New Release + 5 Star Review: Bossman by Vi Keeland

Posted on 07/19/2016 by shellbellereads

Are you ready to meet Chase Parker in BOSSMAN?

A standalone Contemporary Romance novel by

New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author Vi Keeland

**********

Boss Man

By Vi Keeland

Release Date: July 18, 2016

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

Synopsis

The first time I met Chase Parker, I didn’t exactly make a good impression.

I was hiding in the bathroom hallway of a restaurant, leaving a message for my best friend to save me from my awful date.

He overheard and told me I was a bitch, then proceeded to offer me some dating advice.

So I told him to mind his own damn business—his own tall, gorgeous, full-of-himself damn business—and went back to my miserable date.

When he walked by my table, he smirked, and I watched his arrogant, sexy ass walk back to his date.

I couldn’t help but sneak hidden glances at the condescending jerk on the other side of the room. Of course, he caught me on more than one occasion, and winked.

When the gorgeous stranger and his equally hot date suddenly appeared at our table, I thought he was going to rat me out.

But instead, he pretended we knew each other and joined us—telling elaborate, embarrassing stories about our fake childhood.

My date suddenly went from boring to bizarrely exciting.

When it was over and we parted ways, I thought about him more than I would ever admit, even though I knew I’d never see him again.

I mean, what were the chances I’d run into him again in a city with eight million people?

Then again…

What were the chances a month later he’d wind up being my new sexy boss?

Chapter One

What a waste of smooth, shaven legs.

“Jules? It’s Reese. Where the hell are you? I need you. This is the worst date I’ve ever been on. I’m literally falling asleep. I’ve considered smashing my head on the table a few times to keep awake. Unless you want me bloodied and bruised, I need you to call with a fake emergency. Call me back. Please.” Pressing end call, I blew out a frustrated breath as I stood outside the ladies’ room in the dark hallway at the back of the restaurant.

A deep voice from behind me caught me off guard. “Unless he’s also an idiot—in addition to being boring—he’s going to know.”

“Excuse me?” I turned to find a man leaning against the wall, his eyes pointed down as he texted away on his phone. He continued without looking up.

“It’s the oldest trick in the book…the emergency phone call. The least you can do is put in a little more effort. It takes two months to get a reservation at this place, and it’s not cheap, sweetheart.”

“Maybe he should be the one to put in more effort. His sports jacket has a giant hole under the arm, and he’s done nothing but talk about his mother all night.”

“Ever consider that your snobby attitude makes him nervous?”

My eyes nearly bulged out of my head. “You want to talk about snobby? You eavesdrop on my call and give me your unwelcome opinions, all while staring down at your phone. You haven’t even made eye contact with me while you’re speaking.”

The jerk’s fingers froze mid text. Then I watched as his head rose, eyes following a leisurely path starting at my ankles, up over my bare legs, and lingering at the hemline of my skirt before continuing to trace their way over my hips, coming to rest briefly on my breasts before finally settling on my face.

“Yes, that’s right. Up here. These are my eyes.”

He pushed off the wall and stood tall, catching the lone ray that had been lighting the hallway. The streak illuminated his face, and I could see him clearly for the first time.

Really? Not what I was expecting. With that deep, raspy voice and attitude, I assumed I’d find someone older, probably dressed in a stuffy suit. But this guy was gorgeous. Young and gorgeous. Dressed entirely in black—simple and sleek, yet there was an edge to the way he looked. Golden brown hair tousled in that sexy I don’t give a shit way, but still looked perfect. Strong, masculine features—a square, rugged jaw coated with day-old stubble on sunkissed skin, a straight, prominent nose, and big, sexy, sleepy eyes the color of chocolate. Those were now staring intently at me.

Without dropping my gaze, he lifted his arms from his sides, holding them up over his head. “You want to check me for rips before you decide if I’m worthy of speaking to?”

He was gorgeous all right, but definitely an asshole. “That’s not necessary. Your attitude has already decided that for me, and you’re not.”

Lowering his arms, he chuckled. “Suit yourself. Try to enjoy the rest of your evening, sweetheart.”

I huffed, but stole one last fleeting look at the beautiful jerk before I walked back to my date.

Martin was sitting with his hands folded when I returned to my seat at the table.

“Sorry,” I told him. “There was a line.”

“That reminds me of a funny story. This one time, I was at a restaurant with my mother, and when she went to use the ladies’ room…”

His voice faded away while I stared at my phone, willing it to ring. Damn you, Jules. Where are you when I really need you? Around the middle of the story—at least I think it was the middle—I noticed the jerk from the bathroom walking past our table. He smirked at me after taking a look at my rambling date and my disinterested face. Curious, I followed his path to get a look at who he was here with.

Figures.

Dyed blonde, pretty in a slutty sort of way, with a heaping amount of boobage falling out of her low-cut dress. She made googly eyes at her date as he returned; I rolled mine. Yet…I couldn’t help but glance over at their table from time to time.

When our salads arrived, Martin was talking about his mother’s recent appendectomy, and I grew particularly bored. My eyes must have lingered a minute too long, because the guy from the bathroom caught me staring at him. Across the restaurant, he winked, arched an eyebrow, and tipped his glass in my direction.

Jerk.

Since I’d been caught, why bother to hide my watching him? He was certainly more interesting than my date. And he wasn’t shy about looking my way either. When a waiter stopped by his table, I watched as beautiful bathroom guy pointed in my direction and spoke. Martin was still telling some mommy-dearest story as I glanced behind me to see what the attractive jerk across the room could’ve been pointing to. When I turned back, the jerk and his date were standing. Reading his lips, I could make out some of what he was saying…something about joining an old friend, I thought. Then suddenly, they were walking right toward our table.

Is he going to say something to Martin about what he overheard?

“Reese. Is that you?”

What in the hell?

“Umm…yes.”

“Wow. It’s been a long time.” He patted his hand on his chest. “It’s me, Chase.” Before I knew what was happening, the jerk (who was apparently named Chase) reached down and gripped me in a bear hug. While I was in his arms, he whispered, “Play along. Let’s make your night more exciting, sweetheart.”

Dumbfounded, I could only stare as he turned his attention to Martin, extending his hand.

“I’m Chase Parker. Reese and I go way back.”

“Martin Ward.” My date nodded.

“Martin, mind if we join you? It’s been years since Buttercup and I have seen each other. I’d love to catch up. You don’t mind, do you?”

Although he’d asked a question, Chase definitely didn’t wait for a response. Instead, he pulled out a chair for his date and introduced her.

“This is Bridget…” He looked to her for help, and she filled in the blank.

“McDermott. Bridget McDermott.” She smiled, undaunted by our new double date or Chase’s obvious inability to remember her last name.

Martin, on the other hand, looked disappointed that our twosome was now a foursome, although I was certain he would never voice it.

He looked to Chase as he sat. “Buttercup?”

“That’s what we used to call her. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. My favorite candy.”

Once Chase and Bridget were seated, there was a moment of awkwardness. Surprisingly, it was Martin who broke it. “So, how do you two know each other?”

Even though Martin asked the question looking at both of us, I wanted to make it clear to Chase that he was the one on the hot seat. This was his little game.

“I’ll let Chase tell you about the first time we met. It’s really a funny story, actually.” I propped my elbows on the table and rested my head on my folded hands, turning my full attention to Chase while batting my eyelashes with a sly grin.

