Pre Release + Excerpt + Review + Giveaway: Close To You by Kristen Proby – Fusion Series – Book 2

Posted on 08/06/2016 by shellbellereads

Kristen Proby is known for writing heartfelt characters with deep connections and sizzling passion. In her brand new Fusion Series from William Morrow, she seduces readers’ senses with the sexy, contemporary romance in which five best friends open a hot new restaurant together. Today, we are thrilled to bring you CLOSE TO YOU, the second book in the Fusion Series! CLOSE TO YOU brings readers the next story in this amazing cast of characters. Pre-order your copy of CLOSE TO YOU today and check out the special offer below!

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby comes the second novel in her sizzling Fusion series.

Camilla, “Cami,” LaRue was five-years-old when she first fell in love with Landon Palazzo. Everyone told her the puppy love would fade—they clearly never met Landon. When he left after graduation without a backward glance, she was heartbroken. But Cami grew up, moved on, and became part-owner of wildly popular restaurant Seduction. She has everything she could want…or so she thinks.

After spending the last twelve years as a Navy fighter pilot, Landon returns to Portland to take over the family construction business. When he catches a glimpse of little Cami LaRue, he realizes she’s not so little any more. He always had a soft spot for his little sister’s best friend, but nothing is soft now when he’s around the gorgeous restauranteur.

Landon isn’t going to pass up the chance to make the girl-next-door his. She’s never been one for romance, but he’s just the one to change her mind. Will seduction be just the name of her restaurant or will Cami let him get close enough to fulfill all her fantasies?

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________________________________

Excerpt

~Landon~

“Are you going to write this down?”

“I’m making notes,” I reply, and tap my head, indicating that I’ll remember what she says.

“Well, that’s comforting,” she mumbles, and turns away, making me smile. Cami has always been funny. She’s giving and kind, and we once had a special friendship. I don’t remember a time when I didn’t want her. Had she been a couple of years older, there was a time when I would have pursued her romantically, but then I went into the Navy, and she got married, and life carried on. It’s not right for a man to continue to call and send letters to a married woman, no matter how much it kills him that she belongs to another man. So we drifted apart.

Suddenly she stops pacing, links her fingers nervously together, and sighs. “Landon, I wanted to thank you for coming home when Mom and Daddy died.”

I stare at her for a moment, then shake my head, shove my hands in my pockets, and shuffle my feet. “You don’t have to thank me for that.”

“Yeah, I do.” She nods. “It was a weird time, and having you here was . . . well, comforting.”

“I’m glad. How are you?”

“Better,” she says, and smiles. “A lot has happened in the few years since then.”

It’s been a few years? I had no idea. Time sure goes fast.

“The restaurant keeps all of us busy.” She takes a deep breath and looks around the empty space.

“Speaking of, I think a row of booths, like the existing ones we have, would be beautiful over here,” she says, gesturing to the far wall. She continues to share her vision, her eyes shining with excitement.

She’s professional and animated, and I can’t look away from her. I never could. The dimple in her cheek winks when she grins, talking about the need for a larger storage space in the back. Her hair is up in a simple ponytail, and she’s in jeans, sneakers, and a sweatshirt.

She still looks sixteen.

But when she turns, and her sweatshirt molds against her body, she’s anything but a kid. She’s all woman.

Beautiful, stunning, amazing woman.

“Seriously, you’re not paying attention to me,” she grumbles.

“Oh, I’m paying attention,” I reply. Maybe not the way she wants, but I’m paying attention. “How are you and the cat getting along?”

She frowns. “He’s taken over my house.”

“He likes you. You’re a likable girl.” I shrug and watch as her frown deepens, then she shakes her head.

“We’re talking about work.”

“I think, for the first meeting, we did good,” I reply, and glance about the room. “What used to be in here?”

“A toy store,” she replies. “I guess most people buy stuff online these days.”

“I think I can raise the ceiling in here,” I say, studying the drop ceiling. “I can make it match your existing ceiling, open it up a bit.”

“Good. I don’t know why they made it lower.”

“Probably to save on heating costs.”

“Raising it will be much better.” She’s nodding, hands on hips, slowly sauntering around. “Can we match the floors too?”

“That shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Awesome.” She pauses, smiles, and claps her hands. “I’m so excited!”

“Even if I’m your contractor?” I ask, and reach out to tug on her hair, but she ducks out of my way.

“I guess I can deal with you.”

“You like me.” The crush she’s had on me since we were kids has never been a secret. I managed to keep mine hidden, but Cami never did.

“You’re okay.” She shrugs and chuckles, and for the first time that I can remember, she’s not looking at me with that sparkle in her eyes, and I’m not sure what to do about that. Or if I even should do anything about that.

But I fucking miss it.

Tracey’s Review

“I didn’t think I believed in soul mates…It’s always sounded like a romantic notion for movies and books, but I’ve realized that a soul mate isn’t someone who just slips into your life and one day you realize, Oh, there you are. It’s the person that you measure time against.”

For Cami LaRue, Landon Palazzo has always been more than just her best friend’s older brother. For as long as she can remember, there’s been something between them, something more, but the timing was never right, and time and years separated them. Now that Landon is back home in Portland, though, things are different, and feelings long buried are brought to light.

CLOSE TO YOU is the second book in Kristen’s new Fusion series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Kristen’s ability to write a group of characters that make you want to join right in with them and hang out is one of the first things that drew me to her books way back in the With Me In Seattle days, and Cami and her circle of friends are another great example of this.

Love, family, and friendship always play a big role in Kristen’s books, with stories interwoven, but not necessarily dependent upon each other. The characters in the Fusion series truly are family, friends that have known each other so long that it’s like they’re one big clan. Although they are each fine on their own, with strong support systems, and their own lives, Cami and Landon are truly just what each other needs. Being able to finally explore the feelings that they have both tamped down for so long feels like the most natural thing in the world for them, and seeing them find their ‘other’ and get to their HEA is so rewarding.

One of my most favorite things about Kristen’s writing is her scenes when everyone is pretty much unguarded and letting their hair down, so to speak, and CLOSE TO YOU has plenty of those moments. The five ladies of Fusion are great foils for each other, and seeing such a strong and enduring friendship between these women is refreshing and uplifting. As well, Kristen’s men are both strong yet tender, and Landon is a definite keeper (I mean, seriously, that quote, though!). His love and eloquence when it comes to Cami are downright swoon-inducing, and I thank Kristen for writing him in such a realistic and human way.

