Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: The Baller by Vi Keeland

Posted on 01/18/2016 by shellbellereads

Meet Brody Easton in THE BALLER!

Contemporary Romance novel

New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author

Vi Keeland

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RELEASING JANUARY 18TH!

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

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Blurb

The first time I met Brody Easton was in the men’s locker room.

It was my first interview as a professional sportscaster.

The famed quarterback decided to bare all.

And by all, I don’t mean he told me any of his secrets.

No. The arrogant ass decided to drop his towel, just as I asked the first question. On camera.

The Super Bowl MVP quickly adopted a new hobby—screwing with me.

When I pushed back, he shifted from wanting to screw with me, to wanting to screw me.

But I don’t date players.

And it’s not because I’m one of the few women working in the world of professional football.

I’d date an athlete.

It’s the other kind of player I don’t date.

You know the type. Good looking, strong, cocky, always looking to get laid.

Brody Easton was the ultimate player.

Every woman wanted to be the one to change him.

But the truth was, all he needed was a girl worth changing for.

Turned out, I was that girl.

Simple right?

Let’s face it. It never is.

There’s a story between once upon a time and happily ever after…

And this one is ours.

Excerpt

“You ready?” Nick slung his bag over his shoulder and lifted his camera. The reporter in front of us wrapped up his interview and shook hands with Easton.

As I’ll ever be. “Sure.”

I stepped forward and extended my hand. “I’m Delilah Maddox with WMBC Sports News.”

A slow grin spread across Easton’s face. He surprised me by leaning in and kissing me on the cheek. “Pleasure to meet you.”

I wasn’t sure if he was baiting me into an argument—expecting me to lash out at him for kissing me when he’d just shaken the last male reporter’s hand—or if he was trying to use his blatant sexuality to throw me off. Either way, I wasn’t playing his game. I cleared my throat and stood straighter, even though my knees felt a little wobbly.

“Do you mind if I ask you some questions?”

“Why else would you be in here?”

I ignored his sarcasm. He was still smiling at me. Actually, it was more like a smirk, and it made me feel like a toy he was about to play with. “You ready, Nick?” My cameraman finished setting up the lighting, then lifted the camera into position and gave me a hand signal.

“Congratulations on the win today, Brody. How is your knee feeling after your first game back?” I lifted my microphone high, knowing Nick was filming in close.

“I feel . . . ” He nonchalantly reached to the towel wrapped around his waist and tugged at the corner. The towel fell to the ground. “Great. I feel great. And how about you? It’s your first trip into the locker room, isn’t it? Do you like what you see so far?” His lips curled up into a full-blown wicked smile.

Before I could catch myself, my eyes dropped to his naked lower half. Shit. He was dangling in the wind. I totally got distracted by just how low the thing dangled. It was probably a full minute before I responded to his question. A full minute of dead air time. Great. “Yes. Umm . . . the locker room is . . . ummm . . . nice.”

I sounded like a total ditz. On air.

The jackass continued interviewing me. “Is it as big as you thought it would be?”

“Ummm . . . it’s much bigger than I imagined.”

His smile grew even wider.

Ugh.

I needed to get back on track or my first locker room interview would become a laughingstock blooper. Viewers had no idea he was naked from the waist down. “Do you think you were at one hundred percent today?”

His eyebrows jumped. “If you’re referring to today’s game, definitely. I had one hundred percent out there on the field. There’re some other areas where I have a lot of growth potential, but my knee felt one hundred percent today.”

His pale green eyes darkened, and I watched his long lashes lower. I followed his line of sight, and suddenly I was staring at his naked package. Again. Damn it. My eyes darted back up, but I felt my cheeks heating. I had to end this, or I was going to be beet red on air.

“Well, welcome back. And congratulations on today’s win.”

I waited until Nick lowered his camera and turned off the light. Then I looked right at Brody Easton’s smug face. “You’re an asshole, you know that?”

His eyes sparkled. “I do.”

I heard the chuckles and high fives at my back as I stormed out of the locker room.

Michel’s Review

The Baller by Vi Keeland is one of the sexiest, downright dirty, and emotional sports romances that I have read. I was blown away by the emotional story delivered in The Baller.

A beautiful sportscaster and red hot professional quarterback make the ultimate score. When Brody Easton dares Delilah Maddox to play his game, all bets are off. He relentlessly pursues her, woes her, and makes her desire his magical touch. But there is more to Brody Easton than meets the eye. Behind the arrogant, dirty mouthed quarterback is a man with a heart of gold. A man with compassion, a giving spirit, and unbreakable loyalty. He’s willing to give it all to Delilah but she must be willing to open up her heart once again. She has loved and lost. She knows the score. Brody Easton is a game changer.

I am not going to say much more because I don’t want to spoil this exceptional book. I will say to make sure there’s a box of tissue close by. Also this book should come with a warning “it may be too hot to handle”. Vi Keeland has proven that she has brought her winning game to The Baller. I fell in love with Brody Easton. I wanted to be Delilah Maddox. I ached for both of these dynamic people. I was thrilled when they finally figured out the winning play.

Brody Easton can toss a pass at me anytime. The man is sex on a stick and I would never block a pass from him.

Don’t miss out on the winning book of the season…read The Baller by Vi Keeland.

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!

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

First Thing I See– Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Left Behind – Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Pre Release Blitz + Excerpt + 6 Star Review + 2016 Favorite: Cunning by Aleatha Romig…The Infidelity Series – Book 2

Posted on 01/18/2016 by shellbellereads

“He owns you. Whatever he tells you to do you do”.

One year. No future. A past that won’t go away.

Lennox “Nox” Demetri broke his own rule by making a deal. It may not have been directly with the devil, but that doesn’t mean Satan himself isn’t watching. Was it fate that brought Charli into his life and his bed? What will happen when rules are broken and secrets are revealed?

“New rules…my rules.”

Alex “Charli” Collins found pleasure with Nox like she’d never known. That was before she knew his last name. Now that Infidelity is involved and the rules have changed, what will result when real life and fantasy collide?

Is it really cheating if you’re doing it to yourself?

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Aleatha Romig comes a sexy, new dominant hero who knows what he wants and a strong-willed heroine who has plans of her own. With classic Aleatha Romig twists, turns, deceptions, and devotions, the depth of this new, epic dark romance reaches new levels and will have readers swooning one minute and screaming the next.

Have you been Aleatha’d?

CUNNING is a full-length novel, 360 pages, and the second of five books in the INFIDELITY series.

Infidelity – it isn’t what you think.

PREORDER

AMAZON | B & N | ITunes | Kobo

EXCERPT

Nox

I couldn’t concentrate. Shit, I could barely function. Thoughts of Charli consumed my mind—her gorgeous eyes, the way she looked at me when I came out of that room and our gaze met. I hadn’t planned on going to the Mandarin yet or being there when she arrived. I had things to do, but I couldn’t stay away. I couldn’t not see her. The attraction was too strong.

That was what she did to me. She made me lose focus on the world and see only her.

In only the short time we’d been together, she’d gotten under my skin like no one else, even Jo. I’d never fallen so fast or so hard. I didn’t do drugs, never had. Nevertheless, I imagined that Charli was like cocaine. One casual hit at a party—that was all I was after in Del Mar. One hit, one week. Since returning to New York, I’d tried to deny my addiction. Each day we were apart was another day clean, another day sober. I was able to detox because she was out of my life.

