Series Spotlight + $100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway: The Crawley Creek Series by Lori King

Posted on 07/29/2015 by Saucy Southern Readers

Lacy Denvers has lost her job, and lost her way. All she wants to do now is get her career back on track and find some stability again, but first, she wants to mark something off her bucket list: She wants to learn to ride a horse. Her dream vacation to the Crawley Creek Cattle Ranch turns into a lesson in patience when the North Dakota winter proves unpredictable as ever. Wrapped in a cocoon of snow, Lacy finds the ranch to be a hidden treasure trove of cowboy eye candy, and her mouth is watering even as her brain is telling her to run.

After a devastating tragedy, a young Drannon Russo ended up fostering with the Crawley family, and found a home. He’s only moved away once and had to lean on family for support when his dreams were shattered. Being a cowboy on a ranch is a pretty lonely existence. When a beautiful redhead shows up looking for a fresh start he’s determined to give them both what they want.

Will this vacation into the heart of cattle country turn out to be a mistake, or will Lacy and Drannon find their future in each other?

Warning: Explicit romance

There was a couple of inches of snow drift across the front lawn, but when she turned the corner and faced west, brown grass poked through just a dusting of snow, and the wind stole her breath from her lungs. Grey clouds filled the sky and the scent of snow was on the air. Tipping her head down, she hurried across the yard to the massive barn doors, pausing only long enough to tug one open and squeeze through it.
Compared to the cold outside, the warmth of the barn was intoxicating. The smell of animals and hay filled her nose and she sneezed loudly.
“Bless you.”
The deep voice was followed by a masculine chuckle, and she jerked in surprise looking for its owner. When she didn’t immediately spot anyone she frowned.
“Thank you, um, whoever you are?”
A black cowboy hat appeared over the top of a stall next to a brown horses head. Under the hat was a strong face, with a sharp jaw and a meticulously trimmed goatee and mustache. His nose was a little large, and as she stepped closer she could see that it was also slightly crooked with a telling bump in the middle. The smile on his face was amused as he allowed her to look her fill. But his dark black eyebrow rose when she remained quietly standing several feet away from him.
Concern filled his brown eyes and he reached one long arm over the stall door opening the latch. Her vision suddenly filled with the huge sexy body of a real life cowboy and she felt her chest tighten. He was beautiful. Black curly hair peeked out from under the brim of his hat, barely curling over his ears and the collar of his heavy brown coat. His wide shoulders filled out every spare millimeter of the material, and a powerfully built chest drew her gaze further down until her eyes struck gold. Framed by perfectly cut chaps was a thick looking bulge of blue denim and zipper, and Lacy nearly groaned out loud at the many wicked images running through her brain.
“Are you all right?”
She jumped in surprise at his question and felt a hot blush creep up her cheeks. “Yes, I’m sorry. That was ridiculously rude, please excuse me.” She stepped forward with her hand out, “I’m Lacy Denvers.”
“Ah, Denvers, yes Marilyn said we were going to have a guest for a couple of weeks.” The hand that took hers was enormous, and it engulfed her grip until she could barely see her own skin. She could feel calluses on his palm and a shiver went up her spine at the touch. What would that feel like on other more sensitive parts of her body? “Pretty unusual for someone to book a vacation in North Dakota in the winter.”
She was taken aback by the comment, and frowned up at him. At five foot eight, Lacy wasn’t a short girl, but the cowboy was at least eight or nine inches taller than she was, so her head had to tip back to see his eyes. “I booked the trip last summer. I wanted to get away from the city and I wanted to learn how to ride. Is that a problem?”
“Want to learn how to ride, huh?” The teasing flirtation in his voice made her pussy clench and her breasts swell. This time it was his eyes that slowly wandered down her body taking in every bit of her before coming back up to meet her pointed gaze. “I have no doubt that you can learn how to ride like a pro here at Crawley Creek.”
She nodded sharply refusing to acknowledge the innuendo. His eyes had turned a darker color, and his pupils had grown along with the bulge behind his zipper. The attraction was clearly mutual. Her heart was racing in her chest, and she turned back to the horse he had been working with in order to give herself some breathing room.
“She’s pretty, does she have a name?”
The cowboy stepped closer to the stall. Suddenly her palms were sweating too, and she was glad she had on so many layers so that he wouldn’t be able to see the hard nubs of her nipples poking through her shirt.
“She is a he, and his name is Toto.”
Lacy snorted and then covered her mouth in embarrassment. “Sorry, you don’t mean, Toto like the dog in Oz do you?”
“Is there another Toto?”
A giggle slipped out, and then turned into a full on loud laugh. Toto snuffed in his stall and looked at her with large brown eyes. The cowboy seemed amused at her enjoyment. He stepped closer and reached his hand up to run it over Toto’s forehead. The horse nuzzled him, and bobbed its head asking for more affection.
“Here, reach up and touch him. He’s like any other male, if you stroke him right he’ll be yours.” His voice was low and deep, and his eyes were locked on Lacy while she reached up to run her hand over the soft white spot on Toto’s forehead. Toto truly did seem to appreciate the gesture, and he tipped his nose to sniff at her arm.
“He’s beautiful. This is the closest I’ve ever been to a real horse.”
“Toto is honored to be your first.”
Lacy’s eyes darted over to look at the cowboy. His flirtations weren’t subtle, and his eyes blatantly said that he would be up for a hot sweaty fling. She pondered for less than a breath before she turned to face him.
“Are all cowboys this forward?” She cocked her head to one side watching him. His eyes shuttered and the heat seemed to seep out of them instantly.
“I apologize. It’s not often a beautiful woman appears in the barn out of nowhere. I have some more work to do, but you’re welcome to look around, just make sure to stay out of the stalls without someone with you. All of the horses are gentle most of the time, but accidents happen. You’re such a wisp, one kick and you’d be done for.” While he spoke, he reached back over the wall of the stall and pulled up a bucket that must have been on a hook inside. There was a collection of unusual tools inside the bucket, but she didn’t have a chance to ask him what they were before he was headed down the walkway and out the doors.

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Cowboys don’t cry, but Roman “Romeo” Freemont certainly has enough tragic history to spend his days teary-eyed. Instead he’s turned to women and liquor in an effort to soothe his aches and pains, but when a petite brunette with a feisty temper comes crashing into his world, he realizes what he’s been missing.

Francesca “Franki” Scott has walked through fire herself. Nowadays she just isn’t a people person, and she’s definitely not interested in a wannabe playboy ranch owner either. She has a mission and it could mean life or death for someone close to her if she gets distracted.

Closing the gap between these two wounded souls could mean surviving yet another tragedy. Will their determination to hide their pain from themselves be their downfall, or will they come through this rough ride together?

