Review: The Good Chase by Hanna Martine – The Highland Games Series- Book 2

Posted on 12/11/2014 by shellbellereads

The Good Chase

The Highland Games Series – Book 2

By Hanna Martine

Synopsis

The second in the Highland Games series, following Long Shot

Gleann, New Hampshire’s annual highland games always deliver the best of Scottish culture—rowdiness, rugby, whiskey, and unexpected romance…

Even though Shea Montgomery’s swanky bar and distinguished palate have made her a highly regarded whiskey connoisseur, she’s happiest bringing her favorite spirit to various highland games around New England. Her demanding ex made her wary of men obsessed with money and status, and she’s now more comfortable in the country than in the city. Still, when a gorgeous rugby player straight from Wall Street barrels into her whiskey tent, she’s tempted to change her mind…

J.P. Byrne went from poor beginnings to international high roller by using his charisma and wit, and holding fast to his dreams. A strong, independent woman like Shea is exactly what he’s looking for, only he has no idea how to prove he’s more than his three-piece suits—especially when he’s spent years doing just the opposite.

But as Shea and Byrne battle old demons, they discover together that the best remedy for past pain is a good, stiff shot of present pleasure…

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tracey’s Review

Once a naive young woman under the thumb of a selfish and overbearing husband, Shea Montgomery is now the independent and successful owner of her bar, the Amber Room. Being a fan of all things Scottish, from men in kilts to bagpipes to Highland games, Shea’s biggest love is helping people learn more about the whisky that her place is named for. J.P. Byrne knows what it’s like to do without. Having worked his way up from nothing, he is determined to use his success to help the people that he cares most about. His passion for rugby has led to several encounters with Shea, which have not gone as smoothly as he’d like. What’s a guy to do to win the heart of a strong woman who is determined to live life on her own terms?

THE GOOD CHASE is a fun read, with extremely likeable characters, and an interesting storyline. Shea is a strong lady, which is absolutely something that appeals to me. She’s had the experience of living a life dictated by her former husband, and is not about to put herself in the same situation again. Byrne is drawn to her independence, and is intent on proving that he’s more than his career and his material success, and is more than happy to support her choices.

THE GOOD CHASE is part of a series, but I did not feel that I needed to have read the first book to enjoy this one. I very much enjoyed reading it, and look forward to more books by Hanna Martine.

Author Bio:

I have loved stories–particularly the romantic kind–since I was very young. I spent a decade working in an office, but I’ve since dedicated myself to writing. I’ve traveled to many wonderful places around the world, including the haunted Scottish castle in which I got married. Though I live outside Chicago with my family, my heart will always belong to Australia.

The books listed here on my Goodreads page are ones that have influenced my writing, that have spoken to me in some deep and wonderful way, and that I enthusiastically recommend.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Holiday Feature + Giveaway : Merry Christmas, Baby by Jill Shalvis and All I Want For Christmas Is You by Jessica Scott

Posted on 12/05/2014 by shellbellereads

Merry Christmas, Baby

By Jill Shalvis

A Lucky Harbor Holiday Novella -Book 12.5

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Synopsis

SEASON’S KISSES . . .
Wild child Chloe Thompson can’t believe how much things have changed. She still can’t get enough of her sexy husband Sawyer, but he seems to prefer working to impending fatherhood. So tonight, a very pregnant Chloe is escaping her troubles at the town Christmas party.

Sheriff Sawyer Thompson hopes surprising Chloe at the party will give him a chance to set things right. But as the snow begins to fall and the wind rages, he wonders whether he can make it back in time. While mother nature conspires to keep Sawyer and Chloe apart, an unexpected arrival will require them to kiss and make up . . . and ring in the happiest holiday Lucky Harbor has ever seen.

Tracey’s Review

Chloe Thompson knows that she’s been less than easy to live with lately, but, heck, being nine months pregnant should get a girl a pass, right? Then there’s the fact that things between her and her hunky husband Sawyer seems to be less loving than usual, and that he’s gone more than he’s around, making Chloe wonder how he really feels about the impending arrival of their ‘Bean.’

MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY was my first experience with reading one of Jill Shalvis’ books, and, so, my first introduction to Lucky Harbor. This was a novella, so was very short, but Jill was able to pack a lot of entertainment into it. I love a smalltown romance, and the folks of Lucky Harbor just make the homey feel more evident. Jill’s characters are great; all of them are so unique, with their own quirks and personalities, and, with snappy dialogue and a holiday theme, it was fun to see them interact with each other. My only wish is that I’d read the whole series first, so that I knew more about who everyone is, because I have a feeling that I’d have been in love with them, and with Lucky Harbor, long before now. I recommend this sweet, sexy, and sassy little holiday read for anyone. While it is not necessary to have read the other books first, I do suggest that it may not be a bad idea, but it is completely enjoyable either way.

All I Want For Christmas Is You

A Coming Home Holiday Novella – Book 5.5

By Jessica Scott

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / I Tunes

Synopsis

From USA Today Bestselling author Jessica Scott comes an all new novella about a woman who came back from war changed and the man who loves her enough not to let her go.

All Major Patrick MacLean wanted was Christmas with the woman and child who were his family in everything but name. But Captain Samantha Egan has come back from the war a different woman than the one who left – and she doesn’t know if she can love him anymore.

But neither of them counted on the determination of a little girl they both call daughter and if Natalie has her wish, her parents may have no idea what’s coming for them. It’s going to take Christmas miracle to bring these two wounded warriors back from the edge of a broken heart.

This story has been featured in Home For Christmas: A Holiday Duet with JoAnn Ross.

Michel’s Review

Wow! All I Want For Christmas by Jessica Scott packed a powerful punch! I cannot believe a novella could be this powerful and dig so deeply into my emotions. The story was beautifully written. Jessica Scott illustrated a very honest glimpse into the lives of those that serve in the Armed Forces. Their sense of “normal ” life is a completely different definition than most average Americans. They have chosen a career that serves and protects. Their jobs are 24/7. They sacrifice their personal and family lives to perform their jobs so that we can have peace in our own personal lives. There isn’t down time when deployed. There isn’t weekends off or nights to unwind. Their sense of normal changes completely, from sleeping arrangements or use of the facilities. It is not a resort vacation or an exclusive campground. It is a wartime arena that is dictated by their surroundings at every moment. Danger is a constant threat. Lives are lost, lives are broken, and lives are saved. No wonder is so difficult for the soldiers to return home and try to blend into our sense of “normal”.

All I Want For Christmas Is You is about a military career couple. They are not married but have been together for years. They have an eight year old daughter and a strong loving relationship. With both of them being in the military , they have deployed at different times so that one parent is always home with their daughter. Their last deployments have caused this couple to have a two year separation. Not only that, Samantha has returned home with some very serious PSTD issues. She is disconnected with the normal world, disconnected from those she loves, and emotionally numb. Rather than reaching out for help, she leaves with the intent of ending her relationship with Patrick.

Patrick is determined to save his family and save the woman he loves. He understands what she is dealing with. Through love, patience, complete honesty, insight into his own war experiences, and guidance in getting the right kind of help, Patrick will show Samantha that there is more to their “normal” life than she realizes. She is worth fixing.

The love they have for each other and the love for their daughter Natalie is all that matters.

This story was beautifully written and very emotional. It is the perfect holiday book that will validate and honor the lives we live. The men and woman have sacrificed their own personal lives to allow all of us to have Happy Holidays. They deserve them too!

Jessica Scott has once again wowed me with her writing and sensitivity to powerful issues.

Read This Book!

$100 American Express Gift Card

Holiday Novellas

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Release Blitz + Review: Autumn In London by Louise Bay – The Empire State Trilogy- Book 2

Posted on 12/05/2014 by shellbellereads

Autumn In London

The Empire State Trilogy – Book 2

By Louise Bay

Synopsis

Anna Kirby went to New York to escape heartbreak and have some fun. She wasn’t meant to meet someone . . . someone like Ethan. Now, back in London, she’s faced with another man to get over.

Ethan Scott broke every one of his rules during his week with Anna and now he can’t seem to go back to life before her. A business trip to London gives him the opportunity to change his rules for good. Will he take it?

Autumn in London is the second part of The Empire State Series, a series of three novellas.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Tracey’s Review

Life post-Ethan Scott is less than perfect for Anna Kirby. Their week in New York was supposed to be about just sex, but became much more. Scared by her past failed relationships, Anna has made sure that she wouldn’t be able to prolong her experience with Ethan, and stepped right back into business as usual at home in London, doing her best to forget him.

