the walls or the body rotting beneath the floor.

Once she remembered, she would never forget again.

“What’s wrong?” Jackson asked, his voice going deep and dangerous as the orange sky darkened, black and blue creeping in to bruise the undersides of the clouds. “Cat got your tongue, Harley?”

Before she could reply, or tell him that she wasn’t Harley, Jackson’s hands were back around her throat.

But this time, his touch wasn’t gentle. His fingers tightened like a vice and pain blossomed through her forehead, the pressure building suddenly, fiercely, until it felt like her eyes would burst from their sockets.

Panicked, she clawed at Jackson’s arms, desperate for breath, but his grip only tightened.

“You’re going to die, Harley,” he growled against her throat as the world went black. “I will end you if it’s the last thing I do.”

****

Hannah woke with a startled groan, hands flying to her neck. She gasped for breath, her throat still tight from the terror of the beautiful memory turned nightmare.

She swallowed slowly and blinked, willing herself to remember the way that day on the boat had really ended, with her and Jackson sailing home under the stars. She’d snuggled in his lap as he’d steered with one arm wrapped around her waist, holding her close to him with a gentleness that made it clear that she was precious to him.

Her heartbeat was nearly under control when the world pitched. A moment later, the plane touched down with a rough bump.

Startled, Hannah turned to look out the window, where pale light glowed on the horizon and unfamiliar palm trees—more sparse and scrubby than the ones back home—streaked past the window. For a moment, she couldn’t remember where she was, but then it all came rushing back—Adam in the doorway, the miracle of learning that her sister was alive, the pain of realizing Jackson planned to kill Harley, and then the terror of grasping that she had much bigger problems than a broken heart.

She had been kidnapped by Jackson’s father and he was going to kill her. Or Harley. But first, he was going to make her father choose between the daughters he’d sacrificed so much to protect.

Depending on how things played out, this could very well be the last sunrise Hannah would ever see.

Tracey’s Review

“So never doubt that you can trust me, sunshine…I won’t hurt you, I won’t let you down, and I won’t leave, no matter how deep we go or what we find there.”

Suspense and action are the name of the game in DIVINE DOMINATION, Book 4 in the Bought By the Billionaire series by Lili Valente. Just when I thought that things were moving along nicely, that Jackson and Hannah were beginning to trust each other, BAM! Lili ended Book 3 with an unexpected twist, and the story picks right back up here.

The tenuous trust that Hannah and Jackson have begun to build is put to the test when all signs point to his betrayal. It doesn’t take long, though, for the real villain to show himself: Ian Hawke, Jackson’s father, has made a career of retribution, and Hannah is the chess piece in his game. Having been used by Hannah’s father to further his own ends, Ian will stop at nothing to exact his revenge. But he hasn’t figured on Jackson, and the lengths that he will go to to protect Hannah.

Hannah was one in a million, the strong, sensitive, beautiful, clever, kinky-as-hell lover he hadn’t believed existed until she’d swept into his life. She was his hurricane and his touchstone. She was an endless adventure and the home he never thought he’d find. She was…everything…

Along with the darkly passionate moments that Lili is known for, this last book is also a story about love and the freedom and redemption that occur as a result of opening yourself up to someone and trusting them completely. There is also some revelation about Harley, Hannah’s twin sister, and her back story, and I would love to see more about her and Clay. Another 5+-star read, DIVINE DOMINATION is the perfect ending to this series, and I could not have enjoyed it more.

Bought by the Billionaire Series

Dark Domination:

Book 1, Bought by the Billionaire

Lili Valente

Amazon:http://amzn.to/1Fhz8h3

Nook: http://bit.ly/1GnTnj9

Googleplay: http://bit.ly/1eOlgo1

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1FrBdGc

iBooks: http://apple.co/1IeDoUN

Deep Domination

Book 2, Bought by the Billionaire

Lili Valente

Release Date – June 30, 2015

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1J6vLgS

Nook: http://bit.ly/1Hng9q7

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1MFsxC8

Googleplay: http://bit.ly/1JCyG3n

iBooks: http://apple.co/1f0T8OI

Desperate Domination

Book 3, Bought by the Billionaire

Lili Valente

Release Date – July 28, 2015

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Rj6uqJ

B&N: http://bit.ly/1OmNkus

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1eh6IN5

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Naughty and Nice Sexy Starter Kit ($40 value)

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Facebook | Goodreads

Lili Valente has slept under the stars in Greece, eaten dinner at midnight with French men who couldn’t be trusted to keep their mouths on their food, and walked alone through Munich’s red light district after dark and lived to tell the tale.

These days you can find her writing in a tent beside the sea, drinking coconut water and thinking delightfully dirty thoughts.

Lili loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her via email at lili.valente.romance@gmail.com

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Sustained by Emma Chase – Legal Briefs Series – Book 2

Posted on 08/25/2015 by shellbellereads

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Sustained

Legal Briefs Series- Book Two

Release Date: August 25, 2015

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

A knight in tarnished armor is still a knight.

When you’re a defense attorney in Washington, DC, you see firsthand how hard life can be, and that sometimes the only way to survive is to be harder. I, Jake Becker, have a reputation for being cold, callous, and intimidating—and that suits me just fine. In fact, it’s necessary when I’m breaking down a witness on the stand.

Complications don’t work for me—I’m a “need-to-know” type of man. If you’re my client, tell me the basic facts. If you’re my date, stick to what will get you off. I’m not a therapist or Prince Charming—and I don’t pretend to be.

Then Chelsea McQuaid and her six orphaned nieces and nephews came along and complicated the ever-loving hell out of my life. Now I’m going to Mommy & Me classes, One Direction concerts, the emergency room, and am knee deep in a damn compost pit.

Chelsea’s too sweet, too innocent, and too gorgeous for her own good. She tries to be tough, but she’s not. She needs someone to help her, and defend her…and the kids.

And that—that, I know how to do.

