Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Safe Bet by Monica Murphy

Posted on 01/10/2017 by shellbellereads

Safe Bet

The Rules Series – Book 4

By Monica Murphy

Release Date: January 10, 2017

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Amazon AU / B & N / IBooks

Synopsis

Sydney Walker’s new job is perfect. As the live-in nanny to the most famous quarterback in the NFL and his beautiful wife, she couldn’t have it any better. Their kids are adorable. Her bosses are more than generous. Plus, there are hot football players at the house all the time. Life can’t get much better than this.

Until her life turns into an absolute nightmare. The media is abuzz with rumors that she and her boss Drew Callahan are having a torrid affair. Everyone knows the truth–except the public. So Drew’s wife Fable comes up with the perfect idea.

She creates a fake relationship between Sydney and one of the rookie players on Drew’s team. Wade Knox is forever indebted to Drew and Fable and readily agrees to the set up. Pretending to be in a romantic relationship with the hot nanny for a week–how hard can it be?

Crazy how it only takes one week for two people to fall head over heels in love…

(This mash-up new adult romance features characters from both the One Week Girlfriend series and The Rules series.)

Excerpt:

“Drew!” Fable
calls, waving him over. “Come meet Sydney.”

He starts to head
over there and when he sends me a look over his shoulder, I reluctantly follow
him. I really don’t need to be involved in this scenario, but I just can’t tell
him that, can I? It would be rude. And I’m never rude to Drew and Fable.

Ever.

“Sydney, this is
my husband, Drew. Drew, this is Sydney Walker. She’s going to be our new
nanny,” Fable says, sounding pleased. She looks over at her husband with a
little wince. “I hope you don’t mind that I went ahead and hired her.”

“Of course I don’t
mind. I trust your judgment.” Drew turns to greet Sydney. “Good to meet you,”
he says as he gives Sydney a firm handshake. She’s staring up at him, her lips
slightly parted, her eyes wide. Full on awestruck, which is typical. He’s a
superstar. That’s how most people look at Drew when they first meet him.

“Hi,” she squeaks,
her cheeks going pink as she releases Drew’s hand. Her gaze slips to mine, and
then flitters away. But that one quick glance was like a sucker punch to my
gut.

The nanny is
beautiful.

I take a deep
breath, shoving my hands in my jeans’ pockets so I won’t do something
stupid—like try to grab her. She has pretty blue eyes and a full mouth that’s
made for kissing. Her curves are even lusher than I first realized. She has
full hips and a tiny waist and shapely legs. But I can’t worry about pretty
nannies right now. I have to concentrate on work.

It still blows my
mind that I might play for the NFL. That football is my job. I’m a lucky son-of-a-bitch.

“Sydney, this is
Wade Knox. He’s an old family friend,” Fable says, knocking me from my
thoughts. I blink and look down to find Sydney smiling up at me, interest
clearly showing in her gaze. Hmm. “Wade, this is Sydney.”

“Hey Sydney.” I
shake her hand, electricity pulsing between us the moment our palms touch. She
jerks her hand away from mine as if I burned her. Guess she felt it too.

Interesting.

“Nice to meet
you,” she murmurs as she takes a step back. Like she needs the distance.

Even more interesting.

We make small talk
for a few minutes before Fable takes Sydney back to the house, and the moment
the door shuts behind them, Drew’s talking.

“The nanny’s
cute,” he observes, his voice way too nonchalant.

“Uh huh.”

“She looked at you
like she thought you were cute, too.”

I roll my eyes. He
never says stuff like this, so what’s his deal? “Cute? What are you doing?
Trying to play matchmaker?” I send him a pointed look. “Give me a break. I
don’t need the distraction.”

Michel’s Review

It’s hard to believe that the One Week Girlfriend series is over four years old. Drew and Fable took readers by storm. Their story was truly unforgettable. While they were the forefront of the series there were other characters that were part of their solid foundation. Wade Knox has been a part of that foundation from the beginning. We met him as a young teenage buy. His antics with Owen were notorious even though he really didn’t have a voice in the series. As the series matured and began to spread it’s wings, so did Wade Knox. He finally became a full fledged character with a voice. His place in the series was cemented. Now… years later… Wade is getting the front seat. What kind of girl could capture the heart of this dynamic guy? Monica Murphy didn’t have to look far, she found the spoiled little sister, Sydney Walker, from The Rules series. Two series coming together and exploding on the pages. Two totally different types of book families melding together to become one family. What a family reunion!

The paparazzi is trying to ruin Drew and Fable’s lives. They are solid in their relationship and completely dedicated to their children. When pictures and rumors begin to circulate that Drew is having an affair with the Naughty Nanny, it’s time to take matters into their own hands. Drew and Fable know exactly how to handle this. Create a fake relationship to deter the interest in another direction. They need the Naughty Nanny to have a sizzling hot romance with someone else. Who would fit the part better than the upcoming rookie, Wade Knox, who has all the right plays, all the right looks, and a heart of gold. Wade would do anything for Drew and Fable, they are family. Faking a romance with with the beautiful nanny, Sydney Walker, is not a hardship at all.

When the make believe romance turns into something more between Wade and Sydney, the entire family is on board. Sometimes the best things in life begin with a little lie.

Monica Murphy stole my heart once again. It was great to revisit all the characters from the One Week Girlfriend series and The Rules series. It was a heartwarming reunion.

__________________________________________________

I write books. I have the best job ever. New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Writer of new adult contemporary romance-ish stuff. Published with Avon and Bantam. Mom and wife. Native Californian.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz + Excerpt + Review: Clam Jam by RC Boldt

Posted on 01/10/2017 by shellbellereads

Title: Clam Jam

Author: RC Boldt

Genre: Romantic Comedy/New Adult Romance

Release Date: January 10, 2017

Blurb

“Clam Jam”

Definition: the female equivalent of a cock block.

Example: You’re chatting with a guy you’re interested in and your friend comes along and lays claim to him.Maggie

That’s my life—except it’s worse. My friend who keeps “jamming” me is my gay roommate and if that isn’t a W.T.F. moment, I’m not sure what is.Fact: He went home with three—yes, three—of the guys I had been so sure were into me.

Fact: He’s really pissing me off. I mean, hello? I’m trying to get back in the saddle, but I’ll never manage to get a boyfriend before the age of fifty if he keeps this up.

Fact: Secretly, I wonder what it would be like if he weren’t gay. Why do all the hot, sweet, tender-hearted guys have to be gay?

Fact: My gay-dar needs a serious tune-up.

The day I interviewed for the room to rent, everything changed. I knew I had met “the girl”, except there was one small problem: she didn’t want anything to do with men. I recognized a top-notch force field when I saw one. She’d been burned badly and didn’t want to deal with a heterosexual guy as a roommate. I could’ve turned around and found another place to live, but I wanted to live there—with her.So I had to go “undercover”.

Fact: I’m in love with my roommate.

Fact: I’m a likely candidate for carpal tunnel surgery since all the action I’ve had for the past year has been my hand.

Fact: She’s going to hate me if I come clean now.

Fact: I’m not giving up. Which means, I’ll just have to continue to run defense until I figure out a way to get Maggie to see the “real” me.

The me that loves her.

The me that would never do her wrong.

Until then, I’ll keep running off every guy who shows any interest.

Until then, I’ll continue to Clam Jam.

