Happy Release + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Ember by Rachel Van Dyken – Eagle Elite Series – Book 5

Posted on 02/19/2015 by shellbellereads

Ember

The Eagle Elite Series

Release Date: February 19, 2015

By Rachel Van Dyken

Synopsis

I am a Killer. A Rapist. A Monster.

I know only pain and survival.

That is until the Cappo’s sister walked into my life.

And changed everything.

She’s a light who makes my darkness darker, her smile makes my heart turn to ice, and I can’t escape the fear her seductive looks instill–knowing it’s only a matter of time before I fail–again, and take her for myself.

This is the story of my redemption.

But it’s not pretty…I died, and now I’m alive, but not living, breathing but not surviving. I am Phoenix De Lange, son to a murdered mob boss, estranged brother, horrible friend, monster in the making, newest leader to one of the most powerful families in the Cosa Nostra.

And I will have my vengeance.

Or die trying.

I am Phoenix De Lange.

Death is all I know.

Until she offers me a piece of life–I can’t resist taking.

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Excerpt

Once we were on the road, Phoenix chose the correct music for our drive. I say correct because, according to him, one didn’t start the day listening to hip-hop or anything remotely fun. No. Mr. Rogers had me listening to classical music.

Classical.

Mozart, to be exact.

Not that I wasn’t a fan of the arts, but really? It just seemed so against what you would expect from him. He was the bad boy personified; like, if you put his name in the dictionary, right next to it would be “And mothers warned their daughters to stay away, but the heart wants what the heart wants, and that heart wants that body… bad.”

He was all lean muscle and tight abs.

And I could have sworn he had a dimple, but I’d never actually seen it. Phoenix’s dimple was like Bigfoot; I’d seen glimpses in pictures and via rumors, but I had never actually seen it for myself.

One day.

One day I’d catch it and take a mental picture or five. Maybe ten. Needless to say, I knew that if I had one of his smiles, it would be a magical thing.

His hands gripped the steering wheel so hard I had a brief moment of panic thinking he was actually going to rip the thing from the dash and have a breakdown. Sad part? I half-expected it. He wasn’t acting normal… well, he was always moody, but this morning he seemed downright suicidal.

“So…” I tried to zone out the instruments assaulting my sanity. “You went to Eagle Elite, right?”

He was quiet for a minute then gave a swift nod.

“Wow, don’t talk so fast. I almost didn’t get all that.”

And crickets. Again.

I cleared my throat. “You graduate?”

“Sort of.”

“How do you sort of graduate?”

“Did you bring lunch money?” He asked in a tight voice.

I gaped. “Did you just ask me if I brought lunch money?”

He shrugged.

“You’re driving me to school, forcing Mozart on my poor sensitive morning ears, and just asked me if I had money for milk.”

“I’m concerned about you eating. Sue me.”

“Pretty sure the Nicolasi boss can afford to spare me a few dollars for a sandwich and a can of pop.”

“No pop.”

“Who died and made you my grandpa? Seriously. I want to know so I can steal your gun and point it at them.”

“Nobody touches my gun.”

“Which one?” I smirked, hoping he’d find the humor in my sexual innuendo, but who was I kidding? It was Phoenix. He simply grunted, rolled his eyes, and kept driving.

In a moment of pure rebellion, I undid the first two buttons of my white, collared shirt.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he asked, his voice calm, his eyes still on the road.

“Wow, you really are like a parent. You can see me even when you aren’t looking.”

“Button that shit to your chin before I pull this car over.”

“Put on Jay-Z, and we’ll talk.”

More cursing.

I undid another button.

“Son of a bitch, you’re annoying.”

“Is this our first lovers’ spat?”

“Were there drugs in your toast?” He finally glanced at me, his blue eyes chilling me to the bone. “Be serious. I don’t want to get called into the dean’s office because you’re high.”

“Do I look like I’m on drugs?”

“Is this a trick question?”

Michel’s Review

HOLY EVER LOVING CRAP! Ember, the fifth book in the Eagle Elite series was INTENSE!

Ember is Phoenix De Lange’s book. This man is a killer, a rapist, an abuser, a ghost, an enforcer, and a MONSTER. He has betrayed the family. He has betrayed himself. A death sentence is too easy and too painless for Phoenix De Lange. Redemption is impossible. Or is it?

Phoenix De Lange never stood a chance in life or in the family. He was a monster by birth. His father made him a horrific human being. His actions betrayed the family. He almost killed Nixon Abandonato’s ( the head leader of the families in the United States) woman, Trace Rooks (granddaughter of the Alfero family). His betrayal brought the Luca Nicolosi, leader of the original Sicilian family to the States to decide the fate of all five families. This should of been his death sentence. Luca Nicolosi issued a verdict worse than death. He made Phoenix De Lange a ghost, an enforcer, a protector, and a leader. He saw that there was redemption in Phoenix De Lange’s soul. He saw the man that was buried deep beneath the hideous surface. He saw a man with that craved absolution. He gave him a second chance.

Phoenix De Lange may still be physically alive and breathing but in his heart he is a dead man. He cannot forgive himself for his past. He will put his life on the line every time a family member is threatened. He will sacrifice himself before he allows any harm to come to his family and friends. He does not expect his family to forgive or forget. He continually punishes himself for his past. He is a haunted man without any hope. He does not understand why Luca chose him to lead the Nicolosi family. He does not understand why Luca gave him the key to all of the family secrets. He does not understand why Luca gave him Bee Campisi ( the Cappo’s, Tex Campsisi, little sister) to protect. He hates that he wants her. She is sunshine and rainbows. She is everything good. She is everything he does not deserve… and she loves him. Can he stay away from her and keep her untainted from his ugliness? Or will she be the final nail in his coffin?

There is a storm brewing within the family. The Russian’s are on the horizon. They are threatening the family. The FBI is knocking on their door. The Family is about to be destroyed. Someone in the family is betraying them all. Phoenix knows who it is, after all he knows all the family secrets. Can he save the family? Can he keep Bee from be touched by the war that is coming. Will he have to kill a man that is one of his brothers? Will he walk out with his heart as cold as it was or will he succumb to his true feelings for Bee?

Luca saw redemption within Phoenix’s soul. Now it is up to Phoenix to rise from the ashes and soar.

The war is coming. The Russians are at the door. One man will be sacrificed for his betrayal. One man will pay the price. Welcome to the family…blood in…no out.