He didn’t flinch, nor did he take more than a few seconds to come up with a story. “Well, it wasn’t really the first time we met that’s the funny story—more like what happened after we met. My parents split up when I was in eighth grade, and I had to transfer to a new school. I was pretty miserable until I met Reese here on the bus the first week. She was the off-limits pretty girl, but I figured I had no friends to bust my balls if I asked her on a date and she turned me down. So, even though she’s a year older than me, I asked her to the eighth-grade dance. Surprised the shit out of me when she agreed to go.

“Anyway, I was young, with a healthy dose of testosterone, and I got it into my head that she was going to be my first kiss. All of my buddies back at my old school had already gotten theirs, and I figured it was my time. So, when the dance was coming to an end, I tugged Buttercup out of the crappy crepe-paper-and-balloon-decorated gymnasium and into the hall for some privacy. Of course, since it was my first time, I had no idea what to expect. But I went for it—got right in there and started to suck her face.”

Chase paused and winked at me. “It was all good up until then, wasn’t it, Buttercup?”

I couldn’t even respond. I was so floored listening to his story. But again, my lack of response didn’t seem to bother him because he went right along, weaving his tall tale.

“Anyway, this is where the story gets good. Like I said, I didn’t have any experience, but I dove right in—lips, teeth, tongue, and all. After a minute, the kiss started to feel awfully wet, but I was into it, so I kept going and going, not wanting to be the first one to pull away. Eventually, when we came up for air—literally since I’d almost sucked her face off—I realized why it had felt so wet. Reese had gotten a nosebleed in the middle of the kiss, and both of our faces were covered in smeared blood.”

Martin and Bridget laughed, but I was too stunned to react.

Chase reached out and touched my arm. “Come on, Buttercup. Don’t get embarrassed. Those were some good times we had. Remember?”

“How long were you two a couple?” Martin asked.

Just as Chase was about to respond, I reached over and touched his arm in the same patronizing way he’d touched mine. “Not too long. Right after the other incident, we broke up.”

Bridget clapped her hands and bopped up and down in her seat like an excited child. “I wanna hear about the other incident!”

“I’m not sure I should actually share it, now that I think about it,” I mused. “Is this your first date?”

Bridget nodded.

“Well, I don’t want you to assume Chase has the same problem anymore. Since our little incident was so long ago.” I leaned over to Bridget and whispered, “They gain better control as they grow older. Usually.”

Instead of being upset, Chase looked thoroughly pleased with my story. Proud, even. In fact, the rest of the evening went on pretty much the same way. Chase told elaborate stories about our fake childhood, unafraid to embarrass himself in the process, and kept us all amused. I sometimes added to his stories when my mouth wasn’t hanging open at the crap he’d made up.

I hated to admit it, but the jerk had started to grow on me, even while telling stories about my bloody nose and the “unfortunate bra-stuffing incident.” By the end of the evening, I was ordering coffee to stall the night’s end—a far cry from our exchange in the bathroom hallway.

Outside of the restaurant, Martin, Chase, and I all handed the valet our tickets. I preferred to be in control of when a first date started and ended, so I’d met Martin at the restaurant. Of course Bridget had come in Chase’s car like a normal date. She was also practically rubbing up against his side as she clung to his arm while we waited for our cars. When my shiny red Audi pulled up first, I wasn’t sure how to say goodbye to…well…anyone. I took the keys and lingered with the door open.

“Nice car, Buttercup.” Chase smiled. “Better than that hunk of junk you drove in high school, huh?”

I chuckled. “I suppose it is.”

Martin stepped forward. “It was nice seeing you, Reese. I hope we can do this again sometime.”

Rather than wait for him to attempt to kiss me, I went in for a hug. “Thank you for a nice dinner, Martin.”

As I stepped back, Chase stepped forward and pulled me into a hug. Unlike the friendly back-pat I’d given Martin, Chase plastered me against his body. God, it felt good. Then he did the strangest thing… He wound my long hair around his hand a few times and closed it into a fist, using it to tug my head back. His eyes lingered on my lips as I looked up at him, and for a brief second, I thought he might kiss me.

Then he leaned down and kissed my forehead. “See you at the reunion next year?”

I nodded, feeling almost off-kilter. “Umm…sure thing.” I glanced to Bridget after he released me. “Nice to meet you, Bridget.”

Reluctantly, I folded into my car. Feeling eyes on me, I looked up while putting my seat belt on. Chase watched me intently. It looked like he wanted to say something, but after a few heartbeats, it felt strange to sit and wait any longer.

Taking a deep breath, I pulled away with one last wave, wondering why it felt like I was leaving something important behind.

Michel’s Review

Office romance, yeah it’s no brainer… do not go there! I would make an exception to the rule if Chase Parker was my boss. Chase Parker is one of the hottest, sexiest, and funniest men to grace the pages of novel. He is swoonalicious!

Vi Keeland has once again given the readers a man to die for! Not only is he one fine specimen, his story is too. Readers are going to fall head over heels in love with Chase Parker- The Bossman.

Reese accidentally meets Chase when she’s out on a date with another man. Being in her late twenties has kind of left the dating pool a little less crowded. When he calls her on trying to bail on her date and then takes it upon himself to intrude on their dinner with his own date. Let the games begin.

Reese is intrigued with the man she keeps running into. When she mentions searching for a new job, Chase finds a solution. Reese is now working in Chase’s company’s marketing department. He is now her boss and off limits. He’s so sexy that she keeps hoping that he will fire her or she can get up the nerve to quit. When she finally gives in and indulges in some overtime with the bossman, she’s in for a bonus. Chase Parker is more than meets the eye. Not only is he a genius and a hands on boss, he is also a sensitive,complex man with secrets.

Chase Parker is finally ready to move on from the past. When he meets Reese , he knows it’s time to let go and engage in the future. Just as things start looking brighter, the past comes back to destroy him.

Vi Keeland once again has written a fantastic book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am in love with Chase Parker! He can boss me around any time he wants.

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About the Author

Vi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn’t change for the world. She is a bookworm and has been known to read her kindle at stop lights, while styling her hair, cleaning, walking, during sporting events, and frequently while pretending to work. She is a boring attorney by day, and an exciting smut author by night!

Sign up for Vi’s mailing list now and be the first one notified of releases! https://app.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/l3t4l1

Join Vi’s Violets for early news of books, fun chats and giveaways!

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*****

Additional Books by Vi Keeland

Life On Stage Series

Throb – Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Kobo

Beat –Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

MMA Fighter Series

Worth The Fight – Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Worth The Chance – Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Worth Forgiving –Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Cole Series

Belong To You – Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Made For You – Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Stand Alone Novels

The Baller – Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Kobo

First Thing I See– Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Left Behind – Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Books Co Written with Penelope Ward

Cocky Bastard

Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Stuck Up Suit

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

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Release Blitz + 6 Star Review + 2016 Favorite: Warped by Emma James – Hell’s Bastard Series – Book 2

Posted on 07/18/2016 by shellbellereads

Warped

Hell’s Bastard Series – Book 2

By Emma James

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

The Hunt Is On.

WHISPER

I was never meant to be free.

Evil has taken from me again.

I’ve lost the two people I’ve grown to love because another of Hell’s bastards has staked his claim on me and stolen me away.

What gives another human being the right to take another’s innocence and try to destroy their soul?

EDGE

We were never meant to meet.

Our lives collided and spun out in different directions.

Now it’s a race against time.

Time she doesn’t have.

This is on my head.

I f*cked up.

What happens when a Soulless Bastards MC enforcer is on the hunt for the f*ckers involved in taking the sweet and wild girl?

