Release Blitz + 6 Star Review + 2015 Favorite + Giveaway: The Paper Swan by Leylah Attar

Posted on 08/04/2015 by shellbellereads

Happy Release Day to Leylah Attar and her new book THE PAPER SWAN! Enjoy a sneak peek into the book below and make sure to enter the giveaway! This is a MUST READ to add to your TBR!

♥ Buy the Book ♥

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

They say it takes 21 days to form a habit.

They lie.

For 21 days she held on.

But on Day 22, she would have given anything for the sweet slumber of death.

Because on Day 22, she realizes that her only way out means certain death for one of the two men she loves.

A haunting tale of passion, loss, and redemption, The Paper Swan is a darkly intense yet heartwarming love story, textured with grit, intrigue, and suspense. Please note: This is NOT a love triangle.

A full-length, standalone novel, intended for mature audiences due to violence, sex and language. Subject matter may be disturbing for some readers.

Robin’s Review

I began reading The Paper Swan during my 30-minute lunch break at work. Sitting at my desk, in amongst my fellow employees, the noise and talking, my attention was solely focused on the pages of The Paper Swan. It’s violent. More intense than watching a movie, Leylah Attar gets into your head with her words and plays on your fears. The Paper Swan begins with eyes-wide-open terror – the inconceivable fear of a woman who has been abducted. Leylah Attar immediately grabbed my attention with the scattered, panic-stricken thoughts of twenty-three-year-old Skye Sedgewick. She is at the mercy of her abductor. Unable to see who he is, her imagination runs wild. Who would do this to her? And to what end? It’s probably one of the best starts to a novel that I have ever read.

The Paper Swan is an epic tale about friendship, betrayal, vengeance, family and love. Despite the differences of their station in life, Esteban and Skye are the close childhood friends. Their parents shield them from the harsh realities of the Sinaloa cartel while they spend lazy, sultry days at Casa Paloma. Childhood memories are a respite from the violent beginning to The Paper Swan. Recollections of lullabies sung by MaMaLu, origami animals hand-crafted by Esteban, and bedtime stories, including one about a magic swan that graces the grounds of Casa Paloma, the villa owned by Warren Sedgewick. But as The Paper Swan progresses, Esteban and Skye’s young friendship morphs from something of pure innocence to a story about vengeance, of retribution, and we are introduced to Damian Caballero.

The Paper Swan is to be savored, like a Cuban cigar or the finest wine. This romantic suspense novel is powerful, enchanting, vibrant and poetic. Leylah Attar is an artistic author. Her words are colorful, her writing unconventional. She knows just which words to use to convey the feeling of a scene, to give a reader the maximum effect. Attar intersperses scenes of both past and present, mixing in beauty, darkness and suspense. She sprinkles in bits of humor to soften the blow of fear. We are able to sense real character development in Skye and Damian. They are each on a journey as they face the demons of their past, and their story comes full circle. The Paper Swan is a lovely book, one of the best that I have read so far this year. There have been so many wonderful books published this year, but in my opinion, The Paper Swan truly is in the top tier of books for 2015. I’m awarding Leylah Attar 6 stars for The Paper Swan!

Leylah Attar writes stories about love – shaken, stirred and served with a twist. When she’s not writing, she can be found pursuing her other passions: photography, food, family and travel. Sometimes she disappears into the black hole of the internet, but can usually be enticed out with chocolate.

Author Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest

Leylah Attar’s THE PAPER SWAN Release Week Giveaway

Release Blitz + Reviews: Racing The Sun by Karina Halle

Posted on 07/28/2015 by shellbellereads

From the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of Where Sea Meets Sky comes a new adult novel about a young woman who becomes a nanny in Capri and falls for her charges’ bad-boy brother.

When I’m traveling, I feel like the secret to my life, to myself, to really becoming, is one step ahead. It’s in the next destination, the next town I get lost in, the next stranger I talk to. It’s always next but never here . . .

After six months of backpacking and soul-searching across the world, Amber MacLean is flat broke. There are worse places for a twentysomething to be stuck than the Amalfi Coast, but the only way she can earn enough money for a plane ticket home to California is to teach English to two of the brattiest children she has ever met.

It doesn’t help that the children are under the care of their brooding older brother, ex-motorcycle racer Desiderio Larosa. Darkly handsome and oh-so-mysterious, the young master of the crumbling villa tests Amber’s patience and will at every turn—not to mention her hormones.

When her position turns into a full-time nanny gig, Amber grows dangerously closer to the enigmatic recluse. But can she give up the certainty of home for someone whose closely guarded heart feels a world apart from her own?

Robin’s Review

Racing the Sun is set on the Amalfi Coast of Italy, and most of the story takes place on the Island of Capri. Karina Halle toured these locations just before she wrote this novel, so she wrote from experience. I did internet searches of many of the locations named in Racing the Sun. Her descriptions are accurate. Landscapes. Sounds. Colors. Foliage. Ruins. Halle did an amazing job translating her experiences to page. Racing the Sun was a pleasure to read. Just as she did with Where Sea Meets Sky, Halle carried me away from real life to an adventure in a land far away.

Racing the Sun is a new adult/contemporary romance featuring twenty-four-year-old Amber MacLean from San Jose, California. Halle first introduces us to Amber as a secondary character in Where Sea Meet Sky, a story in which she backpacks around New Zealand with Josh Miles and Gemma Henare as part of her worldwide travels. After six months of backpacking through New Zealand, Australia, Southeast Asia and Europe, Amber has now come to the end of the line in Positano, Italy. She has enough money to stay at a hostel for a week and only two months until her visa runs out. It’s time for Amber to get a job and save money, so she can buy a plane ticket to return to the United States. It’s time for Amber to quit running and face her fears.

Twenty-nine-year-old Desiderio Larosa hasn’t left the Island of Capri since his accident. The retired motorcycle racing great lives a solitary life. He’s confined to the island by his fears, left only with memories of how his life used to be. Derio is the guardian to his seven-year-old brother and sister, Alfonso and Annabella. He resides in the crumbling family villa, The House of Sad Lemons, with the twins and their nanny. Derio hires Amber, an American with an English degree, to work two hours every evening teaching the children English.

It takes some time to reach the meat of this story with the world-building, but Halle does a fantastic job of countering this with her descriptions of Positano, the Amalfi coast and Capri. Nobody drops you down into a scene like Karina Halle. Nobody. It felt like I had been transported to Italy. The attention to detail, down to the description of a typical Italian breakfast of cheese, bread and cold cuts, and how Italians drink their espresso, is spot on. The writing feels impressively authentic, and not just with her descriptions of places. When Amber feels panic, Halle conveys this anxiety through her words. I felt a whole gamut of emotions while reading this novel. It was very realistic.

Racing the Sun feels more like a grand adventure to me than a romance. Please don’t misunderstand. The romance is there, but I never quite felt an undeniable attraction between Derio and Amber – the push-pull you should feel between two characters who are falling in love. More specifically, with the standoffish, dark and brooding Derio. It also felt like the pacing of their romance is a bit delayed, but when they finally declare their love for each other, I found it to be very heartfelt and full of emotion! Overall, Racing the Sun is a wonderful story, a great summer read, and Karina Halle should be very proud of this 4-star novel!

Michel’s Review

Wow…Racing The Sun by Karina Halle is one of the most descriptive novels I have read. It took me on an adventure beyond my imagination. I became a part of this book. I was experiencing the Amalfi Coast and Capri for the first time right along with Amber MacLean. I could feel the salt in the air, smell the citrusy scents, taste the distinct flavors of the food, and feel the kick of expresso in my blood. I literally became a part of this book.

Amber MacLean has spent the past few months backpacking across Europe, Asia, and New Zealand. She is escaping her reality and life at home in California. She is searching for her destiny and place in life. She is avoiding her reality and expectations of her family. She is at personal crossroads in her life. Although she has had a grand adventure and experienced many international customs, her journey is coming to an end. She is out of money and her parents are no longer willing to finance her adventure. The problem is she is so broke that she can’t even purchase a plane ticket home. Her visa is running out, her wallet is empty, and she still hasn’t found what she was been searching for. When a job opportunity arises to teach English to the children of a prominent family in Capri , she jumps at the chance. She can experience the Amalfi Coast, make the money she needs to go home, and it buys her a bit more time abroad. What she didn’t expect was a life changing experience.

Desiderio Larosa is the guardian of his young twin siblings. Their parents were killed in boating accident. Desiderio was the only survivor. Since the accident his life has taken a very dark path. He has survivors guilt, PTSD, and has lost his confidence in life. He has let his fears take over his life and his grief rule his heart. He has become a prisoner of his life and has not left the island in over a year. His self imposed isolation and self disgust has made him impossible to be around. His younger siblings are also suffering the loss. Their behaviors are out of control, their grief is hard for them to deal with because of their young age, and the nurturing they once had is no longer there. The Larosa family is falling apart. Their home is gloom and doom. Amber has walked into a living nightmare.

