New Release + 5 Star Review: Repossess by Jennifer Foor

Posted on 03/10/2017 by shellbellereads

Repossess

By Jennifer Foor

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iBooks | KOBO | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Synopsis
Raised by my four brothers, I’m the poster girl of a

hot-mess. A sucker for cheating assholes and shitty friends.

It’s the reason I’ve come home.

The only reason!

I arrive to find the family business in shambles. My brothers have managed to run it into the ground. With new competition, the stakes are high, especially when I realize whose stealing all of the business out from under us.

Seeing him again isn’t the hard part.

I’m over Crane Lord, his cocky, dangerous sex appeal, his criminal ways of getting by, and how

he used to own every part of me.

He’s the enemy. I don’t want him.

I can’t.

Shit!

*Contains Adult Language and Content. Some sexual situations*

ADD TO GOODREADS

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EXCERPT

Snippet:

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Saturday. It’s usually a day spent reflecting back on a long week of dealing with local douchebags, making mediocre money at the shitty job I assumed would get my feet in the door for bigger and better things. Now it will require an existential amount of change and a few beers at the closest dive bar I happen upon.
The foul taste of betrayal lingers in my mouth, though it’s easy to disguise from the unknowing stranger driving the taxi away from the apartment. The stinging in my eyes is a surefire sign that I’ve been deceived. I’m the last to know.
Unfortunately, the sudden urge to hurt someone leaves me more vulnerable than I’m comfortable with. Crying is saved for when someone you care about dies. In this instance my boyfriend is very much alive, the telltale proof would be the enthusiasm he was displaying while ramming our other roommate in the nether regions.
Up. The. Ass.
Go figure.
It’s something I prefer to steer away from, mostly because the two times I tried it ended with the seeing of actual stars and a few days worth of explosive diarrhea. As far as I’m concerned it’s a do-not-enter zone.
The fact that I’m fighting the urge to scream tells me I’m out of my element. I’ve let my guard down, and in order to rectify this situation and remain in control a few things need to happen immediately.
Kill. Jeffery. James.
Okay, maybe not kill him, even though in this short ride I’ve at least fabricated eight different scenarios that would end his existence. Since doing all of them would land me in a federal penitentiary, I’m resolved to handle this with a bit of discreet revenge, or at least the way I see it fit.
His wallet was the only thing I was able to grab in my state of shock. I open up the leather bi-fold and see what I’m working with. One Visa Platinum card. A MasterCard under his company name. His driver’s license, a bankcard, and roughly a hundred bucks in small bills are inside of a full-size flap. “Driver, take me to the shops on the main strip please.”
If there’s one thing I hate more than gossip, it’s clichés, so I’m fully aware I’m acting like a woman scorn. Quickly, before it begins to ring again, I turn my phone to silent and utilize the data to access the Internet. A wicked grin strikes my face as I type in a well-known porn site. I follow the prompt to set up a premier account, and then copy the number on his company card into the required fields.
Still not satisfied that this will make a big enough stink, I proceed to shop for bondage apparatus. One self-standing sex swing. Thirteen gag balls. Three different sizes of men’s black leather chaps. A variety pack of standard horse whips. Ceiling and floor restraints. Lastly a case of handcuffs and a police approved taser, complete with extended length use. I make sure the shipping address is the office, and hope his unknowing secretary gets a good laugh before drawing attention to the latest order.
A short snicker escapes me when I fill in the payment information and finish the transaction.
As fun as it is while I’m doing it, I know this won’t help with the disgraceful ache I’m ashamed of admitting.
I’m not your average twenty-two year old female. Raised by four older brothers, I wasn’t taught etiquette, or how to primp. I’m a rebel, a force to be reckoned with, that has an occasional sensitive side I rarely show. I’ve also been told I’m a fun lay, when I don’t let my feelings cloud my judgment. It’s a bad habit. It pisses me off that I’ve never been enough for any man, but I’m not an idiot. Men cheat because they want to. It’s the excitement, the rush they get when they’re involved in something new. I’m the opposite of dainty. Maybe Jeffery wanted a prissy little thing he could push around, and we can both agree, I’ll never be that kind of lady.

Michel’s Review

Repossess by Jennifer Foor was one of those books I couldn’t put down. This book kept me fully engaged and pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns.

Raimey Turner left home four years earlier after catching her boyfriend Crane Lord cheating. For the past four years she hasn’t had contact with her family until she decides to leave Vegas after another disastrous relationship with another cheating man and return home. What she returned home to was not what she left behind. Her family has fallen apart and they don’t want anything to do with her. The only person trying to reconnect with her is her ex, Crane Lord.

Her brothers have lost their thriving repo business and two of her brothers are no longer around. Her other brother wants her gone asap. No one is giving her any explanations or second chances. It appears that Crane Lord is behind it all. He runs a successful towing business like her family business once was. Crane is also the only one willing to help her even though he betrayed her years ago. Crane is determined to win Raimey back and will do everything in his power to gain her respect and win her heart. Raimey will have choices to make, one of those will be forgiving Crane. Is he worth investing her heart in once again?

As the story unfolds and the family secrets begin to surface, it will surprise the reader. The twists and turns throughout the story are anything but predictable. The relationship between Raimey and Crane was sizzling hot and emotional at the same time. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Repossess. I am hoping there will be some books coming featuring Raimey’s family.

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A Maryland native who spends most of her time devising a plan to live off the land on some remote island, where no one will ever find her.

She is a married mother of two kids, who may or may not drive her completely bonkers. In her spare time she enjoys shooting pool, camping and spending time with friends and family.

