Review: Sincerely, Carter by Whitney G. (aka Whitney Garcia Williams)

Posted on 05/20/2015 by shellbellereads

Sincerely Carter

By Whitney G. ( aka Whitney Garcia Williams )

Synopsis

Just friends.
We’re just friends.
No, really. She’s just my best friend…

Arizona Turner has been my best friend since fourth grade, even when we “hated” each other. We’ve been there for one another through first kisses, first “times,” and we’ve been each other’s constant when good relationships turned bad. (We even went to colleges that were minutes away from each other…)

Throughout the years, and despite what anyone says, we’ve never crossed the line.

Never thought about it.
Never wanted to.

Until one night changed everything.
At least, it should’ve …

Just friends.
We’re just friends.
I’m only saying this until I figure out if she’s still “just” my best friend…

Buy: Amazon

Robin’s Review

***Review may include spoilers for those who have not read Sincerely, Carter.

Sincerely, Carter is my first novel written by Whitney Gracia Williams. I love stories written about friends who become lovers. I have heard many positive comments about Whitney G, so I decided to give Sincerely, Carter a try. The writing in this story is exceptional, and at times, quite humorous. I found myself laughing out loud on several occasions! Carter and Arizona are awesome characters. I enjoyed reading about their friendship as it evolved over the years. The chemistry between Carter and Ari is through the roof, especially when they first become lovers. Their relationship is sweet, sexy and hilarious.

I adored Sincerely, Carter until I reached the 75% mark. I understand readers need to see tension between Carter and Arizona so the story meets the criteria of a romance novel, but the amount of time they are separated at the end of the novel is entirely too much for me. I found this completely frustrating, especially when you couple their separation with an abrupt ending to the novel. I would have enjoyed more story about Carter and Ari at the end of the novel, or at the very minimum, an epilogue. Perhaps more story would have made me feel more tolerant about the length of time they were apart.

After some deliberation, I have decided to give Sincerely, Carter an overall 4-star rating, but I also feel the larger part of this novel deserves 4.5 to 5 stars. I understand every individual has unique opinions, and I am positive other readers will enjoy the entire story. I do recommend Sincerely, Carter, and I look forward to more stories from Whitney G!

Author Bio:

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

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

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

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz + Giveaway: Falling For His Best Friend by Katee Robert

Posted on 05/19/2015 by shellbellereads

Falling For His Best Friend

Out of Uniform Series – Book 2

By Katee Robert

Synopsis

Avery Yeung’s biological clock just went off early. Thanks to her family’s medical history, she’s running out of time to get knocked up. And the only guy within donating distance? Her overprotective—and irritatingly hot—best friend. So clearly she needs an anonymous donor…

Anonymous donor? Over Sheriff Drew Flannery’s dead body. While daddyhood will never be in the cards for a man with his past, Drew won’t let Avery shop for a “popsicle pop.” He’ll do what’s right for his best friend by doing his best friend. But only if they do it properly.

But there’s nothing “proper” about it. Between the bed, the kitchen counter, and against his squad car, Avery and Drew are having the hottest sex ever. They can’t get enough of it—or each other. And without knowing it, they’ve crossed the one line that could ruin their friendship forever…

See where it all began with book 1 of the Out of Uniform series, In Bed with Mr. Wrong.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Photo of sensual kissing young couple

Excerpt

He jumped, and then climbed to his feet when Avery did, and followed her to the plump older nurse. She smiled at them, making him wonder if she were someone’s grandmother—the kind who made cookies and read bedtime stories and…

What the hell was he even thinking?

As soon as they turned the corner from the waiting room, she handed him a small clear cup that had a sticker with his information on it. “You’ll put the specimen in here, please.”

The nurse opened a door. “You can leave the cup in the room when you’re done.” She smiled at Avery. “You’re welcome to go into the room with him, but we ask that you ensure there’s no saliva or other fluids involved so you don’t contaminate the specimen.”

Avery made a choked noise. “That’s so not going to be a problem.”

The nurse laughed and patted her shoulder. “I’ve heard that one before, honey. I’ll just leave you to it.”

He barely waited for her to disappear back around the corner before he turned to examine the room. It looked like an entire frat house’s stash of porn had exploded in there. “Isn’t this a little much for a few tests?”

She looked at him like he was an idiot. “How else are you going to get your engine running?

Besides, this isn’t about tests—though I’m sure they’ll run a few. You wanted to help me make a baby, so let’s make a baby. Now go get ‘em, Champ.”

Jesus Christ. She expected him to leave a specimen so the doctor could shoot it up her…

Apparently when they’d talked about making a baby, something had gotten lost in translation.

“You’re shitting me.”

“Nope.” She slid past him into the room and meandered around, stopping in front of the television and eyeing the collection of DVDs on the shelf next to it. “Oh, look, they have Busty Blondes #37. I seem to remember you having one of these videos back in high school.”

He grabbed her shoulders and tried to steer her away from the shelf. “Not interested.”

Truth was, his inspiration for self sessions had migrated toward pretty Asian women who looked a whole lot like the one standing in the room with him.