CLOSE TO YOU is, at heart, a book designed to give us the HEA we readers are looking for, and Kristen is absolutely on her mark. 4.5 romantic, steamy, friend-to-lovers stars for this book. I can’t wait to see what the remaining ladies of Fusion are in for, and look forward to each of them in the near future.

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

P reorder CLOSE TO YOU, fill out this form, and receive an email with the Exclusive Short Story, GROW WITH ME, featuring Will and Meg from Kristen Proby’s PLAY WITH ME in the With Me in Seattle Series after Release Week!

And Don’t Miss the First Novel in the Fusion Series, LISTEN TO ME!

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About Kristen Proby:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle and Love Under the Big Sky series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong, humorous characters with a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves.

Kristen lives in Montana, where she enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.

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Cover Reveal + Giveaway: All Her Men by Brina Cary

Posted on 08/06/2016 by Saucy Southern Readers

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Blurb:

2015 was a turbulent time…

As the world anxiously watched, Scotland voted for political freedom from England.

With the vote, frumpy Amelia MacRory became Scotland’s only hope. As the last direct descendant of Mary Queen of Scots, fire ran in Amelia’s blood. Only she could defend the rights of the people. After being kidnapped from her American home in the dead of night—and almost killed in the process—she was forced to become Queen of Scotland. And as a killer closes in, the Royal Scottish Guards must step in and protect her — whether she likes it or not.

Can she survive a world of intrigue, subterfuge, and assassins that have been designed to bring down the newly independent country? Or will she lose it all—including the man she loves…?

Excerpt:

A glint in the trees off to the left of her house proved his worst fears realized… They were not the only ones hunting Amelia. They had to move quickly.

“Shooter in the woods! Go! Go! Go!”

Jacob swung his door open and took off towards the assassin. He had to get there first. They could not let the shooter make it to the house. It would throw their plan into chaos. The future would be lost.

Jacob stealthily ran across the road. The shooter would know that they were there soon. Will and Darren were not far behind him. The shooter was moving towards the house. However; something caught his eye. Bringing him to a momentary halt. There was another glint in a tree…

Two shooters!

He turned slightly and motioned Will to the house. His brother would see to the woman. He and Darren would take care of the shooters.

Holding the gun in front of him he aimed towards the shooter in the tree. A light came on in the upstairs of the house. The shooter was aiming towards the bedroom. Towards the woman, Amelia.

Jacob fired.

Author Bio:

Brina Cary is a world weary traveler who has been to such faraway places as Guam, Singapore, Hong Kong, Jebel Ali, Bahrain, etc. through a tour in the US Navy. While growing up surrounded by poverty Brina began to dream of the different avenues her life could take. She joined the Navy out of high school to find out what she wanted in life and have a bit of an adventure. Since then that adventure has taken her down the road to martial arts, private investigations, forensic anthropology, financial analysis, arson investigation, Egyptian curses, myths and legends, etc. Brina uses all this experience in her writing to create adventures for her readers!

Brina Cary is a member of RWA and the following RWA Chapters: Southern Magic, Celtic Hearts, Kiss of Death, and FF&P. She is also a member of Sisters in Crime and their Guppies Chapter.

Links:

Amazon Author: amazon.com/author/brinacary

Twitter: www.twitter.com/brina99cary

Facebook: www.facebook.com/brina99cary

Instagram: brinacary

WordPress: www.brinacaryauthor.wordpress.com

www.goodreads.com/BrinaCary

Giveaway:

Like Brina Cary author on Facebook and comment on this post for your chance to win a mystery gift card!

https://www.facebook.com/brina99cary/?fref=ts

Cover Reveal: Stripped Down by Emma Hart

Posted on 08/05/2016 by shellbellereads

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What do you get when you mix a bottle of tequila, a single mom moonlighting as a stripper, and her sinfully sexy boss with an impulsive side?

Married. You get married.

Rich. Demanding. Hot. Crazy.

That was Beckett Cruz in a nutshell.

Not to mention wild, determined, dangerous, and forbidden.

He was my boss—and, after a drunken moment of insanity, my new husband.

An annulment was impossible… so was keeping him.

I was taking my daughter and leaving, determined to give her a quieter life.

But Beckett Cruz had never taken no for an answer.

And he wasn’t about to take mine.

What happens in Vegas… might just keep you there.

Pre-order
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Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000035_00022]

EXCERPT

“Beck?” I managed to get his name out just before he opened the front door.

“Yeah?” He spun back to face me, his dark eyes unreadable.

I turned my face to the side so I could see him fully. “You don’t have to go,” I said softly. “You can stay. Only if you want to though.”

He rubbed his hand down his face, his eyes never leaving mine, then walked back into the kitchen toward me. I stood up away from the fridge as he stopped right next to me.

Slowly, he touched his hand to my face, his fingertips teasing my hairline. His dark gaze searched mine, and my heart jumped into my throat as the usual tingles his touch sparked danced down my neck. Then, he slid his hand into my hair, allowing the blonde strands to fall away from his fingertips.

“Do I want to go home to my big-ass house with its cold emptiness?” he asked in a low voice. “Or go to the club where half the girls there still see me as a mountain to be conquered? Not particularly, Blondie. I’d rather stay here. Even if there will be a demand for movies and water and foot rubs from a tiny, sick person.”

“You can.” My voice was quiet, like his. Even if my internal screams from self-preservation and vulnerability were deafeningly loud as they told me I was a fool, that he had

to go, that this would never be enough for him.

“Do you want me to?” His question was… honest.

Raw.

Hesitant.

Like he didn’t want me to answer.

“Do I want you to stay here in my tiny house so my daughter can fall more in love with you than she already is? Not really. But…” Don’t be a fool, Cassie. Don’t admit you want him to stay. He’s just going to hurt you. “I don’t exactly want you to go either.”

“For her, or for you?”

“I don’t want to answer that question.”

“If I kissed you right now, would you ram your knee into my cock?”

“I’d briefly consider it, but I probably wouldn’t do it.”

His lips twitched to the side. “You just answered the question.”

Then, of course, he cupped the back of my head, and he kissed me. It was slow, sweet, gentle. And I didn’t consider kneeing him in the balls for a single second.

Beck pulled back and trailed his hand down my arm before he finally let me go. “I’m going home to get changed and then come back. Do you need anything while I’m gone? For CiCi? You?”

“I don’t…” I sighed and chewed back my pride. “I meant to go to the store today after work to get some stuff like bread, milk… important stuff. But now I can’t.”

“I can get it. Just tell me what you need.”

I bit the inside of my lip, then nodded. “Okay. Let me write it down.” I walked through into the front room with him hot on my heels and grabbed the notebook and pen from under the coffee table. A few things were already scrawled down, so I added a couple more things, including more medicine. I tore the sheet off the notebook, stood, then gave it to Beck. “Let me get my wallet.”