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New Release + Excerpt + Review: The Deep End by Kristen Ashley – The Honey Series – Book 1

Posted on 03/09/2017 by shellbellereads

✮✮✮A delicious world of erotica, BDSM with alpha-subs and their Dommes, and a gripping love story…Welcome to The Bee’s Honey! The first book in New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley’s Honey Series, THE DEEP END is a seductive and rich lovestory. Order your copy today! ✮✮✮

Fall into THE DEEP END and order your copy today!

About THE DEEP END (Erotic Romance Releasing March 7, 2017):

Enter a decadent sensual world where gorgeous alpha males are committed to fulfilling a woman’s every desire…

Olivier isn’t sure what he’s gotten himself into when he joins the Honey Club, only that a dark part of him hungers for the lifestyle offered by this exclusive club. Here, no boundary will be left untested…and one’s deepest fantasies will become an exquisite reality.

When Amélie invites Olivier to surrender, she gives the alpha submissive what he craves. Soon they both find themselves falling harder than they ever anticipated—but as their connection deepens, the truth about Olivier’s past could destroy everything…

Gripping and seductive, The Deep End is the first book in a sensational new series from bestselling author Kristen Ashley.

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

GooglePlay | Kobo | IndieBound | BAM

Excerpt

She slid out of the booth with murmurings of “good night” and “have fun,” taking her stiletto-heeled-sandal-shod feet with the will of steel her mother had begun the process of instilling in her and her training as a Domme had completed.

She could not have her legs give out on her and she could not expose her nervous anticipation.

And she wouldn’t.

But, God, she had not felt like this in years. That sub she’d spied or she’d had who was so promising or such a transcendent experience to play with that she could barely control her own reactions to exploring that promise or again feeling the wholeness, togetherness, oneness with another.

She moved in his direction, no game playing. She didn’t even glance at Stellan in his booth.

Amélie didn’t participate in those games, not ever. There was no reason for her to be coy with a sub.

And she moved with the gait and bearing that it was solely her mother who’d ingrained in her in the sporadic times they’d had together, doing it with an unrelenting fervor that it would take the threat of death to force her to move any other way.

Chin up. Shoulders straight and slightly back. A sway of her hips so subtle, it was elusive. Long, confident strides.

Amélie could walk a catwalk.

She could also make a specimen she was approaching get so hard his cock was aching by the time she made it to him.

She hadn’t even gone halfway when he sensed her approach and she was gratified that his response was instantaneous.

He pushed from the wall. He turned fully to face her. And she felt his eyes drop not with the respect a sub owed a Domme, but to take her in from sandals to hair.

Then his gaze locked on hers and he didn’t look away.

He didn’t look away.

He watched her approach not like he was taking the risky liberty he was taking but like it was his God-given right.

Amélie felt her clit quiver.

She arrived at him, stopping several feet away, knowing that the minute her body language made it clear she was going in for the capture, most eyes in the room, if not all, were on her.

She did not care about this. Not that she’d ever care about this (which she wouldn’t), but because, now close to him, she found to her enchanted surprise, he was not big.

He was colossal.

A mighty beast.

A magnificent beast.

Exquisite.

He was not six foot five. He was six-six, more likely six-seven. A mountain of compacted muscle encased in a very fine, very expensive suit.

Taking him in, in proximity, she wanted him more than she’d already wanted him. She wanted no boundaries. She wanted everything. Her diverse skill set, experience, imagination, creativity, and if it came down to it, sheer determination and grit, she’d utilize it all to wring him dry in a way he’d contemplate murder in order to have the opportunity to come back for more.

She was on the verge of speaking when he did.

His direct gaze appreciative, and arrogant smile curving his full lips, he asked, “How you doin’ sweetheart?”

She froze.

Full eye contact. Speaking without being spoken to. Using an unconsented and unearned endearment.

The already damp gusset of her panties soaked to the point her wet crept up the silk of her front and back sides.

But her brows snapped together, her censure clear, and her lips ordered, “Follow me.”

Michel’s Review

The new Honey Series is quite different than what avid Kristen Ashley fans have come to expect from her books. This new series explores a completely different type of romance genre that Kristen Ashley usually writes, it leans more towards erotica romance. It explores the world of BDSM and the Honey Club. This takes a bit of a different approach, a hot alpha male in the role as a sub. A man who has two distinct sides to his personality that normally would contradict each other. So how can this possibly work in a romance. Romance readers lean towards a dominant alpha male who takes charge at all times, especially in the bedroom. Somehow Kristen Ashley pulled it off and made Oliver a swoon worthy hero in his own right. As for his dominatrix, Mistress Amelie, she is a little harder to connect to.

Most of this story revolves around the sexual relationship between Oliver and Amelie. The reader doesn’t get to experience much of their life and relationship outside of club. In my mind, that is the true test of the strength of their commitment to one another. I personally would of liked experiencing more of the dynamics of their lives outside of the club.

The Deep End was a bit more than an erotica romance. There was a bit of mystery and intrigue that revolved around the club but it was not the focus of the story. I think this is a book that each reader needs to judge for themselves. It took me out of my comfort zone but overall was a good story. Kristen Ashley made it work.

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About Kristen Ashley:

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA and nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn’t taken her first breath!). Her mother said they took Kristen away, put her Mom back in her room, her mother looked out the window, and Gary was on fire (Dr. King had been assassinated four days before). Kristen’s Mom remembered thinking it was the end of the world. Quite the dramatic beginning.

Nothing’s changed.

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana and has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus, she’s blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her family was (is) loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write. They all lived together on a very small farm in a small farm town in the heartland. She grew up with Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing, it keeps getting better.