“If you’re not into the DVDs, they have magazines, too.” She poked one with her finger. “Though this one appears a bit crusty.”

“Christ, stop touching things. Do you know what men do in here?”

She rolled her eyes. “Yeah, Drew, that’s kind of the point. They come in here, watch or read whatever tickles their fancy, and then masturbate into that sanitary little cup right there.”

When she said ‘masturbate’ he thought his head might actually explode. “Avery—”

“Are you worried about hitting your mark? That is kind of a small cup. Want me to go find something bigger?”

God, she was killing him. It would have been so much more bearable if he thought she was kidding, but Avery was drop dead serious. It was a sign of her nervousness that she hadn’t cracked a joke since he got into her Jeep.

He couldn’t do it.

Tina’s Review

Judging a Book by it’s Cover: The colors and cover design attract the eye. The synopsis sounds like it will be a fun friends-to-lovers story with a healthy dose of trouble-making.
Looking Deeper:
Alternating third-person POV’s. Drew and Avery have been each others best friends since childhood; each being the other’s source of comfort, confidante, and solace. They learned the one another’s nuances and knew how to support the other in any given mood. But now, it seems things may be shifting in a different direction. She’s fast approaching 28, the age both her mother and sister were diagnosed with cancer and could not have children after, she’s in a race to get pregnant. Drew refuses to let his best friend go at it solo with some random baby daddy’s swimmers, so he volunteers for the job.
I’m guessing by the plot drops that Drew’s brother, Ryan, and Avery’s best friend, Bri, are the couple from book one. There’s enough of a background given on it to make me want to go back at a later time and read it. That said, this book can and does stand very well on it’s own. The characters are thoroughly enjoyable and completely likable. The dialogue is natural and interactions are believable. The plot is a whole lot of fun, while sprinkled with some highs and lows and the story line progressed smoothly at a perfect pace. The conflicts were resolved well in a timely manner as they arose. Predictability was virtually non-existent. The conclusion was good, but it felt cut short. The epilogue felt like a jump time jump, leaving the final conclusion a bit open ended; making you wonder about the pink or blue, a wedding, the crotchety grandparents, the heartsick sister… even still, I enjoyed the heck out of this one & would recommend the series to anyone who enjoys a bit of smart and sassy with their steamy, sexy.

About Katee Robert

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.

Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card

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Happy Release + Review: Game Changer by Melissa Cutler – Bomb Squad Series – Book 3

Posted on 05/19/2015 by shellbellereads

Game Changer

Bomb Squad Series – Book 3

By Melissa Cutler

Synopsis

Welcome to Destiny Falls, New York, home of Bomb Squad–an ice hockey team full of rugged military heroes. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has the team captain packing his bags for greener pastures, but saying good-bye to the woman who’d captured his heart is easier said than done…

After being wounded in combat, Brandon Theroux lives every day like it’s his last. He never could have imagined that the sleek mechanics of his prosthetic leg would open so many doors, including minor celebrity status as a fitness model and a well-earned reputation as a rakish playboy. The only door it hasn’t opened is the one to Harper Johnson’s bedroom.

Harper has too much self-respect to join the ranks of Brandon’s “carpe diem” conquests, but when she needs someone to keep the peace in the tavern she owns, Brandon offers his help–as long as she agrees to a very tempting trade. It isn’t long before the two realize that a deal struck between friends who can’t keep their hands off each other has the potential to be a whole lot hotter than either of them is prepared to handle…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

Tracey’s Review

Harper Johnson and Brandon Theroux have what you might call a ‘complicated’ relationship. Harper, local bar owner, and Brandon, decorated war veteran and captain of the local hockey team, have spent years dancing around each other, constantly fanning the flame of their attraction to each other. When life-changing events arise in each of their lives, will the spark grow or quietly go out?

I started reading this book and I could NOT put it down. Melissa Cutler has taken a very real, very sobering subject, and woven it into a story about love, passion, and finding that person inside yourself that you’re truly destined to be. I absolutely felt that the ‘heavy’ subject matter only made Harper and Brandon and their relationship more real. They are working through things that many of us face, and their long journey to a place of self-acceptance, finding their bliss, and opening themselves to the reality that has been a long time coming is well worth the read. I am a sucker for a friends to lovers read, and when there is enough angst and growth to make it a little harder to get to that place, even better. The chemistry between Harper and Brandon is white-hot, but it’s the evolution of their relationship, the blossoming of a true friendship, that had my heart. And, I’m not gonna lie, the sexy time here, oh, my goodness, break out the fan! Saying that the love scenes are steamy is not doing this book justice, and Brandon might just be one of my new favorite BBFs. I loved seeing his growth as he realizes what will truly make him happy. And Harper’s strength, her journey to a place of true peace, is so uplifting, and a lesson in a follow-your-bliss, take no prisoners approach to life. The addition of a quirky, loveable, unique cast of supporting characters make for a group of folks that seem like a lot of fun to be around, and make me eager to read more about them all.

Game Changer is a book with plenty of heart, passion, and soul, and turned out to be a gem of a read that I couldn’t recommend more. I easily give it 5 stars, and look forward to reading more books by Melissa Cutler.