Eventually you have to wake up and face your nightmares. Amber is the one that will wake up the Larosa family and teach them how to dream once again. She will also learn about herself and what her place is in the world. She will learn that she is made of more than what she ever dreamed she could be. She will find the love she never anticipated having. It is not going to be an easy journey for any of them. They will all have to face their fears and let the sun shine in their souls once again.

Racing The Sun was a profound book on so many levels. I loved the self discovery and facing what life throws at you. What I didn’t feel was the intense romance on many levels. The relationship lacked the intense chemistry that romance readers have come to expect. I also struggled with the sibling relationships and hoped they would become more personal once the story began to unfold.

RacingThe Sun felt more like life journey rather than a romance. It felt like a life adventure. That is okay because Racing The Sun was still a brilliant novel and an enriching reading experience. I would highly recommend this book.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

With her USA Today Bestselling The Artists Trilogy published by Grand Central Publishing, numerous foreign publication deals, and self-publishing success with her Experiment in Terror series, Vancouver-born Karina Halle is a true example of the term “Hybrid Author.” Though her books showcase her love of all things dark, sexy and edgy, she’s a closet romantic at heart and strives to give her characters a HEA…whenever possible.

Karina holds a screenwriting degree from Vancouver Film School and a Bachelor of Journalism from TRU. Her travel writing, music reviews/interviews and photography have appeared in publications such as Consequence of Sound, Mxdwn and GoNomad Travel Guides. She currently lives on an island on the coast of British Columbia where she’s preparing for the zombie apocalypse with her fiancé and rescue pup.

LINKS: FACEBOOK TWITTER GOODREADS AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Review + Giveaway : King Of Hearts by L. H. Cosway

Posted on 07/20/2015 by shellbellereads

Happy Release Day to L.H. Cosway and her new book King of Hearts! The King of Hearts release week event begins tomorrow. Be on the lookout for what the blogs have to say about Oliver King’s story! Take a sneak peek into the book below and make sure to enter the giveaway! Good luck!

Welcome to the City, London’s most prestigious square mile, where finance reigns and Oliver King is a rising prince.

I used to rule the world.

There might be wolves on Wall Street, but there were crocodiles in Canary Wharf. Some of us craved money. Some of us craved power.

I liked money, and power had its advantages, but what I really wanted was to excel, to surpass the men who came before me. I never cared much for love and romance until I met Alexis.

I could feel it the very moment she walked into the interview, with her outspoken charm and vivacious personality. She cast all the others in shadow, made me laugh when life held no humour. Our friendship should have remained professional, but it wasn’t long before the lines started to blur.

You know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men? Well, I never foresaw where my plans would lead, and only in my darkest hour did I finally see the light…

You can have all the money and prestige in the world and still be the poorest man alive. And love, well, I hate to use a tired old cliché, but love can be the thing that truly sets you free.

Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | iTunes | Smashwords

What he said made me curious, so I went on, “What do you do to deal with the stress?”

He gave me a wan smile, and there was something in his expression that struck me as sad somehow. Rubbing at his chin, he answered, “Hmmm, when I’m stressed out…a nice glass of top shelf whiskey usually does the trick.”

“That makes sense,” I said and walked around his desk before taking a seat in front of him. “You know, I always thought it was poor people who did drugs, to escape the bleakness of their realities. Now I’m thinking maybe the practice is most common at the top and the bottom of the ladder. Perhaps the best place to be is somewhere in the middle.”

“Not necessarily. I’m at the top. Do I look high to you?”

The deadpan way in which he said it made me laugh. I leaned forward and teased, “I’m not sure. Let me have a look at your pupils.” Surprising me, King rose from his seat, walked around his desk and came to kneel in front of me. Before I knew it his face was mere inches from mine.

“Go ahead,” he said, voice low.

Whoa, Oliver King’s face right up close…I wasn’t sure what to do with that. I guess he didn’t realise the effect he had on this very non-gay lady, because he seemed entirely unselfconscious. His eyes were beautiful, his lashes long and golden, his skin smooth with a hint of stubble around his jaw, and his lips were just…I had no words. Sculpted and masculine was probably the only way I could think to describe them.

I realised I was staring at those lips a little too closely when my eyes flicked back to his. A moment ago he was smiling, but now that smile was transforming into a thoughtful frown.

I cleared my throat. “Your pupils look fine.”

King exhaled a small breath and I watched as his attention went from my eyes to my cheeks, nose, chin, and then finally to my lips. He looked like he was about to say something when suddenly Gillian’s voice filled the room.

“Mr King, Jenson Gellar is on the phone. Shall I put him through?”

Robin’s Review

Author L. H. Cosway introduces readers to Oliver King in Hearts of Fire, a contemporary romance written with the colorful backdrop of a traveling circus. He’s more specifically known as King in Hearts of Fire, the bad-tempered drunk of Circus Spektakulӓr. We are told King carries a photograph of a woman with him at all times. He guards this photo like his life depends on it, so protagonist Lille Baker decides to do some digging. If she can figure out who this woman is and what she means to King, maybe she can help him sober up. Lille has a heart of gold, and before the end of the novel, she writes a letter to a woman named Alexis Clark.

King of Hearts is the newest contemporary novel from L. H. Cosway. It’s the third novel of the Hearts series, and it focuses on Oliver King and Alexis Clark. It’s their story – their mysterious past is fully revealed to those of us who have a soft spot for King. King of Hearts can be read as a standalone. It’s not necessary to read Six of Hearts or Hearts of Fire before reading King of Hearts, but I think you will add to your reading experience by doing so. King of Hearts is divided into “before” and “after” by a series of events which cause King and Alexis to part ways.

We meet twenty-seven-year-old Alexis Clark as she prepares to interview for the executive assistant position to Oliver King at Johnson-Pearse Bank, an investment bank located in the major business district of Canary Wharf in London. Alexis is not the most qualified applicant. She’s a former bartender at a pub. She doesn’t even have a university degree, but Oliver King gives her the position based on her quick-thinking, vibrant personality and wit.

By the second chapter, I already knew that I really liked both protagonists. Alexis is quirky, funny and charming. She’s smart and to the point with her opinion. She also has no filter – she opens her mouth and speaks her mind. Those who have read Hearts of Fire will barely recognize King early in this novel. He is charming, extremely handsome and very well-spoken.

The entire novel is great, but my favorite part of King of Hearts is the first half! I absolutely loved it from the beginning! King and Alexis settle into an easy working relationship, and they quickly become friends. Their flirting, banter and interactions made me smile. The pages were flying by because it was so much fun to read! But King of Hearts is not without an underlying tone of foreboding, and it’s for good reason. Those of us who have read Hearts of Fire know what’s in store for King’s future. Expect a very powerful conclusion to the first half of King of Hearts.

The second half of this story takes place six years later. I love second chance romances, and King of Hearts is essentially two love stories. While I thoroughly enjoyed this couple falling in love when they were younger, it is also very sweet to see them come together after a six year separation.

Cosway shows an immense amount of growth and change in each of these characters. Alexis is a milder version of her younger self. She has matured, and her priorities have changed. King is completely different because of his years of alcohol abuse, neglect and living the circus lifestyle. He’s harder – more feral and skittish. But we are able to see real growth in King by the end of the novel. He’s not the man he used to be, but something new and different.

One thing I notice about Cosway’s writing is that it really flows nicely. She’s a fantastic writer. It’s also apparent L. H. Cosway has put a considerable amount of planning into writing the Hearts series. Each story is unique compared to the others, but they are also connected by the characters. Overall, I think King of Hearts is an enjoyable, easy read! I’m giving King of Hearts a 4.5 star rating and adding it to my list of 2015 favorites!

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

♥ READ THE BOOKS ♥

Six of Hearts

Hearts of Fire

Amazon | Smashwords | B&N | Kobo | iTunes

King of Hearts

Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | iTunes | Smashwords

L.H. Cosway KING OF HEARTS Release Week Event

Summer Reads: Ride Steady by Kristen Ashley

Posted on 07/18/2015 by shellbellereads

Ride Steady

The Chaos Series – Book 3

A Biker MC Romance

By Kristen Ashley

Synopsis

The ride of her life . . .
Once upon a time, Carissa Teodoro believed in happy endings. Money, marriage, motherhood: everything came easy—until she woke up to the ugly truth about her Prince Charming. Now a struggling, single mom and stranded by a flat tire, Carissa’s pondering her mistakes when a vaguely familiar knight rides to her rescue on a ton of horsepower.

Climb on and hold tight . . .
In high school, Carson Steele was a bad boy loner who put Carissa on a pedestal where she stayed far beyond his reach. Today, he’s the hard-bodied biker known only as Joker, and from the way Carissa’s acting, it’s clear she’s falling fast. While catching her is irresistible, knowing what to do with her is a different story. A good girl like Carissa is the least likely fit with the Chaos Motorcycle Club. Too bad holding back is so damned hard. Now, as Joker’s secrets are revealed and an outside threat endangers the club, Joker must decide whether to ride steady with Carissa—or ride away forever . . .