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Unwritten by Jen Frederick – The Woodland Series – Book 5

Posted on 03/06/2017 by shellbellereads

Unwritten

Woodlands Series – Book 5

By Jen Frederick

Release Date: March 6, 2017

Buy : Amazon / B & N / IBooks / Kobo

Synopsis

After years of trying to hit it big with his band, Adam Rees’ dream is
finally about to come true. A new lead singer brings with him a hot
tour invite, but with a catch—his sister has to come with them.
Despite an off-limits edict, Adam is instantly attracted the smart and
beautiful Landry. But if he wants to claim his woman, it might be at
the expense of all his ambitions.

Landry Olsen has had success at every stage of her life, except when
it comes to men. She’s put her heart on the shelf, but one look at
Adam and she’s a goner. The hot rocker heats her from the inside out,
and she wants him as much as he wants her. The only thing standing in
their way of their happiness is Landry’s brother—she ruined his
musical hopes before, and she won’t do it again. Even if it means
saying no to the one guy who makes her believe in love again.

There’s no fruit more tempting than the forbidden kind…

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Michel’s Review

It’s been almost two years since the last book in this series released. The release of Unwritten by Jen Frederick had me jumping with pure joy. The Woodlands series is one of my all time favorite series. I have become deeply connected with all the characters in this series and was anxiously waiting for Adam’s book to release. It was obvious that Adam wasn’t ready to fall in love. After watching his roommates fall hard and find happiness, he finally sees what he is missing. He’s ready for love and settle down with one woman.

For Adam, love came around at the same time his band got their big break. They have been invited on a big concert tour that could open the door for bigger things. Meeting “the girl” right before the tour is a complete bummer. That girl being his bandmate’s younger sister is even worse. To make matters even more difficult is the girl has a ton of baggage that is out of her control. She has a dangerous stalker threatening her life. What’s a guy to do with all of that at once?

Landry goes on tour with her brother and his band because her stalker is out of jail and threatening her once again. She’s attracted to Adam but her brother has made it abundantly clear that his bandmates are off limits. She doesn’t want to wreck their opportunity for bigger things by coming between the band members.

Adam and Landry were meant for one another. Nothing is going to stand in the way of their feelings. They will just have to figure out how to deal with her brother, the band, the upcoming fame, and get rid of the stalker. Their love is worth fighting for.

I absolutely loved this book. Seeing the other side of Adam and his true personality was wonderful. He is truly a great, sensitive man that knows how to treat a lady like she is the most precious thing in the world. That in itself was quite surprising because of his manwhore reputation in the previous books. Landry was a delightful, quirky, smart heroine that won my heart. The members of the band were just as delightful. Hopefully they will get their own books too. Jen Frederick has once again written a fantastic book.

Author Bio:

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

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: All The Frogs In Manhattan by Carrie Aarons

Posted on 03/05/2017 by shellbellereads

Title: All the Frogs in Manhattan

Author: Carrie Aarons

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: March 5, 2017

Blurb

You know how Cinderella had the whole glass slipper, pumpkin carriage, fairy godmother thing?Yeah…with foot-destroying stilettos, Uber, and a Twitter horoscope, my life is far from a happily ever after.In fact, instead of Prince Charming, I end up dating every slimy, scaly, brainless frog in the kingdom of Manhattan. And by frog, I mean all of the stereotypical bad guys that Mom and Lifetime movies warned you about.

The meathead player.
The mommy’s boy.
The namedropper.
The cheapskate.

If they suck at relationships, I’ve probably kissed those cold, clammy lips in the hopes of finding love. Until one day, when one man with commitment issues offers to help me find the Romeo to my Juliet.

But what happens when the frog, who was never supposed to turn into a prince, kisses you at midnight? Ok fine, he propositioned me for some afternoon delight after brunch, but not everything can be straight out of a fairytale.

ADD TO GOODREADS

Purchase Links

99c for release day only

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

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Michel’s Review

When I was younger and single, I can remember the difficulties in the world of dating. It was beyond frustrating. I always found something wrong with most potential prince charmings. My mother always said ” you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you will meet your prince”. So I muddled along, kissed a bunch of toads, finally found my imperfect prince charming and am living our version of happily ever after.

Carrie Aarons delivered a delightful story that illustrates exactly how difficult the world of dating can be. From the mama’s boys to the manwhores. Add the dating apps to the mix and the dating world becomes even more disastrous. Sometimes the characters are so lost within all the muck, they fail to recognize a good thing when it’s right in front of their faces. When the switch finally turns on, the romance is pure and delightfully imperfect. In the end love is the only thing that matters. There is no guideline or directions. It’s about learning to compromise and give more of oneself.

I absolutely loved this book! I highly recommend All The Frogs In Manhattan by Carrie Aarons.

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Author Bio

Author of romance novels such as Red Card and the Captive Heart Duet, Carrie Aarons writes sexy, swoony and sarcastic characters who won’t get out of her head until she puts them down on a page.

Carrie has wanted to be an author since the first time she opened a book. She loves spinning tales that include dapper men, women with attitude, and the occasional hunky athlete.

When she isn’t in what her husband calls a “writing coma”, Carrie is freeing up her jam-packed DVR, starting her latest DIY project, or planning her next travel adventure. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, who is more than happy to watch sports while his wife plots love stories.