That was then.

This is now, and now she’s mine.

Deloris said her name was Alexandria, or Alex, but that didn’t change anything. We’d confessed that our names were nicknames, and to me she’d always be my Charli.

Robin’s Review

Aleatha Romig never ceases to amaze me with her ability to weave a multi-layered story, one full of mystery and intrigue. No matter the genre, her writing style is unique and addicting. Thousands of individuals have discovered just how incredible her writing can be by devouring her Consequences series. Whether or not you have read any of her previous novels, do yourself a favor and set aside some time to begin reading Romig’s new Infidelity series.

If you’re hesitant to begin the Infidelity series because of the series name, let me put that to rest. The Infidelity series is not about cheating or a love triangle. According to Romig, “The Infidelity series does not advocate or glorify cheating. This series is about the inner struggle of compromising your beliefs for your heart. It is about cheating on yourself, not someone else.”

We’re introduced to Lennox “Nox” Demetri and Alexandria Charles “Charli” Montague Collins in Betrayal. Just before she is scheduled to begin law school at Columbia, Alex casts aside the meticulous focus on her goals when she meets Nox at Del Mar resort. But Alex is a Montague, and her family has some very different plans for her now that she has graduated from Stanford. When her parents force her hand, Alex makes a decision which could negatively impact the rest of her life so that she can still attend law school.

Alex Collins has cost Nox an outrageous sum of money, and he’s IRATE, to say the least! She lied to him in Del Mar, and he’s about to teach her a lesson she won’t soon forget! Things aren’t always what they seem – isn’t that the way in each of Aleatha Romig’s novels? There are layers, so many layers, in the Infidelity series, and Romig is only just beginning to peel the layers back in Cunning. If Betrayal is the top layer of the story, Cunning just barely breaks the surface. Hold on to your hats because it’s about to get real, and we have three more novels before the Infidelity series is complete!

Aleatha Romig knows just how to pull our strings! She’s very adept at writing a mystery. Nothing in her story happens without purpose, so you want to pay close attention. Romig gives subtle clues. And dark thrillers? Let’s just say that Romig really knows how to stir up my emotions! I laughed, felt anxious and angry. Nox and Charli are just fantastic primary characters! Both of them lead complicated lives, but they sure are easy to love. In Betrayal, Romig captivated me with the special time they had together at Del Mar. Now, I’m on pins and needles, turning over questions in my mind, pondering the possibilities by the many things that I read in Cunning.

Aleatha Romig is a creative writing genius. From what I’ve read so far, the Infidelity series is just outstanding! By stirring up my imagination, Romig has accomplished exactly what she intended to do in this second installment of the Infidelity series. I’m pleased to give Romig a 6-star rating, and I am adding Cunning to my list of 2016 favorites!

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The Infidelity Series

Betrayal – Book 1

One week. No future. No past. No more.

Alexandria Collins has one week to live carefree—no ghosts of her past or pressures of her future haunting her. Reinventing herself as “Charli,” she is knocked off her feet by a sexy, mysterious man who brings her pleasure like she never imagined. With her heart at stake, she forgets that decisions made in the dark of night reappear in the bright light of day.

“Some of my tastes are unique. They aren’t for everyone. I understand that.”

Lennox “Nox” Demetri is wealthy, confident, and decisive—he knows what he wants. From the first time he sees Charli at an exclusive resort, he knows he wants her. Although he is usually the one to make the rules, together they agree on one:

One week. No more.

When betrayal comes from those closest to Alexandria, she must decide how far she is willing to go to survive. Choices are not always easy, especially when they involve the heart, body, and soul. After all, Infidelity is a business, and some rules are meant to be broken.

“Is it really cheating if you’re doing it to yourself?”

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Aleatha Romig comes a sexy, new dominant hero who knows what he wants, and a strong-willed heroine who has plans of her own. With classic Aleatha Romig twists, turns, deceptions, and devotions, this new epic dark romance will have readers swooning one minute and screaming the next. Have you been Aleatha’d?

BETRAYAL is a full-length novel and the first of five in the INFIDELITY series.

Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

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Cunning – Book 2

“He owns you. Whatever he tells you to do you do”.

One year. No future. A past that won’t go away.
Lennox “Nox” Demetri broke his own rule by making a deal. It may not have been directly with the devil, but that doesn’t mean Satan himself isn’t watching. Was it fate that brought Charli into his life and his bed? What will happen when rules are broken and secrets are revealed?

“New rules…my rules.”

Is it really cheating if you’re doing it to yourself?

CUNNING is a full-length novel, 325 pages, and the second of five books in the INFIDELITY series.

Infidelity – it isn’t what you think.

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Aleatha Romig is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school sweetheart and husband of nearly thirty years. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time with her family and friends. Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams!

Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than half a million e-readers. Aleatha released the first of her series TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, INSIDIOUS, in the fall of 2014. These standalone thrillers continue Aleatha’s twisted style with an increase in heat. In the fall of 2015, Aleatha will move head first into the world of dark romance with the release of BETRAYAL, the first of her five novel INFIDELITY series.

Aleatha is a “Published Author’s Network” member of the Romance Writers of America and represented by Danielle Egan-Miller of Browne & Miller Literary Associates.

Blog Tour + Review: Wicked Lust by Sawyer Bennett – Wicked Horse Series – Book 2

Posted on 01/12/2016 by shellbellereads

Wicked Lust

The Wicked Horse Series – Book 2

By Sawyer Bennett

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes

Synopsis

Cain Bonham is as big and bad as they come. After serving in the Marines, he’s returned home to Wyoming and now works as head of security at the exclusive sex club, The Wicked Horse. His job is to protect not only the patrons, but to zealously guard the secret existence of the club itself.

Sloane Preston is all about discovering secrets. As an undercover reporter, she’s determined to reveal the truth behind the facade of The Wicked Horse and expose it for all the world to see. She just didn’t count on her pathway into the club coming at the hands of one gorgeously scarred and bad ass bouncer who manages to easily possess her body and soul.

While Cain’s not looking for anyone to catch his eye, Sloane did it all the same, and he’s not bemoaning the fact that she’s as wickedly kinky as he is. As both get caught up in the sinful fantasies that only The Wicked Horse can create, secrets and loyalties will be tested and hearts will risk being broken.

**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

Ready for a red hot book to heat you up this winter? Wicked Lust by Sawyer Bennett will have your blood boiling, heart racing, and panties melting.

Wicked Lust is the second book in The Wicked Horse series. This series is based around a secretive, selective sex club. The Silo, that is located on the premises of the Wcked Horse Saloon. This is an exclusive club for a high profile clientele with a deviant sexual appetite . Anything goes in the Silo. The darkest fantasies and sexual depravities are just a few of the delicacies at the Wicked Horse Silo.

Cain Bonham is the man in charge of security at the Wicked Horse. While he takes his job very seriously, he also appreciates the fringe benefits that come along with the job. His job as head of security isn’t the only thing in his job description. He is also part of the fantasy crew. Add in his extra work at Wolff Jennings ranch, his incredible debt, and a jaded past relationship, and it adds up to one intense man. While he loves every minute of his job at the Wicked Horse, he is also more than his job description. His sexual appetite is fulfilled on every level until one intriguing lady starts frequenting the Wicked Horse. He has finally found a conquest that intrigues the inner Cain.