The Eagle Elite series is a complex and intricately woven series. There are plots within plots. Each book features a different family and the individual members. They are tightly connected to all the characters throughout the series. The grand plot grows throughout each book. Ember cannot be read as a stand alone book. Phoenix De Lange’s story began in Elite and has progressed throughout the first four books in the series.

Phoenix De Lange is a character that has been quite a force throughout this series. In the beginning he was a monster that deserved to be hated. He proved that there many layers in his persona. He has evolved from being the devil himself to a broken man. My heart broke for him. I wanted him to find a slice of happiness that could be his and only his. Rachel gave him a life worth living and a future to look forward to.

Ember set up the next book in the Eagle Elite Series. The next book is Elude, will release in July 2015. It is going to be a shocker.

EAGLE ELITE SERIES

Elite- Book 1

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Elect- Book 2

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Entice- Book 3

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Elicit -Book 4

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Bang Bang- Novella

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Enforce – Book 1.5

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Enchant – Book 0.5

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Ember – Book 5

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About Rachel Van Dyken:

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband and their snoring Boxer, Sir Winston Churchill. She loves to hear from readers! You can follow her writing journey at www.rachelvandykenauthor.com

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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5 Star Review : The Hermit and The Hooker by L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid

Posted on 02/18/2015 by shellbellereads

The Hermit and The Hooker

By L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid

Synopsis

New York’s Finest
Blogging as *The Socialmedialite*
April 22
LADIES AND GENTS! I have an announcement!
You know that guy I featured on my blog a few months ago? The really, really hot Irish rugby player who plays the position of ‘hooker’ in the RLI (Rugby League International)? The one with the anger management issues, the body of a gladiator and the face of a movie star? The one with the questionable fashion choices leading me to ask whether he was the lovechild of a leprechaun and a hobbit? Ronan Fitzpatrick? Yeah, that guy. Well, I have a confession to make…

THE HERMIT
Annie Catrel, social media expert extraordinaire at Davidson & Croft Media and clandestine celebrity blogger, can make anyone shine in the court of public opinion. She is the Socialmedialite, anonymous creator of New York’s Finest and the internet’s darling. Virtual reality is Annie’s forte, but actual reality? Not so much.

THE HOOKER
Ronan Fitzpatrick, aka the best hooker the world of rugby has seen in decades, despises the media—social or otherwise. The press has spun a web of lies depicting him as rugby’s wild and reckless bad boy. Suspended from his team, Ronan has come to Manhattan to escape the drama, lay low, fly under the radar. Only, Ronan isn’t easy to overlook, and he can’t escape the notice of the Socialmedialite…

THE PLAN
When Ronan is sent to Davidson & Croft Media to reshape his public image, he never expects to cross paths with shy but beautiful Annie, nor does he expect his fierce attraction to her. He couldn’t be happier when her boss suggests pairing them together.
What lengths will Annie take to keep her virtual identity concealed? And what happens when the hooker discovers who the hermit really is?

The Hooker and the Hermit is a collaboration between authors L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid, is a full length 110k word novel, and is a standalone.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

The Hermit and The Hooker by L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid has taken the romance reading world by surprise. The title alone is catchy enough to intrigue readers to download this book. The cover with the player wearing spandex and bright green with strategically drawn circles catches undivided attention. The synopsis demands that this book must be read. Top off all of the those great qualities with the fact that two outstanding authors, L.H. Conway and Penny Reid, teamed up to write this book!

All of the social media platforms are blowing up about this book. It is giving Ronin Fitzpatrick the positive attention he desperately needs. It is bringing Annie Catrel out of her cave and into the limelight.

Ronin Fitzpatrick has come to New York to escape the negative media exposure he has been receiving since he was suspended from his team in Ireland. His temper and rash actions have earned him the “bad boy” reputation. He needs to lay low, stay off the media’s radar, and chill out. He hates being away from his team, away from Ireland, and desperately misses his family. He has only one friend in New York. He has nothing but time on his hands. He choses to use this time to extensively train. He wants to be in top shape when he can finally return to the team. When a popular blogger posts a picture of him on their blog with derogatory remarks, he blows his gasket. He quickly begins to spar with the Socialmedialite through emails. Once again he is in the limelight of the media’s ridiculous circus. Not good!

Annie Catrel is a brilliant social media expert. She can work wonders and make Satan look like a boy scout. Her skills are highly sought after and any celebrity that is assigned to her will shine brightly. Annie is great with social media platforms but she is horrible with one on one interaction with people. She is a self imposed hermit and only interacts when she absolutely has to because of her job at Davidson & Croft Media. Behind the scenes she is secretly a popular celebrity blogger. Online she can be herself, speak her mind, and interact with people.

When Ronin is sent to Davidson & Croft for a media makeover, he is in for so much more. When he first lays eyes on Annie, he is a goner. He wants her in his life, in his bed, and wrapped around him. Luck is on his side, Annie has been exclusively assigned to his profile. She will be his handler.

As these two get to know one another they quickly realize that there is more than meets the eye. Ronin is quite the different man than the media portrays. Annie is slowly learning to come out her shell and show Ronin some of her personal brilliance that only shines in her blog.

When these two finally get their relationship on track, the media world will tear them apart. Ronin has bones in his closet. Ronin has enemies that will stop at nothing to destroy his reputation. Annie has a secret as well, a secret that will make Ronin despise her. Although her blog has been the one thing that brings her self respect, it is also the one thing that will destroy her relationship with Ronin.

Can these two find a way to love each other in spite of everything?

The Hermit and The Hooker was brilliantly written and executed. It was entertaining, humorous, witty, emotional, and sexy. Both characters were brilliant. They both had many unique qualities that endeared them to the readers. The dialogue and perfect timing made this book stand out. The romance was realistic, believable, and red hot. Everything about this book was excellent.

I highly recommend The Hermit and The Hooker.

About The Authors

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

She thinks that imperfect people are the most interesting kind. They tell the best stories.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

ABOUT PENNY:
Penny Reid is a part time author of romantic fiction. When she is not immersed in penning smart romances she works full time in the biotech industry as a researcher. She’s also a full time mom to two diminutive adults (boy-7 and girl-5), wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought hijacker.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Blog Tour + Review: Treasure Me by Mia Dymond – Alpha Four Series – Book 1

Posted on 02/18/2015 by shellbellereads

Synopsis

Reputable fine art broker Sophie Graystone has a knack for acquiring one-of-a-kind artifacts. A seasoned professional, she marches to the beat of her own drum and takes direction from no one.