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Robin’s Review

During the summer of 2012, I found myself on a serious Kristen Ashley reading marathon. I read at least twenty-five of her novels over a three-month period. I was addicted. Plain and simple. Kristen Ashley is incredibly witty. She has a knack for writing the best alpha male characters. She has her own, unique writing style. So, when presented with the opportunity to read Ride Steady: A Chaos Novel, I didn’t hesitate.

It began with a wildly popular novel titled Motorcycle Man of the Dream Man series. We now have the Chaos series, a well-received spinoff of Motorcycle Man. Kristen Ashley absolutely nails writing a contemporary romance/romantic suspense novel set within a motorcycle club! The Chaos MC of Denver, Colorado is her baby. Her creation. It’s a very realistic look into the world of a motorcycle club. Brotherhood, comradery, danger and suspense are all prevalent in each novel. You’ll find all of this and more in Ride Steady.

Carissa Teodoro was the height of popularity in high school. Not only was she a cheerleader, but she dated the quarterback of the football team. Carson Steele couldn’t figure out why she would want to date the likes of Aaron Neiland. She was perfect for Carson, everything he could ever dream of. She was beautiful and sweet and kind to Carson. Carissa was the light of his world – a sixteen-year-old boy who had been abandoned by his mother and abused by his father – and she didn’t even know it.

It’s now been seven long years since high school. Carissa is a single mom who has recently been through a divorce. She finds herself stranded on the side of a highway with a toddler in her arms, when a biker named Joker pulls up to assist her with a flat tire. Joker is sort of scary. He’s dressed in leathers and is hiding behind a beard and sunglasses, but he is nothing but kind to Carissa. She doesn’t realize it, but she knows this man. His name is Carson Steele, and she’s about to get to know him a whole lot better.

Ride Steady absorbed my interest. I’m not really sure why, but I was especially taken with what Carissa has experienced at the hands of her ex-husband. She’s a victim, and her story called out to me. Scenes involving Carissa’s ex-husband are very tense; however, Kristen Ashley adds humor at just the right moments to balance out the seriousness of the plot. In fact, there are moments when Ride Steady is super funny!

I noticed a few passages where the writing wasn’t as polished as it could be, and I struggled to understand what was being communicated. That being said, I want to emphasize this was not a widespread issue. Most of Ride Steady is well-written. I love Kristen Ashley’s writing style. Conversations between her characters feel authentic, heartfelt and full of emotion. Consider how a biker might speak to his woman. Think attitude. Bossiness. Slang. Kristen Ashley does a fantastic job of communicating the authenticity of the character with her written words.

It’s always entertaining when the Chaos MC family gets behind a person who is unsuspecting! The Chaos MC is a family unit that reaches far and wide. It always includes Elvira and her posse, but characters from the Dream Man, Chaos, Unfinished Hero and Rock Chick series all play a role in Ride Steady. I probably left some out, but you get the picture. Kirsten Ashley ties in characters from her other novels, which only adds to the fun. It was such a joy to read another Kristen Ashley novel! She earns 4.5 stars for Ride Steady: A Chaos Novel, and I am definitely adding to my list of 2015 favorites!

_______________________________________________

Author Bio:

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

Nothing’s changed.

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

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

And as she keeps growing, it keeps getting better.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz + 6 Star Review + 2015 Favorite + Giveaway: Chasing River by K. A. Tucker – Burying Water Series – Book 3

Posted on 07/07/2015 by shellbellereads

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Review Tour for K.A. Tucker’s CHASING RAIN! CHASING RIVER is a Suspenseful Romance novel, and the third novel in K.A. Tucker’s Burying Water Series, published by Atria books, an Imprint of Simon & Schuster. CHASING RIVER is set to be released July 7, 2015! If you haven’t already, be sure to grab BURYING WATER and BECOMING RAIN, the first two books in this thrilling series!!

CHASING RIVER US Links:

Amazon Barnes & Noble Books-a-Million IndieBound Apple Blio Google ** Kobo

CHASING RIVER UK Links:

Amazon Apple Barnes & Noble Kobo Waterstones ** Foyles

About CHASING RIVER:

Armed with two years’ worth of savings and the need to experience life outside the bubble of her Oregon small town, twenty-five-year old Amber Welles is prepared for anything. Except dying in Dublin. Had it not been for the bravery of a stranger, she might have. But he takes off before she has the chance to offer her gratitude.

Twenty-four-year-old River Delaney is rattled. No one was supposed to get hurt. But then that American tourist showed up. He couldn’t let her die, but he also couldn’t risk being identified at the scene—so, he ran. Back to his everyday life of running his family’s pub. Only, everyday life is getting more and more complicated, thanks to his brother, Aengus, and his criminal associations. When the American girl tracks River down, he quickly realizes how much he likes her, how wrong she is for him. And how dangerous it is to have her around. Chasing her off would be the smart move.

Maybe it’s because he saved her life, or maybe it’s because he’s completely different from everything she’s left behind, but Amber finds herself chasing after River Delaney. Amber isn’t the kind of girl to chase after anyone.

And River isn’t the kind of guy she’d want to catch.

Robin’s Review

Author K.A. Tucker’s writing portfolio includes series written in the young adult paranormal fantasy, new adult contemporary romance, and new adult romantic suspense genres. Although I have never read her Causal Enchantment series, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading each of the novels of the Ten Tiny Breathes and the Burying Water series. Much of the Burying Water series is based in a small town named Sisters, Oregon. Chasing River is different because the majority of the story takes place in Dublin, Ireland. If you have read any of the Burying Water series, you may remember Amber Welles is the daughter of retired sheriff Gabe Welles and the twin sister of Jesse Welles. Chasing River is Amber’s story.

On a normal day, twenty-four-year-old River Delaney would be getting up to open his family pub. But today, River is following his brother Aengus into St. Stephen’s Green. It’s only 7:30 in the morning, and Aengus is acting sketchy, carrying a black leather satchel close to his body. When he reaches a field, Aengus kneels down, unzips the satchel and lays a pipe bomb in the grass. When River sees what his brother is doing, he attempts to talk him out it, but Aengus warns him to immediately get out of there. That’s when River notices a woman jogging straight for the bomb.

Amber is on a leave of absence from her work as a nurse. She plans to visit fifteen different countries over a four-month period. After spending three and half weeks in Canada, Amber is now in Dublin, Ireland. She’s running late for a day tour, so she decides to take a shortcut through a field in St. Stephen’s Green. She doesn’t realize it, but she’s jogging towards a pipe bomb that is just about to detonate. Before she has time to process what is happening, a man plows into Amber, sending her flying through the air. He lands on top of her just before an explosion rips through the field. When the dust settles, the man checks to see if she was injured. After he sees that she is okay, he runs off. Amber realizes two things: he was protecting her from the explosion, and she didn’t get to thank him.

Besides the sweet romance between the main characters, what I love most about Chasing River is the history I was able to learn about Ireland. Tucker begins her novel with a three-page author’s note. She addresses the political and religious divisions between Ireland and England, which eventually led to Ireland’s attempt to break away from England. More important to this story is what we learn about the Irish Republican Army (IRA), and the role it has played throughout Irish history. The Delaney family has a long history of being involved with the Irish Republican Army, so pay close attention to the author’s note because what you learn will be very relevant to this story. This Irish history lesson lends to the suspense element in this story, making Chasing River one of the best romantic suspense novels that I have read in recent months.

We also learn more Irish history through River and his family. I really liked how the author shows us how much each member of the Delaney family values his or her Irish heritage. At one point in the novel, Amber sits in a pub and listens to a real Irish storyteller. We are able to enjoy the story as Amber listens to what is being said. I thought this was very creative feature of Chasing River. K.A. Tucker quickly captured my attention with this story. The unique setting of Dublin, Ireland feels very authentic when you combine it with the dialect, expressions and history Tucker includes in her writing.

I was able to discern real character growth in both protagonists, but especially in Amber. Before she leaves on her trip, Amber is encouraged by a friend to step outside of her comfort zone, and I feel there are several times in this story where she does just that. Amber takes a good look at her life, and she realizes that she wants to make the best decisions for her, not based on what others expect of her. I truly enjoyed River and Amber as a couple. Long distance relationships are never easy, and I would love to read more about their relationship in a future novel of the Burying Water series. So far, they are my favorite couple written by Tucker. I also consider 6-star Chasing River to be my favorite novel written by K.A. Tucker, and I am adding it to my list of 2015 favorites!

Michel’s Review

Chasing River is the third book in the Burying Water series by K.A. Tucker. It is my favorite book in the series so far.