Warning: Explicit Romance

Roman was concerned for Franki’s well-being. Or at least that’s what he kept repeating in his head as he climbed the stairs and walked directly to the door marked Sunflower Room. She’d looked pale when she skipped out of dinner early, and he just wanted to check on her.
Rolling his eyes as he stared at the wooden door, he scoffed silently at his own thoughts. The truth was that he wanted to see her again, and perhaps question her about what’d happened between them earlier. It was clear there was attraction on both their parts, but she didn’t seem happy about it.
Lifting his hand, he knocked softly and held his breath until the door opened. The lamp was on behind her, and it gave her a soft glow as she frowned up at him. Her beautiful hair was down again, and it curly wildly around her face and shoulders. Bare shoulders. She wore some sort of stretchy material over her breasts that left her shoulders and soft belly bare down to her hips where a pair of low rise shorts clung to her curvy hips. Seeing all that bare skin made his knees weak, and he leaned heavily against the door jamb.
“Roman?” she crossed her arms over her bare midriff and took a step backwards. “I thought you were Marilyn, is everything okay?”
When he tried to speak his voice came out as croak and he had to clear his throat, and start again. “No. I mean, yes, I mean, everything is fine. I just wanted to check on you. You ran out of dinner so quickly, and you looked a little…I’m sorry. I didn’t meant to wake you again.”
He wanted to kick his own ass for his rambling. Never in his life had a woman made him this off balance. Charm was his game, and he played it well, so why was he suddenly unsure of himself?
“I’m okay, just really tired. The road trip version of jet lag I guess. Thank you, for checking on me.” She said, giving him a small smile. She reached for the door, but then hesitated and glanced over her shoulder at the interior of the bedroom as if unsure of her next move too. The light washed over her face and he noticed the tear tracks on her cheeks and a slight puffiness to her eyes. His stomach clenched and before he could stop himself, he tugged her into his arms, delighting in the softness of her curves against him.

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** Pre-order Claiming His Cowgirl (Crawley Creek, Book 3) : Releasing August 25 **

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LoriKingAuthorLogo Best-selling author, Lori King, is also a full-time wife and mother of three boys. Although she rarely has time to just enjoy feminine pursuits; at heart she is a hopeless romantic. She spends her days dreaming up Alpha men, and her nights telling their stories. An admitted TV and book junkie, she can be found relaxing with a steamy story, or binging in an entire season of some show online. She gives her parents all the credit for her unique sense of humor and acceptance of all forms of love. There are no two loves alike, but you can love more than one with your whole heart.

With the motto: Live, Laugh, and Love like today is your only chance, she will continue to write as long as you continue to read. Thank you for taking the time to indulge in a good Happily Ever After with her.

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Cover Reveal: The Affiliate by K.A. Line- Ascension Series – Book 1 – YA Fantasy

Posted on 07/29/2015 by shellbellereads

Today we’re revealing the cover of Kyla Linde’s The Affiliate! I am so excited about this fantastic YA fantasy!!

Title: The Affiliate (Ascension, 1)

Author: K. A. Linde

Release Day: September 15^th

Genre: YA Fantasy

About The Affiliate:

On the day of her Presenting, in front of the entire Byern Court, seventeen-year-old Cyrene Strohm’s lifelong plans come to fruition when she’s chosen as an Affiliate to the Queen.

Or so she thinks. When Cyrene receives a mysterious letter and an unreadable book, she finds nothing is as it seems. Thrust into a world of dangerous political intrigue and deadly magic, Cyrene’s position only grows more treacherous when she finds herself drawn to the one man she can never have…

King Edric himself.

Cyrene must decide if love is truly worth the price of freedom. Find out in this first book in USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde’s new Ascension series.

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Exclusive Excerpt:

“Do you enjoy the view?” King Edric asked.

“The rains have made the gardens bloom, and it warms my heart to see it so.”

“It is good to know that the gardener approves of the work.”

Cyrene laughed lightly. “I have not gardened in a month’s time. I fear I can no longer call myself a gardener.”

She remembered when she had told the king of her interest in gardening at the last feast day almost a week ago. After that dance, Queen Kaliana added a list of plants to her assignment, forcing her to reread every page she had already dredged through for information. It had wasted two entire days.

“Perhaps I could change that,” he offered.

He directed her down the staircase and into the courtyard below lit solely by the setting sun in the distance.

Her stomach churned at the thought of him offering assistance to any of her needs. It was like what she had read in her children’s books of the tales of Leifs, and how one request would be necessitated by a much larger sacrifice. Her biggest sacrifice at the present moment was time. She wanted nothing more than to finish her work on agriculture and prove that she could get moved somewhere that involved traveling…and adventure.

“On the contrary, My King, I am fully enthralled in my Affiliate duties, and believe that gardening would only distract me from my work.”

“You cannot spare one afternoon to spend in my gardens?” His blue-gray eyes searched her face. “If you have half the green thumb you suggest, then it would be delightful to have you on the grounds.”

She swallowed. “I really have much work to accomplish before we go on Processional.”

“I could speak to the Queen and request it be lessened,” he whispered into the evening air.

“No!” It was the first time he had ever admitted to discussing her with the Queen. Hearing him admit it aloud made her voice come out strangled.

Cyrene missed her footing on the pebble path and stumbled forward a pace. Edric steadied her. He turned his body to face her in the middle of the garden, and her breath caught at the sight of him in the setting sun.

“You do not wish me to speak to the Queen?”

“I spoke out of turn. Please forgive me.”

“I cannot forgive that which I do not understand. Did the Queen somehow offend you?”

Cyrene shook her head. “I fear that the Queen does not…like me.”

Edric laughed softly, taking one of her hands in his own. “Oh Cyrene, I believe that the Queen likes no one but herself.”

Cyrene found that she, too, could laugh at his comment.

“Now, tell me what the Queen has done to make you believe that she dislikes you.”

“It’s nothing, my King.” She turned her face away from his. She couldn’t possibly tell him the real reason.

“Enough to infuriate you, which is enough for me.”

When she looked back up into his blue-gray eyes she felt that same magnetic pull between them. Somehow she had not realized how close they were standing. His hand felt warm against her bare skin. His body only a few inches away from her. His breath hot on her face. Her heart contracted in her chest, and she forced herself to respond.

“She speaks of…of your interference, as if…as if you…”

Time stretched between them, and she thought for a split second he might move even closer to her. She was rooted in place, captivated by his gaze.

“Yes?” His other hand drifted to her waist, and she was suddenly on fire.

Their breath mingled together as she murmured, “As if you favor me.”

“And do you think that?”

“I…”

“Yes?” he asked, stepping closer.

“I think you have your queen,” she breathed.

About K. A. Linde:

USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde is the author of The Affiliate, the first book in the Ascension Series. As a military brat, she traveled the world with her family, imaginary friends, and ever-increasing supply of books. She has spent much of her life dreaming up new worlds and characters and forcing them into uncomfortable, usually life-threatening scenarios. After graduating from the University of Georgia with a masters degree in political science, she began spending every waking hour putting those characters onto paper.

When not writing, she spends her time dancing, collecting paperbacks in the hopes of filling a Beauty and the Beast style library one day, traveling to visit her friends who live all over the country, and still reading anything she can get her hands on. She currently resides in North Carolina with her husband and two puppies, Lucy and Riker, where she is hard at work on her next novel.