***ARC Received from Penguin Group via NetGalley for an honest review***

Michel’s Review

I absolutely love the Bomb Squad series. This series not only gives the reader a sizzling hot romance, it also gives the reader a deep and meaningful story that is realistic. It touches on many emotions and insecurities that we all possess. It taps into their greatest fears as well as their greatest triumphs. This series features the wounded heroes that sacrificed a part of themselves for our country. Now they are home and learning to live with their losses. They are trying to make a new “normal” in their lives. They are trying to put the war in the past and move forward. Each character has a story that is going to win the readers over.

Game Changer is a friends to lovers kind of romance. Both Harper and Brandon fought hard to overcome their issues. Their love for one another was astounding.

Once again Melissa Cutler has delivered another fantastic book!

__________________________________________________________________

The Bomb Squad Series

Risky Business – Book 1

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

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

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

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

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Undefeated – Book 2

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

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

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

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Game Changer – Book 3

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

_________________________

Author Bio:

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

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

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz + Review + Giveaway: Only Forever by Cristin Harber – Only Series – Book 4

Posted on 05/19/2015 by shellbellereads

The final part in Grayson and Emma’s epic love story is available now! Grab ONLY FOREVER by Cristin Harber today! And if you missed the first part of their story, you can read ONLY FOR HIM here!

About ONLY FOREVER

The fourth and final installment of the Only series. Must be read in order.

There comes a time when Emma must face the secret she kept from Grayson. But she never thought it would be while she stood on stage at Emerald’s. The seconds she has to convey that her life is in danger are lost in the devastation that she sees rip through him.

She pinches her eyes closed. “Don’t leave me. No matter how mad you are, please, please don’t leave me here alone.”

But there’s more on the line than just Emma’s safety. There’s the danger that brought Titan’s Delta team in to the strip club in the first place. A threat that’s too close to home, too close to the family, the daughter and woman Grayson plans to claim.

I push away the sudden spring of fear. Life’s too unknown, with hidden enemies and unseen terrors. The idea that I could lose her again… it’s unbearable.

A love story like Grayson and Emma needs a forever love, and somehow they’ll find their way to her fairytale.

Amazon / B & N /iBooks

EXCERPT

“You’ve always been by my side. From the day we met. And God knows there were years of secrets and storms and pain and tears, until I came out the other side.”

“Gray…”

“I’m a better man, and I exist for you, for us.” I hold my breath and watch her silence. My chest hurts; my lungs burn. My throat is tight as I choke on the decades’ worth of sentiment. “I love both of you so deeply that my survival, my sanity, would be gone if I couldn’t be yours.”

My voice cracks, and her lips find mine. It’s a soft kiss but packs a powerful punch. She whispers, “We’re yours forever.”

Michel’s Review

Only Forever is the final book in the Only Series. It was the perfect ending for Emma and Grayson. Their secrets were revealed. Some of Grayson’s haunted past is put to rest, the other parts are managable. Emma’s secrets are exposed and it doesn’t tear their relationship apart. They have both made things right with their family and their young daughter. Now they have Only Forever.

Cristin Harber has once again given the readers a series that is easy to love. I look forward to what she has lined up next.

GIVEAWAY

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ABOUT CRISTIN HARBER

Cristin Harber is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author. She writes sexy, steamy romantic suspense and military romance. Readers voted her onto Amazon’s Top Picks for Debut Romance Authors in 2013, and her debut Titan series was both a #1 romantic suspense and #1 military romance bestseller.

You can become a Titan Agent for exclusive scenes, details, and more! Visit the official Titan website here!

Text TITAN to 66866 to sign up for exclusive emails!

Happy Release + Review + Giveaway: Falling For His Best Friend by Katee Robert – Out of Uniform Series – Book 2

Posted on 05/19/2015 by shellbellereads

Falling For His Best Friend

Out of Uniform Series – Book 2

By Katee Robert

Synopsis

See where it all began with book 1 of the Out of Uniform series, In Bed with Mr. Wrong.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Tracey’s Review

After learning that she has inherited a genetic trait that will make it hard to have a baby the older she gets, Avery Yeung has made the decision that she is going to be a mother. Right now. No matter that there’s no man in the picture, because once Avery makes up her mind, there’s no going back. Drew Flannery, town sheriff and Avery’s BFF since the tender age of seven, is not about to let Avery select the father of her child from an a la carte menu at some paternity clinic. Before he can stop to think about the wisdom of his decision, Drew offers himself to Avery, and life as they know it is about to get very real.

I really enjoy reading books from Entangled Brazen. They are spicy, sexy, and oh, so much fun, and this book definitely does not disappoint. Avery is a kick-butt, take no prisoners kind of lady. After finding out that both she and her sister are likely to suffer from the same health issues that took their mother from them at a very young age, Avery tends to live life to the fullest. Drew has been her partner in crime since they met as little kids, so the thought of him as something more has Avery a little flustered. Because, if this crazy idea works, then it could be the best thing ever, but if it doesn’t, then they each stand to lose their best friend.