Excerpt

Chelsea’s skin radiates the flushed, cheery glow of alcohol. Her eyes are hooded and happy but shield her thoughts, making her harder to read than usual. She leans back in her chair, regarding me, running her finger around the rim of her glass. “So if you started out as such a troubled youth, how did you become”-she gestures to me-“this? Successful. Honorable. Respectable.”
I pour the last of the wine into my glass. “ ‘Respectable’ is probably pushing it a little bit…but the story goes like this: I was fifteen, running around with some real dipshits. Older guys. One night we thought it’d be brilliant to break into a sporting goods store, because that’s the kind of losers we were, only I didn’t know one of them was carrying. He ended up shooting a guard in the leg.”
Chelsea gasps just a little.
And my cock twitches a lot.
“We ran out the back, right into the arms of a waiting squad car.” I shake my head at the idiot I was. “The prosecutor wanted to charge me as an adult, send me away for serious time-and he could have. I had a hot temper and a record, and aside from my mother, I thought the whole goddamn world was my enemy.”
Chelsea leans forward, completely enthralled. “So what happened?”
“The Honorable Atticus Faulkner happened. He was the juvenile judge on my case-a big, mean, scary son of a bitch. And he…thought he saw something worthy in me. So he kept me in juvenile court- gave me community service and probation, to be supervised by the hard-ass himself.” I chuckle. “At the time, I thought the judge was doing me a favor-going easy on me.”
“He wasn’t?”
“Depends on your definition of ‘easy.’ For the next few years I trimmed grass by hand with fucking garden shears. I carried boulders, scrubbed floors, reshingled the goddamn roof-real Mr. Miyagi, wax-on-wax-off kind of shit. He rode my ass-nothing was ever good enough. It made me want to do everything better, just to fucking spite the bastard. And then…he had me start doing research. Studying case law, drafting briefs, analyzing opinions-it was fascinating to me. When my probation was up, the Judge offered me a job. By then I’d gotten my head out of my ass and was actually scoring decent grades in high school. With his recommendation and a shitload of student loans, I got through college, then law school…and that’s all she wrote.”
“I think that’s amazing,” she says softly, watching me.
“Yeah-the Judge is a pretty amazing guy.”
Her lips slide into a gentle smile and something like awe shines in her eyes. “I was talking about you.”
I’m hardly ever taken off guard. Surprised. But this stunning wisp of a woman just did exactly that.
Chelsea turns her head toward the piano music floating in from the other room. “I love this song.”
It’s a Van Morrison cover-“Crazy Love.”
I toss my napkin on the table and move to stand next to her, holding out my hand. “Would you like to dance?” And I can tell I just surprised her too. The simple delight on her face when her hand slides into mine makes me want to do it again.
We step out onto the edge of the dance floor. I wrap my arm around her lower back, holding her tight and flush against me. One of Chelsea’s hands rests on my shoulder, toying with the hair at the nape of my neck. The other is clasped in mine just over my heart. We sway, just looking at each other for a few moments.
“I was going to ask you to dance,” she tells me. “But you don’t seem like the type who would’ve said yes.”
“I’m not,” I answer, staring at her lush moth. “I was just using it as an excuse to be closer to you.”
She give me love, love, love, love, crazy love.
She sighs, practically sinks into my arms. Chelsea’s head fits against my chest like she was made to be there. My chin rests against her hair, and I smell clean and sweet vanilla.
“Hey, Jake?”
“Yeah?”
Chelsea lifts her head from my chest. “You don’t need an excuse.”
I lower my head at the same moment she reaches up for me. And her lips-fuck-they’re warms, soft, and move with such innocent daring, I’m practically trembling. Was it just last night that I first kissed her? It seems longer ago. I cup her cheek, stroking her skin with my thumb, kissing deeper, tasting wine and the moan I’ve been obsessing over all night.
And the absolute craziest part of it all? I haven’t gotten laid in three goddamn weeks, but if this is all we do-kissing, with her against me, my arms around her-I’ll be grinning in the morning like a guy who banged a whole sorority house full of cheerleaders.
I’m hoping for more. I want everything-all the secret, sweetest parts of her-but if this is all I get to have tonight? It’s enough.
She give me love, love, love, love, crazy love…

_______________________________________

Michel’s Review

I am just going to shout out….I LOVE EMMA CHASE !!!!

EMMA CHASE ROCKS!

Sustained by Emma Chase is the second book in the Legal Briefs series. I loved the first book, Overruled and didn’t think she could top it. I did not give her enough credit because not only did she top Overruled but had me falling head over heels in love with Jake Becker from Sustained. Jake Becker was just as entertaining as Drew Evans from the Tangled series. One moment I was wanting to wring his neck and the next moment he was making my heart burst.

Jake Becker is a hardened defense attorney on the fast track of making partner in the prestigious firm he works for in Washington D.C.. He’s learned to be tougher than his clients and has desensitized himself. He may be brash, appear callous, and come across as heartless but beneath the surface there is this whole other guy that most people will never see. He lives his life by certain rules. One of those rules is to avoid all romantic attachments. He loves sex and has one night stands frequently. When a one night stand goes wrong and weeks later he finds out he may have caught a venereal disease it changes his outlook on dating.

After weeks without sex he’s a bit cranky. When a smart mouthed little kid bumps into him and steals his wallet, he is downright pissed. When he meets the little brats guardian, Chelsea McQuaid he is mesmerized and his gavel is standing at attention until he realizes that there are five more little people lurking. He should turn around and run as fast as he can. But we all know how best intentions go, yeah they go down the drain.

Not only will Jake fall head over heels for Chelsea, he is going to fall in love with six precious little people that he will defend with his life. He will learn the true meaning of love in every form. He will learn to change a diaper, weather a One Direction concert, bet on Mommy & Me classes, and take on the evil wicked parents of an elite school. Is one woman worth it? Chelsea McQuaid is worth that and so much more.

Sustained was delightful! I laughed and swooned. Jake Decker makes Stanton Shaw and Drew Evans look like wannabe’s.

I highly recommend Sustained and Overruled. Each book can be read as a stand alone novel or in series order. I can’t wait for the next book. Appealed will release in November. I don’t think Brent Mason can top Jake Decker but knowing Emma Chase I could very well be wrong.

