New Release + Excerpt + Review: Cold Secrets by Toni Anderson – Cold Justice Series – Book 7

Posted on 02/06/2017 by shellbellereads

The next book in Toni Anderson’s bestselling Cold Justice series, COLD SECRETS, is available now! Romantic suspense lovers do not want to miss this one.

About COLD SECRETS

When an international ring of sex traffickers kidnaps an eight-year-old girl in Boston, FBI Agent Lucas Randall heads undercover. But his rescue operation goes disastrously wrong and Lucas barely escapes with his life. Now the ruthless traffickers are hunting him down, along with everyone else who threatens their operation.

Computer expert Ashley Chen joined the FBI to fight against evil in the world—evil she experienced firsthand. She has mad skills, and deadly secrets, and once she starts working with Lucas, she also has big trouble, because after years of pushing people away, she’s falling for the guy. The feeling is more than mutual, but as Ashley intensifies her online pursuit of the trafficking ring, her traumatic past collides with her present and suddenly Lucas can’t tell which side she’s on. And as the case escalates into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, it turns out Ashley isn’t the only one with something to hide.

If neither can trust the other with their secrets, how can they trust each other with their hearts?

Get your hands on a copy of COLD SECRETS now:

Amazon | iBooks | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Google Play

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Read an excerpt from COLD SECRETS:

She walked toward him and he forced himself not to move. She was only a few inches shorter than he was which was a change from the women he usually dated. Her hands rested on his chest as she eased up to kiss him. Her mouth was soft and sweet, and tasted like bourbon.

He wanted to unwrap that shirt from her body and drag her off to bed. But it didn’t matter how long it had been, this was a really bad idea.

As she was about to pull away, he cupped her face and took the kiss deeper, feeling the surprise, followed by the searing heat of her response. Her breathing hitched as her tongue met his. He fitted her more closely against him, his calloused fingers rough against the slippery satin of her blouse. Her arms wound around his neck and her hands sank into the hair at his nape. She was hot—body, face, mouth. His body begged him not to pull away, not to stop, but he did it anyway, and stared down into her pretty eyes.

“What was that for?” he asked gruffly.

“Curiosity.” Her lips were reddened from their kiss. Her honey skin held a flush of scarlet. “I wanted to see if you tasted as good as you looked.”

His throat grew tight. “What’s the verdict?”

She pulled away and walked over to where she’d dumped her laptop and coat. Picked them up.

He made himself stand very still as she walked away. Made himself accept that the kiss had been enough.

She opened the door and looked over her shoulder. “Better.”

Then she closed the door, severing the connection. And he knew a kiss was never going to be enough.

Tracey’s Review

FBI Agent Ashley Chen has gone to very great lengths to create the life that she’s living. She wants nothing more than to fight the good fight and put the bad guys away for a very long time. The Bureau is Lucas Randall’s life, and he’s one of the best at what he does. When a chillingly dangerous case brings the two agents together, neither could have expected what lay in store.

COLD SECRETS is the seventh book in the Cold Justice series by author Toni Anderson, and, while it is only the second book that I’ve read in the series, I am well and truly hooked. Toni has a knack for creating tightly-written plots that are realistic, timely, and absolute page-turners.

The action in COLD SECRETS is immediate, and does not let up. I was so completely engaged that I didn’t want to put this book down. It’s always a pleasure to read about a powerful woman that takes no prisoners. Ashley Chen is a kick-butt lady, and, despite all that she could lose if her secrets are uncovered, she’s all in, determined to take down the crime family leaving a trail of bodies and loss in their wake. When she and Lucas Randall come together to work the case, each bringing their own expertise, it isn’t long before they have much more invested than just solving the crime.

COLD SECRETS is an easy 4.5 stars for me, and it’s a guarantee that I will read Toni’s books again and again. If you’re a fan of romantic suspense, and like your books with plenty of edge, intrigue, and passion, these books should be on your TBR.

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

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About Toni Anderson

New York Times and USA Today international bestselling author, Toni Anderson, writes dark, gritty Romantic Suspense novels that have hit #1 in Barnes & Noble’s Nook store, the Top 10 in Amazon and Kobo stores, and the Top 50 in iBooks. Her novels have won many awards. A former Marine Biologist from Britain, she inexplicably ended up in the geographical center of North America, about as far from the ocean as it is possible to get. She now lives in the Canadian prairies with her Irish husband and two children and spends most of her time complaining about the weather.

Toni has no explanation for her oft-times dark imagination, and only hopes the romance makes up for it. She’s addicted to reading, dogs, tea, and chocolate.

If you want to know when Toni’s next book will be out, visit her website (http://www.toniandersonauthor.com) and sign up for her newsletter. If you want to read other fascinating stories about life in a city that, during winter, is sometimes colder than Mars, friend her on Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/toniannanderson).

New Release + Excerpt + Review: Playing The Player by Amy Andrews – Sydney Smoke Rugby Series – Book 3

Posted on 02/06/2017 by shellbellereads

Title: Playing the Player
Series: Sydney Smoke Rugby #3
Author: Amy Andrews
Release Date: Jan 30, 2017
Add to TBR

After a long history with crappy guys, high school teacher Em Newman is going man-vegan. Four months of revirginization has opened her eyes to her doormat imitation but, baby’s got spine now, and some smooth-talking—even if he is sinfully hot—rugby player, won’t be adding her as a notch anytime soon.

Lincoln Quinn loves rugby, women, and poker. And he likes to win at all three. When his team mates bet him he can’t break through Em’s resolve, he’s more than up for the challenge. But this lady has a shoebox of stipulations before she’ll even go on a date with him, much less use that mouth for kissing instead of giving orders.

Something’s gotta give but this time Em’s not settling. And Linc’s questioning everything he ever knew about matters of the heart.

Each book in the Sydney Smoke Rugby series is a standalone, full-length story that can be enjoyed out of order.
Series Order:
Book #1 Playing By Her Rules
Book #2 Playing it Cool
Book #3 Playing the Player

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Excerpt

Linc rang Em at the same time he had the day before. Every part of him ached from a morning of gruelling training, but in a good way. The kind of way that made him grateful for his fitness, that made him feel alive. And pumped.

Pumped to make this phone call. Pumped to hear Em say yes.

“Hi, Em Newman speaking.”

She had one of those teacher’s voices. Firm but kind, with just enough fuck-with-me-and-I’ll-send-you-to-the-principal edge to keep a guy in line. That kind of voice that had never really worked on him when he’d been in high school, but then he’d never had a teacher as sexy as Em Newman, either.

He might have turned up more often if he had.

“I think I’ve been going about this all the wrong way,” he said, picturing her sitting at her desk, her mouth pressing close to the phone receiver so she wasn’t overheard.

“I’ve been going for traditional names. But it’s not Ermintrude. Or Emma. Or Emily or Emmeline. So I’m thinking now your parents might be hippies, and it’s actually something like Ember. Or Emerald.”

There was a long pause then a deep sigh. “Why do you care?”

“I want to be able to call you by your real name.”

“Well, the kids call me Miss Newman.”

Linc chuckled. “Oh. Don’t tempt me.”

Another heavy sigh. “Are you just going to ring me every lunch hour?”

“Sure. If I have to.”

“Don’t you have…push-ups to do? Or something? Balls to kick. Tries to score?”

He grinned. “Training finishes at twelve, and in case you haven’t noticed, I’m trying to score right now.”

“Linc…” He’d have to have been deaf not to hear the exasperation in her voice. “I have papers to mark.”