K.A. Tucker created an interesting plot and unique set of characters that is original, informative, emotional, and entertaining. This book is not a fast paced high octane story like the other books in this series. It is more of a look into the reality of life in modern day Ireland. She painted a vivid picture of daily life, family dynamics, and the political arena in which most Irish families experience. Living in North America has kept readers removed from the plights of the Irish people. Most of us don’t have an understanding of their politics, their laws, and their convictions. We assume they have the same kind of liberties and values that we have. It is an arrogant assumption and ignorant way of thinking. This book opens the readers eyes and gives them a clear insight while at the same time delivering a beautiful romance.

Amber Welles has lived an enchanted sheltered life in a small town environment. She was the queen of her high school , made good grades, stayed out of trouble, excelled in college, and began making a successful career as a nurse. Her parents gave her an easy life. Her mother was a successful surgeon that taught her to love medicine. Her father was the town sheriff that taught her to live an honest and trouble free life. Unlike her twin brother, she has never been in trouble, never been exposed to people outside her social circle, and most certainly never skirted the law. She has always dreamed of traveling abroad and exploring the world. She has been saving for this dream and plans to take a year off to follow her dreams. After a harsh break up she decides to pursue her dream sooner. She may not have enough money to spend a year abroad but she does have enough to have several months of travel and adventure. Just before she embarks on her trip she makes a bucket list for her adventures.

Her first day in Ireland is beyond the adventure she was dreaming of. She is nearly blown up in an explosion in the park. If the sexy stranger with green eyes hadn’t saved her she would of been seriously injured or dead. Now she wants to find this Irish stranger and thank him for saving her life. When she does find him she gets more than she bargained for. She will find that her world was much smaller than she thought it was. She will find that not every thing is black and white. She will find there are many gray areas that are neither right or wrong. She will open herself up to new people and accept their beliefs. She will discover that old casual acquaintances can become the dearest of friends. Most of all she will find that once in a lifetime love with a man that doesn’t fit into her neat and orderly life. Amber Welles is falling into River. It is up to her whether she wants to sink or swim in the murky waters we call life.

River Delaney is the middle son in your typical Irish family. His family has owned a pub for over 200 years. Their family history is rich with stories of love, passion, heartbreak, struggle, and strife. Their convictions run deep. Their connections to the IRA and RIRA are part of their heritage. It is a dangerous life. His choices have molded him into the man he is today. His family history has made him target for the law as well as RIRA. Falling for an American girl that stirs his soul is not a good idea. The heart dictates what it wants. Their relationship may sink or swim. He may drown from the heartache or sail into a beautiful relationship. Either way, both he and Amber are treading in dangerous waters.

I could not put this book down. Amber and River’s story was beautiful. Both had convictions from their upbringings that should of kept them apart. Both found a love that was pure and beautiful. Both had to make choices that their families had a hard time grasping. In the end they found the once in a lifetime love that was worth sacrificing for.

K. A. Tucker did a thorough job with her research in Irish history. The reader will walk away with a better understanding of Irish heritage that is not leprechauns, rainbows, pots of gold, and blarney stones.

I loved how she incorporated some of the characters from the previous books and gave them a stronger role in the series. Gabe Welles in the kind of father that every girl should have. Ivy Lee is the kind of friend that Amber didn’t know she needed. She proved that beneath the hostility and icy veneer lies a true and loyal soul.

Chasing River can be read as a stand alone or in series order.

I highly recommend Chasing River by K. A. Tucker. It is fantastic.

And don’t forget BURYING WATER and BECOMING RAIN, the first two books in this thrilling series…

BURYING WATER

Amazon Barnes & Noble iBooks Kobo IndieBound

BECOMING RAIN

Amazon Barnes & Noble iBooks Kobo IndieBound

About K.A. Tucker:

Born in small-town Ontario, K.A. Tucker published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She currently resides in a quaint town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.

Website Twitter Facebook Novel Goodreads Author Goodreads YouTube Pinterest Instagram**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

5 Star Review + 2015 Favorite : Maybe Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Posted on 07/07/2015 by shellbellereads

Maybe In Another Life

By Taylor Jenkins Reid

Release Date : July 7, 2015

Synopsis

At the age of twenty-nine, Hannah Martin still has no idea what she wants to do with her life. She has lived in six different cities and held countless meaningless jobs since graduating college, but on the heels of a disastrous breakup, she has finally returned to her hometown of Los Angeles. To celebrate her first night back, her best friend, Gabby, takes Hannah out to a bar—where she meets up with her high school boyfriend, Ethan.

It’s just past midnight when Gabby asks Hannah if she’s ready to go. Ethan quickly offers to give her a ride later if she wants to stay.

Hannah hesitates.

What happens if she leaves with Gabby?

What happens if she leaves with Ethan?

In concurrent storylines, Hannah lives out the effects of each decision. Quickly, these parallel universes develop into surprisingly different stories with far-reaching consequences for Hannah and the people around her, raising questions like: Is anything meant to be? How much in our life is determined by chance? And perhaps most compellingly: Is there such a thing as a soul mate?

Hannah believes there is. And, in both worlds, she believes she’s found him.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Robin’s Review

I have a few questions for you to consider. Do you believe our future is directed by destiny? Does fate drive the steering wheel of our lives? Have you ever considered the consequences of your own decisions? Where would you be if you had chosen to attend another college? What would your life be like if you had chosen a different career? Would you be married to the same person? Taylor Jenkins Reid demonstrates how one simple decision can impact our future in her newest novel titled Maybe in Another Life.

Hannah Martin has never found a place she could call home. It hasn’t been a conscious decision for her to move around so much, but Hannah gets a feeling she’s not where she belongs. Hannah is now twenty-nine-years-old. She has no career to speak of. She’s floated from place to place, working jobs as a waitress. She’s been in several dead-end relationships. She has no idea what she wants to do with her life. It’s been over a decade since Hannah left Los Angeles to go to college, and now she is returning to the city where she was raised to start over.

Her closest friend, Gabby, plans an evening out with several of their old friends from high school. This includes Ethan Hanover, who was Hannah’s boyfriend during high school. Hannah and Ethan have stayed in touch over the years, but she has always felt the two of them have unfinished business. As the evening comes to an end, Hannah realizes she has a decision to make. If she doesn’t want to rush things with Ethan, she can take a conservative approach with him and go home with Gabby. Or she can choose to stay out late with Ethan and see where the evening takes the two of them. With this decision, the novel splits into side by side scenarios, so we are able to see the consequences each choice.

The first few chapters of the novel are full of background information about our protagonist. We learn about her family. Friends. Old boyfriends. We see how Hannah has come to be where she is in life, and what we learn in these chapters is relevant to the plot of each scenario. When you reach the point of Hannah’s decision, the story really takes off! Reid alternates between the two stories by chapter. I found myself looking forward to each new chapter, wondering what would happen next for Hannah.

It was hard for me to put this book down while I was reading. When life seemed to get in the way, I couldn’t wait to pick it back up. I connected with many of the characters in this novel. I love the deep friendship between Hannah and Gabby. I believe soulmates can be friends. It almost feels like they are soulmates, and I wonder if anyone else will sense this too? I felt so many different emotions while I was reading. I was sad. I had tears. I laughed. I felt nervous. And when I finished reading Maybe in Another Life, I had a smile on my face.

Both scenarios are truly enjoyable, but the outcomes are very different. We are able to see how one choice can change so much in Hannah’s life. Is this really destiny or fate? Or is this the consequences of a choice? This is the premise of the entire novel. Maybe in Another Life is my first novel written by author Taylor Jenkins Reid. Every so often, I choose to read a novel in the women’s fiction genre, and I am extremely happy that I chose to read this 5-star novel! I’m looking forward to reading more novels written by Taylor Jenkins Reid in the future. Maybe in Another Life is added to my list of 2015 favorites!

_________________________________________________________________________

Author Bio

Taylor Jenkins Reid is an author and essayist from Acton, Massachusetts. Her first novel, Forever, Interrupted, was named one of the “11 Debuts We Love” by Kirkus Reviews. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Alex, and their dog, Rabbit.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + 2015 Favorite + Giveaway : Stop! by Alison G. Bailey

Posted on 06/25/2015 by shellbellereads

Every life has a different path full of sharp turns, smooth curves, and steep drop offs.

Hollis Murphy has a plan—college, career, boyfriend, love, marriage, family. A predictable, normal life. She’s on track until an outside force causes her to crash and burn. They call it an accident, because that’s the only word they know to explain what happens to her. It helps everyone move on with their lives, except for Hollis. She holds on to the belief that she’s been targeted for a reason.

Risher Stevenson is intelligent, caring, sweet, and the hottest boy Hollis has ever laid eyes on. He fits perfectly into her original plan for a normal life. Everyone loves him.

Benton Daniels is intelligent, caring, sweet, and the bravest boy Hollis has ever met. He doesn’t fit into her life but gives it purpose and makes it extraordinary. Everyone hates him.

One is bullied. One is tormented. All are judged. How will it STOP?

Buy: Amazon / B & N

“Name?” she said, impatiently.

I was so flustered that for a second I’d forgotten who I was. “Hollis Murphy.”