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New Release + Review: Starlight Bridge by Debbie Mason – Harmony Harbor Series – Book 2

Posted on 03/03/2017 by shellbellereads

Starlight Bridge

Harmony Harbor Series – Book 2

By Debbie Mason

Release Date: February 28, 2017

Buy: Amazon / B & N / IBooks / Kobo

Synopsis

A second chance for romance…

Hidden in Graystone Manor is a book containing all the dark secrets of Harmony Harbor, and Ava DiRossi is determined to find it. No one—especially not her ex-husband, Griffin Gallagher—can ever discover what really tore her life apart all those years ago. With Griffin back in town, it’s more important than ever that she find the book before someone else does. Because her ex is still angry with her for leaving him. And he still has no idea Ava never stopped loving him…

Ava is no longer the vibrant, happy woman Griffin had once loved and married, and he would do anything to bring back the sparkle to her brilliant green eyes. But what’s never changed are the sexy sparks of attraction between Ava and Griffin, and he won’t give her up again without a fight. He knows there’s the real possibility of a future together…if the truth doesn’t burn the bridge between them forever.

Excerpt

“We’re in business, Simon. This should do—”

“Tell Grams I’ll see her in a bit.”

Her gaze shot to the door. She’d recognize that voice anywhere. Griffin was here. Now. Outside the door. She shot to her feet, shoving the candelabra in front of the fireplace.

Meow.

She’d trapped Simon. She grabbed the cat, put him on the floor, and scooped up the bucket and sponges while frantically searching for somewhere to hide. The balcony. She didn’t care if she froze to death; she couldn’t let him find her here.

As she turned to run, Ava heard the beep of the passkey. She wouldn’t make it. She spun around and ran the short distance to the bathroom. Her breath coming in panicked puffs, she stepped inside the bathtub and carefully inched the crimson and gold shower curtain across the rod. She sagged against the tile wall, praying his in a bit meant he’d drop his bags off and leave.

If it had been anyone other than Griffin, she’d pretend to be cleaning the room. But she remembered all too clearly the humiliation of being discovered by Griffin and his ex-wife the last time they’d stayed at the manor. He’d looked at Ava like he hadn’t known who she was, and his wife had asked for fresh towels, acting as though Ava hadn’t done her job.

And then there was the book. She couldn’t leave without it.

“How did you get in here?”

Her gaze jerked to the curtain, her heart beating double time. She let out the breath she’d been holding when the bed creaked. Simon. Griffin was talking to the cat. “Better question would be, what have you been up to? Your paws are black. Off the bed, buddy.”

Her toes curled in her shoes, a warm, fluttery sensation settling low in her stomach in response to the slow drawl of Griffin’s deep voice. He always spoke in that low, unhurried tone. Even when he was angry or when he was whispering how much he loved her or when he was talking her out of her temper. Only then there’d been a hint of laughter too. Her temper used to amuse him. He had a long fuse; she had a short one. She used to, at least.

Her lips curved at the memories; then her wistful smile faded when the consequences of what he’d just said penetrated her lovesick brain. Simon’s paws were dirty. All she’d need was for Griffin to start looking for the source. She had to…

There was the rasp of a zipper, then the light thud of something hitting the floor. At the sound of heavy footfalls approaching the bathroom, Ava’s eyes went wide, and she pressed her back against the tiled wall. A bare, muscled arm reached past the curtain, a large hand turning on the water. The cold spray from the showerhead hit her in the face, and a small, shocked squeak escaped before she could contain it.

Griffin whipped back the shower curtain. His thick, toffee-colored hair glistened under the fluorescent light, his dazzling, deep blue eyes wide in surprise. She opened her mouth to say something, but the words got stuck in her throat as her eyes drifted down his body. He was completely and gloriously naked. And even more beautiful than she remembered.

Tracey’s Review

Ava DiRossi is on a mission. If she doesn’t find Colleen Gallagher’s hidden diary, the diary that contains the secrets of Ava and other residents of Harmony Harbor, things are going to get ugly. Because there are things in that diary, things that are best kept covered up. And with the return of Ava’s ex-husband, Griffin Gallagher, to Harmony Harbor, she’s more determined than ever to find the diary and keep her secrets in the past.

STARLIGHT BRIDGE, the second book in the Harmony Harbor series by author Debbie Mason, is a lovely combination of second-chance love story with a twist of mystery and a wee bit of the paranormal. I love stories that revolve around small-town life, and Harmony Harbor is just that sort of place, a place where love, friendship, and community are the focal points, and everyone looks out for each other.

When Griffin returns to find that life for Ava is anything but easy, his unexpected feelings of protection point to deeper emotions that he thought he’d put to rest. Never fully understanding why she’d ended things the way she had, Griff is determined to start fresh with Ava. But that darned diary. Ava is certain that the secrets that it hides could rip them apart forever.

I am a sucker for an happy ending, and second-chance love is so much the sweeter sometimes. The obstacles that Griff and Ava have to overcome to get their HEA are heartbreaking, but seeing them get past those things made me a happy reader.

STARLIGHT BRIDGE is the sort of book that makes me remember why I return to romance again and again. It’s got heart and friendship, and the focus isn’t on fan-your-face steaminess. It’s just a sweet read that shows how important it is to take a chance with your heart, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. An easy 4 stars, I highly recommend this book, and look forward to visiting Harmony Harbor again soon.

***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Debbie Mason is the bestselling author of the Christmas, Colorado and Harmony Harbor series. Her books have been praised for their “likable characters, clever dialogue and juicy plots” (RT Book Reviews). When she isn’t writing or reading, Debbie enjoys spending time with her very own real-life hero, three wonderful children, two adorable grandbabies, and a yappy Yorkie named Bella in Ontario, Canada.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~ Goodreads

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New Release + Review: The Cheater by Rachel Van Dyken – Curious Liaisons Series – Book 1

Posted on 03/03/2017 by shellbellereads

The Cheater

Curious Liaisons – Book 1

By Rachel Van Dyken

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK

Synopsis

Lucas Thorn wasn’t born a cheater. All it took was a single moment—say, a certain disastrous incident on the night before his wedding—and boom. Reputation destroyed forever and always. So now he owns it. He has a lady friend for every night of the week (except Sundays—God’s day and all), and his rules are simple: No commitments. No exceptions.