Headed to London to spearhead the takeover of a rival law firm, all Ethan can think about is that he and Anna will be in the same city once again. He’s been unable to forget her or the way that she made him feel during their week together, and it’s been a game-changer for him. But, in a city of eight million people, with no way to contact her, what are the chances that their paths will cross again?

My first experience of Louise’s writing was her book HOPEFUL, and I have been a fan ever since. I have been waiting for AUTUMN IN LONDON since absolutely devouring A WEEK IN NEW YORK when it came out, and have to admit to being completely enamored by Anna and Ethan. These two characters, with pasts that spell relationship failure, are defying odds all around, capturing each others’ hearts, as well as mine. Watching them figure out that some rules are meant to be broken, and that taking a leap of faith is sometimes all that it takes (well, that and some super-HOT sexy time!) made this second book in the series a wonderful continuation of the story. Louise’s great dialogue and her mastery of the art of the supporting characters (I love the repartee between Ethan and his sister Jessica), are the icing on the cake, making her books all the more enjoyable. Now, the hard part: waiting until January to see how this story plays out. Five-plus stars for this hot, sexy, and romantic read.

The Empire State Trilogy

A Week In New York – Book 1

Anna Kirby is sick of dating. She’s tired of heartbreak. Despite being smart, sexy, and funny, she’s a magnet for men who don’t deserve her.

A week’s vacation in New York is the ultimate distraction from her most recent break-up, as well as a great place to meet a stranger and have some summer fun. But to protect her still-bruised heart, fun comes with rules. There will be no sharing stories, no swapping numbers, and no real names. Just one night of uncomplicated fun.

Super-successful serial seducer Ethan Scott has some rules of his own. He doesn’t date, he doesn’t stay the night, and he doesn’t make any promises.

It should be a match made in heaven. But rules are made to be broken.

A Week in New York is the first part of The Empire State Series, a series of three novellas.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Author Bio:

Ruined by romantic mini-series of the seventies and eighties, I love all things romantic. There’s not enough of it in real life so I’ll settle for books and films.

I love the rain, the West Wing, London, days when you don’t have to wear make-up, being alone, being with friends, elephants and champagne.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Holiday Review: Unexpectedly Yours by Melody Grace- Beachwood Bay Series – Book 10

Posted on 12/05/2014 by shellbellereads

Unexpectedly Yours

A Beachwood Bay Holiday Romance

Beachwood Bay Series – Book 10

By Melody Grace

Synopsis

A flirty, festive treat from New York Times bestselling author Melody Grace!

Sophie Young has been dreaming about the perfect Christmas in New York ever since she was a kid. But when her boyfriend bails on their romantic trip for two, she finds herself stranded in the city on Christmas Eve, with only a holiday-hating smooth-talking, utterly sexy stranger for company…

Rock-star Austin Kelly is fed up with Christmas – he’s more interested in who’s going to be cozying up under the mistletoe. But when his little black book comes up empty, he finds himself on a whirlwind tour of the city with the most unlikely partner in festive fun…

The snow is falling, but things are definitely heating up inside. And by the time the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, there will be plenty to celebrate with old friends and familiar faces back in Beachwood Bay.

(Unexpectedly Yours is part of the Beachwood Bay series, but is designed to be read as a holiday stand-alone. You don’t need to have read any of the other books to enjoy this story!)

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tracey’s Review

Serendpity: (happy) chance, (happy) accident, fluke; luck, good luck, good fortune, fortuity, providence; happy coincidence.

Christmas for Sophie Young has never been anything special. Since her parents’ divorce when she was young, it’s been a series of rushed visits and fights over who got her for which holiday. So when Sophie has the chance to plan the perfect Christmas getaway to New York City with her boyfriend, she goes all in, planning it down to the very last detail. But when fate steps in and delivers an unhappy surprise, things aren’t looking quite so magical.

Austin Kelly, on a break from recording his first solo album, thinks that the holidays are nothing but a bunch of humbug, outdated traditions and rushing around that leave everyone feeling frazzled and empty. When things go awry, and his flight to join his family for Christmas is canceled, Austin is relieved, deciding that a hotel room, a bottle of something strong, and one of his many female admirers is a much better way to spend his time.

