Happy Release + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Controlling Her Pleasure by Lili Valente- Under His Command Series – Book 1

Posted on 02/16/2015 by shellbellereads

Controlling Her Pleasure

Book 1

By Lili Valente

Synopsis

Blake Roberts has everything he’s ever wanted—fame, money, and ownership of the hottest chain of tattoo parlors in the country. But he’s haunted by his first love, the matching tattoo they share a constant reminder of who he was before he learned how to control his emotions, his desire, and a woman’s pleasure.

He needs to purge her from his heart, and he’ll do whatever it takes to be free.

Erin Perry’s been burned by love and she’s not ready to put her body under a man’s control, let alone her heart. But then Blake shows up, the only man she ever truly loved. Blake is ruthlessly handsome, and seething commanding energy that has her aching to submit.

To be pleasured, tamed, owned, and put under His control.

Warning: This book features a big, tattooed, Dominant alpha male—give him your trust and he’ll command your pleasure. All. Night. Long. Cliffhanger Alert: This steamy read ends in a cliffhanger. If you don’t like being teased, steer clear. The entire Under His Command series, Erin and Blake’s complete love story, will publish in February and March of 2015.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Coming Soon

Commanding Her Trust – Book 2

March 2, 2015

Blake Roberts is falling hard for his old flame and won’t stop until Erin is his. He doesn’t simply want her body; he wants her submission, her abandon, and the wounded heart she’s trying so hard to hide.

He wants all of her and he’s pulling out all the stops–in the bedroom and out–until she surrenders.

For Erin, what started as a charade has become all too real. She’s never experienced anything like the savage bliss she’s discovered in Blake’s arms. He tests her, dominates her, and if she doesn’t gain her freedom, soon he’ll own her–body and soul.

She has to escape even if running from Blake feels like running from the only home she’s ever known.

Claiming Her Heart – Book 3

March 16, 2015

Blake has what he thought he wanted–Erin’s submission, her trust, and the woman he loves back in his bed. But with her submission comes protection of her secrets. Erin is in trouble and an innocent life hangs in the balance.

Blake knows he can help her break free of the past, but he doesn’t know if a man like himself belongs in her future.

How can he swear to protect her from danger when he has a dark side of his own?

Tracey’s Review

You’ll need an extra set of panties and a fan as you read Controlling Her Pleasure, the first book in the Under His Command series by Lili Valente, a new voice in erotic romance. This book is a novella, but, believe me, it is NOT short on the sizzle. The spark between tattoo artist and Dom Blake Roberts and Erin ‘Angel’ Simmons practically leaps off the page. When these two are together, whether as teens exploring their first love, or, later, as two halves of a very sexy whole, the heat is absolutely palpable.

Controlling Her Pleasure is a great introduction to this new series, and had me from the first page. Blake is full of smolder, all man, and not afraid to show it. And Erin, for all of her sass and bravado, is more than happy to find herself under his spell. Their chemistry had me speeding through this read, and I cannot wait for the next book to see what comes next in their adventure.

I’ve happily added Lili to my list of hot authors, and give this book 5+ steamy sexy stars.

About Author

Lili Valente has slept under the stars in Greece, eaten dinner at midnight with French men who couldn’t be trusted to keep their mouths on their food, and walked alone through Munich’s red light district after dark and lived to tell the tale.

These days you can find her writing in a tent beside the sea, drinking coconut water and thinking delightfully dirty thoughts.

Lili loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her via email at lili.valente.romance@gmail.com

Website ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

$10 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Release + Review: A Desperate Man Vol. 2 by Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine

Posted on 02/16/2015 by shellbellereads

A Desperate Man: Volume 2

Ella Frank Brooke Blaine

Illusions — we all create them.

For some it’s to project an impressive image to a prospective employer; for others it’s to attract the eye of another.

My illusion is a bit more…complicated.

Years in the making, my secret has the potential to bite me in the ass. And not in the way I typically enjoy.

Sex.

As women, we’re judged for reveling in the same carnal pleasures that men do, but I’ve never been shy about my voracious appetite.

Now, I’m under no illusions that I’ll find love with any of my one night stands.

After all, I have one rule — no repeats — but it’s a rule that’s becoming harder to follow since Evan James came back into my life.

Did I say back into my life?

My name is Reagan Spencer, and you may think you know me, but…

How well do we really know anyone?

Excerpts

“Walk with me?” Evan asked.

She gave him a small smile and nodded. “Sure.”

Pushing off the rail, she fell in step with him as they walked along the river’s

edge.

“I’d be scared of what you’d see if you looked at me through your lens,” he

admitted.

“You shouldn’t.”

Evan scoffed and ran his fingers through his hair. “I can’t imagine there’s much

good there…”

“You’d be surprised at what I see.”

That comment had him coming to a standstill. “Would I?”

“Yes.”

“Okay,” he said, and started walking again. “Tell me what you see.”

Reagan slid her thumbs down the straps of her camera and cocked her head,

looking him over.

“I see a successful man. One who dresses well, even on a Saturday morning. So

that would indicate to me that he takes pride in his appearance. Maybe cares about what

others think also. The fact that you were leaving a therapist’s office makes me think

you’re a man with some issues, but also a man who is willing to work through them.