But a certain smart-mouthed, strawberry blonde vixen is about to blow that all to hell.

Avery Black has never forgiven Lucas for cheating on her sister. And suddenly being forced to work with him is pretty much a nightmare on steroids. Of course, it does afford her the opportunity to make his life as difficult as possible. But no good revenge scheme comes without payback. Because he didn’t become the Lucas Thorn without learning a few things about women.

Now Avery’s lust for vengeance has turned into, well, lust. And if Lucas stops cheating, it’s definitely not because he’s falling in love…

Excerpt

One night.

It was all I needed anyway, right? It’s not as if he was going to really commit to me, marry me, offer to impregnate me and father all our children.

“Are you sure about this, Avery?” He cupped my face with his rough hands. “You still have a choice. You can turn that cute ass around and march out that door—hell, you can even slam it on the way out. I’ll even let you keep the steak.”

“Are you offering me an out?”

He nodded.

“Do you offer that to every girl?”

Another nod.

“Do they ever take it?”

“Sometimes.”

“What do you want me to do?”

He paused. “You know, nobody has ever asked me that before.”

Probably because nobody cared about what else he had to offer besides what was dangling between his legs.

“I’m asking. Right now.” I wrapped my arms around his neck. “What does Thorn want?”

“You didn’t full-name me.”

“It seems to make you even more arrogant, God forbid.”

His grin made me weak, so weak that I had to hold on to him for strength. Funny how things come full circle. How he’d always been my rock.

Dependable.

Loving.

And now?

He held all the power. Lucas Thorn . . . could destroy me.

“Stay.” He brushed a soft kiss across my lower lip. “I want you to stay.”

Michel’s Review

Rachel Van Dyken is back with a new zany romance series, Curious Liaisons. This latest romantic comedy will have you rolling with laughter and fearful of the gynecologist .

What’s a guy to do when he has betrayed his fiancee the night before the wedding and gets caught? Run for the hills or face the music? Not only did he betray his fiancee, he ripped apart two families. He destroyed their friendships and trust. It was an accident that wasn’t meant to happen but needed to happen. Lucas Thorn was that guy. Although he felt some regrets, he also knew it was the right thing in the end. He has fully embraced his label as a cheater. He has become a pro at being a cheater. But now he has full control of his cheating. He is abundantly clear to all his women, who are scheduled by days of the week, that he has other women. It works for him. Most times it works for his week day women. Everyone is happy. Well at least they think they are happy until Avery Black takes a job as Lucas intern assistant. Avery and Lucas have a long history. A history that goes back to his downfall, the day he became a cheater.

Avery is hard up for a job. She’s been living paycheck to paycheck. When she lands a great intern position things are looking up until she meets her boss. Lucas Thorn is the man that betrayed her sister. Now she has to deal with the low life, lying, no good cheater. They were once friends, maybe they can work together on a professional level. Their families don’t have to know.

Things don’t go as planned. Avery despises Lucas’ week day calendar. She despises his week day women. She wants to despise Lucas but he is too likable. And when the families find out and assume something different about their relationship, the world spins out of control in a very crazy way.

Can a cheater fall in love and be faithful to one woman? Lucas Thorn doesn’t know. Only time will tell but how that time passes is a different story. A trip to the gynecologist is enough to scare a man away from women for good. Dealing with the moms is like walking into an insane asylum. Touching Avery is like heaven.

Rachel Van Dyken had me rolling with laughter and swooning at the same time. I highly recommend The Cheater.

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

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

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New Release + 5 Star Review: Throne of Truth by Pepper Winters – The Truth and Lies Duet – Book 2

Posted on 03/02/2017 by shellbellereads

Throne of Truth, the thrilling conclusion to Crown of Lies from New York Times Bestseller, Pepper Winters, is now LIVE!

Throne Of LIes

Truth And Lies Duet – Book 2

By Pepper Winters

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK / B & N / IBooks / Kobo / Google Play

Synopsis:

TWO YEARS

Since my life changed for the second time and not necessarily for the better. Two years since I traded prison bars for streets and hunted a runaway who I’d met in an alley.

TWO DAYS

Since I forgot how to lie, woke to fists, and chased after the girl who’d been stolen from me.

TWO HOURS

To save her, rescue her, keep my lies intact. She looks at me full of hate. I look at her full of confession.

TWO MINUTES

For our relationship to switch from mutual dislike to floundering with unknowns. I’ve hurt her. Now, she’s hurt me. I guess we’re even.

TWO SECONDS

For her to listen, to see, to finally know who I am. The answer comes with hardship. The answer isn’t what she wants to hear.

TWO BREATHS

For me to walk out the door.

TWO HEARTBEATS

For it all to be over.

Truth And Lies Duet

“I met the boy I wanted. But then he vanished and a new man claimed me instead. My father approved, my colleagues congratulated, and behind closed doors, I was bedded by a stranger.”

***

Crown of Lies

Truth and Lies Duet – Book 1

By Pepper Winters

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

Synopsis

“I met the man I wanted. But then he vanished, and a new man claimed me instead. My father approved, my colleagues congratulated, and behind closed doors, I was bedded by a stranger.”
Noelle Charlston lives a fairy-tale life: a doting father, a powerful job, and a future blessed with financial security.
However, two meetings with two men changes her happy existence forever. First, she meets the man who makes her heart sing. Three years later, she meets the man who makes her blood quiver.
Broken-hearted from a teenage romance, Noelle’s freedom is no longer hers. It belongs to the stranger her father believes is her perfect match. The stranger who pulls his lies over everyone he touches.
Including her.
Seduced and manipulated, Noelle gives into the mysterious Penn Everett. The lies he spins, the truth he hides, the mystery he weaves—it’s all enough to slowly erode the woman she is and turn her into something else.
Until her past collides with her present.
And it’s her turn to lie.
To everyone…including herself.