He grabbed my wrist, stopping me. “I’m not taking your money.”

I lifted my gaze to his. “You can’t pay for my groceries.”

“I can and I will.”

“You can’t and you won’t.”

“I can and I will.”

“You can’t and you won’t.”

“I can do this all day, baby. I’m stubborn as fuck.” His eyes told me he wasn’t lying. “And we all know I’m a brat about the word no. So, I can, I will, and I’m going to. If I can’t help you by buying a measly eight items, I’m an asshole who shouldn’t be allowed around other people.”

“You can’t buy my groceries,” I repeated. It was a lame argument. I was going to lose, but I’d fight until I went down.

Beck’s eyes twinkled as he leaned in. “Don’t worry. If you really want to pay me back, I’ll take a blow job. I imagine your lips around my cock will be a pretty good thank you.”

My jaw dropped as he backed off with a wink.

“Mouth open already, Cassie? Enthusiasm. I like that.”

I snapped my jaw shut and glared at him. “You’re a dirty pig.”

“I know. But I’ve got fifty bucks that says you’ll be sucking my dick by bedtime. If you don’t agree…” He shrugged one shoulder, his lips curved in that dangerous smirk.

“If you’re lucky, I’ll bite it.”

“I’ll take that as I’m in for a good time.”

One more wink, complete with expanding grin, and he was gone.

Motherfucking asshole.

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

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

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

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Release Blitz + Excerpt + Review: Fool Me Once by Katee Robert – Foolproof Love Series – Book 2

Posted on 08/05/2016 by shellbellereads

Fool Me Once

Foolproof Love Series – Book 2

By Katee Robert

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

They say opposites attract, but this is just ridiculous.

Aubry Kaiser doesn’t like people—actually, that’s not right. She loathes people. With her crippling anxiety, there’s no way she can demo her favorite video game at a convention with five thousand other people. Maybe if she brings someone to act as a shield…

But the only person available is the sexy cowboy she can’t stand.

Quinn Baldwyn is in a mess of his own. He’s been dodging his wealthy family’s matchmaking attempts—and life advice—for years, but with his sister’s wedding on the horizon, he needs of a shield of his own.

He and Aubry can barely hold down a civil conversation, but in bed…fireworks. And the closer they get to Quinn’s sister’s wedding, the more he realizes that he might actually like Aubry.

Now it’s up to him to convince her she might actually like him, too.

Excerpt

“You know, I’ve been thinking—”

“Good God, don’t strain yourself.”

“—and I’m thinking that I need a better nickname for you. Sweet cheeks might be accurate, but no one in my family is going to believe I’d call the woman I’m in a relationship with something that…lowbrow.”

She tilted her sunglasses down to stare at him over the top of them. It made her amber eyes stand out all the more. “How about you call me nothing at all? Because that sounds ideal from where I’m sitting.”

“Nah. I’ve always been a fan of pet names.”

“One—I can tell. Two—save your pet names for your actual animals.”

She’d left that one wide open, but he chose to ignore it. Just this once. He twined her hair around his finger again. “I was thinking bunny.”

“You can call me bunny if you want to provoke me to actual physical violence.”

Yeah, it didn’t fit, either. He relaxed back into his seat, starting to enjoy the idea of this. “Cherry.”

“Hard pass.”

“Cookie.”

“No way.”

He wondered when she’d noticed that he was still stroking her hair. He hadn’t been lying when he said they would have to put on a good show for his family. That meant he had to get her used to him touching her, at least in these innocent ways. Or that was what he told himself as he kept playing with the ends of her hair.

And touching in the not-innocent ways?

To distract himself, he said, “Peaches. No, don’t look at me like that. You got to pass on three—that’s your limit. And you smell like peaches.” He leaned a little closer, keeping one eye on the road, and adopted his best Nicholas Cage voice, “I love peaches. I could eat peaches for hours.”

“Ew, gross.”

He sat back and laughed. “You have a problem with a man worshiping you that way?”

“I have a problem with Nicholas Cage comparing my lady bits to a fruit and, frankly, the image of him down there is enough to kill any desire the act would cause.”

She sounded so horrified that he laughed again. Or he started to. The problem with teasing her like this was he was now picturing himself between her thighs. Quinn shifted, trying to get his instant physical reaction under control. His cock wasn’t in a cooperative mood, though, and his brain kept serving up images of Aubry’s back arching, her fingers digging into his forearms, her head thrown back in ecstasy he was giving her.

Jesus Christ.

Tracey’s Review

***4.5 Hot, Sassy, Zombie-Fighting Stars***

Aubry Kaiser and Quinn Baldwynn have what you might call an understanding. Aubry understands that she can’t stand him, and Quinn understands that, while it’s a lot of fun to get under her skin, she’s about as cuddly as an armadillo. When circumstances arise that would make it mutually beneficial for them to drop the gloves and help each other out, Aubry’s not sure that she can manage not to kill Quinn for even just a few days’ time.

I like nothing more than a hot and sassy enemies-to-lovers read, and Katee Robert can write one like nobody’s business. Having met Aubry and Quinn in FOOLPROOF LOVE, the first book in this series, I knew that they were like oil and water together, and when I saw that these two were getting their own story, I was all in.

Aubry is a take-no-prisoners, equal opportunity loather. She’s made a career of shutting herself off from people, spending most of her time perfecting her skills as an online gamer. With a past like hers, it’s no wonder that she’s leery of letting anybody get too close, and is just as happy keeping to herself and keeping people at bay with her vitriol and snark, hiding her debilitating anxiety from everyone but her closest friend.

Quinn could not have come from a more different background, but he’s happily left it all behind to do what he really loves, much to his family’s dismay. When duty calls in the form of his sister’s wedding, Quinn needs someone to step into the gap to help shield him from his parents’ matchmaking ways. As luck would have it, the one person available to fill the bill is Aubry. Match made in Heaven? Uh, no, but desperate times require desperate measures, so a deal is struck, and the fun begins.

“I think you’re asking the impossible.”
“Do you? I think you’re just a bit disappointed that you don’t get to experience all I have to offer…I think the lady doth protest too much when it comes to wanting me.”
“Oh my God, does that line actually work with women?”
“I think it just did…But it’s not meant this time. This arrangement is purely business.”

When Aubry and Quinn hit the road, it’s with every intention of getting through the next few days without killing each other. That way of thinking comes to a screeching halt fairly quickly when it becomes apparent that the sparks that these two set off are Stage 4 epic, and not to be denied. Hot? Yep. Panty-melting? Definitely. Scenes so hot that a fan is definitely required? You bet. Because Katee is a mistress of hotness, and the action between Aubry and Quinn does not disappoint. And, if some feelings develop along the way, well, who could blame them?