Lt. Dagan “Rebel” Caldwell, ex-Army Ranger and investigator for Alpha Four, is driven by an iron will to succeed and is talented in the ability to convince others to conform. He soon learns that he has met his match in one certain female.

Assigned to investigate several attempted thefts of Sophie’s paintings, Rebel’s skill and talent are sorely tested when Sophie challenges him at every turn, aggravating and arousing him in the process. Desperate to get his man, Rebel uses her rebellion as a secret weapon, hoping to win her heart in the process.

Links to Buy:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Eu50zp

B&N: http://amzn.to/179PQEe

iBooks: http://bit.ly/17zecZj

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1uWGZRD

Guest Post

Greetings from the hot and humid state of Oklahoma! My name is Mia Dymond and I write sexy contemporary romance novels with a twist of sass. I currently have fourteen novels available on retailers including iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Amazon, and Smashwords.

My most recent release is Treasure Me, Book in the Alpha Four series. Alpha Four is a tough, no-nonsense group of ex-Army Rangers with muscles of stone and hearts of gold. Book one is the story of Lt. Dagan “Rebel” Caldwell and Sophie Graystone, a couple who clashes at every turn with the need for control. I hope you’ll enjoy the rocky journey they travel to fall in love. Please enjoy an excerpt:

Once Rebel held two steaming cups of coffee, he headed back to the table and sat beside her. Much to his relief, she wasted no time in touching him. She wrapped one hand around her cup, and wrapped the other around his forearm, her fingers drawing lazy circles against his skin.

“I’m curious,” she said as her fingers taunted the nerves beneath his skin, “how did you get your nickname?”

He chuckled low under his breath. Curiosity was a good start.

“Curious, huh?”

She nodded.

“I’ve never been one to follow protocol.”

“In the Army?”

“In life. I enlisted in an act of rebellion.”

“Is that a decision you regret?”

“Not in the least. Thunder, Chaos, and Ace made it all worthwhile.”

“You guys are close.”

“Family.”

“I take it there are several stories behind those nicknames too.”

He nodded without elaboration.

“So,” she prompted, “tell me about your team.”

“Can’t do that.”

“Why?”

“Confidential. I’d have to silence you if I told you and I’m not sure that’s possible.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I’m confident you’d find a way to challenge my methods.”

“You’d be disappointed if I didn’t.”

He snickered, aroused as hell by the fact that she didn’t hesitate before she fired right back at him. No doubt, she’d challenge him alright and she was absolutely correct when she responded – disappointed didn’t begin to describe his feelings.

“Thunder assembled Alpha Four when he retired from the Army. It only took three phone calls to build a team.”

“The four of you are very loyal.”

He nodded. “There’s just something about fighting evil that brings a team together.”

“Do you think about it often?”

He hesitated, weighing the decision to answer her. He’d seen a whole lot of evil during his military tours, things that he’d never share with her. Yet, thanks to Uncle Sam and Thunder, he’d learned to file it so far away that even memory couldn’t find it.

He glanced down at her fingers, still rubbing circles on his forearm and distracting him from answering her question. Her soft, gentle touch caused the nerves under his skin to quiver with excitement. What in the hell had she asked?

“Sophie?”

“Hmmm?”

“I can’t concentrate when you do that.”

Her brow furrowed. “Do what?”

He glanced down at her fingers. “That. You’re driving me crazy.”

“Oh, really?”

Before he could stop himself, he nodded. Oh. Hell. So much for never let them see you sweat. He’d pretty much just handed her a whole locker of ammunition.

“Well, then.” She blinked those deep, dark eyelashes several times as her fingers continued their assault. “Perhaps you should answer my question.”

“No.”

“No?”

“I mean, no I don’t think about the evils in my past often. Alpha Four gives me plenty to think about.”

“Are you in danger?”

“Not always. Sometimes our assignments are as mundane as installing a security system.”

“Other times you put your life on the line for someone else.”

“Yes.”

“Like me.”

“Well, no one’s tried to kill you …. yet.” He gave her hand a slight squeeze, buying a second of courage for his next comment. “But I’d put my life on the line for you without a second thought.”

Tracey’s Review

Mia Dymond has become one of my go-to authors for quirky action-filled stories, with strong and sassy women and hot sexy alpha men. Treasure Me, the first in Mia’s new Alpha Four series, has all of these things going for it. As with all of Mia’s books, I enjoyed the story, and liked the characters, but the problem for me here is that, for such a short read, there was just a whole lot going on. The speed with which things happened was unrealistic; the two main characters, Sophie Graystone and Dagan ‘Rebel’ Caldwell, have known each other for just a few days before declaring their love for each other. The whole ‘insta-love’ thing is always a hiccup for me, and it just wasn’t believable here, because they really know nothing about each other. This being said, the idea of the story is interesting, and I loved, as always, the sidekick characters that will surely, in typical Mia fashion, have the starring roles in the subsequent books in the series.

Although I am only giving Treasure Me 3.5 stars, I like Mia’s books and style enough to continue reading whatever she writes, so am looking forward to seeing Kat’s and Chaos’ story, and recommend this one for Mia’s fans.B

About The Author

Mia Dymond

I write contemporary romance novels with sexy, alpha males and females with attitude to boot. I live in a zoo,hold down a full time job, and am trying to coax my creative muse from her cage. So BEWARE, the madness may rub off on you! ~ Facebook

Giveaway

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Happy Release + Review + Giveaway: Touch & Go by Mira Lyn Kelly

Posted on 02/18/2015 by shellbellereads

Title: Touch & Go

Series: Dare to Love #2

Author: Mira Lyn Kelly

Publisher: Loveswept

Release Date: February 17, 2015

Synopsis

USA Today bestselling author Mira Lyn Kelly cranks up the heat for two
lifelong friends whose most secret longings come true in every delectable way.

Vivacious and successful, Ava Meyers is living her dream life, except
for one thing: Ever since childhood, she’s been in love with her best friend .
. . and she’s never admitted it. Back then, Sam Farrow was a damaged young man
with a tough past. Now he’s supremely confident, super-sexy, and totally
untouchable—until the night when Sam pretends to be Ava’s boyfriend to save her
from some unwanted attention. In a moment of weakness, Ava finds out that a
long friendship is no match for blistering sexual chemistry.