The Legal Briefs Series

Overruled – Book 1

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

A Washington, DC, defense attorney, Stanton Shaw keeps his head cool, his questions sharp, and his arguments irrefutable. They don’t call him the Jury Charmer for nothing—with his southern drawl, disarming smile, and captivating green eyes, he’s a hard man to say no to. Men want to be him, and women want to be thoroughly cross examined by him.

Stanton’s a man with a plan. And for a while, life was going according to that plan.

Until the day he receives an invitation to the wedding of his high school sweetheart, the mother of his beloved ten-year-old daughter. Jenny is getting married—to someone who isn’t him.

That’s definitely not part of the plan.

***

Sofia Santos is a city-raised, no-nonsense litigator who plans to become the most revered criminal defense attorney in the country. She doesn’t have time for relationships or distractions.

But when Stanton, her “friend with mind-blowing benefits,” begs her for help, she finds herself out of her element, out of her depth, and obviously out of her mind. Because she agrees to go with him to The-Middle-Of-Nowhere, Mississippi, to do all she can to help Stanton win back the woman he loves. Her head tells her she’s crazy…and her heart says something else entirely.

What happens when you mix a one-stop-light town, two professional arguers, a homecoming queen, four big brothers, some Jimmy Dean sausage, and a gun-toting Nana?

The Bourbon flows, passions rise, and even the best-laid plans get overruled by the desires of the heart.

Sustained – Book Two

Coming August 25, 2015

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

A knight in tarnished armor is still a knight.

Chelsea’s too sweet, too innocent, and too gorgeous for her own good. She tries to be tough, but she’s not. She needs someone to help her, and defend her…and the kids.

And that—that, I know how to do.

Appealed – Book Three

Coming November 17, 2015

Pre- Order : Amazon / B & N / Kobo

When Brent Mason looks at Kennedy Randolph, he doesn’t see the awkward, sweet girl who grew up next door. He sees a self-assured, stunning woman…who wants to crush the most intimate—and prized—parts of his anatomy beneath the heels of her Louboutins.

When Kennedy looks at Brent, all she sees is the selfish, Abercrombie & Fitch catalogue–worthy teenager who humiliated her in high school in order to join the popular crowd. A crowd that made those years a living hell for her.

But she’s not a lovesick social outcast anymore—she’s a Washington, DC, prosecutor with a long winning streak. Brent is the opposing attorney in her next case, and Kennedy thinks it’s time to put him through a little hell of his own.

But things aren’t exactly working out the way she planned. Brent has his sights set on Kennedy, and every fiery exchange only makes him want her more—and makes her wonder if he’s as passionate in the bedroom as he is in the courtroom. In the end, they may just find themselves in love…or in contempt of court.

Author Bio:

By day, Emma Chase is a devoted wife and mother who resides in a small, rural town in New Jersey. By night she toils away the hours bringing her colorful characters and their endless antics to life. She has a long standing love/hate relationship with caffeine.

Emma is an avid reader. Before her children were born she was known to consume whole books in a single day. Writing has also always been a passion and with the 2013 release of her debut romantic comedy, Tangled, the ability to now call herself an author is nothing less than a dream come true.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz + Review + Giveaway: In The Dark by Monica Murphy – The Rules Series – Book 2

Posted on 08/25/2015 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

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Release Blitz: Code of Honor by Missy Johnson – The Sontagio Family Series – Book 1

Posted on 08/25/2015 by shellbellereads

Code of Honor

Spontagio Family Series – Book 1

By Missy Johnson

Synopsis

In a series debut for fans of Tracy Wolff and Sylvia Day, New York Times bestselling author Missy Johnson asks a burning question: What happens when love is undeniable—and taboo?

Pietro Gustovi is loyal, polished, and hard as stone, the kind of guy women want and men respect. At twenty-three, he’s survived tragedies that would break men twice his age. And he owes it all to his father’s closest friend, Giovanni Spontagio, who took him in as an orphaned teenager. Pietro would give his life for Giovanni . . . but his heart belongs to Giovanni’s daughter.

Raised in Chicago under the spotlight of power and privilege, Lucia Spontiago feels most alive on stage. Determined to become a prima ballerina, she escapes her father’s protective gaze long enough to audition for the ballet in New York City. Soon, however, Lucy realizes that she is not alone. Pietro is watching her back. And though he’s like a brother to her, Lucy cannot deny the thrill she feels knowing his eyes are on her.

Pietro could never betray his mentor by sleeping with his only child. But Lucy follows her passions, no matter how forbidden. Soon their nights are consumed by explosive, red-hot temptation—a dance that will expose shocking secrets and burn everything else to the ground.

Note: Code of Honor ends on a cliffhanger. Pietro and Lucy’s story continues in Code of Love!

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Tina’s Review

** Provided by Netgalley in Exchange for an Honest Review **

Judging a Book by it’s Cover:
Sharp dressed man that looks to have the weight of the world on his shoulders and mind. Makes a gal want to try to alleviate some of his stress. 😉
Looking Deeper:
First-person POV, alternates with clear definition. Pietro feels indebted to Giovanni for taking him in when he was a teen after his parents were killed. His attraction to Lucia, Giovanni’s daughter must be kept a secret for fear of Giovanni’s reaction. He’s also determined to get to the bottom of his parents’ murder, although danger surrounds the case from every angle. Lucia was a little breathing room to become her own person, regardless of how much she loves her overly-protective father. She’s attracted to Pietro, even when everyone refers to them as siblings. Their chemistry is natural to two people that spend their teen and young adult years living together and discovering each other in new capacities. (Sort of similar to a Step-sibling story, but not quite.) There are some interesting secondary characters that add a nice depth and some dynamics to the plot. Their whole relationship and his past are nothing but conflicts, but they manage to work though them in ways that would be appropriate to the age and situation. There is some predictability, but not too bad. The conclusion was completely ABSENT. At no time were we informed that this was a SERIAL, ending on a cliffhanger. I’ve wasted hours of what little time I have for an incomplete story… not happy about that at all. HOWEVER, if I had been informed and forewarned, I’d think that the story in itself was pretty darn good so far.

