6000 Likes Giveaway over $375 in Books, Swag, eBooks, and Amazon Gift Cards (International Included)

Posted on 09/20/2014 by Saucy Southern Readers

We went to the signings and you told us what you wanted and now it’s time to celebrate. We are so thankful to all of you for following our blog, hanging out with us on Facebook, and reading and commenting on our reviews. We are excited to have teamed up with Caitlyn O’Leary, All Booked Out, After The Final Chapters, Two Book Pushers, A Literary Perusal, and Heart of Dixie RWA (thank you so much for the swag bags from the readers luncheon) to bring you this awesome giveaway. The signing junkies Kelley and Michel have purchased 90 percent of the books included in this giveaway themselves. Please give them a round of applause. The total value of this giveaway is over $375. We would also like to mention that there are a lot of small indie authors on this rafflecopter. Please give them a like or follow them on twitter. One of our goals is to help Indies get their books into readers hands and we thank you so much for supporting this effort by reading our reviews and blog posts. Thank You again for all your support. Smut Book Junkie Readers Rock!

Enter Here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Yes this giveaway is for real! Check out the books you are about to win:

Here is Kelley’s Half: (I will add Michel’s half in the morning)

Michel’s Contribution

Review: Unstoppable by Melody Grace- The Callahans Series- Book 3

Posted on 09/19/2014 by shellbellereads

Unstoppable

The Callahans- Book 3

By Melody Grace

Synopsis

“My daddy always told me you could never run out of second chances…”

Tegan Callahan has sworn off bad boys for good. Growing up on tour with her rock star brother, she knows first-hand the damage they can do. She’s looking for a nice, safe, stable guy – until a chance encounter with a devastatingly sexy stranger makes her question everything she thought she wanted.

A troubled soul…

Ryland James arrives in Beachwood Bay on the run from his mistakes. He knows he’s the last thing Tegan needs, but somehow, he can’t stay away. There’s something about her fierce beauty that draws him in – and makes him vow to protect her, whatever the cost.

A passionate destiny…

Their bond is undeniable; the stakes, higher than ever. But the past won’t stay gone forever, and soon, Ryland must make the ultimate choice: will he risk everything he treasures in the world, or keep Tegan safe – and sacrifice her love forever?

*This book contains adult situations and explicit content. 17+*

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tracey’s Review

Tegan Callahan is doing her best to come back from a year of heartbreak, a year of losing herself. Ryland James is ready to put his past behind him, to make a life that is permanent and real. Neither one would guess that a chance meeting in Las Vegas would bring them both everything that they’re looking for.

Melody Grace has a gift for writing characters that are complicated, that have pasts that are not perfect nor pretty. She is also gifted at crafting a story that shows the strength that is born out of such pain, and bringing imperfect people together to create a perfect whole. Her Beachwood Bay series has become one of my absolute favorites ever. The characters feel like old friends, and the sense of community draws me more deeply in each time I read about this lovely little town in coastal North Carolina. UNSTOPPABLE is the fifth book in this series, and is Tegan’s and Ryland’s story. I fell in love with Ryland from the moment he approached Tegan. He knows exactly what he wants, and he takes it, and Tegan, for all of her brokenness, gives back as good as she gets. Two people that have dealt with loss and pain, they smooth away the rough edges in each other, and allow real healing and growth to occur.

I feel like each installment in this series just gets better, and UNSTOPPABLE is no exception. I was hooked from the opening scene, and could not put it down. Watching the relationship between Tegan and Ryland unfold was both heartbreaking and uplifting, as well as, oh, my goodness, sexy as all getout. The heat between the two

of them is absolutely palpable, and had me fanning myself more than once. And getting to revisit and learn more about Brit, Hunter, Blake, and Zoey made the story even more real and rich. As with the rest of the Beachwood Bay books, I cannot recommend UNSTOPPABLE enough, and cannot wait to read UNWRITTEN, Zoey’s and Blake’s story.

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

ARC Review: Wickedly Dangerous by Deborah Blake- Baba Yaga Series- Book 1

Posted on 09/19/2014 by shellbellereads

Wickedly Dangerous

The Baba Yaga Series- Book 1

By Deborah Blake

Synopsis

Known as the wicked witch of Russian fairy tales, Baba Yaga is not one woman, but rather a title carried by a chosen few. They keep the balance of nature and guard the borders of our world, but don’t make the mistake of crossing one of them…

Older than she looks and powerful beyond measure, Barbara Yager no longer has much in common with the mortal life she left behind long ago. Posing as an herbalist and researcher, she travels the country with her faithful (mostly) dragon-turned-dog in an enchanted Airstream, fulfilling her duties as a Baba Yaga and avoiding any possibility of human attachment.

