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

Posted on 01/10/2017 by shellbellereads

Title: Clam Jam

Author: RC Boldt

Genre: Romantic Comedy/New Adult Romance

Release Date: January 10, 2017

Blurb

“Clam Jam”

Definition: the female equivalent of a cock block.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fact: I’m in love with my roommate.

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

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

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

The me that loves her.

The me that would never do her wrong.

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

Until then, I’ll continue to Clam Jam.

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Excerpt

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

My eyes are riveted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Or woman.

Wow. That scenario even sounds crazy in my head.

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

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

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

Oh, the shame!

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

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

________________________________________

Tracey’s Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

_________________________________________

Author Bio

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

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

Posted on 01/09/2017 by shellbellereads

FULL PACKAGE by Lauren Blakely is Here!

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

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

~ iScream Books

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

~ Queen of Hearts

✮✮✮FULL PACKAGE is here!✮✮✮

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

I’ve been told I have quite a gift.

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

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

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

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

Spoiler-neither one of us sleeps.

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

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

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

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

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

✦Audio (Sebastian York!) ✦or via Audible

“Fresh, fun, flirty, and fabulous.”

~ Karen at Bookalicious Babes Blog

Add it to Goodreads here!

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

Tracey’s Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BIG ROCK
MISTER O
WELL HUNG

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

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

The FULL PACKAGE is filled with:

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

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

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

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

About Lauren Blakely:

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

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

Posted on 01/05/2017 by shellbellereads

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

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

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

Wrong. It’s better.

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

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

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

How do you seduce the woman who already has everything?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“You’re a hard woman to find.”

Tracey’s Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

___________________________________

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

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Devine Desire by Audrey Carlan – The Lotus House Series – Book 3

Posted on 12/27/2016 by shellbellereads

Devine Desire

The Lotus House Series – Book 3

By Audrey Carlan

Blurb

When veteran yoga instructor Mila Mercado was asked to attend a new class and report back to the studio, she had no idea that the over-confident, ruggedly sexy newbie Atlas Powers was going to teach more than just a very controversial and erotic form of yoga.

New instructor Atlas Powers has two passions in life: his music career and steamy by-the-book Mila Mercado. He teaches yoga by day and works at his passion by night until the fiery woman walks into his class and gives the term desire a whole new dimension.

In this wicked hot tale of love and lust, two struggling artists are trying to make their dreams come true. Only one thing gets in the way until they stop fighting long enough to burn up the sheets and the yoga studio with a divine desire neither of them can avoid.

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Tracey’s Review

What do you get when two hot-blooded, artistic, people are in the same room? Well, if it’s DIVINE DESIRE by author Audrey Carlan, you get Mila Mercado and Atlas Powers, two of the sexiest most well-paired yoga instructors to come out of Lotus House.

All that Mila the artist really wants to do is to work on her craft. Seeing a subject in most everyone, she yearns to focus on doing what comes naturally to her full time, to pour out her passion in her painting and share it with the world. In the meantime, though, she’s busy as a yoga instructor at Lotus House. Well, that, and fighting her passion for Lotus House’s newest yogi, Atlas Powers.

When Atlas suggests teaching an, erm, unorthodox form of yoga as part of the Lotus House line-up, Mila is tapped to attend and report back to her bosses. But what Mila mostly gets out of the class is a major case of the hots for him, and a wicked idea that will have them spending lots of time together.

Audrey’s Lotus House series has so many things going for it. I have come to understand things about yoga that I did not know before, and her inclusion of the practices of yoga make for an earthiness and sensuality that add so much to these books.

Mila and Atlas are a fiery mix of artistic temperment that combust to make one heck of a hot couple. Beyond the physical, though, both are working through things from their past, and trying to make their way to their happy despite it. When those ghosts from the past come home to roost, Mila and Atlas have their work cut out for them, and it’s an emotional road that the two have to travel to come out on the other side.

Audrey has once again written a story that simultaneously grabs you by the heartstrings and heats things up, and it’s one that I thoroughly enjoyed. 5 no-question stars for DIVINE DESIRE, as expected. And, based on the little snippet at the end of this book, we’re going to love LIMITLESS LOVE, the next book in the series, so if you haven’t read the first books, now’s the time to get caught up. Fans of Audrey should move these books right to the top of their TBRs, and get reading!

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

________________________________________________________

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Author Bio

Audrey Carlan is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She writes wicked hot love stories that are designed to give the reader a romantic experience that’s sexy, sweet, and so hot your e-reader might melt. Some of her works include the wildly successful Calendar Girl Serial, Falling Series, and the Trinity Trilogy.

She lives in the California Valley where she enjoys her two children and the love of her life. When she’s not writing, you can find her teaching yoga, sipping wine with her “soul sisters” or with her nose stuck in a wicked hot romance novel.

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Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Swing by Adriana Locke

Posted on 12/19/2016 by shellbellereads

Title: Swing

Series: Landry Family #2

Author: Adriana Locke

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Release Date: December 19, 2016

Blurb

Screw him and his perfect stats.

Sinful smirk.