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Happy Release + Review: The Hotter You Burn by Gena Showalter – The Original Heartbreakers Series – Book 2

Posted on 07/29/2015 by shellbellereads

The Hotter You Burn

The Original Heartbreakers Series – Book 2

By Gena Showalter

Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter is back with a sizzling Original Heartbreakers story featuring a troubled playboy and the woman he can’t resist…

Beck O’ckley is ruthless in the boardroom…and the bedroom. He’s never been with the same woman twice, and vows he never will. With a past as twisted as his, meaningless sex keeps the demons at bay. His motto: One and done. No harm, no foul.

Harlow Glass is the most hated girl in town. The beautiful artist is penniless, jobless and homeless. When she sneaks into Beck’s home—her ancestral estate—for food, she’s shocked by his early return…and her immediate, sizzling and intense attraction to him.

For the first time in Beck’s life, he can’t get a woman out of his mind. All too soon, friendship blooms into obsession and he’ll have to break her heart…or surrender his own.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Excerpt

“I’d like to hire you to paint my portrait.”

Harlow almost bounced out of her seat, but caught herself with a single thought. Can’t appear too hasty. “Okay,” she said, playing with the edge of a piece of paper. “If you insist. And if the price is right.” She’d drawn countless images of Beck, but the thought of painting him to scale and seeing him in full color intoxicated her. She could play with different shades of gold, brown and bronze, and even a wealth of greens to get the emerald flecks hidden so deeply in his eyes just right.

Maybe Kimberly had nailed it. Maybe Harlow had stared at Beck for reasons that had nothing to do with the job.

“Name a figure.” He slowly, leisurely, walked back to the couch and eased down, the whiskey in hand. “Whatever it is, lollipop, I’ll pay it.”

The new endearment startled her, considering he hadn’t used one these past three weeks. The fact that he’d gone with lollipop, something sweet and edible he’d never called the others…

I’m special to him.

Oh, no, no, no. Red alert! Red alert! That was the true danger of him. Somehow, he made everyone feel special.

“That’s a daring thing to say,” she stated quietly.

“But true nonetheless.”

She placed her elbows on the desk and leaned forward. “Very well. The price is…” Inspiration struck, and she smiled evilly. “You can’t have sex for a week.”

His eyes narrowed to tiny slits, but he appeared far from angry. “Why do you care about my sex life?”

“I care about you, and I think abstinence will help build character.”

He didn’t miss a beat. “You care? Very well, I accept.” No time to celebrate. “With two caveats,” he added. “The week won’t start until the painting is done.” He smiled now, and it was a wicked one. “Also, I want the painting to be a nude.”

Her breath caught in her throat, only to exit on a gust. “I…you…excuse me?”

“A nude. Meaning I won’t be wearing any clothing. If you want to strip down, that’ll be okay too.”

This was punishment for daring to impede his sex life, wasn’t it? “I’ve never actually painted or even drawn what you’re suggesting, and I’m not sure I have the skill.” Or if she would survive.

“I have complete faith in your ability. And as an artist, a professional, I’ll expect you to view me strictly through objective eyes. You can do that, can’t you?”

“Of course,” she said. She could absolutely, one hundred percent view him through objective eyes…if he wore a cloak of invisibility. But even then it would be iffy. “Why do you want a nude?” she demanded, hoping to shame him into retracting his request.

“Maybe I enjoy the thought of disrobing for you.” His voice had gone low and husky, a caress of unfettered temptation, making her shiver. “Maybe I like the thought of your eyes on my bare skin and your hands forming the shapes of my body.”

She gulped. Having only ever dealt with boys, never with men, she had no idea how to respond to so blatant a statement.

“Or,” he said, his voice returning to its normal fun, flirty tone. “Maybe I’m narcissistic and want to immortalize every inch of myself. How is one to know?”

How indeed. “When would you like to start?”

“Tonight.”

I’m going to hate myself for reminding him of this, but… “What about your date? I can’t—won’t—hurt Kimberly.”

“I think we both know she was about to cancel on me. Which makes me wonder what the two of you were discussing.”

Shifting uncomfortably, she said, “I will never betray a confidence.”

“I could change your mind, but I won’t. I admire your mindset.” His gaze dropped to the pulse fluttering in her neck. “I’ll arrive at seven, and I’ll bring dinner.”

“Yes. I’d like that.” A lot. And it wasn’t the thought of food that made her heart race, but the thought of having him in her space. Alone…naked. Within reach.

She sucked in a breath. Oh…crap. The worst had happened, hadn’t it?

Kimberly had figured it out, but Harlow had done her best to deny it until the truth practically vibrated in her bones. How had she ever fooled herself into thinking she could fall for West…when she’d already fallen for Beck?

“What’s wrong, dove?” he asked gently. He came around the desk and sat at the edge, turning her chair to trap her between his legs. “You were twinkles one moment, sullen the next.”

He always read her so well, while she always struggled to make sense of his moods. Life wasn’t fair. “It’s nothing I want to discuss right now,” she said, refusing to lie to him. But she had to talk to someone about this.

Who? She had no confidants, and any secrets she revealed to others could be used as a weapon against her. A game of “humiliate Harlow for sport.”

“What will it take to get you to trust me, hmm?”

Was he serious? “Beck, for the past three weeks you’ve treated me like I’m a carrier of cholera. Why do you want my trust?”

“You’re my friend.”

But I want to be more. “Yes,” she said, and cleared her throat. “You’re right. I am.”

“So talk to me like a friend. Share your past with me. Tell me what changed you in high school.”

Her mouth went dry. Always they circled back to this. “Forget I agreed to be your friend. We’re enemies.”

“You’ll tell me what’s easy, but nothing that’s hard.”

“I don’t like to think about what changed me. It hurts.”

“Pain fades. Rip off the bandage and give the wound a chance to heal.”

“No.” If she told him, she’d have to show him. If she showed him, he’d never want her again. And right now he wanted her. He had to. The way he was looking at her…

He leaned down until his nose almost brushed against hers. “One day, Harlow, you’ll open up to me.”

“One day,” she whispered. “Maybe. But probably not.”

He cupped her nape, the heat of him making her gasp. “Definitely. And in more ways than one. I’ll make sure of it.”

Michel’s Review

The Hotter You Burn by Gena Showalter is the second book in the sizzling hot contempory series, The Original Heartbreakers. These bad boys are going to burn up the pages and smolder your heart.

Beck Ockley is the womanizer of their family. He goes through women like water. His only rules are one night only and no repeats. He’s not interested in relationships. He just wants to have a little fun. His womanizing ways are a deflection of what is really below the surface of Beck Ockley. Being a product of the foster care system has left a negative effect on his heart. He has a jaded view of love. When he catches Harlow Glass, the town pariah, he is in for a change of heart. Can he handle it?