No Mercy happens.

Michel’s Review

Warped by Emma James is BRILLIANT!

INTENSE…DARK…UNPREDICTABLE…CONSUMING… IT IS UNDENIABLY WARPED !

OMG… I don’t know what to say… this book blew me away! The moment I opened Warped, I was expecting a recap of Wrenched before the second part of this story progressed. Rather than getting a recap, the reader is drawn into the the mind of Cezar Pavel. Cezar is the master of the brutal game that controls Whispers fate.

The introduction of Cezar Pavel is gut wrenching. The man is truly warped in every sense. He has no conscience. He has no fear. He has complete power and wields it with cruelty and brutality. He is not a player in the game, he is the ruler of the game. He leaves no room for chance. He is the king. He is the master of the game.

The players of this game have no idea who Cezar Pavel is. They have no idea of his connection to Whisper or his obsession with her. They have no idea of how far his reach is or to what lengths he will go to exert his will. They are operating blindly in a deadly game where time is at the utmost importance.

After Edge learns the truth about Whisper’s involvement in his father’s life he has more than regrets. She was an innocent woman, a victim. He shot her in cold blood and enabled her captors to easily take her. He should of known his father was reaching beyond the grave to destroy both his and Whisper’s lives. Although he’s not surprised by his father’s cruelty beyond the grave, he doesn’t understand the reasons behind the sick game he is playing. There has to be more behind the obvious picture in front of him. His father may have meant for him to kill Whisper, but why? What was he hiding?

Edge was shot in the foot when Whisper was taken. His injuries are putting a kink into finding Whisper. The only thing he has to go on is the fact that Whisper has his phone. The only help he has is an old woman, Miss Catherine, and her instincts. The men that swore to protect Whisper at all costs have gone missing.

With every clue and lead, they are met with death and destruction. The messes left behind leave no clues as to who is behind it all. He has no idea of what he is dealing with. Time is running out and Whisper has been missing for over a week. It’s time to call in reinforcements, the Soulless Bastards.

Whisper lived in captivity all her life. She had a taste of freedom. She had a new life with family and friends. She will not become a slave again. She will do everything in her power to survive or she will die before she allows herself to be owned once again. She has to keep her wits and will to survive. It’s the only thing she can depend on. Hope is running out.

Can Edge find Whisper before it’s too late? Cliffhanger!

I could not put this book down. The plot is extremely complex and the web became more tangled. New characters were introduced and it was impossible to determine where this story would go next. I was on the edge of my seat and biting my nails. The intensity level was through the roof. It added more kinks to the overall story and made it become more intensified. I can’t wait to see what comes next. Contorted will release in November of 2016.

Warped was the perfect title and brilliant addition to the Hell’s Bastard series by Emma James.

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Wrenched

Hell’s Bastard Series – Book 1

By Emma James

Synopsis

EDGE

My name is Dallas ‘Edge’ Masson and I’m the Soulless Bastards MC’s enforcer.
I was raised by an evil bastard.
The apple didn’t fall far from the tree.
I have personal business.
Whisper is my business.
I will be her judge and jury.
My father may have been Hell’s Bastard, but he was still my father.
They say blood is thicker than water.
I’m about to find out.
WHISPER

Life has been a bitch to me.
I don’t even know my full name.
I was a secret.
Miss Catherine changed my life.
I have friends.
I trust in people.
But then it all had to be wrenched away from me.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

Wow! Emma James has joined my favorite authors list and is definitely my favorite new author of 2015. I was blown away by her Men of Ocean Beach books. I was excited to see that she had a new series releasing that had a biker theme. In my mind I was expecting an emotional type of story rather than a dark thriller. Emma James does dark just as well as she does emotional.

Wrenched took me by complete surprise. I was expecting a story that revolved around the Hell’s Bastard MC. What the reader got was much more complex.

Whisper is a young woman that has been held in depraved captivity since her infant years. She has never experienced a normal, loving life. She has been a victim all her life. Rather than letting her life circumstances beat her down, she allowed it to strengthen her for the day when she was either freed or dead. In all reality it looked like death was going to be the ultimate ending for her. Freedom comes at an unexpected moment but not without a price. Now she is a young woman that is lost in the world. She has no past and could very well have no future. But she’s free. She has found new people who care for her and are watching her back.

Edge is the most brutal enforcer in the Hell’s Bastard MC. He’s the judge, jury, and executioner. He is one of the most feared men in his dark world. Edge didn’t become this brutal and lethal man by choice. He had a horrific childhood in which he escaped. He vowed he would one day return and dispense his brand of justice on his father. Fate took that away from him. His father died and it was not by his hand. His father screwed him over one more time in his death when he left the whore, Whisper, his entire estate except for the $100 he left his natural born son. Edge is hunting down Whisper. She took his inheritance. It’s not about the money. It’s about the theft of his justice. His justice is going to knock on Whisper’s door.

As the old saying goes “read between the lines” and “all is not black and white” definitely applies in this story. All is not how it seems. There is a more tangled plot than a depraved man destroying two young lives. This depraved man was playing a game of chess and in the end, his king will not be taken. He had the foresight to destroy them both in his death.

Wrenched ended on a major cliffhanger that left me chilled to the bone.

Emma James created a complex plot that could be described as a tangled web. Wrenched was just the beginning and introduction to a very twisted complex story. The writing is brilliant. I believe that once the Hell’s Bastard Series is complete, it will easily be a 6 Star series.

Wrenched is a superb dark thriller!

Author Bio:

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Emma James lives in Queensland, Australia with her supportive husband, three children and a big black Labrador. Life is busy and most entertaining in the James household.

Writing has been a part of her life for many years. Life was getting on and it was time to put her fears aside and do what she does best. It was time to show readers what she was made of, take that leap off the diving board and see where it takes her.

Emma is a creative person at heart. She loves to read as much as write, devouring books into the wee hours of the morning.

Who needs sleep, right?

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon Author Page ~ Pintrest

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Steadfast by Sarina Bowen – True North Series – Book 2

Posted on 07/12/2016 by shellbellereads

Steadfast Amazon

Steadfast

True North Series – Book 2

Release Date: July 12, 2016

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

She’s the only one who ever loved him—and the only one he can never have.

Jude lost everything one spring day when he crashed his car into an apple tree on the side of the road. A man is dead, and there’s no way he can ever right that wrong. He’d steer clear of Colebury, Vermont forever if he could. But an ex-con in recovery for his drug addiction can’t find a job just anywhere.

For Sophie Haines, coming face to face with the man who broke her heart is gut-wrenching. Suddenly, he’s everywhere she turns. It’s hard not to stare at how much he’s changed. The bad boy who used to love her didn’t have big biceps and sun-kissed hair. And he’d never turn up volunteer in the church kitchen.

She knows it’s foolish to yearn for the man who returned all the heartsick letters she wrote him in prison. But the looks he sends her now speak volumes.

No one wants to see Sophie and Jude back together, least of all Sophie’s police chief father. But it’s a small town. And forbidden love is a law unto itself.

___________________________________

5Star+

Michel’s Review

Steadfast by Sarina Bowen is the second book in the True North Series. It can be read as a stand alone novel or in series order.