Delicious body.

Lincoln Landry probably even has game-winning stamina.I’d like to screw her and her perfect ass.

Dangerous curves.

Sweet smile.

Danielle Ashley probably even has a game-changing personality.There’s no denying the chemistry between them. It’s so fiery, it’s undeniable. They partake in it. Enjoy it.

They really enjoy it.

Attraction is not a problem. Nor is their banter, relationship status, or habits. That’s all fine. Perfect, actually.

The problem is as tangled up as their sheets.

A STANDALONE romantic comedy from USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Locke.

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Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

Excerpt

The bell chimes as the front door closes behind me. I’m to my car in record speed. I need space. I need air. I need to think. When my phone buzzes right before I pull out of the parking lot, I know it’s Pepper and she’s not going to quit until I give her something to occupy her mind.“Fine!” I nearly shout into the phone. “His cock is about ten inches, if I’m guessing, and he fucked me in about every position I could explain. My favorite, though, was the corkscrew. Not sure what that is? Google it.”

My finger goes to swipe off the call when I see the name on the screen and drop the phone. “Shit!” I cry, digging through the items on my passenger’s side floorboard until I find the glowing device.

My heart is pounding as I try to decide whether to end the call or talk to Lincoln. Mortified, I bring it to my ear and squeeze my eyes shut. He’s silent.

Maybe he didn’t hear. Please, God, don’t let him have heard that.

“Hello?” I eke out.

“I’d say ten inches is fair and I’ve made a note about the corkscrew. Glad I called,” he chuckles.

_______________________________

Tracey’s Review

When Lincoln Landry made his appearance in SWAY, his brother Barrett`s book, I just knew that I was going to love him. Sassy, sexy, and full of life, he brightened every scene and made me smile. And now, in SWING, his very own story, Linc brings everything that I loved and multiplies it many times over, leaving me more smitten than ever.

Author Adriana Locke has a gift for writing strong men with heart. A fan of her many and varied guys, she has not written even one that I don`t love. And Linc, with his passion for the game, his love of his family, and his steadfast and single-minded pursuit of what and whom he wants, has stolen my heart. I, like Dani, did not stand a chance against his charm, his passion, and his determination.

Danielle is a welcome addition to Adriana`s group of leading ladies. I`m amazed that she`s been able to make the life for herself that she has, given the complete lack of nurturing that she`s received from her family. Linc and the rest of his wonderful family are just what she needs, and seeing her blossom amidst their warmth and openness truly warms the heart.

SWING is a home run for me in every way, from the instant passion and humor that continues to grow between Dani and Linc to the all-encompassing warmth and love of the Landry family to the appearances of characters that we know and love from Adriana`s other books. This story had me from the first page, and I was still smiling when I read the last word. 5 sexy, love-filled, make me swoon stars for SWING. I can`t wait for SWITCH, Graham`s book, and more of this special family that I`ve come to love so much.

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

______________________________

Also Available

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AUDIBLE

Free in Kindle Unlimited

Author Bio

USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys created by other authors, Adriana has created her own.

She resides in the Midwest with her husband, sons, and two dogs. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather’s nice and there’s always a piece of candy in her pocket.

For sneak peeks, giveaways, and more, please join Adriana’s Facebook Group, Books by Adriana Locke, or her Goodreads group, All Locked Up.

Author Links

WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / TWITTER

GOODREADS / INSTAGRAM

PINTEREST / NEWSLETTER / AMAZON
FACEBOOK GROUP / GOODREADS GROUP

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New Release + 5 Star Review: Being Brooke by Emma Hart

Posted on 12/14/2016 by shellbellereads

My name is Brooke Barker…

And I’m a freaking disaster.

No, seriously. I’m a college drop-out working a dead-end job, my best friend Carly’s dog gets more action than I do, and I have more bad dates in my diary than there are movie remakes.

Not to mention I’m completely and utterly in love with Cain Elliott.

The problem? He’s in a relationship. With a girl who’s so plastic she makes Barbie cry herself to sleep with jealousy.

The second problem? He’s my best friend.

My shut-up-and-put-harry-potter, yes-this-is-your-shirt, help-I-have-no-power, crap-I’m-out-of-tampon, kinda best friend.

And that’s all he can be, right?

Right.

Being Brooke is a standalone romantic comedy. Hilarious, super-sexy, and possibly highly inappropriate at times, this is the perfect feel-good read!