Harlow Glass is the true definition of “mean girl”. Her heartless antics and cruel behaviors in her youth have made her the town pariah. She was truly a horrible person, that is until something happened when she was a teenager. Since that time she has become a recluse. She withdrew from high school and was not seen again by the townsfolk. In the past ten years her mother has died, she lost her beloved home, and has become a homeless recluse. She can’t get a job in town because of her past behaviors. She is the most hated person in the area. She is now homeless and close to starving. When she is caught stealing a pie from her former home by Beck Oakley it is a blessing and curse at the same time.

Beck is touched by Harlow. He understands what it feels like to be down and out. He understands that mistakes can haunt a person for their entire life. He respects the fact that Harlow owns her mistakes and misdeeds. He admires her strengths as well as her vulnerabilities. What he doesn’t realize is that he has fallen head over heels for Harlow Glass.

Harlow is grateful for Beck’s help. She is grateful for her new job. She is grateful for new home. She strives to make amends to all those she has hurt. She has regrets. She also has dreams. She wants to be truly loved. She wants a solid relationship that leads to commitment and family. Beck’s flirtations and advances are thrilling but not enough. He can’t give her what she wants most.

Both are falling in love and changing. What is it going to take for Beck to surrender his heart completely? Will it take a terrible life threatening event to wake Beck up?

This book was loaded with angst and passion. I absolutely loved Harlow. She owned her past and never tried to flinch away from it. Beck was a bit wishy washy when it came to matters of the heart but after what he went through as a child it was valid.

I love this series and am looking forward to the final book. These heartbreakers have stolen my heart.

___________________________________________

About Gena Showalter

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty books in paranormal and contemporary romances, as well as young adult novels. Her series include White Rabbit Chronicles, Angels of the Dark, Otherworld Assassins, Lords of the Underworld, Alien Huntress and Intertwined.

Her novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan Magazine, and Seventeen Magazine, and have been translated all over the world. The critics have called her books “sizzling page-turners” and “utterly spellbinding stories”, while Showalter herself has been called “a star on the rise”.

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Happy Release + 5 Star Review : Eight Second Angel by Jessie Evans – Lonesome Point,Texas Series – Book 7

Posted on 07/29/2015 by shellbellereads

Eight Second Angel: The Ballad of Lily Grace (Lonesome Point, Texas Book 7)

Jessie Evans

Releases July 28th

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Love is heaven that hurts like hell…

Rodeo cowboy Canyon O’Donnell is a champion with more national titles than any pro bull rider in history. He’s also one week away from ending his own life. Haunted by mistakes from his past, Canyon isn’t looking for redemption, let alone love. But when a beautiful girl with her own tragic past practically falls into his lap, he can’t resist taking her under his wing. He can’t promise her forever, but maybe he can help ease her pain.

A little over a year ago, Lily Lawson was murdered. Now she’s back on earth in a new body, sent to redeem a lost soul before it’s too late. But her first good will mission is complicated by a powerful attraction to the tortured cowboy she’s been sent to save. Soon she wishes she could promise Canyon forever, but she only has a few days and time is running out.

Lily’s willing to do whatever it takes to save Canyon’s life. But what if the one thing he needs—her love—is the one thing she can never give?

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Thoughts of tomorrow’s encounter should have filled her head too full to dwell on the pretty cowboy splashing around in the water below, but her brain had other ideas. Her sleep-deprived synapses were weary of stressful thoughts and eager for something to take her mind off heavier issues. Consequently, she had a hard time keeping her eyes from Canyon’s muscled back as he swam to the far bank and an even harder time controlling her response to the moment he emerged from the river, his soaked shorts clinging to the curves of his ass. The man had one phenomenal backside. No doubt about it. Swallowing hard, Lily wrenched her gaze from the swimming hole, taking her time spreading her towel out on the rocks near the bend in the river, doing her best to pull herself together. She wished Canyon hadn’t known about this particular spot. All the other tourists were down at the well-marked river beach with the manned lifeguard stand, which meant they were alone here, with nothing to distract Canyon from noticing that she was practically drooling all over herself. She’d never been ruled by lust before—she’d only slept with two men, though she’d certainly been attracted to others—but a bear claw had never tasted as delicious as the one at the donut shop last night, either. Time away from a human body had sharpened her senses, making her a slave to every sweet-smelling scent on the breeze, each bite of suddenly magical-tasting food, and the hunger to feel another body warm against hers. Preferably Canyon’s, the way it had been last night. It was all sorts of wrong, probably akin to a nurse lusting after her patient. She’d been sent here to help this man, not think about how good he looked in a swimsuit. She was ashamed of herself, but not so ashamed that she could keep her eyes from drifting from the romance novel she’d purchased last night to where Canyon frolicked in the water. Romance had clearly been a bad choice. She should have brought poor Grace’s well-worn copy of The Bell Jar and spent an hour inside the mind of a depressed genius, instead. But she was tired of sad, depressing things. She didn’t want to think about being in a body her sons wouldn’t recognize or that the man she would always love like a piece of her own soul was married to someone else. She didn’t want to think about only having a week to save a good man’s life or what waited for her on the other side of this brief return to earth.

Tracey’s Review

After so many months wandering the world in-between, light and weightless as a feather, coming back into a human body hurt like hell.

And so begins the story of Lily Grace Lawson and Canyon O’Donnell in EIGHT SECOND ANGEL, the follow-up novella to ROPES AND REVENGE in the Lonesome Point, Texas, series by Jessie Evans.

Lily Grace, wife of John Lawson, was killed in ROPES AND REVENGE, and, feeling that she still has unfinished business in the here and now, has been in the ‘in-between,’ unwilling to cross over. Canyon O’Donnell has suffered great loss himself, and, feeling that this world would be better without him, has decided to take matters into his own hands. It’s up to Lily Grace to show him just how precious life is.

Jessie is one of my go-to authors. I just love the way that she writes, her words, her characters, the love that she infuses into each of her stories. Jessie’s Lonesome Point, Texas, series is one of my favorites, full of strong sexy cowboys, women full of sass and strength, and tales of overcoming odds that sometimes seem impossible.

EIGHT SECOND ANGEL is a true second-chance romance, of sorts. Both Lily Grace and Canyon are living in the past, and it isn’t until the possibility of losing each other in the now arises that each are able to let go of what was and find the redemption that they seek.

This story may be one of my absolute favorites in the series. It’s full of love, loss, tears, smiles, and, yes, plenty of steamy sexy time, too. Canyon and Lily Grace touched my heart, making me want their HEA from early on. I happily recommend this book, and the whole Lonesome Point series, with 5+ ‘I’m crying, I’m smiling, life IS good and beautiful’ stars.

The Lonesome Point Series:

Leather and Lace

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Saddles and Sin

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Diamonds and Dust

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12 Dates of Christmas

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Glitter and Grit

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Sunny with a Chance of True Love: The Ballad of Ugly Ross

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Chaps and Chance

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Ropes and Revenge

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

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

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

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Release Blitz + Giveaway: Lucky’s Choice by Jamie Begley – Last Riders Series – Book 7

Posted on 07/29/2015 by shellbellereads

Enter to Win A

Custom LAST RIDERS T-Shirt & Mug,

$25.00 Amazon eGift Card and Signed Copy of SHADE’S FALL

LUCKY’S CHOICE

The Last Riders #7

Jamie Begley

Releasing July 29th, 2015

Young Ink Press

Life dealt him a dead man’s hand.