But when she is summoned to find a missing child, Barbara suddenly finds herself caught up in a web of deceit and an unexpected attraction to the charming but frustrating Sheriff Liam McClellan.

Now, as Barbara fights both human enemies and Otherworld creatures to save the lives of three innocent children, she discovers that her most difficult battle may be with her own heart…

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tracey’s Review

ARC copy provided by Publisher, via NetGalley, in return for a fair and honest review.

Bad things are happening in Dunville, NY. Children are disappearing, leaving the townfolk fearful and on edge. Sheriff Liam McLellan is at wit’s end, and quickly losing credibility, the longer he is unable to crack the case. The last thing he needs is to deal with a stranger in town, especially when everyone is suspicious already. Barbara Yager is obviously not a local. With her exotic looks and accent, an ever-changing Airstream camper, and a dog that looks more like a small bear, she’s sure to stir things up. Liam’s just not sure that he’s ready for all that that means.

Now, I don’t know about anyone else, but, for me, the idea of Baba Yaga conjures up images of a scary old crone, who wasn’t particularly fond of children. Deborah Blake, however, has taken the Baba Yaga mythology and run with it. WICKEDLY DANGEROUS is a well-written and engaging take on the folklore associated with the Russian witch. While there are definitely romantic aspects to the story, it really is more of a paranormal mystery, with epic characters (Day, Sun, and Knight are wonderful, and Chudo-Yudo steals scenes left and right) and a fast-paced plot that kept me turning the pages. It was impossible not to fall for Liam, broken and humble guy that he is, and to really root for Baba to give in to her human characteristics, as she experienced feelings that she’d never known before. I’m glad to say that WICKEDLY DANGEROUS is the first in a new series, and I can’t wait to see what Deborah Blake has in store for her readers.

Author Bio:

Author of seven non-fiction books from Llewellyn. Circle, Coven & Grove: A Year of Magickal Practice (2007), Everyday Witch A to Z (2008), The Goddess is in the Details (2009), Everyday Witch A to Z Spellbook (2010) Witchcraft on a Shoestring (2010), Everyday Witch Book of Rituals, and The Witch’s Broom. I am also the author of the Baba Yaga series from Berkley Romance, including Wickedly Magical (novella), Wickedly Dangerous, and Wickedly Wonderful.

I live in a 120 year old farmhouse in upstate NY with five cats, and run an artists’ cooperative shop when I’m not writing.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Review: Under His Wings by Naima Simone

Posted on 09/17/2014 by shellbellereads

Under His Wings

Dark Judgement Series- Book 1

By Naima Simone

Synopsis

Dark Judgment, Book One

Warrior, lover…savior. A winged avenger with chocolate feathers and lavender eyes haunts Tamar Ridgeway’s dreams—her erotic escape after surviving a horrible plane crash and enduring years of painful physical therapy. But fantasy becomes terrifying reality when she’s attacked by a mythical creature from her darkest nightmares. Now her sexy dream warrior is vowing to save her, whether she wants his protection or not.

Nicolai Abioud, judge and executioner of the hippogryph, is stunned when the woman he rescues is the same who submits to him nightly in his dreams…and a replica of his dead wife. He’s fascinated by her beauty and spirit, consumed by the craving to touch…to take. Yet he lost his one true bondmate five hundred years ago. And falling for a human—no matter how beautiful—is a foolish risk. But the choice to love may be snatched away. Danger is closing in. They must conquer their enemy and fears, or be doomed to lose the love of a millennium.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Tracey’s Review

Tamar Ridgeway has been through a lot in her young life. She’s well aware that darkness exists, so she has done her best to create a life that she loves to combat the despair and loneliness that she has dealt with. Nicolai Abioud is a true warrior, tasked with the responsibility of enforcing the law among the hippogryph race. When he and Tamar meet, everything that they believe about their worlds will be challenged.