Again, that comes back to pride. You seem to be able to swallow yours when need be.”

Evan’s brow furrowed, but he said nothing as she continued.

“You also have a certain…air about you. It’s in the way you move. You’re

confident, but at the same time, when you flash that smile, the arrogance disappears, and

you look like the boy you used to be.”

The smile under discussion appeared, and Evan asked, “How do you know what

kind of boy I used to be?”

“Hey? This is my story,” Reagan reminded him before he continued asking

questions she wasn’t willing to answer.

“Oh, my apologies, I somehow thought it involved me.”

“It does, but you’re on the outside listening, so shh. You asked, remember?”

With a serious face, he nodded. “You would be right.”

“Okay. Now I lost my train of thought.”

Evan chuckled. “Well, it’s probably for the best that you didn’t mention any of

my unappealing attributes.”

“Speaking of…” she said, and turned to walk backward, facing him. “How did the therapy session go today?”

“Really great. There was an orgy, a sampling of sex toys, and a dessert buffet

afterward. Very satisfying.”

“Evan…”

He blew out a breath and rubbed the back of his neck. “It was fine. It’s always

fine. Today, Dr. Glover brought up behavior triggers, and it helped to figure out where

this whole mess started.”

Curious, she asked, “And where was that?”

“It wasn’t any one event. It was the high off the power I got from my job, it was

being in an unhealthy relationship…my grandparents passing…the worry about

following in my parents’ footsteps. The further things spiraled out of my control, the

more I craved that control in other parts of my life. Well, a very specific part of my life.”

He glanced over at her before continuing. “Obviously that’s the condensed version, but…I think it helps. Knowing those things and hopefully being able to
stop them in the future.”

But the urge isn’t gone?”

The look in his eyes was haunted as he replied, “No. No, it isn’t gone.”

Tracey’s Review

Although their first meeting was anything but, Evan James and Reagan Spencer have moved beyond their mutual attraction to work together in a professional capacity. And, while they try to keep it to business as usual, their desire for each other is making it difficult to say no to each other.

In this second volume of A Desperate Man, Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine really flesh out the story so that more is revealed about Reagan’s and Evan’s past, and more insight is given, especially about Reagan. While I found the first book to be a hot introduction to Evan’s and Reagan’s relationship, I really enjoyed this book, because the characters became more real. Without giving any spoilers, I will say that having glimpses into the past really add to understanding why Reagan feels so conflicted about her current involvement with Evan. And, while Volume 1 was hot, this book is even hotter, but in a less visceral and much more erotic way. I wasn’t sure that I liked Evan at all in the first book, but here, in Book 2, he won my heart. The characters relate to each other more intimately, and there is more playfulness and a sense of being comfortable here, right up to the point where it isn’t. And that is where the wonderful and talented authors leave us, as key players become aware that things, and people, are not what they seem.

I sped through this short but extremely satisfying installment, and cannot wait for the conclusion to Evan’s and Reagan’s story.

__________________________________________________________________

About the Authors

Brooke Blaine

You could say Brooke Blaine was a book-a-holic from the time she knew how to read; she used to tell her mother that curling up with one at 4 a.m. before elementary school was her ‘quiet time.’ Not much has changed except for the espresso I.V. pump she now carries around and the size of her onesie pajamas.

Her first solo novel, a romantic comedy, is due out in early 2015, but first, she thought she’d write a raunchy story with her best friend that would scar her conservative southern family for life.

If you’d like to get in touch with her, she’s easy to find – just keep an ear out for the Rick Astley ringtone that’s dominated her cell phone for ten years.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Ella Frank

Ella Frank is a #1 Amazon Bestselling Author. She writes both contemporary and erotic fiction and is best known for her Exquisite Series, and Temptation Series.

The minute she began her love affair with reading, she became and avid supporter of the romance genre and has never looked back.

Ella is Australian born and bred but currently resides in Houston, Texas with her husband.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Buy Links for A Desperate Man: Volume 1

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Kobo

Review: Going Long by Cari Quinn – Boys of Fall Series

Posted on 02/12/2015 by shellbellereads

Going Long

Boys of Fall Series

By Cari Quinn

Synopsis

This time, he’ll need to hit all the right notes to win the woman he’s always loved…

Wade Bennett is used to coming in second to his seemingly perfect older brother. In high school, Colt was a star linebacker while Wade was the punter, an important job without all of the glory. When Charlene Martinez—the only girl Wade ever truly wanted—fell for Colt, Wade decided to take his chances with music and went on the road. Leaving behind his family, his best friend, Rafe, and Charlene, who had feelings for Wade she never allowed herself to feel.

Years in Nashville quickly hardened the dreamy guy who just wanted to sing and hang out with his dog, Melody. His success has given him more than enough money, even if he knows he’ll never be able to compete with his hometown hero big brother. But after Coach Carr’s heart attack, Wade comes home to help the man who helped him make the decision to chase his dreams all those years ago.