Sloane Preston isn’t the typical Wicked Horse patron, let alone a potential member for the Silo. She is a reporter undercover. Her assignment is to uncover the dirt on some of the political clients that frequent the Silo at the Wicked Horse. Her main target is Callie Hayes father and his dealings with the Silo. She’s determined to expose the existence of the secrets behind the Silo doors. Her way in is through the sexy security chief, Cain Bonham. It will be a pleasure to use Cain Bonham to get her dirty story. She will do anything to get her story.

The sexual chemistry between Sloane and Cain is red hot. The two of them experience the most erotic scenes and find something more along the way. When Sloane’s cover is blown and her secrets are revealed, it is the defining moment for each of them as individuals as well as their relationship.

Sawyer Bennett has always written an enthralling story. She has come to master the erotica romance genre. Her characters are always dynamic and come to life. I must say that Sloane and Cain were not one of my favorite couples she created. Cain came across a little too hard and lacked compassion. Sloane’s character was a bit flighty. One moment she came across as a strong, decisive woman and the next moment she was whiny and weak.

The overall impression was that Cain and Sloane were much better together in the bedroom. Outside of the bedroom, I didn’t feel the tenderness and romance that I was hoping for.

Overall Wicked Lust was a very good book and kept me glued to the pages. I am ready for the next book in the Wild Horse series.

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The Wicked Horse Series

Never in your wildest dreams could you begin to imagine all the filthy and depraved things that go on inside The Wicked Horse. Step inside and Woolf Jennings will make every one of your dirty fantasies come true.

He’s covered in a facade of deception. An enticing blend of multi-millionaire and hot-as-hell Wyoming rancher, those that think they know Woolf Jennings admire his abilities to preside as CEO of his family’s cattle and oil empire. But only a privileged few truly understand what fuels the glitter of depravity in those gorgeous blue eyes. Only a few know he’s opened up a sinfully erotic and private sex club named The Wicked Horse right at the base of the beautiful Teton Mountain range.

Sweet Callie Hayes has returned home to Wyoming and is looking forward to starting her life over again. After a night of impetuosity, she’s managed to put herself right in Woolf’s line of sight… the man who she foolishly offered up her virginity to years ago and was flatly turned down.

Now Woolf is seeing that Callie is all grown up and has a kinky side to her that leaves him as confused as it does turned on. Worse yet, both Callie’s dirty desires and sweet heart are getting under his skin, and making Woolf question everything he’s ever believed about himself.

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes

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Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes

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About the Author

USA Today Best-Selling author, Sawyer Bennett, is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. She is married to a mobster (well, a market researcher) and they have two big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

2 Reviews = 5 STAR & 4 STAR : The Year Of Falling In Love by Jessica Sorensen – The Sunnyvale Series – Book 2

Posted on 01/12/2016 by shellbellereads

The Year of Falling In Love

Isabella Anders / Sunnyvale Series – Book 2

By Jessica Sorensen

Buy : Amazon

Book 2 in Sunnyvale Series.

Synopsis:

Isabella Anders just found out Lynn and her dad want to send her to a reform school. But with the help of Grandma Stephy, Isa’s dad agrees to let her move in with her grandma.

Isa is more than relieved to be moving out. And after going on an unofficial date with Kyler, she wonders if maybe her life is starting to turn around. But then she discovers the truth about what really happened to her mother.

Not ready to fully accept that her mother is a murderer, Isa turns to Kai for help. Kai is more than willing to help, but to protect Isa, he keeps some of the more brutal details about her mother’s case to himself until he can find out more.

But when a mysterious blue car starts showing up everywhere, and Isa receives a threatening text message from an unknown caller, Kai realizes someone is dead set on destroying Isa. And he might not be able to protect her.

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Robin’s Review

Just a few months ago, author Jessica Sorensen published The Year I Became Isabella Anders, the first novel of her new Sunnyvale series. It’s a great pleasure for me to read the young adult genre, so I jumped at the opportunity to begin reading a series from the ground floor. Sorensen had a strong start to her Sunnyvale series, writing a multifaceted story composed of several subplots and intriguing characters whose backgrounds seem to be shrouded in mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed The Year I Became Isabella Anders, giving Sorensen a 5-star rating which I felt was well-deserved.

The Year of Falling in Love picks up where the first book of this series left off. Having been emotionally abused by her family for years, Isabella is a confused and lonely teenage girl. When her father and stepmother threaten to send her away to a boarding school in Montana, Isa finds a new home with her Grandma Stephy and cousin, Indigo. She also finds friendship and support from the two Meyers brothers who live next door. Kyler, the boy she’s had a crush on for years, convinces Isa to hang out with him to help keep her mind occupied. However, it’s his troubled brother, Kai, who is Isa’s true friend and protector.

Told from the alternating first person points of view of Isabella and Kai, readers are able to see several subplots which seem to unfold all at once. Isa is being followed by someone in a mysterious blue car, and she’s also noticing camera flashes out of the corner of her eye. At the same time, Kai’s life seems to be spiraling out of his control, leaving him in much the same position as Isa. Because a portion of this novel is told from Kai’s point of view, we should be able to gain some understanding of his position. But instead of finding answers from his perspective, I found this created even more questions about Kai, his relationship with his family, and the trouble he’s gotten himself into.

One of the very best parts of this story is the developing relationship between Kai and Isabella. His feelings for Isa appear to be genuine, and although she’s supposed to be dating Kyler, it’s becoming harder for her to ignore the growing feelings that she has for Kai. Subplots involving Isa, the Meyers brothers, and both families are becoming more complex as they continue to unwind. Jessica Sorensen has done an outstanding job of creating mystery and intrigue in this series. She appears to be world-building in this novel, guiding her Sunnyvale series to what I can only assume will be a dramatic conclusion. Although not as strong as the first novel of this series, The Year of Falling in Love is still a very good, and I’m assigning it a 4-star rating.

Michel’s Review

It’s interesting how different people can read the same book and walk away with different perceptions. While my blog mate, Robin , felt this book was not as strong as the first book in the Sunnyvale Series, I walked away with a different opinion.

First of all a reader must understand that Jessica Sorensen has a unique way of delivering a story. She slowly builds the story with mystery, intrigue,and adds subplots that tie into the main plot. She introduces the readers to the main characters and their issues that drive the story. She then slowly begins to unfold the story creating sexual tension, revealing passages, and creates intrigue. The romance is a slow build that becomes stronger throughout the story. There are dark moments and beautiful light hearted moments throughout the story that make her characters become more compelling. It doesn’t happen in one or two novels, it takes time to build the perfect story. Jessica Sorensen is a genius at building this kind of story that keeps the reader invested in the story.

I saw this novel as part of an intricate puzzle that was being revealed piece by piece. The first novel, The Year I Became Isabella Anders, gave this puzzle a center. The second book, The Year Of Falling In Love, built the borders around this puzzle and added a few pieces to the overall picture. The next installments will fill in all the gaps,add more color to the picture, reveal secrets hidden deeply among all the pieces, and will complete the compelling story into a beautiful portrait of two people finding themselves and falling in love.