I am a sucker for Melody Grace’s books, so when I saw that she had written a holiday novella featuring characters related to the ones in her BEACHWOOD BAY series, I was over the moon. I love these books, and everyone in them; add to that the fact that Melody writes hot and sexy romance like nobody’s business, and it’s a win-win for me. This story had me from the beginning. Sophie is likeable, an independent spitfire determined to enjoy Christmas even though her jerk of a now-ex has thrown a real wrench into her plans. She is down-to-earth, and has Austin’s number from the minute he turns on the charm and attempts to add her to his list of conquests. Her refusal to fall for his line makes Sophie even more attractive to Austin, and the two quickly find that the best laid plans can take a happy turn when they let go and stop trying to control the way things turn out. I absolutely recommend this book, and give it five romantic, sexy, heartwarming stars; if it doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit, then nothing will.

Author Bio:

Melody Grace is a small-town girl turned SoCal beach lover. After spending her life with her nose in a book, she decided it was time she wrote one herself. She loves steamy romance novels, happily-ever-afters, and lusting after fictional menfolk.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Review: Sexual Awakenings Volume 3 ~ The Last Dance by Angelica Chase – The Sexual Awakenings Series

Posted on 12/05/2014 by shellbellereads

angelica banner.jpg

Sexual Awakenings Vol. 3

The Last Dance

By Angelica Chase

Synopsis

Rhys

I was on my way out of the life when she came barging in with her new appetite and unrealistic expectations of what a Dom should be. All I had left to do to break free was sell the club and walk away. Now I found I had something to walk toward. And for the first time in my life, I hoped I’d be enough for a woman.

Caring for a woman was easy for me. I had always cared for different women for different reasons. Loving a woman had always been quite a bit harder.

Doms don’t have to say I love you.

Violet

The last two months of my life had altered me in ways I could never have imagined. When I set out to discover myself sexually, I never expected to fall in love with the only man who calmed my world and both tortured and soothed my senses. I’d been snapped out of my fantasy by the latest slap of reality.

Little did I know … reality wasn’t finished with me yet.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Tracey’s Review

It began as a waltz, segued into the tango, and now Rhys and Violet are settling into their mutual groove, finding the steps that will allow them to move together in their perfect rhythm.

THE LAST DANCE is the third book in the Sexual Awakenings series by Angelica Chase. I sped through this book, just like the first two before it, devouring it like the tasty morsel that it is. Violet and Rhys have been through the wringer as their relationship has progressed, dealing with miscommunications, half-truths, crazy exes, and a threat on Violet’s life. Having overcome all of the drama, or so they think, they are ready to explore the feelings that have developed between them and settle into a more committed relationship. With hotter than hot sexy scenes, witty and upbeat dialogue, and a little guy named Bryce to boot, this was a read that completely lived up to prior installments. Angelica has created a couple in Violet and Rhys that is not afraid to push their boundaries in every way, all while creating a loving relationship despite the odds. This is the next-to-last book in the series, so there is still some drama to be resolved, but it’s well done, and left me wanting the last book, CURTAINS, like, NOW, so that I can see how this crazy ride is going to play out. I highly recommend this book, and the whole series, and am anxiously awaiting to see what the final act will hold.

The Sexual Awakening Series

Sexual Awakenings

Volume One: The Waltz

By Angelica Chase

Synopsis

You know what they say… One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

After sacrificing years of my life on a cheating husband, I’d had enough. I set out to quench a thirst I had ignored for years. I gave myself one year to explore my sexuality—to delve into my deepest, darkest desires. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, I would have my sexual revolution. I would have my … awakening.

Unsure of where to start, I took a risk to make myself seen. Little did I know, the man who saw me would give me everything I ever wanted, one sweet orgasm at a time.

Diving into the world of both pleasure and pain, I was sure with Rhys I had found what I’d been missing … until he took it away.

Filthy Erotic Romance. For Mature Audiences only. Extremely Explicit Sex. Strong Language.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

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Sexual Awakenings Vol. 2

The Tango

By Angelica Chase

Synopsis

Weeks passed without hearing from Rhys; then I received a text that shook me to my core.

The Barracks. One hour. RED

I lied, he’s angry, and I’m about to pay for my lie with a pound of flesh.

RED.

I wasn’t supposed to fall for him. He blurred the lines and I stepped right over. Now I was facing his wrath, and my undeniable feelings for him. I had to find a way to make things right.

RED.

Rhys felt threatened by my secret, but little did I know, he was hiding one of his own.