After years of denying his own feelings, Sam finds that one amazing
night with Ava isn’t enough to chase away all the pent-up fantasies. So he
proposes they spend a few weeks driving each other wild, exhausting their every
desire, and then return to their perfect platonic relationship like nothing
ever happened. But Sam’s plan has one fatal flaw: the part where they give each
other up. Because the more they let go of their inhibitions, the more they’re
tempted to never go back.

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Tina’s Review

Purely enjoyable characters and incredibly fluid writing style. Sexy, sweet… Hot!  Friends for twenty years, Sam and Ava fake a relationship to dissuade a persistent co-worker of Ava’s from his continual pursuits. Only, both have much stronger feelings for the other that have been locked away for far too long for this to be pulled off innocently. I loved the lead characters and although I get the sense that the secondary characters had a fun introduction in the first book, Ms. Kelly does a pretty good job of allowing new readers the chance to enjoy them without feeling too lost. The dialogue and interaction is dynamic; smart, funny, snarky, believable. The plot is pretty “standard fare” for any friends-to-lovers story, but there are just enough little twists and quirks to keep it fresh. The fluidity of the writing is amazing, it makes for a VERY enjoyable read. The conflicts were multi-layered; some resolved quick and neat, some not as much. But by the end, resolutions were found in a mature manner, providing a solid, heart-warming ending. The predictability was fairly average, given the nature of the storyline, but it was an extremely enjoyable feel-good book with plenty of hot stuff thrown in.
————————

Links to Buy

AMAZON US / UK

B&N / KOBO / iBOOKS

Also Available

AMAZON US / UK

B&N / KOBO / iBOOKS

Author Bio

USA
Today bestselling
author Mira Lyn Kelly grew up in the Chicago area and earned her degree
in Fine Arts from Loyola University. She met the love of her life while
studying abroad in Rome, Italy, only to discover he’d been living right around
the corner from her back home. Having spent her twenties working and playing in
the Windy City, she’s now settled with her husband in rural Minnesota, where
their four beautiful children provide an excess of action and entertainment.
When she isn’t reading, writing, or running to keep up with the kids, she loves
watching movies, blabbing with the girls, and cooking with her husband and
friends.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Happy Release + 6 Star Review + 2015 Favorite : Garrett by Sawyer Bennett- Cold Fury Hockey Series – Book 2

Posted on 02/17/2015 by shellbellereads

Garrett

Cold Fury Hockey Series – Book 2

By Sawyer Bennett

Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Sawyer Bennett hits the ice with the story of a playboy athlete whose winning ways lead him to a beautiful woman with a lot to lose.

Carolina Cold Fury star Garrett Samuelson never wants to miss out on a single minute of fun. Whether he’s playing hockey, hanging out with friends, or walking the red carpet with a new date on his arm, he lives every day to the fullest. When he meets Olivia Case, he sees someone who’s exactly his type—confident, sexy, smart . . . his next fling. But the more he pursues her, the more Garrett shares a side of himself that other women don’t normally get to see.

Olivia has been keeping a secret. While Garrett lives for the next thrill, Olivia’s not sure she’ll live to see the next day. She’s undergoing treatment for some serious medical issues, and she doesn’t have time for a relationship with no guarantees—especially one with a hot-as-sin womanizer who won’t take no for an answer. But as she gets to know the real Garrett, Olivia can’t help falling for him . . . hard. To reveal the truth would mean risking everything—but you can’t score without taking the tough shots.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Kelley’s Review

Sawyer delivers an emotional rollercoaster that reminds us that life is too short not to live it to its fullest. We can sit around and worry about when the end will come or we can truly live and love for as long as we are given. This story is about love and loss and reminds us that no matter what we do, that often life is not fair. This read was not at all what I expected. I was up reading until 2:30 am and then had to turn around and get up at 6:00 am for work the next morning. I thought I was getting a steamy and sexy hockey story and what I ended up with was so much more. Sawyer shook me to my core and knocked the wind out of me. I have never finished a book in tears where I could not stop the overflow of emotions. Get your tissues ready and make sure you have some chocolate on hand because you will need them.

Garrett Samuelson is your typical sexy hockey player that often takes women to bed in pairs. He is the king of the one night stand and never spends more than one night with any woman. All of that changes when he meets Olivia. From the moment he first sees her he is stumbling all over himself and of course hits on her with the cheesiest pickup line. The thing is that he truly believes that she is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. My favorite scene in this read is when Garrett tries to get Olivia to give him the time of day and she blows him off. I adore it when the good girl gives the bad boy the brush off. Garrett is extremely perplexed because he is not used to women that do not swoon at his feet. Olivia provides him with a serious challenge and he begins to rethink his one night no repeats mantra.

Olivia Case has a lot on her plate. She has just received some news that she has yet to process and does not have the time or desire to start a relationship with someone right now. However, she is very attracted to Garrett and one night with him between the sheets might be just what she needs to take her mind off of things. He is safe since he is not the relationship type and even though it is not in her good girl nature to go after a man that will forget her by the next evening she is so very tempted to make him put his money where his mouth is. The problem is that even when you think something is a sure thing sometimes it’s not. Olivia never saw what was coming when she tempted the king of one night stands.

I absolutely adored this read and loved that we get to see Sutton and Alex again as well. If you are looking for something different to read that is not predictable and will keep you turning the pages then look no further. Garrett will have your heart overflowing with love and will remind you that everything is never what it seems and you can never judge a book by its cover. In this case even though the cover is smoking hot there is so much more to the story then just some sexy times between the sheets. Bravo Sawyer for taking me on an emotional journey that I will not forget any time soon.