She scribbled something on a spreadsheet and handed me a packet with my name and the number two hundred ten typed out on the front sticker, which I assumed was my room number.

In a flat bored voice, she said, “Everything you need to know is in the packet. Should you have any additional questions or needs after reading the information, please ask your RA. Have a productive semester. Next!”

Clutching the envelope to my chest, my gaze shifted back down, and I walked quickly out of the office.

As I turned the corner, a loud deep woot! jerked my attention down the hall. I took one step before crashing full force into something solid and warm. Stumbling back, I dropped the envelope. Once my balance returned, my eyes focused on a gray T-shirt with cut off sleeves, stretched across broad shoulders. When I glanced down in search of my envelope, I couldn’t help but spot the narrow hips and round ass covered in black basketball shorts. As I squatted to pick up the envelope, a tanned forearm came into view. My gaze roamed up to find the arm was covered in bulging muscles.

“Oh god, I’m so . . . sor…ry,” I stammered, my cheeks heating with embarrassment.

“Here ya go,” a deep voice said.

Reaching for the envelope, my gaze inadvertently shot up to the warmest green eyes ever created. His dark brown hair was cut short on the sides, longer on top, and tousled. The perfect amount of scuff peppered his strong jawline, with deep dimples framing a sexy lopsided smile. The air was immediately sucked from my lungs. He wasn’t just hot, he was boy band hot.

A deep chuckle drifted down before I realized he had stood up and was extending his hand to me.

Oh boy! I get to touch him.

I slipped my hand into his and felt an immediate jolt of electricity. The muscles in his arm twitched. He felt it too.

“Thank you,” I said, as he helped me up.

“I’m Risher Stevenson.”

He was actually introducing himself to me.

It had become a habit not to look directly at anyone, especially a stranger. I automatically angled my head down and to the left, to hide the messed-up side of my face. But those green eyes locked me in place.

“Hollis Murphy.”

“Nice to meet you Hollis Murphy.”

“Sorry again about running into you. I need to do a better job at watching where I’m going.”

The tip of his tongue slipped between his lips before they formed into a slight smirk. Just as he was about to speak, his name came barreling down the hallway.

“Rish! Get your ass down here. We’ve got a ton of boxes to haul in.” A blond-haired guy was standing at the end of the hall.

“I gotta go finish helping my friends move in.”

I nodded.

Risher took three steps before turning back toward me. “Don’t do too good of a job.”

My eyebrows squished together in confusion.

“At watching where you’re going. I hate to think I won’t get rump bumped again.”

He winked before jogging away.

I Sasquatched those shoulders, those hips, and that ass all the way down the hall.

Robin’s Review

I really had no idea what to expect when I began reading the newest novel from Alison G. Bailey. In my opinion, the synopsis for Stop! is somewhat vague, but I always expect great things from this author. I can tell you this: if you expect a story similar to those of Bailey’s Perfect series, you are going to be surprised. Stop! is completely different from anything Bailey has previously written, and it’s way more than a typical new adult contemporary romance. The story takes place at Chambers University, and it focuses on three main characters: Hollis Murphy, Benton Daniels and Risher Stevenson.

I’ve debated on how much of this story I should share in my review, but I’ve come to realize that Stop! is one of those stories you just need to experience. The messages of this story are profound, and very thought-provoking. Bailey includes a sweet romance in this novel, but for me, the romance felt secondary to the main plot. I love reading a good romance, but Stop! is a story with plenty of substance. It’s about courage, and Bailey gives us two very courageous characters in Hollis Murphy and Benton Daniels. There is also a message about tolerance. Learning to open your mind and be tolerant of people who are different. And beauty. Finding the true definition of beauty. It’s not just physical beauty, but beauty found from within. These are all very relevant topics in today’s society, and while I was reading, I found myself considering some things about my own life. I think most readers will. Bailey gives readers a good, hard look at what it’s like to be someone who is persecuted because of their differences.

One of the first things I noticed about Stop! is the writing. Bailey’s writing is crisp. It flows. Her words engaged my interest from page one, drawing me right into the story. She kept me on my toes. I had lots of questions in my head, always wondering what would happen next. There’s a twist to the plot, and it’s one you won’t see coming. The story evolves into something you aren’t expecting. I also need to compliment the author on her character, Risher Stevenson. He’s one of my favorite book boyfriends to date. Risher is just about perfect. You ladies are going to love him! The uniqueness of the plot is what really drives this story home. It encompasses everything from labels, violence and bullying to friendship and courage. Bailey asks readers to “stretch your mind, open your heart, and expand your understanding.” This is the overall message of Stop! I’ll be adding Stop! to my list of 2015 favorites. Congratulations to author Alison G. Bailey for this beautiful 5-star novel!

Alison was born and raised in Charleston, SC. She attended Winthrop University and graduated with a major in Theater. While at school Alison began writing one-act plays, which she later produced. Her debut novel, Present Perfect, landed on Amazon’s Best Seller List and appeared on many “Best Reads of 2013” Book Blogs. The novel won Best Book at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention Awards. Her second novel, Past Imperfect, was published in February of 2014 and appeared on several best books of 2014 lists as well. Presently Perfect, the third and final book in The “Perfect” series was released in Dec 2014 to rave reviews. In March 2015 all the love, swoon, heat, and angst were combined into the Perfect Series Box Set.

$50 Amazon Gift Card
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review : The Offer by Karina Halle

Posted on 06/19/2015 by shellbellereads

The Offer

By Karina Halle

Synopsis

She thinks he’s an arrogant playboy.

He thinks she’s an uptight prude.

But he’s about to make her an offer she can’t refuse.

Nicola Price used to have it all – a great career, the perfect boyfriend, an excessive shoe collection and an apartment in one of San Francisco’s best neighborhoods. But when she gets knocked up and her asshat boyfriend leaves her high and dry, Nicola’s perfectly crafted world comes tumbling down. And stays that way.

Now, Nicola is the proud single mom to a five-year old daughter and living a giant lie. She can barely afford their ghetto apartment and all the men she dates run when they hear she comes with a child. She’s struggling and scared – and nowhere near where she thought she’d be at age thirty-one.

Her saving grace comes in the form of a tall, handsome and wealthy Scotsman Bram McGregor, the older brother of her friend Linden. Bram understands a thing or two about pride, so when tragic circumstances place Nicola at rock bottom, he offers them a place to live in the apartment complex he owns. It’s pretty much the perfect deal, so as long as she doesn’t mind living beside Bram, a man that, despite his generosity, seems to antagonize her at every turn.

But nothing in life is free and as Nicola gets her feet back on the ground, she discovers that the enigmatic playboy may end up costing her more than she thought.

She might just lose her heart.

Those McGregor brothers are nothing but trouble…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

EXCERPT

When reality starts to fade in a bit, I find myself being walked to the door of my apartment building, my arms draped over both Kayla and Steph. We go up the stairs and now I’m standing in front of my door, wobbling back and forth, trying my hardest to look as sober as possible.Steph goes to knock on the door but it’s already open. I guess we are being loud, giggling, in the hallway.Bram looks at the three of us and my God is he a sight for sore eyes.“We brought her home,” Steph says, motioning with her hand for Bram to get out of the way, “your shift is over.”“No,” I tell them as they shuffle me inside. “He can stay.”

I know the three of them are exchanging a look over my head.

“I’ll make sure she goes to bed,” Bram explains. “No funny business, I swear.”

“Pinky swear?” Steph says and I turn to see her holding out her pinky to him. “You know I don’t break those.”

Ugh, Steph and her damn pinky swears. She wouldn’t even be married to Linden if it weren’t for one.

But Bram does a pinky swear with her.

“No funny business,” Steph warns him.

“Good thing I’m not funny!” I yell as I flop down on the couch. The room is beginning to spin.

“Nic, that was, like, five minutes ago,” Steph says. She reaches over the couch and pats my head. “Do you want us to undress you because Bram’s not allowed.”

“No one undresses me but me!” I yell, throwing my fist up into the air.

“Have fun with her,” Steph says to Bram. “And remember, she’s untouchable. Don’t make me make your brother punch you in the junk or something.”

Bram makes a scoffing noise. “Last time he tried to do that, I got him back good. You just ask him what happened on January 16th, 2005 and why he’ll never eat pudding again.”

“I mean it,” Steph threatens and I hear her and Kayla leave and the door closing.

I close my eyes too. Drift away for a moment. The spinning has stopped and there’s a beautifully cool breeze wafting over my skin.

“I’m not supposed to touch you,” Bram’s gruff voice says and when I open my eyes, he’s crouched in front of me, a lock of dark hair over his forehead. His face is shadowy in the dark, the only light now being from my bedroom behind him.

“That’s okay,” I mumble into the couch. “You can touch me. I say it’s fine.”

“How about I bring you something to sleep in? Do you have a favorite nightshirt? I always see you in that top that your nipples try and poke right through.”

“No, not the nipple shirt.”