This book was a quick read, because it was so entertaining, and just really darned sexy, but no less satisfying for the way that I sped through it. The chemistry between Avery and Drew is sizzling, and the whole ‘best friends to lovers’ history, one of my favorite tropes, just adds to it. Author Katee Robert has a way with dialogue, both between characters and in their own heads. Add in the great supporting characters, and this is a book that I would happily recommend. 4.5 sexy steamy stars for this one. Grab it, read it, love it; you will not be sorry.

About Katee Robert

Giveaway

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1 $30 Gift card to Amazon or Barnes and Noble
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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: #Selfie by Cambria Hebert – #Hashtag Series – Book 4

Posted on 05/18/2015 by shellbellereads

#Selfie

#Hashtag Series – Book 4

By Cambria Hebert

Synopsis

It’s all about the #Selfie.

She was the one girl I never wanted.

Until I had her.

One night.

One mistake.

Something we both wanted to forget.

I got rid of the proof. The one piece of evidence that could remind us both.

At least, I thought I did.

When it shows up on the school Buzzfeed, rumors fly. Friendships are tested and the feels get real.

I don’t do relationships. I don’t open my heart.

Especially for a girl everyone knows I hate.

What happens during spring break, stays in spring break.

Until it follows you home.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

Excerpt

I didn’t think. I just reacted.

I leapt over the railing with ease. The distance down and the uneven sand I would be landing on didn’t even cross my mind.

It didn’t matter.

I landed like a cat, no trouble at all, and the second my feet hit the sand, I moved forward. Ivy was almost beneath the deck, but not quite. Her back was to me and she was sitting up, hunched forward over part of herself.

She was muttering some pretty damn colorful curse words beneath her breath, and my face split into a smile. “Another angry crab attack you?”

She stiffened and looked over her shoulder. Long blond hair cascaded down her back and partially over her shoulder, creating a waterfall around her.

God, she was beautiful.

Wait. No. No, she wasn’t.

I cleared my throat.

“Braeden?” She glanced up, surprised. “Did you jump down here?”

“Well, you screamed like you might be dying,” I quipped.

“Hardly.” She tried to roll her eyes, but it turned into a grimace. “I need a Band-Aid,” she said pathetically.

I bit back a smile and crouched down beside her. “Let me see.”

She leaned back a little so her body wasn’t blocking my view. The movement brought her closer against me, and the scent of cinnamon wrapped around me. My stomach muscles tightened and I jerked slightly. There was no way she could have noticed, but her head tilted back and her eyes found mine.

We stared at each other for the span of a few heartbeats, neither of us moving or saying a word until someone called down from above, wanting to know if we were okay.

I blinked, bringing myself back from the edge—the edge I always seemed perched on around her—and motioned for her to show me what was wrong.

She lifted her foot into her lap, and I looked down.

I heard myself mutter something, but I was back to not thinking again.

She had the cap of a beer bottle sticking out of the bottom of her foot. Blood oozed out around it and dripped into the sand.

I cradled her foot in my hand and gently stroked my thumb along her heel. A shudder moved through her, and I glanced up.

“Hurts, huh?” I murmured.

She blinked. “Uh…” She blinked again. “Yeah.”

Using one hand, I reached around to the base of my neck and pulled my T-shirt up over my head. I didn’t say anything when I reached for her again, and without any warning, I yanked the cap free.

Her breath hissed between her teeth and she smacked my arm.

“Hey!” I snapped.

“That hurt!” she yelled, but it came out more like a whimper.

I tossed the cap over my shoulder and glanced back down. Fresh blood welled. “It’s over now,” I said gently and used my shirt to wrap around her foot.

Once the shirt was in place, I pressed her foot between my hands, applying a little pressure.

Really, I just wasn’t ready to let go.

“Braeden?” Her voice caressed me. Being down here mostly concealed by the deck in the cool sand and low lighting brought back last night. It reminded me of the undeniable electricity between us.

I thought for sure it would be gone.

It was still there.

Michel’s Review

I was so excited when #Selfie by Cambria Hebert went live early. I dropped everything I was doing to read the latest book in the #Hashtag series. It was well worth the effort. I devoured this book! It is another #5 Star book in this series!

While reading the synopsis it became very clear that the author wanted the characters to remain a mystery to the readers until they opened the book and read it for themselves. So I am going to do this review a bit different than I do for most books….

#5 Star Review #Selfie #Hashtag Series #Cambria Hebert

#NeverTake Selfie For One Night Stand

#Hate Sex Is Phenomenal

#Collected More Than Seashells On Spring Break

#Player In A New Game

#Never Lose Phone

#Never Do Relationships

#Never Fall In Love

#Never Say Never

#Keep Your Secrets Close

#13 Is New Alpha Hottie To Watch

#Discover Who #BuzzBoss Is

#BuzzBoss Revelation

#Zack Still Haunts AlphaU

#13 New Dragon Slayer

#Love Is In The Air

#HEA

#Maybe?

#Cambria Hebert Nailed It

#Selfie # 5 Stars

Once again Cambria Hebert has given the readers an exceptional book. Her characters come to life and steal the readers hearts.