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Author Bios:

Missy lives in a small town in Central Victoria with her husband, and her confused pets (a dog who think she’s a cat, a cat who thinks he’s a dog…you get the picture).

When she’s not writing, she can usually be found looking for something to read.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

2015 Favorite + 6 Star Review: Hawthorne & Heathcliff by R.K. Ryals

Posted on 08/23/2015 by shellbellereads

Hawthorne & Heathcliff

By R.K. Ryals

Genre: Mature YA / New Adult / Coming of Age

Synopsis

Two names that didn’t belong to us. Two shoes that did.

Intense and introspective, seventeen-year-old Hawthorne Macy knows all about being abandoned. She’s felt the stark pain of being left behind by the people who are supposed to love her the most; her parents. Raised by her caring uncle on an old plantation, Hawthorne lives her life on the fringes of her small Southern town.

Until she meets his shoe.

Senior year, last period English class, and a pair of silent tennis shoes resting next to hers in the back of the room throws Hawthorne into a world she’d learned to stay outside of.

His name is Max Vincent, but in her mind, he’s Heathcliff. The handsome eighteen-year-old boy behind the shoes will pull Hawthorne into a passionate and unforgettable adventure of self-discovery during a time when love seems impossible.

Shoes can tell a lot about a person. The journey they take you on can tell a lot about how they’ll hold up.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

Hawthorne & Heathcliff by R.K. Royals was recommended to me when it first released. I read the synopsis and thought this book sounded good. I purposely stayed away from Goodreads and Amazon reviews because I did not want to open this book with expectations or pre-formed opinions. I wanted to experience this book for myself.

I opened this book with an open mind and clear head. The very first page drew me in and I could not put the book down until the very last word was read. I read the book almost two weeks ago and could not think of how to write a review for this book. There are no words that can describe the beauty of this book. On the surface it is a coming of age romance that is beautiful within itself. But between the lines is where this book shines and makes an impact that will not be forgotten long after the last page has been read. It touches the very core of the human spirit. It shows how resilient the human spirit can be once we open our hearts & minds and allow life to happen. Life is messy. Life is chaotic. Life is unpredictable. It can also be beautiful and exalting. It’s how we process it all and allow it into our souls. We need to open our hearts and let life in with all it’s messy glory. To accept it and make it our own. Allow it to shape us to become a stronger and better person. To become the person we were meant to be rather than being the person we thought we should be.

This book was an emotional journey. I laughed, cried, ached,and rejoiced. My heart was engaged with every single word.

The writing in this book was brilliant. R.K. Ryals based part of the book on the poem Mirror by Sylvia Plath. It made the leading characters reflect about how they saw themselves and their lives. But that is only the beginning, she used shoes as a prop on how they saw other people and how those people fit into their lives. She also used classic literature by Jane Austin to showcase the leading characters. She added all of these elements to bring Max and Claire to life without letting them overshadow their own unique personalities. The subtle messages and examples the secondary characters delivered in this book is astounding. Their characters became just as important as the leading characters in a very different way. All of these elements make the characters and their romance shine. It is one of the most beautiful romances that I have read because it was honest and realistic.

Hawthorne & Heathcliff is a book for all ages. Whether you are a teenager experiencing first love or a senior citizen experiencing your last days, this book will touch your soul. It’s a celebration of the human spirit in all it’s glory.

Read Hawthorne & Heathcliff by R.K. Royals.

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Author Bio:

R.K. Ryals is the author of emotional and gripping young adult and new adult paranormal romance, contemporary romance, and fantasy. With a strong passion for charity and literacy, she works as a full time writer encouraging people to “share the love of reading one book at a time.” An avid animal lover and self-proclaimed coffee-holic, R.K. Ryals was born in Jackson, Mississippi and makes her home in the Southern U.S. with her husband, her three daughters, a rescue dog named Oscar the Grouch, A Shitzsu named Tinkerbell, an OCD cat, and a coffee pot she honestly couldn’t live without. Should she ever become the owner of a fire-breathing dragon (tame of course), her life would be complete.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: End of Day by Jewel E. Ann – Jack and Jill Series – Book 1

Posted on 08/20/2015 by shellbellereads

End of Day

Jack and Jill Series – Book 1

By Jewel E. Ann

Release Date: August 17, 2015

Synopsis:

Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in the sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life.

Four caskets. Two bodies.

Jessica and Jude Day witness their funeral and that of their parents a few yards away from mourning family and friends. Stripped of the only life they’ve ever known, the Days say goodbye to San Francisco forever.

Four months later, two thirty-year-old misfits with elite self-defense skills and penchants for alcohol, sex, and trouble arrive like an earthquake to Peaceful Woods, a retirement community in Omaha, Nebraska, that thrives on rules and gossip. Welcome home, Jackson and Jillian Knight.

Jackson celebrates his new beginning by embracing his job and wiping his cavalier past clean with a temporary oath of celibacy. But Jillian’s past is branded into her soul—the deaths, the insanity, Dr. Luke Jones, and the need to make her lovers bleed. Her chance for redemption comes in the form of a next door neighbor, one Senior Master Sergeant Monaghan. He’s sexy, dangerously alluring, and riddled with emotional issues from years of service. He’s also … So. Damn. Grumpy.

Their mission is simple: Let go, start over, don’t kill anyone, and pray that nobody wakes the dead.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Excerpt

“Have you ever killed anyone?”

Jessica’s smile slipped. “If I told you then I’d have to kill you.”

“So you’re a secret agent?”

She flipped onto her stomach, resting her chin on her crossed arms. “If I said yes then it would no longer be a secret. Come on, Jones, you’re losing your focus. Don’t let me feel smarter than you or our time together will be over and I rather like hanging out here.”

“Luke,” he corrected.

“Lucas.”

“Luke.”

“Lukey.”

“LUKE!”

“Lulu.”

“I mean it!” Luke showed another rare moment of teetering emotion.

Jessica chuckled. “What are the chances of us having sex? I’ve never done it missionary, but you could possibly counsel me through it.”

He refocused on his crossword puzzle, filling in a word in pen. “Less than zero percent.”

“So, not in my favor, eh?

“Why not missionary?”