ADD TO GOODREADS

Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / iBOOKS
GOOGLE PLAY

Excerpt

“Ryland James!” I bang on his bathroom door, hollering loudly. “Did you eat the last—”The door swings open, drawing my speech to a sudden halt because … ooooh, sweet, dripping wet abs.

My eyes are riveted.

He’s got a towel wrapped around his waist, and I don’t even realize I’m moving until Ry releases a sharp hiss at my touch. Because my finger is tracing over the slight indentations in his abdominal muscles.

“Um …” He clears his throat, his voice husky and deep. “Mags?”

“Uh-huh,” I murmur absently, my fingertip stopping one of the trickling droplets of water on his skin, tracing it down over his belly button, and—

His fingers grasp my wrist, drawing my hand to a halt, and my eyes dart up to his in alarm because crap. That was like an out-of-body experience.

“Oh, crap. I’m sorry. I just really, um … crap.” That’s all I can utter. Nonsense. No one would believe I have my graduate degree if they heard me right now.

If my tongue had a voice of its own, it would probably say something like, “Just the tip. That’s all I want.” The tip of my tongue tracing over Ry’s abs, that is. You know, just to prove someone Photoshopped him. Or not.

Because I’ll take one for the team. I’m a giver like that. People might even think of canonizing me as a saint after all this. Really.

Oh, and then … Abracadabra! Poof! He’d no longer be gay, profess his undying love for me, and wouldn’t ever leave me for another guy.

Or woman.

Wow. That scenario even sounds crazy in my head.

Shaking off my thoughts, I take one more glance down at his abs—just one more glance—and that’s when I see it.

“Oh, boy,” I breathe out. Ry is hard, tenting the towel, and I really want it to drop. Accidentally, of course. Like an “oops” moment. Totally harmless and innocent.

Oh. My. God. I’m a horrible person. I’m thinking of my roommate’s penis! My roommate who has quickly become one of my best friends.

Oh, the shame!

Where did this inner slut come from? It’s like she’s been lying in wait—for him, apparently.

But, really. I can take a little peek, right?

________________________________________

Tracey’s Review

What do you do when the woman of your dreams wants nothing to do with men after being badly burned by her ex? You pretend to be her gay best friend, of course, her roomie, the guy that she goes to for everything except, well, you know. Sounds great, right? Except that a) you’re NOT gay, b) you want her so much you can’t think of anything else, and c) heck, man, this plan is destined for failure! What’s a guy to do?

There are those books where the synopsis sounds like a great read…until you get into the book, and you’re thinking, ‘What in the world is going on here?! Others totally exceed expectations, and make for one of the most enjoyable reads you’ve had lately. I am happy to say that CLAM JAM, by author R.C. Boldt, falls solidly into the second category.

It’s always a toss-up when I come across an author that’s new to me. Will I like their style? Yeah, the book sounds like a really fun read, but, what if…When I read the synopsis for CLAM JAM, I signed up immediately. It just sounded like something that would be right up my alley, and it TOTALLY was. This book by R.C. Boldt is funny, sassy, irreverent, heartwarming, and all sorts of sexy. There really aren’t enough good things to say about it, and I could not put it down.

Ry and Maggie have an undeniable chemistry from Day 1. They like the same things, they have the same sense of humor, and they want to spend all of their time together. When Maggie decides that she’s ready to step into dating again, Ryland makes it his mission to clam jam the heck out of her, and it is hilarious. He will stop at nothing to make sure that no dude in his right mind will end up taking Maggie home or calling her again. I found myself laughing out loud at the situations they found themselves in. And Ry’s best friend and supposed lover, Jack, was a riot, as well, sending the zingers back to Ry on a regular basis.

CLAM JAM ended up being a wonderful surprise, and I can’t say enough good things about this book. It’s one that I would recommend without hesitation. And, if RC would like to explore the relationship between Maggie’s best friend Sarah and Ry’s best friend Jack, I’d be one of the first in line to read about it, so…if you’re listening, RC, I’m all in. In the meantime, do yourself a favor, and add this feel-good 4.5-star read to your TBR. You will not be sorry.

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

_________________________________________

Author Bio

RC Boldt is the wife of Mr. Boldt, a retired Navy Chief, mother of Little Miss Boldt, and former teacher of many students. She currently lives on the southeastern coast of North Carolina, enjoys long walks on the beach, running, reading, people watching, and singing karaoke. If you’re in the mood for some killer homemade mojitos, can’t recall the lyrics to a particular 80’s song, or just need to hang around a nonconformist who will do almost anything for a laugh, she’s your girl.

Author Links

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Release Blitz + Review + Giveaway : Break Point by Rachel Blaufeld

Posted on 01/10/2017 by shellbellereads

It’s reckless and hot until one of them taps out.

Break Point by Rachel Blaufeld releasing January 2017!

***

Break Point

By Rachel Blaufeld

Release Date: January 9, 2017

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

Blurb

Juliette Smith, star tennis player, is starting over at a new university. Traumatized by hazing at her last school, all she wants is to attend classes, win tennis matches, and be left the hell alone.

She should have known her coach, Drew King, would be a problem from the moment he flexed his sexy-as-hell forearms.

What happens when you mix a pissed-off woman with a bunch of snooty teammates and a hot coach?

A heated match, complete with team politics and a forbidden game of singles with the coach.

It’s reckless and hot until one of them taps out.

Unable to admit she may be better off as a double, Jules is convinced she needs to play the game of life alone. Then life throws her a lob and she runs smack into her past.

Coach King is back, and he wants to take control of the game. But she’s not certain she wants his advice when it comes to the life she’s built.

The power struggle is on, but this time off the court.

https://vimeo.com/198482418

Excerpt

I remained still, my arms wrapped around my knees, my jean shorts digging into the space where thigh met crotch as my red hair was whipped around my face by a passing breeze. I breathed in and out, counting backward from a hundred. Taking deep breaths and closing my eyes, I allowed positive energy to burn through me and eat away at the bad.

Giggles wafted from the benches below, near the fountain, and then drifted off as the other girls made their way out of the sports complex. Reality returned. It was present day, not back then when I was helpless.

Today I was in control.

Only after the others left—not that it mattered, I was invisible to them—did the coach nod in my direction and motion for me to come down.

That simple gesture felt like something more. Like I meant more to him than was appropriate for a coach and his student. His head tilted to the side for a beat too long, his gaze rested on me more thoughtfully than it had on the others, and he squinted at me in a way I liked very, very much.

“Think you can keep up with them?” He jerked his head back toward the gymnasium, a smirk twisting his mouth.

I zoned in on his lips and became a sailboat slicing through the sea, jumping into the blue ocean that was his eyes as I made my way down the stairs.

That’s your coach, Juliette. Let it be.

“I play singles, so I’m pretty sure I’ll hold my own with or without them,” I said from the bottom step, allowing my natural confidence to make an appearance. Hello, ego, my good friend.

“Yeah, I know. I meant, think you can hold your own with that crowd? In general?”

“I’ll be fine. I’m looking forward to it,” I lied. I wasn’t looking forward to dealing with them. Not today. Not tomorrow.

Though, now that I was in the presence of Coach King—up close and personal, outside, shouting, coaching, wearing shorts—I was more excited than before. His forearms fascinated me all over again. They rippled with strength when he moved, making me wonder what they would look like braced over me.