#Read #Selfie!

#Read#HashTag Series

The Hashtag Series

# Nerd – Book 1

Two people from completely different worlds are about to be thrown together…

In more ways than one.

She wants to keep her scholarship. He wants to stay on the team. An awkward alliance doesn’t even begin to cover Rimmel and Romeo’s relationship.

But that’s about to change.

It starts with a dare. An initiation. A challenge.

Quickly, it turns into more. But when you’re a victim of your status, there is no room for anything real. The rules are clear and simple.

Stick to your circle.

And never fall in love with anyone on the outside.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

#Hater – Book 2

The effect of that look lingered, like an unspoken promise, long after it was gone.

Becoming a couple – becoming the other half of a campus celebrity wasn’t easy. I let down walls guarding my heart and he looked past my glasses and accident prone tendencies. Romeo and I are an unlikely match, a #nerd and a jock. But we made it.

And we’re happy.

Zach doesn’t want us to be happy. He wants Romeo to pay for getting him kicked out of Omega and for the night he spent in jail. He’s going to use anything and everything he can to get his revenge. Including me.

As the weather on campus grows cold and the days become dark, revenge becomes the center of someone’s life and the happiness Romeo and I worked so hard for is threatened.

I can’t help but worry that our love is going to be overshadowed by hate.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

# Player-Book 3

Synopsis

Players gotta play.

Hate is like a poison. It contaminates everything.

So does doubt.

Even though I deny what I overheard, even though I insist it isn’t true, the seed of doubt has been planted. I can’t help but be tormented with the endless what-if’s that have taken over our lives.

Romeo and I were happy in love. The future stretched before us brighter than any star in the darkest sky. Now everything is broken. Literally broken. Romeo’s entire career is at stake, my entire future is threatened… and my past?

It’s coming back to haunt me.

To haunt us.

Romeo says we’re in this together and right now the only sure thing is us. But how far can a love so new be pushed? The lengths we will have to go to save each other puts everything at risk.

Romeo is a #player but how much of the game can one person play?

#About Cambria Hebert

Author Bio:

Cambria Hebert is a bestselling novelist of more than twenty books. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair. She currently resides in North Carolina with her children (human and furry) and her husband, who is a United States Marine.

Besides writing, Cambria loves a caramel latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching movies. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chorkie (the real boss of the house).

Cambria has written within the young adult and new adult genres, penning many paranormal and contemporary titles. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense. A few of her most recognized titles are: Text, Torch, Tryst, Masquerade, and Recalled.

Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

#Giveaway

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Review: Breaking Noah by Missy Johnson and Ashley Suzanne

Posted on 05/15/2015 by shellbellereads

Breaking Noah

By Missy Johnson and Ashley Suzanne

Synopsis

What happens when you start falling for your worst enemy? Fans of Abbi Glines and Monica Murphy will relish this addictive novel of smoking-hot seduction—and revenge gone so wrong, it’s right.

I wasn’t always this jaded. I had a clear head, things I wanted out of life, and a concise plan on how to get there. For being only twenty-one, I pretty much had it all figured out. Until the day my cousin died.

I spent months going over all the details surrounding her death, trying to figure out how I missed the signs, and the only thing I could come up with was she would still be alive if it wasn’t for one person: her professor. So I transferred to his college, enrolled in his class, and set my new plan in motion.

First I’ll seduce him. Then I’ll ruin him. I’ve just got to stay strong and not let his charm and my emotions get the best of me. Because someone has to pay for her death. If it’s the last thing I do, I’m going to break Noah.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Tina’s Review

Judging a Book by it’s Cover:
Seductive pose. Subtle color palate. Great use of light and shadow. The synopsis sounds ruthless, yet intriguing.
Looking Deeper:
Written in a first person POV, alternating between Zara and Noah, all clearly defined for easier comprehension.
Wow…. that’s all I can say at first. Within the first few chapters, this seems like a pretty straight-forward cut-and-dry story line. I’ve never been happier to be wrong. The synopsis does a rather good job at setting up the plot, so I’ll not go into that any further at the risk of revealing spoilers. Instead, I’ll get straight to the breakdown. Noah is an awesome lead male. Kind, caring, compassionate. Zara is fiercely loyal to her beliefs, smart, and strong. Together, they have the makings of a power couple. The magnetic pull and chemistry is continuously at war with her thoughts and beliefs making their connection all the more a force of nature. The secondary characters were an interesting blend of wonderfully supportive to love-to-hate-them. They full the full spectrum for a nice variety. The dialogue and interaction was, most of the time, believable and natural, there were a few instances that were eye-roll worthy, but then maybe that’s par for the college-age course. The plot is complex, much more so than I’d expected it to be. It is written very well and flowed quite smoothly. The conflicts are not handled well in some instances, but that lends to the plot more buildup and drama for later. The final conflict is truly fantastic and leaves the reader feeling vindicated and free of the oppressing weight that hung in the shadows. There’s virtually no predictability, in fact there were a few things that surprised me. The conclusion is fantastic. This is, by far, one of the better New Adult / College sub-genre books that I’ve read this year.