Jessica smiled in delight that Luke continued with the topic of conversation. “I’m sure you already know, but if you want me to say I need control, then sure, I need control. But the truth is I’d control any sex position you want to put me in.” Jessica winked as Luke gave her a fleeting glance. “I just don’t want you thinking you have control, even if I know it’s not the case. Pisses me off to see the smirk on a guy’s face when he thinks he has control.”

“Tell me why you need control.” Luke continued with his crossword.

“In bed?”

“Yes.”

“Someone has to have it.”

“Why?”

“Because someone initiates it.”

“So if I initiate sex with you will I have control?”

“There’s only one way to find out.” Jessica wiggled her eyebrows at an ill-humored Luke.

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Michel’s Review

When I began reading End of Day by Jewel E. Ann, I had expectations that this was a paranormal type of book. I was completely off base. End of Day is a contemporary novel that may or may not be a dark thriller or it could be a dark romance. Or it could be something else entirely. It is in a class by itself, completely unique.

At first I had my doubts about this book. It was a slow start but once the it got going I was completely entangled in it’s web. It all begins when Jude and Jessica Day are witnessing their own funerals. Tragic circumstances in their lives have led them to fake their deaths,completely walk away from their old lives, and begin new ones. It is apparent they are in a witness protection type of program. These quirky, driven, successful twins become Jackson and Jillian Knight. Their new personas are completely different from who they were in their old lives. They chose to move to Nebraska. They chose a quiet senior citizen community to live in. The only thing exciting that happens within Peaceful Woods is taking the trash out on the wrong day or cutting the grass one inch too short.

Their new nosy neighbors are intrigued, enchanted, charmed, and curious about their new neighbors. They have charmed the community with the exception of their immediate neighbor, another younger resident in the community.

Senior Master Sergeant AJ Manoghan has lived in this quiet, peaceful community for quite a few years. He craves the nature of routine life and structured community. His new neighbors are beyond belief. They are brash, repulsive, noisy, immoral, and do not belong in Peaceful Woods. Especially Jill, the blonde bombshell sexpot that exposes her assets at every opportunity.

The neighbor wars begin. Jillian and AJ have declared war but beneath the surface they are insanely attracted to one another. Now this should be the meaty part of the story, the sizzling hot love affair and the red hot chemistry between the two. But no… this affair is only going to scratch the surface of this story.

AJ appears to be an uptight man with a stick up his butt. But appearances aren’t all that they are cracked up to be. AJ has issues with PTSD. He has a sketchy family background that indicates he may be a bit more unstable.

Jillian is an absolute contradiction. She appears to be this wild, somewhat slutty woman that lives by her whims rather than plans and direction. Beneath the surface she is a caring and sensitive woman. She also has some serious mental issues that may or may not be dangerous. She has a past that is questionable. She is also mourning the loss of her former lover & psychiatrist Dr. Luke Jones.

Jackson knows all of Jillian’s secrets. On one hand he tries to direct her in a positive manner. On the other hand he is allowing her to create a new life. No matter what he will stand by his twin sisters side.

Both Jackson and Jillian have a ton of secrets. There is the reason they are in Peaceful Woods. What happened that made them walk away from their lives? What kind of danger is lurking? Jillian has some serious demons that stem from something that happened in her past. Jackson also has some serious secrets lurking. And finally AJ rounds the secret circle out, he has his own secrets lurking around the corner.

Meanwhile they are living amongst the friendly senior citizens of Peaceful Woods.

This book ended on a major cliffhanger that has the reader screaming for more.

Jewel E. Ann is a brilliant writer and creates quirky characters living in a world only she could create. She is a master of blending romance, suspense, and erotic moments that leave the reader breathless. I loved how she played upon the characters identities with the Day and Knight and the Jack and Jill. Very creative! I can’t wait to see what happens next in Middle of Knight.

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Author Bio

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

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

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

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

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Laid Out by Sidney Halston – Worth The Fight Series – Book 4

Posted on 08/18/2015 by shellbellereads

Laid Out

Worth The Fight Series – Book 4

By Sidney Halston

Synopsis

Perfect for fans of Monica Murphy and Cecy Robson, Sidney Halston’s scorching new MMA romance proves there are no holds barred when it comes to seduction.

As an Army brat, Violet Channing could never meet her dad’s high expectations. But in the eyes of her best friend, she could do no wrong. He even insisted that he should be her first kiss. Now Cain Sorensen is all grown up, hardened by years in special ops and always looking for a good fight. Tall, with striking blue eyes and impossibly blond hair, he’s a modern-day Viking warrior. Of course, Violet’s all grown up, too, and she’s ready to surrender to his every command.

Cain knows he’s bad for Violet. His work is dangerous, and his hobbies are downright deadly. As a private mercenary and a mixed martial arts fighter, he could never let such an innocent soul into his world. And yet his most grueling combat training is no match for Violet’s killer curves, hot touch, and suggestive glances. Now all of Cain’s most explosive fantasies are coming true—but once they cross the line between friends and lovers, there’s no turning back.

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Excerpt

She was kicking a rock out of the way when Cain grabbed her hand and pulled her to a nearby tree, causing her to yelp as she struggled to keep her balance. At nineteen, Cain was thin and lanky—all limbs. She was still short and stumpy. He turned her around brusquely and pressed her back against a tree, the bark digging into her. She looked up at him and saw an intensity in his eyes she’d never seen before. His cheeks were flushed and the vein by his neck pulsed. Suddenly she became nervous. He’d never looked at her this way—the way the cute guys looked at the pretty girls.

Lately she’d felt flustered when Jeremy was nearby, with his mess of curly dark brown hair and dimpled smile. Feelings that hadn’t been there before were now creeping in. In fact, she could’ve sworn Jeremy had been flirting with her lately—complimenting her clothes and hair, brushing against her “accidentally,” inviting her to the movies without Cain around. But these brief flirtatious moments were with Jeremy. Not with Cain. Never with Cain. Cain was just her friend. A little gangly, a little quiet, a lot overprotective.

That was until now.

Suddenly there was an awareness that had never been there before.