I pulled my hair back into a messy knot at my nape, allowing the breeze to hit my heated neck. “Thanks for asking me to come and watch.”

Michel’s Review

Looking for a forbidden romance that is loaded with angst? Break Point by Rachel Blaufeld is what you are looking for.

Juliette Smith is a tennis superstar. She had problems at her former college and is now being recruited for another school. When her new coach, Drew King, shows up at her home, she knows she’s going to have problems at her new school. She’s attracted to her new coach and suspects the attraction is mutual.

Drew knows he has to keep his attraction for Juliette hidden. It could ruin them both. The temptation is too much for either to handle. When they finally give into the attraction it changes the course of their lives.

Their short lived affair has changed them both. Drew left the school so that Juliette would have the opportunities she should have. Juliette ended up leaving school anyways.

For six years both have lived their lives in the shadows of what could of been between them. Their passion for one another isn’t the only secret being kept. Will the ultimate truth tear them apart further or will it finally lead them to where they need to be?

I loved Drew King’s character. He was truly an honorable man and handled a bad situation with great care. I struggled with Juliette’s character. I felt that she was a bit self centered. She was more concerned about her repercussions than she was about Drew. Her immaturity and selfish actions caused Drew to miss the first six years of being a father. In this day and age, there was no need to keep this secret from him. He was a good guy and always had her best interest at heart.

I personally struggle with these type of books… but that’s just me. Break Point was well written and had some very emotional moments. Fans of this type of book are going to embrace it whole heartedly.

______________________________________________

Rachel Blaufeld is a social worker/entrepreneur/blogger turned author. Fearless about sharing her opinion, Rachel captured the ear of stay-at-home and working moms on her blog,BacknGrooveMom, chronicling her adventures in parenting tweens and inventing a product, often at the same time. She has also blogged for The Huffington Post, Modern Mom, and StartupNation.

Turning her focus on her sometimes wild-and-crazy creative side, it only took Rachel two decades to do exactly what she wanted to do—write a fiction novel. Now she spends way too many hours in local coffee shops plotting her ideas. Her tales may all come with a side of angst and naughtiness, but end lusciously.

Rachel lives around the corner from her childhood home in Pennsylvania with her family and two dogs. Her obsessions include running, coffee, icing-filled doughnuts, anti-heroes, and mighty fine epilogues.

Stalk Rachel at: website / Twitter / Facebook

*****

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Full Package by Lauren Blakely

Posted on 01/09/2017 by shellbellereads

FULL PACKAGE by Lauren Blakely is Here!

A sexy and funny friends-to-lovers standalone romantic comedy, FULL PACKAGE is about a sexy, witty man as he falls head over heels for a woman, who just happens to be his roommate. It takes everything you love about a Lauren Blakely novel –witty dialogue, smoking hot sex scenes, and heartfelt moments –and puts them into one fantastic book! Told in the guy’s POV, with a creative look into Josie’s POV as well, FULL PACKAGE is the laugh-out-loud and insanely hot story of what happens when a sexy ER doc falls madly in love with his gorgeous roommate…and they’re forced to deal with all that simmering desire in a mere six hundred square feet of living space.

“Lauren Blakely has mastered the recipe for delightful and delicious. It’s called Full Package. I can’t find words to tell you how much I enjoyed this friends to lovers romance with enough sweet to melt in your mouth and enough spice to melt your panties.”

~ iScream Books

“Lauren Blakely nailed it AGAIN. This man man is perfection! HOT, SWEET, FUNNY, SMART.”

~ Queen of Hearts

✮✮✮FULL PACKAGE is here!✮✮✮

From the New York Times Bestselling author of MISTER O and BIG ROCK, comes a hot & hilarious new standalone romantic comedy…

I’ve been told I have quite a gift.

Hey, I don’t just mean in my pants. I’ve got a big brain too, and a huge heart of gold. And I like to use all my gifts to the fullest, the package included. Life is smooth sailing….

Until I find myself stuck between a rock and a sexy roommate, which makes for one very hard…place.

Because scoring an apartment in this city is harder than finding true love. So even if I have to shack up with my buddy’s smoking hot and incredibly amazing little sister, a man’s got to do what a man’s got to do.

I can resist Josie. I’m disciplined, I’m focused, and I keep my hands to myself, even in the mere five-hundred square feet we share. Until the one night she insists on sliding under the covers with me. It’ll help her sleep after what happened that day, she says.

Spoiler-neither one of us sleeps.

Did I mention she’s also one of my best friends? That she’s brilliant, beautiful and a total firecracker? Guess that makes her the full package too.

What’s a man stuck in a hard place to do?

You can find this sexy standalone romantic comedy across all retailers!

✦Amazon US ✦Amazon UK ✦Amazon CA ✦Amazon AU ✦iBooks

✦Barnes & Noble ✦Kobo ✦Google Play ✦Amazon Paperback

✦Audio (Sebastian York!) ✦or via Audible

“Fresh, fun, flirty, and fabulous.”

~ Karen at Bookalicious Babes Blog

Add it to Goodreads here!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30283662-full-package

Tracey’s Review

Oh, Lauren Blakely, you enchantress, you. You’ve teased us, you’ve given us hints, and, finally, here we are, the FULL PACKAGE. Chase Summers, aka Dr. McHottie, and Josie Hammer, the sweetest baker in all of the land, have made appearances in the earlier books in Lauren’s romantic comedy series of reads that have become some of my absolute favorite reads. We’ve heard tell of Chase’s problem finding his own digs now that he’s back stateside after serving in Doctors Without Borders. He’s looked high and low, and still no joy. Living single since her roomie left to marry Josie’s older brother, Wyatt, Josie’s looking for a roommate that won’t drive her crazy, and luck has not been on her side. But, wait, was that Fate’s tinkling laughter that I heard?

“Bouncing around from place to place is wearing on me…It’s like I have some sort of curse when it comes to finding a decent rental. And you have a curse when it comes to finding…”
“A decent roommate.” Her voice trails off as she stares at me. Really stares. And as she seems to study me, the answer clicks. The lightbulb literally goes off at the same time for both of us.

And so it begins, or continues, really. Because, determined as they are to keep things friends only, let’s just say that, where there’s a spark, generally follows a flame, and in this case, the flame is hot enough to heat the entire city of Manhattan.

Like the other books in this ‘series,’ FULL PACKAGE is an absolute delight. Chase and Josie have serious chemistry, and what I love about this relationship is that they’ve known each other for quite a while. While insta-love has a time and a place (yes, yes, it really does, come on now), there is none of that here. What there is, is complete trust, shared interests, and all of the elements of a really solid friendship. These two just enjoy each other, love spending time together, and are, in fact, a great couple before they are a couple. This is not to say that there isn’t plenty of heat simmering between Chase and Josie, just that that isn’t all that there is, and it’s endearing and refreshing, and made them one of my favorite LB couples.

…We’ll need a code word. A heads-up. I’ll text you, or you’ll text me with that word.”
“Like aardvark? I’ve always thought that aardvark would be an awesome code word because it’s completely obvious it’s a code word.”
She calls me on my bluff, narrowing her eyes as we reach the block with her building. “Aardvark it is. But what if things get awkward between us?”
“What would be awkward between us?”
“…I guess I was just thinking…if anything felt awkward between us…” She waves her hand from her to me and back.
Ohhhhhh.
I get it now.
I pretend to whisper. “You mean,” I say, taking my time to drawl out each syllable, “sex-u-al ten-sion?”
Her cheeks flush. “No. I just mean awkward. I don’t mean that. Just that we’re a man and a woman living together. It’s just smart to be prepared for any…weirdness.”
“Just kidding, Josie,” I say, and drape an arm around her. “Things will never be awkward between us. But if they ever get that way, just say ‘Swedish Fish.’ That will be our safe word.”