I knew that FOOL ME ONCE would go on the list of my favorite recent reads, and I was right. Katee’s second foray into the world of Devil’s Falls and its residents is everything that I’d hoped for, and Aubry and Quinn and their quirky kind of love just make me happy. Now we just need Daniel’s and Hope’s book, and I’ll call this series perfect. Add these books to your TBR. They’re just what you need when you’re looking for a sexy, sassy, smart book that will lift your spirits along with your temperature.

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

_________________________________

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Katee Robert learned to tell her stories at her grandpa’s knee. She found romance novels at age twelve and it changed her life. When not writing sexy contemporary and speculative fiction romance novels, she spends her time playing imaginary games with her wee ones, driving her husband batty with what-if questions, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. Connect with Katee at:

New Release + Review: Jonquils For Jax by Katy Regnery – The Blueberry Lane Series – The Rousseau’s – Book 1

Posted on 08/05/2016 by shellbellereads

Jonquils for Jax, The Rousseaus #1 by Katy Regnery

Date of Publication: August 5, 2016

Did you fall in love with The English Brothers? Were you hot for the Winslows? Katy Regnery’s New York Times bestselling Blueberry Lane series continues with The Rousseau siblings in Summer 2016!

Jacqueline “Jax” Rousseau is vivacious, rich, smart and beautiful…but that doesn’t mean she’s lucky in love: she’s dated doctors, lawyers, actors and politicians who’ve all managed to end up disappointing her. In fact, she’s on a self-imposed hiatus from love when she has an unpleasant run-in with her neighbor’s gorgeous new landscaper, Gardener Thibodeaux. Jax is not accustomed to gruff, ill-mannered men that can’t be charmed, but when he saves her skin, she realizes that something about Gard intrigues her…and if she can find her way through the armor that surrounds his heart, she might finally find a love that won’t let her down.

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___________________________

Michel’s Review

It’s time to take another trip down Blueberry Lane. This time the destination is the Rousseau estate. Readers have met some of the Rousseau siblings in the previous books of the series featuring the English siblings, the Winslow siblings, and the Story sisters. These dynamic wealthy families are entwined with each others lives. They have grown up together and are making their own marks on the world.

***

Jacquelyn Rousseau has returned home to Blueberry Lane after spending the last few years in California. With an Oscar under her belt, she’s learned that being a famous filmmaker is not all it was cracked up to be. Once the paparazzi discovered her family connections, it made her life even worse. She’s returned home to Philadelphia to lick her wounds and try to figure out her next step in life. She has also returned home for her older brother’s wedding.

***

Although she has some very close friends in the wealthy world she came from, she also has some acquaintances she’d rather forget. Escaping one of those handsy acquaintances at her brother’s wedding leads her to meeting the English family’s new gardener. This new gardener comes to rescue and sends her world into a tailspin.

***

Gardener Thibodeaux is not your ordinary gardener. His past is quite unique. He’s a retired police detective with roots from Louisiana. He’s legally blind and sexy as sin. He’s still learning to navigate in his sightless world when he meets the duchess, Jax Rousseau.

***

What starts as a tentative friendship leads to the perfect future for both Jax and Gard. Their relationship is not going to be easy because something this good takes dedication and determination. Their talents complement one another. Their passion completes one another.

***

Once again Katy Regnery has written a delightful romance. I loved the dialogue and sexy french phrases. I love the world of Blueberry Lane.

***

Get to know the families of Blueberry Lane!

*All books in The Blueberry Lane Series can be enjoyed as standalone novels.*

THE BLUEBERRY LANE SERIES:

THE ENGLISH BROTHERS
(Blueberry Lane Books #1-6 & 11)

Breaking Up with Barrett
Falling for Fitz
Anyone but Alex
Seduced by Stratton
Wild about Weston
Kiss Me Kate
Marrying Mr. English

THE WINSLOW BROTHERS
(Blueberry Lane Books #7-10)

Bidding on Brooks
Proposing to Preston
Crazy about Cameron
Campaigning for Christopher

THE ROUSSEAUS – Coming soon!
(Blueberry Lane Books #12-14)

Jonquils for Jax
Marry Me Mad
J.C. and the Bijoux Jolis

(Note: All sub-series – The English Brothers, The Winslow Brothers, The Rousseaus, The Story Sisters and the Amblers – can be read as standalone series. Eg; You do not need to read The seven English Brothers books to enjoy the three Rousseau books.)

About Katy Regnery

Katy Regnery, award-winning and Amazon bestselling author, started her writing career by enrolling in a short story class in January 2012. One year later, she signed her first contract for a winter romance entitled By Proxy.

Now a hybrid author who publishes both independently and traditionally, Katy claims authorship of the six-book Heart of Montana series, the six-book English Brothers series, and a Kindle Worlds novella entitled “Four Weddings and a Fiasco: The Wedding Date,” in addition to the standalone novels, Playing for Love at Deep Haven and Amazon bestseller, The Vixen and the Vet.

The Vixen and the Vet is included in the charity anthology Hometown Heroes: Hotter Ever After, and Katy’s novella “Frosted” appeared in the Jan ’15 anthology, Snowy Days Steamy Nights. Additionally, Katy’s short story, “The Long Way Home” appeared in the first RWA anthology (Feb ’15), Premiere.

Katy lives in the relative wilds of northern Fairfield County, Connecticut, where her writing room looks out at the woods, and her husband, two young children, and two dogs create just enough cheerful chaos to remind her that the very best love stories begin at home.

Find Katy Regnery Online

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: The First Taste by Jessica Hawkins – Slip of the Tongue Series – Book 2

Posted on 08/04/2016 by shellbellereads

The First Taste by Jessica Hawkins

Series: Slip of the Tongue #2
Release Date: August 4^th, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Andrew Beckwith has already devoted his life to one girl—and as far as he’s concerned, she’s all he needs. The rough-around-the-edges bad boy left his reckless ways behind six years ago when his daughter Bell was born. To the female population’s dismay, he’s unapologetically single. When Bell’s mother walked out on them years ago, he vowed never to let another woman close enough to hurt them again.

Amelia Van Ecken isn’t just another woman. She’s an independent, smart, and savvy businesswoman who doesn’t have time for sex, much less love. In the midst of a drawn-out, bitter divorce, all she wants is to bury herself in work. But when sharp-tongued Amelia and stubborn Andrew cross paths, sparks fly—and burn. Two things are obvious in an instant: they want each other, and they’re from different worlds. It’s the perfect formula for an off-the-charts one-night stand. After all, it’s not as if opposites ever attract.