Michel’s Review

Sawyer Bennett scored a 6 star goal with her latest release Garrett , in the Cold Fury Hockey series. This book came as a complete surprise that took the readers on an emotional journey. Sawyer tackled a very heavy subject that can touch any of our lives. She researched the subject and not only used it to write a phenomenal love story, she also enlightened the reader without making it a downer. As in all her books, her characters are so well developed that they become very real people that become a part of the reader’s lives. The relationships between her characters are not only loaded with sexual heat and tension, they are also loaded with very real situations and difficulties that most people experience in their own personal intimate relationships. It’s never easy for two people to come together and have the perfect relationship. It takes commitment, communication, sacrifice, sharing, and placing another person first. Sawyer allows her couples to muddle through, find their way, and work on their flaws. She allows them to experience all the emotions, trials, and triumphs that most every day couples experience. This is what makes the reader connect with the characters and their lives. Sawyer also adds her special blend of magical storytelling that makes these characters larger than life. It is easy for the reader to escape into the world she has created. It is no wonder that she is a New York Times Best Seller.

Garrett is more than a sports romance. It is a story of life, love, loss, friendship, and hope.

Garrett Samuelson is the team manwhore. He’s known for his one night stands. He embraces his “ladies man” reputation with gusto. His one true love is not the ladies, it is his profession. He absolutely lives, breaths, and loves the game of hockey. He is committed to his team and the game.

Olivia Case is a free spirit. She is content with her life. She has a satisfying career, a close knit group of friends, and a great family. She is a happy independent woman. She doesn’t need a relationship to complete her. She is comfortable in her own skin and happy with her life. Everything is great until she receives some bad news that is about to alter it all. It makes her take a deeper look into her life, her goals, and her dreams. It also makes her realize that she has not been living life to the fullest. She needs to grab each moment and make it completely hers.

When Olivia and Garrett meet at a Cold Fury team party, the fireworks go off. These two are hot for one another. They both look at this insta attraction as a possibility of a phenomenal one night stand. For Olivia, it is giving her all to living life to the fullest, allowing pleasure in her complicated life full of trauma. For Garrett, it is spending a fulfilling night with a woman that flips all his buttons. What neither of them realized was that this was their one defining moment that would change their lives forever.

Garrett will have to prove his staying power. Olivia will have to allow Garrett into her inner circle and accept his commitment. Together they will face the world one moment at a time.

This book reached so many emotional depths that define us as people. It showcased the importance of friendship. It proved that love in any shape or form is the most important thing in the game of life.

This book not only brought Garrett and Olivia together. It introduced to new characters in this series. It brought the characters, Sutton and Alex, back into our hearts. Stevie (Olivia’s BF) has become one of my most admired book characters because of that one moment that he made everyone’s day better. And finally there was Zack. Sawyer set up his story and broke all of our hearts right along with his. I cannot wait for June 9th, 2015 to get here. I need this man to be okay. I need him to find a new happiness.

Sawyer Bennett is an ALL STAR WRITER ! Read Garrett!

Author Bio:
USA Today Best-Selling Author, Sawyer Bennett is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and three big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

Sawyer is the author of several contemporary romances including the popular Off Series, the Legal Affairs Series and the Last Call Series.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release + Review: Heartsick by Caitlin Sinead

Posted on 02/16/2015 by shellbellereads

Heartsick

By Caitlin Sinead

Genre: New Adult Romantic Suspense

Synopsis

Quinn is looking forward to her senior year at Poe University. She has big plans to hang out with her best friend, flirt with a certain boy genius, party at her favorite dive bar and figure out what she’s going to do after graduation with her not-so-useful art major. But that’s before she meets Luke, a hot townie who’s moved back home to help take care of his dying sister. And it’s before a weird epidemic sweeps across campus, mysteriously turning people’s eyes purple.

Is it an odd side effect from a new party drug?

Is it a rogue virus developed in a campus lab?

Is it the mark of the devil?

Soon the town starts blaming the university and the student religious group becomes frighteningly aggressive in their on-campus accusations. Quinn and Luke are caught in the middle—until a tragic accident forces Luke to reveal the one part of himself he’s kept carefully hidden. That he’s so much more than the happy-go-lucky boy next door Quinn had believed him to be isn’t a surprise…but this truth might be too dangerous for her to handle.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Heartsick by Caitlin Sinead is refreshing change in the New Adult genre. It blended the Romantic Suspense and Fantasy genres to the mix. The plot was unique. There was some mild romance with a romantic triangle thrown into the mix.

What happens when a group of college friends start changing. Their eyes become lavender colored and their immune system is that of a super hero. Their ability to heal is surreal. What is causing this phenomena with these students?

Quinn is the main character in this book. She is an art major at the exclusive Poe University in Virginia. She is looking forward to her senior year. She doesn’t want to be tied down and wants to enjoy her final year with friends. Those hopes are about to change when her roommate’s eyes change to lavender.

It seems as though there is a virus or some kind of chemical change that is affecting a group of students. Their eye colors are changing and their DNA is changing. They are able to heal quickly from severe injuries and physical trauma’s. This phenomena is infecting Quinn’s inner circle of friends, including herself. When it starts to spread among the campus and small town, the government authorities are called in. The pandemonium begins.

At the same time Quinn has just met the sexy townie Luke. He is unlike most of the men she has ever dated. Although she doesn’t really want a relationship, she cannot deny her attraction for him. Luke is also a detective. When this odd virus begins to spread he puts his investigative skills to work.

When murder comes into play it is clear that everyone at Poe University and citizens of the town are in danger.

Heartsick was a riveting romantic suspense. I am going to say romantic very loosely. The reason I am saying loosely is that the build up, sexual tension, and desire between Luke and Quinn was not overly convincing. I never felt the heat between them. I never felt the attraction. In fact it didn’t feel like Quinn was overly interested at all. Then there was another contender added to the mix. Quinn had a history with Rashid. He was still vying for her interest. I never really felt any connection between these two at all.

Although this plot was unique, there were kinks throughout the story. The characters were obscure in some ways. It was hard to get a handle on who they were. Their personalities just didn’t come to life. Their connections to one another were confusing at times and hard to grasp. The sequencing of the story was hard to follow at times. I felt different passages were jumping all over the place. In the end I felt like the conclusion was somewhat rushed.

Overall Heartsick was an interesting story. I just felt like it needed some work to reach the potential it promised.

_____________________________

About Caitlin Sinead

I am represented by Andrea Somberg at Harvey Klinger, Inc. and my debut novel, Heartsick, will be published by Carina Press in 2015. My writing has appeared (or is forthcoming) in multiple publications including The Alarmist, The Binnacle, Crunchable, Jersey Devil Press, and Northern Virginia Magazine. I earned a master’s degree in writing from Johns Hopkins University in 2011 and have also studied writing at the College of William and Mary and Yale University. I currently work as an editorial manager and continue to keep an eye out for good stories.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Cover Reveal + #Hashtag Series Review : #Player by Cambria Hebert – #Hashtag Series – Book 3

Posted on 02/16/2015 by shellbellereads

# Player

#Hashtag Series – Book 3

Release Date: March 9 , 2015

By Cambria Hebert

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?