Some readers may feel like The Year Of Falling In Love was too busy. My impression was that it was building a solid plot in a dynamic, compelling story. It moved the series along and built the intrigue.

In the first novel of the Sunnyvale Series, The Year I Became Isabella Anders the readers were introduced to the main characters, Isabella Anders, Kai Meyers, and Kyler Meyers. The readers got a glimpse of who the characters were and how their family life was a driving factor in their story. It added a mystery of Isabella’s past, gave the readers an insight of the abusive nature of Isabella’s family, and introduced problematic factors behind the closed doors of the Meyers family. A love triangle began to develop between Isabella and the Meyer brothers. The readers were left with mixed impressions of both of the Meyer brothers. While one brother seemed sincere in his interest and genuine friendship, the other brother seemed a superficial with his sudden interest in Isabella.

The second novel of the Sunnyvale Series, The Year Of Falling In Love, began to showcase the mystery and intrigue that is driving this series. The tension with Isabella’s family, her newly found strength to rebel against her family, and the beginning of revealing secrets about her mother, keep Isabella’s head spinning. Add the tension of a love triangle with a boy she has crushed on all her life and a boy that has always been her friend and this book becomes more than a mystery, it becomes a complicated romance.

In the first book the reader gets a good insight of who Isabella is as an individual. In the second book the reader begins to see her grow and become a stronger young woman. The first book introduces the Meyer brothers and the reader begins to see the differences between them. The second book gives a stronger impression of who Kai and Kyler Meyers are. Kai seems to have the same issues with his family as Isabella has with hers. He has always had Isabella’s best interest at heart. Kyle, the perfect Meyers brother, is still a bit of a mystery. While it seems that he is interested in Isabella, it also seems like he has his own agenda. He has no compassion for his younger brother. There’s a bit of a mystery as to where he fits in the overall puzzle. My creep radar was going off where he was concerned.

Although there was minimal romance in this book, Jessica gave the readers enough romance to keep the readers satisfied. Isabella had romantic encounters with both of the Meyer brothers. Each of those encounters left a solid impression. I think the readers will begin to choose which Meyers brother they want to win Isabella’s heart.

Jessica Sorensen did an excellent job creating the love triangle tension between these three characters. She also did an excellent job adding more layers to the mystery and intrigue of Isabella’s past. She created enough mystique and tension to keep the readers wanting more of the Sunnyvale series.

Jessica Sorensen has once again created a dynamic series and delivered a captivating installment to the story.

I can’t wait for the next book in the Sunnyvale Series. I want the rest of the story!

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Isabella Anders has always been the girl that never fit in. Most days she feels invisible, especially when she’s around her older sister, Hannah, who catches the eye of everyone, including Kai and Kyler, the boys who live next door.

Isabella has had a crush on Kyler for years, but knows he’ll never see her as anything more than Hannah’s little sister, unless she finds a way to standout.

When Isabella gets an offer from her grandmother to travel overseas for the summer, she seizes the opportunity, hoping she’ll discover more about herself. And she does, but not in the way that she expected.

Three months later, Isabella returns home an entirely new person. The change is enough to catch both Kyler and Kai’s attention. But Isabella is still struggling with what she discovered over the summer and until she deals with the truth, she’ll never truly be herself.

Buy: Amazon

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Jessica Sorensen is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author from the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: The Score by Elle Kennedy – The Off Campus Series – Book 3

Posted on 01/11/2016 by shellbellereads

The Off-Campus series is back…. Featuring

Dean Di-Laurentis … he knows how to score on and off the ice!

Buy ….

Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

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The Score

Off-Campus Series – Book 3

By Elle Kennedy

Synopsis

He knows how to score, on and off the ice

Allie Hayes is in crisis mode. With graduation looming, she still doesn’t have the first clue about what she’s going to do after college. To make matters worse, she’s nursing a broken heart thanks to the end of her longtime relationship. Wild rebound sex is definitely not the solution to her problems, but gorgeous hockey star Dean Di-Laurentis is impossible to resist. Just once, though, because even if her future is uncertain, it sure as heck won’t include the king of one-night stands.

It’ll take more than flashy moves to win her over

Dean always gets what he wants. Girls, grades, girls, recognition, girls…he’s a ladies man, all right, and he’s yet to meet a woman who’s immune to his charms. Until Allie. For one night, the feisty blonde rocked his entire world—and now she wants to be friends? Nope. It’s not over until he says it’s over. Dean is in full-on pursuit, but when life-rocking changes strike, he starts to wonder if maybe it’s time to stop focusing on scoring…and shoot for love.

Michel’s Review

Off-Campus fans have been waiting for Elle Kennedy to release Dean DiLaurentis book. The Score is released and it is a scorcher! This sizzling hot book will make your temperature rise, melt your panties, and warm your heart. Dean DiLaurentis is going to score big with the readers.

The Score by Elle Kennedy came as quite a surprise. In the previous books readers were left with the impression that Dean DiLaurentis was a spoiled, rich, sex obsessed man that cared more for himself than those around him. He was in college and on the hockey team for the fun, the parties, and the women. He had no aspirations to becoming a professional hockey player even though he was talented enough to do so. He was content to follow in his family’s footsteps and become the next DiLaurentis lawyer. He was taking each day as it came and enjoying his college life. What readers didn’t know is how complex Dean DiLaurentis really was in the most simplistic manner. The things that were most important in life, such as friendships and family, he valued highly. He always treated others very well and considered their feelings, their personal issues, and gave them the respect they deserved. He was very intelligent and earned his grades honestly. He never used his family’s stature and wealth as a way to make his life easier. He was content following in his family’s footsteps because he understood and respected their careers. He wasn’t against relationships or commitment, he just hadn’t found a girl that made him want that in his life. He had some trouble in the past with a former girlfriend that made him a bit more cautious about getting involved but didn’t let that define him. He learned from his mistakes and was always honest with all the girls he hooked up with. They knew it was for a good time and not a repeat performance. Overall, Dean was a well rounded person with a great attitude towards life.

It is his senior year and he is going to make the most of it. When he’s asked to keep an eye on Hannah’s friend Allie after she broke up with long term boyfriend for the weekend, he’s a bit miffed. It put a damper on his sexcapades for the weekend. When she shows up at his house, he begins to see Allie in a whole new light. He’s been warned off but that never held him back. When he makes his play and scores, it’s a game changer. Allie has rocked his world but now he’s the one doing the chasing. Allie has taken on his mantra, have a good time in bed and move on. Dean is determined to score again.

Allie has always been in a relationship. Once she finally lets go of her long term boyfriend, she’s fearful that she will take him back because she’s never been alone. When Dean DiLaurentis enlists himself as her relationship advisor/guardian, she’s in for a whole new game. Who knew being single could be that much fun? Who knew the sex could be that hot? Who knew Dean DiLaurentis was more than sex on a stick? She has scored with Dean DiLaurentis but will she come out a winner?