Readers met Jude in Bittersweet. He is the ex con and recovering drug addict that came to work on the Shipley Apple Farm for six months during his probation period. He was convicted of killing his former girlfriend’s older brother in an accident resulting from being under the influence of narcotics. Not only did he lose his freedom, he also lost the only woman he ever loved. He is now a pariah in the small town of Colebury for killing the sheriff’s son. Small towns have long memories and protect their own. Now that his job is over at the farm he has no other options but to return to Colebury and face his ugly past. Not only will he have the daily struggles managing his drug addiction but also will have to face Sophie Haines.

On his return to Colebury, he finds his father’s auto shop is in worse financial condition than when he left. His father has sunk deeper into his alcoholism. His first course of action is to try to rebuild the failing business. The sheriff wants him out of town and is using his influence and power to keep Jude from succeeding. Jude is being harassed by the local law and his father’s garage is being forced to shut down.

Aside from the financial and business problems, Jude is struggling with his addiction. He holds onto his weekly meetings at NA as his lifeline. His other lifeline is the Thursday night dinners at the Shipley Farm. He’s struggling but staying strong until he runs into Sophie Haines after a meeting.

Sophie was devastated after the accident that not only took her brother’s life but also took the love of her life away. Her life changed just as drastically as Jude’s life did. She’s moved on and has tried to carve out a new life but the aftermath of the accident is holding her prisoner in her small town. Her family was completely destroyed and she is struggling to keep what’s left of their home going. Her mother is broken. Her father has become cruel, indifferent, and spiteful. When he learns Jude has returned to town, he has become even more hateful. Once Sophie runs into Jude and sees a different man than the one she loved, she’s even more determined to find out the truth about what really happened in the accident that destroyed so many lives.

Jude and Sophie were meant to be together. They will have to conquer the past, live for today, and strive to make a better future. The truth will finally set them both free and give them peace once and for all. They will finally be able to love one another without anything holding them back.

Once again Sarina Bowen wrote a powerful story. She gave the readers a truthful view of drug addiction. She also showed how determination and perseverance are worth the effort. I admired Sophie’s unconditional love and Jude’s commitment to becoming the man Sophie deserved to love.

Steadfast was an emotional and powerful novel.

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Bittersweet

Bittersweet

True North Series – Book 1

By Sarina Bowen

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

BITTERSWEET (TRUE NORTH #1)
If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the orchard.

The last person Griffin Shipley expects to find stuck in a ditch on his Vermont country road is his ex-hookup. Five years ago they’d shared a couple of steamy nights together. But that was a lifetime ago.

At twenty-seven, Griff is now the accidental patriarch of his family farm. Even his enormous shoulders feel the strain of supporting his mother, three siblings and a dotty grandfather. He doesn’t have time for the sorority girl who’s shown up expecting to buy his harvest at half price.

Vermont was never in Audrey Kidder’s travel plans. Neither was Griff Shipley. But she needs a second chance with the restaurant conglomerate employing her. Okay—a fifth chance. And no self-righteous lumbersexual farmer will stand in her way.

They’re adversaries. They want entirely different things from life. Too bad their sexual chemistry is as hot as Audrey’s top secret enchilada sauce, and then some.

*****

Steadfast Amazon

Steadfast

True North Series – Book 2

Release Date: July 12, 2016

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

Jude lost everything one spring day when he crashed his car into an apple tree on the side of the road. A man is dead, and there’s no way he can ever right that wrong.

For Sophie Haines, Jude’s sudden return to Colebury, Vermont, is an unwelcome distraction. It’s not acceptable to still crave the man who killed your brother.

And it’s a small town…

*****

Keepsake Amazon

Keepsake

True North Series- Book 3

Release Date: October 2016

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&nbsp 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.

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New Release + 5 Star Review: Devil And The Deep by Julie Ann Walker- Deep Six Series – Book 2

Posted on 07/05/2016 by shellbellereads

Devil And The Deep

Deep Six Series – Book 2

By Julie Ann Walker

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

He knew he had to forget her
But when the woman who stole his heart is kidnapped
This former SEAL will do whatever it takes to steal her back

Maddy Powers’s life revolves around cocktail parties, political fundraisers, and charity events-but she can’t forget the daring former SEAL who came crashing into her life a few months ago…or the scorching kiss they shared before he disappeared into the deep blue sea.

Bran Pallidino carries a dark secret-one that forced him to push Maddy away. But when she’s taken hostage during a trip to the Caribbean, the men of Deep Six Salvage embark on a dangerous mission to save Maddy. Passion boils in the sultry sea breeze…but what good is putting their hearts on the line if they don’t survive the dawn?

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Michel’s Review

The sexy Deep Six team is back and they are doing more than treasure hunting. This group of former SEALS left their military careers behind for a less dangerous lifestyle. They would of never imagined that they would experience the same kind of action they saw in the military. This time around it’s not a mission, this is their personal lives that are being threatened. They are in deep and their greatest treasure may not be found at the bottom of the ocean but within arms reach.

Texas Oil heiress, Maddy Powers, is more than a spoiled debutant. She is a quick witted, self sufficient, intelligent woman. She’d rather watch a good movie instead of hob knobbing with the socialites in her world. She is taking three teenage scholarship recipients on a camping trip to the Dry Torgugas to explore the old Civil War fort on Garden Key. What should of been a fun, low key camping trip turns into a deadly adventure. Gunmen have stormed the island and she is left to defend three teenage girls with a young park ranger not much older than the girls. Why are these men on this remote island? She’s hoping that Bran Pallidino is going to take up her invitation and save the day.

Bran Pallidino was a Navy Seal for good reasons. It helped him control his own personal demons. Now that he is out of the military he has to keep those demons buried beneath the surface. He doesn’t do relationships for this reason. When his budding friendship with Maddy Powers is starting to bloom, he’s ready to cut ties and run. There’s something about Maddy that keeps him from doing it. Against his better judgement he’s going to sail down to the Dry Tortugas for a visit. He’s bringing along mouthy Alex, the grad student on their treasure hunting team and his closed mouth, teammate Mason. These two are like oil and water but a good buffer between him and Maddy. When they arrive at Garden Key, it’s in the middle of gunfire. He and Mason’s instincts and Seal training kick in.

Bran and Mason are going into this mission blind. Who’s trying to kill Maddy and her three charges? What do they want?

Between the battles with the bad guys, three nosy teenagers, a love stricken park ranger, Alex’s mouth, and no communications, Bran is in deep. He doesn’t have to worry about keeping Maddy at arms length. Maddy has other ideas. Bran may protest but Maddy is determined to capture his heart.

Julie Ann Walker once again wrote an exciting adventure loaded with red hot romance, laugh out loud humor, larger than life characters, and edge of your seat danger around every corner. I loved how she tied the wreck of the Santa Cristina and Captain Bartolome Vargas sea log into the story. These sexy Seals of the Deep Six team may never find the Santa Cristina at the rate they are going. They are finding a treasure greater than all the gold at the bottom of the sea. They are finding love.

________________________________________

Hell Or High Water

Deep Six Series – Book 1

By Julie Ann Walker

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

A brand new romantic suspense series from the author of the New York Times bestselling Black Knights, Inc. series, THE DEEP SIX features six former SEALS on super-secret black ops, and feisty heroines who know how to handle both lethal weapons and alpha men.

Only two things could make former Navy SEAL Leo Anderson return to the world of weapons and warfare. First, a capsule of chemical weapons lost on the ocean floor, and second, a plea for assistance from the one woman he can’t seem to forget-CIA Agent Olivia Mortier.

Now, working together to race against the clock and a deadly terrorist faction, Leo and Olivia must find the missing capsule, all the while battling the intense desire burning between them. If they can survive, can their growing attraction become more than just a momentary flare?