Tamar and Nico have been meeting in their dreams for the past three years. Having suffered loss and dealt with an abusive relationship, Tamar finds solace, strength, passion, and acceptance in her nightly meetings with Nico. For Nico, Tamar is a reminder of his bondmate, the woman that he loved, who was taken from him by one of his own, a former friend and companion in the hippogryph elite. When circumstances arise that bring them together in the real world, they must work together to bring down the rogue hippogryph that threatens them both, and, at the same time, decide what they mean to each other. I am a big fan of paranormal romance, and so was thrilled to have the chance to read ‘Under His Wings.’ I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but the story grabbed me from the very beginning, and I couldn’t put it down. Naima Simone has taken a fantastical subject and created an engaging and enjoyable story that is not like any I’ve read. I look forward to reading more of this series.

Author Bio:

I was born the daughter of a sharecropper… Okay, maybe not. But I am the daughter of a pastor from whom I inherited my love of romance. The man can preach a mean Song of Solomon! (There’s that plug, Daddy! You can pay me later!)

Although my first book starred a cucumber named Fred, my first romance came several years later in the seventh grade, when I wrote myself as a heroine opposite Ralph Tresvant from New Edition. Through the power of my pen and imagination, Ralph took one look across a crowded stadium, met my dark, mysterious gaze, fell passionately in love, and serenaded me in front of millions of fans. Out of all the girls in the world, he chose me! And of course, we lived happily ever after–once we had the inevitable fight, aka black moment, and made up with a passionate declaration of love and fidelity. This same story reincarnated itself many times over the years: with Donnie Wahlberg from New Kids on the Block, Brad Pitt, Denzel Washington, and as recently as last night, Vin Diesel.

Though the characters have changed, my love of love has endured. Shaping the lives of unique men and women who experience the first hungry bites of lust, the dizzying heights of passion, and the tender, healing heat of love–nothing compares to it. Except maybe discovering new material for love scenes with my husband, the head of Research & Development!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Review: Saddles and Sins by Jesse Evans

Posted on 09/16/2014 by shellbellereads

Saddles and Sins

Lonesome Point Series- Book 2

By Jessie Evans

Synopsis

A sinfully sexy romance from New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Jessie Evans.

Even sweet cowboys have a sinful side…

Robert Lawson–Bubba to his friends–is six feet, four inches of tall, dark, and handsome cowboy, with a panty-melting voice and a face made to launch a country music career. But when his family’s ranch hands go down with the flu, Robert cancels his high-profile auditions in Austin, and returns home to Lonesome Point to help out. Fortune and fame are all well and good, but family and friends come first. Besides, he’s ready to enjoy some off-the-clock time with his manager, a woman who has him dying to show her what a good man can do to a woman when he’s given permission to be bad.

Marisol Medina has been looking for her golden ticket since she became a country music manager. A scandal with one of her clients nearly destroyed her, but now she’s close to launching an artist who will make her career. Robert Lawson has it all–talent, charisma, and a naughty side that flicks all of Marisol’s kinkier switches. But Robert is off limits. She refuses to mix business and pleasure, even if it will be hell resisting temptation while spending a week at the Lawson family ranch, doing her best to convince Robert to ditch the saddle and embrace his future as a star.

But as Marisol and Robert grow closer and the passion between them ignites, Marisol must decide if fear is stronger than love, or if a chance at forever is worth breaking all her rules.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tracey’s Review

Life is about to change for Robert ‘Bubba’ Lawson in a very big way. The success he’s long dreamed of is on the horizon, and there is no one he’d rather share it with than Marisol Medina. Marisol, Bubba’s manager, is a real pepper pot, a go-getter with a feisty attitude and the drive to help Bubba break into the country music scene. She also happens to drive him wild, and the feeling is very mutual.

I cannot even put into words the love that I feel for Robert ‘Bubba’ Lawson. Jessie Evans has written a sweet and sexy cowboy that, if possible, is even hotter than all of her previous men, and that’s saying quite a lot! I mean, swoon city. Not only is Bubba an awesome friend, as he showed us in ‘Leather and Lace’ (Lonesome Point Book 1), he is also a genuinely nice guy. Did I mention that he’s panty-meltingly hot? And talented? And smart? And quite possibly the most fabulous boyfriend ever?