FILTHY EROTIC ROMANCE. EXTREMELY EXPLICIT SEX. STRONG LANGUAGE

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Connect With Angelica Chase

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Holiday Review: Yours For Christmas by Susan Mallery- Fools Gold Series- Book 15.5

Posted on 12/03/2014 by shellbellereads

Yours For Christmas

Fool’s Gold Series- Book 15.5

By Susan Mallery

Synopsis

Step out of the winter chill and into the warmth of Fool’s Gold, California, the charming small-town setting for a new holiday novella from New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery

Famous former NFL stars don’t date single working moms like Bailey Voss. She’ll allow herself to daydream about Kenny Scott’s muscles and killer smile, but wanting more would lead to post-holiday regret. Then Kenny volunteers to run a toy drive with Bailey, and she learns that he’s not just hot…he’s also generous, funny, nice. The whole package—tantalizingly out of reach.

The ache of past loss reminds Kenny why he needs to avoid getting too close to anyone. Especially to a gorgeous redhead and her adorable little girl. Mess it up, and he’d lose them both. Yet Kenny can only resist Bailey for so long. And as festive spirit spreads throughout the town, he’s all wrapped up in Bailey’s sweet, sexy kisses and determined to make this the first of many Christmases together…

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tracey’s Review

The good things about novellas: They’re short and sweet, they offer a chance for readers to have their author ‘fix’ between bigger books, and they can focus on just a few characters. On the other hand, because they’re so short, they tend to move relatively quickly, and there’s less time for a meaty storyline to develop.

YOURS FOR CHRISTMAS, a novella in Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold series, is a sweet story, focusing on widowed mother Bailey Voss and former NFL player Kenny Scott. Bailey, mom to sweet little Chloe, has had a mad crush on Kenny forever. When the two are tapped to head up a Christmas charity event, they begin spending a lot of time together, and feelings deeper than friendship emerge on both sides. The trouble, though, is that Kenny has a rule: he doesn’t date women with children, ever. He’s been badly burned, and is unwilling to have his heart broken again, no matter how much he likes Bailey.

I liked this story, and didn’t feel like I needed to have read previous books in the series to enjoy it. I’m a sucker for stories about small town and community, and Susan has given us just that in the Fool’s Gold books. Her characters are real and likeable, and, while I wanted to pinch Kenny a couple of times, I totally bought the relationship between him and Bailey. Again, this is a novella, so things go a little more quickly than might seem completely realistic, but, heck, this is love, and it’s Christmas, so just go with it. I’m giving this four sweet and sexy stars, and am looking forward to getting to know more about the residents of Fool’s Gold, California.

Author Bio:

With more than 25 million books sold worldwide, New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery is known for creating characters who feel as real as the folks next door, and for putting them into emotional, often funny situations readers recognize from their own lives. Susan’s books have made Booklist’s Top 10 Romances list in four out of five consecutive years. RT Book Reviews says, “When it comes to heartfelt contemporary romance, Mallery is in a class by herself.” With her popular, ongoing Fool’s Gold series, Susan has reached new heights on the bestsellers lists and has won the hearts of countless new fans.

Susan grew up in southern California, moved so many times that her friends stopped writing her address in pen, and now has settled in Seattle with her husband and the most delightfully spoiled little dog who ever lived.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz : Autumn In London by Louise Bay – The Empire State Trilogy- Book 2

Posted on 12/02/2014 by shellbellereads

Autumn In London

The Empire State Trilogy – Book 2

By Louise Bay

Synopsis

Anna Kirby went to New York to escape heartbreak and have some fun. She wasn’t meant to meet someone . . . someone like Ethan. Now, back in London, she’s faced with another man to get over.

Autumn in London is the second part of The Empire State Series, a series of three novellas.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Playlist

Good Morning Heartache

Ella Fitzgerald

I Wish You Would

Taylor Swift

Don’t You Remember

Adele

I’ve Got You Under My Skin

Diana Krall

King of Wishful Thinking

Go West

Life is Good

Brittini Black

Quitter

Carrie Underwood

The Empire State Trilogy

A Week In New York – Book 1

Anna Kirby is sick of dating. She’s tired of heartbreak. Despite being smart, sexy, and funny, she’s a magnet for men who don’t deserve her.

Super-successful serial seducer Ethan Scott has some rules of his own. He doesn’t date, he doesn’t stay the night, and he doesn’t make any promises.

It should be a match made in heaven. But rules are made to be broken.