********

HOT AS HELL

Deep Six #0.5

Julie Ann Walker

Released June 1st, 2016

Sourcebooks Casablanca

An exciting prequel novella to New York Times and USA
Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker’s thrilling new Deep Six
series

Harper Searcy didn’t want to fall
for a soldier, but she couldn’t forget her hot Navy SEAL friend or their one
night stand. When the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan where she works comes under
attack by terrorists, there is only one man she knows who would move heaven and
earth to rescue her: Michael “Mad Dog” Wainwright.

“The
Deep Six series is going to be one exhilarating ride.” –RT Book Reviews

GET YOUR FREE EBOOK

Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

******

Devil And The Deep

Deep Six Series – Book 2

By Julie Ann Walker

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

He knew he had to forget her
But when the woman who stole his heart is kidnapped
This former SEAL will do whatever it takes to steal her back

_________________________________________

Author Bio:

Julie Ann Walker is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of award-winning romantic suspense. She has won the Book Buyers Best Award, been nominated for the National Readers Choice Award, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award. Her latest release was named a Top Ten Romance of 2014 by Booklist. Her books have been described as “alpha, edgy, and downright hot.” Most days you can find her on her bicycle along the lake shore in Chicago or blasting away at her keyboard, trying to wrangle her capricious imagination into submission.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz and 5+ Star Review: Moonshot by Alessandra Torre

Posted on 07/04/2016 by shellbellereads

Moonshot

A Contemporary Romantic Suspense Novel

Release Date: July 4, 2016

Buy: Amazon /B & N / ITunes / Kobo / Google Play

Synopsis

Baseball wasn’t supposed to be a game of life and death…

The summer that Chase Stern entered my life, I was seventeen. The daughter of a legend, the Yankees were my family, their stadium my home, their dugout my workplace. My focus was on the game. Chase … he started out as a distraction. A distraction with sex appeal poured into every inch of his six foot frame. A distraction who played like a god and partied like a devil.

I tried to stay away. I couldn’t.

Then, the team started losing.
Women started dying.
And everything in my perfect world broke apart.

______________________________________

Michel’s Review

What a perfect way to bring in the Fourth of July with the release of Moonshot by Alessandra Torre. Moonshot has America’s favorite past time, the readers favorite boys of summer, and a story loaded with intrigue and mystery. It’s the perfect combination for a summer best seller.

Alessandra Torre is one of those writers that can deliver a good book, no matter the genre, the theme, or heat level. She draws the readers into her stories and holds them captive until the very last word. Moonshot took me by complete surprise. The way Alessandra synchronized this story was pure genius.

Moonshot started out as a sweet new adult type of romance that evolved into a contemporary romance based around baseball (sports romance). Throughout the first half of the story I was thinking to myself, ” I thought this was supposed to be a romantic suspense novel”. As I became involved with the characters personalities and their immature, impossible young relationship, I became deeply invested in the characters lives. Like any good new adult novel, it was loaded with angst and drama. The story soon evolved into a second chance romance four years later when the characters had a chance to mature and become successful adults invested in their careers. Once again they are facing impossible situations that prevent making their relationship permanent. I was still looking for the imminent threat that would turn this story into the thriller novel I was waiting for. Suddenly, BAMM! Out of nowhere, the story is a full blown suspense novel with threats and danger lurking in the shadows. Like the characters, I never saw this coming. The hints were right there, subtlety camouflaged in random chapters throughout the story. By the time I reached the second half of the book, the story became something more than a romance. It became intensely alive! The final revelations were shocking. I was blown away by the who and whys. I didn’t see any of this complex plot coming into play with this conclusion!

Moonshot spans a four year period. Ty and Chase started as young lovers with an impossible chance at a real relationship. Four years later, life has intervened and made their relationship all the more impossible. Through all the strife and impossibilities, their love for another grew stronger. The only thing standing in their way is their love for baseball and their commitment to the New York Yankees. Their love for the team may cost them their happily ever after. Their happily ever after is almost as impossible as hitting the Moonshot.

I loved everything about this book. I think my favorite part was the how this story was meticulously synchronized to deliver a very complex plot.

Moonshot will appeal to readers of all genres. Alessandra Torre combined new adult, second chance romance, sports romance, and romantic suspense into a page turner novel.

Read Moonshot by Alessandra Torre.

_____________________________________

Author Bio:
Alessandra Torre is an award-winning New York Times bestselling author of thirteen novels. Her books focus on romance and suspense, all with a strong undercurrent of sexuality. Torre has been featured in such publications as Elle and Elle UK, co-hosted Dirty Sexy Funny with Jenny McCarthy, as well as guest blogged for the Huffington Post and RT Book Reviews. She is also the Bedroom Blogger for Cosmopolitan.com.

You can learn more about Alessandra on her website at http://www.alessandratorre.com, or you can find her on Twitter (@ReadAlessandra) or Facebook.

Hit a home run by subscribing to Alessandra’s NEWSLETTER today!

***

Blog Tour + Review: Reckless Hearts by Melody Grace

Posted on 06/30/2016 by shellbellereads

Title: Reckless Hearts

Series: Oak Harbor #2
Author: Melody Grace
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: June 27, 2016

Blurb

“When you’re ready for a real man to show you what it feels like, you just let me know.”It should be the offer of a lifetime: sexy craftsman Will Montgomery wants to rock my world, and boy, does he know what to do with his hands – and that filthy, delicious mouth of his…Only problem is, I don’t believe in relationships. And Will has ‘boyfriend material’ written all over his chiseled, hunky abs. He was supposed to be an impulse fling, but now he’s shown up in Oak Harbor, NC, to put down roots, and he’s determined to make me com…mit.

I’ve been hurt before. Love always ends in tears and tequila, but Will seems different. He’s charming and funny, and did I mention that miraculous mouth of his? Despite all my better judgment, I’m falling. Hard. But can something this good turn out to be true? Or will old scars keep us from building a future together? For the first time ever, maybe I want to be proven wrong…

A sexy, heart-felt stand-alone with a guaranteed happy ending from New York Times bestselling author, Melody Grace!

ADD TO GOODREADS

Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK
B&N / KOBO / iBOOKS
GOOGLE PLAY

Praise for Reckless Hearts

“Reckless Hearts is sexy, sweet, and the perfect summer read! Melody Grace has outdone herself!” – Corinne Michaels, USA Today bestselling author

“Sweet, sexy deliciousness. Reckless Hearts had me in a constant swoon! This is a summer must read!” – A.L. Jackson, NYT Bestselling Author

Also Available

AMAZON US / UK
B&N / KOBO / iBOOKS
GOOGLE PLAY

___________________________________

Tracey’s Review

After meeting Delilah Morgan in HEARTBREAKER by author Melody Grace, I just knew that this was one lady that needed to have her own book. I mean, how could she not? Strong, sassy, and with snark to spare, Dee’s story was just begging to be told. And, thank you Melody, because RECKLESS HEARTS, the third book in the Oak Harbor series, was just what I was looking for, and more.

What I love, love, love about Dee is that, while she presents an in control, take no prisoners, completely sure of herself front to the world, she’s got as many secret little insecurities, moments that give her pause, as the rest of us. And the minute that one William Wyatt Montgomery showed up to save the day when Dee was in a tight spot, I was all in, because there it was, that moment. You know, the one where, when you’re reading one of Melody’s books there’s this, erm, heated pause. The one where you can actually hear the sizzle of two people connecting.