I picked up this book and, as with all of Jessie’s books, could NOT put it down. Once I really met Bubba, there was nothing to do but hang on for the ride as he swept Marisol off her feet and broke down every wall that she tried to put up. He is not afraid to lay everything out there, and to make Marisol’s not-so-vanilla fantasies a reality. For real, where can I get my own Bubba? I’m afraid that Jessie may have spoiled me for other book boyfriends…I obviously cannot say enough about how much I loved Saddles and Sins, and I absolutely cannot wait for Tulsi’s and Pike’s story in Diamonds and Dust.

The Lonesome Point, Texas series. Hot Texas days, hotter Texas nights:

LEATHER AND LACE

SADDLES AND SIN

DIAMONDS AND DUST

GLITTER AND GRIT

About the Author

Jessie Evans gave up a career as an international woman of mystery to write the sassy, Southern romances, and sexy, New Adult 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 tree house in the boonies. 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 wandering the woods, glass of wine and camera in hand, on the lookout for Bigfoot.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Day Blitz + Review: Dire by Alyssa Rose Ivy- Dire Wolf Chronicles-Book 1

Posted on 09/15/2014 by shellbellereads

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We are so excited to bring you the Release Day Launch for Alyssa Rose Ivy’s DIRE. DIRE is a first novel in her The Dire Wolves Chronicles Series.The Dire Wolves Chronicles Series is a New Adult Paranormal Romance! The Order of the books is: Dire, Dusk, Dawn. We can’t tell you enough how excited we are for Alyssa’s newest series, The Dire Wolves Chronicles!!

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Excerpt:

A single howl made me stop short. “The wolves!”

“Let’s hope they are farther away than they sound.” Gage tightened his hold on my hand and pulled me forward.

Three more howls filled the night. “They sound closer.”

We picked up the pace, and I chanced a glance behind me. That was a mistake. Several large grey wolves came into view. “Run!”

Gage didn’t need to be told twice. He broke into a run without letting go of my hand.

I ran as fast as possible over the frozen snow, but we didn’t get far before the wolves started circling around us. “Oh my god.” Could things get any worse?

“You have to make a run for it.” Gage’s voice quivered. “They’re going to kill us.”

“I’m not leaving you.” I tried to stay strong, and I kept my eyes locked on the wolves. There were five of them. All of them were massive, much larger than any wolf I’d seen before, but one of them was even bigger and had a large silver streak running down its back. That wolf seemed to be staring right at me.

“I’ll distract them. You run. I’ll catch up.”

I spotted an opening next to one of the smaller of the wolves and went for it. I didn’t make it far before one of the wolves stepped in front of me. I froze, paralyzed with fear, before my legs were knocked from under me. Suddenly, I was lying in the snow with a giant wolf hovering over me.

“We’re fucked.” Gage voiced exactly what I was thinking.

The silver streaked wolf stared down at me. It’s almost glowing eyes bored into mine. Was I really going to die as half-frozen food for a giant wild animal?

Then things got hazy and the air seemed to buzz. Moments later it wasn’t a wolf on top of me—it was a man. A completely naked man with a faint scar across his face.

“What the heck?” I tried to scurry back, but Hunter didn’t move. His very exposed parts nearly touched me. I didn’t want to notice his size, but I did. He was huge. He also didn’t look remotely concerned with the cold.

His lips brushed against my ear. “Were you going somewhere?”

About DIRE:

Dire: The Dire Wolves Chronicles

Gage was the first guy I ever wanted. He was my first crush and my first fantasy, but he wasn’t my first in any other way because he never saw me as anything more than a friend— at least not until the night that changed everything.

It was all Gage’s fault. He insisted we drive through the storm and take the back roads. By the time the storm hit full force we had no chance. One night of snowbound sex changed our relationship forever. The problem was at the same time I caught another guy’s attention. This other guy happened to be the alpha of a pack of shifter wolves. I thought the wolves were the worst of my problems, but I was wrong. When things went from bad to worse I had to make a lifelong sacrifice to save Gage, but what price is too much to save the one you love?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tracey’s Review

‘Dire’ is the first book in a new series by Alyssa Rose Ivy. It is being marketed as New Adult paranormal romance, but, in all honesty, it reads more like a Young Adult novel with more graphic sex written in. I had a hard time keeping up with the storyline in Dire, feeling like it was sort of all over the place. The book started off promisingly enough, with the relationship between Mary Anne and Gage being introduced as the main plotline. Once Hunter and his ‘family’ entered the scene, though, and especially with the introduction of Vanessa, the book pretty much fell apart for me. It just seemed forced and unrealistic, even by paranormal standards. The characters were a bit one-dimensional, and there was just too much going on for the story to mesh. Since this is the first in a new series, I would hazard a guess that ‘Dire’ serves as the set-up for the books that will come after, and really hope that Alyssa is able to tighten up subsequent entries in this series. I have enjoyed reading her books in the past, and am interested to see what she does with this series in the future.