When he licked his lips, her pulse sped up. A foreign feeling—desire—began to take root. He reached toward her hair, and she flinched a little before he tucked a stray strand behind her ear. The tender action surprised her. For the first time, she noticed how clear his blue eyes were, how his hair was so blond it almost looked white. All of a sudden, he didn’t seem like just this boy who was always around. Unfamiliar feelings began to erupt throughout her body. She felt her cheeks flame and her heart race.

When he finally spoke, his voice shook a little. “I’m your friend because I want to be your friend. Not because of your parents or your dumb threats. I don’t like it when you call yourself fat. You’re not fat.”

She nodded and murmured, “Okay.” She drew her lower lip into her mouth and nibbled as her wide eyes gazed at his. Cain reached over and pulled her lip out of her mouth. “You’re nervous.” It wasn’t a question. He knew her well enough to be aware of her tells.

“I . . . uh . . . what are you doing, Cain?”

“I don’t want you to kiss just anyone to get it outta the way.”

Words failed her, so she just nodded again. There was a moment where neither spoke. He just looked at her as if trying to decide on his next move.

“I should be the first person you kiss,” he finally said as his tongue flicked out a little and wet his lips.

She gasped and looked up into his eyes nervously. His eyes never left hers, but his reddened ears and neck showed that he was also nervous. She too knew him well.

Like a fool, she bobbed her head up and down mostly because the words were stuck in her throat. It felt like he stared at her lips for an eternity until he finally leaned forward, causing her to press herself further back against the tree, her hands gripping the bark. He tilted his head to the side and she imitated the action.

Should I open my mouth? Leave it closed? What about my tongue? What should it be doing?

Softly, almost feather light, his lips brushed against hers. Her eyes instinctively closed tight, and she stopped breathing. It was less than ten seconds but it was forever. In that moment she fell into the category of girls who’d had their first kiss. She kept her eyes closed for far too long, and when she opened them he was standing upright, his face even more flushed. Her own tongue snuck out of her mouth to taste her lips. She swallowed and looked at him, her eyes as wide as saucers. What just happened?

Then, with the same intensity in his expression, he leaned back down, but this time he pressed harder against her lips causing her lips to part slightly. His body moved closer to hers, and then she felt his hands grip her waist and his tongue touch her lips before it moved into her mouth and brushed hers for a brief second, his fingers digging into her skin at her waist. She instinctively melded into him, her body seeking him out.

Again he moved away and looked at her. His expression never changed, and neither did hers. Her eyes were wide; she touched her lips, as if to determine whether the kiss had really happened. They just looked at each other, neither saying anything, her heart beating so loudly she was sure he could hear it. Finally she spoke and said the only thing that came to mind. “Wow, my cup runneth over,” she whispered. It was a phrase he teased her about constantly, but it was exactly how she felt: she could barely contain her happiness.

He chuckled, and the smile did her in: she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. Hard. He wrapped his arms around her waist and walked them the half step back against the tree again. Their noses bumped. It was awkward, but as first kisses went . . . it was perfect.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Vi.” It was the last thing he said to her before leaving for war.

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Michel’s Review

5 Stars

I am a huge fan of the Worth The Fight Series by Sidney Halston. The WtF members, their better halves, and wacky animals are taking over Tarpon Springs, a small town in Florida. This series has captured my heart. Each and every character, whether it be human or animal has a story to tell.

Readers have come to know Cain Sorensen as the mysterious, silent fighter at WtF. He is part of the gym’s backbone. His fighting expertise and quiet nature has intrigued the readers. His mysterious job that takes him away from the gym adds to the intrigue. When he is around, he is completely focused on his training and support of the other fighters at WtF. His quiet self assured presence has earned him the respect of the other fighters. When he does talk, it’s with purpose, wisdom, and quite profound. But when Violet Channing shows up in Tarpon Springs, the WtF crew is going to see Cain Sorensen lose his cool and self assured confidence for the first time. They sense there is a history there. They are extremely curious ( in other words- downright nosey) about Violet and Cain’s past. They are more than ready to welcome Violet into the exclusive WtF family.

Violet and Cain grew up together. They were military brats and raised in very regimented families. Their fathers served together throughout their military careers. They were the best of friends. They also had another best friend, Jeremy, that shared their childhood and history. The three of them were inseparable until Violet turned sixteen . Cain and Jeremy shipped out to war. Violet was left behind to finish high school on her own. That moment in time changed all three of their lives forever.

Twelve years later Cain and Violet are reunited once again. Both of them has changed drastically. Cain became closed off and even more reserved. Violet has become independent and strong. No matter how much both of them have changed, their deep friendship is still the most important thing to both of them.

Violet is ready to move on in life and settle down. She feels awkward in the dating field. Cain has promised to help her out. But what happens when the friendship starts turning into something more? What do they do with this desire they have for one another? It can never work. Violet is too good for Cain. Cain has too many secrets. They no longer have Jeremy as a buffer between them? Will they find their lives together or once again torn apart?

Laid Out was quite different from the previous books in this series. The story revolves around their past in Texas. Rather than revolving around the gym, the WtF crew, and Tarpon Springs this story takes the reader into Violet and Cain’s anguished past. When they go back to Texas to face their past it will open the doors for their new beginning in Tarpon Springs. Rather than having the crazy alpha Chihuahua Drogo scaring the crap out of all the men in this series or fluffy little kittens owning some allergic fighters hearts, we meet a cursing Parrot named Bird. As in Bird’s own words…well I just can’t repeat them!

Laid Out was more than a friends to lover romance, it was a coming of age story blended with a story of forgiveness and acceptance. I absolutely loved this book! It touched my heart in many ways. Sidney Halston can write a book!

Read Laid Out! It can be read in series order or as a stand alone novel.

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The Worth The Fight Series

Against The Cage – Book 1

In her Loveswept debut, Sidney Halston turns up the heat as a sexy cage fighter shows a former bookworm how delicious a few rounds between the sheets can be.

For Chrissy Martin, returning to her Florida hometown always seems to bring bad luck. The day starts with a breakup text, followed by a jailhouse phone call from her troublemaker brother. Now a routine traffic stop has ended with her accidentally punching an officer . . . in a delicate place. Then Chrissy realizes that the hot cop on the receiving end of her right hook is none other than the man from her teenage fantasies.