I mean, how could you not love these two? They’re just so easy together, and able to talk about anything. Anything, that is, except the elephant in the room, the one holding the sign saying ‘Sexual Tension Be Here.’ Because, yes, good intentions and the bro-code are all well and good, but, when it comes down to it, Love will find a way, and that She does. Soon enough, Chase and Josie are both feeling those feelings, and, next thing you know, there aren’t enough fans or Swedish fish to be found.

Lauren has done her usual magical thing here, and written a book that was impossible to put down, that had me laughing, and smiling, and fanning myself, and saying “Awww,” all the marks of a fantastic read for me. 5+ sexy roomies, all bets are off, Swedish fish filled stars for FULL PACKAGE. Do not miss this one, guys, because it’s a keeper.

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

And don’t miss Lauren Blakely’s other standalone Romantic Comedies!

BIG ROCK
MISTER O
WELL HUNG

*✮✮✮ Enter to win this amazing FULL PACKAGE GIVEAWAY!✮✮✮***

Josie and Chase put together some of their favorite things just for you to celebrate the release of FULL PACKAGE!

The FULL PACKAGE is filled with:

✮ $50 Gift Card to Lush: Fresh Handmade Cosmetics for fruity scented bath products that Chase loves so much.

✮ $50 Gift Card to Sugarfina: A Luxury Candy Boutique where you can sample some of Josie’s favorite gourmet candy.

✮ A lovely Coach Wristlet containing a $50 Amazon Gift Card for you to spend on whatever your heart desires.

✮ And last but not least, my entire Audiobook Collection minus Full Package on Audible. It is aurally delicious!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

http://laurenblakely.com/full-package-giveaway/

About Lauren Blakely:

Since self-publishing her debut romance novel CAUGHT UP IN US over three years ago, Lauren Blakely has sold more than 1.5 million books. She is known for her sexy contemporary romance style that’s full of heat, heart and humor. A devout fan of cake and canines, Lauren has plotted entire novels while walking her four-legged friends. She lives in California with her family. With thirteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than seventy times. Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love, and Fighting Fire as well as standalone hit romances like BIG ROCK, MISTER O, WELL HUNG, and THE SEXY ONE which were all instant New York Times Bestsellers. In January she’ll release FULL PACKAGE, a standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter.

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

Release Blitz + Review: Lucian Devine by Renee Carlino

Posted on 01/09/2017 by shellbellereads

Lucian Devine

By Renee Carlino

Buy: Amazon

“My guardian angel is a drunk.”

Evelyn Casey’s life is at a standstill. She’s in her mid-twenties, struggling with the dating scene in San Francisco. Nothing seems to be working out, and she’s starting to think that she’ll live out her days in her crummy apartment with her overbearing roommate, Brooklyn. It’s absurd, but sometimes Evey longs for a guardian angel to show up and save the day.

And then he does. Seriously. His name is Lucian and he’s a guardian angel, been on the job for two thousand years. His sudden presence in her life is both good—he’s brilliant, witty, and warm—and bad—he’s brilliant, witty, warm, and hot as —-. But as perfect as Lucian seems, he’s got problems of his own. He’s taken up drinking and he’s brazenly inserted himself into Evey’s life, going against the greatest cosmic law ever created.

For Evey, the rules are simple: You are not allowed to hook up with your guardian angel. But sometimes fulfilling your destiny requires a leap of faith, a confrontation with God.

Yes, God as in God.

Amazon | iTunes | B&N | KOBO | AMAZON PRINT

couple-hands-live-now

__________________________________

Robin’s Review

Renee Carlino, best known for writing new adult/contemporary romance novels such as Sweet Thing, Before We Were Strangers, and Swear on This Life, decided to take her writing in an entirely different direction with her newest novel. Lucian Divine is a delightful paranormal romance that reads more like a contemporary romance. No matter the genre, Lucian Divine is a story that will quickly grab your attention, and before you know it, you’ll be reading the final pages!

Evelyn Casey is a 24-year-old fashion school graduate who feels her love life is going nowhere. But with her latest attempt at dating, her guardian angel has decided he just can’t take it anymore. Lucian, assigned to Evelyn since birth, is ready to be reassigned to another soul. He’s tired of having a front row seat as Evey dates and develops feelings for random men, and his pleading is falling on deaf ears. Not only has it driven Lucian to drinking, but he is now considering breaking cosmic law by revealing himself to her.

I absolutely LOVE the characters in this novel! Primary or secondary, the characters are what make this story great! I especially enjoyed reading the dialogue between Lucian and his angel peers, Zack, Abigail and Mona. And Carlino’s character development in Lucian Divine is one of its stronger aspects. Consider this: a celestial being involved in a loving relationship with a human woman. There are going to be all kinds of challenges with both of characters as they learn to adapt to each other. Carlino shows a natural progression of their relationship, and we are able to see both physical changes and emotional growth.

My emotions were all over the place while reading Lucian Divine, but mostly, I just smiled my way through each chapter. Lucian Divine is a story you don’t have to take too seriously. It’s humorous. The dialogue in this story is funny, especially between Lucian and his angel friends. I also felt some anxiety at times, and even sadness, but Lucian manages to keep a great sense of humor throughout, even when things aren’t going so well for him.

According to the author, “This book is about faith, love, the unknown, and not taking ourselves so damn serious all the time.” I definitely wouldn’t consider Lucian Divine religious. Instead, it’s an inspiring story – I felt hope in true love. If you’ve been looking for a light, fun read, look no further than Renee Carlino’s 4-star Lucian Divine!

Michel’s Review

Renee Carlino is known for creating unforgettable characters with compelling and highly emotional stories. With her latest release of Lucian Devine, Renee stepped outside of her norm and created an imaginative heavenly love story that purely entertains the soul.

Lucian Devine and his heavenly crew of guardian angels are not the typical angels. Like most beings they are individuals with their own quirks, personal likes and dislikes, and motivations. What sets them apart from the world is their job description and boss. They are guardian angels assigned to souls. Their job is to protect, gently guide, and buffer the realities of life. They are not supposed to intervene with fate or make contact with their assignments. Lucian Devine has always been a rule breaker and is paying for his transgressions of the past. His latest assignment is going to change the game and cause him to break every heavenly rule. He’s fallen in love with his charge. Evelyn Casey has captured his heart and he can no longer stand by in the shadows watching her muddle through life with one failed relationship to another. He wants to claim her as his own. He’s willing to pay the consequences if it means one moment in the arms of the woman he loves.

Evelyn Casey feels like her life is going nowhere. She’s working at a job she hates. She’s dating losers left and right. She’s stuck and doesn’t know what she wants out of her life until she meets her guardian angel.

Lucian and Evelyn find a love so pure that heaven surely could not frown upon it. Rules are rules and heavenly rules were not meant to be broken. Can their love withstand the wrath of heaven?

Renee Carlino created a charming heavenly romance that had me smiling throughout the book. This book was a pure delight.