Now Wade wants to chase a new dream in his old hometown, especially since Charlene is single again after divorcing Colt. And Wade is no longer a boy unwilling to fight for what—and who—he needs.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tracey’s Review

Wade Bennett has hit a dry spell in his career as one of the darlings of country music. The songs just aren’t coming, and Wade finds himself restless and in need of a change. When he gets the call that his high school football coach, the man that helped Wade become the person that is today, is ill, he’s on the road home to Texas without any further ado. Even the chance of running into Charlene Martinez, the girl that got away, and most of the reason that he left home in the first place, can’t keep him away.

I’m a big fan of second-chance romance, and Cari Quinn has written a lovely one in GOING LONG. Years apart have not diminished the feelings that Wade and Charlene have for each other. They still have a lot of unfinished business, and seeing them sort through it is hotter than hot. Wade is not a star for nothing; his charisma, his talent, and his sexiness make him one hot ticket, but Charlene is no man’s plaything. Smart and strong, she knows what she wants, and isn’t afraid to stand up for it. These two are a perfect match, and the sparks that fly between them make for a sexy, romantic, and entertaining read.

I had not read any of Cari Quinn’s books before GOING LONG, but this definitely will not be my last. She writes with heart and heat, and I’m hooked. I really enjoyed this 4.5 star read, and look forward to reading more by Cari, and more in the Boys of Fall series.

________________________________

USA Today bestselling author Cari Quinn wrote her first story—a bible parable—in 2nd grade, much to the delight of the nuns at her Catholic school. Once she saw the warm reception that first tale garnered, she was hooked. Now she gets to pen sexy romances for a living and routinely counts her lucky stars. When she’s not scribbling furiously, she can usually be found watching men’s college basketball, playing her music way too loud or causing trouble. Sometimes simultaneously.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

6 Star Review : Kyland by Mia Sheridan- A Sign Of Love Novel

Posted on 02/11/2015 by shellbellereads

Kyland

A Sign Of Love Novel – Inspired by Taurus

By Mia Sheridan

Synopsis

A full-length, standalone romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Archer’s Voice.

Dirt poor. Hillbilly. Backwoods hick. Mountain folk.

Tenleigh Falyn struggles each day to survive in a small, poverty-stricken, coal mining town where she lives with her sister and mentally ill mother. Her dream of winning the college scholarship given to one student by the local coal company and escaping the harshness of her life, keeps her going.

Kyland Barrett lives in the hills, too, and has worked tirelessly–through near starvation, through deep loneliness, against all odds–to win the Tyton Coal Scholarship and leave the town that is full of so much pain.

They’re both determined not to form any attachments, but one moment changes everything. What happens when only one person gets to win? When only one person gets to leave? And what happens to the one left behind?

Kyland is a story of desperation and hope, loss and sacrifice, pain and forgiveness, but ultimately, a story of deep and unending love.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tracey’s Review

“I think that when enough time has passed, when you’ve survived that which you didn’t imagine you could, there’s a dignity in that. Something you can own. A pride in knowing the pain made you stronger. The pain made you fight to succeed. Someday, when I’m living my dreams, I’m going to think of all the things that broke my heart and I’m going to be thankful for them.”

Whenever I open one of Mia Sheridan’s books, it is with the knowledge that my world is about to be rocked, that this woman, this crafter of words, will utterly captivate me with her characters and their story. Even knowing this, though, I am always pleasantly reminded that Mia truly has a gift, and that the worlds that she opens will stay with me for a very long time.

The story of Kyland Barrett and Tenleigh Falyn moved me. I read this book with little pause, eager to consume the entire thing. I couldn’t NOT see how the relationship and story would unfold. And it is both beautiful and heartbreaking, this love story. It’s a story about sacrifice, about overcoming fear, of stepping outside our comfort zone to reach that place that makes us more complete. And, ultimately, it’s about hope. Despite the desperate circumstances that Kyland and Tenleigh face on a daily basis, there is still the flicker of hope that keeps them striving for more. That part of themselves, no matter how small, that allows them to keep going, to look for something more, for something better than they’ve known.

Once I finished KYLAND, I had to sit with it for a bit because I needed to process all of the emotions that it made me feel. This is the sort of story, as is true of all of Mia’s books, that stays with you, that both shatters you and restores you. If I could give this book 10 stars, I would. KYLAND is absolutely one of my favorite reads of 2015, and, as with all of Mia’s books, one that I would recommend without hesitation.

___________________________

Author Bio

Mia Sheridan is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. Her passion is weaving true love stories about people destined to be together. Mia lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband. They have four children here on earth and one in heaven.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

ARC Review: Hero by Samantha Young

Posted on 02/04/2015 by shellbellereads

Hero

By Samantha Young

Synopsis

The emotional and unforgettable new romance from the New York Times bestselling author of the On Dublin Street series.

Alexa Holland’s father was her hero—until her shocking discovery that her mother and she weren’t his only family. Ever since, Alexa has worked to turn her life in a different direction and forge her own identity outside of his terrible secrets. But when she meets a man who’s as damaged by her father’s mistakes as she is, Alexa must help him.

Caine Carraway wants nothing to do with Alexa’s efforts at redemption, but it’s not so easy to push her away. Determined to make her hate him, he brings her to the edge of her patience and waits for her to walk away. But his actions only draw them together and, despite the odds, they begin an intense and explosive affair.