The First Taste, a standalone spin-off of the Slip of the Tongue.

Add to Goodreads

Buy Links:

Amazon US / Amazon UK

Tracey’s Review

Andrew Beckwith and his daughter Bell are doing just fine. Deserted by the mother of his child, Andrew has more than risen to the challenge of raising a healthy happy girl, a strong, honest, loving girl, secure in the knowledge that she is loved. Andrew, however, is another story. Guarding his heart from further heartbreak means that falling in love is not anywhere on his radar. Amelia Van Ecken has seen first-hand what giving up control of her heart means, and she wants no part of it. Happy to immerse herself in her business, avec, Amelia could not be less interested in romance.

If you follow my reviews, you know that I loved, loved, loved SLIP OF THE TONGUE by author Jessica Hawkins, a book that put me through the emotional wringer and left me thinking it about it long afterwards. One of the things that I particularly liked about that book was my introduction to Sadie’s brother, Andrew, and her niece, Bell. Just a glimpse of the two of them, and I was hooked, and I was excited to see that Andrew’s book would be coming our way soon.

So, here it is, that book. THE FIRST TASTE has all of the immediately engrossing qualities of all of Jessica’s books, that hook that grabs you and does not let you go until you’ve turned the last page. Here, again, are the characters that were introduced in SLIP OF THE TONGUE: Sadie, Nathan, Amelia, Andrew, and Bell. But, make no mistake, this book is a completely different story, and Andrew owns it.

Andrew is comfortable in his life. Secure in his love for Bell, and hers for him, he’s happy with the occasional hook-up, but is not looking for anything beyond the physical. When he meets Amelia, it couldn’t be more obvious that they are completely different from each other. But, when layers begin to be peeled away, and realities revealed, they realize that they are more alike than not, and that all of the things that they’ve been doing to protect themselves are keeping them from growing.

I inhaled this book. I loved everything about it, the characters, the story, the dialogue, just everything. Andrew had me from the first scene, from the way that he interacted with Bell to his snarky sexy encounter with Amelia. He takes no crap from anyone, and is fiercely protective of those that he loves. Strong in his vulnerability, he had my heart, and is, hands-down, one of my favorite book dads ever. And, Amelia, I think that there’s a little bit of Amelia is so many women. She’s lost because she trusted, and so she’s holding her heart so very closely. At first glance, she’s not the sort of woman to give up control to anyone, any man, but, as time goes on, and her relationship with Andrew evolves, her real self begins to shine through, and she’s like a completely different person.

Sadie and Nate have a continual presence in THE FIRST TASTE, and seeing them now must be like seeing how they were before they got to the point they were at in SLIP OF THE TONGUE. They are easy with each other, a couple secure in their love for each other, and there in every way to support Andrew, Bell, and, later, Amelia. And the rest of the supporting characters bring unconditional love and support, and made this read even better.

I knew that I would like this book, because the short glimpse that I’d had of Andrew and Bell in the first book had me invested in them. I didn’t know, though, that I would love this one even just a little bit more. Where SLIP OF THE TONGUE was viscerally intense, keeping me wound up throughout, THE FIRST TASTE has a bit more softness to it, somehow. There is still plenty of angst, of oh, no, she didn’t moments, but the personalities of Andrew, Bell, and Amelia, along with the softer and more relaxed Sadie and Nate, spoke to me in a different way. This is a definite 5-star read for me, and I highly recommend both books. They are absolutely on my list of top reads for this year, and they should be on your TBR.

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

______________________________

About the Author

Jessica Hawkins grew up between the purple mountains and under the endless sun of Palm Springs, California. She studied international business at Arizona State University and has also lived in Costa Rica and New York City. To her, the most intriguing fiction is forbidden, and that’s what you’ll find in her stories. Currently, she resides wherever her head lands, which is often the unexpected (but warm) keyboard of her trusty MacBook.

Facebook / Goodreads / Twitter / Website

Blog Tour + 5 Star Review : Beyond The Pine by Kate Benson

Posted on 08/04/2016 by shellbellereads

Blog Tour – Beyond the Pine by Kate Benson

Book – Beyond the Pine

Author – Kate Benson

Blog Tour – 1st – 7th August

Hosted by Hooked on books & Cherry0Blossoms Promotions

***This book contains adult content and is intended for
mature readers***

Watch and pray that you may not enter temptation…

What if in one moment, you find out your life—your entire
existence was a lie?

When rogue, nomad biker Asher Reed finds himself on the side
of the road injured from an accident, he assumes he’s taken his final ride.
Waking days later in an infirmary located within a secret, religious compound,
his first impulse is to run. His church had always been the road, and he, the
last man who should be among the faithful. When his raven-haired caretaker
appears, his instincts and everything he once believed in diminishes, leaving
only temptation.

The spirit indeed is willing…

Riley Chapman had long ago resigned herself to a life of
order, reverence, and duty. Her coveted role as assistant to the Reverend
should be enough to keep her happy, content with her life. Her whole life she
wondered about what was on the other side of the tree line she’d always been
told would keep her safe.

What if she wasn’t safe anymore?

But the flesh is weak.

When a chance encounter pulls Asher and Riley together and
temptation is too much to resist, how can they keep their dangerous secret? In
a place where secrets are sins and the trustworthy can’t be trusted, who will
they turn to in search of salvation?

Beyond the Pine is a dark, multi-POV standalone romance that
will have you gasping, swooning and on the edge of your seat.

Amazon / Amazon UK / Amazon AU

____________________________

Michel’s Review

Beyond The Pine is the first book I have read by Kate Benson. I can honestly say that I am impressed with her gift of storytelling. I was immediately drawn into the story within the first few paragraphs. I was held captive by the characters and their story. Unlike them, I was not looking for escape. I wanted to experience every moment with them.

***

When I read the synopsis for Beyond The Pine, I was intrigued. Not many authors attempt this kind of story plot because of the magnitude of responsibility in building the world, creating believable characters that readers can identify with, and building sexual tension in a suppressed world is very difficult. Every passage and chapter has to be perfectly synchronized with acute timing to make this kind of story work. The author also has to be extremely careful with the religious content in the story. Kate Benson met each of these specifications and delivered a story that came alive.

***

Riley was born on the “farm”, a religious compound hidden deep within the forest. As a member of this community, she is bound to her duties bestowed upon her by the lord and the Reverend. She has never questioned her place within the community until a stranger is taken into the infirmary after a motorcycle accident. She is drawn to this stranger and begins to defy the rules placed upon her. Asher Reed has opened Riley’s heart. She’s finding a desire to learn more about the world outside, she’s learning the desires of the soul, and learning the desires of the body.