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Renée Carlino is a screenwriter and bestselling author of contemporary women’s novels and new adult fiction. Her books have been featured in national publications, including USA TODAY, Huffington Post, Latina magazine, and Publisher’s Weekly. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their sweet dog June. When she’s not at the beach with her boys or working on her next project, she likes to spend her time reading, going to concerts, and eating dark chocolate. Learn more at www.reneecarlino.com

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

2017 Favorite + 6 Star Review: Rock Chick ReAwakening by Kristen Ashley

Posted on 01/06/2017 by shellbellereads

From New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Ashley, comes ROCK CHICK REAWAKENING, the long awaited story of Daisy and Marcus, brought to you by 1,001 Dark Nights! Be sure you grab your copy today!

*****

Rock Chick ReAwakening

Rock Chick Novella – Prequel To Rock Chick Series

By Kristen Ashley

Buy: Amazon / Amazon Paperback

Synopsis

From New York Times bestselling author, Kristen Ashley, comes the long-awaited story of Daisy and Marcus, Rock Chick Reawakening. A prequel to Kristen’s Rock Chick series, Rock Chick Reawakening shares the tale of the devastating event that nearly broke Daisy, an event that set Marcus Sloan—one of Denver’s most respected businessmen and one of the Denver underground’s most feared crime bosses—into finally making his move to win the heart of the woman who stole his.

Excerpt

Obviously, I’d decided to go out with Marcus.

He wanted to convince me we were meant to be together, he’d been kind enough to me he’d earned that shot.

But he was going to know what he was getting.

To this end, I was wearing my leopard print (or one of them). A skintight mini-dress that only went down to there. The back was scooped all the way out and the front was scooped to maximum cleavage potential (and with the maximums of my cleavage, this might be awe-inspiring to some; heck, it was my cleavage and it was still that to me).

I was going to pair this with my sky-high platform sandals with the black patent across the balls of my feet, open toes to show off the new fire-engine-red pedicure I’d given myself (along with the same in a manicure, but on my long talons, I’d added a curve of amber rhinestones all along one side of the outer edge of each ring finger). The platform and heel of the shoes were covered in leopard.

My hair was even more sky-high than my platforms. Teased to mammoth proportions at the top and sides, I’d smoothed that back and then curled the hell out of the rest of my tresses so they fell in soft, defined swirls from a high-rise at the crown all the way down my back (the bangs were blown out straight and brushing my forehead).

My makeup was how I’d do it if I was stripping, which was how I’d do it when I wasn’t stripping. My eyes weren’t smoky. They were smoke. My skin bronzed. The sides of my nose and under my cheekbones shaded. My cheeks a dewy tangerine. My lips a nude-y, super-glossed, glittering peach.

I had in bronze chandelier earrings that nearly swept my shoulders and were liberally dosed with black and amber beads. A bronze statement necklace practically covered my upper chest and I had so many dangly bracelets on, if Marcus got through the night without the noise of them tinkling driving him to murder me, he’d definitely pass an important test.

Baseball on the Infield Chalk Line with the Base in the distance

Michel’s Review

Readers have waited a long time for the beloved King and Queen of the Rock Chick Series story. They are the couple that has been the foundation of the series from the very beginning. Now it’s time to find out where fairytales are created and why happily ever afters really exist. It’s time for the Rock Chick Royalty to open their castle doors and let the readers experience their charming beginnings in the Rock Chick Kingdom.

Daisy and Marcus both had very rough beginnings in life. Their childhoods where horrific in very different ways. They are both survivors and found a way to escape their horrific past. For Marcus it was building an empire in the crime infested world in Denver. For Daisy it was becoming a high commodity in one of the classier strip clubs in Denver. A club that Marcus Sloan was silent partner in. The moment Marcus laid eyes on Daisy he knew he would make her his. He would give her the world. He saw beyond the beauty and fantastic body that enthralled the men of Denver. He saw a beautiful soul that had the strength of warrior, the compassion of a true humanitarian, and the loyalty that would never be severed no matter what the circumstances where. He saw a refined lady in outrageously sexy clothing. He saw his queen.

Daisy knew Marcus Sloan was a dangerous man that could either ruin her life or steal her heart. She has never experienced a good relationship or a good man. Daisy is an optimist and knows that they do exist. Upon meeting Marcus Sloan, she is convinced there really are prince charmings waiting for their princesses.

Just as the fairytale begins, the evil foe enters the fold and destroys the kingdom. Daisy has been violated and Marcus is going to kill the man who dared to destroy his princess. He will slay every dragon, destroy every enemy to put a smile back on Daisy’s face and joy in her heart.

He is going to give her his world. He’s going to build her castle and make her his queen. He is giving her his complete heart.

The only thing I can say about Rock Chick Awakening is …. WOW!

Although Rock Chick ReAwakening can be considered the prequel for the Rock Chick series, I honestly believe Kristen Ashley did the right thing by releasing it after the series was completed. Readers were already enchanted with Daisy and Marcus. They knew what spectacular people they were. Learning their story was a true fairytale that touched the heart. It reminded me of children learning about their parents love story for the first time. Kristen wisely waited to give us readers this charming tale. What I loved most is that it was strictly Daisy and Marcus’s story. The Rock Chick posse, the Nightingale hotties, and the crazy barista didn’t take over their story. They were the icing on the cake at the end of the story.

I think Rock Chick ReAwakening is my favorite out of all the Kristen Ashley books. It was a true fairytale.

Praise for Kristen Ashley and ROCK CHICK REAWAKENING:

“OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!! I FREAKING LOVED IT!!!!!!!! LOVE LOVE LOVED IT!!! This was pure Old School Vintage KA GOLD!!!”

~Aestas Book Blog

“This novella is like the key to all the locked doors in this series.”

~Angie’s Dreamy Reads

“We inhaled Marcus and Daisy’s story, how could we not. It was everything to us and we cannot thank Kristen Ashley enough for writing it, in her much loved unique manner. The queen of epilogues struck once more and we smiled through copious tears of happiness, our hearts feeling full and complete. Whilst sad that it’s over we just can’t feel anything but happiness and love right now. It was Aces! Rock on…and be prepared to be swept of off your feet.”

~Totally Booked Blog

“[Kristen] Ashley captivates.”

~Publisher’s Weekly

“There is something about them [Ashley’s books] that I find crackalicious.”

~DearAuthor.com,Kati Brown

“I felt all of the rushes, the adrenaline surges, the anger spikes… my heart pumping in fury. My eyes tearing up when my heart (I mean… her heart) would break.”

~Maryse’s Book Blog

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 accessorize 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.

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

New Release + Excerpt + 5 Star Review: Real Good Man by Meghan March

Posted on 01/05/2017 by shellbellereads

From USA Today bestselling author Meghan March comes a sexy new duet. We’ve all had the bad boys, now it’s time for a Real Good Man.

Fall for a woman over text messages? No way in hell.

Reality can never be as good at the fantasy, right?

Wrong. It’s better.

Banner Regent is smart, funny, and she’s so far out of my league, she might as well be royalty.

I’m a mechanic from Kentucky. She’s a New York City party girl.

We were never supposed to meet, but one text started something neither of us saw coming.

How do you seduce the woman who already has everything?

Show her what it’s like to be with a real good man.