About Alyssa Rose Ivy:

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway : Dare To Submit by Carly Phillips

Posted on 09/12/2014 by shellbellereads

Dare To Submit

By Carly Phillips

Synopsis

“Carly Phillips is synonymous with red-hot romance and passionate love.” Lauren Blakely, NY Times Bestselling Author

“Steamy, sexy and emotionally charged. Carly’s most erotic book to date.” J. Kenner, NY Times Bestselling Author

Decklan Dare knows about the unexpected loss of loved ones and for this reason, he values control in all areas of his life. Amanda Collins enjoys the freedom she finds in casual encounters without the emotional connection a relationship brings. They meet and their physical attraction is mutual but both experience feelings that could run deeper – if they drop their guard and let each other in. Decklan is first to trust, but when he discovers the secret Amanda’s been hiding, will he forgive? Or will he rebuild every wall before she has a chance to explain? (love story, contemporary romance, alpha heroes, beach reads, cop hero, bad boys, billionaire)

DARE TO LOVE series
Book 1: Dare to Love (Ian & Riley)
Book 2: Dare to Desire (Alex & Madison)
Book 3: Dare to Surrender (Gabe & Isabelle)
Book 4: Dare to Submit (Decklan & Amanda)
* Each book does stand alone for your reading enjoyment.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Excerpt

He put his phone back in his pocket just as Max arrived, settling into his usual seat. “I have to say, for a man who insists he’s not going to renew his membership, you’re here all the time lately.”

Max knew exactly why Decklan was here, so there was no point in answering.

“If she does show, at least tell me you’ve got a plan?” Max said, pushing as usual.

“I have no fucking clue.”

“Well I hope you get one.” Max slapped him on the back. “I see Emmy giving me the eye. I’m going to go remind her who’s the Dom,” he said. “You ought to find a sub and do the same.”

“Have fun,” Decklan said, ignoring the suggestion. He wasn’t in the mood. Hadn’t been for a long time, but especially since that night. Since Amanda.

He glanced around the room, familiar with all the spaces and places in the club. The St Andrews cross on the wall was occupied, a dark haired female getting pleasure from absorbing pain. His gaze slid onward. A group of men sitting and talking, their subs at their feet. A quick look confirmed she wasn’t one of them. His emotions were already frayed tonight and if he found her with someone else, he couldn’t promise himself he’d keep a handle on his temper.

He ordered a Glen Livet on the rocks and tried to put his night with her in perspective. Chemistry. They’d had that in spades. But there was something more to her. A strength combined with a vulnerability he didn’t see often. They’d clicked in bed and out. He’d had fun with her, a word he never associated with sex. And most importantly, the thing that unnerved him the most, she tempted him to want her touch. To free her from the restraints so he could feel her soft hands on his cock, her nails at his back, and her arms wrapped securely around him.

Shit. He shouldn’t be here. Didn’t need that kind of intensity and seriousness in his life.

She wasn’t here again, something he took as a sign. Definitely time to go.

He stood, pushed back his chair, turned and saw Amanda paused at the threshold to the main room. His breath left on a whoosh of air, the unexpected sight of her when he’d all but given up, a shock to his system.

Over the last few weeks, he wondered if he’d over exaggerated the memory of her affect on him. No such luck.

Her head bowed, hands clasped together, she was clearly working up the nerve to enter. And every muscle in his body tightened at the sight.

She finally lifted her gaze and glanced around the room, her stare lingering on various places and people, just as he’d done earlier. And then she looked towards the bar. The sounds around him, the people, the lights, everything dimmed. There was only her.

Whatever it was, it was still there.

He’d waited for this moment and now that it was here? Decklan had never backed away from a challenge. He wasn’t about to do so now.

Breathe, breathe, breathe, Amanda told herself. But the very sight of Decklan was both a relief and sent her into panic mode at the same time. His dark eyes slid over her and for a brief second, she feared he was going to dismiss her. She’d unravel if he did.