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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

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Ashley Suzanne has been writing as long as she can remember. As a youngster, she was always creating stories and talking to her imaginary friends. Thankfully, her parents also carried this love of fiction, and helped her grow into the writer she is today.

Ashley is a bestselling author and spends equal amounts of time writing and reading. Being the true book whore she is, Ashley would rather dive into a good book before going out of her house. Giving up her career in Real Estate, Ashley has officially moved to hermit status.

When Ashley isn’t coming up with her next story, you’ll most likely find her on the couch with a kindle in her hand (probably watching some crappy reality show while , annoying her husband by telling him all about her new book boyfriend or spending quality time with her two gremlins … Sorry, I mean adorable children.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Review: Playing Dirty by C. L. Parker – Monkey Business Trio- Book 1

Posted on 05/15/2015 by shellbellereads

Playing Dirty

Monkey Business Trio – Book 1

By C. L. Parker

Synopsis

For fans of Bared to You and Beautiful Bastard comes the start of an irresistible new series in which competition is the ultimate seduction.

“Loaded with wit and snark, great characters, and lots of hot, steamy, naughty sex, Playing Dirty is sure to satisfy.”—New York Times bestselling author J. Kenner

Shaw Matthews plays to win, and he intends to snag a coveted partnership at San Diego’s hottest sports agency by signing America’s top athlete. Only one woman stands in his way: rival agent Cassidy Whalen. But eliminating the competition will be Shaw’s pleasure when he concocts an ingenious plan to seduce Cassidy and show the beautiful ballbreaker who’s the better man for the job. That is, until Cassidy turns the tables—and their steamy encounters start breaking all the rules.

Cassidy has worked hard to make it in a man’s cutthroat arena, and she isn’t going down without a fight, not even against the six-two alpha hunk whose rock-hard body awakens desires she’s never known before. As Cassidy shares night after night of unending passion with Shaw, the game begins to change. Now Cassidy stands to lose everything—unless a fiery contest of wills can become a winning proposition for two people who keep raising the stakes.

Playing Dirty is intended for mature audiences.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

What’s wrong with a little friendly competition in the work place? Usually nothing unless the two competitors are vying for the same partnership. When the stakes get higher, the two combatants will be fighting over landing the same client. They will battle it out in the workplace. They will take the competition to the next level with red hot monkey sex. Each competitor will do anything to get the other to concede. Let the battles begin.

Cassidy Whalen and Shaw Michaels are vying for the same partnership in the sports agency they both work for. They literally hate each other. In order to get the partnership one of them will have to land star quarterback “Rocket Man” Rockford to their client roster. Their competition becomes a brutal battle of witt, wills, and orgasms. Although these two absolutely abhor one another, their sexual chemistry could compare to a volcanic eruption. A lot of hate sex and monkey business will send both into a tizzy.

The battle is on. The sheets are burning. Cassidy and Shaw may end up destroying each other. The only people finding bliss are their co workers. This book ends on a cliffhanger and I am not sure I want to continue with this series.

Playing Dirty had very little romance. Over 75 % of this book was hate sex scenes. Both the characters were not very likable at all. I felt the bad tension between them carried out too long. I just did not feel like there was any substance to the story. It was a book of screwing each other into submission without regard.

Playing Dirty was not my kind of book. I am sure there are other readers that will find this kind of push and pull entertaining.

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Author Bio

C.L. Parker is a romance author who writes stories that sizzle. She’s a small-town girl with big-city dreams and enough tenacity to see them come to fruition. Having been the outgoing sort for all her life—which translates to “she just wouldn’t shut the hell up”—it’s no wonder Parker eventually turned to writing as a way to let her voice, and those of the people living inside her head, be heard. She loves hard, laughs until it hurts, and lives like there’s no tomorrow. In her world, everything truly does happen for a reason.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

5 Star Review… Nice Girls Don’t Ride by Roni Loren – Loving On The Edge Series – Novella

Posted on 05/15/2015 by shellbellereads

Nice Girls Don’t Ride

Loving On The Edge Series – Novella

By Roni Loren

Synopsis

In this erotically charged novella by the New York Times bestselling author of Call on Me, Nothing Between Us, and Not Until You two strangers take an asphalt-burning ride into the wildest night of their lives…

Natalie Bourne thinks she has the perfect night planned for her twenty-first birthday. But when her car breaks down and her boyfriend bails on her, she’s left stranded in an auto shop dealing with a way too cocky, way too hot mechanic, who seems to be intent on pushing every button she has.

Monroe Hawkins knows he shouldn’t be messing with a girl from the uppity private college. Especially when he can tell she sees him as the help. But he’s having trouble resisting the redhead with the smart mouth and the killer legs. So when Natalie’s night goes from bad to worse, there’s no way he’s letting her spend her birthday alone. He makes her a deal–he’ll take her home but not until the sun comes up.

Ten hours, one motorcycle, and the city of Austin at their fingertips…things are about to take a major detour. And soon, there may be no U-turn in sight.