While Allie and Dean are discovering love their worlds are changing. With graduation around the corner, it’s time to make decisions about the future. Allie is pursuing her acting career but has some heavy choices within which direction to go. Dean’s past comes back to haunt him and it is affecting his position on the hockey team. He is also discovering that maybe he’s not so content with following in his family’s path. He is destined for something else. When tragedy strikes his world he will have to face some heavy choices including being the man Allie needs in her life.

Elle Kennedy did a fantastic job with this book. Both Allie and Dean were dynamic, strong characters that kept my attention. From their individuality to their sizzling hot relationship, both characters shined. The romance was heart melting. Their relationship was delightful, fun, and ultra sexy.

The Score is another winner in the Off-Campus Series by Elle Kennedy. I can’t wait for the next book! There were some teasers and it looks like Tucker is next up to play.

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The Off-Campus Series

The Deal

Off-Campus Series – Book 1

By Elle Kennedy

Synopsis

USA TODAY BESTSELLER!

She’s about to make a deal with the college bad boy…

Hannah Wells has finally found someone who turns her on. But while she might be confident in every other area of her life, she’s carting around a full set of baggage when it comes to sex and seduction. If she wants to get her crush’s attention, she’ll have to step out of her comfort zone and make him take notice…even if it means tutoring the annoying, childish, cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date.

…and it’s going to be oh so good

All Garrett Graham has ever wanted is to play professional hockey after graduation, but his plummeting GPA is threatening everything he’s worked so hard for. If helping a sarcastic brunette make another guy jealous will help him secure his position on the team, he’s all for it. But when one unexpected kiss leads to the wildest sex of both their lives, it doesn’t take long for Garrett to realize that pretend isn’t going to cut it. Now he just has to convince Hannah that the man she wants looks a lot like him.

***New Adult/Contemporary Romance. First of a series, but each book will be a standalone***

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Kobo

****

The Mistake

Off-Campus Series – Book 2

By Elle Kennedy

Synopsis

He’s a player in more ways than one…

College junior John Logan can get any girl he wants. For this hockey star, life is a parade of parties and hook-ups, but behind his killer grins and easygoing charm, he hides growing despair about the dead-end road he’ll be forced to walk after graduation. A sexy encounter with freshman Grace Ivers is just the distraction he needs, but when a thoughtless mistake pushes her away, Logan plans to spend his final year proving to her that he’s worth a second chance.

Now he’s going to need to up his game…

After a less than stellar freshman year, Grace is back at Briar University, older, wiser, and so over the arrogant hockey player she nearly handed her V-card to. She’s not a charity case, and she’s not the quiet butterfly she was when they first hooked up. If Logan expects her to roll over and beg like all his other puck bunnies, he can think again. He wants her back? He’ll have to work for it. This time around, she’ll be the one in the driver’s seat…and she plans on driving him wild.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

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About Elle Kennedy

A USA Today bestselling author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a BA in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Newsletter

Release Blitz + Review + Giveaway: TAP by Georgia Cates – Lovibond Series – Book 1

Posted on 01/11/2016 by shellbellereads

A faceless name. That’s all she was when I agreed to play a part in deceiving her. But then the unplanned happened.

We met. And all I wanted from her was a dirty weekend . . . until that wasn’t enough and I longed for so much more.

Lawrence Thorn suddenly means the world to me. And that’s a problem. She’s my business partner’s sister. Forbidden fruit. Pursuing her can mean trouble for me at Lovibond Brewery. But I don’t care.

I yearn for her skin against mine.

I crave her smell on my body.

I want to make her laugh and then hear her moan my name.

And she does for a brief moment in time.

But Lawrence wants more than I’m able to give. And it’s a damn shame because there’s no one on earth I want more than her.

An epic love.

A miserable ending.

Unless it’s not.

Amazon / Amazon UK

Lucas Broussard

“I told you I didn’t need a man to feel complete. I meant that.” I’m going to make her come

so hard she’s going to know what she’s been missing.

I stroke the back of my hand down her cheek. Soft. Smooth. Delicate. “You’re beautiful,

Wren.”

Most of the women I’ve been with are too skinny, and they hide behind masks of cosmetics.

But not Wren. She’s an all-natural woman.

She’s very different from Bridgette, yet alike in many ways.

Both make me laugh.

Both put me at ease.

Both are so genuine.

I rub her hip and there’s actually something there to grab instead of skin-covered bone.

Skinny isn’t attractive to me. I like curves and shape. Wren is everything I like in a woman.

She strokes my face again, running the tips of her fingers through my facial hair. “I love this,

Brou. It’s my idea of manly beauty.” I’m used to being called Boudreaux. But I can get used to

Brou if it’s coming from her.

“Manly beauty.” This is the second time she’s made a reference about me being manly.

Makes me wonder if she’s ever been with a man she considers masculine. Well, I’m going to

show her how much of a man I am. And not just once.

I lower myself until I’m hovering over her. I press my lips to the side of her neck as I grasp

the back of her thigh and bend it at the knee. That’s it, baby. Wrap it around me.

I glide my hand up the back of her smooth leg until it’s inside her shorts. And panties. Same

song from last night. Second verse. But it’s palm against bare ass this time.

I wonder what she’d do if my fingers left the safety of her ass cheek and moved to that

sensitive place between her legs. Let’s find out.

It’s been a long time for Wren. I don’t want to rush this so I move slowly, gliding my hand up

to her waist before moving it lower. She jolts when I touch her groin. “Sorry. I’m terribly ticklish

there.” Duly noted. I’ll use that to my advantage later.

I move my hand away from the bend of her leg closer to her center. “What about that?

Better?”

“Yes.” The single word comes out in a soft whisper. Time to take her breath away, as

promised.

She pants as the tips of my fingers stroke her through the wet crotch of her panties. I’ve

barely touched her and she’s drenched. Physical proof of her arousal and desire for me. Fucking

beautiful.

I push her panties aside and drag my finger up her wet center. She jolts when I graze her clit.

Given it’s been a long time, she’ll be more sensitive than ever. That’s going to make this even

hotter.

I take my hand out of her panties and suck her slick moisture from my fingers. “Mmm . . .

you are delicious. I can’t wait to taste you fully.”

She reaches up a

nd rubs my bottom lip. “You have a dirty mouth.”

“I have a greedy mouth. Lucky you.”

Michel’s Review

Georgia Cates has another hit to add to her outstanding lists of publications. I was pleasantly surprised and enchanted by TAP, the first book in the Lovibond Series. It was a realistic, mature, and emotional romance that had dynamic characters and an interesting plot.

The Lovibond Series is based around the three owners of the highly successful Lovibond Brewery. Three completely different men partner in a brewery business and make it a huge success in the micro brewery industry. Each man has his own talents he brings to the table. Together they make a dynamic trio even though their personal lives are on different pages.

TAP features the sexy Cajun numbers man of the company, Lucas Broussard. Lucas has an unusual history that has left him jaded. He no longer believes in marriage and has no desire to start a family. He’s happy to have casual hookups and is completely honest with his intentions. But when he meets his partner’s sister, Lawrence Thorn, he begins to look at love, romance, and relationships differently. Although he may be ready to fall in love, he still harbors the same feelings towards marriage and children. Can Lawrence be the one that changes TAP or will he let go of the only woman that touched his heart?