Real Good Man is book one of the Real Duet. Logan and Banner’s story will conclude in Real Good Love, releasing January 17, 2017.

iBooks | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA | BN | Kobo | Audible

Finally, fifteen minutes after we said we’d meet, Logan Brantley walks into the tapas bar. Every curse word known to woman—and several I make up on the fly—flash through my brain.

This isn’t fair. Logan Brantley is even sexier when he’s not dressed in camo and carrying a big gun. More than one head swings in his direction. Women flip their hair and uncross and re-cross their legs as he steps up to the hostess stand.

A shaft of possessiveness lights up inside me, right along with nervous energy and my pounding heart. Back off, bitches. He’s not here for you.

I hear the low rumble of his deep drawl when he speaks to the hostess. She gestures in my direction, and he turns. Piercing blue eyes find me at the table where a lone water glass sits in front of me.

Liquid courage should definitely have been on the menu. Why didn’t I order a drink?

Because I’m an idiot. Because I thought I could handle this.

Now my heart is hammering so loud, my voice will probably be inaudible, or even worse—quaver when I speak.

Logan walks toward me with long, sure strides. He’s taller than I realized. And broader. And bigger. Everywhere. He’s wearing a black Henley that stretches across his chest, leaving no doubt of the fact that the man is built. And his jeans. Jesus. They’re worn and snug in all the right places.

The picture I found was clearly not recent, and it’s not just the fact that his brown hair is longer and shaggier. He’s one of those men who age well.

Logan stops in front of me when he reaches the tall bar table. He says nothing as his gaze drops to the toes of my boots and drags up every inch of my body.

“You’re a hard woman to find.”

Tracey’s Review

Banner Regent is a city girl through and through. Smart, sassy, and self-assured, she’s the queen of the one-night stand. So when a chance text connects her with Logan Brantley, she’s pretty sure that she and this man from BFE, Kentucky, have nothing in common. Except that…they totally do. What begins as an online friendship quickly turns into so much more, and Banner is about to find out that there is something very special about this real good man.

Oh, my gosh. Just, oh. my. goodness. I loved absolutely everything about this book. I fell for both Banner and Logan from the first pages, and what followed was a full-blown lovefest. Banner is the snarky New York friend that you’d want to have as a bestie, and Logan, well, I’m not sure that I can find words that do justice to this man.

Meghan March is the queen of the alpha bad boy, but she’s knocked it out of the park with Logan. Sure, he’s got baggage, like the rest of us, but he’s what so many book boyfriends aren’t. He’s self-assured, successful, hardworking, and knows exactly what he wants. He’s very well-aware of what he brings to the table, and is not afraid to pull out all the stops to show Banner, a woman that he wouldn’t normally think would be a good fit for him, that seeing what could happen between the two of them is worth their time.

“So, where do we go from here?”
“We’re going to get to know each other. I’m going to take you out on dates and show you what we’ve both been missing. You’re gonna fall in love with me, Banner. That’s where we’re going from here.”

And, color me smitten, done, completely won over. Because, Logan is not your typical bossy alpha guy, but he does know what he’s doing, and what he’s doing is winning Banner over.

Beyond the awesomeness of this couple, Meghan does a believable job of writing life in a small Kentucky town, and the problems that the people that live there face. There is an undercurrent of desperation and danger that runs through REAL GOOD MAN that is sure to come to a head in REAL GOOD LOVE, the second book in this book duet, and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds, and what it means for Logan and Banner. And, y’all, Meghan does the total mic drop at the end of this book, and, oh, is it going to be all kinds of awesome to see where the story picks up come the second book (I’m totally rubbing my hands together in anticipation right now..).

Yes, it’s early days, and yes, I’ll read a ton more books in 2017, but REAL GOOD MAN is a fantastic start to my reading year. This is a 5+-star read for me, and the only thing that would have made it better was having REAL GOOD LOVE ready to go immediately, because, dang, I cannot wait to get my hands on the rest of this story. Don’t wait, guys, snap this one up right now, because you need to read it. Like, now. You’ll thank me later, I guarantee.

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

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Meghan March has been known to wear camo face paint and tromp around in woods wearing mud-covered boots, all while sporting a perfect manicure. She’s also impulsive, easily entertained, and absolutely unapologetic about the fact that she loves to read and write smut. Her past lives include slinging auto parts, selling lingerie, making custom jewelry, and practicing corporate law. Writing books about dirty talking alpha males and the strong, sassy women who bring them to their knees is by far the most fabulous job she’s ever had. She loves hearing from her readers at meghanmarchbooks@gmail.com.

New Release + 5 Star Review: One Careful Owner by Jane Harvey-Berrick

Posted on 01/04/2017 by shellbellereads

One Careful Owner

By Jane Harvey-Berrick

Release Date: January 2, 2017

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

fa950-goodreads-badge-add-plus-d700d4d3e3c0b346066731ac07b7fe47

Synopsis

“Take me, all of me, broken and in pieces, or say to hell with me.”

WARNING!
This book will break your heart!
From the best-selling romance author of THE EDUCATION OF SEBASTIAN comes a sexy, heart-breaking and heart-warming story about one man and his dog. (Standalone)

* * * * *

Alex is lost and alone, with only his dog, Stan for company. He doesn’t expect kindness from anyone anymore, but sometimes hope can be found in the most unlikely places. He has a second chance at happiness, but there’s a dark side to Alex, and a reason that more than one person has called him crazy.

Single mother Dawn is doing just fine. Except that her ex- is a pain in the a**, her sister isn’t speaking to her, and her love life is on the endangered list.

At least her job as a veterinarian is going well. Until a crazy-looking guy arrives at her office accompanied by an aging dog with toothache. Or maybe Alex Winters isn’t so crazy after all, just … different.

Dawn realizes that she’s treated him the same way that all the gossips in town have treated her—people can be very cruel.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33001549-one-careful-owner

Contains scenes of an adult nature.

This is a standalone novel with no cliff-hanger.