Lucky had
always led a life of service, always putting his life on the line for someone
else, managing to survive by pure luck and skill. After bringing an end to a
multi-state drug ring, he was finally able to live the life he had wanted as a
Last Rider.

A good man
would walk away and not touch the curvy woman who had been tugging on his
heartstrings. Lucky wasn’t a good man. Therefore, the bad-ass biker in him had
a choice: once again become the man he had pretended to be and stake his claim
or take the devil’s highway.

Some girls had all the luck.

Willa
wasn’t one of them. All she wanted to do was give a home to the children she
had made orphans. Instead, she found herself needing help from the man who had
left the pulpit behind to embrace a life of sin.

Painfully
shy and withdrawn, she wanted a quiet life, a simple man, and well-behaved
children. The last thing she had ever expected was for Lucky to want her size
twenty body and show her a passion that would lead her straight to hell.

BUY NOW

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

Excerpt

“Did you see who did this?” Lucky heard the accusation in his own voice, but it was too late to regain his temper as Willa paled. He was having a shit time with women so far today.

Willa walked toward him, the five children following behind her.

“Is something wrong …?” Her words trailed off as her eyes caught sight of his bike.

“We just came outside. Chrissy and Caroline saw a stray cat when they were playing outside earlier. They wanted to feed it…”

Lucky’s eyes went to the tabby cat at the side of Willa’s house that was contentedly eating tuna from a can. Then he studied the children. “Are you sure you didn’t hear or see anything?”

“Jenna’s house is closer to your bike. It would be easily seen from her living room window. If you didn’t see anything, why would we?” Willa said.

Lucky’s face turned red in embarrassment and anger at her logic. “Because I’m not the one who’s constantly looking out the window.”

Once again, Willa was the one turning bright red. “I’ll go get something to clean the paint off.”

She hurried inside her house, leaving him alone with five kids staring at him with varying expressions—from the overtly hostile glares of the two older girls to the three younger ones scowling at him.

“We didn’t see who touched your bike,” Leanne stated, staring him directly in the eyes.

Lucky knew the children fairly well from when he had been undercover as pastor. Leanne and Sissy were sisters; their mother Georgia had been a member of his congregation who had recently been killed when she was incarcerated for setting a fire in The Last Rider’s clubhouse. Shade and his wife Lily could have easily died if not for the precautions that Viper, the club president, had taken.

“I just asked if anyone had seen anything, Leanne. Maybe one of you put the other up to doing it?”

A firestorm was unleashed at his words.

“We don’t put each other up to doing stuff that will get us in trouble!” Sissy snapped. The oldest girl, at seventeen, had been hit the hardest by her mother’s death.

Lucky guiltily admitted to himself that he was wrong. This wasn’t a prank a kid would play.

“What does the word mean?” Charlie, the eight-year-old, questioned as he held his younger sister Caroline’s hand while his other sister, Chrissy, stared at him, sucking her thumb.

The three younger children Willa was fostering were Lewis’s, Georgia’s brother, who had also been raising his nieces after her death. Lewis had been determined to marry Willa to help care for his large family. The sick bastard had gotten his wish; he just wasn’t around to benefit from it. Willa had shot and killed him when he had come to her house in a rage and attacked not only her but also Rachel, who had tried to help her.

“It means that Pastor Dean isn’t acting like a pastor anymore.” Sissy smirked at him.

Lucky knew her age and recent difficulties were responsible for her attitude, but it didn’t keep him from snarling back at her. “You have a problem with me, Sissy?”

“I have a problem with you treating Willa the way you just did.”

“Willa needs to learn to take up for herself. She doesn’t need another person taking up for her. Certainly not a seventeen-year-old.”

Caroline’s foot kicked out, striking him in the leg.

“Stop it!” Lucky had long since lost control of the embarrassing situation.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“I was born in a small town in Kentucky. My family began poor, but worked their way to owning a restaurant. My mother was one of the best cooks I have ever known, and she instilled in all her children the value of hard work, and education.

Taking after my mother, I’ve always love to cook, and became pretty good if I do say so myself. I love to experiment and my unfortunate family has suffered through many. They now have learned to steer clear of those dishes. I absolutely love the holidays and my family puts up with my zany decorations.

For now, my days are spent writing, writing, and writing. I have two children who both graduated this year from college. My daughter does my book covers, and my son just tries not to blush when someone asks him about my books.

Currently I am writing five series of books- The Last Riders, The VIP Room, Predators MC, Biker Bitches, and The Dark Souls.

All my books are written for one purpose- the enjoyment others find in them, and the expectations of my fans that inspire me to give it my best.”

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Teaser Tuesday : In The Dark by Monica Murphy – The Rules Series – Book 2

Posted on 07/28/2015 by shellbellereads

In The Dark

The Rules Series – Book 2

By Monica Murphy

Release Date: August 25, 2015

Pre Order : ITunes

Stuck spending the summer with his screwed up family, Gabriel Walker is bored out of his mind and looking for an adventure. And he seems to find it with the hot girl who lives next door. The attraction between them is instant. Electric. Soon they’re spending every stolen minute together. Talk about the perfect summer fling…

Lucy isn’t what she seems. She doesn’t live next door—she’s the girl who’s been hired to house sit for the summer while the family goes on a worldwide vacation. If Gabe wants to believe she’s a spoiled rich girl looking for some fun, she can go along with that. After the summer, she’ll never see him again.

They don’t count on running into each other at college. Now Lucy must keep up the pretense of being a rich girl—and it’s exhausting. She knows she’s falling in love with Gabe and she’s scared he feels the same. Will he still care about her when he discovers the truth?

The Rule Series

Fair Game

The Rule Series – Book 1

Release Date: May 12, 2015

By Monica Murphy

Buy: Amazon

Synopsis

FAIR GAME (The Rules Series, Book 1) May 12, 2015

Bad enough Jade Frost’s boyfriend drags her to a boring poker game. Even worse that he actually threw her into the betting pot during an intense round…and lost. Talk about the perfect excuse for Jade to make him her ex-boyfriend.

Now she supposedly belongs to the ultra rich, extremely gorgeous Shep Prescott. He could have anything he wants yet he seems to be in hot pursuit of her. No matter how rude, how snarky, how impossible she acts, it doesn’t stop him. More like her horrible behavior seems to make him want her more.

When she finds herself starting to fall for him, Jade’s confused. There’s more to Shep than the carefree rich charmer he portrays. He has secrets. And she wants to discover them, no matter how ugly they might be…

In The Dark

The Rule Series – Book 2

Release Date: August 25, 2015

By Monica Murphy

Synopsis

IN THE DARK (Book 2) August 25, 2015

Lucy isn’t what she seems. She doesn’t live next door—she’s the maid who’s been hired to house sit for the summer while the family goes on a worldwide vacation. If Gabe wants to believe she’s a spoiled rich girl looking for some fun, she can go along with that. After the summer, she’ll never see him again.