Only Caine knows he can never be the white knight that Alexa has always longed for. And when they’re on the precipice of danger, he finds he’ll do anything to protect either one of them from being hurt again….

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tracey’s Review

Since finding out that she is the dirty little secret of the prestigious Holland family of Boston, Alexa Holland has not had the easiest life. Never feeling like she was enough for her father or his wealthy family, Alexa has worked hard to make a place for herself in the world. But Alexa is not the only casualty of Alistair Holland’s poor choices, and when she meets Caine Carraway, who has suffered his own loss at the hands of Alexa’s family, she is determined to make amends. Only Caine is not in the business of forgetting, or forgiving.

I love a book with a hot alpha man. And if the main female character is strong and self-sufficient, even better. I was hooked from the first page of HERO, because Samantha Young has written a story with stong characters, an intriguing plot, and lots and lots of hot and sexy scenes. Alexa is more than a product of her past. She’s been dealt a crummy hand, and has risen above it to make a life for herself that is a far cry from the shame of her childhood. She is smart and successful in her own right, and not afraid to speak her mind, which I love to see, because it makes for a much more interesting story. When Caine realizes who Alexa is, he is determined to exact revenge for his own suffering. But Alexa, being the strong woman that she is, refuses to make it easy for him, intent on helping him whether he wants it or not. With such strong main characters, the chemistry between the two of them was bound to be combustible, and Samantha does not disappoint. The spark between Alexa and Caine is immediate, undeniable, and white-hot. I could not put this book down because I was so invested in seeing how their relationship would play out.

The addition of extremely likable and entertaining supporting characters like Rachel, Effie, and Henry make this read even more enjoyable. As HERO is my first experience with Samantha’s books, I look forward to reading her others, and give this one five hot stars.

___________________________

Author Bio:

Samantha Young is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author from Stirlingshire, Scotland. She’s been nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award 2012 for Best Author and Best Romance for her international bestseller ON DUBLIN STREET. ON DUBLIN STREET is Samantha’s first adult contemporary romance series and has sold in twenty-eight countries.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: All Of Me by Lisa Renee Jones – Inside Out Series – Book 6

Posted on 02/02/2015 by shellbellereads

All Of Me

The Final Inside Out Book in Series

By Lisa Renee Jones

Release Date: February 2, 2015

Passion. Mystery. It all collides in the breathtaking ALL OF ME.
He’s rich and famous, his past dark, but so is hers. Can they save each other? Or will the darkness tear them apart?
***

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Excerpt

We say a quick goodbye, and to my shock, the instant I push the “end” button, Chris pulls

the 911 to the shoulder of the road, puts it in park and turns to me. “Talk to me. What just

happened?”

“You stopped to ask me what happened?”

“Yes. I stopped to ask what happened. Now, tell me.”

My lashes lower a moment as I savor just how good this man is to me. I curl my fingers

on my cheek. “Thank you for stopping, but really, there was nothing worthy of concern. Let’s go

to the chateau.”

“After you tell me what happened,” he orders, but the tenderness lacing the stubborn

determination of his tone wins me over, as does his sincerity. He really cares and I am truly not

alone anymore.

“When Katie wanted to know if there was anyone on my side of the family to coordinate

with, it hit a nerve. I started worrying about Ella, and thinking about my father, who I don’t want

to come to our wedding. I truly don’t, yet somehow, the very fact that I don’t gives him the

power to twist me in knots.”

Chris nods. “As did my father to me, no matter how much of a bastard he became.

Sometimes I think the worse he treated me, the more I wanted to win back his affection.”

I’d seen glimpses of these feelings before now, but this is the first time he’s spoken them

aloud. “Maybe it’s some inborn need to feel close to a parent?”

“That’s the only conclusion I could come to when I couldn’t let him go. I still can’t. He’s

always with me, making sure I stay just a little more fucked up.”

“If you’re fucked up, it’s all kinds of right, Chris Merit. That charity work Tristan talked

about? You don’t just throw money at it. You give pieces of your soul to those kids and their

families. You make a difference and I’ll be honored to help you do it.”

He pulls my hand to his mouth and kisses my fingers. “Let’s elope. Anyplace you want to

Say the word and as far as I’m concerned we’ll go tomorrow.”

“What? No. We decided on Katie and Mike’s place together. And my ring isn’t even

done.”

“This isn’t about a ring. Or Katie and Mike, or anyone else. It’s about us and I don’t want

you worried about your father or the guest list. You know I’m not big on attention anyway.”

I lace my fingers with his. “You’re trying to protect me and I appreciate that, but I want to

get married under those hanging rose your mother inspired Katie to plant.”

“Don’t do this for me, baby. I just want to spend the rest of my life with you. That’s all I

need.”

“It’s for us. You know my father is just a hot button for me. I’ll get by it. And truth be

told, I’m a little raw over Amber, too. That night here in Paris when I went to the club I had this

sense I needed to save her. I shouldn’t have listened to that feeling.”

“Don’t do that to yourself. You barely knew her.”