He goes to get up. With a lazy hand, I grip his shirt. “Don’t leave. I’m fine here.”

“I can’t imagine you being comfortable.”

“I’m drunk. Everything is comfortable. Except I wish I had a cheeseburger. I would eat it and use it as a pillow. Or maybe use it as a pillow and then eat it.”

“I see.”

I raise my brow at him. “You just want to go through my underwear.”

“Oh, I’ve already gone through your underwear.”

“Lies.”

“I wore them on my head and danced around your apartment.”

“Did you really?” I ask, totally serious.

“Come on,” he says grabbing my forearms. “If you want to sleep in your clothes, that’s fine. But I’m bringing you to your own bed and taking off your shoes.”

“Can you brush my teeth too? I need clean teeth.” I let him pull me to my feet and I pitch to the left, heading right for the coffee table. But I’m in his arms, his capable arms, and he’s holding me to him.

“You have capable arms.”

“You have an exquisite arse,” he responds and half leads me, half drags me out of the living area and into the bedroom.

“I like the way you say arse,” I say with a giggle, exaggerating his accent. “I like the way you say everything.”

“I’m glad, because I foresee a lot of arse talk in the future.”

“Yeah, yeah.” I try and swat him away. “All talk and no arse pinching.”

Robin’s Review

No regrets. This is a theme of The Offer written by Karina Halle, and one I believe we should all strive to live by. It’s apparent Halle has been living by this motto for the last couple of years. Where she used to write exclusively in the horror and romantic suspense genres, she has now embraced writing in the new adult and contemporary romance genres, and her career has really taken off!

If you’re looking for a great summer read, look no further than The Offer. It’s a spinoff of the wildly popular novel titled The Pact, but this story can definitely be read as a standalone. The Offer is a sexy, contemporary romance filled with lots of humor, endearing characters and blazing chemistry. It’s also a story I found very easy to read. Halle introduced us to Linden McGregor and Stephanie Robson in The Pact. In The Offer, she shifts her focus to Linden’s brother and Stephanie’s best friend.

Our main characters are Bram McGregor and Nicola Price. Bram is handsome, wealthy and arrogant. He’s a Scottish playboy, and as far as Nicola is concerned, Bram is the devil in disguise. She’s more than aware of his reputation. He’s trouble, and she wants nothing to do with him. Nicola is a struggling, single mom trying to keep her head above water. Her car needs repairs, and the rent for her crummy apartment just went up. Her five-year-old daughter has not been feeling well, and just one week short of receiving a pay raise and health insurance, Nicola loses her job.

Bram steps in to offer Nicola and her daughter a rent-free apartment at the apartment complex he owns. They can live there until she gets a good job and is back on her feet. There’s only one problem with his proposal. The apartment Bram offers her is right next door to his own apartment, which means she has to put up with his grey eyes and dimples, his arrogance and playboy ways.

While I did personally struggle to connect with Nicola’s character, I agree Halle did a phenomenal job of developing her primary characters in this story. Nicola is uptight. She needs to loosen up and live a little, and Bram antagonizes her plenty about this. All Nicola sees in Bram is his playboy image – he’s a man who enjoys one-night stands, someone who just wants sex and would never consider being in a relationship.

Bram and Nicola are both very stubborn individuals. However, there really is a lot more depth to these characters, and as readers, we are able to see them gradually open their eyes and hearts to each other and fall in love. Their banter made the build-up of their relationship exciting. As I said earlier in my review, the chemistry between Bram and Nicola is really hot. Once they connect, Bram can’t seem to get enough of Nicola – just you wait!

Halle has written about children in her previous novels, but it seems like they were always minor characters – ghost children in the Experiment in Terror series or Camden’s child in The Artists Trilogy. I really don’t remember a time when a child character was so important to the story. Kudos to Karina Halle for Ava Price! She is adorable and funny, and she also has a health issue which requires a whole lot of research to write about. Before I conclude, there are a couple of items I really need to mention. There is an interesting twist to this story that completely caught me by surprise! And the epilogue – who is this Lachlan McGregor? I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we get another spinoff to The Pact! The Offer receives a solid 4-star rating!

With
her USA Today Bestselling The Artists Trilogy published by Grand Central
Publishing, numerous foreign publication deals, and self-publishing success
with her Experiment in Terror series, Vancouver-born Karina Halle is a true
example of the term “Hybrid Author.” Though her books showcase her
love of all things dark, sexy and edgy, she’s a closet romantic at heart and
strives to give her characters a HEA…whenever possible.

Karina holds a screenwriting degree from Vancouver Film School and a Bachelor
of Journalism from TRU. Her travel writing, music reviews/interviews and
photography have appeared in publications such as Consequence of Sound, Mxdwn
and GoNomad Travel Guides. She currently lives on an island on the coast of
British Columbia where she’s preparing for the zombie apocalypse with her
fiancé and rescue pup.

LINKS:

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 6 Star Review + 2015 Favorite + Giveaway: Song Of David by Amy Harmon

Posted on 06/15/2015 by shellbellereads

The Song of David

By Amy Harmon

Release Date: June 15, 2015

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

Synopsis

She said I was like a song. Her favorite song. A song isn’t something you can see. It’s something you feel, something you move to, something that disappears after the last note is played.

I won my first fight when I was eleven years old, and I’ve been throwing punches ever since. Fighting is the purest, truest, most elemental thing there is. Some people describe heaven as a sea of unending white. Where choirs sing and loved ones await. But for me, heaven was something else. It sounded like the bell at the beginning of a round, it tasted like adrenaline, it burned like sweat in my eyes and fire in my belly. It looked like the blur of screaming crowds and an opponent who wanted my blood.

For me, heaven was the octagon.

Until I met Millie, and heaven became something different. I became something different. I knew I loved her when I watched her stand perfectly still in the middle of a crowded room, people swarming, buzzing, slipping around her, her straight dancer’s posture unyielding, her chin high, her hands loose at her sides. No one seemed to see her at all, except for the few who squeezed past her, tossing exasperated looks at her unsmiling face. When they realized she wasn’t normal, they hurried away. Why was it that no one saw her, yet she was the first thing I saw?

If heaven was the octagon, then she was my angel at the center of it all, the girl with the power to take me down and lift me up again. The girl I wanted to fight for, the girl I wanted to claim. The girl who taught me that sometimes the biggest heroes go unsung and the most important battles are the ones we don’t think we can win.

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

Excerpt

I stopped a foot from her and reached out, taking one of her hands in mine. “Do you like this song?” I asked. Obviously she did and obviously I was stupid.

“I love this song.”

“Me too,” I whispered. I reached for her other hand.

“Accidental Babies.”

“What?” I tugged her hands gently, and she took a step. I was so close now that the top of her head provided a shelf for my chin, and Damien’s song was being drowned out by the sound of my heart.

“It’s another one of his songs. . . and I think I love it even more,” she whispered back.

“But that song is so sad,” I breathed, and laid my cheek against her hair.

“That’s what makes it beautiful. It’s devastating. I love it when a song devastates me.” Her voice was thready, as if she was struggling to breathe.

“Ah, the sweet kind of suffering.” I dropped her hands and wrapped my arms around her.

“The best kind.” Her voice hitched as our bodies aligned.

“I’ve been suffering for a while now, Millie.”

“You have?” she asked, clearly amazed.

“Since the moment I saw you. It devastated me. And I love when a girl devastates me.” I was using her definition of the word, but the truth was, my sister was the only girl who had ever devastated me, and it hadn’t been sweet agony.

“I’ve never devastated anyone before,” Millie said faintly, shock and pleasure coloring her words. She still stood with her arms at her sides, almost like she couldn’t believe what was happening. But her lips hovered close to my jaw, as if she was enjoying the tension between almost and not quite.

“I’m guessing you’ve left a wake of destruction,” I whispered. “You just don’t know.”

Finally, as if she couldn’t resist any longer, she raised her hands to my waist. Trembling fingers and flat palms slid across my abdomen, up my chest, past my shoulders, progressing slowly as if she memorized as she moved. Then she touched my face and her thumbs found the cleft in my chin, the way they’d done the first time she’d traced my smile. Hesitantly, she urged my face down toward hers. A heartbeat before our mouths touched she spoke, and the soft words fluttered against my lips.

“Are you going to devastate me, David?” she asked.

“God, I hope not,” I prayed aloud.

Anticipation dissolved the lingering space between us, and I pressed needy lips to her seeking mouth. And then we melded together, hands clinging, bodies surging, music moaning, dancing in the wreckage. Sweet, sweet, devastation.

“Too late . . .” I thought I heard her whisper.

Robin’s Review

Just over two years ago, in May of 2013, I read novel titled A Different Blue. A Different Blue was my first novel written by author Amy Harmon, and reading this New York Times Bestseller signified the beginning of my love affair for her writing. I worked backwards, reading everything she published prior to A Different Blue. Since then, I have read each new novel released by Amy Harmon. I am now delighted to be reviewing Harmon’s latest work, The Song of David.