He smiles at me, all hazel eyes and strong jawline, and I can’t help but feel a tiny jolt of something sweet snake into my bloodstream, hot and bold.
My name sounds good on his lips.

Melody has done her usual fabulous job of giving readers a story full of heart, of heat, and the feels that draws us in and keeps us connected from cover to cover. She writes strong men that, although not perfect, are perfect for their ladies, and Will is an excellent example of this. He’s got his secrets, the demons that drove him to Oak Harbor, but he is a man with a purpose, that is, to overcome his obstacles and win his woman. And Dee’s journey of discovery and forgiveness is lovely, and leaves her a stronger and wiser person, one that is ready to trust, to step out into a relationship with a heart ready to love. Now that we’ve gotten Dee’s and Will’s story, I can’t wait for Lottie to have her turn, which comes in THIS HEART OF MINE, out this fall.

I stare back into his eyes, at the only man who ever mattered. Who made me feel like the best, most brilliant version of myself. Happy. Free. Loved…The man who finally had the strength and heart to prove me wrong.
I whisper in his ear, “I’m taking you home.”

I have so very thoroughly enjoyed this and all the books in the Oak Harbor series. Melody continues to give us new characters and a new town to fall in love with, and we even get to keep in touch with our friends from Beachwood Bay, which makes these stories even more of a treat. Go ahead, add RECKLESS HEARTS to your TBR, and get caught up with the folks in Oak Harbor. It truly is like spending time with friends, like coming home.

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

_____________________________________

Author Bio

Melody Grace is the New York Times bestselling author of the
Beachwood Bay series. A small-town girl turned SoCal beach lover, after
spending her life with her nose in a book, she decided it was time she wrote
one herself. She loves steamy romance novels, happily-ever-afters, and lusting
after fictional menfolk. She lives in LA with her two kittens, Bucky Barnes and
Steve Rogers.

Author Links

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER
AMAZON

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New Release + 5 Star Review : Sweet Little Lies by Jill Shalvis

Posted on 06/29/2016 by shellbellereads

Sweet Little Lies

A Heartbreaker Bay Novel

By Jill Shalvis

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

Choose the one guy you can’t have . . .

As captain of a San Francisco Bay tour boat, Pru can handle rough seas—the hard part is life on dry land. Pru loves her new apartment and her neighbors; problem is, she’s in danger of stumbling into love with Mr. Right for Anybody But Her.

Fall for him—hard . . .

Pub owner Finn O’Riley is six-foot-plus of hard-working hottie who always makes time for his friends. When Pru becomes one of them, she discovers how amazing it feels to be on the receiving end of that deep green gaze. But when a freak accident involving darts (don’t ask) leads to shirtless first aid, things rush way past the friend zone. Fast.

And then tell him the truth.

Pru only wants Finn to be happy; it’s what she wishes for at the historic fountain that’s supposed to grant her heart’s desire. But wanting him for herself is a different story—because Pru’s been keeping a secret that could change everything. . . .

_______________________________

Tracey’s Review

I love, love, love Jill Shalvis’ books, every single one of them. When I hear that a new one is coming out, there’s no question that I will be reading it. New book in a beloved series? Great. New series? Awesome. If Jill’s written it, I’m reading it.

SWEET LITTLE LIES is the first book in Jill’s Heartbreaker Bay series. Set in San Francisco, and full of the quirky and lovable characters that are part of all of Jill’s books, this one had me from word one. Pru Harris is the do-gooder to end all do-gooders. Feeling responsible for something that happened years before, something that changed the course of many lives, Pru has made it her mission in life to right what she sees as the wrongs done to others by giving them something back to make up for their losses. Finn O’Riley is one of those people. He doesn’t know what Pru’s about, he just knows that he’s never met anyone like her, and wants to know her a lot better.

“You’ve got an interesting job…”
“Yes…Interesting. And fun, too.”
“Fun.” Finn repeated the word like it didn’t compute. “Now there’s something I haven’t had in a while.”
“You know, in some circles I’m known as the Fun Whisperer.”

One of the things that I love most about Jill’s books is the dialogue. Sassy, snarky, often sexy, but never boring. Jill has mastered the art of the verbal, and I love seeing the words that flow between the characters, as well as the interior dialogue, because it never disappoints. Pru and Finn are perfectly matched here, and the whole cast of supporting characters keep right up with them. This, along with the relationships of the tightly-knit community in Heartbreaker Bay, made me feel like being surrounded by a group of people that are the best kind of folks to hang out with.

Another thing that Jill does extremely well is sexy time. Finn is one hot ticket, and, if Pru is the Fun Whisperer, then he is the Panty Whisperer. Spark, sizzle, intense combustible chemistry, call it what you will, but these two have it in abundance. It is a true pleasure watching their relationship unfold.

5 stars for SWEET LITTLE LIES and the residents of Heartbreaker Bay. I am really looking forward to spending more time with Finn, Pru, and the rest of the gang, and can’t wait for THE TROUBLE WITH MISTLETOE, coming this fall.

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

_____________________________________

New York Times Bestselling author Jill Shalvis wrote RESCUE MY HEART and FOREVER AND A DAY, along with many other romance novels including her acclaimed Lucky Harbor series. The Rita winner and 3-time National Readers Choice winner makes her home near Lake Tahoe. Visit her website at http://www.jillshalvis.com for a complete book list and daily blog, and http://www.facebook.com/jillshalvis for other news.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz + Review: Wicked Ride by Sawyer Bennett – Wicked Horse Series – Book 4

Posted on 06/28/2016 by shellbellereads

Wicked Ride

The Wicked Horse Series – Book #4
By Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: June 28, 2016

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis:
I think this woman may be the death of me. A dire prediction, but probably true.
Probably true because she’s not mine to have and I’ll probably take her, even at the risk to my own safety. So many men slobbering to get a taste of her and only one, sweet, virginal girl to go around.
That’s right.
She’s a virgin.
Looking like a porcelain china doll that would break if not handled carefully. But I also know she’s stronger than she looks.
She’s a contradiction.
She’s most likely my downfall.
Like I said, she’ll probably be the death of me, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take.

**Warning: this book has sex in it. Lots of sex. Dirty sex. The Wicked Horse Series is a bit different than what Sawyer Bennett normally writes. While you’ll still enjoy fabulous characters, a suspenseful story, some witty banter and an epic romance, there’s just… a lot of sex. You’ve been warned.

Michel’s Review

As the Wicked Horse series by Sawyer Bennett takes the readers on a sexy ride, the kinky cowboy, Logan McKay, is going to blow your boots off!

Logan McKay has been the mysterious fantasy maker at the Silo. He doesn’t have any inhibitions and is game for anything. That’s what makes him good at his job. When the untouchable virgin becomes a high commodity at the Silo, he knows he’s in big trouble. He doesn’t have the kind of money to purchase the prize. He also senses that there is something not quite right with the situation. The beautiful virgin, Auralie, is reaching out to him in silent communication, pleading for him to save her. He is not a hero. He is not a good guy. He still has a conscience and he still has a heart. Auralie has captivated him completely and he wants to be the cowboy that rides in and saves the girl.

Like most things, what you see on the surface hides multiple things. In Auralie’s case, it’s a multitude of lies, deception, and desperation. She needs Logan McKay to save her but at the same time she needs him to walk away and leave her to her fate.