Includes a preview of Roni Loren’s Call on Me

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Tracey’s Review

A girl’s 21st birthday should be a big deal. Romantic dinner, celebrating with her boyfriend, memories in the making. Finding herself with a broken-down car on the side of the road is not a good omen, and Natalie Bourne’s day just keeps getting worse. But life has a way of surprising us with gifts that we don’t even know that we’re looking for, and, before the night is over, Natalie will get the best gift of all.

I am a huge fan of Roni Loren. Her Loving On the Edge series is one of my favorites, so I jumped on the opportunity to read this standalone novella. Nice Girls Don’t Ride is an absolute treat. Full of sass, spunk, and some serious spine, Natalie is such a refreshing character to read. Although she’s been keeping her inner goddess under wraps in her current relationship, she’s about to come out with a vengeance, thanks to Monroe Hawkins, Natalie’s unexpected white knight. With his wit, his charm, and his bad-boy swagger, Monroe is much more than meets the eye. Sweeping in on his motorcycle to offer Natalie a night, and more, to remember, he quickly became an immediate favorite.Their instant chemistry, their snark, their openness with each other makes these two the best example of why NA can be so much fun to read.

‘Monroe walks over and swipes the phone out of my hand. “What’s Romeo’s name?”
“Hey, give that back.” I jump to my feet and reach for my phone.
But he steps back and holds it up. “Smile.”
I grit my teeth. “Give.It.Back.”
“Pissed and mean, even better.” He grins and takes a pic with my phone.
“What the hell?” I stalk toward him, but he backpedals until he’s behind the counter, scrolling through my phone.
“There it is, Caleb with the little heart symbol next to it,” Monroe says triumphantly. His thumbs fly over the screen, typing. “Hope…work…is…worth…missing…this.”
“Oh my God.” I lunge around the counter, but Monroe slides out of reach and shows me the screen. He hasn’t hit Send on the message yet, but the pic of me is there–cheeks flushed, eyes a little wild, and my cleavage on prominent display. I don’t look like myself. I look kind of dangerous. And hot. Go me.”

Although this is a novella, so shorter than Roni’s other books, I loved Nice Girls Don’t Ride just as much. It’s fast-paced, joyful, even when dealing with some darker moments, and plenty hot. The sexy moments between Natalie and Monroe are signature Roni, and absolutely fan-worthy. I could not have enjoyed this read more, and highly recommend adding it to your TBR. Five+ sexy, sassy, satisfying stars for this one. Grab it, read it, enjoy the heck out of yourself. You will not be sorry.

‘”It’s going to be amazing”–he takes one of my hands and puts it over his heart, right where his tattoo is–“because we’re chasing our bluebirds, Nat. And nothing feels better than that.”
I swallow hard. “Think we’ll catch them?”
He lowers his face, a breath away from mine, his palms cupping my jaw. “Yeah, I think we will.”
And then he kisses me, and any doubts I have left are lost in the rush of emotions.
This feels good.
This feels right.
This feels…like happy.
I may have even heard a bird sing.’

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About Roni Loren

Roni wrote her first romance novel at age fifteen when she discovered writing about boys was way easier than actually talking to them. Since then, her flirting skills haven’t improved, but she likes to think her storytelling ability has.

Though she’ll forever be a New Orleans girl at heart, she now lives in Dallas with her husband and son. If she’s not working on her latest sexy story, you can find her reading, watching reality television, or indulging in her unhealthy addiction to rockstars concerts.

She is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the The Loving on the Edge series and other sexy things.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Review: The Other Fighter : Uncaged – Part One by Lauren Hawkeye and Tawny Stokes

Posted on 05/15/2015 by shellbellereads

NYT Bestselling Authors Lauren Hawkeye & Tawny Stokes are back with another three part story, THE OTHER FIGHTER. Make sure to get your hands on this sexy, intense read, which is available now!

About Part 1: Uncaged

I want lots of things out of life, but this… this is what I crave most. And with a dead-end relationship in my rearview mirror and a new business ahead, that freedom is finally within reach.

Of course, fate is an evil bitch.

People I have nothing to do with expect me to settle my brother’s debt— and if I don’t pay with cash, I pay with my life. I’ll be dead very soon… but not if a certain sexy-as-sin fighter with a Prince Charming complex has a say in the matter. One who’s decided to help me out of this mess, whether I want him to or not.

I might escape all of this with my life. But I already know it won’t be so easy to hold on to my heart…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / Kobo

Part 2 & Part 3 of THE OTHER FIGHTER coming soon.

Grab the complete bundle of THE OTHER BROTHER here!

Excerpt

I turn my attention back to Dream Girl. Her hands are on her hips, and she’s glaring at me. “I had it under control. I didn’t need the white knight routine.”

“I’m sorry.” I cock my head, my eyes drinking her in. I like the sass in her voice. “I didn’t realize being a gentleman was a crime.”

“I guess you didn’t get the memo.” She smirks.

“Nope, I guess I didn’t.” I shuffle my feet because the girl is shooting eye daggers at me, and I’m feeling… uncomfortable. Which is weird. I’m a laid back guy, comfortable in most situations, but something about this woman has me on alert.

“Prince of Pain.” She snorts out a laugh, which should look inelegant, but doesn’t. Maybe it’s her big brown eyes or her luscious plum stained lips, but I think this woman would be stunning any time, anywhere. “What is that? The name of your boy band?”

My mouth drops open a bit—I can’t help it. I can’t remember the last time a woman spoke to me like that. Can’t remember the last time my gut quivered with need.

I’ve never had butterflies before, not even back in high school. And because fate’s a cruel bitch, she’s looking at me like I need to turn my white ass around and march it back into the warehouse. Clearly I have zero play here.

“Well, then.” I swallow thickly. Where are my moves when I need them? “I guess I’m going to go.”

“Good idea.” She crosses her arms and leans up against her car, arching an eyebrow at me.

I turn and force myself to deliberately saunter back toward the warehouse, not wanting to show her how off my game she’s making me feel. At the door, I stop and look back over my shoulder. Her stare instantly snaps upward.

Was she checking out my ass? A little confidence seeps back into my bones.

“I’m Tristan, by the way.” I cast her my trademark grin.

“I don’t care.” She rolls her eyes, but I notice that her body is angled just the slightest bit in my direction.

“All right, baby. If you say so.” I smirk. “Then you won’t be watching my ass as I walk away, right?”

Before I turn back, I catch a slight twitch to her beautiful mouth.

Michel’s Review

It is really hard to review a book like this. It is the first installment in a three volume serial. It is a very limited segment of the overall story. With each volume being more of a novella or short story length installment the reader is only getting a brief glimpse. Without having the whole story it is almost impossible to make an overall judgement. Therefore I am going to have to rate this book on my reactions and thoughts.

The Other Fighter: Uncaged – Part One starts with the introduction of the leading characters. The reader gets a good sense of what they look like, where they are in their lives at the time, and an insight into their personalities. The reader also gets the overall backdrop of the story. They are introduced to the underworld fighting, friendship & family dynamics with the secondary characters, and an idea of where the plot may be heading.

It was a good start but there was not enough for me to become connected to the characters and their story. When I finished this installment I did not feel the burning need to have the next installment in my hands. I do want to continue with this serial because I think it has a premise of being an enjoyable story.

The good thing about The Other Fighter Serial is that each installment is going to be released weekly. The reader will not have to wait weeks and months for the rest of the story.

About Lauren Hawkeye

Lauren Hawkeye/ Lauren Jameson never imagined that she’d wind up telling stories for a living… though when she looks back, it’s easy to see that she’s the only one who is surprised. Always “the kid who read all the time”, Lauren made up stories about her favorite characters once she’d finished a book… and once spent an entire year narrating her own life internally. No, really. But where she was just plain odd before publication, now she can at least claim to have an artistic temperament.

Lauren lives in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada with her husband, toddler, pit bull and idiot cat, though they do not live in an igloo, nor do they drive a dogsled. In her nonexistent spare time Lauren can be found knitting (her husband claims that her snobby yarn collection is exorbitant), reading anything she can get her hands on, or sweating her way through spin class. She loves to hear from her readers!

Website | Facebook | Twitter

About Tawny Stokes

Tawny Stokes has always been a writer. From an early age, she’d spin tales of serial killers in love, vampires taking over the world, and sometimes about fluffy bunnies turned bunnicidal maniacs. An honour student in high school, with a penchant for math and English, you’d never know it by the foot high blue Mohawk and Doc Martens, which often got her into trouble. No longer a Mohawk wearer, Tawny still enjoys old school punk rock, trance, zombie movies, teen horror films, and fluffy bunnies. She lives in Canada with her fantastical daughter, two cats, and spends most of her time creating new stories for teens.

Tawny also writes adult paranormal/urban fantasy fiction under the name Vivi Anna, and is an aspiring screenwriter.

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Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Category Archives: Reviewers

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Release Blitz + Giveaway: Falling For His Best Friend by Katee Robert

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Release Blitz + Review + Giveaway: Only Forever by Cristin Harber – Only Series – Book 4

The final part in Grayson and Emma’s epic love story is available now! Grab ONLY FOREVER by Cristin Harber today! And if you missed the first part of their story, you can read ONLY FOR HIM here!

About ONLY FOREVER

Happy Release + Review + Giveaway: Falling For His Best Friend by Katee Robert – Out of Uniform Series – Book 2

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: #Selfie by Cambria Hebert – #Hashtag Series – Book 4

Review: Breaking Noah by Missy Johnson and Ashley Suzanne

Review: Playing Dirty by C. L. Parker – Monkey Business Trio- Book 1

5 Star Review… Nice Girls Don’t Ride by Roni Loren – Loving On The Edge Series – Novella

Review: The Other Fighter : Uncaged – Part One by Lauren Hawkeye and Tawny Stokes

NYT Bestselling Authors Lauren Hawkeye & Tawny Stokes are back with another three part story, THE OTHER FIGHTER. Make sure to get your hands on this sexy, intense read, which is available now!