Slow Play

The Rule Series – Book 3

Release Date: November 3, 2015

By Monica Murphy

Synopsis

SLOW PLAY (Book 3) November 3, 2015

Newly broke girl Alexandria Asher just wants to live a normal life. After her parents are sent to prison on embezzlement charges, she enrolls in college under her mother’s maiden name and tries her best to pretend she’s someone else.

Tristan Chadwick is everything Alex is trying to avoid. A seemingly egotistical, lazy, rich jerk, she dumps her beer on his head when he comes on to her one night at a party. This only spurs Tristan into action. He loves nothing more than a challenge. And the beautiful Alex is exactly the type of challenge that intrigues him.

Despite her reluctance, Alex finds herself quickly involved with Tristan. Underneath that playboy exterior is a good guy, a sweet and sexy guy who she is undoubtedly falling for. What they both don’t realize is the actions of Alex’s parents are the reason for so much tragedy in Tristan’s family. And when Tristan discovers who Alex and her family really is, can he forgive and forget?
______________________________________________________________________________

I write books. I have the best job ever. New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Writer of new adult contemporary romance-ish stuff. Published with Avon and Bantam. Mom and wife. Native Californian.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Teaser Tuesday: Overtime by Toni Aleo

Posted on 07/28/2015 by shellbellereads

Overtime by Toni Aleo

Series: Assassins Series #7

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Goodreads

PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON

Down and out with an injury keeping him away from the game, Assassins’ defenseman Jordie Thomas lives for the blades of his skates on the ice and the feeling of oblivion off it. With no choice but to heal, he’s forced away from the sport that runs through his veins. With everything at stake and darkness setting in, he quickly finds himself spiraling even further out of control. As his life begins to come crashing down around him and his contract with the Nashville Assassins on the line, he’s given an ultimatum. Ready or not, Jordie is forced to face his past, the fears that consume him, and the one woman he let walk away.

Kacey King had her professional dreams come true, yet her heart was battered and broken. With an Olympic gold medal around her neck, she’s ready to look forward to the future but without the one man she wanted in it. She’s missing the key pieces of her heart she left months ago with the only person who was capable of destroying it, causing her to falter in all her plans to move on.

In the game of life, there are winners and losers, and neither Jordie nor Kacey want to be on the losing bench. If only Jordie could convince Kacey he’s a changed man and that he wants her right by his side as his MVP for the biggest and best parts of a life they build together. With emotions running high and the game on the line, can two proud people find happiness with each other, or will their hearts and souls be left in the cold? Will they see that sometimes having someone by your side who knows the good, bad, and broken is better than going it alone and losing everything through the back of the net? They are out of time on the game clock and fighting for the win of their lives.

But overtime was made for an Assassin like Jordie.

———- Teaser ———-

“What? Scared I’ll get
my feelings hurt?”

“You don’t have
feelings, Jordie. You’re allergic to them,” she said simply, her hand digging
deeper into his skin.

He smiled, covering the
grimace that was surfacing. She did her job great, but she had always been a
little rough. “That’s not true. I have feelings for you.”

She paused and looked up
at him. “Wanting to fuck me may be a feeling but not the feelings I want.”

———- About the Author ———-

Toni Aleo is the author of the Nasvhille Assassins series: Taking Shots, Trying to Score, Empty Net, Falling for the Backup, and Blue Lines.

When not rooting for her beloved Nashville Predators, she’s probably going to her husband’s and son’s hockey games and her daughter’s dance competitions, taking pictures, scrapbooking, or reading the latest romance novel.

She lives in the Nashville area with her husband, two children, and a bulldog. Read more about Toni here.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Release Blitz : The Forbidden Billionaire by J. S. Scott

Posted on 07/28/2015 by shellbellereads

Synopsis

All of Jared Sinclair’s wealth still can’t
ease the pain from his terrible childhood…or his guilt over a recent
tragedy. Unable to forgive himself, the billionaire property investor
buries his emotions, toughens his skin, and becomes a notorious
womanizer, refusing to commit his heart to a woman when he’s convinced
she wants only his wallet.But ever since Jared arrived in
Amesport, Maine, he’s been intrigued by Mara Ross, the petite and sexy
shop owner who asks nothing of him. When Mara’s store is purchased
without her knowledge, she stands on the brink of losing her home, her
livelihood, and generations of family history. Then the irresistibly
persuasive Jared proposes a business deal to Mara…and soon draws her
into a steamy, sensual affair, convincing her that he’s anything but
cold. However, when a revelation shakes Mara’s fragile trust to the
core, Jared must finally confront the truth about his past.In The Forbidden Billionaire, J.S. Scott brings the next chapter in her passionate Sinclairs series to life.

Purchase Links

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Teaser

Also Available

Synopsis

Called an eccentric beast by the citizens of
Amesport, Maine, handsome, sensual billionaire Grady Sinclair stays
isolated in his mansion on a private peninsula. The arrangement suits
Grady just fine—until an unassuming woman rings his doorbell, awaking
his long dormant passion with her fearlessness. All he wants is to make
the fiery blonde his forever. But will he have to become the monster
everyone thinks he is to get his Christmas wish?Emily Ashworth is
desperate. The Youth Center has been robbed of all its money, and as
the director, she has to find a way to give the town’s needy children
the Christmas they deserve. With nowhere else to turn, she ventures to
the mansion of a mysterious billionaire to ask for help. Warned to
expect a beast, Emily is shocked to find Grady Sinclair a handsome and very
sensual man. With steamy kisses under the mistletoe and seductive
whispers while hanging the wreath, Emily finds there’s more to Grady
than meets the eye. Is this misunderstood billionaire just a lonely soul
who needs the gift of love for Christmas?

This edition of The Billionaire’s Christmas, which was previously published in A Maine Christmas…Or Two: A Duet (The Billionaire’s Angel & A Mermaid Isle Christmas), includes editorial revisions.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1xuBpWg

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1vnmcpd

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1sa2CsV

Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/ZBbLkp

Synopsis

Dante Sinclair never cared about his family’s
money. All the ultra-sexy billionaire ever wanted was to be a cop; and
now that he’s a homicide detective in Los Angeles, he’s a damn good one.
But when he is injured and loses his partner in the line of duty, he
returns to his vacation home in Amesport, Maine, to recover. With a
mouth as dangerous as the streets he protects, Dante knows no one can
ever heal or tame him.Sarah Baxter, a brilliant young doctor
still struggling with her stifled upbringing, has recently moved from
Chicago to sleepy Amesport to escape her past, hoping to find peace.
When Sarah is assigned to Dante’s case, there’s an instant heat between
them. They couldn’t possibly be more different, yet their intense
passion is impossible to ignore. As burning desires awaken within Sarah,
her haunted past returns, threatening her once again. Can Dante
overcome his grief and unravel the secrets Sarah is hiding in time to
protect and rescue her?