Amazon / iBOOKS / B&N

Cain’s phone begins to buzz on the table. The screen lights up, and the short name on the screen makes me have to fight a frown.
I know it’s Nina. It always is. It’s like she has a Brooke-dar. She can sense whenever Cain and I are alone and hanging out.
My heart sinks, slowly but heavily, and I school my expression into one of not caring. I refuse to look away from the TV now.
Cain hands me his pizza box, which I take, begrudgingly, then he leans forward and grabs his phone. He waits for the buzzing to stop, then unlocks it and turns it off vibrate.
Then? Then he shoves it under the table, screen down.
Ho. Lee. Shit.
I gape at him. I can’t help it.
A piece of pepperoni drops off the slice of pizza in my hand—the same one that’s frozen halfway to my mouth as I stare at him in total disbelief. Did he really just do it?
“What?” Cain shrugs and takes his box back, grabbing a piece of half-eaten, meaty pizza and shoving the end in his mouth. The crust crunches as he bites down.
I swallow and glance at the coffee table. “I don’t think you’ve ever not taken a call from her.” I can’t help the derogatory way I say ’her’. It’s not intentional—honest. It’s ingrained in me to be vicious to other women. I think it’s a female thing. Self-preservation and all that.
“I don’t think I ever haven’t either.” Cain tilts his head to the side and meets my gaze, a suspicious glint in his green eyes. “But the point is, we haven’t done this in weeks, and I’m having too much fun to leave. Besides, we have all this junk food. If I don’t help you eat it, you’ll eat it all, then it’ll be my fault when your pants don’t fit.”
Oh my god.
“Does she know you’re here?” I smirk slyly and raise my eyebrows.
He shifts uncomfortably. With a cough, he puts his pizza down and grabs his beer bottle to swig from it.
Oh. My. Shitty. Life.
“She doesn’t, does she?” I sit up straight, throwing my half-slice back into my box and shoving his shoulder. “Cain!”
“No,” he mumbles, scratching the back of his ear. “She doesn’t know.”
I laugh. I can’t help it. It’s totally immature of me to delight in the fact he hasn’t told the Prissy Princess where is he and he’s ignoring her calls, but I do. It’s hilarious.
And, okay. I’m smug. Totally smug. There’s only one reason he hasn’t told her, and that’s because she hates me too.
Bitchy Best Friend Mission: Level Up!
“And tell me.” I snicker, just about holding back the volcano of laughter threatening to erupt. “Where does Nina think you are?”
“She thinks I’m at Mom’s.” He looks at me, his lips flattening into a thin line. “Stop laughing, B. No, don’t shake your damn head. I fucking mean it. She’s a little insecure over my friendship with you and Carly, that’s all. Sometimes it’s easier to just tell a… little white lie.”
“A little white lie? She thinks you’re at your mom’s!” I laugh harder and wipe at my eyes because they feel a little too wet.
“I just want the best of both worlds right now, all right?”
“What is the best of both worlds? Pizza with me and blow jobs from her?”
“She chooses not to eat gluten. Until she finds a gluten-free recipe she likes, I can’t eat pizza when she’s around.”
Which is a lot.
I raise my eyebrows again. “Your girlfriend won’t eat gluten but she’ll happily put your dick in her mouth?”
“Brooke. Don’t be a bitch.” He chucks a piece of chicken from his pizza at me, his eyes narrowing.
I’m dying. I think this is it—this is how I die, laughing at Cain’s lame excuses for lying to his girlfriend about spending time with me.
“Oh my fuck. This is hilarious. Seriously. Someone call Comedy Central.”
“Brooke.” He says my name again, this time quieter.
I stop laughing. Just about.
“I’m sorry. I just think it’s funny. You want me to be nice to her but you lie to her about spending time with me.” I shrug a shoulder and peel a piece of pepperoni off my pizza. I’m not even that hungry anymore.
He sighs, putting the top down on his box, and sits back. “She thinks there’s something going on between us.”
I laugh even harder because I might cry if I don’t.
Hi, breaking heart. Grab the tissues, yo.
There’s an awkward silence hanging between us now. It’s not the first time someone has thought that, but given that the more time I spend with Cain, the more I seem to fall for him, it’s awkward. Especially since he’s lying to her just to hang out with me.
I clear my throat and look up at him. “That’s ridiculous. You’re my best friend. Like anything would ever happen between us. I can’t put up with your shit taste in music, for a start.”
“Exactly,” he replies in a quieter voice, scratching behind his ear again. “It’s fucking stupid. I can’t stand your taste in music either. Who the fuck likes Justin Bieber?”
“People who think Kanye West should retire.”

Tracey’s Review

I’m twenty-four, it’s a Friday night, and I’m waiting in for a take-out gyros and fries in my onesie. My life is just so exciting I can barely stand it.

Brooke Barker and Cain Elliott have been best friends, oh, forever. True but secret fact? Brooke’s been in love with Cain for almost as long. True but not so secret fact? Brooke is a hot mess, and that is where all of the fun begins.

Okay, I’m just going to say this right off the bat: I freaking LOVE this book. I’m already a huge fan of Emma Hart, so I had every expectation that I would like BEING BROOKE, but, friends, she continues to delight and entertain, and, per usual, I could not put this one down.

Emma has a gift for writing books full of love, family, and friendships that have stood the test of time. Her Burke Brothers and Holly Woods series are great examples of the strength of family ties, of small town life with its quirks and joys, and the beauty of love born out of friendship. BEING BROOKE has all of these qualities, and they, along with Emma’s signature snark, sass, and humor, make this new group of characters just as lovable as her others.