***

Asher Reed woke up in a very strange world. A world that seemed to be lost in time. It is abundantly clear that he has stumbled into a religious occult. As he recovers from his injuries, he begins questioning his own life. He has been a nomad all of his life. He belongs to a different kind of world, a world that ties him to his motorcycle club. After meeting Riley, he’s willing to give up his nomadic ways and live a life of humble simplicity. She is the everything he never knew he wanted. He will do anything to keep her by his side.

***

The Reverend has other plans for Riley’s life. Those plans don’t include Asher Reed. The Reverend puts his will into motion and Riley’s life is spinning out of control. The more she defy’s the Reverends will, the more dangerous her life becomes. The Reverend is hiding horrific secrets that could not only destroy her life but also all of the lives in the community.

***

Riley and Asher are fighting for the impossible dream. Freedom is far beyond the pines.

***

I could not put this book down. I was glued to the pages. Kate Benson is a gifted author and I hope other readers will discover her talent.

***

The only thing that may be holding this book back is the cover itself. It is said the cover doesn’t sell a book, it’s the content that sells. I find this an untrue conception. Newer authors or lesser known authors need all the help they can get in todays competitive market. Dynamic covers capture the buyers attention. The cover for this book seems to fit Riley’s character but does not attract the buyers eye. A more dynamic cover could make this book stand out on all of the retail sites.

___________________________

Author Links

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/katebensonauthor

Benson’s Book Babes (Fan Club/Reader Group):

https://www.facebook.com/groups/PromiseSeriesSupportGroup/

Go Baby! Book Obsession Book Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoBabyBookObsession/

Go Baby! Book Obsession Book Page:

https://www.facebook.com/GoBabyBookPage

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/Katebensonauthr

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/24034636-kate-benson

Instagram:

http://instagram.com/katebensonauthor/

Amazon Author’s Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00J81M3GQ

Kate Benson was raised in Texas and currently resides in
central Florida with her husband, their two dogs and two cats. She learned to
read at the age of four and has been hooked ever since.

She credits her passion for literature to her mother, her love of story-telling
to her father and her unwavering faith in happily-ever-after’s to her husband,
Sean.

Some of her favorite things include rainy days, loud music, superhero movies,
hot tea and of course, lazy afternoons with a great book.

To find out more about Kate, her work or to just say hello, she loves hearing
from her readers and can be found on social media.

❤❤❤ ❤

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https://www.facebook.com/hookedonbookspromotions05

TWITTER

@HOB_CBPromotion

G+

https://plus.google.com/u/0/112309448083871092290

BLOG

http://hobcbpromotions.blogspot.co.uk

hookedonbookspromotions@gmail.com

New Release + 5 Star Review: Veiled by Karina Halle – An Ada Palomino Story

Posted on 08/03/2016 by shellbellereads

Veiled

An Ada Palomino Story – Book 1

By Karina Halle

Buy: Amazon

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Lie and The Pact comes a new romance that will test your limits and leave you breathless.

Death.

It’s something that Ada Palomino has always known so well, having grown up in a house of horrors, surrounded by a family plagued by ghosts and demons and things that go bump in the night.

But after the sudden and tragic death of her mother two years ago, death has never felt so personal.

Or so close.

Now eighteen, Ada is trying to move on with her life and the last month of summer holds nothing but sunshine and promises with her first year at a Portland design school just around the bend.

That is until her increasingly violent and realistic dreams, dreams of other worlds, of portals and veils where her mother is tortured and souls bleed for mercy, start to blend into reality. Ada has to lean on her older sister, Perry, to try and make sense of it all but even then, she’s never felt more alone.

Then there’s Jay. Tall, handsome and deeply mysterious, Jay would be just another stranger, a familiar face on the bus, if it wasn’t for the fact that Ada has met him before.

Every night.

In every single dream.

And the more that Ada is drawn to him in both worlds, the more she’s in danger of losing everything.

Including her heart.

And her very soul.

Excerpt

Then, out of nowhere:

“You looked beautiful tonight, by the way.”

Oh jeez. Be still my fucking heart.

I try and swallow, his words, the sincerity in his voice rocking my world off-balance. “Which part? When the power went out or when Jacob went upstairs to fight a demon?” I joke. But I joke because I’m feeling this a little too much.

“All of it. You know why I call you Princess?” he asks, his tone graver than before, like he’s letting me in on a very deep secret.

“Because I’m a spoiled brat?”

“Because you’re beautiful.”

Well that shut me up. The sentence hangs in the air, larger than life.

He clears his throat and goes on and I have to fight against the urge to roll over and face him. “You have this way about you. You don’t see it. But I do. Like you’re born royalty. The way you hold yourself. Your walk. The face of an angel.”

Butterflies take flight in my gut, spreading through my veins until my whole body feels like its floating. “Why are you being so nice to me? Am I going to die?”

He laughs softly. “I don’t know why I’m saying these things. Just seemed like the things to say. You’re destined for something great, Ada, I know this. And it’s an honor to help see you through it.”

His words cascade down on me like ashes from a fire. Where they land, I’m ignited.

Jay thinks I’m beautiful.

And more than that, he believes in me.

Silence settles over us, stealing time. I hear him breathing in the dark, steady as a heartbeat. He might even be sleeping.

But I can’t even begin to shut down. My entire body, from the top of my scalp, down to my toes, is buzzing with heat and electricity. It’s like everything I felt for him before, everything I try to ignore, is coming out in full force, responding to his words, to his body so close to mine. I can feel the warmth at my back, sinking into my spine, just from his presence only.

I’m starting to have feelings for him. Not just in a he’s a giant hulking beast who’s here to protect me from the underworld way. But real feelings, slowly creeping into my heart, day by day.

The thought is terrifying in the same way that demons are terrifying.

They both might take possession of me.

They both might ruin me.

And I’m not sure how much of me I’ll have left.

______________________________

Michel’s Review

I am a huge Karina Halle fan. I started with her Experiment In Terror series several years ago. I anxiously awaited for each new release. It was very hard to see this series end. The EIT series ended exactly the way it should have and left readers satisfied that Dex and Perry were going to live their happily ever after. It also left a character hanging in the background screaming for her own story. Little Fifteen, otherwise known as Ada Palomino, was coming into her own. It was clear she had inherited the gift that had been passed down through the generations of women in her family. Little Fifteen was a bit too young to be dealing the other side. She needed time to be a teenager, grow up, and become a woman in her own right. She needed time to heal from the aftermath of her mother’s death. Her family needed time to become “normal”. Clearly to say I have been waiting for Ada to grow up is an understatement. It’s been two years since the last EIT book released. Two years for Ada to grasp her gift. Ada is now eighteen, ready to begin college, and more importantly ready for her gift. Veiled is just the beginning for Ada Palomino.