The Song of David is a new adult contemporary romance that is loosely tied by the characters to The Law of Moses. Moses Wright and Georgia Shepherd are the primary characters in The Law of Moses, but we are also introduced to the best friend of Moses Wright, David “Tag” Taggert. Moses and Tag have a very interesting background, and Moses plays an important role in The Song of David. If you want the full effect of The Song of David, I highly recommend that you read The Law of Moses first.

The Song of David is told from the perspectives of Moses Wright and Tag Taggert. Amy Harmon came up with a brilliant and unique way of telling this story. We are given a first person point of view directly from Moses, but Tag’s perspective is told by means of a series of cassette tapes which he specifically recorded for Millie. The cassette tapes are a fantastic medium for telling a story!

At the beginning of The Song of David, we learn Tag has gone missing. He has a beautiful girlfriend and a “Tag Team” of supportive friends. He owns several successful businesses. He has a promising career as a MMA fighter. But Tag disappears without a trace, leaving nothing behind but a set of keys, a cassette recorder and several cassette tapes. Moses listens to the cassettes with Millie, as they try to figure out why he has disappeared. Tag recounts his memories of Millie, and we experience how the two of them meet and fall in love.

Several nights a week, Tag offers pole dancing in the fight arena that is connected to his bar. Twenty-two year-old Amelie Anderson is hired by his bar manager to be a pole dancer in the arena cage. She’s beautiful, with delicate features, and a nice body. Her dancing is athletic, her smile is dreamy, and her eyes, large and luminous, but Amelie is also blind. It doesn’t make a difference to Tag that she is blind – when Tag meets Amelie, her smile takes his breath away. Silly Millie is the sweetest character. She may be blind, but she is very strong and positive, never lamenting her station in life. I think she may be my favorite character ever written by Amy Harmon.

I have never been disappointed with anything written by Amy Harmon. I know that I can always count on a unique and thought-provoking story with each new book that she publishes. I continue to be impressed with her talent and creativity, and the genuine or natural feel to conversations which take place between her characters. Nowhere are these attributes more apparent than in The Song of David. Her writing flows naturally in this story. Conversations including Moses, Tag, Millie and her younger brother, Henry are heartfelt and full of wisdom. Harmon constantly triggered my emotions while I was reading this novel. I want to point out a couple of excerpts that I feel are worthy of mentioning. If you read The Song of David, pay close attention to what Tag has to say about Heaven. And I cannot finish this review without mentioning the passage where Millie makes love to Tag. This is truly one of the most beautiful love scenes that I have ever read.

There is so much to love about The Song of David. One of my favorite things about this novel is that it felt like a continuation of The Law of Moses. Moses and Georgia get plenty of page time, and we are able to read more about their future together as a couple. I loved the mystery in this story. Harmon alternates between cassette tape recordings, which is their love story and everything leading up to Tag’s disappearance, and the discussion between Moses, Millie and other characters, trying to solve the mystery of his absence. After I finished reading The Song of David, I felt full of hope. The ending of the story truly left me smiling. I hope everyone who reads this review will read The Law of Moses and The Song of David. Both of them are 6-star novels, and The Song of David is now a 2015 favorite!

________________________________________

Buy the song on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/song-of-david-single/id998774568

Music & Lyrics by Amy Harmon and Paul Travis – Song of David: iTunes

_____________________________________________

Author Bio:

Amy Harmon is a USA Today and New York Times Bestselling author. Amy knew at an early age that writing was something she wanted to do, and she divided her time between writing songs and stories as she grew. Having grown up in the middle of wheat fields without a television, with only her books and her siblings to entertain her, she developed a strong sense of what made a good story. Her books are now being published in several countries, truly a dream come true for a little country girl from Levan, Utah.

Amy Harmon has written five novels – the USA Today Bestsellers, Making Faces and Running Barefoot, as well as Slow Dance in Purgatory, Prom Night in Purgatory, and the New York Times Bestseller, A Different Blue.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway- $50 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review : Amber To Ashes by Gail McHugh – Torn Hearts Series – Book 1

Posted on 06/09/2015 by shellbellereads

Amber To Ashes

Torn Hearts Series – Book 1

Release Date: June 9, 2015

By Gail McHugh

Pre-Order: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

From the New York Times bestselling author of Collide and Pulse comes a gritty new novel about a shattered young woman who unexpectedly falls for two best friends.

They were a storm I never saw coming, an unforeseen heartbreak on the edge of a dangerous cliff.

Amber Moretti’s life changes in the span of minutes. An orphaned outsider, she is desperate to start fresh the moment she walks onto campus. In the time it takes to cross the university’s dining hall, she meets two men who bring color, air, and light to her darkened world.

They became my addiction, each a needle to my next hit, my high.

Brock Cunningham’s appeal is dizzying, a potent force Amber can’t deny. A green-eyed smooth talker, he instantly attracts Amber. It doesn’t take long for him to consume her every thought, her every breath.

Ryder Ashcroft, a blue-eyed, tattooed, and pierced bad boy, turns Amber off immediately—that is, until he kisses her, stealing a piece of her heart, her soul.

They were as opposite as fire and ice, yet I ached for them equally.

Never knowing she could be broken down in so many unexpectedly beautiful yet petrifying ways, Amber finds herself falling for both men.

Immoral? Maybe. I say undeniable. Uncontained.

But one devastating event changes everything, shattering each of their lives…and Amber isn’t sure she can recover from it.

Pre-Order: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Excerpt

“What are you, Casey?” Ryder asks over his shoulder as he scrubs his hands with antibacterial soap.

“Your little cancer warrior,” she answers with a small smile.

“That’s right.” He dries his hands and turns, a proud grin cracking his mouth. “The bravest one ever.”

I grab Casey’s hand and hold it tight, knowing nothing I’ve ever seen, heard, or felt compares to what she’s facing. This child’s living with a fear I can’t comprehend. One that’d slay all of my fears put together.

“Ready?” Ryder asks, his tone soft and caring, everything it should be.

Casey nods, clenching my hand. My heart swells, anxiety building thick in my throat as Ryder slips on a pair of medical gloves and cleans the area around her port with Betadine swabs.

Casey looks at me, the cool blue of her eyes misting over. “Are you scared of needles?”

“No,” I say, running my free hand along the back of her neck. “Are you?”

“I used to be.” She sighs, a single tear slipping down her face. “But not so much anymore.”

It takes everything in me not to drag her little body off the table and run out of the apartment with her. I wipe the tear from her cheek, my need to hide her away, sheltering her from the sinister storm she’s in the middle of, growing with each unsteady breath.

“A little cold,” Ryder warns before spraying the anesthetic on her skin.

“Hurry, Ry,” Casey pleads, her voice weak yet panicked. “It doesn’t last that long.”

“I have to make sure you’re numb, Case.” Ryder ducks his head and stares into her eyes, trying to keep her focused on the silly faces he’s making.

His tactic works.

Casey’s tiny giggles bounce around the kitchen, their musical notes blocking out the sound of Ryder popping the cap off a weird-looking needle. With a small, clear tube like a tail—and plastic wings stretched out on either side—it reminds me of a dragonfly. Ryder presses his gloved finger against Casey’s port a few times, his attention honed in on her face as he says, “Knock, knock.”

“Who’s there?” Casey smiles at me, completely unaware that Ryder’s pricked her skin with the needle.

“Aardvark.” Ryder pushes the medicine through the syringe, his attention cutting between Casey’s face and the needle.

“Aardvark who?” she manages, a thin sheen of sweat dotting her upper lip.

“Aardvark a hundred miles for one of your pretty smiles.” Ryder pulls the needle from her chest, and before she can blink, he rests his lips against her forehead, kissing away her remaining fear.

Close to immobile, my heart tugs, the magnitude of what this man means to this little girl—what they mean to each other—scraping tears up my dry throat. I swallow the sound before it can leave me, warmth pinching my stomach into a beautiful knot as I observe them.

“It’s over?” Casey asks, uncertainty flashing in her eyes.

“Yeah, kiddo. It’s over,” Ryder answers, his voice heavy with relief as he applies a small piece of gauze over her port. “You’re all set, warrior. Go get cleaned up, and we’ll get ready to leave.”

With Ryder’s aid, Casey slides off the table and heads for the bathroom, the bounce in her step less tangible as she slips around the corner. Quiet reigns, the events from the last few minutes whispering across my mind as Ryder looks at me with exhausted eyes. Stress lines cut across his forehead, wariness drowning his beautiful features. Overcome, I watch him swipe a tired hand over his face and turn, resting his palms against the counter. As though having no control over my body—a magnet pulling in my gut—I stand and move toward him, each tentative step I take carried out with shallow, quick breaths. I come up behind him, lift a shaky hand and tap his shoulder, my pulse lurching as he turns and meets my gaze. Our connection strikes, a bolt of emotions paralyzing us as we stare at each other.