Georgia Cates did a wonderful job creating a touching romance that was not overloaded with angst that drove the story. She gave her characters very viable and challenging issues that many modern day couples face in their relationships. She allowed her characters to fumble, make mistakes, and learn from those mistakes to make wise choices that would lead to life long happiness.

I cannot wait for the next two books in the Lovibond Series. Georgia Cates has created the perfect recipe for the Lovibond Brewery crew. Romance at it’s finest.

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Georgia resides in rural Mississippi with her wonderful husband, Jeff, and their two beautiful daughters. She spent fourteen years as a labor and delivery nurse before she decided to pursue her dream of becoming an author and hasn’t looked back yet.

When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about writing. When she’s being domestic, she’s listening to her iPod and visualizing scenes for her current work in progress. Every story coming from her always has a song to inspire it.

Representation: All questions regarding subsidiary rights for any of my books, inquiries regarding foreign translation and film rights should be directed to Jane Dystel of Dystel & Goderich.

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5 Star Review + 2016 Favorite: F*ck Love by Tarryn Fisher

Posted on 01/08/2016 by shellbellereads

F*ck Love

by Tarryn Fisher

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes

Synopsis:

Helena Conway has fallen in love.

Unwillingly.

Unwittingly.

But not unprovoked. Kit Isley is everything she’s not—unstructured, untethered, and not even a little bit careful.

It could all be so beautiful…if he wasn’t dating her best friend. Helena must defy her heart, do the right thing, and think of others.

Until she doesn’t.

Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25828204-f-ck-love

Chapter One

#wtf

“You are supposed to be with me.”

What words are these? They startle me, and at first I think I’ve heard him wrong. He’s leaning across the table while our significant others are twenty feet away, waiting in line for our food.

“You and me,” he says. “Not us and them.”

I blink at him before I realize he’s making a joke. I laugh and go back to looking at my magazine. Actually, it’s not really a magazine. It’s a math journal, because I’m super cool like that.

“Helena…” I don’t look up right away. I’m afraid to. If I look up and see that he’s not joking, everything will change.

“Helena.” He reaches out and touches my hand. I jump, pull back. My chair makes a horrid scraping sound, and Neil looks over. I pretend that I dropped something and reach under the table. Under the table are our shoes and legs. There is a blue crayon lying at my feet; I pick it up and resurface.

Neil is at the front of the line ordering our food, and my best friend’s boyfriend is waiting for my response, his eyes heavy with burden.

“Are you drunk?” I hiss. “What the fuck?”

“No,” he says. Though he doesn’t look so sure. For the first time, I notice the scruff on his face. The skin around his eyes is sallow. He’s going through something, maybe? Life is being bullshit.

“If this is a joke, you’re making me really uncomfortable,” I tell him. “Della is right there. What the hell is wrong with you?”

“I only have ten minutes, Helena.” His eyes move to the blue crayon, which is resting between our hands.

“Ten minutes for what? You’re sweating,” I say. “Did you take something, are you on the crack?” What type of drugs make you sweat like that? Crack? Heroine?

I want Neil and Della to come back. I want everything to go back to normal. I spin around to see where they are.

“Helena…”

“Stop saying my name like that.” My voice shakes. I make to stand up, but he grabs the crayon, then my hand.

“I don’t have much time. Let me show you.”

He’s sitting very still, but his eyes remind me of a cornered animal: frightened, panicked, bright. I’ve never seen that look on his face, but since Della’s only been dating him for a few months, it’s a moot point. I don’t really know this guy. He could be a druggie for all I know. He turns my hand over so it’s palm up, and I let him. I don’t know why, but I do.

He places the crayon in my palm and closes my fist around it.

“You have to say it out loud,” he says. “Show me, Kit.”

“Say it, Helena. Please. I’m afraid of what will happen if you don’t.”

Because he looks so afraid, I say it.

“Show me, Kit.” And then, “Should I know what this is?”

“No one should,” he says. And then everything goes black.

Robin’s Review

Life comes to a complete standstill each and every time that I read a Tarryn Fisher novel. I hibernate – find a quiet corner of the house – to devour her words. Fisher is a pure genius at marketing her brand. She doesn’t announce a release date for her novels. Instead, she enjoys building fervor and excitement to the point of torment, sending her fans into a frenzy. Just when you think you can’t stand the torment any longer, she publishes the book. But the really cool thing about Tarryn Fisher is that she backs up all of the hype with her writing. Her lyrical, thought-provoking writing touches the minds and hearts of so many.

It’s been awhile since Tarryn Fisher published a new adult/contemporary romance, so to say that I’ve been excited for F*ck Love is putting it mildly. F*ck Love is narrated from the point of view of Helena Conway, and the plot is based on a dream. Helena dreams about a future with Kit Isley – a dream so vivid and realistic that when she pinches herself, she doesn’t wake up. It’s a dream full of beautiful possibilities, and when Helena awakens, the dream stays with her. It haunts her. It’s quite a dilemma for Helena because Kit is dating her best friend Della, and she has been dating Neil.

Helena is my favorite Tarryn Fisher heroine to date. She is awkward, honest, and real. Helena makes no apologies for who she is, and she’s an extremely witty character. Because Helena loves Harry Potter, there’s an abundance of Harry Potterisms throughout the novel. There are passages in F*ck Love that had me roaring with laughter! Because of her dream, Helena is so very awkward around Kit, but he is still charming and sweet. The conversations that take place between Kit and Helena are equally hopeful and full of angst, cementing my attention to the pages of the novel. I should also mention that I think the secondary characters in F*ck Love, especially Greer and June, are some of the best Fisher has ever written.

F*ck Love is a consummate slow-building romance, full of angst and humor. I just love a great slow-building romance. Instead of what I consider insta-love, the feelings between Helena and Kit develop at a nice, gradual pace. Tarryn Fisher is an artist. Her personality shines within the pages of this novel. Her writing is open and honest, with much of her own personal story mixed into this fiction novel. It’s chock full of symbolism, irony and themes. From the undeniable focus on a myriad of colors mentioned throughout the story to references of written material or the inclusion of characters from previous novels, I was positively giddy while I was reading F*ck Love! F*ck Love is right there with Thief in the running for my favorite Tarryn Fisher novel. I’m giving it a 5-star rating and including it on my list of 2016 favorites!

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Tarryn Fisher’s Bio

Tarryn Fisher is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of seven novels. Her newest novel, F*ck Love, will release in early 2016 and she is currently working on the third installment of Never Never. She is the co-founder of Clothed Caption, a fashion blog she runs with her friend, Madison Seidler. Tarryn resides in the Seattle area with her family. She loves rainy days, Coke, and thinks Instagram is the new Facebook. Tarryn is represented by Amy Tannenbaum of the Jane Rotrosen Agency.

Tarryn Fisher is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of six novels. Her newest novel, Marrow, just released in April 2015 and she is currently working on the second installment of Never Never. She is the co-founder of Clothed Caption, a fashion blog she runs with her friend, Madison Seidler. Tarryn resides in the Seattle area with her family. She loves rainy days, Coke, and thinks Instagram is the new Facebook. Tarryn is represented by Amy Tannenbaum of the Jane Rotrosen Agency.