Michel’s Review

After reading Crown of Lies by Pepper Winters, I was counting down the days for Throne of Truth to release. In typical Pepper Winters fashion, the first book ended on a huge cliffhanger. Once again Pepper Winters has taken me by surprise. What I was expecting in Throne of Lies did not quite play out. Pepper took the story in a fresh, new direction.

I am not going to say much more because there would be too many spoilers. I will say that Pepper took her writing to another level. She took on the American justice system.

Penn and Elle had a different type of conflict to deal with. It took their relationship in a new direction. The one thing that didn’t change was their passion for one another. That is the one truth that has always existed. That truth is their foundation for the future.

The one thing I noticed with the Truth and Lies Duet is that Pepper adapted better to American slang and terminology.

I highly recommend the Truth and Lies Duet. Pepper Winters always delivers an enthralling story that is addicting.

__________________________________

Pepper Winters wears many roles. Some of them include writer, reader, sometimes wife. She loves dark, taboo stories that twist with your head. The more tortured the hero, the better, and she constantly thinks up ways to break and fix her characters. Oh, and sex… her books have sex.

She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends.

New Release + Review: Sweet Rivalry by K. Bromberg

Posted on 03/01/2017 by shellbellereads

Ryder Rodgers had a plan.

He was going to stride into the conference room, do the required song and dance over the next five days, and win the biggest contract of his career. But when he walked in and heard the voice of one of his competitors, all his plans were shot to hell.

Harper Denton. She was always on top. In college. First in their class. Always using every advantage to edge him out to win the coveted positions. The only one who could beat him. His academic rival. More like a constant thorn in his side. And his ego’s.

When he heard her voice, he was brought back to years before. To the bitter taste of being second best. But the woman who meets his gaze is nothing like the drab wallflower he used to know. Hell no. She was all woman now: curves, confidence, and staggering sex appeal. And no doubt, still brilliant.

The fact that she’s gorgeous and bright won’t distract him. This time, Ryder’s determined to be the one on top. But not if Harper can help it.

Amazon | Amazon UK

He takes a step toward me then hesitates, but before I can process anything else, his lips are on mine.

And not just on mine––not just a brush of lips against lips—but I’m talking all in. Hands on my cheeks, tongue licking between my lips, body pressed against mine, groan in the back of his throat, type of all in.

I don’t react at first. I’m stunned. Flabbergasted, my mind reeling from the anger to the surprise to now this without any warning at all.

This is Ryder.

My rival.

My supporter.

My crush.

The thoughts flicker that this is what I’ve wanted. But they soon shift to panic. To insecurity I don’t kiss well enough. That this is all a joke and I’m the butt of it.

But then I feel. Everything. All at once.

And I know this is real.

It’s like I can’t catch my breath and have too much air all at the same time.

My body is on fire. And not just from his touch but from that burn deep inside that feels like it’s exploding and imploding all at once.

So this is what it feels like to really be kissed.

It’s a fleeting thought before the sensations, the moment, the emotions, consume me whole.

His hands move my face to change the angle of the kiss. His fingertips on the line of my jaw singe my skin. His lips move expertly against mine, and all I can do is feel. All I can do is want.

Thinking isn’t an option.

The anger from before has morphed to want. The adrenaline has recharged with desire.

There is no rivalry.

There is no graduation ceremony tomorrow I’m missing to catch my flight.

There is no panic over if I’ll ever see him again.

It’s just him.

And me.

The scent of his cologne in my nose. The heat of his body against mine. The taste of hunger in his kiss.

Michel’s Review

K. Bromberg’s latest release Sweet Rivalry turns two competitors into red hot lovers.

Ryder Rogers and Harper Denton have been competitors since their college days. Harper always managed to beat Ryder. Rather than being resentful or jealous, Ryder admired Harper’s sharp mind and competitive spirit. Harper was always intimidated by Ryder as a man but when it came to competition, he was just another shark in the waters. They were both attracted to one another but never took the attraction to the next level.

Years later they meet once again and are competing for the same project. For Harper it means getting back in the game. For Ryder it is another feather in his cap. The one thing that hasn’t changed is their attraction for one another.

They may be competitors but they are also meant to be partners in life. This will be a true test of their integrity while reaching for the true prize, their love for one another.

Once again K. Bromberg wrote a sexy, fun romance loaded with sexual tension, creative dialogue, and red hot love scenes.

_________________________________________________

New York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy, and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines, and damaged heroes who we love to hate and hate to love.

She’s a mixture of most of her female characters: sassy, intelligent, stubborn, reserved, outgoing, driven, emotional, strong, and wears her heart on her sleeve. All of which she displays daily with her husband and three children where they live in Southern California.

On a whim, K. Bromberg decided to try her hand at this writing thing. Since then she has written The Driven Series (Driven, Fueled, Crashed, Raced, Aced), the standalone Driven Novels (Slow Burn, Sweet Ache, Hard Beat, and Down Shift), and a novella (UnRaveled). She is currently finishing up Sweet Cheeks a standalone novel out November 14^th.

Her plans for 2017 include a sports romance duet (2 books: The Player, The Catch) and the Everyday Heroes series (3 books: Cuffed, Combust, and Cockpit). She’s also writing a novella for the 1,001 Dark Night series that will be out in February 2017.

She loves to hear from her readers so make sure you check her out on social media.