I touch my fingers to his stubbled cheek, my conscience crying out that my actions are wrong, so very wrong, but my heart mutes the warning as I move my palm to the back of his neck.

His muscles go taut, restraint lighting the fiery blue of his eyes. “Amber, don’t.” The words come out not as a rough warning but a soft plea. “Don’t do this.”

“I have to,” I whisper, trembling. “You’re . . . amazing, Ryder. What you did for her, everything you do for her . . . I just . . .” I drop my eyes to his chest, my heart galloping as I register his hands gripping my waist. Their heat sears through me, a thrill jumping from cell to cell. “You’re tender, cocky, gentle, and an asshole all at the same time. You’re kind, giving, nurturing. You’re . . . everything.”

My lips find his, testing, teasing, barely touching. Our breathing comes faster, harder as I pull him down, our foreheads pressed together as we stare into each other’s eyes. “Please . . . I just . . . Just once more. That’s all I need.”

I think . . . hope.

With hunger demolishing all traces of restraint from his gaze, Ryder buries his hands in my wavy curls and looks at me a beat before capturing my lips in a slow, passionate kiss. I sigh into his mouth, my senses drowning in his familiar flavor as I fall in step with his calculated strokes. On a deep groan, he draws me closer, his tongue dipping in and out, out and in. Still, nothing about his touch is rough, yet everything in it screams that he needs me in this moment.

In this wicked space and time of his life.

Every lick and nip is a soft caress, like he’s trying to burn the sensation of my lips into his memory. My pulse hammers in staccato mode as I melt the full weight of my body into his. With my blood swimming through my veins, and sinking further into everything that is Ryder, I feel the emptiness of his soul slice through me. A dull ache pinches my heart, spreading its misery through my muscles as he cups my cheeks and deepens the kiss with a gentleness I never knew he possessed. My breath catches, wiped from my lungs as he glides his lips along my jaw, down the base of my throat. The cadence of his exotic growl slips through my ears, dizzying my head in the sweetest way.

“Christ, I fucking want you so bad,” Ryder whispers hoarsely. He drags his lips back to mine, his kiss urgent, greedy. However, he brings it down a notch, his movements revisiting slow, sensual, worshipping this moment for everything it is. Worshipping me for all I am. “So badly, peach. More than I’ve ever wanted anything or anyone. You drive me crazy. Your smell, skin, eyes.” He sucks my lip between his teeth, a groan punching from his chest as he runs his fingertips along my bare arms.

Goose bumps pop, deliciously pricking my skin as I tighten my grip in his hair.

“Your little giggles, pouts, personality. Every single fucked-up scar you own in and out. All of it. All of you.” He licks into my mouth, his tongue exploring mine with precision as his hands find my nape, their hold possessive. “Fuck. It should’ve been me. Not him. Me.”

And just like that, our moral compasses spring due north, Brock the center of its attention—our attention. We slowly break the kiss, our breathing choppy from the loss.

Robin’s Review

I recently had a very unusual reading experience. The novel that I read is Amber to Ashes, Part One of the Torn Hearts series. This new adult/dark erotic thriller is my first novel written by Gail McHugh. Amber to Ashes is the first novel of a brand new series. When I read the synopsis, it piqued my curiosity. McHugh’s previous novels, Collide and Pulse, are both very successful. For all of these reasons, I decided to try out a new author.

The plot of Amber to Ashes revolves primarily around three characters. I guess you could classify this story as a love triangle, but McHugh has put her own twist on the typical love triangle situation. Amber to Ashes is narrated from a first person point of view, told from the perspectives of Amber Moretti, Brock Cunningham and Ryder Ashcroft.

Amber Moretti witnessed the deaths of the only people she ever loved when she was a child. She is an orphan who has been shuffled between different foster families since the death of her parents. Now Amber is looking for a fresh start as she begins her freshman year at Hadley University.

Bad boy Ryder Ashcroft has blue eyes, jet-black hair, body piercings, and tattoos. He’s attractive, but completely annoying. Arrogant and argumentative. Amber lands face-first in Ryder’s lap on her first day at Hadley University, and he knows just how to push her buttons from the get-go.

Just minutes after landing in Ryder’s lap, Amber meets the handsome Hadley University football captain, and then she knows she’s in trouble! Brock Cunningham is the green-eyed, smooth-talking, best friend of Ryder Ashcroft. Brock is flirtatious, charming and says all of the right things. By the time she walks out of the cafeteria, Amber is giddy and high over meeting these two boys.

It’s not often when a situation like this presents itself to me. After four chapters, I stopped reading Amber to Ashes to consider what I was feeling: I was really struggling with this story. I already disliked the main characters, and I felt the story was lacking substance. I honestly wondered how I was going to finish reading Amber to Ashes. But, I also knew that I was still at a point very early in the book, and so much can change in a matter of a few chapters. I decided to plow ahead. Well, thank goodness that I did! Once I picked Amber to Ashes back up, I never looked back! McHugh begins to peel back the layers of her characters and steadily builds in to the meat of the story. Each of these characters has demons. Each are damaged. We are shown characters who are complex and very likable. I found myself sympathetic to each character for different reasons and increasingly fascinated by what was unfolding!

I mentioned earlier in my review that Brock and Ryder are best friends, so I wasn’t surprised they each expressed an interest for dating Amber. What transpires between these three individuals is not what I would consider typical for a love triangle. It’s a different spin on the love triangle, and not nearly as angsty in that sense. What I also found interesting are the darker elements to this story and how this plays into the relationships which develop between these characters. Remember, I consider this a dark erotic thriller, and Amber to Ashes certainly lives up to this classification. Dark. Erotic. Thriller.

I’ll sum up my thoughts with this: Amber to Ashes is one of my favorite novels for 2015! The story ends in a cliffhanger, but it’s a novel well worth reading. In fact, I’m dying to chat with other readers about this story! If you love dark erotic thrillers, you’ll definitely want to pick up a copy of 5-star Amber to Ashes! Congratulations to author Gail McHugh!

__________________________________

A self-proclaimed chocoholic, married mother of three, and a lover of writing for as far back as she can remember, Gail McHugh is the author of two New York Times bestselling novels. The COLLIDE series (which includes COLLIDE and PULSE), was acquired by Atria Books on September 17th, 2013.

“The first of two sexy contemporary romances about a woman torn between her seemingly perfect boyfriend and a dark, mysterious stranger who will stop at nothing to have her.” – Publishers Weekly on COLLIDE, a Top 10 Romance pick!

You can follow Gail on the below social media sites:

Stalk Her: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, and Goodreads.

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Category Archives: Robin

Release Blitz + 6 Star Review + 2015 Favorite + Giveaway: The Paper Swan by Leylah Attar

Release Blitz + Reviews: Racing The Sun by Karina Halle

Review + Giveaway : King Of Hearts by L. H. Cosway

Summer Reads: Ride Steady by Kristen Ashley

Release Blitz + 6 Star Review + 2015 Favorite + Giveaway: Chasing River by K. A. Tucker – Burying Water Series – Book 3

CHASING RIVER US Links:

Amazon Barnes & Noble Books-a-Million IndieBound Apple Blio Google ** Kobo

CHASING RIVER UK Links:

Amazon Apple Barnes & Noble Kobo Waterstones ** Foyles

And don’t forget BURYING WATER and BECOMING RAIN, the first two books in this thrilling series…

BURYING WATER

Amazon Barnes & Noble iBooks Kobo IndieBound

BECOMING RAIN

Amazon Barnes & Noble iBooks Kobo IndieBound

Website Twitter Facebook Novel Goodreads Author Goodreads YouTube Pinterest Instagram**

5 Star Review + 2015 Favorite : Maybe Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + 2015 Favorite + Giveaway : Stop! by Alison G. Bailey

Review : The Offer by Karina Halle

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 6 Star Review + 2015 Favorite + Giveaway: Song Of David by Amy Harmon

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review : Amber To Ashes by Gail McHugh – Torn Hearts Series – Book 1

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

CHASING RIVER US Links:

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** Books-a-Million ** IndieBound ** Apple ** Blio ** Google ** Kobo

CHASING RIVER UK Links:

Amazon ** Apple ** Barnes & Noble ** Kobo ** Waterstones ** Foyles

And don’t forget BURYING WATER and BECOMING RAIN, the first two books in this thrilling series…

BURYING WATER

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iBooks ** Kobo ** IndieBound

BECOMING RAIN

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iBooks ** Kobo ** IndieBound

Website ** Twitter ** Facebook ** Novel Goodreads ** Author Goodreads ** YouTube ** Pinterest ** Instagram

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Amazon Barnes & Noble Books-a-Million IndieBound Apple Blio Google ** Kobo

Amazon Apple Barnes & Noble Kobo Waterstones ** Foyles

Amazon Barnes & Noble iBooks Kobo IndieBound

Amazon Barnes & Noble iBooks Kobo IndieBound

Website Twitter Facebook Novel Goodreads Author Goodreads YouTube Pinterest Instagram**