A Week in New York is the first part of The Empire State Series, a series of three novellas.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Author Bio:

Ruined by romantic mini-series of the seventies and eighties, I love all things romantic. There’s not enough of it in real life so I’ll settle for books and films.

I love the rain, the West Wing, London, days when you don’t have to wear make-up, being alone, being with friends, elephants and champagne.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Release Blitz + Review: Third Position by Melody Grace- Dirty Dancing Series – Book 3

Posted on 12/01/2014 by shellbellereads

Third Position

Dirty Dancing Series – Book 3

By Melody Grace

Synopsis

He taught me a dance beyond passion. He showed me the pleasure my body was made to create.
Now I have to choose.
Raphael or my future?
My passion or my one true love?
There’s no hiding from the truth any longer.
Everything changes tonight.

*The third and final part of the sexy, seductive romance serial*

Buy: Amazon

Tracey’s Review

THIRD POSITION by Melody Grace picks up directly following SECOND POSITION. This is the last installment in Melody’s DIRTY DANCING series, and, oh, my goodness, it is HOT. Melody has definitely saved the best for last, and ended the series with a panty-melting, swoon-inducing, feel-good finale.

Raised to follow in her mother’s prima ballerina footsteps, perfecting her craft has been the focus of Annalise’s whole life. But Raphael brings out Annalise’s inner passion, awakening desires in her that she didn’t even know she had, and making her question her dedication to the troupe and to a life centered solely around ballet. Her mother’s unexpected arrival in Rome, coupled with the jealousy of Raphael’s former partner, threaten the new relationship developing between Annalise and Raphael, forcing her to make a decision about how she will live her life.

I enjoyed this whole series very much, but this third book really cemented my feelings. Seeing Annalise come into her own, and become the person that SHE wants to be made for a nice wrap-up, and the hotness factor in the relationship between her and Raphael was off the charts. Melody does sexy time excellently, and she absolutely delivered here; the heat between these two was sizzling, and had me fanning myself and blushing at the same time.

The fact that these books are serial-length should not keep anyone from reading them, because, when put together, they add up to one big thumbs-up, and definite additions to my ‘recommends’ list.

Author Bio

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Holiday Review: Unwrapped by Maisey Yates- A Silver Creek Novel

Posted on 11/28/2014 by shellbellereads

Unwrapped

A Silver Creek Holiday Romance

By Maisey Yates

Synopsis

In USA Today bestselling author Maisey Yates’s latest Silver Creek Romance, a naughty Christmas wish turns into something so much more…

Kindergarten teacher Sarah Larsen has spent her whole life being the good girl. But now, she’s ready to do something bad. So wearing the shortest, tightest black dress she owns, she marches over to the nearest bar to fulfill her Christmas fantasy: a wild night with a total stranger.

Walker Callahan moved to Silver Creek to start fresh. He doesn’t want to bring his baggage into a relationship, so an evening of fun with the sexiest welcoming committee ever is just what he needs.
They were both in it for one night with no strings attached.. But when Sarah discovers that Walker is the father of her new student, things turn deliciously complicated. Can the cold winter nights thaw two frozen hearts?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tracey’s Review

Raised by her grandmother to believe that passion is a bad thing, and that men bring nothing but trouble, Sarah Larsen has led a sheltered life. Sarah’s determination to step outside of her box and experience life has led her to a bar and a shot of whiskey that she really doesn’t want. Enter one tall, dark, mysterious, and, oh, so handsome man. Walker Callahan has been living a loss-filled life for the past two years, but is in Silver Creek for a fresh start. And, boy, is he in the right place at the right time, because he’s about to get that in spades.

I love Maisey Yates, just love every single word that she writes. Every. Single. Word. She crafts dialogue that grabs me and puts me right down into the story, words that illustrate, define, and elicit responses. Her characters are real, people that have quirks and flaws and wicked senses of humor. They haven’t lived charmed lives, but they’re making the best of things, and changing each other along the way.

I started reading UNWRAPPED, expecting a sweet Christmas novella about the folks from Silver Creek, and I did get that. But I also got a whole lot of humor (really, I was laughing out loud, because these folks are funny, whether talking to each other, or inside their own heads), super-hot and steamy scenes, and love, so much love. Sarah and Walker are the perfect foils for each other, and the sparks between them turn very quickly into a full-on inferno. But their relationship is not just the physical one that each swears that they’re looking for, and it becomes apparent to them and the reader very early on. This little story was the perfect addition to my pile of holiday reads, and, as with any of Maisey’s books, has been added to my list of favorites.