“You are hell on a man’s ego, Miss Newman.” He loved the way “Miss” rolled off his tongue, and a dozen dirty thoughts about naughty teachers with crazy curls bending over to help a student with a problem, their shirts gaping to reveal pretty bras flitted through his head with a predictable effect on his dick.

Who knew teachers could be such a fucking turn-on?

Certainly not a guy who’d spent a good portion of his life avoiding them at all costs.

She snorted. “I have a feeling your ego couldn’t be brought down with an elephant gun.”

He laughed, not even bothering to try and dissuade her from the accuracy of her statement. “The Nerd Chicks are in town on Friday night.”

She didn’t say anything for a beat or two. “You know who the Nerd Chicks are?”

“I do now.”

Linc had spent a long time online last night trying to come up with something that’d blow Em’s mind. He’d finally found An Evening with the Nerd Chicks. Apparently they were three women with science backgrounds who ran a popular YouTube channel discussing all things science and had taken their show on the road.

“We should go together.”

There was another pause, but he thought he could hear her breath hitch. “Top marks for trying, Linc. But it’s sold out. It sold out in about half an hour.”

“Lucky for you I have two V.I.P. tickets.”

He definitely heard her breath this time. Hissing slowly out this time in a long exhale. “Thank you but…no.”

“No? Did I mention you get to meet them afterwards?”

A soft noise that sort of sounded like a whimper or maybe even a low growl caressed his eardrum. “I said no.”

But it was the most unconvincing no Linc had ever heard. He could practically feel her conflict. “Come on, Miss Newman,” he pressed. “Why deprive yourself?”

“Because, Linc,” she muttered, her voice terse, “afterwards I’ll probably fuck you in your ridiculously sexy car.”

Linc’s pulse spiked at her direct prediction. Even if she had sounded utterly depressed over it. He laughed. “And that’s a bad thing?”

“Yes.”

“Okay. What if I promise to not let you fuck me in my car? Or anywhere else?”

It wasn’t going to win him the bet—but he really didn’t give a fuck anymore. Linc just really wanted to take her to the show. Because she obviously wanted to go.

She snorted. “I can be very persuasive.”

Tracey’s Review

If a book is published under the Entangled Brazen banner, I can always be sure that it’s going to be quick, fun, hot read that I can’t put down. And, if it’s by author Amy Andrews, these things are guaranteed in spades.

PLAYING THE PLAYER is the third book in Amy’s Sydney Smoke Rugby series, and is the kind of laugh-out-loud read that I love. Linc Quinn is a stereotypical baller, in love with his game, his friends, and women. Ah, yes, the women…After plenty of disappointment and some self-actualization, Em Newman has sworn off men, but there’s just something about Linc that she can’t say no to. I mean, months of abstinence can make even the strongest woman waver, and Linc, with his wit, his smile, and his downright sexiness, well, what woman wouldn’t find it hard to resist?

A book doesn’t have to have a HEA for me to enjoy it, but sometimes it’s really nice to just settle in with a book that you know is not going to disappoint. Humor, sexiness, and sass are always winners for me, and Amy has done a fabulous job of making sure that this series has all of these things and more. And, heck, it’s sports romance, so what’s not to love?

PLAYING THE PLAYER is an easy 4.5-stars for me, and I happily recommend it as a much-needed addition to combat the winter blahs. Add this book, and the rest of the Sydney Smoke books to your TBR. You’re in for a treat.

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

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Amy is a multi award-winning, USA Today best-selling Aussie author who has written over sixty contemporary romances in both the traditional and digital markets. She’s sold over two million books and been translated into thirteen different languages including manga. Her sizzling books feature lots of sex and kissing. She likes to make her readers tingle, laugh and sigh and please don’t mess with the HEA!

At sixteen she met a guy she knew she was going to marry and she did. They’re still living out their HEA and have two new adult children who are spreading their wings and flying the coop. She loves good books, frequent travel and great booze although she’ll take mediocre booze if there’s nothing else.

Amy spent six years on the national executive of Romance Writers of Australia including a two year term as president and after many years of unofficial mentoring of emerging writers, now runs her own manuscript assessment business, Word Witchery, which specialises in romantic fiction. With unique insight into what makes a story that sells, Amy aims to help every manuscript shine.

She lives on acreage on the outskirts of Brisbane with a gorgeous mountain view but secretly wishes it was the hillsides of Tuscany.

New Release + Review: How To Date A Douchebag:The Failing Hours by Sara Ney – How To Date A Douchebag Series – Book 2

Posted on 02/03/2017 by shellbellereads

Are you ready to meet Zeke? Sara Ney’s HOW TO DATE A DOUCHEBAG: THE FAILING HOURS is available now, and trust us – you do not want to miss this one!

How To Date A Douchebag: The Failing Hours

How To Date A Douchebag Series – Book 2

By Sara Ney

Amazon | iBooks | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

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About THE FAILING HOURS

Zeke Daniels isn’t just a douchebag; he’s an asshole.

A total and complete jerk, Zeke keeps people at a distance. He has no interest in relationships–most assholes don’t.

Dating? Being part of a couple? Nope. Not for him.

He’s never given any thought to what he wants in a girlfriend, because he’s never had any intention of having one.Shit, he barely has a relationship with his family, and they’re related; his own friends don’t even like him.

So why does he keep thinking about Violet DeLuca?

Sweet, quiet Violet–his opposite in every sense of the word. The light to his dark, even her damn name sounds like rays of sunshine and happiness and shit.

And that pisses him off, too.

Get your hands on THE FAILING HOURS:

Amazon | iBooks | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Michel’s Review

After reading How To Date A Douchebag: The Studying Hours , I was not sure how Sara Ney would be able to redeem Zeke Daniels or make him at least a bit likable. This guy was a pure jerk. His roommates ( who are equally just as bad in their own way ) even thought he was an A-hole. He’s arrogant,confrontational,selfish, and closed off. He doesn’t discriminate, he treats everyone he comes in contact with the same. Unlike his roommate Oz, he doesn’t have a charming bone in his body. He doesn’t claim to be a ladies man, he’s the exact opposite. He knows his popularity with women is because he’s an athlete. He doesn’t try to charm their pants off nor does he try to make them feel good. Jock groupies are just easy lays in that moment in time.

Zeke is struggling with school. He needs a tutor to help write his Biology paper. His position on the wrestling team is also on the line and it’s not because of poor grades. His bad attitude is taking it’s toll on the team. The coach has laid down the law. He has to become a Big Brother mentor or lose his place on the team. It’s time to man up and get with the program. Zeke is not a happy camper. He hates the idea of kids.

Violet was assigned to be Zeke’s tutor but bailed when she saw him in the library. He intimidated her. Now she’s forced to own up to ditching him and do her job. As she gets to know him, she begins to see there are many layers to Zeke Daniels.

Violet and Zeke’s paths cross outside of the library. She babysits a young girl while her parents attend class. They both are spending time with children in need. The difference is how they approach their care. Zeke quickly realizes he needs Violet’s help in the childcare department.

As Zeke’s layers begin to peel away, the readers begin to see a different side to Zeke. He’s a closet nerd who loves building model planes and reading history books. He is also very observant of others and secretly helps the only way he knows how. He has a penchant for gambling as well. He takes on bets he cannot win. His prickly nature is his armor to protect himself from disappointment. He has abandonment issues that stem from his childhood.

Violet and Zeke have more in common than they both thought. As both of their layers begin to peel away, they begin to find a true friendship. They might even find love. Zeke’s a work in progress but is worth the effort. Violet is the only one brave enough to peel those layers away.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching Zeke transform into the person both Violet and Coach saw hiding below the surface. He’s not perfect and still a bit too blunt, but he is a good guy after all. He’s a work in progress and is excelling.