Excerpt

He still reminded me of a Mountain Man, and he appeared to be wearing the clothes that I’d thought were rags. His long, shaggy brown hair and thick beard hid most of his face. A shudder of apprehension ran through me.
He seemed just as ill at ease as he had been by the lake, his eyes darting around restlessly, but then he walked around to the passenger door and I lost sight of him.
When he reappeared, he was carrying a large dog, one that easily weighed 80 or 90 pounds. He must have been strong because he carried the weight easily. I recalled the thick slabs of muscle that sculpted his chest and arms when I’d seen him earlier. Yes, there was no doubt that he was strong, but as he held his pet, his hands were gentle.
I watched his chin bob, and I realized that he was talking to his dog.
Carefully, he set the animal on the ground and fixed a leash around its neck.
The dog immediately sat down and refused to budge. His coat was thick and looked glossy and healthy, his muzzle starting to gray. I guessed he was part retriever, part mastiff—large and solid. And heavy.
Ashley giggled as the man tugged on the leash, but the dog still wouldn’t move. The man stood still, looking at his pet, his hands on his hips, then he shook his head in defeat. Bending down, he scooped up the dog again and shouldered his way through the door into the office.
Now he was closer, I could study him in more detail.
His hair was a tangle of light brown with sun-blond lights, still uncombed, an off-putting mess of wild, crazy curls. His clothes were even worse now I could see him wearing them, unkempt and torn as if he’d given up, but they were clean. And when he stopped in front of Ashley, I caught the faint scent of soap and laundry detergent—no cologne. This man was a paradox.
Ashley smiled tightly from her position behind the reception desk.
“Mr. Winters and Stan, is that right?”
He nodded but didn’t speak, still holding his dog in his arms. His face was grim, as if he’d never smiled, never thought of smiling.
So this was the man who’d bought Old Joe’s place? I immediately felt guilty that I’d assumed he was trespassing and camping illegally. I didn’t know that somebody had already moved into the property. Technically, I’d been the interloper this morning. I felt like such a judgmental bitch. But he’d really scared me, and I hadn’t been thinking clearly.
“I’m so sorry,” Ashley said with fake sweetness, “but Dr. Petz, our male veterinarian, had to go out on an emergency visit. Dr. Andrews over there is available.”
He turned to stare at me and his body stiffened. I saw a flicker of recognition in his eyes before he dropped his gaze to the floor again. I thought for sure that he’d turn and walk out, but then he glanced at his dog and I saw the expression soften in his curious golden-brown eyes as he peered up at me and nodded slowly.
“Great!” said Ashley, her gaze glancing across to me. “I’ve got basic information from your email, but if you could just fill out this form and…”
“Maybe you’d like to bring Stan into the examination room, Mr. Winters,” I interrupted quickly. “He looks rather heavy.”
The man blinked twice, but carried the dog inside without commenting or even looking at Ashley.
“Rude!” Ashley said, not quietly enough, and although I agreed, I shot her a look and took the form from her.
She leaned toward me, her eyes wide as her voice dropped to an urgent whisper.
“I’ll keep my ears open, Dawn. He looks kind of weird. You know, serial killer weird.”
I pressed my lips together and followed my new client.

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Michel’s Review

Jane Harvey-Berrick is starting out 2017 with a bang with her new release of One Careful Owner. One Careful Owner has everything readers are looking for in a great book. One Careful Owner is an emotional story that every reader can relate to on some level. A single mother doing everything in her power to give her child a good life, a broody and seriously flawed hero, a lovable pouch with unconditional love and wisdom, an adorable little girl that loves with her whole heart, an evil sibling ( that may not be quite so evil) and very real social and criminal issues that are prominent in today’s world. Jane Harvey- Berrick adds her special blend of magic through her thought provoking words and gift of story telling. From the moment I picked up this book I could not put it down until I finished the last word.

One Careful Owner starts with a very dramatic scene that instantly draws the reader into the story and forces the reader to instantly become sympathetic to the hero. The next scene introduces the heroine as she encounters the brooding hero for the first time. From that point the reader is hooked but what comes next, the meat of the story that includes a hundred pound pouch and an adorable eight year old girl has the reader completely under the author’s spell. It’s a story of every kind of relationship we encounter in our lives. It’s a story of learning to deal with life, the good and the bad, the rewards and the messy mistakes. It’s a story of the true meaning of families.

Jane Harvey-Berrick is one of those authors that never seizes to amaze me. Every book she has written has touched my heart in many ways. Her gift of creating an entertaining and emotional story that steps outside the boundaries of the typical romance formula without becoming too dark, offensive, or too sappy truly showcases her talent. She challenges her writing skills and imagination to create a story that reaches deep within the readers souls.

I highly recommend One Careful Owner by Jane Harvey-Berrick.

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She is also a campaigner for former military personnel to receive the support they need on leaving the services. She wrote the well-received play LATER, AFTER with former veteran Mike Speirs. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk1CyB8c0xA )

Jane is a writer of contemporary romance fiction, known for thoughtful stories, often touching on difficult subjects: disability (DANGEROUS TO KNOW & LOVE, SLAVE TO THE RHYTHM); mental illness (THE EDUCATION OF CAROLINE, SEMPER FI); life after prison (LIFERS); dyslexia (THE TRAVELING MAN, THE TRAVELING WOMAN).

She is also a campaigner for former military personnel to receive the support they need on leaving the services. She wrote the well-received play LATER, AFTER with former veteran Mike Speirs.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk1CyB8c0xA )

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

New Release + 5 Star Review: Hard Hitter by Sarina Bowen – The Brooklyn Bruisers Series – Book 2

Posted on 01/03/2017 by shellbellereads

Hard Hitter

Brooklyn Bruisers Series – Book 2

By Sarina Bowen

Release :January 3, 2017

Buy : Amazon / B & N / IBooks / Kobo

Synopsis

He’s a fighter in the rink, but he’s about to learn that playing nice can help you score…

As team captain and enforcer, Patrick O’Doul puts the bruise in the Brooklyn Bruisers. But after years of hard hits, O’Doul is feeling the burn, both physically and mentally. He conceals his pain from his coach and trainers, but when his chronic hip injury becomes too obvious to ignore, they send him for sessions with the team’s massage therapist.

After breaking up with her long-term boyfriend, Ari Bettini is in need of peace of mind. For now, she’s decided to focus on her work: rehabilitating the Bruisers’ MVP. O’Doul is easy on the eyes, but his reaction to her touch is ice cold. Ari is determined to help O’Doul heal, but as the tension between them turns red hot, they both learn that a little TLC does the body good…

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Michel’s Review

The Brooklyn Bruisers are back making another scoring goal with Hard Hitter ! Nobody writes a hockey romance better than Sarina Bowen.

Patrick O’ Doul is one of the NHL’s most fierce enforcers. For years he has put a hurt on his team’s opponents. He has built a reputation of being one of the most brutal enforcers in the league. He is also a dedicated team leader. He leads by examples. He always puts the team and the game first. He’s given years to the game giving it his all. Now he finds himself in his thirties and feeling every hit. The years have taken it’s toll. He can no longer brush off the pain. His coach is insisting he takes the help and relief he desperately needs. He has been forced into massage therapy with the team’s therapist. It’s not that he is against massages, he just can’t stand being touched by anyone. It’s going to take a miracle to get him on Ari’s table.

Ari has Patrick’s number, she understands his aversion to being touched. She’s good at her job and will find a way to treat this dynamic powerful athlete without disrupting his psyche. She’s a professional.

Ari and Patrick enter into an unlikely friendship that becomes valuable to them both. Ari is trying to move on from an abusive relationship. Patrick is searching for something more in his life than hockey. He has kept people at arms length all of his life. He needs a change. Ari is not only going to soothe his aches and pains, she is going to help him soothe his soul. She is teaching him how to be a real friend and teammate. She is healing his soul.

Both Ari and Patrick are healing each other. Patrick is showing Ari how honorable men behave. He is showing her the respect she deserves. He is also willing to give her his heart. Ari must choose to take a chance on love again or her career.

Sarina Bowen delivered another emotional story that showcases what matters most in life, love and friendship.

Everytime I open a new Sarina Bowen novel I know that I am in for a fulfilling and entertaining reading experience. She creates very real characters and gives them a story every reader can relate to. She is a must read author that never disappoints.

Hard Hitter by Sarina Bowen is a 5 Star Book. I can’t wait to see what comes next for the Brooklyn Bruisers.

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The Brooklyn Bruisers Series .