Then he rose and slowly walked across the room. All the air left her lungs. She hadn’t imagined one thing about him or the intense physical attraction he inspired. Today he wore the same type of outfit, black denim and a black tee-shirt that hugged his masculine, well defined body. She had no doubt he worked out and she still wanted to feel those hard muscles beneath her hands. If he’d let her.

He strode up, so close she was enveloped in his delicious scent, and all her strategic female parts went on red alert. Her nipples suddenly ached for hands, his mouth, his teeth.

“Tell me you came here for me,” he said, not beating around the bush. At all.

Tracey’s Review

Decklan Dare likes control. He wants and needs to be the one holding it. Amanda Collins desires the freedom that comes with letting someone else be in control, the escape that comes with submission. When the two of them come together, boundaries will be tested and redrawn.

Carly Phillips, thank you, thank you, thank you. I have read and loved every single one of the DARE series, and have found each and every one of the Dare men hot and sexy. But Decklan, oh, my goodness, Decklan. Maybe it’s that he’s a man in uniform. Or that he knows what he wants when it comes to women and is DEFINITELY not shy about letting them know. Or that he loves his family completely and would do anything for them. Okay, it’s everything about this guy. He is the total package, except, well, he’s definitely not looking for the ‘C’ word. You know, commitment. He knows all too well that the ones you love can be ripped from you with no warning. He’s been through it, and is determined to guard his heart to prevent feeling that loss ever again. But, the heart wants what the heart wants, and his wants Amanda.

I love the relationship between Decklan and Amanda. Despite being adamant that he doesn’t ‘do’ relationships, he is hyper-protective from their first encounter. He sees how her self-esteem has been damaged by those closest to her, and will do anything to assure her that she is precious. And Amanda truly understands Decklan, and sees how he has come to the place that he’s in emotionally. They are like the perfect yin yang, the perfect fit for each other.

DARE TO SUBMIT is five hot and sexy stars for me, and I cannot wait for DARE TO TOUCH, Olivia’s book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips has written over 40 sexy contemporary romance novels that today’s readers identify with and enjoy. After a successful 15 year career with various New York publishing houses, Carly is making the leap to Indie author, with the goal of giving her readers more books at a faster pace at a better price. Her Serendipity books will still finish up in January/February 2014 via Berkley as planned. Carly lives in Purchase, NY with her family, two nearly adult daughters and two crazy dogs who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. She’s a writer, a knitter of sorts, a wife, and a mom. In addition, she’s a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon Author Page

Giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/651102d348/

Review: Cover Me by Carrie Elliott- True North Series- Book 1

Posted on 09/11/2014 by shellbellereads

Cover Me

True North Series- Book 1

By Carrie Elliott

Synopsis

Derek Bast, always has the final say. In business and in his personal life, things are done his way, or not at all. So when a scathing review of his new band is published in The Scene and has his record producer second guessing his artistic choices, his band mate trying to call the shots, and Bast’s manager convinced he’s impossible to work with, it’s time to hunt down the source of his problems: Bess Halprin, reviewer for The Scene, the girl next door growing up, and his ex-best friend since senior year when she decided to hate him for no reason.

The last person Bess Halprin wants to see standing in the lobby of The Scene is Derek Bast. Unfortunately, she can’t deny that the last nine years look damn good on him. She expected to hate him. She didn’t expect the way he can still tug at her emotions, or the way his kiss—and his hands—set her on fire. Bess should’ve kept her distance, because Bast was right when he guessed her review was written for revenge. The problem is, to this day he has no idea what he did—how he screwed her over their senior year. The bigger problem? She’s giving him the opportunity to do it again, because she never could resist him.

When circumstances bring them both home to Santa Cruz, Bast earns his way into the heart of the girl next door, but when they return to L.A. and real life rushes in, will he be able to keep her this time or are the mistakes in their past destined to be repeated?

Buy: Amazon

True North Reading Order

Cover Me

Listen To Me

Ex- boy band pop star, Adrian, was only supposed to be a fling, not a relationship. Now the celebrity gossip reporters are saying that Karen, the older woman who seduced him into giving her a job as his assistant, has trapped him in her cougar claws by getting knocked up! Fine, she’s a few years older, but hardly a cougar. And she might have gained a lot of baby weight, but NO, she’s not having twins, so stop reporting it!