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

Michel’s Review

I am a huge fan of Cambria Hebert’s books. Each and every book has kept me glued to the pages. Her books always have a special blend of genres with characters that are larger than life.

I wasn’t sure what to expect with the #Hashtag series. The synopsis seemed different from what we have come to expect from Cambria’s books. I thought that this was going to be more of a new adult romance that focused on college campus life (which I love). I was not expecting some romantic suspense to be added to the mix. I wasn’t expecting Romeo. Romeo has stolen my heart! Talk about a swoon worthy book boyfriend, Romeo has it in spades!

Rimmel is more than your average #Nerd. She has come to Alpha University not only to gain an education but also to escape her past in Florida. She keeps to herself, stays ahead of her assignments, and lives for her volunteer work at the animal shelter. She has trouble socializing with her fellow students. The only place she feels free to be herself is with her furry four legged friends. But that is about to change when she is forced to tutor the star quarterback and notorious player, Romeo. She is dreading dealing with the campus manwhore but in order to keep her scholarship she has to deal with it.

At first the tutoring sessions start out as expected. Romeo is more interested in his conquests and football. Rimmel is counting the minutes for each tutoring session to end. These two unlikely people are forced to spend time with one another. In the end they will both discover that they may just have more in common than they thought. The will discover that they both have many layers. They will discover love for the first time.

Meanwhile throughout the book Romeo is rushing for the top Fraternity on campus. His commitment to rushing will take him to an all time low. He will be challenged to do things that he has always considered wrong. When the final challenge crosses the line and threatens to hurt Rimmel he will have choices to make.

Not only is Romeo having to chose between status, image, and his quest to join the fraternity, he has unknowingly made a very lethal enemy.

The opening for the #Hashtag series is thrilling. The journey that Romeo and Rimmel make in this semester is life changing for them both. The love they have found for one another is unexpected. Can they hang onto their love with all the expectations of sports, social status, academics, and their different backgrounds? Will Romeo’s enemy destroy everything they both hold dear? We will find out in #Hater.

#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

Michel’s Review

Rimmel and Romeo are settling into their relationship. Rimmel is becoming more confident and comfortable with herself. Romeo is moving on beyond what his social status requires.

Rimmel and Romeo are the couple that has become campus celebrities. Their every move is watched, tweeted,and posted by all. They are the stars that shine brightly.

Everything seems to be going well for them. Their relationship is growing. Romeo’s family is accepting Rimmel. Rimmel is building friendships and other relationships outside of the animal shelter. There is one thing that casts a dark shadow on their happiness.

Zach about ruined their relationship in #Nerd. He forced Romeo to quit rushing for the Omega Fraternity. He underestimated Romeo’s wits and tenacity. He underestimated Romeo’s power. Romeo has destroyed Zach’s status as the president of Omega. His influence has turned his brothers against him. Now he is going to destroy Romeo and Rimmel. He is out for blood.

As Zach’s vendetta escalates to the point of terror, Romeo and Rimmel will have other things coming at them from other parts of their lives. Both are enough to tear them apart and ruin their futures. Will they be able to overcome these adversities?

One moment of terror will destroy their hope for the future. It looks like Zach has had his final revenge that will destroy the rest of their lives. How can they overcome this? To make matters worse, Rimmel’s past is coming to haunt her. Secrets are being revealed that she may never be able to overcome.

What happens next? Cliffhanger! I cannot wait to get my hands on #Player, book 3, on March 9, 2015.

#Hater was consuming. I could not put this book down. I loved how Romeo handled everything. I loved how he brought out the best in Rimmel and gave her courage to be herself. I loved that Rimmel saw Romeo as more than a jock.

This couple will steal your heart!

Read the #Hashtag Series by 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

Happy Release + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Controlling Her Pleasure by Lili Valente- Under His Command Series – Book 1

Posted on 02/16/2015 by shellbellereads

Controlling Her Pleasure

Book 1

By Lili Valente

Synopsis

Blake Roberts has everything he’s ever wanted—fame, money, and ownership of the hottest chain of tattoo parlors in the country. But he’s haunted by his first love, the matching tattoo they share a constant reminder of who he was before he learned how to control his emotions, his desire, and a woman’s pleasure.

He needs to purge her from his heart, and he’ll do whatever it takes to be free.

Erin Perry’s been burned by love and she’s not ready to put her body under a man’s control, let alone her heart. But then Blake shows up, the only man she ever truly loved. Blake is ruthlessly handsome, and seething commanding energy that has her aching to submit.

To be pleasured, tamed, owned, and put under His control.

Warning: This book features a big, tattooed, Dominant alpha male—give him your trust and he’ll command your pleasure. All. Night. Long. Cliffhanger Alert: This steamy read ends in a cliffhanger. If you don’t like being teased, steer clear. The entire Under His Command series, Erin and Blake’s complete love story, will publish in February and March of 2015.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Coming Soon

Commanding Her Trust – Book 2

March 2, 2015

Blake Roberts is falling hard for his old flame and won’t stop until Erin is his. He doesn’t simply want her body; he wants her submission, her abandon, and the wounded heart she’s trying so hard to hide.

He wants all of her and he’s pulling out all the stops–in the bedroom and out–until she surrenders.

For Erin, what started as a charade has become all too real. She’s never experienced anything like the savage bliss she’s discovered in Blake’s arms. He tests her, dominates her, and if she doesn’t gain her freedom, soon he’ll own her–body and soul.

She has to escape even if running from Blake feels like running from the only home she’s ever known.

Claiming Her Heart – Book 3

March 16, 2015

Blake has what he thought he wanted–Erin’s submission, her trust, and the woman he loves back in his bed. But with her submission comes protection of her secrets. Erin is in trouble and an innocent life hangs in the balance.

Blake knows he can help her break free of the past, but he doesn’t know if a man like himself belongs in her future.

How can he swear to protect her from danger when he has a dark side of his own?