Amazon http://amzn.to/1z4IUE8
Amazon CA http://amzn.to/1Bs3ZKU
Amazon AU http://bit.ly/1BHVQBV

Coming Soon!!!

The Billionaire’s Touch

Pre Order Available NOW

After a troubling childhood, wealthy Evan
Sinclair likes his life orderly and controlled. He rarely gives in to
spontaneous urges—until he begins a chance correspondence with a mystery
woman who sounds like his complete opposite. She intrigues and amuses
him, and the interest seems mutual…which is more than he can say for his
current obsession, Miranda Tyler, the tough-as-nails, sexy
schoolteacher who’s made it clear she’s not impressed—or interested.Miranda
finally has it all: a good job, friends, and the security of living in
the quaint coastal town of Amesport, Maine. She even has an anonymous
pen pal—a man she’s never met yet has bonded with almost effortlessly.
The only thing unsettling her life is Evan Sinclair. The handsome
billionaire is arrogant, pompous, and far too used to getting his way.
Miranda tries her best to avoid him, until Evan’s steamy kiss turns her
world upside down.

Soon their red-hot desire is scorching the
sheets and has them both spinning out of control. But when secrets are
revealed, will their insatiable attraction keep them together or force
them apart? In J.S. Scott’s The Billionaire’s Touch, the eldest Sinclair just might have met his match.

Amazon http://amzn.to/1JqQ5Hc

Amazon UK http://amzn.to/1Kh0jwT

Amazon CA http://amzn.to/1Oi6Xne

Amazon AU http://bit.ly/1DqFdXQ

J.S.
Scott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of steamy
romance. She’s an avid reader of all types of books and literature.
Writing what she loves to read, J.S. Scott writes both contemporary
steamy romance stories and paranormal romance erotics. They almost
always feature an Alpha Male and have a happily ever after because she
just can’t seem to write them any other way!

https://www.facebook.com/authorjsscott

http://authorjsscott.com

https://twitter.com/AuthorJSScott

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Forever Bound: A Not Yet Rock Star by Deanna Roy – The Forever Series – Book 4

Posted on 07/28/2015 by shellbellereads

Forever Bound: A Not Yet Rock Star

Forever Series – Book 4

By Deanna Roy

Synopsis

Jenny is a girlfriend-for-hire, the platonic kind.

While under contract with her movie director boyfriend, glamour has ruled. Designer gowns. Red-carpet premieres. And, of course, seeing her face in the tabloids.

She loves tabloids.

But her reign has come to an end. Her sugar daddy has fallen in love — with someone else. Her contract is over and tonight she has to end it publicly by making sure the paparazzi “catches” her with another man.

She just has to find the man.

Chance has been hitchhiking across the US, playing and singing for tips. This is the life he’s always imagined, and the farther he gets from his disastrous family in Tennessee, the better he feels.

An unexpected invitation to sing with an indie blues group at a movie premiere party gives him a sweet taste of fame. As a bonus, a beautiful girl with pink dreadlocks only has eyes for him.

But the collision between Jenny and Chance is more emotional and intense than either of them expected. When the scandal hits the news, Chance’s family finds him, pushing him to come home and face his demons.

The night has even more consequences for Jenny. She needs to find Chance, but nobody knows anything about him, not even his last name.

Her journey takes her across the country and into the disaster Chance is running from. But she can’t give up on him, because what neither of them realized is that sometimes a single night can be the beginning of forever.

–Full length standalone HEA.
–Includes characters from Forever Innocent and Forever Sheltered and even *surprise* — singer Dylan Wolf from JJ Knight’s Revenge and Blue Shoes series.
–May require tissues.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

Forever Bound by Deanna Roy is the fourth book in the Forever series. The Forever series is one of the most emotional and touching series that I have read. Each of the characters in this series is unique, charming, and faced some harsh realities in life. Their strength and perseverance has been admiral. Their dedication their friends and those they love is commendable. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. Forever Bound came as a complete surprise to me. It was unpredictable and quite unexpected.

Jenny has been a key secondary character throughout the Forever series. She has come across as a delightful free spirit that loves her friends fiercely. She helps them through all their ups and downs and is their biggest cheerleader. On the surface she comes across as an easy going yet colorful spirit. Beneath the surface, she has her own insecurities and a past she hides behind with her rainbows. Jenny is a positive person despite her past.

When she has to stage a public scene/ break up with her fake boyfriend, a famous Hollywood director, she is feeling a loss. Even though he was a fake boyfriend, he was her security blanket and close friend.

When she meets the sexy singer of the band at the party where her break up is to be staged, he is the perfect candidate. With his good looks and sex appeal, it is going to be a pleasure staging the scene. What she didn’t count on was the intense attraction to Chance. What starts as a staged scene turns into a sizzling hot one night stand. Sex on the beach takes on a whole new definition.

That one hot encounter will take on a whole new life once the paparazzi exposes her escapades on the beach. Her life is turned upside down.

Chance is a drifter. He moves from town to town, playing his music, and making enough money to move on. His one night stand with Jenny on the beach has left a lasting impression he can’t forget. It also exposed him. He walked away from his family in Chattanooga, TN. He’s left behind the mess of his life and refuses to return home.

That one night stand will change both Jenny and Chance’s life. It will make them both face their pasts. It will bring something they never knew they wanted or needed. It will bound them together forever.

Not only was Forever Bound a touching, emotional romance; it literally hit close to home for me. I was amazed at the accuracy of the locations throughout the book. Everything about Chattanooga was pin point accurate. I live in this area. The descriptions, names of various places, and street locations was dead on. She captured the feel of the town. She captured the Bible Belt mentality.

Another thing I liked about Forever Bound was the musical references. Dylan Wolf, a rock star character, from the Blue Shoes series by JJ Knight (aka Deanna Roy) made some strong cameo appearances. It was great to see these two series tied together.

Forever Bound can be read as a stand alone romance or in series order. I highly recommend this book. It will touch your heart.

____________________________________

The Forever Series Box Set

Books 1-3

By Deanna Roy

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Steamy. Emotional. And now, all in one boxed set.

The fist three standalone novels in the USA Today bestselling Forever series is available in one volume!
“One of my favorite love stories, ever.” — Brittany and Biana Blab Books
“A love you wish everyone could experience.” — Book Drunk Blog

BOOK 1: FOREVER INNOCENT
A Top 100 Book on Amazon

“Our baby died on prom night, and nothing was ever the same again.”

Corabelle doesn’t feel like any of the other college girls. On what should have been one of the happiest nights of her life, she and her boyfriend Gavin watched a nurse disconnect the ventilator from their seven-day-old baby. During the funeral two days later, Gavin walked out and never returned.

Since then, her life has been a spiral of disasters. The only thing that has helped is her ability to black out whenever the pain gets too hard to bear, a habit that has become an addiction.

When Gavin shows up in her astronomy class four years later, he is hell-bent on getting her back, insisting she forgive him. Corabelle knows she can’t resist the touch that fills the empty ache that has haunted her since he left. But if he learns what she has done, if he follows the trail back through her past, her secrets will destroy their love completely. And once again, she’ll lose the only person who always believed she was innocent.