Four weeks out from her due date, Karen is freaking the freak out. How did this happen? How can Adrian, the guy her friends dubbed an unholy emotional robot for his lack of letting anything get to him, take fatherhood seriously? How could having a baby not ruin the career of a man young women lust over? How could he be anyone’s dad and how could she be a mom when she can’t even keep a fish alive?

But when Adrian says, “It’s all good, babe. I’ve got it covered,” Karen should listen to him.

Buy: Amazon

Tracey’s Review

Derek Bast is a rock god. The former lead singer of Generic Obsession, he’s set to make some new music as part of Unholy Union. Until the review. THAT review. The one written by Bess Halprin, Derek’s former friend and neighbor. But this isn’t the same Bess that used to listen to his music from her bedroom window. No, this is another Bess altogether, one that is all grown up, ready to let the world know just what she thinks of Derek Bast.

I really enjoyed COVER ME. I’m always a fan of books with rocker boys, and of best friends to more, too. Derek is one hot-as-heck guy, but what I really liked most about him was how quickly he realized that he wanted to be with Bess, and the lengths that he was willing to go to to show her what she meant to him. Bess is awesome. She’s feisty, smart, and is not about to fall at Derek’s feet now that he’s famous. Because she’s been down that road once before, dreaming of Derek as more than just the boy next door, and giving him her trust and her heart. But he did something to betray that trust, and she is absolutely dead set against allowing him to break her heart again. Now she’s kicking ass and taking names, a successful woman that will not be swayed by sweet talk and hot passion.

Carrie Elliot has done a fantastic job of crafting a relationship between Derek and Bess that is sassy, provocative, and hot, while still showing the sweetness of a longtime familiarity. The fact that they’re able to go back and address past hurts and their current attraction really adds to the story, and it’s easy to see why Derek and Bess fall so easily back into their old relationship. I did feel at times like Bess’ insistence that Derek figure out himself what he’d done to hurt her was going overboard, but the way that he figured it out really was important to the story moving forward, and made the follow-up much more sincere. And, in case you were wondering, there are plenty of super-hot and sexy scenes here. I mean, fan yourself hot. Hot flash hot. Phew.

I always feel lucky when I get a gem like COVER ME, one that enchants me beyond my expectations, and leaves me eager to read more by the author. I highly recommend this book, and look forward to reading more from Carrie Elliot.

Author Bio:

Carrie Elliott lives in Ohio with her family, loves going to movies that make her cry and has an ice cream addiction–we won’t mention the coffee and chocolate! She’s the author of the True North Series, Cover Me and Listen To Me now available, Resist Me coming Fall 2014. Find her on Twitter and Facebook and make sure to subscribe to Carrie’s newsletter for exclusive giveaways, content, sneak peeks at covers and more!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Review: When We Collide by A. L. Jackson

Posted on 09/10/2014 by shellbellereads

When We Collide

By A. L. Jackson

Synopsis

From the New York Times Bestselling Author of Lost to You and Take This Regret comes a gripping new tale of loss and love.

William has spent six years running from his past and the last eight months trying to rid his mind of the dreams that increasingly haunt his nights. Trapped in a world of false ambitions and feigned affections, William knows he’s reached a breaking point and something’s going to give.

Maggie had lived her entire life without hope until one man showed her what it meant to be loved. He’d been her light in a lifetime of darkness. Six years ago, that darkness stole him away. Without him, she’s surrendered herself to an existence she doesn’t know how to escape.

When the family William left behind is struck by tragedy, he is called back to the one place he’s sworn to never return to again. In a moment that will change his life forever, William comes face to face with the girl who, with one look, captured his heart. He is unable to ignore the buried desires and the hope for the future they’d once believed they’d have.

Now William is ready to fight to take back what had been stolen from him six years before. But he never imagined what that fight might cost him.

A.L. Jackson gives you an intimate look into the lives of a family bound by an unseen connection in this new contemporary romance.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tracey’s Review

William Marsch fell in love with Maggie Krieger from the time that he first saw her. From that first moment, he wanted nothing more than to protect her from the violence that she had known her entire life, to show her just how precious she really was. And for a short time, he and Maggie shared their secret love, until it was ripped away, leaving him empty and angry, and Maggie a victim to continued violence. When William returns home six years later, passions are reignited, and he will stop at nothing to reclaim Maggie.