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Sweet Rivalry by K. Bromberg

Posted on 02/28/2017 by shellbellereads

Ryder Rodgers had a plan.

He was going to stride into the conference room, do the required song and dance over the next five days, and win the biggest contract of his career. But when he walked in and heard the voice of one of his competitors, all his plans were shot to hell.

Harper Denton. She was always on top. In college. First in their class. Always using every advantage to edge him out to win the coveted positions. The only one who could beat him. His academic rival. More like a constant thorn in his side. And his ego’s.

When he heard her voice, he was brought back to years before. To the bitter taste of being second best. But the woman who meets his gaze is nothing like the drab wallflower he used to know. Hell no. She was all woman now: curves, confidence, and staggering sex appeal. And no doubt, still brilliant.

The fact that she’s gorgeous and bright won’t distract him. This time, Ryder’s determined to be the one on top. But not if Harper can help it.

Amazon | Amazon UK

He takes a step toward me then hesitates, but before I can process anything else, his lips are on mine.

I don’t react at first. I’m stunned. Flabbergasted, my mind reeling from the anger to the surprise to now this without any warning at all.

This is Ryder.

My rival.

My supporter.

My crush.

The thoughts flicker that this is what I’ve wanted. But they soon shift to panic. To insecurity I don’t kiss well enough. That this is all a joke and I’m the butt of it.

But then I feel. Everything. All at once.

And I know this is real.

It’s like I can’t catch my breath and have too much air all at the same time.

My body is on fire. And not just from his touch but from that burn deep inside that feels like it’s exploding and imploding all at once.

So this is what it feels like to really be kissed.

It’s a fleeting thought before the sensations, the moment, the emotions, consume me whole.

His hands move my face to change the angle of the kiss. His fingertips on the line of my jaw singe my skin. His lips move expertly against mine, and all I can do is feel. All I can do is want.

Thinking isn’t an option.

The anger from before has morphed to want. The adrenaline has recharged with desire.

There is no rivalry.

There is no graduation ceremony tomorrow I’m missing to catch my flight.

There is no panic over if I’ll ever see him again.

It’s just him.

And me.

The scent of his cologne in my nose. The heat of his body against mine. The taste of hunger in his kiss.

She loves to hear from her readers so make sure you check her out on social media.

Release Blitz + Excerpt + Reviews: Four Crows by Lily White

Posted on 02/28/2017 by shellbellereads

Four Crows

By Lily White

Release Date: February 28, 2017

Buy: Amazon / B & N / I Books / Kobo

Synopsis

“You’ll have to forgive me, Darlin’, for all the unforgivable things I’m about to do…”

Loyalty is never easy – especially when you’re forced to choose between family and the man you would do anything to possess…

Born into a world that no child should endure, Magpie “Maggie” Crow is doted on by her loving father and over protective brothers. As much as she loves them, she fears them, especially when she learns secrets they’ve kept hidden.

Elliot McLaughlin joined the U.S. Marine Corps right out of high school to provide for his wife and son. He’d never intended to become a father so young, but was willing to do what it took to give his family everything they needed.

After Elliot’s family goes missing, he returns from war to an empty home. Obsessed with discovering who took his family, he investigates their disappearance and plots his revenge.

Passion brings Maggie and Elliot together. Obsession pushes them apart. As a bitter battle begins between Elliot and the Crows, Maggie’s heart hangs in the balance.

**Disclaimer: This book is intended for audiences 18 years of age or older. The subject matter of this book discusses sensitive topics that may be a trigger for some readers.**

Exclusive Excerpt

Standing by the edge of the bed, I locked my eyes with his and allowed the towel to slide down my body.

He didn’t move a muscle, didn’t pull his intense gaze from my eyes. “Are you sure, beautiful? Are you sure you can do this?”

Nodding my head slowly, I watched him with timid fascination. “You seem to ask me that question a lot, Elliot. And there hasn’t yet been something I couldn’t do when you were standing there next to me.”

Tracey’s Review

Since his wife and son went missing fourteen years before, Elliot McLaughlin has been fighting his demons. Returning from serving his country to find all that he loved gone without a trace has left him a broken and bitter man, and the only thing that he wants is revenge.

Maggie Crow’s upbringing has been what you might call unconventional. She knows that strange things happen at the parties that her father and two brothers have, and she’s learned that it’s best not to understand exactly what goes on behind those closed doors, best to let the music drown out the screams.

When I read the synopsis for FOUR CROWS by author Lily White, I knew that this was a book that I wanted to read. I have not read any of Lily’s other books, but this one sounded so dark and captivating that it went right to the top of my TBR, and I could not wait to get going with it. And I can say with certainty that I have not read a book like this in, oh, ever. This book is, indeed, dark, rife with violence and uncertainty, with loss, betrayal, and, finally redemption, and it’s sure to be one of the books that I’ll read this year that will stay with me for a very long time.

I do enjoy a darker, less HEA read sometimes, but, let me tell you, this book is not for the faint of heart. There is a lot, a lot of violence, both implied and overt, so, if that’s not your thing, you might want to steer clear. But this book is fascinating to me, too, a picture of such twisted evil that I could not stop reading.

With all of that being said, though, FOUR CROWS is more than just a dark read. The freeing up of people bound by the things tethering them to the life that they’re given, the decision to be more than they are, the ability to rise above and create beauty from the pain, Lily’s written a book that demonstrates all of these things. I don’t want to give anything away, because I really believe that a book like this one should be gone into without preconceived notions or spoilers, but I will say that this book is much more hopeful than I would have thought. Do I recommend it? Absolutely yes, although proceed at your own caution, because the triggers are there, and they’re not pretty. That being the case, though, FOUR CROWS is an easy 4 stars for me, and I will look forward to reading more by Lily in the future.