Logan and Auralie are in a precarious situation that could turn deadly. They can’t stay away from one another. Their need for one another goes beyond the sexual gratifications. It’s a matter of heart. They both have secrets and their world is imploding. Once again Bridger has to step in and help save the day. Another cowboy has fallen hard. The Silo is changing and the players are making their last moves.

Wicked Ride by Sawyer Bennett was sizzling hot. It wasn’t as kinky as some of the earlier books nor was it as romantic as the last book. It was a good, solid book that gave the readers a complete understanding of Logan McKay. Out of all the guys at the Silo, I think Logan McKay had the best backstory. It broke my heart. I also loved how Sawyer set up the next book in the series. Look out Bridger, Sawyer is taking you down!

About the Author:

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists on multiple occasions.

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

Sawyer likes her Bloody Mary’s strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two.

Connect with Sawyer:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bennettbooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BennettBooks
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sawyerbennett123/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/Sawyer_Bennett

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Release Blitz + Excerpt + Review: Hard To Serve by Laura Kaye – A Hard Ink Novella

Posted on 06/28/2016 by shellbellereads

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Release Day Launch for Laura Kaye’s HARD TO SERVE! Brought to you by 1001 Dark Nights, HARD TO SERVE is a standalone novella in her Hard Ink Series that also introduces her upcoming Blasphemy Series. Check out the note and excerpt from Laura below and grab your copy of this steamy novella today!

So many readers asked for more stories in my bestselling Hard Ink series, and I’m so excited to be able to give you just that in my new, super sexy HARD TO SERVE! HARD TO SERVE is an edgy stand-alone love story about a Baltimore police detective whose red-hot BDSM relationship with a new submissive seems like the perfect distraction from a trumped-up investigation against him until he learns that the woman is his boss’s daughter. Talk about sparks flying! I had so much fun writing this book, and I can’t wait for everyone to read it! And if you enjoy it, you might like to check out the whole Hard Ink series, now complete! Happy reading!

Excerpt:

Mia found herself alone with a kinda pissed-off looking Master Kyler. He wore angry well. As in, the harshness of the set of his jaw and the tight press of his lips and the narrow cut of his eyes—they were all hot, especially coming from a Dom. But she didn’t understand it.

“Um. Hello, Sir,” she finally said when he didn’t say anything.

“Mia,” he said, his gaze raking over her. “You look absolutely stunning tonight.” His voice was like gravel, rough and strained.

“Thank you. Are you okay, Sir?” she asked.

He shook his head. “I don’t…I don’t know.”

“Do you want to sit and talk?” Mia asked, concern for him flooding her.

Suddenly, Kyler pinned her to the cool wall. He braced his hands on either side of her head, and he was erect against her belly. She wanted to drop into a crouch and take him into her mouth. “Do you want vulgar honesty or watered-down politeness?” he asked.

The promise of those words made her core clench with need. “Vulgar honesty.”

He nailed her with a blue-eyed stare. “I don’t want to sit and talk. I want to fuck. Hard. I want to be aggressive. Maybe I even want to be a little mean.”

Mia’s heart was suddenly a runaway train in her chest. Because, sign her up! She let out a shaky breath. “That sounds…like someone’s going to have a good night,” she managed.

Kyler dropped his head to her shoulder on a groan. He knocked his forehead against the bone there once, twice.

“Did I say the wrong thing?” she asked. Because he was totally confusing her.

“That’s the thing, Mia. I don’t know.” He lifted his gaze to hers again.

“How can I help?” she asked.

For a moment, he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, and when he opened them, it was like he’d centered himself and made some kind of resolution. “Are you game for what I just described?” He fingered the chunky silver-and-gold choker she wore around her neck.

Heat swept over her, her body already answering, already preparing. “Yes, Sir. I am.”

He gave a tight nod and backed up a step. “Let me show you the room I have in mind.” Taking her hand, he led her down the long hallway that shot off the side of the nave. She wasn’t sure if this was still part of the church building or something else, but she didn’t have long to wonder before Kyler stopped at a door and keyed in a code.

Lights came on as the door opened, and Kyler guided her inside with his hand at the small of her back.

Just the room’s theme turned Mia on. Concrete floor. Cinder-block walls with peeling paint. Light thrown from bare light bulbs surrounded by little cages. An iron cot bed with only a white fitted sheet. Rusted metal cabinet at the side that undoubtedly held a variety of toys and supplies. It looked like a basement or a warehouse—a place where a woman in a beautiful cocktail dress had no business being. A role started taking shape in her mind.

“Do you see where my head is tonight, Mia?” Master Kyler asked, his body almost rigid with tension.

God, she was going to enjoy helping him work out whatever had him so wound up. “Yes, Sir.”

https://s3.amazonaws.com/embed.animoto.com/play.html?w=swf/production/vp1&e=1466126374&f=F316FiZbjyxHiFj7xCedWA&d=0&m=p&r=360p&volume=100&start_res=360p&i=m&asset_domain=s3-p.animoto.com&animoto_domain=animoto.com&options=autostart

About HARD TO SERVE:

To protect and serve is all Detective Kyler Vance ever wanted to do, so when Internal Affairs investigates him as part of the new police commissioner’s bid to oust corruption, everything is on the line. Which makes meeting a smart, gorgeous submissive at an exclusive play club the perfect distraction…

The director of the city’s hottest art gallery, Mia Breslin’s career is golden. Now if only she could find a man to dominate her nights and set her body—and her heart—on fire. When a scorching scene with a hard-bodied, brooding Dom at Blasphemy promises just that, Mia is lured to serve Kyler again and again.

As their relationship burns hotter, Kyler runs into Mia at work and learns that he’s been dominating the daughter of the hard-ass boss who has it in for him. Now Kyler must choose between life-long duty and forbidden desire before Mia finds another who’s not so hard to serve.

Buy on Amazon

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Join the Hard to Serve FB Party on June 28!

_______________________________________________________________

Michel’s Review

Hard To Serve by Laura Kaye is an interesting novella. While it is part of the Hard Ink series, it is also an opener for the new upcoming series Blasphemy.

Laura stepped outside her box and dove into the world of sexual kink. Welcome to Blasphemy.

Detective Kyler Vance’s career is on hold. After being shot in the line of duty ( previous Hard Ink novel), he’s slowly beginning to get use of his shoulder and shooting arm. He is also under investigation for corruption. The new police commissioner is cleaning up the force. Kyler’s under the microscope. After three months, he’s ready to get back to his normal world. He’s also ready to get back to Blasphemy, the exclusive club he owns with twelve other Master Doms. Anything goes as long as it’s consensual for both parties.

His first night back at Blasphemy he meets a new guest sub that intrigues the Master Dom in him. Mia is the perfect sub and he is a master at her preferred kinks. Together they can engage in a scene that not only brings complete satisfaction and pleasure for them both, but also pleases the other members of the club.

Kyler and Mia are perfect for one another. There is only one thing that could stand in their way, Mia’s father, the new police commissioner.

Laura Kaye dove right into this new world. While some of the kinks and BDSM are not my cup of tea, she did a good job with the story. It had the right amount of romance and the right amount of kink. I think readers are going to embrace the new Blasphemy series.

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Announcing a New Erotic Romance Series from Laura Kaye…

BLASPHEMY – the club first introduced in Hard to Serve

From the ruins of an abandoned church comes Baltimore’s hottest and most exclusive BDSM club. Twelve Masters. Infinite fantasies. Welcome to Blasphemy…

Bound to Submit is coming September 13, 2016

PRE-ORDER BOUND TO SUBMIT

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About Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty-five books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense, including the Hard Ink and Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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New Release + Review + Giveaway: Up In Flames by Abbi Glines – Rosemary Beach Series – Book 13

Posted on 06/28/2016 by shellbellereads

Up In Flames

Rosemary Beach Series – Book 13

By Abbi Glines

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Abbi Glines returns to Rosemary Beach one last time in this highly-anticipated finale.