Brooke is truly a mess, but she’s aware of it, and she’s living life with no filters. A large part of Brooke’s appeal is her quirkiness, and her absolute refusal to do things any differently, and her sass and determination make her a lot of fun to read.

I think that we all love to live vicariously through those characters that grab life by the throat and just live in the moment, and there is no shortage of them in this book. There were many moments in BEING BROOKE that had me laughing out loud, including those starring her hoot of a grandfather, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Emma’s latest is a book that I cannot recommend highly enough. 2016 has been one heck of a year, so a read that has so much love, laughter, and wonderfully awkward moments earns every one of the 5+ stars that I’m giving it, and makes for one of my favorites of 2016. My recommendation? Grab BEING BROOKE and finish up your year on an up note. You will not be sorry.

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

________________________________________

By day, New York Times and USA Today bestselling New Adult author Emma Hart dons a cape and calls herself Super Mum to two beautiful little monsters. By night, she drops the cape, pours a glass of whatever she fancies—usually wine—and writes books.

Emma is working on Top Secret projects she will share with her followers and fans at every available opportunity. Naturally, all Top Secret projects involve a dashingly hot guy who likes to forget to wear a shirt, a sprinkling (or several) of hold-onto-your-panties hot scenes, and a whole lotta love.

She likes to be busy—unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to be when all the ideas come to life.

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New Release + 5 Star Review: Love Rehab by Louise Bay

Posted on 12/12/2016 by shellbellereads

Love Rehab

By Louise Bay

Buy: Amazon / B & N / IBooks / Kobo

Synopsis:

Ever wanted to fast forward to your happily ever after?

My name is Mackenzie Locke and I’m a loveaholic. I haven’t got a handle on men. Not even a little bit.

So I staged an intervention and booked me and my two best friends into Love Rehab, complete with a love shaman, horse therapy and a bunch of stones that promise to change my life. I’m not leaving until I’m cured.

Lesson #1: the first night of your stay, don’t have a one night stand with the hottest guy you’ve ever seen in your life.

Fail.

Lesson #2: make sure your one night stand isn’t planning on sticking around, teasing you, tempting you right back into his Levis.

Big Fail.

Lesson #3: Whoops. I forgot this one. I was too busy daydreaming about Blake McKenna’s mouth on mine and the way his five o’clock shadow feels on my thighs.

Epic Fail.

So maybe I’m not the best student. Maybe I wasted my time and money on Love Rehab. But I can’t help that I want to spend every minute with Blake, naked under the stars. Perhaps he can teach me every lesson I ever needed to learn.

A sexy, standalone, contemporary romance.

___________________________________________

Tracey’s Review

I had nothing left to lose…I couldn’t stay where I was, stuck in the cycle of rejection and confusion. Clearly, I needed professional help. I’d come to a fork in the road and I could keep traveling straight or try a new route.
I needed a cure.
I needed my plan back on track.
I needed Love Rehab.

Louise Bay has proven time and again that she is a writer of many faces. She’s got the second-chance thing, the hot executive afraid to commit, the guy next door, and, now, she’s got Blake McKenna, bio-chemist and ‘uncowboy.’ And, y’all, like every other time, I am in love.

I love the premise of this story. McKenna Locke has been through a series of failed relationships, ones that seem promising, but, well, they’re just not working. Deciding to do what any enterprising young woman would, McKenna finds Love Rehab, a sort of 7-step program for those looking to reprogram the way that they’re doing things and come out with a clearer understanding of who they are and what they want.

So, off to Christie, Oklahoma, for McKenna and her lovely and entertaining best friends, Kennedy and Rose, for a 5-day ‘experience.’ And, heck, if you’re about to rehab your love life, you might as well get started with a bang, right? Enter said ‘uncowboy,’ Blake. Sparks, flares, heat flashes, people. It takes about a hot minute for McKenna and Blake to home in on each other and, well, passion explosion.

Louise has done a great job with this book. Once that kismet bomb goes off, and McKenna and Blake begin their journey, there is nothing but love, passion, and some much-needed self-realization, and it all works together perfectly. I mean, there wasn’t a page that didn’t have me either laughing or swooning, not even one. Quirky and lovable characters, a fresh and entertaining storyline, and a love story that warmed my heart makes LOVE REHAB one of my most favorite reads lately, and certainly one of my favorites of 2016. 5+ well-earned stars for LOVE REHAB. This feel-good read should be right at the top of romance lovers’ TBRs, so grab it and enjoy.

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

_________________________________________

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author, Louise Bay writes sexy, contemporary romance novels – the kind she likes to read. Her books include the novels Faithful and Hopeful and the novella series’ The Empire State Series, What the Lightning Sees and Calling Me. The novels and together the series are stand-alone although there are some overlapping characters.

Ruined by romantic mini-series of the eighties, Louise loves all things romantic. There’s not enough of it in real life so she disappears into the fictional worlds in books and films.

Louise loves the rain, the West Wing, London, days when she doesn’t have to wear make-up, being on her own, being with friends, elephants and champagne.

She loves to hear from readers so get in touch!

Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Amazon / Website

New Release + Review : Hooked by Brenda Rothert

Posted on 12/09/2016 by shellbellereads

Hooked by Brenda Rothert

PURCHASE IT NOW!

Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | GooglePlay | Nook

Book Blurb:

From the author of the On the Line and Fire on Ice hockey romance series comes a sultry novel featuring a brooding NHL player who’s hell on skates—and the no-nonsense woman who forces him to clean up his act.

Miranda: Even though I’m broke, putting myself through college, and working two jobs, I’m trying to make the best of it. Meanwhile, Jake Birch, hockey’s hottest bad boy, lives in a luxury hotel in downtown Chicago—and still complains about every little thing in his penthouse. But after I tell him off, instead of getting me fired, Jake requests me as his personal housekeeper. Then he starts flirting with me. Only I’m not flirting back . . . at least, I’m trying not to. Did I mention that he’s hockey’s hottest bad boy?

Jake: I’ve met the best woman at the worst possible time. Miranda is the fire to my ice—a sexy, charmingly candid spark who breaks down my walls and reminds me what it’s like to feel again. But I’m being forced to date my team owner’s daughter to keep my job, so I can’t be caught with Miranda. Still, we’re getting closer—until Miranda finds out about my “girlfriend.” And that’s not the only secret I’ve been keeping. But Miranda’s the one I want . . . even if she doesn’t believe me.

**You can read chapters 1-4 of Hooked on Instafreebie!**

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

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Tracey’s Review

Brenda Rothert has proven time and again that she knows how to write a hot hockey story. Alpha heroes, heroines that range from broken to strong and sassy, and always a love of the game, her books never disappoint.

HOOKED is Brenda’s newest book and, while all of the usual suspects are here, there is something more, too. Jake Birch is just as alpha, just as hot, and, like other of Brenda’s guys, he’s got baggage. Gutted by the loss of his brother, he’s cut himself off emotionally from everyone and everything, interested only in scoring, both on and off the ice. Finding himself falling for the strong, sassy, take no crap woman cleaning his room at his 5-star hotel is not on his radar. But, fall he does, because he truly has never met anyone like Miranda Carr.

Miranda is one of my favorite of Brenda’s ladies yet, and another solid example of how she continues to grow at her craft. Sure, Miranda’s suffered infidelity and heartbreak like the rest of us, but she’s strong. A great family life, really smart, hardworking, and savvy, she doesn’t need to rely on anyone to complete her. But what made HOOKED such an enjoyable read is the way that she and Jake do come to realize that it’s okay to have a soft place to land, that it’s good not to have to take life on on your own. And, another kudo to Brenda for not having the relatively speedy progression of their relationship result in insta-sex. It’s really nice to see a strong, sexy guy that literally has ladies throwing their panties at him to want to take things more slowly and wait and build a solid emotional relationship.

So, my take? HOOKED is everything that I’ve come to expect from one of Brenda’s books, and more. An easy and engaging read that tugs on the heartstrings and steams up the windows, it’s 4.5 sexy, emotional, HEA stars, and I’m happy to add it to my list of books that you should read.

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

*****

Michel’s Review

Hooked is the first book I have read by Brenda Rothert. This novel was right on mark with the title, I was hooked in the first chapter. The story was engaging with well developed characters that were easy to bond with as a reader. The writing was consistent and the pacing was perfectly synchronized .

First impressions can be misleading. For Jake Birch and Miranda, their first encounter was not one that left a positive impression.

Miranda is a college student working two jobs to make ends meet. Her job as a hotel maid is demanding and at times degrading. When she is assigned the penthouse suites it is a bit stressful. Her boss demands perfection. Soaps and toiletries must be lined up in perfect order, vacuum lines need to be perfectly straight, and dusting must pass the white glove inspection. The suites must be cleaned to perfection while the guest is out.

Rule number one is broken when Miranda encounters Jake Birch, the egotistical NHL Hockey Player living in one of the suites while his apartment is being remodeled. Rule number two is broken when she engages with the guest. This leads to rule number three being broken, franternizing with the guest.

Jake and Miranda build a solid friendship that leads to more. Both have issues that hinder their budding romance. Jake has relationship issues that stem from his family life. Miranda has been cheated on and has trouble trusting.

As the two get to know one another better not only do they develop a deep abiding respect for one another, they also begin developing deep feelings for one another. They are both willing to take a chance even though their past issues scare them.

In any good romance story there are always obstacles the characters have to get past before they can truly find their happily ever after. Jake and Miranda have more than their issues to deal with. They have hectic schedules that conflict, team politics, work rules, and a psychotic admirer that could ruin Jake’s career. Jake and Miranda found positive ways to handle all the conflicts. They were willing to work for their relationship.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It had a very realistic feel. I easily connected with both characters. I have become a Brenda Rothert fan and intend to read more of her books.

———————

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Brenda Rothert is an Illinois native who was a print journalist for nine years. She made the jump from fact to fiction in 2013 and never looked back. From new adult to steamy contemporary romance, Brenda creates fresh characters in every story she tells. She’s a lover of Diet Coke, chocolate, lazy weekends and happily ever afters.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | | Wattpad | Amazon

Holiday Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Christmas On Crimson Mountain by Michelle Major

Posted on 12/06/2016 by shellbellereads

Christmas On Crimson Mountain

By Michelle Major

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

LOVE ON THE MOUNTAIN

Peace and quiet—that’s all Connor Pierce wanted from the rented cabin on Crimson Mountain. Yet the caretaker turned out to be lovely April Sanders—a total distraction. As were the two little girls she was caring for. Connor’s plan to forget his painful past soon detoured into giving the ladies a Christmas to remember.

Being named guardian of two motherless girls has upended April’s world. Add to the mix a mysterious, brooding writer claiming he wanted to be left alone while going out of his way to bring a little joy to the girls, and she has quite the quandary. April had counted herself out of a happy ending. But maybe Santa still had a few surprises up his merry old sleeve…

____________________________________

Excerpt

“Thank you for taking care of me these past couple of days.”

She sniffed. “It’s my job.”

He acknowledged her words with a small nod, or maybe it was the bitterness creeping into her tone that he recognized. “How are Ranie and Shay?”

“Do you really care?”

“Yes.” He sighed. “Even though I don’t want to care. The other night…on the highway…it affected me. Hearing that scream when the car slid on the road and the headlights moving closer.” He paused and a shudder ran through him. “I’m sorry I disappeared, but I wasn’t fit company for anyone after that.”

“It’s fine.” She tried to hold on to her anger even as it slipped through her body like grains of sand through her fingers. She needed that anger. It was safer with this man. Safer for her heart. “You don’t owe me an explanation.”

“I want to give you one anyway.” His hold on her gentled and he rubbed his thumb over the sensitive flesh on the inside of her wrist. “I’ve missed you, April. I’ve spent the past three years alone, and suddenly I’m lonely without you. I stopped caring. I didn’t think I had it in me to care, and I’m still so turned around. Every little thing sets me off and I can’t stop it. But I also can’t stop wanting to be near you. It doesn’t make sense.”

She closed her eyes against the onslaught of emotions that poured through her at his words and the gentle pressure to her skin.

“Do you know,” he asked, shifting so close now that she could feel his breath against her hair, “that I listen for the door to close after you leave and rush down to the kitchen because your scent lingers after you’re gone?”

She huffed out a laugh that sounded breathless to her own ears. “Are you saying I smell?”

“Like lavender and vanilla. I’ve made an idiot of myself the past two days following traces of you around the house.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because I want you to know what you do to me, even if I should stay away. It’s better for both of us if I turn around and walk back to my bedroom until you’re gone.”

She waited a moment, but he didn’t move. “You’re not walking.”

“Hell if I can make myself go.”

“Don’t go,” she whispered. Slowly, as if she were gentling a stray animal, she lifted her hand. Her finger brushed the prickly strands of his dark beard, and his lips parted.

“I forgot to shave,” he muttered.

“Too busy?”

He took a breath, released it and then nodded. “Writing.”

“Connor,” April whispered. “That’s wonderful.”

He shrugged and looked away. “Who knows how long it will last. But the words are coming. So damn many, drowning me with their force. It’s like…”

She pressed her palm to his cheek, gratified when he leaned into it. “Like what?”

“Like it used to be.” He said the words softly, as if they were an apology. April could feel the tension in his body and wished, just for a moment, she could transfer his pain to herself. Give him a few seconds of remembering what it was like to live without the weight of guilt and sorrow bearing down on him.

“Look at me,” she said, moving closer to him, pressing into his warmth. His arms came around her waist, his hands splayed open against her back. She could feel their heat and strength through the thin cotton of her pajama shirt. So much talent flowed out of those hands. The worlds he created within his imagination and put on paper for readers to discover. “You have a gift, Connor Pierce.”

“It’s not—”

“Don’t say it. Whatever you’re thinking.” She brushed her lips over his. “Those words are in you. The stories you write are part of you.”

“How can they still be there when I’m dead inside, April? They were part of my life before, but now I’m—”

“You’re here,” she told him, and held her hand to his chest. His heartbeat was strong and sure under her palm. “With me. Now.”

“You make me feel things I’d thought I lost the capacity to feel. You make me want things—” His voice broke off as he drew in another deep breath. He leaned down until their foreheads touched. They stood that way for several long moments, her lips just grazing his. She breathed him in and it felt like she was pulling his essence into her lungs. Like he was part of her. A part she thought she’d lost after the illness and heartbreak that had changed who she was inside.

“I’m sorry I can’t be the man you deserve,” he whispered. “I’ll hurt you and girls. I hurt everyone—”

“Not now.” She pressed her mouth to the base of his neck, tasted the salt on his skin and wanted more. “This moment is ours.”

He claimed her mouth then, kissed her until the feel and taste of him was all she knew. Everything else burned away in the flame that was her need for him. He pulled her closer, if that was possible. Their tongues tangled and his hands skimmed under the shirt and up her spine, sending tingles as they moved. His kiss was demanding and consuming, and every inch of her body burned for him. For more.

His lips trailed over her jaw and he nipped at the sensitive flesh of her earlobe. “Will you stay?”

The simple question rocked her. How was it that such a longing could have been buried inside her and she’d never guessed? Even at her most in-love-and-alive, she’d never felt anything quite like the force of her desire for Connor. Still, she shook her head. “I have to go back in case the girls need me. If Shay wakes up…”

________________________________________

Tracey’s Review

What makes a holiday read a winner for me? Beyond the snow, the caroling, and the cookies, there has to be that extra something, that bit that hits me in the heart and leaves me feeling uplifted and renewed. CHRISTMAS ON CRIMSON MOUNTAIN by author Michelle Major hits the marks in every way, and left me feeling just like I’d hoped.

Each of the main characters in this book have suffered loss at a significant level. Sickness, disease, death, all have made their mark on April, Connor, Shay, and Ranie. They have been left the worse for their experiences, and there are so many barriers to break down, but what makes this book a good holiday read is the prospect of hope that it delivers.

Author Connor Pierce has put himself on permanent shutdown since the tragic death of his wife and son. Hoping that the solitude of Crimson, CO, will help him break through a bad case of writer’s block, he is less than pleased that the woman acting as caretaker during his visit is also taking care of two young girls. Connor is the epitome of broken, unwilling and unable to connect with people since the loss of his family. Having had a rough time of things themselves, April Sanders and her two young charges need love and compassion more than anything else. In a lovely and heartwarming way, these four broken people find a safe place in each other, and, ultimately, find themselves.

I especially love Ranie and Shay, the young girls in April’s care. They are great examples of the resilience of youth, and just blossom under Connor’s and April’s attention. Ranie is everything you’d expect in a snarky 12-year-old, but, beneath the sass and prickliness, she’s just a girl that’s had to deal with far too much in her young life. And, Shay, sweet Shay, is like a true ray of sunshine, even having lost so much. These girls do so much to bring Connor and April together, and to make the story that much more lovely.

CHRISTMAS ON CRIMSON MOUNTAIN was my first of Michelle’s books, but it will not be my last. If you’re having a hard time getting into the spirit of the season, pour yourself some eggnog and snuggle up with this 4.5 ‘heartwarming, feels like home’ star read and prepare to fall in love.

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

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About Michelle Major:

Michelle Major grew up in Ohio but dreamed of living in the mountains. Soon after graduating with a degree in Journalism, she pointed her car west and settled in Colorado. Her life and house are filled with one great husband, two beautiful kids, a few furry pets and several well-behaved reptiles. She’s grateful to have found her passion writing stories with happy endings. Michelle loves to hear from her readers at http://www.michellemajor.com.

Connect with Michelle: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

******

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Nico by Sarah Castille – Ruin & Revenge Series – Book 1

Posted on 12/06/2016 by shellbellereads

Nico

Ruin & Revenge Series – Book 1

By Sarah Castille

Release Date: December 6, 2016

Pre Order: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Google Play

Synopsis

Las Vegas Mafia boss Nico Toscani is used to getting what he wants, whether it is having the City of Sin under his rule or a beautiful woman in his bed. But when he meets his match in the gorgeous, headstrong Mia Cordano, the daughter of a rival crime lord, all bets are off . . . Sexy computer hacker Mia struggles to break free of her ruthless father’s Mafia ties . . . but she can’t resist the powerful and seductive Nico, who will stop at nothing to possess her. With their families locked in a brutal war for control of the city, Mia and Nico enter into a forbidden game. Will they surrender to the passion that burns between them and risk tearing apart their families? Or will Nico be forced to betray the only woman who sets his blood on fire?

Excerpt

He sensed her before he saw her. The soft thud of her boots, whispers in the air, the intoxicating scent of her perfume. Not wanting to ruin the moment, he kept his eyes averted until he finished his call. When he finally looked up, he saw an angel, dressed as the devil, to tempt him beyond original sin.

“Hello, Mr. Mob Boss.”

Hunger like he’d never known before took over him at the sound of her voice—husky and throaty in a way that made him think about pushing her to places where they would both lose their self-control.

She tapped her foot, and his gaze dropped to her boots. Cristo! She rocked her sexy punk clothes like no other woman he’d met, and more than anything he wanted to get under her skin. He wanted to know what made her tick, what music she listened to, what she liked to eat, and whether her apartment was as offbeat as her clothes. He wanted to know what it was about her that made a powerful Toscani capo with an empire to run want to spend the evening in a pool hall waiting for her to appear.

“Mia.” Her name on his lips was a sensual treat. “You’re lucky I’m a patient man.”

She snorted a laugh. “You are not a patient man. A patient man would have waited to bump into me on the street or at a wedding or a funeral, of which I expect there will be many after people see you here with me. An impatient man lays siege until he gets what he wants.”

“Do I get what I want?” He leaned forward and licked his lips, his entire being focused on her. An entire SWAT team could have run into the building throwing grenades and shooting machine guns, and he would have been totally unable to drag his gaze away.

“Depends what it is.”

“How about you in my bed?” He wasn’t usually so direct with the women he was trying to seduce, but playing it safe wasn’t going to work with a strong woman like Mia. He had to prove himself worthy and he could only do that by taking risk. Although he tried to convince himself he had come to honor a debt, the reality was he couldn’t stay away.

“You’ve wasted one of your three wishes. Try again.”

Nico frowned. “I thought I was forgiven.”

“Because I accepted a ride from you, and you fixed my car? Because I gave you a little thank-you kiss? Gratitude for a kind deed doesn’t equal forgiveness. And forgiveness doesn’t equal sex.”

Sex.

His assessing gaze drifted down her body, taking in the quick flutter of the pulse in her neck, the slight flush on her cheeks, and the bead of her nipples pressed against her thin tank top. He felt the impact of her desire deep in his groin. Fuck. Thirty seconds with her and he was perilously close to losing his self-control. Again.

“Are you done checking me out, Mr. Mob Boss?”

Cristo. Every word from her mouth went straight to his cock. Women didn’t talk to Nico with amused disdain. They didn’t accept his gifts and walk away. They didn’t make him wait three hours in a pool hall for the honor of their presence.

“You are a beautiful woman,” he said honestly. “You deserve a man who knows how to please a woman in bed.”

Her lips tipped at the corners, and she walked without hesitation between his parted legs sending all the wrong messages to the right part of his body. “And that would be you?”

“Yes.”

Heat sizzled in the air between them, and she dropped her gaze but, not before he saw the truth in her eyes. Yes, she wanted him. But she was going to make him work damn hard for the privilege of finding out what she hid beneath those badass punk clothes.

Boldly, he smoothed his hand up her thigh to curve around her hip. Pulling her closer, he gestured her down, pressed his lips to her ear. “You are wet for me, bella. Hot. I hear your need in the quickness of your breath, see it the flush in your cheeks, your nipples tight and begging for my touch, and if I stroked you, gently rubbed my thumb over your clit, you would come for me, and you would scream my name.”

Her breath hitched, ever so softly, and then she pulled away. “Save the sweet words for the women who are awed by your mobster charm.”

_________________________________________

Tracey’s Review

“I’m not afraid of girls with guns, bella. They either don’t know how to shoot or they don’t have what it takes to pull the trigger.
“Then you’ve never met a woman like me.”
“No, but I’m looking forward to our acquaintance.”

Nico Toscani is all about control. Casino owner, made man, member of the Cosa Nostra, he’s a man of many faces, and is used to calling the shots. Having decided long ago that the life of a mafia princess was not for her, Mia Cordano happily left behind a world where she was not in control to make her own way, and she’s not about to answer to anyone now, not even an ultra-sexy mob boss.

As a fan of the mobster read, I can happily say that author Sarah Castille has nailed it with NICO, the first book in her new Ruin & Revenge series. It’s everything dark, sexy, and dangerous, full of characters with as much to lose as to gain, and a storyline that just doesn’t quit, and I could not put it down.

As the bastard son of a former capo in the Las Vegas arm of the Sicilian mob, Nico Toscani has had to work harder than others to prove himself. But he’s finally at a place where he is a man of means, a man to be obeyed. When Mia Cordano walks in to his casino, though, able to take care of herself, and not at all interested in doing as she’s told, life as he’s known it changes.

Cosa Nostra came before blood family, and blood family came before the man. With his succession hanging in the balance and an agreement with the Sicilian Scozzaris to be honored, Nico had no place chasing after a beautiful, sexy hacker in crazy boots and punk clothes with dubious taste in music, who made him so damn hard when she refused to do his bidding, he couldn’t think straight.

These two drive each other crazy from the first minute that they reenter each others’ worlds, and it’s all sizzle and heat and all kinds of sexy. Even knowing that there is no way that their respective families, sworn enemies, will allow them to be together, Nico and Mia cannot stay away from each other. The magnetic pull between them keeps them coming together again and again, even as chaos erupts around them, and the players in each family stake their claims on the territory of Las Vegas.

I’m no stranger to Sarah and her hot as heck men, but Nico is a delicious departure, and I enjoyed him very much. Mia, too, is a breath of fresh air, every single punk rock hacker chick bit of her, and watching her hold her own and rock Nico’s world is fantastic.

There is action aplenty, dark, bloody, and fast-paced, along with so much passion, angst, and betrayal in this book. My take? NICO is 4.5 gritty, sexy, breathtaking stars, and I can’t wait to see what Sarah does in her next book, LUCA. Ruin & Revenge is a series to take note of, because these books are going to grab you, draw you in, and not let go, and you’ll love every minute of it.

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

___________________________________________________

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Sarah Castille, writes contemporary erotic romance and romantic suspense featuring blazingly hot alpha males and the women who tame them. A recovering lawyer and caffeine addict, she worked and travelled abroad before trading in her briefcase and stilettos for a handful of magic beans and a home in shadow of the Rocky Mountains.

Sarah loves to connect with readers. Sign up for her newsletter to hear about new releases:

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Hooked by Brenda Rothert

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

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