Tracey’s Review

You’ll need an extra set of panties and a fan as you read Controlling Her Pleasure, the first book in the Under His Command series by Lili Valente, a new voice in erotic romance. This book is a novella, but, believe me, it is NOT short on the sizzle. The spark between tattoo artist and Dom Blake Roberts and Erin ‘Angel’ Simmons practically leaps off the page. When these two are together, whether as teens exploring their first love, or, later, as two halves of a very sexy whole, the heat is absolutely palpable.

Controlling Her Pleasure is a great introduction to this new series, and had me from the first page. Blake is full of smolder, all man, and not afraid to show it. And Erin, for all of her sass and bravado, is more than happy to find herself under his spell. Their chemistry had me speeding through this read, and I cannot wait for the next book to see what comes next in their adventure.

I’ve happily added Lili to my list of hot authors, and give this book 5+ steamy sexy stars.

About Author

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

Website ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

$10 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Release + Review: A Desperate Man Vol. 2 by Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine

Posted on 02/16/2015 by shellbellereads

A Desperate Man: Volume 2

Ella Frank Brooke Blaine

Illusions — we all create them.

For some it’s to project an impressive image to a prospective employer; for others it’s to attract the eye of another.

My illusion is a bit more…complicated.

Years in the making, my secret has the potential to bite me in the ass. And not in the way I typically enjoy.

Sex.

As women, we’re judged for reveling in the same carnal pleasures that men do, but I’ve never been shy about my voracious appetite.

Now, I’m under no illusions that I’ll find love with any of my one night stands.

After all, I have one rule — no repeats — but it’s a rule that’s becoming harder to follow since Evan James came back into my life.

Did I say back into my life?

My name is Reagan Spencer, and you may think you know me, but…

How well do we really know anyone?

Excerpts

“Walk with me?” Evan asked.

She gave him a small smile and nodded. “Sure.”

Pushing off the rail, she fell in step with him as they walked along the river’s

edge.

“I’d be scared of what you’d see if you looked at me through your lens,” he

admitted.

“You shouldn’t.”

Evan scoffed and ran his fingers through his hair. “I can’t imagine there’s much

good there…”

“You’d be surprised at what I see.”

That comment had him coming to a standstill. “Would I?”

“Yes.”

“Okay,” he said, and started walking again. “Tell me what you see.”

Reagan slid her thumbs down the straps of her camera and cocked her head,

looking him over.

“I see a successful man. One who dresses well, even on a Saturday morning. So

that would indicate to me that he takes pride in his appearance. Maybe cares about what

others think also. The fact that you were leaving a therapist’s office makes me think

you’re a man with some issues, but also a man who is willing to work through them.

Again, that comes back to pride. You seem to be able to swallow yours when need be.”

Evan’s brow furrowed, but he said nothing as she continued.

“You also have a certain…air about you. It’s in the way you move. You’re

confident, but at the same time, when you flash that smile, the arrogance disappears, and

you look like the boy you used to be.”

The smile under discussion appeared, and Evan asked, “How do you know what

kind of boy I used to be?”

“Hey? This is my story,” Reagan reminded him before he continued asking

questions she wasn’t willing to answer.

“Oh, my apologies, I somehow thought it involved me.”

“It does, but you’re on the outside listening, so shh. You asked, remember?”

With a serious face, he nodded. “You would be right.”

“Okay. Now I lost my train of thought.”

Evan chuckled. “Well, it’s probably for the best that you didn’t mention any of

my unappealing attributes.”

“Speaking of…” she said, and turned to walk backward, facing him. “How did the therapy session go today?”

“Really great. There was an orgy, a sampling of sex toys, and a dessert buffet

afterward. Very satisfying.”

“Evan…”

He blew out a breath and rubbed the back of his neck. “It was fine. It’s always

fine. Today, Dr. Glover brought up behavior triggers, and it helped to figure out where

this whole mess started.”

Curious, she asked, “And where was that?”

“It wasn’t any one event. It was the high off the power I got from my job, it was

being in an unhealthy relationship…my grandparents passing…the worry about

following in my parents’ footsteps. The further things spiraled out of my control, the

more I craved that control in other parts of my life. Well, a very specific part of my life.”

He glanced over at her before continuing. “Obviously that’s the condensed version, but…I think it helps. Knowing those things and hopefully being able to
stop them in the future.”

But the urge isn’t gone?”

The look in his eyes was haunted as he replied, “No. No, it isn’t gone.”

Tracey’s Review

Although their first meeting was anything but, Evan James and Reagan Spencer have moved beyond their mutual attraction to work together in a professional capacity. And, while they try to keep it to business as usual, their desire for each other is making it difficult to say no to each other.

In this second volume of A Desperate Man, Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine really flesh out the story so that more is revealed about Reagan’s and Evan’s past, and more insight is given, especially about Reagan. While I found the first book to be a hot introduction to Evan’s and Reagan’s relationship, I really enjoyed this book, because the characters became more real. Without giving any spoilers, I will say that having glimpses into the past really add to understanding why Reagan feels so conflicted about her current involvement with Evan. And, while Volume 1 was hot, this book is even hotter, but in a less visceral and much more erotic way. I wasn’t sure that I liked Evan at all in the first book, but here, in Book 2, he won my heart. The characters relate to each other more intimately, and there is more playfulness and a sense of being comfortable here, right up to the point where it isn’t. And that is where the wonderful and talented authors leave us, as key players become aware that things, and people, are not what they seem.

I sped through this short but extremely satisfying installment, and cannot wait for the conclusion to Evan’s and Reagan’s story.

__________________________________________________________________

About the Authors

Brooke Blaine

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

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

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

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Ella Frank

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

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

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

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Buy Links for A Desperate Man: Volume 1

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Kobo

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Rebel by Callie Hart – Dead Man’s Ink Series – Book 1

Posted on 02/12/2015 by shellbellereads

Rebel

Dead Man’s Ink Series

By Callie Hart

Release Date:February 9, 2015

Synopsis

Rebel and Sophia’s story.

The first of a three part series. This novel contains a small snippet which has already been released in the Owned: An Alpha Anthology, however it is followed by a full story installment.

Sophia

Sometimes, you don’t mean to become another person. Sometimes the choice is made for you, and pretending is the only thing that keeps you going. When Alexis Romera is taken and her kidnappers find her fake ID in her purse, she must become Sophia in order to keep her family safe. Revealing her real identity to the man she’s sold to would be easy enough, but can she trust him? Hell bent on revenging the murder of his uncle, Rebel doesn’t seem all that interested in playing things safe.