BOOK 2: FOREVER LOVED

“Delivered with sensitivity, brutal honesty, emotional scenes, and an everlasting hope that love can conquer all.” — Hesperia Loves Books
“Did I cry? Oh yeah, but not for the same reasons as before. Will this book stay on my shelf for years to come! You betcha!” — 2 Bookaholics

After four long years of separation, Gavin has finally reunited with his childhood love Corabelle. She’s forgiven him for leaving her during the funeral of their seven-day-old baby.

But a message from Rosa, a prostitute he met during their time apart, brings his life to a crashing halt. She claims Gavin has fathered a son. He doesn’t know if he can trust Rosa, or if his delicate reconciliation with Corabelle can withstand the shock if it is true.

Corabelle believes their future together is the right thing despite their past. But when she learns of this other child, the one thing she lost long ago and might never have again with Gavin, Corabelle’s faith that her life will ever follow her old dream is shattered. To make things right for Gavin and his son, she just might have to let go of the only person she always believed would be her forever love.

BOOK 3: FOREVER SHELTERED

“Hooked me from Chapter 1.” — Fire and Ice Book Reviews
“Put this on your TBR list and bump it to the top.” — Eat Sleep Read Blog

Tina would rather sew up her girl parts with dental floss than go on a second date with a man. She’s been dumped enough to know not to get attached.

But when Dr. Darion Marks comes into her art therapy room to ask a favor for a special patient, Tina recognizes the haunted look he buries beneath his stoic professionalism. So rather than be forced to ditch the handsome doctor after a single night, she decides not to date him at all.

So how exactly DO they end up half-naked in Surgical Suite B?

Dr. Darion has a lot to hide. His baby sister is the only family he has left, and he’s not leaving her treatment to some incompetent hack.

But now he’s breaking every hospital rule imaginable. He lied about his sister so he can manage her care, and now he’s banging the art therapy teacher between patient rounds like a fraternity boy at a keg party.

Nobody believes this can end well, but Dr. Darion and Tina have one thing going for them – a fierce passion for each other that just might solve all their problems.

THREE COMPLETE FULL-LENGTH NOVELS.
Catch up on the series for one discounted price.
There will be five books in the series.
Book Four, FOREVER BOUND, is now available.

___________________________________________

Author Bio:

Deanna Roy is the USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction.

She is a passionate advocate for women who have lost babies. She has several books on the subject, including her bestseller FOREVER INNOCENT, a romance about a couple whose baby is taken off life support at seven days old.

She has run the website PregnancyLoss.Info for fifteen years, including many large spin-off support groups both online and in person.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Happy Release + Review: The Bourbon Kings by J. R. Ward

Posted on 07/28/2015 by shellbellereads

The Bourbon Kings

New Contemporary Series: The Bourbon Kings

Release Date: July 28, 2015

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Black Dagger Brotherhood delivers the first novel in an enthralling new series set amid the shifting dynamics of a Southern family defined by wealth and privilege—and compromised by secrets, deceit, and scandal….

For generations, the Bradford family has worn the mantle of kings of the bourbon capital of the world. Their sustained wealth has afforded them prestige and privilege—as well as a hard-won division of class on their sprawling estate, Easterly. Upstairs, a dynasty that by all appearances plays by the rules of good fortune and good taste. Downstairs, the staff who work tirelessly to maintain the impeccable Bradford facade. And never the twain shall meet.

For Lizzie King, Easterly’s head gardener, crossing that divide nearly ruined her life. Falling in love with Tulane, the prodigal son of the bourbon dynasty, was nothing that she intended or wanted—and their bitter breakup only served to prove her instincts were right. Now, after two years of staying away, Tulane is finally coming home again, and he is bringing the past with him. No one will be left unmarked: not Tulane’s beautiful and ruthless wife; not his older brother, whose bitterness and bad blood know no bounds; and especially not the ironfisted Bradford patriarch, a man with few morals, fewer scruples, and many, many terrible secrets.

As family tensions—professional and intimately private—ignite, Easterly and all its inhabitants are thrown into the grips of an irrevocable transformation, and only the cunning will survive.

Michel’s Review

Fans of J. R. Ward are in for a treat with the release of her new contemporary series , The Bourbon Kings. This new series has been optioned for television.

The Bourbon Kings series is quite different from the previous series by J. R. Ward. The writing and tone is in a class by itself that follows along the lines of contemporary fiction rather than romance fiction. It does not have the fast paced, intense action that readers are used to in the Black Dagger Brotherhood or Fallen Angels series. The characters are not the hard core alphas with loads of attitude to back them up. This series is based upon a prestigious family and their elite world. The characters are elitist that have been raised with entitlement and vast wealth.

The first half of the book revolves around world building and character introductions. It is very wordy and overly descriptive. The pacing is slow and tedious. I found myself getting bored and quickly losing interest and then the J. R. Ward magic happened. The second half of the book was enthralling. I could not put the book down. The characters came to life. The family dynamics became complex and mystifying. The plot clearly started to unfold and set their world into play. The mystery and intrigue as well as the inner workings of the family kept me captivated. In the end there was a cliffhanger that had me interested in what was going to come next. The cliffhanger was not angsty or a do or die moment but an integral part of the story that is beginning to unfold.

After I finished the book and tried to formulate my thoughts I could clearly see how this is written for television. I think that this series is going to be a very entertaining television series that will have the same kind of effect on viewers that Dallas and Dynasty had.

I can’t wait to see what happens next in The Bourbon Kings series.

# # #

Jessica Rowley Pell Bird was born on 1969 in Massachusetts, USA. She is the daughter of Maxine F. and W. Gillette Bird, Jr. She began writing as a child, penning her thoughts in diaries as well as inventing short stories. She read her first Harlequin Presents novel in a rose garden when she was in her teens. She was hooked immediately. By the time she went to college, she had boxes and boxes of Harlequins and Silhouettes. Every year, her mother would ask why all those books had to live in the house and Jess would reply that if even one of them disappeared she would know. (She’d catalogued them.)

Jess finished her first romance manuscript the summer before her freshman year of college. She attended Smith College and graduated with a double major in history and art history. She then received a law degree from Albany Law School. Shortly after that, she began working in the healthcare industry in Boston. She spent many years as one of the premier medical center’s Chief of Staff. While working as a lawyer in Boston, she completed two novels more and started a number of partials. In 2001, Bird married John Neville Blakemore III. Both her mother and her new husband kept telling her to send something in to an agent, a publisher, the Tooth Fairy, anyone. She thought they were nuts, but eventually got her nerve up and bought a lot of stamps. Since getting published, she has written contemporary romances as Jessica Bird and paranormal romances as J. R. Ward. She has been a Rita Award finalist, received two Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice nominations and has been a HOLT medallion finalist.

New England born and bred, Jess is surprised to find herself living south of the Mason Dixon line. (But that’s what happens when you marry a Southern gentleman.) She and her husband live with their golden retriever, who oversees her writing in a supervisory role.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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