I am thoroughly enjoying the How To Date A Douchebag series by Sara Ney. The witty dialogue, snarky attitudes, and creative pickup lines before each chapter are a bonus that makes this series stand out.

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How To Date A Douchebag Series

How To Date A Douchebag: The Studying Hours

How To Date A Douchebag Series – Book 1

Buy: Amazon

About The Studying Hours

CRUDE. ARROGANT. A**HOLE.
No doubt about it, Sebastian ‘Oz’ Osborne is the university’s most celebrated student athlete—and possibly the biggest douchebag. A walking, talking cliché, he has a filthy mouth, a fantastic body, and doesn’t give a sh*t about what you or anyone else thinks.

SMART. CLASSY. CONSERVATIVE.
Make no mistake, Jameson Clarke may be the university’s most diligent student—but she is no prude. Spending most of her time in the hallowed halls of the library, James is wary of pervs, jocks, and douchebags—and Oz Osborne is all three.

She’s smart, sarcastic—and not what he expected.

…EVERY DOUCHBAG HAS HIS WEAKNESS.

He wants to be friends.
He wants to spend time with her.
He wants to drive her crazy.

He wants…

Her.

*****

Michel’s Review

How To Date A Douchebag: The Studying Hours by Sara Ney was a hoot!

Sebastian “Oz” Osbourne is the star wrestler and manwhore on campus. He is a pig and makes no apologies. He’ll hookup with a girl in a closet, bathroom, hallway, or anywhere he can drop his pants. He’s moving onto his next conquest before he has his pants zipped from the last. He doesn’t do girlfriends or dates. He’s too busy with wrestling, maintaining his GPA for his scholarship, and working.

When Zeke Daniels bets Oz he can’t get the nerdy looking librarian type of girl sitting at the table across from them to kiss him, Oz can’t turn the bet down. As he approaches the girl in glasses, pearls, and a cardigan, he thinks it’s going to be easy pickings. He’s in for a great surprise. This girl could care less that he is the most desired guy on campus. She doesn’t even know who he is. Convincing her is impossible until he mentions money. This smart mouthed girl is willing to listen. She’s willing to help with the bet for a price. The price doesn’t include getting to know him.

Oz is baffled by Jameson Clark. She’s the first girl to turn him down. She’s the first girl that actually stands up to him and talks to him as a person rather than a superstar jock. He’s intrigued and wants to get to really know her. The chase is on.

Oz and Jameson become reluctant study partners. Their study dates turn into a friendship that has limits. Oz is chasing Jameson. Jameson is pushing Oz back every time he gains ground. Oz has a lot to learn about real women and real people. He has to learn the world does not revolve around him. While Jameson may enjoy teaching Oz a few lessons, her heart is starting to get caught up in the process.

The Studying Hour was a delightful and fun reading experience. I loved the snarky banter and witty comebacks. The chemistry between Oz and Jameson was sizzling hot. I highly recommend this book.

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About Sara Ney

Purveyor of all things witty & romantic, I love: iced latte’s, traveling, and bright, bold colors. On any given day, you can find me in my office, lovingly gazing at my bookshelf or shuffling my Bic felt-tip pen collection. I love hand writing letters, and sarcasm.

I live in the midwest, but “Will Write for Travel,” and believe everyone should follow their dreams, no matter how big or small. My favorite authors include Cindy Miles, S Walden, Suzanne Enoch – and am a glutton for Historical, RomCom, Sports and MC romance.

One husband. Two daughters. Plenty of chaos.

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Amazon

5 Star Review + Excerpt: Accidentally On Purpose by Jill Shelves – Heartbreaker Bay Series

Posted on 02/02/2017 by shellbellereads

From New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis comes the next sexy, standalone novel in the Heartbreaker Bay series…

About ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE:

There’s no such thing as a little in love . . .

Elle Wheaton’s priorities: friends, career, and kick-ass shoes. Then there’s the muscular wall of stubbornness that’s security expert Archer Hunt—who comes before everything else. No point in telling Mr. “Feels-Free Zone” that, though. Elle will just see other men until she gets over Archer . . . which should only take a lifetime . . .

There’s no such thing as a little in lust . . .

Archer’s wanted the best for Elle ever since he sacrificed his law-enforcement career to save her. Their chemistry could start the next San Francisco earthquake and he craves her 24/7, but Archer doesn’t want to be responsible for the damage. The alternative? Watch her go out with guys who aren’t him . . .

There is such a thing as . . .

As far as Archer’s concerned, nobody is good enough for Elle. But when he sets out to prove it by sabotaging her dates, she gets mad—and things get hot as hell. Now Archer has a new mission: prove to Elle that her perfect man has been here all along . . .

ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE in ebook or paperback, releasing today!

Amazon | iBooks | Kobo| Barnes & Noble

Excerpt

“Hey, honey,” Trudy said in her been-smoking-for-three-decades voice. “Need anything?”

“Nope, I’m good.” Good plus mad, but although she adored Trudy, the woman couldn’t keep a secret to save her life. “Just taking in the nice morning.”

“Oh, that’s a disappointment,” Trudy said. “I thought maybe you were looking for that hottie with the nice package, the one who runs the investigation firm down the hall.”

Elle nearly choked on her tea. “Nice package?”

“Well I’m old, not dead.” And with a wink, Trudy pushed her cart down the hall.

It was true that Archer was annoyingly hot, not that she cared. Hot was useless to her. She’d much rather have the things that had eluded her for most of her life—safety, security…stability.

Three things Archer had never been accused of.

At the other end of the hall, she stopped in front of the door with a discreet sign: HUNT INVESTIGATIONS.

The investigative and elite security firm was carried on Archer’s reputation alone, no ads or marketing required. Basically Archer and the men he employed were finders and fixers, independent contractors for hire, and not necessarily tied by the same red tape as the law.

Which worked for Archer. Rules had never been his thing.

She opened the door and let herself into the reception area, which was much bigger than hers. Clean, masculine lines. Large furniture. Wide open space. A glass partition separated the front from the inner offices.

The check-in counter was empty. The receptionist wasn’t in yet—it was too early for Mollie. But not for the other employees. Past the glass Elle could see part of the inner office. A group of men, five of them, entered by a private door. They’d clearly just come back from some sort of job that had required them to be locked and loaded since they currently looked like a SWAT team.

Elle literally stopped short. And if she was being honest, her heart stopped too because sweet baby Jesus. The lot of them stood there stripping off weapons and shirts so that all she could see was a mass of mind-blowing bodies, sweaty and tatted and in all varieties of skin colors.

It was a cornucopia of smutty goodness and she couldn’t tear her eyes away. In fact, she couldn’t speak either, mostly because her tongue had hit the floor. Her feet took advantage of her frozen brain, taking her to the interior door, where she wanted to press her face up against the glass.

Luckily, someone buzzed her in before she could. They all knew her. After all, her job required her to work closely with the security firm, and therein lay her deepest, darkest problem.

Working closely with Archer Hunt was dangerous in oh so many, many ways, not the least of which was their history, something she did her best to never think about.

She was greeted with variations on “Hey, Elle” and “Mornin’” and then they all went their separate ways, leaving her alone with their fearless leader.

Archer.

Add to your Goodread

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Tracey’s Review

The Heartbreaker Bay series by author Jill Shalvis has quickly become a favorite of mine. Jill’s an ace at crafting stories that revolve around an eclectic and captivating cast of characters, a world that immediately draws the reader in and makes them feel like a part of the action. ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE is Archer’s and Elle’s story, and I absolutely loved it.