For the newer fans of Karina Halle, this book is going to be quite different from her new adult and contemporary romances. If you are not a huge fan of the paranormal genre, that’s okay. Veiled has a romantic element to it that has only just begun. Veiled can easily stand on it’s own merit as a paranormal romance or new adult romance ( with a touch of horror). I think this book is going to take the newer readers by great surprise. It’s going to open a new door in their Karina Halle world. I can almost guarantee that many will be downloading the Experiment In Terror series ( a great paranormal / horror romance series) and The Devil’s Metal Duology ( rock star paranormal / horror romance). For the EIT fans, Veiled is a long awaited gift.

Getting to the meat of the story, Veiled is chilling, hair raising turn in Ada Palomino’s life. Her sister Perry has moved out and married Dex ( Experiment In Terror series). For the past two years she and her father are trying to cope with their grief and loss of her mother. They are trying to forge a new normal in their lives after the horrors that plagued Perry’s world took their toll. Ada is beginning to experience some bone chilling dreams that have her scared out of her wits. These dreams are horrifically real. Her sister Perry is also sensing Ada’s predicament. When new neighbors move in ( Dawn and Sage from Devil’s Metal series), Ada’s world becomes more frightening. Part of their entourage is J.J. Abrams, the ridiculously hot guy Ada keeps seeing, and Jacob, a older middle aged man with a bad fashion sense. There is something peculiar about her new neighbors. Her new neighbors were sent because she is coming into her own, her gift is becoming stronger. They were sent for protection, guidance, and mentoring.

Jay Abrams is Ada’s Jacob. His mission is to protect her at all costs. He is neither bad nor good. He is her immortal protector with very human qualities. His assignment is to guide her and help develop her strengths. The depths of hell are reaching out for Ada. They are holding her mother’s soul in prison. She is the only one who can go through the Veil and into hell to save her mother. She just needs to learn to use her powers before it’s too late for her mother.

Jay is a unique Jacob. He still remembers his human life before he became a Jacob. That life is a story onto itself that makes him even more intriguing. He has a very strong pull to Ada that reaches beyond the normal scope of Jacob duties. His soul is drawn to her pure beauty within. He must deny this attraction, it could get Ada killed or damn her soul to hell. Denying this attraction is impossible.

Ada and Jay begin an illicit forbidden relationship that nearly destroys them both. The relationship gives evil a powerful edge. When they are walking through hell it takes a toll on them both. They may not survive. If they do, they may not return the same people they were before they entered the realm.

As for the rest…and the true love story… read the book.

Karina once again did a magnificent job writing this book. Her detailed descriptions bring the story to life. The reader experiences the journey right along with Ada and Jay. The detailed descriptions heighten all of the five senses and it seems like you are right there in the moment. The love story has a life of it’s own that makes this book shine. It leaves the readers wanting more from Ada and Jay.

At the end of the book Karina writes a very in depth view into her mind and writing world. Reach out and let her know how Ada and Jay’s story touched you. Hopefully their story will live on and take a new journey.

______________________________________

QUESTIONS ABOUT VEILED

Q: Is this YA?

A: No. The main character is 18 and there is sex, crude language and violence in the book. It is recommended for mature teens or 18 and up.

Q: Is there a cliffhanger?

A: Nope! There’s also no cheating and no love triangle (think I’ve covered the bases there!)

Q: Do I need to read the series (Experiment in Terror) that Veiled is a spinoff of first?

A: Absolutely not. Veiled stands alone. You do not need to have read the EIT series beforehand as this follows a different character (Ada Palomino) and a different storyline. However for those who have read EIT, all your favorites are in the book!

Q: Is it horror? Your other series was and I don’t handle scary very well…

A: No, it’s paranormal romance (though I promise you there are no vampires or werewolves), and while there are creepy elements to the story, it wouldn’t be classified as horror. If you can read KMM’s Fever Series or ANY urban fantasy, you’ll be fine.

Karina Halle is a former travel writer and music journalist and The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author of The Pact, Racing the Sun, Sins & Needles and over 25 other wild and romantic reads. She lives on an island off the coast of British Columbia with her husband and her rescue pup, where she drinks a lot of wine, hikes a lot of trails and devours a lot of books.

Halle is represented by the Waxman Leavell Agency and is both self-published and published by Simon & Schuster and Hachette in North America and in the UK.

Hit her up on Instagram at @authorHalle, on Twitter at @MetalBlonde and on Facebook. You can also visit http://www.authorkarinahalle.com and sign up for the newsletter for news, excerpts, previews, private book signing sales and more.

FACEBOOK TWITTER GOODREADS AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

New Release + Review: Burning Moon by Jo Watson

Posted on 08/03/2016 by shellbellereads

Burning Moon

A Destination Love Novel

By Jo Watson

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

There’s a very fine line between blushing bride and mascara-streaked sobbing mess. #beenthere

Lily Swanson has been planning her perfect life since she was twelve years old: Meet Mr. Right, have the big white wedding, buy a house in the ‘burbs and raise 2.5 picture-perfect kids. However, when her fiancé bails, leaving Lily alone at the altar to face 500 gossipy guests, her dream turns into a nightmare. But then Lily makes an impulsive decision—she ditches the dress, grabs her passport, and heads off to Thailand to spend her honeymoon alone.

Or so she thinks…

Because Lilly quickly learns that everything in Thailand is very hot-the weather, the merchandise, and especially Damien—the sexy, spontaneous man she meets before her feet even hit the sand. Now with no plan, and nothing holding her back, Lily lets Damien lead her on a wild, unpredictable ride to the world’s most exclusive party, Burning Moon. But after a week of letting go, indulging her every impulse and desire, Lily must go back to the girl she used to be. Or can Damien convince her that their party doesn’t have to end?

________________________

Excerpt

Michael Edwards—fiancé of one year, perfect boyfriend of two—had left me, Lilly Swanson, just ten minutes before I was scheduled to walk down the aisle. The bottle of perfume that he’d wanted me to wear today, insisted I wear, because “it was his favorite,” mocked me from the dressing table. So I picked it up and threw it against the wall, watching it shatter into a million pieces, just like my life. I was hit by the sickly sweet smell of jasmine and felt sick to my stomach.