Author Bio:
USA Today Bestselling romance writer with a penchant for coffee, sugared cereal, and alpha males. Three children, one husband, and too many dresses for my closet.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Review: Diamonds and Dust by Jessie Evans- Lonesome Point, Texas Series- Book 3

Posted on 11/28/2014 by shellbellereads

Diamonds and Dust

Lonesome Point, Texas Series- Book 3

By Jessie Evans

Synopsis

A sexy second chance romance from NYT and USA Today Bestselling author Jessie Evans

The home run neither of them expected…

Pike Sherman is a legend in Lonesome Point, a hometown boy who made it to the big leagues. Literally. Professional baseball acquired one hell of a pitching arm and its latest celebrity bad boy when the gifted Pike was drafted seven years ago. Pike’s broken heart came along for the ride, too, but he kept that private, and since leaving Lonesome Point has kept his distance from his hometown. But when Pike’s little sister, Mia, begs him to be the Dude of Honor at her wedding, he can’t refuse. He takes advantage of a break in the season and returns home to find himself thrown together with the one woman he never wanted to see again.

Tulsi Hearst is on the verge of losing her Equine Therapy business, and letting down all the kids she’s come to love. After a mix-up with the grant board, she needs to concentrate on finding more funding, not dealing with Pike Sherman, the boy she sacrificed so much for, and the one person she’s ever lied to. And what a lie it is… Pike would hate her if he found out. She knows she should stay far away from the brooding man her summer love has become, but Tulsi can’t resist a slow dance with the only boy who ever made her blood rush.

After just a few days back in Lonesome Point, Pike can’t imagine life without the girl he left behind, but when Tulsi’s secret is revealed, his heart is broken all over again. The only thing worse than losing Tulsi, is losing six years with the daughter he didn’t know he had.

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Tracey’s Review

With Pike Sherman back in town for his sister Mia’s wedding, it’s all Tulsi Hearst can do to keep it together. Not only was Pike Tulsi’s first and only love, she’s hiding one heck of a big secret that Pike absolutely cannot find out. She’ll just pretend like he didn’t break her heart seven years ago, smile for the wedding pictures, and then life can go back to normal. The best laid plans, and all that…

Pike is Lonesome Point’s golden boy, the one that made it big. When he left home, he was sure that he’d never be back. But life has a funny way of throwing us for a loop, and it takes all of a day or two to completely change Pike’s mind about things. Because in those couple of days, he sees Tulsi again, and realizes that it’s not as easy as he’d thought to leave the past behind.

Jessie Evans just keeps writing stories that I cannot help but fall absolutely in love with, and each one makes me say, ‘Oh, this is the best one yet!’ Her characters resonate because they are just so real, so like all of us. They’re not perfect, they make mistakes, they’re living normal lives as best they can. I think that one of my favorite things about reading DIAMONDS AND DUST, or any any book by Jessie, really, is that it feels like coming home. It is impossible to finish these books without a smile on my face, and to want to be part of a community like the one in Lonesome Point. Her heroes are always hot and sexy (and I think that Pike may well be my favorite so far!), which is really nice, but it’s their hearts that make them so special. These are men that are willing to admit when they’re wrong, to go after what they want, and to grab life by the horns and set things right. The women are written wonderfully as well; full of spunk and sass, these ladies don’t take any guff from anybody. Every one of them, from Tulsi, Mia, and Marisol, right down to Clementine and Mia’s Gram, are spitfires, and just make this a read that is immensely enjoyable.

If you’re a fan of books that bring old lovers together again, DIAMONDS AND DUST is a must-read, and is guaranteed to leave you wanting to read more by Jessie.

About Jessie Evans

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Jessie Evans, gave up a career as an international woman of mystery to write the sexy, contemporary Southern romances she loves to read.

She’s married to the man of her dreams, and together they’re raising a few adorable, mischievous children in a cottage in the jungle. She grew up in rural Arkansas, spending summers running wild, being chewed by chiggers, and now appreciates her home in a chigger-free part of the world even more.

When she’s not writing, Jessie enjoys playing her dulcimer (badly), sewing the worlds ugliest quilts to give to her friends, going for bike rides with her house full of boys, and drifting in and out on the waves, feeling thankful for sun, surf, and lovely people to share them with.

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Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

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Diamonds and Dust

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Diamonds and Dust

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