In fact, nothing about the secretive, dark and brooding MC president seems safe at all.

Rebel

What do you do when the man who raised you is murdered, and the only witness is kidnapped girl who’s being sold as a sex slave? You buy her, of course. As president to the most powerful motorcycle club in America, Rebel isn’t lacking in power. There are strings the man can pull, and entire criminal organisations and corporate businesses alike would fall to their knees. However, along with such power comes intense interest. The DEA have their eye fixed solely on the MC…and they’re just waiting for Rebel to trip up.

Getting Sophia to testify is the only way to bring the Los Oscuros cartel down. The beautiful, dark haired, dark eyed woman is belligerent and uncooperative and unlikely to bend to his will, but Rebel has a few tricks up his sleeve to make her compliant–he’ll charm her until she’s bending over backwards to please him.

Of course, falling for her might cause a few hiccups along the way…

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Excerpt

“You gonna sit down or what?”

I sit down. Arguing with him would be futile. We sit there, side by side, staring off down the arrow-straight road, and for a moment I don’t hate him. He pulls a cell phone out of his pocket and taps something into it, and then he turns to face me, frowning slightly.

“You believe in vengeance?”

“You mean like revenge?”

He shakes his head. “Revenge is a selfish act. Retaliation for something. Vengeance is a different thing altogether. It’s about obtaining justice, usually for someone who can’t claim it for themselves.”

This is an odd line of questioning but I decide I’ll bite. Maybe I wouldn’t if he were being a jerk like he was a couple of hours ago, but that’s not what’s happening. He’s pensive, the live wire that apparently runs through him dulled for the moment. “I don’t know,” I say. “Probably, in that case.”

“What if I simplified the question?

What if I say, do you believe in justice?

“Then, yes, I do believe.”

Michel’s Review

OMG… I loved Rebel by Callie Hart!

From the very first paragraph I was hooked. Rebel starts with an intense beginning that builds to an explosive climax that leaves the reader biting their nails and begging for the next book. This book is intense, violent, explicit, and has the beginnings of a beautiful fierce love.

I know that there are quite a few excellent biker series on the market for readers to chose from. The Widow Makers MC is quite different from most of the series out there. It’s clear from the beginning that this club is more than outlaws defying society. Their membership is unique, they don’t have specific machine requirements, they are adaptable, and the general daily operations is ruled by who they are. Although it would seem they are a bit unstructured in many ways, it is quite the opposite. They have some very deadly alliances. They also have some powerful connections.

When Alexis is taken after witnessing a horrific crime her world is forever changed. She is taken by a gang connected with the Mexican cartel and sold into slavery. Her fake ID is the only thing she has going for her. Her true identity is hidden from her captors. Her captors have threatened retaliation on her family if she talks about anything that has happened to her. She is scared to death. It gets worse when she is sold to the Widow Makers.

The Widow Makers has used their connections to buy Sophia (aka Alexis) from Hector. She witnessed the murder of a very powerful judge. A judge that is related to Rebel, the president of the Widow Makers MC. They need her to testify to bring down Hector and his men. They have declared war.

The Widow Makers will try enlist one of their most dangerous allies, a Columbian Cartel that wants to destroy Hector also. But they have a price. It is a price that the Widow Makers are not sure they want to pay. They will have to make a choice of lying in bed with the devil or pursuing their enemies on their own. They are out gunned and will probably lose their lives.

As this story unfolds so much more happens. In the end the Widow Makers will not know who is friend or foe. Their world will be threatened from every which way. Events will take place that will send the club spiraling in all directions.

This is WAR!

Meanwhile Rebel and Sophia are engaging in a battle of their own. Not only does Rebel want to convince Sophia to testify by offering protection for her and her family, he is also attracted to her as a woman. As the two begin a rocky relationship their world spins out of control. How can Rebel guarantee protection for Sophia when he is about to engage in an all out war. There are too many enemies to kill. There are unknown enemies lurking in the background.

The ending of this book was a major OMG CLIFFHANGER. It was intense! I need the next book!

I was very impressed with Callie Hart’s writing. She built a world that drew the readers into the story from the beginning. She added intensity, action, and mystery while building a romance. I couldn’t put this book down.

Rebel is a 5 Star book!

About Callie Hart

Callie has experienced many changes throughout her life, and gone through many ups and downs that have all worked towards shaping and molding her into the person she is today: fun loving, active, social, and hard working. The only thing that has remained a constant throughout her life is writing. Creating characters who will tear your conscience in two is a favorite pastime of Callie’s. There are few real saints and sinners in her books; more often, the denizens of her stories are all very human. Broken, flawed, and always with the potential for redemption.

Despite the subject matter being markedly hot and heavy in comparison to the stories she wrote in elementary school, there will always be an element of fairytale to her work.

Stalk Her: Website – Facebook – Twitter – Goodreads – Join Callie’s Newsletter

GIVEAWAY
3 Rebel Super Swag packs
1 paperback of Rebel w/ signed bookplate
1 complete eCopy set of the Blood & Roses series
1 ARC of Callie Hart & Lili St. Germain’s upcoming collaboration, Hell’s Kitchen
(to be ready by end of February)
1 MAC “Rebel” lipstick
Gary Taylor Leather Jacket
$20 Amazon/iBooks Gift card
Kindle HD 6

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Category Archives: Reviewers

Happy Release + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Ember by Rachel Van Dyken – Eagle Elite Series – Book 5

5 Star Review : The Hermit and The Hooker by L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid

Blog Tour + Review: Treasure Me by Mia Dymond – Alpha Four Series – Book 1

Happy Release + Review + Giveaway: Touch & Go by Mira Lyn Kelly

Happy Release + 6 Star Review + 2015 Favorite : Garrett by Sawyer Bennett- Cold Fury Hockey Series – Book 2

Happy Release + Review: Heartsick by Caitlin Sinead

Cover Reveal + #Hashtag Series Review : #Player by Cambria Hebert – #Hashtag Series – Book 3

Happy Release + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Controlling Her Pleasure by Lili Valente- Under His Command Series – Book 1

Happy Release + Review: A Desperate Man Vol. 2 by Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Rebel by Callie Hart – Dead Man’s Ink Series – Book 1

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