What was I going to tell the five-hundred guests who were sitting in the church waiting for me? Some had even flown here to South Africa all the way from Australia.

Hi everyone. Thanks for coming. Guess what? SURPRISE! No wedding!

A wedding that my father had spent a small fortune on.

A wedding that was going to be perfect.

Perfect, dammit. Perfect!

I’d made sure of that. I had painstakingly handled every single tiny detail. It had taken months and months of meticulous planning to create this day, and now what?

Things went very blurry all of a sudden. I vaguely remember my brother James bursting into the room, screaming insults and then vowing to kill him. He even punched the best man when he claimed to have no knowledge of Michael’s whereabouts. My rational, logical father tried to find a legitimate motive for Michael’s behavior, insisting we speak to him before jumping to any rash conclusions. Hundreds of phone calls followed: where was he? Who had seen him? Where did he go?

At some stage the guests were told, and the rumor mill went into full swing…

He’d had an affair.

He’d eloped with someone else.

He was a criminal on the run.

He was gay.

He’d been beamed up by aliens and was being experimented on. (Hopefully it was painful.)

People threw around bad words like bastard, asshole and liar. They also threw around words like shame, sorry and pity. They wondered whether they should take their wedding gifts back, or leave them. What was the correct protocol in a situation like this?

While the world around me was going mad, I felt a strange calm descend. Nothing seemed real anymore, and I began to feel like a voyeur looking at my life from a distance. I didn’t care that I was sitting on the floor in my bra and panties. I didn’t care that my mascara and lipstick were so smudged I looked like Batman’s Joker. I just didn’t care.

Some minutes later my other brother Adam, the doctor, burst in and insisted I drink a Coke and swallow the little white pill he was forcing down my throat. It would calm me, he said.

Shortly after that, my overly dramatic, theater-actress mother rushed in to give the performance of her life.

“Why, why, why?” She placed her hand across her heart.

“What is this, a madness most discreet? A stench most foul?” She held her head and cried out, “Whyyy?!”

“For heaven’s sake, Ida, this isn’t some Shakespearean bloody play.” I could hear the anger in my father’s voice. Even after 18 years of divorce, they still couldn’t be civil to each other.

“Lest I remind you that all the world is a stage.” My mother shouted back, the deep timbre in her voice quivering for added dramatic tension as she tilted her head upward and clenched her jaw.

“There you go again with your crap! Clearly you still haven’t learned to separate fantasy from reality!”

“Well, I managed to do that with our marriage!”

My brother jumped between them. “Stop it. This isn’t the time!”

And then all pandemonium broke out.

The priest came around to offer some kind of spiritual guidance but exited quickly, and very red-faced, when he saw my state of undress. Some inquisitive relatives stuck their heads through the door, painted with sad, sorry puppy-dog looks, but they, too, left when they saw me spread-eagled on the floor.

An enormous ruckus ensued when the photographer burst in and started talking photos of me—no one had told him. The ruckus became a total freak show when my favorite cousin Annie, who had designed my dress for free as a wedding gift, saw the state of her “best creation” lying crumpled and torn on the floor. She looked like she was about to cry.

Then everything went very blurry and the noises around me combined into one strange drone.

I closed my eyes and everything went black.

________________________________

Tracey’s Review

Lily Swanson has had a vision of her perfect life for, like, ever, and she thought she’d found it with her fiancé, Michael. But when all of Lily’s dreams go up in flames, she does what any woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown would do: she packs her bags, hops a plane, and goes on her honeymoon. To Thailand. By herself. And so Lily’s new life begins…

When I take a chance on a book or an author that I’ve never heard of, there’s always a fifty-fifty chance that things will not go well. Will I like the plot, will the characters engage me, will it make me laugh, will it make me cry, the list goes on and on. So, I had the chance to read BURNING MOON by Wattpad phenom Jo Watson, and I figured, sure, sounds interesting, why not? Let me just say that I am SO glad that I said yes to this book, because I could not have enjoyed it more.

Lily’s inner monologue and outer dialogue had me laughing out loud. This is a woman that has literally had the rug pulled out from under her, and, after a few days of feeling sorry for herself and wallowing in her despair, is just going for it. It’s one thing after another for her, and, just when things look dire, there comes some relief in the person of Damien Bishop. Enigmatic, live on the edge, take life by the horns Damien, who helps Lily see just what it’s like to let go and to live.

I think that one of the things that I liked best about BURNING MOON is Lily’s realization in the end that she doesn’t need saving. She has everything she needs right within herself to be the person that she’s meant to be, even if she has had to wade through some hard times and heartbreak to get there. I love her sass, her spunk, her tendency to jump to conclusions, and her overactive imagination. These things all come together to create a character that I would happily read more about any time.

BURNING MOON was easily a 4.5-star read for me. Humor, a little bit of heat, world travel, and romance that takes a while to come together make for a great introduction to this author. Add this one to your TBR, because it is a treat of a book, and I highly recommend it.

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

_______________________________

Jo Watson is an award-winning writer of romantic comedies. Burning Moon won a Watty Award in 2014. Jo is an Adidas addict and a Depeche Mode devotee. She lives in South Africa with her family.

Cover Reveal: The Consequence by Giana Darling

Posted on 08/03/2016 by shellbellereads

The Consequence CR

A11A7F Book Info The Consquence

Title: The Consequence

Series: Evolution of Sin Book #3

Author: Giana Darling

Genre: Erotic Romance

Release: September 8th

Cover Artist: Najla Qamber of Najla Qamber Designs

***

TheConsequence.TheEvolutionOfSin.Book3

Does everyone deserve a happy ending?

Giselle Moore has been through a lot in her short life but things are looking up; her premier art showing in New York City is on the horizon, she has been reunited with her family and, most of all, she is deeply in love with the mysterious Frenchman she met on vacation in Mexico.

There is only one thing that could derail her happiness and that is her guilt over her forbidden relationship with Sinclair. After finally confessing their love for each other, the two decide to travel to Paris, France where they may begin to discover what it really means to be together.

When a terrible family accident beckons them back home, the return of sinister man from the past, crumbling business deals and a family that has turned against them tests their fledgling romance and the very idea that they could possibly live happily ever after.

***

A11A7F About the Author The Consequence

AuthorGraphic.Square Giana Darling is a Canadian romance author currently writing an erotic romance series entitled The Evolution of Sin. After living in the French Alps, Paris and various places on both coasts of Mexico, she lives in the gorgeous city of Vancouver, British Columbia with her Chef best friend and a cat named Persephone. When she isn’t writing, she hosts dinner parties, travels extensively and reads like it is going out of style.