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Fighting Dirty by Sidney Halston – Worth The Fight Series – Book 5

Posted on 01/07/2016 by shellbellereads

Fighting Dirty

Worth The Fight Series – Book 5

By Sidney Halston

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

If you love the MMA romances of Vi Kreeland and Kendall Ryan, Sidney Halston’s Worth the Fight series will knock your socks off! In Fighting Dirty, a geek-chic cage fighter proves that appearances can be deceiving . . . and oh-so-tempting.

With his preppy clothes and horn-rimmed glasses, Enzo Silva is the last dude anyone expects to find in a mixed martial arts gym. A wealthy Brazilian banker who never had to fight for anything, Enzo’s stuck in the amateur circuit—but he burns to make the pros. Maybe that explains the heat he feels whenever he’s around Jamie Lynn Calhoun. The pint-size, magenta-haired bartender with the Texas drawl is everything he’s not . . . and everything he craves.

Tough as nails and independent to a fault, Jamie Lynn—JL to her friends—works hard to pay her bills and keep life simple. Enzo is doing his best to complicate that. Even though she likes to bust his balls, he’s got some kind of a nerdy-hot vibe that makes JL wonder if she might finally be able to let her guard down. It might do the boy some good to spend some time in her world, where blood, sweat, and victory are as sweet as the first taste of real love.

______________________________________________________

Michel’s Review

Sidney Halston has added another knock out to the Worth The Fight Series. Sexy Brazilian businessman, Enzo Silva, is gearing up for the fight of his life. This time the fight is taking place outside of the ring. It’s a lockdown match and there are no rules. He wants Jamie Lynn Calhoun and he is going to win her heart.

Jamie Lynn, JL to her friends, marches to her own beat. She is a carefree spirit that will not be pinned down. She has learned the hard way to live life to the fullest and grasp every moment. She makes no apologies for who she is.

Enzo moved to the Florida after an ugly divorce. Although he was born rich and entitled ;he has worked very hard to become the businessman he is today. He came from a wealthy background and has learned that monetary riches do not define the person you are. He has lived in a structured, loveless life with high expectations. For once he is taking control of his life and pursuing his own personal dreams. He wants to become a professional fighter and his cousin’s gym, WTF is the perfect place to pursue his goals. His move to Florida has been a very good thing for him. He has made new friends that have made his life better and he has met the woman of his dreams. A woman that would not be accepted in his former world but stirs his soul.

Enzo and JL have been playing the cat and mouse game for a year. When he finally convinces JL to go out with him they are both in for a great surprise. There is more to their relationship than steamy hot chemistry. They will learn that they have more in common than they thought. They will learn that loving someone is a choice. A choice that can make them both happier people.

Once they have fallen head over heels in love their pasts come back to haunt them in the worst possible way. Enzo will have to choose between his family and career. JL will have to choose forgiveness and acceptance of the mother that never cared. Enzo’s business dealings may take away the one dream the JL has always held close to her heart. They will have to remember that love is a choice.

Sidney Halston delivered another fantastic romance that is Worth The Fight. Enzo is Fighting Dirty for the woman he loves. Read this book … it will not disappoint!

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The Worth The Fight Series

Against The Cage – Book 1

In her Loveswept debut, Sidney Halston turns up the heat as a sexy cage fighter shows a former bookworm how delicious a few rounds between the sheets can be.

For Chrissy Martin, returning to her Florida hometown always seems to bring bad luck. The day starts with a breakup text, followed by a jailhouse phone call from her troublemaker brother. Now a routine traffic stop has ended with her accidentally punching an officer . . . in a delicate place. Then Chrissy realizes that the hot cop on the receiving end of her right hook is none other than the man from her teenage fantasies.

Jack Daniels knows how to take a hit. After all, when he’s not chasing reckless drivers, he’s kicking ass in a mixed martial arts ring. So what takes his breath away isn’t the low blow, but the woman who dealt it: a gorgeous knockout with legs Jack wouldn’t mind being pinned under—who just so happens to be his best friend’s nerdy little sister, all grown up. Soon their instant chemistry leads to a sizzling affair, but Jack and Chrissy are fighting an uphill battle if they want to make love last beyond the final bell.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Full Contact – Book 2

Sidney Halston returns to steamy Tarpon Springs, Florida, where a hell-raising bad boy prepares to get down and dirty for the woman he loves.

How could she have been so stupid? When Jessica Cross decides to give her violently jealous boyfriend—the otherwise influential and charming Dennis Stavros—a second chance, she very nearly becomes a statistic. After weeks of healing from a broken rib and collapsed lung, and with Dennis behind bars, Jessica finally feels ready to come out of hiding. But will she ever be able to take a chance on love again with someone new?

Mixed martial arts fighter Slade Martin knows he has a bad reputation. Hell, he’s probably earned it. So it won’t be easy to convince beautiful, vulnerable Jessica that she can trust him—that from the moment she walked into his life, she’s been the only one he’s wanted. Powerful and confident, Slade knows he can honor his vow to protect Jessica body and soul. Winning her heart will be another matter . . . but a woman like Jessica is worth the fight.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Below The Belt – Book 3

Once one of the most sought-after names on the mixed martial arts circuit, Antonio “Scarface” Marino watched his career go down for the count as he chased skirts and made tabloid headlines. Now he’s finally making a comeback, and it’s all thanks to Francesca Silva, a Brazilian bombshell as tough as any of her fighters. But who’s the real Francesca: the trash-talking trainer who rides him hard, or the vulnerable woman who blushes at his touch?

Francesca went to the mat to sign Tony because she believes he still has the potential to bring big success to her gym—if she can keep his head in the cage and out of her personal life. After a short-lived marriage soured her on love, a one-night stand is all she can handle. Now Tony’s kisses are stirring up complicated feelings—especially when he agrees to face her ex in the ring. Francesca’s used to freezing guys out. But Tony’s tempting her to give in to the heat.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Laid Out – Book 4

Perfect for fans of Monica Murphy and Cecy Robson, Sidney Halston’s scorching new MMA romance proves there are no holds barred when it comes to seduction.

As an Army brat, Violet Channing could never meet her dad’s high expectations. But in the eyes of her best friend, she could do no wrong. He even insisted that he should be her first kiss. Now Cain Sorensen is all grown up, hardened by years in special ops and always looking for a good fight. Tall, with striking blue eyes and impossibly blond hair, he’s a modern-day Viking warrior. Of course, Violet’s all grown up, too, and she’s ready to surrender to his every command.

Cain knows he’s bad for Violet. His work is dangerous, and his hobbies are downright deadly. As a private mercenary and a mixed martial arts fighter, he could never let such an innocent soul into his world. And yet his most grueling combat training is no match for Violet’s killer curves, hot touch, and suggestive glances. Now all of Cain’s most explosive fantasies are coming true—but once they cross the line between friends and lovers, there’s no turning back.

BUY NOW

Amazon | B& N | iTunes

Fighting Dirty – Book 5

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

______________________________________________________________________

USA Today bestselling author, Sidney Halston lives her life with one simple rule: “Just Do It” Nike, and that’s exactly what she did. After working hard as an attorney, Sidney picked up a pen for the first time at thirty years old to begin her dream of writing. Having never written anything other than very exciting legal briefs, she found an outlet for her imaginative romantic side and wrote Seeing Red, among four other novels currently in the works, including the sequel to Seeing Red. That first pen stroke sealed the deal and she fell in love with writing.