“Yet, on some level I felt her screaming for help. But I second-guessed myself and

thought it was Rebecca and Ella influencing my feelings.”

“You were a lot of the reason I pushed to get Amber help, Sara. It was just too little too

late. That’s on me, not you.”

“No-”

“Yes,” he says, stroking the hair out of my eyes, his hand staying at the back of my head.

“Now here’s what’s going to happen. We’re going to leave this all right here and I’m going to

drive us the fifteen minutes we have left to get to the chateau, where we’re going to fuck like

rabbits. Then, we’re going to eat and fuck some more. After we sleep, we’ll set some rules with

Katie about the wedding so you won’t worry about it and then we’ll fuck some more. And since I

had the caretaker that lives in the house behind the chateau stock enough food to last us a week,

we can stay in bed for days on end. Any objections so far?”

I smile and not just at his words, but at his rapid shift from dark Chris, to playful, sexy

Chris. “And if I do?”

He, leans closer to me, his breath on my ear. “I’ll just tie you to the bed.”

Yes. Please. My list of objections begins to form.

Tracey’s Review

The Inside Out series by Lisa Renee Jones finally draws to a close with ALL OF ME, the last book of the series. This book is the wrap-up for Sara McMillan and Chris Merit, and occurs concurrently with the plot of I BELONG TO YOU, Mark’s and Crystal’s story. I have thoroughly enjoyed each book in this series, and have grown very fond of all of the main characters, seeing them evolve, as they have. Both Sara and Chris have demons, things from their pasts that have shaped them, but they have found, in each other, their safe places. In ALL OF ME, Lisa Renee illustrates how very far Sara and Chris have come, how each makes the other their best possible self. Although they still, especially Chris, have their dark moments, there is absolutely no question that they have overcome so much of their past pain, due to the love that has formed between them. There is absolute trust, complete truth, and the desire to be the better person. Sara has truly come into her own, secure in the knowledge of her strength, of Chris’ love for her, and Chris continues to work to put his need for self-punishment behind him.

There are so many things that make the Inside Out books some of my favorites. The ongoing mystery, the lives and stories of the various characters that are so intricately connected, the utter hotness that are Chris Merit and Mark Compton, and the edge-of-your-seat action that is part of each book have combined to make these books that I can consistently rate 5-plus stars. ALL OF ME, and the entire Inside Out series, are well worth the read. Lisa Renee has done a wonderful job of bringing the reader full circle, answering all of the questions that arose during the series. The remaining mystery revolves around the disappearance of Sara’s friend, Ella (for those folks that don’t remember, , the one that originally introduced her to Rebecca’s journals waaay back when), but, happily, Lisa has written a three-book series that will take us on her journey and give us all the answers.

_________________________________________________________________

Inside Out – Reading Order

If I Were You – Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Being Me- Buy: Amaznon / Barnes and Noble

Revealing Us- Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

His Secrets: Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Rebecca’s Lost Journals Boxed Set (Includes Bk 3.1 & 3.3 and Master Undone)

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

My Hunger- Book 3.4- Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

No In Between- Book 4 – Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

I Belong To You – Book 5 -Coming November 18, 2014

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble/ ITunes

All Of Me – Book 6 – Coming February 22, 2014 –

Buy : Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

_____________________________________________________________________________

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT SERIES, and is now in development by Suzanne Todd (Alice in Wonderland) for cable TV. In addition, her Tall, Dark and Deadly series and The Secret Life of Amy Bensen series, both spent several months on a combination of the NY Times and USA Today lists.

Watch the video on casting for the INSIDE TV Show HERE

Since beginning her publishing career in 2007, Lisa has published more than 40 books translated around the world. Booklist says that Jones suspense truly sizzles with an energy similar to FBI tales with a paranormal twist by Julie Garwood or Suzanne Brockmann.

Prior to publishing, Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by Dallas Women Magazine. In 1998 LRJ was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at on her website and she is active on twitter and facebook daily.

GIVEAWAY
INSIDE OUT Prize packs (5 Winners)
$25 Amazon gift card
$15 Starbucks gift card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2015 Favorite + 6 Star Reviews for Burned by Karen Marie Moning

Posted on 01/28/2015 by shellbellereads

Burned

Fever Series – Book 7

By Karen Marie Moning

Synopsis

“Mac is back and badder than ever!”—#1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward

MacKayla Lane and Jericho Barrons return in Burned, the latest novel in the blockbuster Fever series from Karen Marie Moning.

It’s easy to walk away from lies. Power is another thing.

MacKayla Lane would do anything to save the home she loves. A gifted sidhe-seer, she’s already fought and defeated the deadly Sinsar Dubh—an ancient book of terrible evil—yet its hold on her has never been stronger.

When the wall that protected humans from the seductive, insatiable Fae was destroyed on Halloween, long-imprisoned immortals ravaged the planet. Now Dublin is a war zone with factions battling for control. As the city heats up and the ice left by the Hoar Frost King melts, tempers flare, passions run red-hot, and dangerous lines get crossed. Seelie and Unseelie vie for power against nine ancient immortals who have governed Dublin for millennia; a rival band of sidhe-seers invades the city, determined to claim it for their own; Mac’s former protégé and best friend, Dani “Mega” O’Malley, is now her fierce enemy; and even more urgent, Highland druid Christian MacKeltar has been captured by the Crimson Hag and is being driven deeper into Unseelie madness with each passing day. The only one Mac can depend on is the powerful, dangerous immortal Jericho Barrons, but even their fiery bond is tested by betrayal.