There has been something between Archer Hunt and Elle Wheaten since the night that they met 8 years ago. That something has evolved and changed over time, but it’s always been there, and both Elle and Archer know it. Elle holds herself responsible for Archer throwing away his career in order to save her, and Archer feels responsible for Elle, making it his business to keep tabs on her. Stir in a lot of untapped chemistry, and you’ve got the recipe for one heck of an explosion.

I absolutely adore Archer. He doesn’t know quite what to do with Elle, but he can’t stay away. And Elle, she’s one heck of a totally take no prisoners chick, more than capable of taking care of herself and anyone else that comes along. The back-and-forth between them, the tension and heat, makes for some swoony exchanges, and I loved reading their interactions. Add in the awesome and quirky cast of characters that make up the rest of Elle’s and Archer’s circle of friends, and you’ve got my favorite kind of read.

I really hope that Jill has more in store for us from Heartbreaker Bay, because Spence totally needs a book, as do Kylie and Elle’s sister. In the meantime, though, 5 snarky, sexy, super-sleuthy stars. Read this book. Read all of these books, because they are all kinds of awesome, and I couldn’t recommend them any more highly.

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

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

And don’t miss the previous books in Jill Shalvis’s Heartbreaker Bay Series, SWEET LITTLE LIES, THE TROUBLE WITH MISTLETOE and ONE SNOWY NIGHT, now available! Grab your copies HERE!

About Jill Shalvis:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s sexy contemporary and award-winning books wherever romances are sold and click on the blog button above for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

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Release Blitz and 5+ Star Review: Crown of Lies by Pepper Winters – Truth and Lies Duet – Book 1

Posted on 02/01/2017 by shellbellereads

“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

Crown of Lies is the latest release by Pepper Winters.

In true Pepper Winters style, this book is a complicated, intricately executed story where words are chosen with conscious precision to add multiple layers to the complex characters and their evolving story. Each passage is delivered in perfect synchronicity that challenges the reader’s perceptions of the characters and the direction of the story itself. Her thought process and brilliant use of the English language give the readers more than a story, it gives them a dynamic reading experience that not only involves the mind but also engages all the senses. The reader becomes a participant rather than an observer. The slow burn of sexual tension to explosive passion is only a small fraction of what is happening between the complex characters. The true chemistry comes from their psychological sparring and foreplay. It is a battle of wills fighting against the battle within oneself. There are no dividing lines between right and wrong, black and white, or good and bad. It is all a part of the intricate puzzle that is completed with the last word.

The first sentence had me hook, line, and sinker….

“IN EVERY GIRL’S LIFE, there is betrayal.

“Betrayal from loved ones, unknown ones, and from the ones we choose to make our own. However, where there’s deceit, there’s trust, too. And sometimes, those two things camouflage themselves to mimic the other.”

Retail heiress, Elle Charleston, has been groomed to become one of the most powerful women in the United State. Her throne is the Belle Elle retail chain. She spent her childhood reading ledgers and spreadsheets rather than chasing fairytales. Instead of playing dress up with dolls, she dressed mannequins and window displays. She chose clothes for real women rather than Barbie dolls. She was the princess in a world of merchandise rather than an ivory tower. Her seclusion in a corporate world stole her childhood. She became socially awkward unless she was in a business environment. Her contorted perceptions, and social inadequacies were at war with a young girl yearning to experience the real world.

On her nineteenth birthday the desires of a young girl won the battle over the carefully groomed future CEO. The naive princess stepped out of her gilded castle to explore the kingdom known as New York City. She had been prepared to complete multi – million dollar deals but she was not prepared to navigate the streets. What happened the night she stepped out of her gilded prison would change her life and her perceptions of her carefully orchestrated life.

What starts as a celebration turns into a night of violence and paralyzing fear. Her knight in shining armor is a mysterious young man in a hoodie. A young man that is different from any person she has met in her world. Four simple words changed her world. “ Do you trust me?”. Those four simple words led her to adventure, her first kiss, and ultimately a broken heart. It was a night where the boy of her dreams vanished before the sun began to rise. Her unrealistic dreams were forever lost.

Three years later Elle is a completely different woman. She has succumbed to her prison. She takes her position as a prisoner, other wise known as CEO of Belle Elle, with great pride. She knows her strengths in the business world and the power she carries along with it. She has turned her back on the naïve young girl with grand ideas of romance and love. She no longer believes in romance and love. She no longer puts her blind trust in the hands of others. She has resigned herself to the life she was groomed to rule. In a sense she has betrayed her younger self.

Two men are vying for her attention. One has been groomed to become her husband and partner in business. The other is a repulsive man shrouded in mystery and deceit. One makes her blood boil in many ways. The other makes her soul recoil in everyway. The choices are hers to make. Is she willing to take chances with her perfectly synchronized life? Is she ready to step out of her gilded cage and become free at last?

“IN EVERY GIRL’S LIFE, there is betrayal.”

CLIFFHANGER… IN TRUE PEPPER WINTERS BRILLIANCE!

The reader is left with so many questions,. There are so many intricately woven lies that the truth is hiding within the pages and carefully chosen words. It will all be revealed in the Throne of Truth on February 28th, 2017.

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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.

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Mists of the Serengeti by Leylah Attar

Posted on 01/31/2017 by shellbellereads

Leylah Attar’s MISTS OF THE SERENGETI is here!
Check out this standalone contemporary romance/women’s fiction, and don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

Once in Africa, I kissed a king…

“And just like that, in an old red barn at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, I discovered the elusive magic I had only ever glimpsed between the pages of great love stories. It fluttered around me like a newborn butterfly and settled in a corner of my heart. I held my breath, afraid to exhale for fear it would slip out, never to be found again.”

When a bomb explodes in a mall in East Africa, its aftershocks send two strangers on a collision course that neither one sees coming.

Jack Warden, a divorced coffee farmer in Tanzania, loses his only daughter. An ocean away, in the English countryside, Rodel Emerson loses her only sibling.

Two ordinary people, bound by a tragic afternoon, set out to achieve the extraordinary, as they make three stops to rescue three children across the vast plains of the Serengeti—children who are worth more dead than alive.

But even if they beat the odds, another challenge looms at the end of the line. Can they survive yet another loss—this time of a love that’s bound to slip through their fingers, like the mists that dissipate in the light of the sun?

“Sometimes you come across a rainbow story—one that spans your heart. You might not be able to grasp it or hold on to it, but you can never be sorry for the color and magic it brought.”

A blend of romance and women’s fiction, Mists of The Serengeti is inspired by true events and contains emotional triggers, including the death of a child. Not recommended for sensitive readers. Standalone, contemporary fiction.

♥ Buy the Book ♥

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

Robin’s Review

Isn’t it true that each time you open the cover of a new book, you allow yourself to be whisked away to another world? That’s the really magical thing about reading. Instead of just leading your own ordinary life, you can lead a thousand different lives, all in your spare time. I don’t recall a time when I’ve ever been more aware of this than now, while reading Mists of the Serengeti. Mists of the Serengeti is a blend of women’s fiction and contemporary romance, a standalone novel where author Leylah Attar takes readers on a grand adventure across the grassy plains of northern Tanzania.

A major theme of Mists of the Serengeti is, “We are all connected.” Our lives are intertwined by invisible threads, connected in more ways than we can possibly understand. Told from dual first-person perspectives, English schoolteacher Rodel Harris Emerson and divorced coffee farmer Jack Warden learn this truth the hard way. When a bomb explodes at the Kilimani Mall in eastern Africa, the explosion triggers events that send Jack and Ro on a direct collision course, one where they find themselves in an extraordinary fight to save children who are worth more dead than they are alive.

If you don’t remember anything else that I tell you about Mists of the Serengeti, remember my thoughts about the writing. It’s absolutely stunning in this story! Both lyrical and poetic, Leylah Attar’s writing flows just like rich wine as she immerses you in the world of Tanzania and the Maasai peoples. Attar paints each scene with exceptional descriptive writing. Her vivid descriptions of the African grasslands and wildlife, rife with vibrant sounds and color, appealed to each of my senses. Satisfying my thirst for knowledge, the author educates readers about various topics ranging from coffee farming to the Maasai culture. She introduces readers to languages, traditions and customs many of us will not be familiar with.

As exceptional as I found the writing and literary content to be, I was equally swept away by the uniqueness of this love story. Both main characters begin this story with the grieving process, but it doesn’t take long for attraction to begin blooming between Jack and Rodel. United in purpose, the two of them discover a rich, vital love, a “rightness” found in each other, and they both grow in ways they couldn’t have possibly imagined when they set off on this adventure. Jack and Ro are also joined by a delightful cast of secondary characters – Goma, Bahati and Scholastica – whose presence only enhanced my reading experience!

If you’re looking for a 5-star book that promises great adventure, look no further. Let Leylah Attar whisk your senses away with the quiet beauty of the African plains, with the love and suspense you’ll find waiting in the Mists of the Serengeti!

Leylah Attar’s Release Day Giveaway
https://js.gleam.io/e.js

Leylah Attar writes stories about love – shaken, stirred, and served with a twist.Sometimes she disappears into the black hole of the internet, but can usually be enticed out with chocolate. Leylah is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance/women’s fiction.

Blog Tour + Excerpt + 2017 Favorite + 6 Star Review: The Do-Over by Julie A. Richman

Posted on 01/31/2017 by shellbellereads

The Do- Over

By Julie A. Richman

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

***

Synopsis

~ Sometimes, one degree is all that separates you from the one you were meant to be with. ~

Wes Bergman was sex on a stick.

We’d been circling one another our entire lives, mingling at the same clubs… attending the same events…sharing mutual acquaintances…yet we’d never actually met.

Until . . . we both boarded a Windjammer Cruise in the Caribbean. And it was like meeting my long, lost best friend for the first time. I hadn’t ever connected with a guy that way before.

But Wes had a girlfriend. So, when the week was over, he walked off the ship, unknowingly taking a piece of my heart with him.

Now, over a decade later, newly divorced, I’m the proverbial fish out of water. Dating has totally changed. Apps. Swipe left. Swipe right. Catfishing. Men my age want two things: twenty-five-year-olds—like my ex’s new child bride of a wife—or just a quick hook-up.

After a string of bad dates, I finally did something I never thought I’d do. I had a hot one-night stand with a really handsome guy I met online who didn’t even know my real name.

Turned out Mr. Fling is a big shot for my company’s newest client. And just my

luck, that client’s CEO is none other than . . . Wes Bergman.

Now I’m separated by one degree again from the man who stole my heart.

And Mr. Fling could destroy my chance of what I want most –

A Do-Over with Wes.

Excerpt

His hand slowly stroking up and down the outside of my thigh is what roused me from my dream state. It was so soft and tender that I was getting more and more turned on with every movement. With my eyes still closed, I enjoyed the sensation. It wasn’t until his lips started brushing my shoulder, that I was unable to stifle a moan, revealing that I was awake.

“Good morning,” his whisper was hoarse.

“Mmm, good morning.” I stretched my body against his and turned my head to see his face hovering over mine, before our lips met.

“Sleep good?”

“Surprisingly, I did. I was so exhausted. Sorry for passing out on you last night,” I apologized.

“I think we both passed out the moment our heads hit the pillows.” Wes’ hand had migrated from my thigh to my stomach, where he softly drew circles with his fingertips.

Rolling over to face him, I pushed my hair out of the way, silently praying my humidity enhanced curls didn’t make me look like a deranged housewife, scaring the erection right out of the man. Slinging a leg over his thigh, I instantly got my answer. The crazy morning coif was not a cock killer. Thank God!

“You’re a morning person, I see.” Hiding my smile was not a possibility.

“Yeah, I am,” Wes laughed, moving closer to me, his eyes filled with the unmistakable desire to become lovers, something I’d dreamed about on the deck of a windjammer long ago.

“You can wake me up like this anytime.” I needed to let him know it was okay. He’d said he’d take it as slow as I wanted it and what I wanted right now was a slow rhythm of him plowing into me. Hard.

“Are you hard to wake up?” He was pressed up against me.

“I think you’ll figure out the secrets to rousing me.”

“You’ve already figured out the secrets to arousing me.” His voice still had that sexy edge of morning roughness to it, making me want to skip all foreplay and have him inside me.

“I’ll bet you have a few more secrets I can discover,” I said against his lips, as I shifted the leg I had slung over him, pressing my heat and wetness against his already throbbing cock.

Wes groaned and I could feel his smile against my lips. “You know you’re going to make it impossible to make slow, sweet love to you.”

“Good, because I don’t want it slow and sweet.”

Wes flipped me onto my back, “I can easily accommodate your wishes. Are you on anything or do I need to…”

“We’re good,” I assured him.

“Yes, we are.” He kissed my neck, then swiftly pulled my tank top over my head tossing it to the floor. “We’re going to be really good together. Of that, I have no doubt.”

And I knew he was right. Being with this man had been so perfect from the night we met. We meshed with ease and the result was pure joy.

The warmth in his eyes and smile made my breath catch, and in that moment, I was flooded with overwhelming emotion at how much I wanted him. How much I’d always wanted him. It was more than lust, beyond the heat of the moment. Wes Bergman was the man I had always wanted, from the night we met. That was clear to me now.

“I vote we skip the foreplay.” I wriggled out of my underwear.

“You’re on.” His smile told me he was taking on the challenge.

“You’re in,” I gasped, my breath catching in my throat, surprised at the swiftness with which he filled my request.

Michel’s Review

Julie A. Richman is in a class by herself when it comes to romance. Her speciality is creating magical romances between mature adults while still including the wonders of young love in it’s purest form. The memories of what once was or could of have been if the world would of been in sync, are part of her special magic. The youthful mistakes, decisions in the works, and life dictating it’s own hand take her characters in new directions that are beyond their control. She adds layers of life experiences that allow her characters hearts to percolate for years, preparing them to grasp the epic love story that is to come later when they are completely ready for it. She allows them to mature and become the best kind of individuals they can possibly be. Along the way they gain wisdom, experience the good and bad in life, and become emotionally stronger people. They learn the true meaning of sacrifice, giving of oneself, and loving unconditionally. They learn that love is more than a word or an emotion in a heated moment. It is the true gift in life. A gift that completes a person as an individual as well as a partner.

It’s refreshing to read a romance that I can identify with as a mature adult. Life experiences are priceless and mold a person into something more than they could of dreamed about in their younger years.

Tara and Wes were each other’s “one that got away”. They met on a vacation cruise and instantly connected on so many levels. At the time they were in different places in their lives. Wes was living in California and was in a relationship. Tara was building her career in New York City. Their lives were miles apart and heading in different directions. What seemed like a slip of fate was only the beginning. Fate had something else in store for them.

Almost two decades later, Tara finds herself a new divorcee , single parent to her teenage daughter, and pushing forty. She is once again thrust into the dating pool. A pool that has changed severely since she last swam in it. The rules have changed. It’s not just herself that she has to consider. She has to put her daughter first and her own needs second. The players in the game have changed. Potential dates are no longer fresh faced young men with a boat full of dreams and the world unexplored. They are experienced men with their own suitcase full of baggage. The game itself has changed as well. Clubbing and hanging out with friends is no longer the way to play the game. Online dating sites are the way to go. She’s a fish out of water. Trying to survive in this new world of dating is like swimming against the tide. There are a lot of sharks, guppies, and minnows in the pool. After some disastrous dates and a really bad experience, she’s ready to throw in the towel once again. That is until she crosses paths with Wes Bergman once again. What could of been might just be what’s next.

Wes Bergman has changed from the charming young man to an intense successful CEO. His life’s journey has brought him back to New York and founder of a specialized clothing company. When his company hires a new advertising firm it brings him back to the charming young woman he met years ago on a vacation cruise with his sister. This woman has matured into a devastatingly beautiful, intelligent woman who still sparks his heart. What could of been is going to happen. It’s his second chance at happiness. This time he’s ready and he’s going to hold on.

Wes and Tara discover more than love. They discover completion when they are together. Fate is finally smiling on them, or so they thought. Fate is once again going to throw them in the waters without a paddle.This time around they are experienced swimmers in the game called life. Their life experiences are going to collide but they are also going to be their saving grace.

Without giving anything away, I can say Julie A. Richman brings so much more than swoon worthy romance to the table. She brings very real life issues to the table. She brings an awareness of how precious life really is. It’s not always sunshine and roses. It’s how one deals with life that makes the difference. Choosing to love is what matters most.

Julie A. Richman has once again floored me with her gift of storytelling, her compassion for mankind, her wisdom, and insightful observations. She created a story that is very real and emotional. It was a true pleasure to read The Do-Over.

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About the Author:

USA Today Bestselling author Julie A. Richman is a native New Yorker living deep in the heart of Texas. A creative writing major in college, reading and writing fiction has always been a passion. Julie began her corporate career in publishing in NYC and writing played a major role throughout her career as she created and wrote marketing, advertising, direct mail and fundraising materials for Fortune 500 corporations, advertising agencies and non-profit organizations. She is an award winning nature photographer plagued with insatiable wanderlust. Julie and her husband have one son and a white German Shepherd named Juneau.

Connect with Julie:

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Reader Group ~ Amazon ~ Newsletter

5+ Star Review: Next To Never by Penelope Douglas – The Fall Away Series – Book 4.5

Posted on 01/27/2017 by shellbellereads

Next To Never

The Fall Away Series – Book 4.5

By Penelope Douglas

Release Date: January 17, 2017

Buy: Amazon

Synopsis

New York Times bestseller Penelope Douglas introduces Quinn, younger sister to Jared, Madoc, and Jaxon, in the latest novella in the series that began with Jared and Tate in Bully….
Quinn Caruthers has several problems.

Her father, Jason, and her three older brothers, Jared, Madoc, and Jaxon.

Under the close watch of the men in her family, Quinn has found it nearly impossible to spread her wings–or even date–without them jumping in to hover. And when a family friend–several years older–from her childhood captures her heart, she knows they’re going to be a problem. Lucas Morrow is a man–experienced, sophisticated, and important. And knowing her brothers, he may as well be forbidden.

But Lucas left town years ago and shows no signs of returning. Quinn knows she shouldn’t wait for him anymore.

But then a package turns up on her doorstep with no return address and its contents reveal family secrets that threaten to turn Quinn’s world upside down. She’s never asked about the tumultuous path of her parents’ romantic history, but she soon learns their happy marriage had a very rocky and passionate start.

As she begins to see things around her with new eyes, Quinn will have to make tough choices about whether she’ll keep waiting…or finally go after what she really wants.
*Next to Never is a 60,000 word novella from Quinn’s point-of-view. It is NOT her love story. That will be a full-length novel eventually. This story deals with some family history, introduces the new generation, and catches up with the original couples.

Michel’s Review

The Fall Away Series by Penelope Douglas has been one of my all time favorites. When I saw Next To Never release, not only was I surprised but also thrilled. I thought the series was over until the next generation was ready to take over the pages. Next To Never brings the series full circle and also introduces the readers to the next generation, who are screaming for their place on the pages.

It all begins with Quinn Caruthers. Quinn is about to begin senior year of high school and hasn’t really committed herself to one thing. She has always done what she’s been told, kept busy in all the extra curricular activities, and was basically a ” yes ” girl. She is questioning her life and the choices coming in the future. Her mother and father want her to attend a certain college and are encouraging her to go the extra mile to get in. It’s not that she doesn’t want to go but she never thought about what other options she has. What else is out there? What does she really want to do? One thing always seems to stand out when she thinks about it. An abandoned garage on Main St. This empty building has so much potential and needs to come alive once again. Maybe she can change it’s future when she finally finishes hers. Her life is full of questions and her dreams are unrealized. Her future is mapped out for her until something unexpected happens. She receives an anonymous novel in the mail. There is no return address. The only clue she has is the postmark is from Canada. Once she opens the book it’s going to change her course in life and her perspective on everything she thought she knew.

What begins as an intriguing forbidden romance novel evolves into something more. The characters begin to take on a life themselves. They begin to become more and more familiar to her. By the time she finishes the novel she realizes she has known these people all her lives. Their story is not what she believed it to be. This novel not only changes her perspective on those she loves, it also inspires her to reach for the stars and build her own dreams. It is the defining moment for her life.

As the story unfolds, the readers get a true introduction of the next generation of Trents and Caruthers. Each of these dynamic teenagers have their own strong personalities and paths to follow in life. They are going to face their own struggles just as their parents had to. They are screaming to get on the pages.

Penelope Douglas has her work cut out for her. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

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The Fall Away Series

Bully – Book 1

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Penelope Douglas delivers an unforgettable New Adult romance that toes the fine line between love and hate….

My name is Tate.

He doesn’t call me that, though. He’ll barely refer to me at all, and he’ll hardly ever speak to me.

But he still won’t leave me alone.

We were best friends once. Then he turned on me and made it his mission to ruin my life. I’ve been humiliated, shut out, and gossiped about all through high school. His pranks and rumors got worse as time wore on. I even went to Europe for a year, just to avoid him.

But I’m done hiding from him now, and there’s no way I’ll allow him to ruin another year. He might not have changed, but I have.

It’s time to fight back.

When one brave young woman stands up to her best friend Jared, now tormenter, the consequences go beyond anything either of them ever would have imagined….

Buy: Amazon

***

Until You – Book 1.5

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Penelope Douglas comes a companion novel to Bully.
This is Jared’s story.
Have you ever been so angry that hitting things felt good? Or numb to all emotions? The past few years have been like that for me. Traveling between fury and indifference with no stops in between. Some people hate me for it, while others are scared of me. But none of them can hurt me, because I don’t care about anything or anyone.

Except Tatum.

I love her so much that I hate her. I hate that I can’t let her go. We used to be friends, but I found out that I couldn’t trust her—or anyone else. So I hurt her. I pushed her away. But I still need her. She centers me. Engaging her, challenging her, pushing her—it’s the one last part of me that feels anything anymore.

But then she went and screwed everything up. She left for a year and came back a different girl. Now, when I push, she pushes back…and I’m not sure either one of us will ever be the same.

Buy: Amazon

***

Rival – Book 2

Madoc and Fallon. Two estranged teenagers playing games that push the boundaries between love and war…

She’s back.

For the two years she’s been away at boarding school, there was no word from her. Back when we lived in the same house, she used to cut me down during the day and then leave her door open for me at night.

I was stupid then, but now I’m ready to beat her at her own game…

I’m back.

Two years and I can tell he still wants me, even if he acts like he’s better than me.

But I won’t be scared away. Or pushed down. I’ll call his bluff and fight back. That’s what he wants, right? As long as I keep my guard up, he’ll never know how much he affects me….

Buy: Amazon

***

Falling Away – Book 3

From the New Adult sensation and New York Times bestselling author of Rival

Jaxon is the guy she’s supposed to avoid. K.C. is the girl he won’t let get away….

K. C. Carter has always followed the rules—until this year, when a mistake leaves her the talk of her college campus and her carefully arranged life comes crashing to a halt. Now she’s stuck in her small hometown for the summer to complete her court-ordered community service, and to make matters worse, trouble is living right next door.

Jaxon Trent is the worst kind of temptation and exactly what K.C. was supposed to stay away from in high school. But he never forgot her. She was the one girl who wouldn’t give him the time of day and the only one to ever say no. Fate has brought K.C. back into his life—except what he thought was a great twist of luck turns out to be too close for comfort. As they grow closer, he discovers that convincing K.C. to get out from her mother’s shadow is hard, but revealing the darkest parts of his soul is nearly impossible.…

Buy: Amazon

***

Aflame – Book 4

From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Bully, Until You, Rival, and Falling Away comes the sizzling conclusion to the Fall Away series.

The tables have turned. Now I have the power—and it’s his turn to beg…

Everyone wants to be me.

Maybe it’s the sway of my skirt or the way I flip my hair, but I don’t care. Even though their attention is the last thing I crave, I just can’t stop. I dominate the track, the speed rattles my bones, and the wind and the crowd screams my name.

I’m her. The girl driver. The queen of the race. And I’m surviving—something he thought I’d never do.

They all talk about him. Did you see Jared Trent on T.V? What did you think of his last race, Tate? When is he coming back to town, Tate?

But I refuse to care too much. Because when Jared does come home, I won’t be here.

Tatum Brandt is gone. I’m someone new.

Buy: Amazon

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About Penelope Douglas

Penelope Douglas is a writer living in Las Vegas. Born in Dubuque, Iowa, she is the oldest of five children. Penelope attended the University of Northern Iowa, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, because her father told her to “just get the damn degree!” She then earned a Masters of Science in Education at Loyola University in New Orleans, because she HATED public administration. One night, she got tipsy and told the bouncer at the bar where she worked that his son was hot, and three years later she was married. To the son, not the bouncer. They have spawn, but just one. A daughter named Aydan. Penelope loves sweets, The Originals, and she shops at Target almost daily.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

New Release + Excerpt + Review: The Devil’s Daughter by Katee Robert

Posted on 01/27/2017 by shellbellereads

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The Devil’s Daughter

Hidden Sins Series – Book 1

By Katee Robert

Release Date: January 24, 2017

Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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Synopsis

Growing up in a small town isn’t easy, especially when you’re the daughter of a local cult leader. Ten years ago, Eden Collins left Clear Springs, Montana, and never once looked back. But when the bodies of murdered young women surface, their corpses violated and marked with tattoos worn by her mother’s followers, Eden, now an FBI agent, can’t turn a blind eye. To catch the killer, she’s going to have to return to the fold.

Sheriff Zach Owens isn’t comfortable putting Eden in danger, even if she is an elite agent. And he certainly wasn’t expecting to be so attracted to her. As calm and cool as she appears, he knows this can’t be a happy homecoming. Zach wants to protect her—from her mother, the cult, and the evil that lurks behind its locked gates. But Eden is his only key to the tight-lipped group, and she may just be closer to the killer than either one of them suspects…

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Excerpt

“This is stupid. Get out of the car. Get out of the car right now.”

She threw her body into motion, half-afraid that if she didn’t force herself to move, she’d sit there until someone decided to report her for being creepy. Who am I kidding? The people in this place are just as likely to knock on the window and ask me if I need any help.

The fall air had a little bite to it, and she closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. Home.

No. It’s not home. It’ll never be home again.

She’d made a life for herself in the FBI, and if she didn’t have much in the way of roots . . . Well, she’d left the possibility of roots behind when she left Clear Springs. Most days it didn’t even bother her that much. She was doing good in the world, using her nontraditional childhood to give her an edge that had helped her make a name for herself over the last six years in the cult division. She was Eden Collins, FBI agent. She wasn’t that scared little girl. Not anymore.

One step at a time, she made her way into the police station. She’d half expected it to be a whirl of motion, with people rushing here and there, trying to come to terms with the fact that death had touched their small town. But there was no one in the room except a man sitting behind the desk in the corner, glaring at the phone on his desk.

Zach Owens.

The golden boy of Clear Springs in every sense. His blond hair was still cropped short, hearkening back to his days as a marine, and his body was obviously well taken care of. This wasn’t a man who’d let his years working in a sleepy little town turn him soft.

While Zach took her in, she conducted her own perusal. She’d never met him personally, but she knew him by reputation and pieces of information stolen via eavesdropping. He’d gone off to war a boy and come back a man with shadows in his eyes. Or maybe she was just seeing him with rose-tinted glasses, the tragic figure representing everything she’d never have. Acceptance. Loyalty. The love of the people here.

Something like jealousy curled through her stomach. It was silly and childish and she was better than that, but it was hard not to resent someone who so obviously fit. Eden had done a bit of traveling since she’d turned eighteen and run as far and fast as she could from her mother, but she’d never found a place that was well and truly hers.

He caught sight of her and narrowed his eyes. “Can I help you?”

Being pinned in place by those blue eyes made her second-guess the intelligence of her plan yet again. It didn’t matter. He needed her help, even if he didn’t know it yet. She stepped forward. “I’m here about the body.”

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Tracey’s Review

Something is not quite business as usual in Zach Owens’ town. As sheriff of Clear Springs, Montana, he’s concerned when news of a girl gone missing leads to something far worse. Hometown daughter Eden Collins left Clear Springs behind years before, shaking the dust off and vowing not to return. But when an insidious evil infiltrates the town, she’ll have to put aside her feelings and return to help Zach before it’s too late.

Author Katee Robert is a go-to of mine. From mafia reads to guys in – and out – of uniform to cowboys, she really has written everything. So, when I saw that her latest, THE DEVIL’S DAUGHTER, is a full-blown romantic suspense, complete with disappearing girls, enigmatic and downright chilling cult leaders, and an FBI agent and hometown sheriff working together to bring everything to light, I was all in.

I really enjoy some suspense and mystery in my romances, and Katee has delivered, big time. THE DEVIL’s DAUGHTER is taut and has plenty of suspense. The story of a town where mind-games are rife, and a breathtakingly subtle and crafty evil hides out just below the surface had me from the first page.

This book builds slowly, which I really appreciate, because I think that it helps build the feeling of something ominous and much bigger than Zach, or even Eden, is prepared to deal with. The mind games that Elysia leader Martha uses are chilling, and that Eden is willing to put herself in the crosshairs in order to help solve the crimes in Clear Springs is a true testament to her dedication to getting the bad guys.

Suspense and intrigue aside, this wouldn’t be a Katee Robert book without some romance. Zach and Eden make strange bedfellows, but this is another thing that Katee does so well, to write a romantic couple that would seem to be at odds. I think that it’s Zach’s steadfastness and commitment that help Eden trust him, and to feel confident in his feelings for her, and it doesn’t take long for the closeness that builds between them working together to turn into something more.

THE DEVIL’S DAUGHTER is a welcome addition to Katee’s catalog of work, and one that I very much enjoyed reading. It’s an easy 4.5-stars for me, and I highly recommend it for fans of romantic suspense. I look forward to seeing what comes next in the Hidden Sins series. If Katee’s writing it, it will be well worth the wait.

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

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

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5 Star Review: Retreat by Jay Crownover

Posted on 01/26/2017 by shellbellereads

Retreat

The Getaway Series – Book 1

By Jay Crownover

Buy: Amazon

Synopsis

Every once in a while, you need to get away from it all.

I was a woman on the edge, shaken and shattered after a breakup that felt like it tore my entire world apart.
My best friend, sick of watching me drown in misery and melancholy, harassed me until I agreed to go with her on a week-long wilderness retreat.

She promised days spent bonding and getting in touch with our inner bad-asses. It was supposed to be all about the two of us roughing it and making do with the bare minimum. She assured me we were going to be pushed to our limits in ways that were unimaginable. Neither one of us could have ever guessed just how right she was.

Nowhere in the glossy brochure did it say anything about the fact I was going to have to battle the insufferable but deliciously rugged and sexy trail guide instead of the elements. The brochure also forgot to mention the part that warned when you left civilization behind, there was no place to pack your inhibitions and fears.

I was told that I would be facing a week where the only thing I should expect was the unexpected. However, no one mentioned that I was going to have to fight for my life…and my heart as soon as I ventured into the unknown.

I was a pro at hiding from my feelings but when it came time to face a real threat, one that could change everything, I learned I was more of a no surrender, no retreat kind of girl.

Retreat is a standalone novel, the first in the Getaway series which centers on the hardheaded and brokenhearted Warner brothers and the women that dare to love them.
These boys are very good at putting the wild in wilderness.

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Michel’s Review

Wow! Jay Crownover stepped out of her element and delivered a fantastic romantic suspense layered with emotional passages. This book was not only a romantic suspense, it was also a journey for a woman who is questioning everything about herself. She’s angry, hurt, guarded, and fearful. She has emotionally boxed herself into her little self absorbed world and sealed the lid. She’s lost herself.

Leo’s best friend convinced her to come to Wyoming for a wilderness retreat. One week spent on the trails, living off the land, and becoming one with nature. This is not Leo’s idea of a good time but she’s willing to suck it up because she has been a miserable selfish friend and it’s time to turn that around.

Leo thought she knew what she was getting into. In her mind she pictured the typical cowboys guiding their group and bonding around the campfire at the end of the day. She envisioned easy riding trails and scenic views. Her expectations were way off base. The trail guides are not the typical cowboys. The Warner Brothers are in a class by themselves. One is grumpy and looks more like a model biker, one is friendly but reserved, and the other is sullen and quiet. They are there to do their jobs and make sure their clients have the best experience communing with nature.

The entire trip starts off balance. One of the brothers has to stay behind because of a family emergency. The grumpy brother, Cy Warner has to take over the expedition until his brother can rejoin them later in the week. The trail group is not the greatest group of people to be spending a week with on the trails. An entitled dysfunctional family from New York City that includes two smart mouthed teenagers, two city women that aren’t used to nature, two oddball men who are completely stand offish to the entire group, and two guides that are pushing their limits. It ends up that was the easy part of the trip. What happens while they are on the trail is something no one could of foreseen, not even their experienced guides. The peaceful retreat has turned into a dangerous endeavor forcing them to fight for survival.

Through all of this Leo finally faces herself, she conquers her fears, and gains new strengths she never knew she had. She also finds what she thought was love was only an illusion. Cy Warner has taught her to reach for more and give more of herself.

This book literally blew me away. It was unlike anything Jay Crownover has written. I was on the edge of my seat when the danger kicked up full throttle. What made it even more intense was the reality of the situation. This situation is something that could happen anywhere. Jay’s vivid descriptions made the story come alive.

Leo was not my favorite character in the beginning. As the book began to progress and Leo’s layers started peeling away, I began to see a completely different individual. I enjoyed witnessing her growth as an individual. Her prickly personality masked the vulnerable woman hiding behind her fears.

The chemistry between Cy and Leo was sizzling. Their verbal sparring and heated moments added the fire in this book. There was the right amount of romance mixed within the events evolving throughout the story.

I am looking forward to reading more books in the Getaway series. There are two Warner brothers screaming for their own stories. They both deserve it after what happened in Retreat.

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About Jay Crownover:

Jay Crownover is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men, The Point, and the Saints of Denver series. Like her characters, she is a big fan of tattoos. She loves music and wishes she could be a rock star, but since she has no aptitude for singing or instrument playing, she’ll settle for writing stories with interesting characters that make the reader feel something. She lives in Colorado with her three dogs.

Saucy Southern Readers

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Category Archives: Reviewers

New Release + Excerpt + Review: Cold Secrets by Toni Anderson – Cold Justice Series – Book 7

The next book in Toni Anderson’s bestselling Cold Justice series, COLD SECRETS, is available now! Romantic suspense lovers do not want to miss this one.

About COLD SECRETS

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Read an excerpt from COLD SECRETS:

About Toni Anderson

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New Release + Review: How To Date A Douchebag:The Failing Hours by Sara Ney – How To Date A Douchebag Series – Book 2

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5 Star Review + Excerpt: Accidentally On Purpose by Jill Shelves – Heartbreaker Bay Series

From New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis comes the next sexy, standalone novel in the Heartbreaker Bay series…

About ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE:

There’s no such thing as a little in love . . .

There’s no such thing as a little in lust . . .

There is such a thing as . . .

As far as Archer’s concerned, nobody is good enough for Elle. But when he sets out to prove it by sabotaging her dates, she gets mad—and things get hot as hell. Now Archer has a new mission: prove to Elle that her perfect man has been here all along . . .

ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE in ebook or paperback, releasing today!

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And don’t miss the previous books in Jill Shalvis’s Heartbreaker Bay Series, SWEET LITTLE LIES, THE TROUBLE WITH MISTLETOE and ONE SNOWY NIGHT, now available! Grab your copies HERE!

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Release Blitz and 5+ Star Review: Crown of Lies by Pepper Winters – Truth and Lies Duet – Book 1

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Mists of the Serengeti by Leylah Attar

Blog Tour + Excerpt + 2017 Favorite + 6 Star Review: The Do-Over by Julie A. Richman

~ Sometimes, one degree is all that separates you from the one you were meant to be with. ~

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5+ Star Review: Next To Never by Penelope Douglas – The Fall Away Series – Book 4.5

New Release + Excerpt + Review: The Devil’s Daughter by Katee Robert

5 Star Review: Retreat by Jay Crownover

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The next book in Toni Anderson’s bestselling Cold Justice series, COLD SECRETS, is available now! Romantic suspense lovers do not want to miss this one.

About COLD SECRETS

_____________________________________

Read an excerpt from COLD SECRETS:

About Toni Anderson

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_

About THE FAILING HOURS

About Sara Ney

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From New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis comes the next sexy, standalone novel in the Heartbreaker Bay series…

About ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE:

There’s no such thing as a little in love . . .

There’s no such thing as a little in lust . . .

There is such a thing as . . .

As far as Archer’s concerned, nobody is good enough for Elle. But when he sets out to prove it by sabotaging her dates, she gets mad—and things get hot as hell. Now Archer has a new mission: prove to Elle that her perfect man has been here all along . . .

ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE in ebook or paperback, releasing today!

Amazon | iBooks | Kobo| Barnes & Noble

And don’t miss the previous books in Jill Shalvis’s Heartbreaker Bay Series, SWEET LITTLE LIES, THE TROUBLE WITH MISTLETOE and ONE SNOWY NIGHT, now available! Grab your copies HERE!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp

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~ Sometimes, one degree is all that separates you from the one you were meant to be with. ~

About the Author:

Connect with Julie:

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