***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***

Michel’s Review

I have a very vivid imagination and with every book I read, it plays out in my head like a big screen film. When I saw the blurb for Four Crows by Lily White, I knew this was a book I wanted to read. I love dark, twisted tales that are loaded with suspense and intrigue. Add a romance to the mix and it’s pure gold for me.

Four Crows begins with a very dark moment told through an innocent child’s point of view. The innocent reasoning combined with the twisted reality automatically gives the reader chills. It sets the story in motion.

Elliott McLaughlin’s wife and four year old son went missing fourteen years ago. They disappeared without a trace while he was serving his country. For fourteen years Elliott has lived with the guilt of not being there and protecting his family. He has searched high and low. He has researched missing women and children throughout the country. The one thing he has found in several of the missing cases leads back to the Crow family.

The Crow family is transient. They move throughout the country under the pretense of a business involving storm clean up. When they are in certain areas, women and children come up missing. How are they connected? Elliott intends to find out.

When the Crows return back to their home base, the town where Elliott’s family went missing, Elliott’s ready for them. He has discovered the best way to gain information is through Maggie Crow, the youngest and only daughter of the Crow clan. Once he meets Maggie and gets to know her, he realizes that she is an innocent victim of her family as well. Rather than destroying Maggie along with the Crows, he hopes he can save her as well.

As the story plays out and the Crows once again begin their evil deeds, it will be up to Elliott to put an end to their atrocities . Although Maggie is innocent of their deeds, she is still a Crow. She may choose family over justice for those who lost their lives at her family’s hand.

Lily White wrote an intense thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. There were some disturbing scenes that were graphic enough to get the overall picture but not overly graphic to where the reader was cringing. Through it all, Elliott and Maggie were finally able to face the demons and move on with their lives. Nothing can replace the loss of life but there can be peace found once the bad memories are put to rest.

I would highly recommend this dark romantic thriller.

***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***

________________________________________________________

Author Bio

Lily White is a dark writer who likes to dabble on the taboo side of eroticism. She is most known for her Masters Series (Her Master’s Courtesan and Her Master’s Teacher), Target This, Hard Roads, and Asylum. She’s co-authored Serial (a four part serial series). When she isn’t writing as Lily White you can find other books by her under M.S. Willis where she has penned the Control Series, the Estate Series, Because of Ellison (contemporary romance), and Standard Romance Story (Romance Comedy). Lily enjoys stretching her writing muscles by continuing to challenge herself with each book she publishes.

In addition to writing, Lily is an avid reader, gummy bear slayer, and a gold medalist in puppy naps.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads ~ Newsletter

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iBooks | KOBO | Amazon US | Amazon UK

EXCERPT

A Maryland native who spends most of her time devising a plan to live off the land on some remote island, where no one will ever find her.

She is a married mother of two kids, who may or may not drive her completely bonkers. In her spare time she enjoys shooting pool, camping and spending time with friends and family.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE NEWSLETTER

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Fall into THE DEEP END and order your copy today!

About THE DEEP END (Erotic Romance Releasing March 7, 2017):

Enter a decadent sensual world where gorgeous alpha males are committed to fulfilling a woman’s every desire…

Olivier isn’t sure what he’s gotten himself into when he joins the Honey Club, only that a dark part of him hungers for the lifestyle offered by this exclusive club. Here, no boundary will be left untested…and one’s deepest fantasies will become an exquisite reality.

When Amélie invites Olivier to surrender, she gives the alpha submissive what he craves. Soon they both find themselves falling harder than they ever anticipated—but as their connection deepens, the truth about Olivier’s past could destroy everything…

Gripping and seductive, The Deep End is the first book in a sensational new series from bestselling author Kristen Ashley.

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

GooglePlay | Kobo | IndieBound | BAM

WEBSITE * FACEBOOK * TWITTER * NEWSLETTER * GOODREADS * PINTEREST * INSTAGRAM

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Throne of Truth, the thrilling conclusion to Crown of Lies from New York Times Bestseller, Pepper Winters, is now LIVE!

Share this:

Ryder Rodgers had a plan.

He was going to stride into the conference room, do the required song and dance over the next five days, and win the biggest contract of his career. But when he walked in and heard the voice of one of his competitors, all his plans were shot to hell.

Harper Denton. She was always on top. In college. First in their class. Always using every advantage to edge him out to win the coveted positions. The only one who could beat him. His academic rival. More like a constant thorn in his side. And his ego’s.

When he heard her voice, he was brought back to years before. To the bitter taste of being second best. But the woman who meets his gaze is nothing like the drab wallflower he used to know. Hell no. She was all woman now: curves, confidence, and staggering sex appeal. And no doubt, still brilliant.

The fact that she’s gorgeous and bright won’t distract him. This time, Ryder’s determined to be the one on top. But not if Harper can help it.

Amazon | Amazon UK

Share this:

Ryder Rodgers had a plan.

He was going to stride into the conference room, do the required song and dance over the next five days, and win the biggest contract of his career. But when he walked in and heard the voice of one of his competitors, all his plans were shot to hell.

Harper Denton. She was always on top. In college. First in their class. Always using every advantage to edge him out to win the coveted positions. The only one who could beat him. His academic rival. More like a constant thorn in his side. And his ego’s.

When he heard her voice, he was brought back to years before. To the bitter taste of being second best. But the woman who meets his gaze is nothing like the drab wallflower he used to know. Hell no. She was all woman now: curves, confidence, and staggering sex appeal. And no doubt, still brilliant.

The fact that she’s gorgeous and bright won’t distract him. This time, Ryder’s determined to be the one on top. But not if Harper can help it.

Amazon | Amazon UK

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