There are books that stay with you, books that you cannot stop reading, even though your heart is breaking. WHEN WE COLLIDE is just that sort of book. A.L. Jackson has taken some really tough subject matter, and infused it with passion, grace, and perseverance. I absolutely could not put this book down; it owned me from the very first page. There are things going on in WHEN WE COLLIDE that are called ‘triggers,’ so I expected this to be a dark and angsty read. I was not prepared for how very beautifully it was handled, and how very vividly real these characters and their story became for me. The fact that a love story could emerge from so bleak a panorama speaks to A.L.’s prowess as an author. I look forward to reading everything else that she writes, and unhesitatingly give this book five stars.

Author Bio:

A.L. Jackson first found a love for writing during her days as a young mother and college student. She filled the journals she carried with short stories and poems used as an emotional outlet for the difficulties and joys she found in day-to-day life.

Years later, she shared a short story she’d been working on with her two closest friends and, with their encouragement, this story became her first full length novel. A.L. now spends her days writing in Southern Arizona where she lives with her husband and three beautiful children. Her favorite pastime is spending time with the ones she loves.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Day Blitz : Chasing The Sun by Nikki Mathis Thompson

Posted on 09/09/2014 by shellbellereads

Chasing the Sun

By Nikki Mathis Thompson

Synopsis:

When Ian Radcliffe gets the opportunity to leave town to consult on the project of his career he’s

think twice. He loads his dog and guitar into the back of the Jeep and flips Dallas the bird as it becomes a speck in his rearview.

A change of scenery, that’s just what he needs. His heart isn’t broken anymore, just sore. He thought he’d found the one in Katrine MacNamara, but unfortunately she thought he was number two.

He wasn’t a rich businessman, or a rockstar…he was just an architect. He believed in love, family, and friendship. Some might call him the ‘nice guy’. He always thought so— do the right thing, protect the bullied, return your mom’s calls.

When two dynamic women enter his life in this new city the lines of friendship, sex, and love are blurred, his world of black and white becomes a little more gray.

Will the heartbroken become the heartbreaker?

Readers fell in love with Ian in Rebound and Resilient. This is his story and his chance at a love of his own. It won’t come easy, like he always thought it would. But nothing good comes easy…at least nothing worthwhile.

Hold onto your hammocks girls, your favorite nice guy is taking center stage. It’s Ian’s turn to get the girl…or two.

Chasing the Sun is a 40,000 word novella, and although this is a spinoff of the Rebound series, it can be read as a stand alone.

Buy: Amazon

Tracey’s Review

Having just lost the girl he loves, and feeling like nice guys finish last, Ian Radcliffe wants to get the heck out of Dodge, or, well, Dallas. With his guitar and his dog, Ruby, in tow, Ian heads for Austin for a 3-month work project, with hopes that a change of scenery will heal his broken heart. Once settled in his new life, Ian finds plenty to fill his time, and two different women to help him with his heart.

Likeable characters, an engaging storyline, and a friends-to-lovers romance are generally a recipe for a good book, and CHASING THE SUN is no exception. Although there are two prior books and a novella in this series, I didn’t feel like I was missing out on backstory at all. Nikki Mathis Thompson has written a book that is both easy to read and completely entertaining. I must admit though, that Ian made me want to kick him in the head a few times. I got that he had been burned, and so wasn’t really looking to commit, but, for a 36-year-old man, he just came off as extremely cavalier and sometimes immature. By the end of the book, though, he had redeemed himself and won me over. I absolutely LOVE Trey. She’s the chick that I would want to hang out with, and she can more than hold her own with Ian. The world definitely needs more Treys. Rory, Maddie, and the rest of the supporting characters bring a lot of fun and uniqueness to CHASING THE SUN, and made this a book that I did not want to put down. It also made me want to go back and read the rest of the REBOUND series, and I am looking forward to the final installment of the series, due out at the end of 2014.

Nikki Thompson Bio:

Nikki Mathis Thompson spent her formative years singing, dancing and creating her own world of make-believe. From an early age she developed a love of reading that has grown exponentially to near addiction. She has a business degree from the University of Texas at Dallas. Her degree looks great in the frame, but hasn’t been utilized in years. She gladly left the cubicle life behind to raise her daughter and a son was added to the mix some years later. You can ﬁnd her devouring a book while drinking a glass of wine, doing her part to save the planet or lip- synching to her favorite songs while running through her suburb. She lives outside of Dallas with her family. Rebound is her ﬁrst novel.

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Author Goodreads

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