Jack Daniels knows how to take a hit. After all, when he’s not chasing reckless drivers, he’s kicking ass in a mixed martial arts ring. So what takes his breath away isn’t the low blow, but the woman who dealt it: a gorgeous knockout with legs Jack wouldn’t mind being pinned under—who just so happens to be his best friend’s nerdy little sister, all grown up. Soon their instant chemistry leads to a sizzling affair, but Jack and Chrissy are fighting an uphill battle if they want to make love last beyond the final bell.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Full Contact – Book 2

Sidney Halston returns to steamy Tarpon Springs, Florida, where a hell-raising bad boy prepares to get down and dirty for the woman he loves.

How could she have been so stupid? When Jessica Cross decides to give her violently jealous boyfriend—the otherwise influential and charming Dennis Stavros—a second chance, she very nearly becomes a statistic. After weeks of healing from a broken rib and collapsed lung, and with Dennis behind bars, Jessica finally feels ready to come out of hiding. But will she ever be able to take a chance on love again with someone new?

Mixed martial arts fighter Slade Martin knows he has a bad reputation. Hell, he’s probably earned it. So it won’t be easy to convince beautiful, vulnerable Jessica that she can trust him—that from the moment she walked into his life, she’s been the only one he’s wanted. Powerful and confident, Slade knows he can honor his vow to protect Jessica body and soul. Winning her heart will be another matter . . . but a woman like Jessica is worth the fight.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Below The Belt – Book 3

Once one of the most sought-after names on the mixed martial arts circuit, Antonio “Scarface” Marino watched his career go down for the count as he chased skirts and made tabloid headlines. Now he’s finally making a comeback, and it’s all thanks to Francesca Silva, a Brazilian bombshell as tough as any of her fighters. But who’s the real Francesca: the trash-talking trainer who rides him hard, or the vulnerable woman who blushes at his touch?

Francesca went to the mat to sign Tony because she believes he still has the potential to bring big success to her gym—if she can keep his head in the cage and out of her personal life. After a short-lived marriage soured her on love, a one-night stand is all she can handle. Now Tony’s kisses are stirring up complicated feelings—especially when he agrees to face her ex in the ring. Francesca’s used to freezing guys out. But Tony’s tempting her to give in to the heat.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Laid Out – Book 4

Perfect for fans of Monica Murphy and Cecy Robson, Sidney Halston’s scorching new MMA romance proves there are no holds barred when it comes to seduction.

BUY NOW

Amazon | B& N | iTunes

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USA Today bestselling author, Sidney Halston lives her life with one simple rule: “Just Do It” Nike, and that’s exactly what she did. After working hard as an attorney, Sidney picked up a pen for the first time at thirty years old to begin her dream of writing. Having never written anything other than very exciting legal briefs, she found an outlet for her imaginative romantic side and wrote Seeing Red, among four other novels currently in the works, including the sequel to Seeing Red. That first pen stroke sealed the deal and she fell in love with writing.

Sidney lives in South Florida with her husband and children. She loves her family above all else, and reading follows a close second. When she’s not writing you can find her reading and reading and reading… She’s a reader first and a writer second.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Before We Were Strangers by Renee Carlino

Posted on 08/18/2015 by shellbellereads

From the USA TODAY bestselling author of Sweet Thing and Nowhere But Here comes a love story about a Craigslist “missed connection” post that gives two people a second chance at love fifteen years after they were separated in New York City.

To the Green-eyed Lovebird:

We met fifteen years ago, almost to the day, when I moved my stuff into the NYU dorm room next to yours at Senior House.

You called us fast friends. I like to think it was more.

We lived on nothing but the excitement of finding ourselves through music (you were obsessed with Jeff Buckley), photography (I couldn’t stop taking pictures of you), hanging out in Washington Square Park, and all the weird things we did to make money. I learned more about myself that year than any other.

Yet, somehow, it all fell apart. We lost touch the summer after graduation when I went to South America to work for National Geographic. When I came back, you were gone. A part of me still wonders if I pushed you too hard after the wedding…

I didn’t see you again until a month ago. It was a Wednesday. You were rocking back on your heels, balancing on that thick yellow line that runs along the subway platform, waiting for the F train. I didn’t know it was you until it was too late, and then you were gone. Again. You said my name; I saw it on your lips. I tried to will the train to stop, just so I could say hello.

After seeing you, all of the youthful feelings and memories came flooding back to me, and now I’ve spent the better part of a month wondering what your life is like. I might be totally out of my mind, but would you like to get a drink with me and catch up on the last decade and a half?

AMAZON *** BARNES & NOBLE *** iBooks

Robin’s Review

I knew it would have to be a very special story to surpass my love for Sweet Thing, but I now have a new Renee Carlino favorite! Before We Were Strangers has all of the characteristics that I love to see in a contemporary romance. I love the friends-to-lovers scenario, and if it is done right, they can be so very satisfying. Carlino had me wrapped around her little finger with Matt and Gracie. I just love how they dance around each other as their feelings for each other evolve. Before We Were Strangers is also a second chance romance. These are characters that I absolutely adore, and I fell in love with them, their relationship, not once, but twice.

In many ways, Matthias William Shore and Graceland Marie Starr are a typical college couple. They meet at the beginning of their senior year at NYU. They are kindred, free spirits. A photographer and cellist, both having extremely artistic souls. Their relationship is lighthearted and sweet. Matt and Gracie are fast friends, confidants, and before the year is over, lovers. It is a whirlwind year, but graduation closes in around Matt and Gracie, and they are pulled in separate directions. Fast forward fifteen years. Matt and Gracie have been living completely separate lives. That is, until the day Matt sees Gracie on the subway train that is pulling away, and his heart aches to reconnect with her.

There is something very special about Matt and Gracie, and more specifically, how these two interact to each other. Their college relationship is playful, and their personalities are buoyant. They enjoy each other’s friendship, but there is a real tension which sparks between them. In reality, they face problems like all college kids do, but it’s the way they respond to their problems which sets this couple apart. I really connected with these characters, and I found myself fully invested in their story. I felt all of the emotions you are supposed to feel when you read a really good book – everything from pure joy to sadness and loss.

Renee Carlino included some very profound passages in Before We Were Strangers. You’ll find beautiful descriptions, including one which stood out to me that describes the intensity and importance of the first time you feel loved by another person. Another excerpt that caught my attention focuses on the passing of time. So many of us spend too much time focusing on memories or looking forward to the future, and we miss out on the beauty and opportunities of the now. Renee Carlino inserted a ton of wisdom into this story. Her writing has always been exceptional, but in my opinion, it continues to strengthen with each new novel. The writing in Before We Were Strangers is Carlino’s best yet.

I have nothing but positive things to say about Before We Were Strangers. It’s a solid 5-star novel. That’s the truth. It’s firmly on my list of 2015 favorites, and it may even make my top novels at the end of year. I highly recommend this contemporary romance!

Renée Carlino is a screenwriter and bestselling author of romantic women’s novels. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their sweet dog June. When she’s not at the beach with her boys or
working on her next project, she likes to spend her time reading, going to
concerts, and eating dark chocolate.

FACEBOOK WEBSITE TWITTER INSTAGRAM

Giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/ZmI3ZDdhMzc3MTRjYzM5OTBkOWY1YmM5NmQ5OWMyOjE=/?

And a cute Missed Connections Link that is a great companion piece that you can use:
http://enterprise.supadu.com/images/ckfinder/26/files/sam-graham/48138-BeforeWeWereStrangers-MissedConnectionAd.jpg

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: The Darkest Flame by Christina Lee – Roadmap To Your Heart Series – Book 1

Posted on 08/17/2015 by shellbellereads

The Darkest Flame

Roadmap To Your Heart Series – Book 1

M/M Romance – LGBT

By Christina Lee

Synopsis

Vaughn O’Keefe has been part owner of the Hog’s Den for years. Privy to plenty of Disciples of the Road business, he’s never been more ruffled as when a new recruit named “Smoke” walks through the door. Something about the man gets his blood pumping, but he knows to keep his preferences under wraps around the club.

“Smoke” Callahan has done a couple of rehab stints and is finally clean, thanks to help from the Disciples. He’s on the right path and isn’t about to get sidetracked, no matter how much the guy who manages the bar gets beneath his skin. Besides, his last relationship with a man left him scared, alone, and with a nightmare of an addiction.

When the Hog’s Den becomes shorthanded, and Smoke is ordered to help out the one man he can’t have, his longing for the bartender reaches blistering proportions. Vaughn figures a night together should be enough to satisfy their mutual attraction. But neither banks on just how scorching hot it might be.

As Smoke’s past unravels and the one person he hopes never to lay eyes on again messes with all he holds sacred, it’s time to involve the Disciples. Problem is, he’ll have to risk his membership, his heart, and his own hide to keep everyone he cares about safe.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Excerpt

I grabbed my hold of keys and tried not to slam my way out the door. I didn’t know why the hell I was so rattled by Vaughn tonight. I mean, I had been every night, but something about the idea of him being with somebody else right in front of my eyes, made me crazy with need. Need that it felt like only he could fulfill.

As soon as I got to my bike I realized I’d left my cut in the break room. I stood outside attempting to rein in my uneven pulse. I didn’t know what the fuck had come over me.
Breathing more steadily, I stepped back through the door only to find the bar empty. I’d just grab my leather vest and leave him in peace.

“I forgot my…” I stopped in my tracks because Vaughn stood motionless in the middle of the floor, veins bulging in his neck, as if he’d implode at the slightest touch.
He was always moving and talking with a restless energy in this bar so his stillness was a bit startling.

“Hey.” I gingerly placed my hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry if I—”

There was instant recoil, as if he were attempting to contain the vortex of tension between us by vacuuming it in through his skin.

He twisted toward me, his eyes latching onto mine, right before I was slammed against the door.

The wind was practically knocked out of me as Vaughn sank his weight against my smaller frame. We were groin to groin, heartbeat to heartbeat.

“Fuck, Vaughn, you’re—” Heaving breaths surged through my nostrils. “I was going to suggest a truce.”

“Yeah?” he mumbled, his gaze fastening on my mouth. “What sort of truce?”

Michel’s Review

Christina Lee has done it again! The Darkest Flame is the first book in the new series Roadmap To Your Heart. The Darkest Flame is a spin off from the highly acclaimed New Adult – Between Breaths series .

Vaughn O’Keefe is the co owner and head bartender for the Hog’s Den bar. His business partners are the Disciples of the Road MC. He has seen and heard a lot through out the years and can be fully trusted. When he meets the new recruit, Smoke, it is instant attraction even though he knows there is no room for that kind of attraction in the bar or in the club. It’s obvious that Smoke is very tolerant of the gay community. When he was assigned to protect Jude and Cory it is evident that he has compassion and is sympathetic to their plight. Vaughn can sense that Smoke may be more than sympathetic but also empathetic towards their sexuality. When it comes to Vaughn, Smoke avoids him most of the time, but when he’s in his presence he sends out flirtatious signals.

When Vaughn and Smoke are thrown together tending bar the sparks fly. The chemistry between the two can send the bar up in flames. Their attraction to one another is sizzling hot. There is more to their attraction than sexual chemistry, these two are soul mates. They understand each other on every level.

Between Smoke’s mysterious dark background, his past addictions, the club business, and bar business it would seem that romance should be on the back burner. Vaughn and Smoke are in for a wild dangerous ride.

This book was riveting. The suspense combined with the sensual romance had me glued to the pages. This book is so much more than your typical MC romance or M/M romance. It can stand on it’s own merit in any genre and be rated as a 5 Star book.

Christina Lee has once again delivered a fantastic book!

________________________________________________

Author Bio:

Mother, wife, reader, dreamer. Christina lives in the Midwest with her husband and son–her two favorite guys. She’s addicted to lip gloss, salted caramel everything, and believes in true love and kissing, so writing romance novels has become a dream job.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

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