It’s a world where staying alive is a constant struggle, the line between good and evil is blurred, and every alliance comes at a price. In an epic battle against dark forces, Mac must decide who she can trust, and what her survival is ultimately worth.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Hardcover Book: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Tracey’s Review

The Hoar Frost King has been defeated and the people of Dublin have begun the process of rebuilding their beloved city. But in a city where fae and human co-exist, there is a new normal, and nothing is what it was before.

Two years in the making, the release of BURNED by Karen Marie Moning is finally here, and, oh, my goodness, it is more than worth the wait. Picking up immediately following the action in ICED, this is a read that is everything that fans of the FEVER series could have hoped for and more. Although Karen originally intended to have Dani O’Malley as the focus of the three books written as follow-ups to the original FEVER series, she changed things up with this book. Mac and Barrons, the McKeltars, and the Nine are all a big part of BURNED, and I couldn’t be happier. I started reading and barely put this book down, absolutely enthralled and dying to see what action was going to unfold next. Karen has done an excellent job of answering questions that have had readers anxiously awaiting this next piece of the story (she has, of course, also left us hanging with bated breath for the next part of the saga). Although I had ideas of where these characters and their stories were going, I was surprised at every turn, and in a wonderful way. Seeing all of my favorite characters again, and learning more about them and the secrets that they hold, was absolute magic. I absolutely cannot wait for FEVERBORN and FEVERSONG, the last two books in this fantastic series. Can I recommend this book and series more highly? No. I give BURNED six stars, and put it on the list of my best reads of 2015.

Robin’s Review

Really. If I could give Burned 10 stars, I would. It’s Karen Marie Moning’s best work yet, and I found myself wondering at the complexity and brilliance of her writing. Burned is thoroughly addictive and extremely hard to put down. I laughed and cheered and smiled and cried tears!

There are huge reveals in Burned, including epic moments which pack a punch! I was thrilled to have many of my older questions about the Fever series answered. Since finishing, I have also enjoyed pinpointing Moning’s specialty in the text: subtle clues and foreshadowing which have left me with an abundance of new questions about the characters and a feverish desire to discuss Burned with others. This newest chapter of the Fever series exceeded my hopes and expectations, and before I even finished, I knew Burned would become one of my all-time favorite novels! If you haven’t read the Fever series, I encourage you to pick up a copy of the first novel titled Darkfever!

Robin from Smut Book Junkie Reviews was lucky to win a VIP pass to the Burned Signing on January 24, 2015 in Cincinnati, Ohio. This was a celebration event for long awaited release of Burned by Karen Marie Moning. The fans came out in masses. J R Ward helped Karen celebrate her best selling release.

Congratulations Karen Marie Moning…. Burned has taken the reader world by fire and the readers are consumed in the flames.

About Karen Marie Moning

Karen Marie Moning (rhymes with ‘awning’) is a # 1 New York Times bestselling author of 15 novels, including the RITA award-winning Highlander novels and the internationally bestselling urban fantasy “Fever” series. Her books have been published in nearly 40 languages, and her events draw fans from all over the world.

Moning graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor’s degree in Society and Law. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a bartender, a computer consultant, and an insurance specialist.

Moning began her career writing paranormal romance set in Scotland but as she became increasingly fascinated with Celtic mythology, she switched genres to Urban Fantasy and location to Dublin, Ireland, so she could focus on the Tuatha de Danann, or Fae–an ancient race of immortal beings who have lived secretly among humans for millennia.

Moning recently completed a graphic novel for Del Rey, featuring an original story about MacKayla Lane and Jericho Barrons, and the first installment in a new Fever World trilogy, ICED. She is under contract with Random House Publishing for two additional books set in the Fever universe.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

ARC 6 Star Review: Dictatorship of the Dress by Jessica Topper- Much ” I Do ” About Nothing Novel

Posted on 01/21/2015 by shellbellereads

Dictatorship of the Dress

Much “I Do” About Nothing Novel

By Jessica Topper

Synopsis

As the dress-bearer for her mother’s wedding, Laney Hudson has a lot more baggage than the bulky garment bag she’s lugging from New York to Hawaii. Laney is determined to prove she’s capable of doing something right, but running chores for her mom’s fairytale nuptials is proving to be a painfully constant reminder of her own lost love.

So when she’s mistaken for the bride and bumped up to first class, Laney figures some stress-free luxury is worth a harmless white lie. Until the flight crew thinks that the man sitting next to her is Laney’s groom, and her little fib turns into a hot mess.

The last thing Noah Ridgewood needs is some dress-obsessed diva landing in his first-class row. En route to his Vegas bachelor party, the straight-laced software designer knows his cold feet have nothing to do with the winter weather.