Rookie Move

Brooklyn Bruisers Series – Book 1

By Sarina Bowen

Release Date: September 6, 2016

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

In high school they were the perfect couple—until the day Georgia left Leo in the cold…

Hockey player Leo Trevi has spent the last six years trying to do two things: get over the girl who broke his heart, and succeed in the NHL. But on the first day he’s called up to the newly franchised Brooklyn Bruisers, Leo gets checked on both sides, first by the team’s coach—who has a long simmering grudge, and then by the Bruisers’ sexy, icy publicist—his former girlfriend Georgia Worthington.

Saying goodbye to Leo was one of the hardest things Georgia ever had to do—and saying hello again isn’t much easier. Georgia is determined to keep their relationship strictly professional, but when a press conference microphone catches Leo declaring his feelings for her, things get really personal, really fast…

“Romantic and hilarious, Rookie Move will hook you from page one. Nobody does hockey like Sarina Bowen.” –Elle Kennedy, New York Times bestselling author of the Off Campus series.

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Author Bio:

Sarina Bowen writes steamy, angsty Contemporary Romance and New Adult fiction from the wilds of Vermont.

The Year We Fell Down, Book #1 in The Ivy Years series, began breaking hearts in March 2014. Book #2, The Year We Hid Away, is brand new.

For Harlequin-E, Sarina writes the Gravity series. Coming in From the Cold features an angsty downhill ski racer and one of the most unique plot conflicts in contemporary romance today.

Sarina enjoys skiing, coffee products and a nice glass of wine. She lives with her family, eight chickens and more ski gear and hockey equipment than seems necessary.

She would be honored to connect with you at http://www.sarinabowen.com.

Sign up for Sarina’s Mailing List

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter~ Goodreads ~Amazon Author Page

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New Release + 5 Star Review: Hate Story by Nicole Williams

Posted on 12/30/2016 by shellbellereads

Hate Story

By Nicole Williams

Release Date: December 26, 2016

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Nina can’t let herself fall in love with the man she’s going to marry. Both of them have experienced the sting and sham of love and have no intentions of falling victim to it twice. Love is expensive—hate is free.

Three years. A million dollars. A solution to both of their problems. They planned it all, from the story of their first meeting to the date of their divorce. Nothing could go wrong.

But what they didn’t consider was chemistry, and Nina and Max have no shortage of it. After too many near-kisses, Nina convinces herself that hating Max is better than loving him, and the more she gets to know this soon-to-be-husband of hers, the more she discovers just how very much she truly, madly, and deeply . . . hates him.

This isn’t a love story. This is the other kind.

Excerpt

“Okay. So how do you think this is going?” Max tipped the broom handle between us. “You and me?”
My forehead pinched together. “You and me the plan? Or you and me the surprise?”
Max’s brow answered my question.
“And this topic is what you consider not-so-deep?” I nudged him and moved to finish stocking syrups.
“All I’m looking for is a simple estimation. Since we were just talking about school, give us a grade for how you think this is going.”
“A grade? Like A, B, C, D, F?”
“Exactly like that.”
I shook my head. “Did you have a rough day at work today? Lose an Olympic-size swimming pool of money or something? Are you needing your daily ego stroking to come from somewhere else today?” When I glanced back at him, I found Max leaning into the door he’d relocked, arms crossed and waiting.
“Our relationship is unique,” he said. “Intricate. I’m asking not because I need my ego stroked, but because I care. If I need to make some changes, I’m willing to. Anything you need, whatever you want, that’s what I’ll give you. But first, I have to know how I’m doing.”
If a man could get a woman pregnant from a piercing stare and a collection of words, I’d just gotten myself good and knocked up. With twins.
“You know how it’s going,” I said, trying to focus on the syrups instead of what—or who—I wanted to focus on.
“I know how I think it’s going. I’d like to know how you think it’s going.”
My mouth went a little dry. Having these kinds of talks was hard for anyone—they were next to impossible for me. “Well, you haven’t gone and confessed your undying love or scared the hell out of me by asking me to be your baby mama, so you’re keeping your promise to take it nice and slow.” When he gave a mini bow, I rolled my eyes. “Not to mention you aren’t too shabby in the sack, you don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink, and you share the remote well.”
Max’s face went flat. “Not too shabby?”
“Oh, please. You know how good you are. Stop fishing for compliments.” A flush crept up my neck as I thought of the most recent evidence to support that theory.
A slow, crooked smile spread across his face. “I want a grade.”
“Like comprehensive? Or broken down by category?” I was stalling, and Max knew I was stalling.
“You’re making this way too difficult,” he grumbled.
“An A minus,” I said abruptly. “I’d give you an A minus.”
“Why not an A plus?”
I kept my head turned so he couldn’t see my smile. Only Max Sturm would be outraged by an A minus. “Because there’s always room for improvement. And I wouldn’t want it to go to your head, that’s why not an A plus.”
The door creaked when he shoved off of it. He made no move to tame the way he was checking me out, leaning into the counter as I organized the syrups. “Something’s definitely going to my head.”
My gaze roamed his zipper region. “I was talking about the one north of your neck.”
“And I’m talking about the one at the end of my dick. My, at present, hard dick, thanks to you.” He came up behind me, fitting himself against my backside as his hands moved around to work on my jeans.
“Max,” I protested, my eyes closing a second later when his dick nuzzled deeper into my backside.
“Nina. I’m taking your body. Here. Now.” His chest pressed into my back as he lowered my zipper. “Accept that so we can move on to the next part.”

Michel’s Review

Some say there is a fine line between love and hate. Both of these emotions can be all consuming. Hate Story by Nicole Williams is not a story of two strong emotions battling to overtake the other. It is a beautiful love story of two strong willed individuals on a journey of self discovery. Two people finding themselves as well as finding the perfect partner in life.

Nina agreed to marry Max so that he could obtain his green card for one million dollars. They have a three year contract that is perfectly synchronized to the very last detail. Max wants his green card so that he can remain in the United States the rest of his life. Nina needs the money to keep her grandmother’s home. It’s the perfect arrangement. Neither want a real marriage. Neither of them wants to fall in love. In fact, Nina doesn’t believe in love. Love has let her down her entire life.

As Nina and Max embark on their arrangement they soon find they sincerely like one another. They find their attraction slowly building into something more. Something that isn’t in the contract. Once they admit their true feelings it changes everything. Their contract is null and void.

Once they have broke the contract it has broken both of them. Now they have to face the real truths of their lives. They have to learn to deal with their real emotions. They have to choose their future.

Nicole Williams once again delivered an emotional love story that leaves the reader swooning. I highly recommend reading Hate Story by Nicole Williams.

Nicole Williams is the New York Times and USATODAY bestselling author of contemporary and young adult romance, including the Crash and Lost & Found series. Her books have been published by HarperTeen and Simon & Schuster in both domestic and foreign markets, while she continues to self-publish additional titles. She is working on a new YA series with Crown Books (a division of Random House) as well. She loves romance, from the sweet to the steamy, and writes stories about characters in search of their happily even after. She grew up surrounded by books and plans on writing until the day she dies, even if it’s just for her own personal enjoyment. She still buys paperbacks because she’s all nostalgic like that, but her kindle never goes neglected for too long. When not writing, she spends her time with her husband and daughter, and whatever time’s left over she’s forced to fit too many hobbies into too little time.

Nicole is represented by Jane Dystel, of Dystel and Goderich Literary Agency.

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“My guardian angel is a drunk.”

For Evey, the rules are simple: You are not allowed to hook up with your guardian angel. But sometimes fulfilling your destiny requires a leap of faith, a confrontation with God.

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