Sidney lives in South Florida with her husband and children. She loves her family above all else, and reading follows a close second. When she’s not writing you can find her reading and reading and reading… She’s a reader first and a writer second.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

6-Star Review + 2016 Favorites: This Is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp

Posted on 01/05/2016 by Saucy Southern Readers

Amazon ~ B&N ~ iBooks

Synopsis

10:00 a.m.
The principal of Opportunity, Alabama’s high school finishes her speech, welcoming the entire student body to a new semester and encouraging them to excel and achieve.

10:02 a.m.
The students get up to leave the auditorium for their next class.

10:03 a.m.
The auditorium doors won’t open.

10:05 a.m.
Someone starts shooting.

Buy Links:

Amazon ~ B&N ~ iBooks

Robin’s Review:

This is where it Ends by Marieke Nijkamp

An entire student body is trapped in a high school auditorium. One teenage boy has a gun. Fifty-four minutes of terror narrated from four different points of view. This is Where it Ends by Marieke Nijkamp is so relevant to our current day and age, stirring thoughts of terrorism and violence we so often hear about while watching the national news headlines. I dare say many people will recognize this story to be their worst nightmare laid out on page. This book is heart-stopping young adult fiction that reads more like a thriller, and it’s wholly terrifying.

Nijkamp calls to mind the fear victims must have felt at Columbine High School, at Century 16 in Aurora, Colorado, at an office party in San Bernardino, at the Bataclan Theatre in Paris as the events of the morning progress at Opportunity High School. What would drive Tyler Browne to corner an entire school body in the auditorium, to right all of the wrongs, the injustices, he perceives to have been done to him? Underneath the violence of this story, the author combines points of view from Claire, Autumn, Sylvia and Tomás, four individuals who have a history with the shooter, to help us understand the “why” behind his actions – something many of us are often left wondering when we hear about real life events on the news.

Nijkamp wholeheartedly captured my attention from the get-go. The pacing of This is Where it Ends moves quickly. It’s full of non-stop action, with most of the characters facing mortal danger as the story plays out. Oh my goodness – did I ever feel anxious with this book! In fact, my adrenaline spiked like crazy as I was reading. I knew this thriller would be difficult for me to read, but I didn’t anticipate how hard it would be for me to put this book down before I had finished! Nijkamp tempers the violence in this novel with backstory, timing the reveal of pertinent information about primary and secondary characters as the violence plays out.

Although the span of this book takes place over fifty-four minutes, Nijkamp does a fantastic job of crafting a thought-provoking story. It’s not just about the violence – there’s more to it than that. It’s about perception of injustice. Bullying. Loneliness. Parental issues. I felt a varied range of emotions while reading This is Where it Ends – anger, sadness, relief, empathy, anxiety, shock – I even cried tears. Many of you know that I’ve reviewed novels for a while now. I’m aware readers can sometimes be fickle about a novel with difficult subject matter, but I was personally left with a sense of awe. Marieke Nijkamp grabs a solid 5-star rating for This is Where it Ends and earns the first spot on my list of 2016 favorites!

Author Bio:

Told over the span of 54 harrowing minutes from four different perspectives, terror reigns as one student’s calculated revenge turns into the ultimate game of survival.

Marieke Nijkamp was born and raised in the Netherlands. A lifelong student of stories, language, and ideas, she is more or less proficient in about a dozen languages and holds degrees in philosophy, history, and medieval studies. She is a storyteller, dreamer, globe-trotter, geek.

Marieke’s debut young adult novel This Is Where It Ends, a contemporary thriller that follows four teens over the course of the fifty-four minutes of a school shooting, will be published by Sourcebooks Fire in January 2016. Visit her at mariekenijkamp.com.

Release Blitz + Review: A SEAL Forever by Anne Elizabeth- West Coast SEALs Series – Book 3

Posted on 12/01/2015 by shellbellereads

A Seal Forever

West Coast Navy SEALs Series – Book 3

By Anne Elizabeth

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

Book 3 of West Coast Navy SEALs

From beloved romance author Anne Elizabeth comes a hot contemporary romance trilogy featuring hunky Navy SEALs and the strong-minded, sexy women who capture their hearts.

Even a hero needs someone to believe in him…

Parkour instructor Maura Maxwell has always denied her attraction for her bachelor neighbor because she’s seen his revolving door of women and doesn’t want to become another notch on his belt. But the man who rescues her from a sudden storm isn’t the one she thinks she knows-he’s Master Chief Declan Swifton of SEAL Team Five, and he literally sweeps Maura off her feet.

Just as his teasing and tenderness start to work their way into Maura’s heart, Declan and his team are called in for a dangerous op in the Middle East. The man who returns is facing the toughest fight of his life, and he needs Maura by his side more than ever…

West Coast Navy SEALs Series:
A SEAL at Heart (Book 1)
Once a SEAL (Book 2)
A SEAL Forever (Book 3)

Tina’s Review

⭐ ⭐ Provided by Netgalley in Exchange for an Honest Review ⭐ ⭐

Judging a Book by it’s Cover:
Naked torso, wearing dog tags. Closed posture. Monochromatic tones with a bold, bright title. Nothing exceptionally eye-catching or unique. Synopsis tells of a wounded warrior, assumedly suffering PTSD & I am a sucker for that type of plot.
Looking Deeper:
Third-person POV. Some graphic, violent flashbacks of what resulted in extreme / severe injuries.
Dec is a SEAL for life. Maura is a gymnast at heart. They live next to one another and share a balcony. He rescues her during a swift-moving storm and a relationship develops. Both characters have strong and positive attributes. Their chemistry is saccharine sweet, enough so to get a toothache from. The secondary characters are a motley crew, whether his teammates or the gym staff and members. Dialogue is very good, interaction is mostly believable. The plot is full and dynamic. The story flowed smoothly and easily. I had just the slightest issue with Maura’s complete lack of reaction when she found Dec home from his mission. In that, there was so very little conflict with the way they seemed to gel almost too cohesively. Minor conflicts were presented, but mostly they were self-imposed obstacles and the other person near-always knew just what to say or do to motivate or inspire the other to overcome the hurdle before them. Predictability was virtually nonexistent. The conclusion is mostly solid although I would have loved to have known how Maura fared in her first competition and the outcome of Giger’s prediction.
Overall, I felt it was a strong enough story and was fully capable of standing on it’s own. I’ve not read any of the previous books to this series and never once did I feel lost or at a disadvantage.

________________________________________

Author Bio:

New York Times & USA Today Best Seller Anne Elizabeth is an award winning author and comic creator. She is a member of the Author’s Guild, Horror Writers Association, and Romance Writers of America as well as a regular presenter at conventions. Her educational background is a BS in Business and MS in Communications from Boston University and she has over a decade and a half working in the corporate and private business sectors. Her husband is a retired Navy Seal and they are active in the West Coast community. Look for her at the Comic Con International in San Diego. Her motto is “Passion is the breath of life. Live boldly!”

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Saucy Southern Readers

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Category Archives: Reviewers

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Release Blitz + Review: A SEAL Forever by Anne Elizabeth- West Coast SEALs Series – Book 3

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