When a severe storm leaves them grounded in Chicago and they find themselves booked into the last available honeymoon suite, Laney and her in-flight neighbor have little choice but to get better acquainted. Now, as her bridal mission hangs in the balance, perhaps the thing Laney gets right is a second chance at love.-

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Tracey’s Review

At first glance, Laney Hudson and Noah Ridgewood seem to have little in common. Thrown together by chance, the two accidental seatmates find themselves stuck in a snowbound Chicago on the way to their respective destinations. Laney, illustrator extraordinaire, has been designated dress courier for her mother’s wedding, and Noah, a tech-savvy entrepreneur, is on the way to his bachelor party in Las Vegas. But the more time they spend together, and the more they reveal their pasts to each other, it seems like maybe chance has very little to do with things, and that Fate may just be at work.

My favorite reads are the ones that come out of nowhere and surprise me. The description for Dictatorship of the Dress by Jessica Topper grabbed me, and I am so glad that I took the opportunity to read it, because this book is absolutely one of my favorite reads this year. Laney and Noah are far from the one-dimensional stereotypes they may seem at first. Both are made of so much more than they appear to be to each other, and, after days spent together under unusual circumstances, the layers are peeled away to reveal that they may just be exactly what the other needs. This book is categorized as a romance, and there is definitely that element to the story, but there is so much more. Characters with rich backgrounds hiding the ‘real’ them, dialogue that had me laughing out loud throughout, vividly drawn secondary characters, all combined to make this a book that I could not put down.

“I see you picked up a couple of souvenirs in Vegas,” I murmured.

“Just a couple of good-luck charms,” he replied.

“Oh, so now you believe in luck?” I chided. “What happened to strategy? And product placement?”

“I still believe in all that, too,” Noah said, gently setting me down. “And fate. And being in the right place at the right time.”

This is a read that will surely appeal to a wide variety of people, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. I look forward to reading more from Jessica, and give Dictatorship of the Dress six stars for one of the most enjoyable books that I’ve had the good luck to read lately.

____________________________________

About Jessica Topper

Jessica Topper is an ex-librarian turned rock n’ roll number cruncher. She can trace her love for the written word back to age three, when she memorized Maurice Sendak’s “Chicken Soup with Rice” in its entirety.

After her daughter was born, Jessica left the Manhattan library world and began working for her husband’s music management company. He offered her a part-time bookkeeping job so she could “stay home for the baby’s first year” and pursue her dream of writing.

The baby is now thirteen, and Jessica has been working her full-time, sold-her-soul-for-rock-n-roll job as Office Manager for veteran jam band moe. ever since. She may have traded in books for bookkeeping, but the written word is never far from her mind, or her heart.

Jessica lives in upstate New York with her husband, daughter and one ancient cat.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

ARC Review: Nothing Between Us by Roni Loren

Posted on 01/16/2015 by shellbellereads

Nothing Between Us

Loving On The Edge Series – Book 6

By Roni Loren

Synopsis

Unlike the heroine of her popular thriller series, Georgia Delaune can’t afford to take risks or push sexual boundaries–unless you count spying through her neighbor’s bedroom window, and never missing a single move he makes.

Colby Wilkes is more than willing to put on a show for the alluring woman next door. But his dominant side aches to show her the pleasures of submission up close. As a counselor, Colby is sensitive to Georgia’s fears. As a Dom at The Ranch, a private BDSM retreat, he’s the perfect teacher to unleash her passion.

But just as Georgia lowers her emotional barriers, an unexpected complication arrives: a bad boy musician from Colby’s past who adds fuel to her heated imagination. Now, the lonely author has two gorgeous men eager to fulfill every fantasy she’s ever written–and one she’s never dared to dream….

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tracey’s Review

Georgia Delaune is a woman in hiding, forced by an abusive ex to flee her hometown of Chicago for an anonymous life in Texas. A virtual prisoner in her own home, Georgia has a lot of time to spend watching the world go by. And watching Colby Wilkes, her exceptionally hot next-door neighbor, whose life is very different from anything Georgia has ever imagined. When Adam Keats, a young man from Colby’s past, enters the picture, life for all three of them takes a decidedly interesting turn.

Roni Loren can write a hot romance like nobody’s business. Her characters are multi-layered, never flat, and always have interesting histories. And the chemistry, oh, my goodness, the chemistry. The relationships are so hot that they sizzle, drawing me into the story completely. Roni does not disappoint in Nothing Between Us, her latest book in her Loving On the Edge series. The themes in Roni’s books are not your everyday garden variety romance, but she always manages to write them with compassion, reality, and, yes, lots of heat. The relationships between Georgia, Colby, and Keats just work, with each of them bringing something to the table that gives everyone what they need. Add to that compelling back stories for all three, dialogue that had me laughing out loud, and tons of raw emotion, and I had a read that I could not put down. I am looking forward to Call On Me, the next book in the series, and give Nothing Between Us 4.5 awesome stars.

________________________________________

About Roni Loren

Roni wrote her first romance novel at age fifteen when she discovered writing about boys was way easier than actually talking to them. Since then, her flirting skills haven’t improved, but she likes to think her storytelling ability has.