Spoiled. Selfish. Rich girl. Villain. Slut.

As the Prada-clad bad girl of Rosemary Beach, Nan Dillon has been called every vile name under the hot summer sun. Some of her reputation is deserved—she’s never had to worry about anything but maintaining her perfect figure and splitting Daddy’s private jet with her brother, Rush.

But Nan is far from happy. Rush has another kid on the way and doesn’t have time to catch up with his sister. Grant, the last guy she truly cared about, chose to be with her half-sister, Harlow, instead of her. And Harlow, who has never gotten over the way Nan treated her when she first moved to town, remains distant.

So when Major asks her out, she jumps at the chance to date the gorgeous charmer. Though she doesn’t know much about the sweet-talking Texan, and though it’s clear he doesn’t want to be exclusive, dating him beats hanging out with vapid socialites or watching Netflix alone at home.

For a while, Nan deals with Major’s playboy ways, but after he burns her one too many times, she takes off for an impromptu wild weekend in Vegas. There, she meets Gannon, a darkly seductive and oh-so-dangerous businessman who knows exactly how to handle her.

With Major asking for a second chance and Gannon haunting her dreams, Nan has to decide who to give her heart to. But what she doesn’t realize is that these players are involved in a much bigger game—and they’re already two moves ahead of her.

Michel’s Review

Am I still a NAN HATER…

The Rosemary Beach Series by Abbi Glines has been one of my favorite series since the first book released in January 2014. I have devoured each book in this series. I have stood in long lines at author events to get my paperback copies signed. Each of the couples and the crew from Rosemary Beach have captivated me… except for Nan. She is the J.R. Ewing or Alexis Carrington of Rosemary Beach. She has been the consistent villian throughout the series. There is nothing likable about her character at all. So why would readers want her to have a book of her own? I would say because they are just waiting for the train to hit Nan head on.

When a writer creates a character like Nan, it’s almost impossible to convince the readers that she deserves a happily ever after. Towards the later part of the series Nan’s character starts to evolve. Readers are beginning to see the multiple layers that make Nan the person she is. Is it possible for Nan to change the core person she is? That’s where the author has her greatest challenge. First of all to change her into a good lovable being would be more or less slapping the readers in the face saying they are gullible and clueless. It would make everything readers conceived into a lie. Thank goodness Abbi Glines had the insight not to insult her readers but at the same time have the balls to give Nan a story that readers could embrace.

Nan didn’t change, she evolved into something tolerable. Readers got an in depth look at what made Nan tick. They got a first hand look into her insecurities, hateful reactions, and selfish choices. They also got to see her real issues and where they began. The girl was basically abandoned the moment she came into the world. The ones that were supposed to love and protect her blatantly ignored her existence and used money as a way to cover up their abandonment. The only person that really ever loved Nan was her brother Rush. It’s no wonder she desperately tried to control and hang onto him. He was the only good thing in her life she ever had. Her bitterness and resentments were a coat of armor that she would never be able to shed because the little girl buried deep inside must never surface. She became strong because of that armor. She survived the only way she knew how. After many years of bitterness and hate, she’s growing weary. The people in her world are changing for the better, moving on with their lives and she is stuck in the hateful world she created. She wants what they have but is clueless how to obtain it. Each time she thinks she’s close to obtaining it’s always disappointment that follows.

Nan and Major have had a thing going on but it’s not really a relationship. They have formed an odd friendship. Each time Nan thinks that Major is coming around he only ends up disappointing her. He discards her like everyone else in her life has. When she’s finally had enough, she does what she does best…moves on to the next mindless party. Heading to Vegas to lick her wounds leads her to the next chapter in her life. She meets a mysterious, sexy, dangerous man. He has a way of making her feel like she is the only woman in the world. He can control her outbursts, appreciate her worldliness, and make her body sing. He also has secrets that could destroy her and when he does, her life in Rosemary Beach doesn’t look so bad. Too bad her heart doesn’t know it.

By this time Major has realized the errs of his ways. He regrets his mistakes with Nan and wants another chance to prove himself to her. He will get his chance but it won’t be the ending he was expecting.

The rest of the story will take the reader by surprise! Rosemary Beach is ending Up In Flames.

Am I still a NAN HATER? I still don’t like her but I do understand her and don’t begrudge her a happily ever after.

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Abbi Glines is the New York Times, USA TODAY, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Rosemary Beach, Field Party, Sea Breeze, Vincent Boys, and Existence series. A devoted book lover, Abbi lives with her family in Alabama. She maintains a Twitter addiction at @AbbiGlines and can also be found at Facebook.com/AbbiGlinesAuthor and AbbiGlines.com.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Excerpt:

Mia found herself alone with a kinda pissed-off looking Master Kyler. He wore angry well. As in, the harshness of the set of his jaw and the tight press of his lips and the narrow cut of his eyes—they were all hot, especially coming from a Dom. But she didn’t understand it.

“Um. Hello, Sir,” she finally said when he didn’t say anything.

“Mia,” he said, his gaze raking over her. “You look absolutely stunning tonight.” His voice was like gravel, rough and strained.

“Thank you. Are you okay, Sir?” she asked.

He shook his head. “I don’t…I don’t know.”

“Do you want to sit and talk?” Mia asked, concern for him flooding her.

Suddenly, Kyler pinned her to the cool wall. He braced his hands on either side of her head, and he was erect against her belly. She wanted to drop into a crouch and take him into her mouth. “Do you want vulgar honesty or watered-down politeness?” he asked.

The promise of those words made her core clench with need. “Vulgar honesty.”

He nailed her with a blue-eyed stare. “I don’t want to sit and talk. I want to fuck. Hard. I want to be aggressive. Maybe I even want to be a little mean.”

Mia’s heart was suddenly a runaway train in her chest. Because, sign her up! She let out a shaky breath. “That sounds…like someone’s going to have a good night,” she managed.

Kyler dropped his head to her shoulder on a groan. He knocked his forehead against the bone there once, twice.

“Did I say the wrong thing?” she asked. Because he was totally confusing her.

“That’s the thing, Mia. I don’t know.” He lifted his gaze to hers again.

“How can I help?” she asked.

For a moment, he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, and when he opened them, it was like he’d centered himself and made some kind of resolution. “Are you game for what I just described?” He fingered the chunky silver-and-gold choker she wore around her neck.

Heat swept over her, her body already answering, already preparing. “Yes, Sir. I am.”

Lights came on as the door opened, and Kyler guided her inside with his hand at the small of her back.

“Do you see where my head is tonight, Mia?” Master Kyler asked, his body almost rigid with tension.

God, she was going to enjoy helping him work out whatever had him so wound up. “Yes, Sir.”

About HARD TO SERVE:

Join the Hard to Serve FB Party on June 28!

Announcing a New Erotic Romance Series from Laura Kaye…

BLASPHEMY – the club first introduced in Hard to Serve

From the ruins of an abandoned church comes Baltimore’s hottest and most exclusive BDSM club. Twelve Masters. Infinite fantasies. Welcome to Blasphemy…

Bound to Submit is coming September 13, 2016

PRE-ORDER BOUND TO SUBMIT

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