Though she’ll forever be a New Orleans girl at heart, she now lives in Dallas with her husband and son. If she’s not working on her latest sexy story, you can find her reading, watching reality television, or indulging in her unhealthy addiction to rockstars concerts.

She is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the The Loving on the Edge series and other sexy things.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

ARC Review: Naughty Bits by Joey W. Hill

Posted on 01/15/2015 by shellbellereads

Naughty Bits

The Complete Novel

By Joey W. Hill

Synopsis

THE COMPLETE NOVEL

To better serve the customers of her lingerie shop, Madison must explore the pleasures of giving up control…

After inheriting her sister’s North Carolina lingerie shop, Naughty Bits, Madison jumps at the chance to dump her boring finance career and try her luck down South. But even before Madison can settle in, she catches the attention of the owner of the neighboring hardware store. Sexually dominant Logan Scott recognizes a submissive when he sees one. And what he sees, he wants.

He presents her with three very tempting gifts—handcuffs, erotic cards, and an open invitation to start her sexual training. She has to accept. After all, how can she hope to sell fantasies to lingerie customers without embracing her own? Now, she’s about to discover just how far her fantasies can take her—and how far Logan will go to make every one of them come true.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Tracey’s Review

When Madison inherits Naughty Bits from her sister, Alice, she has no idea of what she’s getting. After all, she’s a sales whiz, so what could be so hard about selling, well, naughty wares to people that want them? What Madison finds, though, is that she has also inherited Logan Scott, owner of the hardware store next door to her store. Because Alice knew things about her sister that Madison didn’t even admit to herself, and was taking care of her even from beyond.

I wasn’t quite sure what I was getting when I signed on to read this book. The story was previously released in four smaller parts, in a serial-type format. I absolutely think that putting the separate parts together into one book was a great move, because I’m not sure that I would have liked the story as well had I read it piecemeal. The story drew me in and kept me reading, piquing my interest more with each page. Madison craves things, things that she doesn’t quite understand, and Alice knew that Logan would be more than capable of helping her. Logan, who has such a big personality, is a patient teacher, willing to help Madison become the person that will make her feel the most free, to break down her boundaries and take her to the place that she can be herself. While the dynamic between Logan and Madison is intense, there is also a feeling of comfort and freedom as their relationship unfolds, and it becomes clear that Alice knew these two better than they knew themselves up to that point.

Although I had not read any of her previous books, I enjoyed Joey’s style of writing very much, and look forward to reading more from her.

_________________________________________________

About Joey W. Hill

I’ve always had an aversion to reading, watching or hearing interviews of favorite actors, authors, musicians, etc. because so often the real person doesn’t measure up to the beauty of the art they produce. Their politics or religion are distasteful, or they’re shallow and self-absorbed, a vacuous mop-head without a lick of sense. From then on, though I may appreciate their craft or art, it has somehow been tarnished.

Therefore, whenever I’m asked to provide personal information about myself for readers, a ball of anxiety forms in my stomach as I think: “Okay, the next couple of paragraphs can change forever the way someone views my stories.” Why on earth does a reader want to know about me? It’s the story that’s important.

So here it is. I’ve been given more blessings in my life than any one person has a right to have. Despite that, I’m a Type A, borderline obsessive-compulsive paranoiac who worries I will never live up to expectations. I’ve got more phobias than anyone (including myself) has patience to read about. I can’t stand talking on the phone, I dread social commitments, and the idea of living in monastic solitude with my husband and animals, books and writing is as close an idea to paradise as I can imagine. I love chocolate, but with that deeply ingrained, irrational female belief that weight equals worth, I manage to keep it down to a minor addiction. I adore good movies. I’m told I work too much. Every day is spent trying to get through the never ending “to do” list to snatch a few minutes to write.

Despite all these mediocre and typical qualities, for some miraculous reason, these wonderful characters well up out of my soul with stories to tell. When I manage to find enough time to write, sufficient enough that the precious “stillness” required rises up and calms all the competing voices in my head, I can step into their lives, hear what they are saying, what they’re feeling, and put it down on paper. It’s a magic beyond description, akin to truly believing my husband loves me, winning the trust of an animal who has known only fear or apathy, making a true connection with someone, or knowing for certain I’ve given a reader a moment of magic through those written words. It’s a magic that reassures me there is Someone, far wiser than myself, who knows the permanent path to that garden of stillness, where there is only love, acceptance and a pen waiting for hours and hours of uninterrupted, blissful use.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Category Archives: Tracey

Happy Release + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Controlling Her Pleasure by Lili Valente- Under His Command Series – Book 1

Happy Release + Review: A Desperate Man Vol. 2 by Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine

Review: Going Long by Cari Quinn – Boys of Fall Series

6 Star Review : Kyland by Mia Sheridan- A Sign Of Love Novel

ARC Review: Hero by Samantha Young

Happy Release + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: All Of Me by Lisa Renee Jones – Inside Out Series – Book 6

2015 Favorite + 6 Star Reviews for Burned by Karen Marie Moning

ARC 6 Star Review: Dictatorship of the Dress by Jessica Topper- Much ” I Do ” About Nothing Novel

ARC Review: Nothing Between Us by Roni Loren

ARC Review: Naughty Bits by Joey W. Hill

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: