Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Aflame by Penelope Douglas

Posted on 04/21/2015 by shellbellereads

Aflame

Fall Away Series – Book 4

By Penelope Douglas

Synopsis

From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Bully, Until You, Rival, and Falling Away comes the sizzling conclusion to the Fall Away series.

The tables have turned. Now I have the power—and it’s his turn to beg…

Everyone wants to be me.

Maybe it’s the sway of my skirt or the way I flip my hair, but I don’t care. Even though their attention is the last thing I crave, I just can’t stop. I dominate the track, the speed rattles my bones, and the wind and the crowd screams my name.

I’m her. The girl driver. The queen of the race. And I’m surviving—something he thought I’d never do.

They all talk about him. Did you see Jared Trent on T.V? What did you think of his last race, Tate? When is he coming back to town, Tate?

But I refuse to care too much. Because when Jared does come home, I won’t be here.

Tatum Brandt is gone. I’m someone new.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo / Google Play

Michel’s Review

The Fall Away series by Penelope Douglas has come to an end. Although it breaks my heart to say goodbye to all of the beloved characters in this series, it also made my heart explode with happiness on how it ended. The series has come full circle and once again the readers got to experience the love/hate relationship between Jared and Tate. This time they are older and ready to handle all the hiccups that life throws at them.

In the previous book, Falling Away, at the ending Jared and Tate broke up. They were the couple that all of the characters looked up to . They were the couple that overcame a very difficult relationship that should of ended before it began. Jared was a BULLY. Tate was a VICTIM. Somehow these two found a way to put aside the animosity and find the true meaning of love. They graduated high school in a loving relationship. They spent the first two years of college building a future. Somewhere along the way something went wrong once again. It wasn’t their relationship that was wrong, it was life. Tate was growing as an individual. She had solid goals that she was working towards. She was pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor. Jared was in limbo. Although he was attending college and was successful in the ROTC, it was not his dream. He didn’t know what he wanted to do in his future. He didn’t really have goals or dreams to build upon. The only thing he was sure of was his love for Tate. He was also smart enough to recognize that if they continued on the path they were on that somewhere along the way they would end up resenting each other. His misery would cause resentments. Her ambitions would cause resentments. Rather than continue on their mapped out course, Jared chose a new road. He had to take a break in their relationship to find himself. He had to find where his passions lied, what he could do, and how to become a better man for Tate. His intentions were to only take a break until he could come back with self respect and real ambitions. But Tate saw things differently. She saw the break as a break up. She saw it as an ending rather than a beginning. She was through with Jared once and for all.

After two years of separation, Jared is forced to come home because of family. He has been avoiding his family and friends once he realized that he and Tate were over for good. Jared has built a solid career and has found his true calling. At times it seems meaningless because he no longer has Tate in his life. But now he has to prove that he has become a better man and face the music. He has to face Tate. He has to face his family. He has to show them he has become something better.

During Jared’s two year absence Tate has changed. She has become bitter, emotionless, and resentful. Their friends have stayed by her side and supported her through her heartbreak at the cost of their relationship with Jared. She has to finally face Jared and let go of all the resentments before she can move forward in life.

The push and pull between Jared and Tate is just as strong as it has always been. These two have been a very important piece of the other all their lives. Now it’s time to put the pieces together and form one unit.

Penelope Douglas wrote a very powerful ending for the Fall Away series. She allowed her characters to grow, become true adults with real adult problems, and allowed them to experience the hardships that come along with maturity. In the end they all learned the true meaning of love, respect, and hope.

The Fall Away Series will always be one of my absolute favorite series.

Bully – Book 1

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Penelope Douglas delivers an unforgettable New Adult romance that toes the fine line between love and hate….

My name is Tate.

He doesn’t call me that, though. He’ll barely refer to me at all, and he’ll hardly ever speak to me.

But he still won’t leave me alone.

We were best friends once. Then he turned on me and made it his mission to ruin my life. I’ve been humiliated, shut out, and gossiped about all through high school. His pranks and rumors got worse as time wore on. I even went to Europe for a year, just to avoid him.

But I’m done hiding from him now, and there’s no way I’ll allow him to ruin another year. He might not have changed, but I have.

It’s time to fight back.

When one brave young woman stands up to her best friend Jared, now tormenter, the consequences go beyond anything either of them ever would have imagined….

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo / Google Play

Until You – Book 1.5

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Penelope Douglas comes a companion novel to Bully.
This is Jared’s story.
Have you ever been so angry that hitting things felt good? Or numb to all emotions? The past few years have been like that for me. Traveling between fury and indifference with no stops in between. Some people hate me for it, while others are scared of me. But none of them can hurt me, because I don’t care about anything or anyone.

Except Tatum.

I love her so much that I hate her. I hate that I can’t let her go. We used to be friends, but I found out that I couldn’t trust her—or anyone else. So I hurt her. I pushed her away. But I still need her. She centers me. Engaging her, challenging her, pushing her—it’s the one last part of me that feels anything anymore.

But then she went and screwed everything up. She left for a year and came back a different girl. Now, when I push, she pushes back…and I’m not sure either one of us will ever be the same.

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Rival – Book 2

Madoc and Fallon. Two estranged teenagers playing games that push the boundaries between love and war…

She’s back.

For the two years she’s been away at boarding school, there was no word from her. Back when we lived in the same house, she used to cut me down during the day and then leave her door open for me at night.

I was stupid then, but now I’m ready to beat her at her own game…

I’m back.

Two years and I can tell he still wants me, even if he acts like he’s better than me.

But I won’t be scared away. Or pushed down. I’ll call his bluff and fight back. That’s what he wants, right? As long as I keep my guard up, he’ll never know how much he affects me….

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Falling Away – Book 3

From the New Adult sensation and New York Times bestselling author of Rival

Jaxon is the guy she’s supposed to avoid. K.C. is the girl he won’t let get away….

K. C. Carter has always followed the rules—until this year, when a mistake leaves her the talk of her college campus and her carefully arranged life comes crashing to a halt. Now she’s stuck in her small hometown for the summer to complete her court-ordered community service, and to make matters worse, trouble is living right next door.

Jaxon Trent is the worst kind of temptation and exactly what K.C. was supposed to stay away from in high school. But he never forgot her. She was the one girl who wouldn’t give him the time of day and the only one to ever say no. Fate has brought K.C. back into his life—except what he thought was a great twist of luck turns out to be too close for comfort. As they grow closer, he discovers that convincing K.C. to get out from her mother’s shadow is hard, but revealing the darkest parts of his soul is nearly impossible.…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo / Google Play

Aflame – Book 4

From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Bully, Until You, Rival, and Falling Away comes the sizzling conclusion to the Fall Away series.

The tables have turned. Now I have the power—and it’s his turn to beg…

Everyone wants to be me.

I’m her. The girl driver. The queen of the race. And I’m surviving—something he thought I’d never do.

They all talk about him. Did you see Jared Trent on T.V? What did you think of his last race, Tate? When is he coming back to town, Tate?

But I refuse to care too much. Because when Jared does come home, I won’t be here.

Tatum Brandt is gone. I’m someone new.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo / Google Play

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About Penelope Douglas

Penelope Douglas is a writer living in Las Vegas. Born in Dubuque, Iowa, she is the oldest of five children. Penelope attended the University of Northern Iowa, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, because her father told her to “just get the damn degree!” She then earned a Masters of Science in Education at Loyola University in New Orleans, because she HATED public administration. One night, she got tipsy and told the bouncer at the bar where she worked that his son was hot, and three years later she was married. To the son, not the bouncer. They have spawn, but just one. A daughter named Aydan. Penelope loves sweets, The Originals, and she shops at Target almost daily.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway : There You Stand by Christina Lee – Between Breaths Series – Book 5

Posted on 04/21/2015 by shellbellereads

There You Stand

Between Breaths Series – Book 5

By Christina Lee

Synopsis

From the author of All of You and Before You Break comes a new Between Breaths male/male romance about the silent, inked up skateboarder and the tattoo artist who unravels him piece by piece…

Tattoo artist Cory Easton has worked long enough at Raw Ink to know, just by looking at a dude, what his body art reveals, what makes him tick, what even makes him scared. Until he meets the quiet and remote Jude York–so unreadable, so unreachable, and so unlike anyone else, he can’t help but arouse Cory’s curiosity.

As captivating and complex as his ink, Jude is a mystery–and Cory’s falling fast and hard under his spell. Against his better judgment to steer clear.

The rumors of Jude’s past overshadow him–whispers of prison and an unmentionable secret that’s kept him in the protective shadows of a local motorcycle club. As Cory probes deeper, he wonders how much he really wants to know. Especially since Jude has awakened something inside him that has been buried too long–and has him feeling completely alive for the first time in forever…

Includes a preview of Christina Lee’s upcoming adult romance Two of Hearts.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo / Google Play

Excerpt

Chopper, get your ass back here!”

While he was distracted, I silently moved toward him, hoping to grab hold of that leash. But just as I approached, he took off again, following that same squirrel who’d taken a leap to the next large maple.

I was out of breath and now beyond frustrated. I shoved my hand in my hoodie, my fingers closing on a sturdy dog cookie.

When I looked up again, Chopper was headed straight for the skate park. Shit.

“Chopper, goddamn it,” I called in some last-ditch effort. “You don’t listen for shit.”

Unexpectedly, Jude York neared the cement barrier at the entrance to the bowl. His board clenched in his fist, he seemed to be assessing the situation as the large dog charged nearer.

He left his skateboard on the concrete walkway and stepped into the lawn. He squatted down in the grass, made eye contact with Chopper, and the dog changed course to sail directly toward him. What the hell was that about?

Some type of deep whistle emitted from Jude’s lips and instead of slamming into his chest, Chopper came to a sudden halt beside him. Like Jude was a damn dog whisperer or something. His strong fingers grabbed hold of his collar and he reached down to mutter something in the dog’s ear. Chopper sat down in the grass. Actually fucking sat down—I had never been able to get him to do that.

I became motionless as I watched them, even though Ace was eager to inch closer. At least one animal heeded my command. I wondered what it was about Jude that compelled Chopper to run toward him. I mean, I got the appeal, so maybe it was just pure animal instinct.

The muscles in Jude’s forearm flexed as he stroked Chopper’s head and the dog’s tongue hung out in a happy pant. The little fucker.

As I walked closer to Chopper, Jude’s eyes lifted to mine. And for the first time I saw an array of other emotions alight in them. The most blatant being amusement, as if his irises contained a flicker of light. His lips tilted at the corners in an almost imperceptible smile and he looked so dazzling right then. As he held my gaze for the first time ever, something tightened like a fist inside my chest.

Shit, he was stunning. In that exotic kind of way. His hair was a mass of short blond dreadlocks, his skin inked mainly in black, and his eyes were the most gorgeous light green I’d ever seen—almost like cellophane. And now those same eyes locked on mine and held steady.

Michel’s Review

There You Stand by Christina Lee is the fifth book in the Between Breaths Series. I have read and reviewed each book in this series. Each book in this series has received a 5 Star Review. Christina Lee has a unique writing style that delivers fresh plots, strong characters; both leading and secondary , emotional depth, smooth flow, and perfectly timed pacing. I have fallen for all of the characters in this series. I want all of the characters to have their own book.

There You Stand features Cory Easton, one of the artist at Raw Ink. He is known for his easy going nature and dedicated friendship. He is also openly gay. Although he is committed to his job and friends, he is a free agent in the dating world. He has had some bad experiences with former love interests and has been left with some emotional scars.

When a new skateboarder blows into town and frequents the park where Cory walks his dogs, Cory is mesmerized by this alluring young man. He is secretly attracted to the blond skater boy with a headful of dreadlocks and graceful moves.

Jude York is a man with secrets. He keeps a low profile and has some powerful connections with the local MC. He aims to keep to himself and live very quietly. His past can cause harm to anyone who is in contact with him. When he meets Cory Easton, the talented and gay tattoo artist from Raw Ink, he is intrigued with him. He has been attracted to both men and women in the past, but never with the hunger he has for Cory.

With Jude’s dangerous past and Cory’s emotional scars, these two young men will have to overcome the obstacles that hold them back. Both men will have to learn to let go and move forward.

Cory and Jude’s story is a beautiful story of learning to surrender, learning to communicate, and learning to trust. The end result is the perfect love story that has a happy ending for both men.

There You Stand can be read as a stand alone novel or in series order.

Tina’s Review

Judging a Book by it’s Cover:
Cover design- Overly blended, monochomatic design with inverted title. Kind of bland, not very eye-catching.
Synopsis – Mysterious and intriguing with a healthy dose of a couple hot guys? Sounded good to me!
Looking Deeper:
It’s quickly noted that although this is the fifth book in the series, there’s enough information given to the reader to allow them to read this book without feeling the *need* to read the others, but I suspect that it would be more beneficial and fulfilling if you did.
Cory’s poor judgement in men has left him nothing but a guarded heart and an unruly dog. Jude’s past is dark and mysterious. Both carry scars of the past, yet only only one’s is visible on the outside. Add a few dogs and a MC with a dubious record and there’s bound to be excitement.
Both Cory and Jude are very likable characters with past tragedies, guarded hearts and longing souls. The secondary characters are solid and supportive without being spotlighted too much. Dialogue and interaction between the cast feels natural and believable throughout. The plot is exciting, mysterious, and emotional in turns. It is written extremely well, making for a smooth, addictive read. There were several conflicts throughout the story that added more dimension and dynamics to the plot. A moderate level of predictability sadly took away a bit of the drama and suspense element, but did not detract from the overall experience. The climax and conclusion were completed in a timely manner, leaving no cliffhangers. Overall, it was a very good read that can definitely stand alone.

The Between Breaths Series

All of You- Book 1

In this powerfully emotional debut New Adult novel, Avery has just met her hot upstairs neighbor. He’s irresistible. Tattooed. And a virgin.

Nursing student Avery Michaels wants nothing to do with dating–she’s perfectly happy single. Privy to too many of her mother’s bad decisions and even worse taste in boyfriends, all Avery can handle is a string of uncomplicated hookups whenever the mood strikes.

When she meets smoking hot tattoo artist Bennett, she wants him–for just one night. But he won’t accept a no-strings-attached arrangement. He lives by a straight-laced code of values based on his own troubled upbringing.

Bennett sees something special in Avery and he wants more from her. Way more. As Avery wrestles with her emotions for Bennett, danger and tragedy force them to open up to each other. And Avery must face the terrifying realization that she wants more from him, too.

So she needs to make a choice–let Bennett go or finally let him in.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo / Google Play

Before You Break – Book 2

A sexy, emotional New Adult romance about a bad boy on the edge and a good girl about to lose control…

A college baseball star isn’t supposed to have skeletons in his closet. But Daniel Quinn is hiding a guilty past so dark he refuses to let anyone get close. Except there’s something about gorgeous, studious Ella Abrams that goes beyond the electric attraction between them–something that makes him want to open up.

Ella has suffered enough heartache and guilt to fill one of her psychology textbooks, but she keeps that part of herself hidden behind a bubbly exterior. Until she receives an anonymous call while working a suicide helpline and the voice on the other end touches something inside of her that she can’t ignore.

Soon Ella and Quinn’s physical connection heats up, even as their deep and revealing hotline talks intensify. But by the time Ella realizes that her seductive jock and her sensitive caller are the same guy, it might be too late to save him–or to stop herself from falling too far…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo / Google Play

Whisper To Me – Book 3

A hot and consuming New Adult romance about a wayward musician and the one girl who keeps him grounded…

At college, Rachel has a reputation for being a sarcastic flirt with a thing for star athletes. No one at school knows that she’d had her heart ripped to shreds by her high school sweetheart, who’d driven them both off the side of the road on a borrowed motorcycle, and then abandoned her. No one knows the real Rachel Mattson–except one person…

Ever since he helped nurse his sister’s feisty best friend back to health, pierced bass player Kai Nakos has been head over heels in love. But the supposed bad boy can’t risk letting Rachel know the truth–especially now that the two of them are back in their hometown for the summer, together for the first time since the months following that fateful night. Never mind that Rachel’s ex is back, groveling for her forgiveness.

Shaken by her ex’s return, Rachel finds herself turning to the one guy she knows she can trust. Kai is willing to hide his feelings for her, just to have Rachel touch him again. After all, this is only a temporary fling. Until it becomes something more. But maybe it had been more all along…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo / Google Play

Promis Me This – Book 4

A new love will test the boundaries of passion between a privileged boy next door and the tattooed, blue-haired girl who helps him embrace his wild side…

Nate has developed quite a playboy reputation around campus. It’s not that he doesn’t respect or trust women; he doesn’t trust himself. The men in Nate’s family are prone to abusive behavior—a dirty secret that Nate’s been running from his entire life—so Nate doesn’t do relationships. But he can’t help himself around one girl…

Jessie is strong, independent, and works at a tattoo parlor. Nate can’t resist getting close to her, even if it’s strictly a friendship. But it doesn’t take long for Nate to admit that what he wants with Jessie is more than just friendly.

With Jessie, he can be himself and explore what he’s always felt was a terrifying darkness inside him. Even when Nate begins to crave her in a way that both shocks and horrifies him, Jessie still wants to know every part of him. Testing their boundaries together will take a trust that could render them inseparable… or tear them apart.

INCLUDES A PREVIEW OF TWO OF HEARTS.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo / Google Play

There You Stand – Book 5

From the author of All of You and Before You Break comes a new Between Breaths male/male romance about the silent, inked up skateboarder and the tattoo artist who unravels him piece by piece…

As captivating and complex as his ink, Jude is a mystery–and Cory’s falling fast and hard under his spell. Against his better judgment to steer clear.

Includes a preview of Christina Lee’s upcoming adult romance Two of Hearts.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo / Google Play

Two Of Hearts – Book 6

Release Date: May 5, 2015

A gripping standalone adult contemporary romance about finding yourself while taking a second chance at your first love…

Dakota Nakos was always the resilient, strong-willed achiever. But when her father dies and she’s entrusted with the family’s casino, she feels vulnerable, scared, and more than a little emotional –not exactly the best time to see an old lover she’s never really gotten over.

Dakota once meant the world to Shane Garrity. Then suddenly he left town to train as a U.S. Marshal, and their love for each other crashed into a memory. Now he’s come home for her father’s funeral, and one look at the girl he left behind stirs up both memories and regrets, and reignites a fire he feared he’d lost forever.

Dakota may be the same driven girl she always was, but she’s also changed in ways neither could have anticipated. She’s not just a young woman searching for own identity in the Native American community in which she was raised, but one questioning her new life outside her father’s shadow. Above all she wonders if Shane can push past her weakened defenses to rekindle what they once had, or whether the intense blaze between them will ultimately reduce her heart to ashes.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo / Google Play

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Author Bio:

Mother, wife, reader, dreamer. Christina lives in the Midwest with her husband and son–her two favorite guys. She’s addicted to lip gloss, salted caramel everything, and believes in true love and kissing, so writing romance novels has become a dream job.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

GIVEAWAY

One Winner to receive the following: $10 gift card to the book retailer of their choice = An ARC of my adult romance releasing May 5th, TWO OF HEARTS,
and some Between Breaths swag mailed

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Teaser Tuesday: Fair Game by Monica Murphy- The Rule Series – Book 1

Posted on 04/21/2015 by shellbellereads

ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND fans…you are going to LOVE this new series by Monica Murphy! Check out the covers and the FAIR GAME excerpt below!

Fair Game

The Rule Series – Book 1

Release Date: May 12, 2015

By Monica Murphy

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…

Excerpt

“What are you doing?” she asks, sounding the tiniest bit breathless.

“Making sure you’re not injured,” I answer, proud of how under control I sound. Inside, I’m chaos. My heart is thumping hard against my chest and my breathing’s accelerated. I grip her knee, and realize my hand is fucking shaking.

“I think you’re trying to get your hand up my skirt.” Leave it to Bitch Face to call me out. I can’t help but find her straightforwardness attractive. No girl is ever straightforward with me. They’re always coy. Playing games and flirting and never asking for what they really want. They always defer to me.

After awhile, that gets pretty damn boring.

“Maybe I am,” I say, moving my hand to rest on top of her knee.

Her lips curve into the smallest smile and seeing it feels like a victory. As if I’ve just won an extra difficult battle and that tiny curve of her lush lips is my prize. “You’re pretty determined, aren’t you?”

She’s not pushing me away. I need to take this moment. Seize this fucking moment and make it mine. Make her mine. At least for tonight. Her scent is making my head spin and just touching her knee has got me sporting wood. “I’m always determined.”

“Determined to piss me off?”

I chuckle and her smile grows. “Am I doing a good job?”

“You’re an expert at making me mad.”

“I think we’re having a moment,” I tell her. “A bonding moment.”

She looks the slightest bit horrified. “No. Way. That is the last thing I want to do.”

I raise my eyebrows, let my hand slide up a bare inch more. Then another. I’m so close to getting under that skirt, it’s not even funny. “You don’t like me very much, do you?”

“You don’t like me either. You call me Bitch Face.”

“You introduced yourself to me as Bitch Face.”

She tilts her head, all that wavy red hair tumbling over her shoulder. My fingers itch to touch it. “I did, didn’t I?”

“Yeah. I thought it was an unusual name…” I let my voice drift and she smiles once more.

“Says the man with an unusual name.”

“I told you it’s an old family name.”

“As a last name, not as a first.” She makes a little face. “It’s not very sexy.”

“You don’t think?” Interesting.

“I can’t imagine shouting out your name in the throes of passion.” Her cheeks go the faintest pink. That she’s even thinking like this gives me a secret thrill.

Forbidden. Unknown. This is the last girl I should consider getting naked with.

“Throes of passion?” I ask. “Someone’s been reading too many romance novels.”

“You know what I mean.” She waves a hand, dismissing her words.

“I don’t.” I pull the innocent act, which she isn’t falling for but it’s still fun. “What are you talking about exactly?”

“You’re not going to make me explain, are you?”

“I would love for you to explain. Or maybe I should help you.” I crawl my fingers up her thigh, playing with the frayed hem of her denim skirt. “Are you talking about…having sex?”

She nods, her cheeks blazing up. Hmm, she’s extra pretty when she blushes.

“And that moment…when we’re fucking…and you’re so damn close.” I lean in and inhale deep, my eyes almost falling shut as I absorb her scent, her warmth and that flush in her cheeks, the way her breathing quickens. “So fucking close as I push deep inside you. You don’t think it would be sexy to yell out my name just as I make you come?”

“N-no.” She shakes her head, that single word coming out as a squeak.

“Really.” I give in and settle my cheek next to hers, nuzzle her ear with my nose before I whisper, “Because by the time I have you coming, I’m fairly certain you’ll be crying out my name and begging me please.”

“You’re a real arrogant prick, aren’t you?”

I pull back from her the slightest bit, a little shocked. The girl doesn’t mince words. “Merely confident in my abilities.” I cup the back of her head, thread my fingers in the silky soft waves of her hair. I’d love to wrap her hair around my fist and tug her head back right before I kiss her…

“Proud of your manwhore status?”

“I can’t help it if the ladies flock to me.”

She rests her hand on my chest and gives me a gentle shove. “I’m not flocking to you.”

“Even after all that talk about coming and with my hand up your skirt?”

Jade looks down with a sharp gasp, dropping her hand to mine and shoving it out from beneath her skirt. “What are you doing?”

“I thought it was obvious.” When she says nothing, only glares at me, I continue. “I was going to kiss you and hopefully get you off with my fingers.”

Her mouth drops open. Instead of looking aroused, she looks…pissed. Vaguely horrified. “You’re disgusting.”

I lean back. Move way, way back though I’m not getting off the bed. Not yet. I still have a chance.

Or then again, maybe I don’t.

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

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 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.

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?

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?
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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: Clipped by Love by Toni Aleo – Bellevue Bullies Series – Book 2

Posted on 04/21/2015 by shellbellereads

Clipped by Love by Toni Aleo

Contemporary Romance

Bellevue Bullies #2

Coming April 27th!

Things are heating up for the Sinclair boys! With one already in the NHL, Jayden Sinclair is hoping to be next!

This has been the toughest year of my life. I watched my brother go into the draft without me, my mom got divorced, and the weight of my family’s issues is heavy on my shoulders. I feel like it’s my job to fix everything while working my butt off in school and trying to make my game better. I have to go into the draft. It will give my family the support they need, and it will prove that I’m good enough. But to get there, I have to show I can be the best captain for the Bellevue Bullies. The spot is mine—no one can take it. First though, Jude is making me go on a brother’s weekend. Innocent enough, I guess…until I see her. She’s the biggest competitor I’ve ever faced. Not only for my spot but also my heart. It’s hard to ignore someone like Baylor Moore.

***

I don’t lose. I can’t. My dad has bred me to be the best in anything I do. I am driven, I am smart, and I am going to be the first woman in the National Hockey League. No two ways about it. I’ve worked too hard. I’ve been through too much not to have what I want. I know I can do it. I will make my dad proud, and no one will stand in the way of that. That is, until I let him in. He scares me. He makes me feel. And he could very well be the one person who can make me want more than just to win.

We both have the same goal. Victory. But how do you compete against the person you want to win? It’s not easy. Love isn’t something you can control. It isn’t like a puck that can be handled by a stick. No, it has a mind of its own and does what it wants.

Neither of us saw it coming, and we really don’t know if there is a way to score, especially when you’re being Clipped by Love.

PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON

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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.

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Release Blitz + Review: Shadow of Doubt by P. A. DePaul – SBG Series – Book 2

Posted on 04/21/2015 by shellbellereads

The new SBG novel from the author of Exchange of Fire.

When her secretly filmed tryst shows up on the internet, Michelle Alger goes on the run. She has no choice. Not only was her one-night stand the son of a US senator, but he’s been murdered—and she’s the number one suspect. With both the senator and an avenging drug lord on her trail, her life is in danger. There’s only man she can trust. He saved her once, but will he still be her hero six years later?

Captain Jeremy Malone and the rest of Delta Squad have the senator’s order: find the mystery woman who killed my son. But to Jeremy, she’s no mystery. Six years ago his team of Green Berets rescued her from the torturous clutches of a Colombian cartel, and he’s never forgotten her. His personal and covert mission: find Michelle before anyone else. When he and Michelle do meet again, the sparks are explosive and consuming. They’re also dangerous as hell.

Because with each new bit of evidence, Jeremy suspects that Michelle’s innocence may be a ruse—a beautiful trap set by a woman who has even more secrets yet to bare.

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Michel’s Review

If you are looking for a fast paced and thrilling romantic suspense try out the SBG series by P. A. DePaul. The latest release, Shadow of Doubt, will keep you on the edge of your seat furiously turning the pages.

After Captain Jeremy Malone (aka Cappy) and his team rescued Michelle Alger from the Cartel, life should of been good after they went their separate ways. Cappy’s team experienced a great loss in the operation and Michelle walked away with internal scars that will last a lifetime. Their paths are destined to cross once again when a senator’s son is murdered and Michelle is at the center of the scandal.

Cappy is the leader of the Delta Squad that has been enlisted to help the Senator find the murderer. Cappy refuses to believe that Michelle is the murderer. Somehow she has been set up in a complicated quest for revenge. Solving this crime is like unraveling a tight knit blanket. It will unravel one thread at a time, piece by piece. In the process Cappy and Michelle will find a love that will last beyond a lifetime.

Can Cappy and Michelle find happiness together? Cappy’s career will hold him back. Michelle will have to convince this strong warrior that love makes him stronger.

Shadow of Doubt is the second book in the exciting SGB Series by P.A. DePaul. Although it is not an overly erotic romance, the sexual tension between Cappy and Michelle is heated enough to keep the readers enthralled. The fast paced action and suspense is exciting. I highly recommend Shadow of Doubt.

Shadow of Doubt can be read as a stand alone novel or in series order.

** BOOKS FROM THE SBG NOVEL SERIES **

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Since P.A. DePaul first sounded out the words “See Spot run” and “See Jane walk,” she was hooked. Couple that with weekly trips to the library where she usually tried to get the maximum amount of books allowed, and watching both parents get lost in a book, you would think she’d get a clue that writing might be something she should investigate. But sadly, no. (She’s a little slow on the uptake.)

After years of escaping into fantastical worlds in books, P.A. DePaul started to get an inkling in the back of her mind that she could probably create something fun too. But again, as she was slow to move on to anything concrete, the idea just continued to fester until she picked up J.R. Ward’s compendium, The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider’s Guide. Eureka! The three-way bulb in her brain finally clicked higher than the dim-watt. When she finished reading the “Advice and FAQs” section, her hands shook and her palms got sweaty. After she blinked away the lightheaded feeling, she thought to herself, “I can do this. I’ve read enough books to know what’s out there and what’s popular. I’m gonna give it a try.” Then she sat in front of her computer, chin in her hand, and drummed her fingers. What to write about? Even though she loved reading about vampires, werewolves, shape-shifters, and witches, she realized she had nothing new to offer. Frustrated, but not daunted, she went to bed and woke up the next morning with an idea; a concept that refused to go away. A couple of failed manuscripts and storylines later, she finally got it right. (Though, in her mind, those first couple of manuscripts weren’t failures. They were learning tools to help her hone her writing and learn how to construct a storyline. Some of the characters you’ll come to love in the Guardian Security and Investigations series started in those original pages and she just couldn’t part with them. Don’t be surprised if one day, she dusts one of those off and works it so they’ll finally be in print.)

Knowing she had a novel worth fighting for, she joined the Romance Writers of America (RWA) and entered it in four contests. She won third place in Utah Chapter’s Heart of the West Contest! Woohoo! Confirmation she was on to something.

P.A. DePaul originally hails from Carroll County and Baltimore County, Maryland, but also lived in Macon and Warner Robins, Georgia. She currently resides in a beautiful community just outside Philadelphia.

When her head is not completely absorbed with listening to her very demanding Guardians tell their stories, she can be found with her head in a book—not only enjoying the story but studying what makes the novel work for her or not. She loves action-adventure movies (if it blows up spectacularly, she’s there) and watching way too much TV. (Can everybody say “Procrastination?” To which she usually replies, “But it’s research!” Yeah, they don’t believe her either.). Her husband and three-year-old Shi Tzu, Montgomery, sometimes stand outside her closed office door and wonder, “Is she still alive? Do we dare bother her? What if she’s on a roll?” Monty usually answers by scratching on the wood anyway. Gotta love a dog who doesn’t care about boundaries! Good thing he’s so cute! – See more at: http://padepaul.com/author-bio/#sthash.fwVCht7f.dpuf

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

Happy Release: Asa by Jay Crownover – Marked Men Series – Book 6

Posted on 04/21/2015 by shellbellereads

Asa

Marked Men Series – Book 6

By Jay Crownover

Release Date : April 21, 2015

Synopsis

Jay Crownover’s New York Times and USA Today bestselling Marked Men series continues with the much anticipated story of southern charmer and certified criminal Asa Cross.

Starting over in Denver with a whole new circle of friends and family, Asa Cross struggles with being the man he knows everyone wants him to be and the man he knows he really is. A leopard doesn’t it change its spots and Asa has always been a predator. He doesn’t want to hurt those who love and rely on him, especially one luscious arresting cop who suddenly seems to be interested in him for far more than his penchant for breaking the law. But letting go of old habits is hard, and it’s easy to hit bottom when it’s the place you know best.

Royal Hastings is quickly learning what the bottom looks like after a tragic situation at work threatens not only her career but her partner’s life. As a woman who has only ever had a few real friends she’s trying to muddle through her confusion and devastation all alone. Except she can’t stop thinking about the sexy southern bartender she locked up. Crushing on Asa is the last thing she needs but his allure is too strong to resist. His long criminal record can only hurt her already shaky career and chasing after a guy who has no respect for the law or himself can only end in heartbreak.

A longtime criminal and a cop together just seems so wrong . . . but for Asa and Royal, being wrong together is the only right choice to make.

Buy ~ Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

About Jay Crownover:

Jay Crownover is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men series. She will also be introducing the dark and sexy world of The Point in a new series this summer starting with ROWDY. Like her characters, she is a big fan of tattoos. She loves music and wishes she could be a rock star, but since she has no aptitude for singing or instrument playing, she’ll settle for writing stories with interesting characters that make the reader feel something. She lives in Colorado with her three dogs.

Website ** Blog ** Facebook ** Twitter

Happy Release: Beyond These Walls by J. L. Berg

Posted on 04/21/2015 by shellbellereads

BEYOND THESE WALLS by J.L. Berg is available now! Are you ready for more of Lailah & Jude’s epic love story? Be sure to grab BEYOND THESE WALLS during the first week of release, while it’s just $2.99!

Beyond The Walls

By J. L. Berg

Synopsis

Happily ever after.

That was what we were supposed to have.

Pudding cups, sandy toes and a lifetime of making each and every one of our dreams come true—that is the future I’d promised her.

I could see it in my dreams, hold it in my hands, but then I watched as all of our hopes and wishes suddenly slipped through my fingers like sand.

I thought the worst was behind us, but what if we’d just delayed the inevitable?

They say love can overcome any obstacle. But can it survive death?

The breathtaking love story of Lailah and Jude concludes in Beyond These Walls.

Sign up for J.L. Berg’s newsletter here!

Excerpt

“You’d really forgo everything and marry me tomorrow?”

Rolling over, he pinned me beneath him, encapsulating me between his strong muscular arms. My fingers instinctively traveled up over the intricate black ink of his arm.

“In a heartbeat. But you’re right. Our mothers would kill us if we didn’t let them witness this day. So, we will be good, and I’ll give you the wedding you’ve always dreamed of. And then, my bride to be, you and I will spend the next three weeks in . . . oh, right. I can’t tell you. It’s a surprise.”

I shook my head, letting out a puff of air in frustration. “Jerk.”

“Such language.” He laughed.

“Why does it have to be a surprise, Jude?” I whined, wrapping my arms around him. “Ireland was enough of a surprise for an entire lifetime. You don’t have to keep trying to dazzle me,” I said.

His head lowered, and I felt the wisp of his lips touch my cheek.

“Actually I do,” he whispered. “Every day for the rest of our lives, I’m going to do just that. You deserve to be dazzled, Lailah.”

Within These Walls is on sale for a limited time! Grab it now for just .99c!

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play

About J.L. Berg

J.L. Berg is the USA Today bestselling author of the Ready Series. She is a California native living in the beautiful state of historic Virginia. Married to her high school sweetheart, they have two beautiful girls that drive them batty on a daily basis. When she’s not writing, you will find her with her nose stuck in a romance novel, in a yoga studio or devouring anything chocolate. J.L. Berg is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, LLC.

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Happy Release + 5 Star Review + Giveaway : Grind by Sawyer Bennett- A Legal Affairs Story- Book 2 of Cal and Macy’s Story

Posted on 04/21/2015 by shellbellereads

Grind: A Legal Affairs Story

(Book #2 of Cal and Macy’s Story)

Sawyer Bennett

Release Date: April 21, 2015

Grind is the second book in this Legal Affairs trilogy (Cal and Macy’s Story) and is releasing on 4/21/15. Clash was released on 4/7/15 and Yield will be released on 5/5/15. Grind and Yield are full length novels, while Clash is a novella.

Grind Synopsis:

Grind (verb): to weaken or destroy gradually

Macy Carrington is not the woman I once thought her to be.

What she does not allow her heart to feel, she gives with her body. The sex between us is explosive and depraved. I’ve done things with her that would never have crossed my wildest imagination, and I can’t ever seem to get enough.

But now I want more from her. I want to figure out her dark secret, expose it and then help her to heal from it. I know, without a doubt, that Macy is capable of love, and I will grind her down until I make her accept the truth of it.

Grind (verb): to wear down, polish, or sharpen by friction

Cal Carson is not the man I once thought him to be.

Strong, determined, sexy as hell and a beast in the bedroom. He is every woman’s fantasy.

He is my fantasy.

But no matter how hard Cal tries to grind me down, my heart and secrets are mine and mine alone.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Google Play

Michel’s Review

Grind is the second book in the Legal Affairs Story about Cal and Macy. In the first book Clash ,the reader had an introduction to the characters and their personality clashes. Cal and Macy are tied to one another through their mutual friend , Mac. Although these two clash about everything, there is one area where they are compatible, the bedroom.

After a spontaneous hook up both Cal and Macy have retreated back to their normal behaviors. For Macy is the loose and carefree life. For Cal it is the laid back but steady even keel kind of life. Cal wants to find a woman he can commit to, Macy never wants to be tied down. She doesn’t want any emotional involvement. It is hard for Cal to respect a woman like Macy.

When Macy gets into some legal trouble, Mac turns to Cal for help. Cal takes on Macy’s case and learns that there is a lot more to Macy than she lets the world see. She is an intelligent woman that is compassionate to most people. It’s hard to understand why a bright woman with so much to offer would push back any kind of emotional involvement. As parts of the mysterious Macy start to unravel, Cal will find he is falling for the woman he thought he hated. But she is still hiding too many secrets. Those secrets are holding her back.

Sawyer delivered another fantastic segment to Cal and Macy’s story. She surprised the readers with the revelations she made about Macy. I was under the same kind of impression as Cal.

Sawyer also turned up the heat in this erotic story. It was scorching hot! My glasses were steaming up as I read some of these passages. My temperature was beyond boiling. Cal has a lot of kink hiding under that Armani suit. He is just the kind of man to tame the wild & illustrious Macy.

I can’t wait for the final installment. Look for Yield to release on May 5, 2015

The Legal Affairs- Cal and Macy’s Story

Clash: A Legal Affairs Story

Book # 1 of Cal and Macy’s Story

By Sawyer Bennett

Synopsis

Clash (verb): to conflict, disagree.

It might be fair to say that I despise Macy Carrington. She slings insults with precision, not caring about the destruction she leaves in her wake. We clash in a battle of wills every time we’re around each other, and yet… I still fantasize about being lodged deep within her body.

Clash (verb): to come together or collide.

I have never encountered someone that grates me the way Cal Carson does. His pompous, arrogant demeanor. A holier-than-thou attitude. Any interaction with “Saint Cal” ends in a verbal clash of epic proportions, and yet… there’s no one I’d rather have in my bed than him.

Clash (noun): a battle, fight or skirmish.

Her breathy moans mingle with the sound of our flesh coming together, clashing with the silence that surrounds us, dispelling any notions I once had about Macy Carrington.

Maybe I can break down her walls if we can call a truce to this battle.

He whispers filthy words in my ear, provoking feelings I never knew were possible. The burning desire in his touch clashes with everything I once believed about Cal Carson.

Maybe he can be the balm I need to soothe my broken soul, if only temporarily.

**Clash is the first book in this Legal Affairs trilogy and is releasing on 4/7/15. Grind will be released on 4/21/15 and Yield will be released on 5/5/15.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Google Play

Grind: A Legal Affairs Story

(Book #2 of Cal and Macy’s Story)

Sawyer Bennett

Release Date: April 21, 2015

Grind Synopsis:

Grind (verb): to weaken or destroy gradually

Macy Carrington is not the woman I once thought her to be.

Grind (verb): to wear down, polish, or sharpen by friction

Cal Carson is not the man I once thought him to be.

Strong, determined, sexy as hell and a beast in the bedroom. He is every woman’s fantasy.

He is my fantasy.

But no matter how hard Cal tries to grind me down, my heart and secrets are mine and mine alone.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Google Play

About the Author

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Sawyer Bennett is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and three big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

Sawyer is the author of several contemporary romances including the popular Off Series, the Legal Affairs Series, the Last Call Series and the Cold Fury hockey series.

Connect with Sawyer:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bennettbooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BennettBooks
Tsu: http://www.tsu.co/bennettbooks
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sawyerbennett123/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/Sawyer_Bennett

Sign up for Sawyer’s newsletter:

http://sawyerbennett.com/signup/

Giveaway

Enter to win a $50 gift card (Amazon, B&N, or iBooks)

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Blog Tour: Evergreen By Jessica Florence

Posted on 04/21/2015 by Saucy Southern Readers

Synopsis

It was supposed to be an easy stake out.
Until a bunch of bachelorettes mobbed me,changing my life forever.I couldn’t get Andi Slaton, with her red hair, blue eyes, and cotton candy flavored lip gloss out of my head.But when she offers herself to aid the FBI to help me take down the biggest criminal family in Tampa, Florida, my very sanity is put to the test watching her spend time with my arch enemy.She’s everything I want, I will be everything to her.
We will be Evergreen. ***

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Excerpt

Flaming red hair was piled on top of her oval face. Her blue eyes stared at me intensely. My gaze fell to her pink, pouty lips. Her lower lip was slightly bigger than her top. My thoughts immediately took a turn into the gutter. I imagined all the ways I could tease those lips, tasting them, the way they would look wrapped around my dick. I kept going with my gaze. Her skin was a sweet cream color. A blue corset wrapped around her petite frame, and a pink tutu with pink and blue checkered socks encased her long legs. Then, the outfit finally ended with “fuck me” black heels. I never would have thought all that combined in one package would be sexy, but, damn, I was all about this cotton candy woman.

“I appreciate you stripping me down with your eyes here, but I have a celebration to get back to, so here, please.”

I looked back up at her face in confusion. Then I realized she was holding my phone out to me.

“I’m an asshole. Thanks,” I told her as I grabbed my phone from her delicate hand.

“Nice to meet you, asshole. I’m Candy Tease tonight. So maybe you aren’t normally an asshole.”

She smiled at me. I found myself wanting to play with her.

“Candy Tease. I can see where you get your name.”

And I wasn’t talking about her outfit. Although I was sure that was what she thought I was talking about. She looked sweet as hell, and I definitely wanted a taste. My dick was throbbing at the thought of just how sweet she was. The sweetest of honey.

Buy Evergreen:

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

Other Books by Jessica Florence

Synopsis

Beach Eyes: Beautiful gold surrounding the pupils, just like sand at the beach, and then suddenly BAM! A deep blue like the ocean.

It all started with beach eyes for Scarlet Barnette. After jumping into bed with men
without getting to know them first, she has learned it always ends in disaster. So she puts everything she has into running her self defense studio. As Valentine’s Day approaches Scarlet tries to steer clear of men who promise her a good time. Until she meets Darien Valentine and his beach eyes.
Resisting him is going to take every ounce of control she has. Especially when she finds out he is her sexy new neighbor.

Darien Valentine wants Scarlet.
As soon as he saw her, he knew he had to have her.
She says she wants to be friends before lovers. Well Darien is just going to be the best friend she will ever have. Looks like this Navy Seal has his next mission.

Will they be able to resist giving in?
And when Tragedy strikes, will they survive it at all?

Buy Links: Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble

Weighing of the Heart

Synopsis

The more I see the less I know for sure- John Lennon.

After living in peace for twenty five years Thalia Alexander’s life is about to change.

A black hair, grey eyed, sexy man shows up in her dreams, and then in reality. He looked like trouble with a capital T, but she couldn’t stay away. Something inside her called out for him.

Tristan Jacks is intense, and has a possessiveness for Thalia that she doesn’t understand. They just met, but it would seem like she has known him a lot longer.

Those strange dreams continue to stalk Thalia as her relationship with Tristan builds to be an epic love for the ages.

What do those dreams mean to her? Is Tristan the sexy, sweet, bad ass man he claims?

And when secrets are revealed will she be able to handle the truth?

** Not suitable for anyone under the age of 18, Language, and Sexual Content**

Buy Links: Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble

Author Bio:

I am a books, movie, and music nerd. I can tell you about every book I’ve read chapter by chapter. Can tell you about every movie I’ve ever seen, and can sing songs I’ve only heard once.

I’m pretty talented right?!

I absolutely love writing. It’s been a pure dream to write and put my stories out into the world for all the lovely readers to have in their grabby hands.

I currently own my own business in Southwest Florida.

I love the warm weather, and the humidity.

I love torturing my husband 😉 playing with my dog Rogue, and making my super cute as hell baby smile.

I’m obsessed with survival stuff. Just put me out in the woods for a weekend and I will Bear Grylls it up!

I’m not a good cook, I can make quesadillas like no bodies business though!

I will always be me, and stand up for what I feel.

I am a geeky redhead that reads books, and likes to be outside.
That’s me. ❤

Website ~ Goodreads ~ Facebook

Happy Release + Review: Too Hot To Trot by Becky McGraw

Posted on 04/21/2015 by shellbellereads

**BLOG TOUR**

April 21st- May 1st

Too Hot To Trot (Cowboy Way 3)

New York Times, USA Today & Amazon Bestselling Author

Becky McGraw

BLURB:

Heather Morrison wants to become a country music star, and she is not going to let any man get in her way. She’ll gladly take their money as a dancer at
the Crazy Cowgirl, but has no use for them otherwise. The night she sees her dreams finally coming true, the best night of her life quickly becomes the
worst, when a stagehand catches her unaware outside the arena. The last man on earth she wants to save her, moody and judgmental Zack Taylor, her best
friend’s brother, a man who once called her too hot to trot, is the one who comes to her rescue.

Zack Taylor has life by the balls. He’s at the top of the game as a bull rider, owns a rough stock herd which is his retirement plan, and has a life plan
which includes riding two more years, then settling down with a good woman on his own ranch. Those plans go straight to hell when he puts on his white hat
for a woman who has caused him nothing but problems as long as he’s known her. Not minding his own business costs him a lot, maybe even his career.

When Heather insists on being the one to help him get back on the bull, Zack is leery, but soon sees he has no choice but to accept her help. Being close
to her, he realizes there is a lot more than meets the eye where sexy Heather Morrison is concerned, and there could be reasons she appears to be the
fastest girl in town. Zack soon wants to know all of her secrets, but could knowing them change his opinion about her? And with that change could helping
her become more important to him than his plan, because he wants to keep her in his life for good?

All Books in the Cowboy Way Series are standalones.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Excerpt

“We’re having a threesome,” Zack announced with a grin.

Heather was comfortable with her battery-operated-boyfriend, and maybe that would help them transition to the big show. And he was also curious what he had
to measure up to. He’d never actually used one before himself, he liked doing things the old-fashioned way, so this would be new for him too.

Heather shot up to sit and glare at him. “I don’t think so, cowboy,” she said, scooting toward the foot of the bed. Zack grabbed her arm, and she tried to
pull away.

“With Bob,” he clarified, laughter bubbling in his throat. “Where do you keep him?”

“Oh!” she said, then her eyes narrowed. “Really?”

“Really,” Zack confirmed.

Heather huffed a breath as she collapsed on her back on the bed. “You had me scared there for a second.” The tremble in her voice made him sorry he’d
teased her.

With a growl, he laid beside her and put his arm over her waist. She looked at him, and he held her gaze. “I will never do anything to scare or hurt you,
Heather. You’re still in control, angel. Always in control. Do you understand?” She nodded, and he kissed her forehead. “Now where does Bob sleep?” he
asked, with a laugh, trying to get her comfortable again.

“In the nightstand drawer,” she replied with a giggle. “He has a nice, comfy velvet sleeping bag in there.”

“Only the best for Bob,” Zack said. He rolled to the edge of the bed, sat up and pulled open the drawer. Fishing around blindly, his pinkie brushed velvet,
and his hand closed over a very small pouch, which confused him. “Bob’s awfully small,” he commented pulling out the pouch to loosen the strings. He
emptied the small silver bullet and rubber ring out into his hand and was even more confused.

“Bob is a vibrator, not a dildo. That’s in the closet, because I kind of bought one that was a little too big.” She rolled up behind him, then sat up to
take the vibrator from his hand. Shoving it into the rubber sheath, Heather slid it onto her forefinger, and wiggled it. “Voila—instant orgasm. No man
needed,” she said smugly.

“Yeah, but how will it be with a real man behind the controls?” Zack asked, sliding the rubber band from her finger to put it on own. He wiggled it under
her nose. “Put on your seatbelt, baby—Bob is on the bus, but Zack is driving it to O-town.”

Tracey’s Review

Heather Morrison’s life is about to change. An aspiring singer, Heather is on the verge of finally getting her chance at the big time, but just one moment changes everything. Zack Taylor is just where he wants to be. At the top of his game as a rodeo bullrider, life couldn’t look better, but trying to do the right thing has altered his course completely.

Too Hot To Trot is the third book in the Cowboy Crazy series by Becky McGraw, and is the same enjoyable read that I have come to expect from Becky. Heather is a spitfire, relying only on herself after years of having no one else to help her. She will do whatever it takes to keep her past buried, and whatever she needs to get by. When circumstances arise that threaten to reveal what she’s worked so hard to overcome, she’s in need of a helping hand. When that helping hand ends up being Zack, in need of some help himself, neither of them is expecting where things will lead.

Becky is a master of the alpha man meeting his match in a strong woman. Zack is completely unprepared to be bowled over by Heather, and watching it happen is entertaining, hot, and romantic. And Heather gives as good as she gets, but seeing her finally let down her guard enough to trust Zack is heartwarming and swoon-inducing.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book that is by turn funny, dramatic, and downright sexy. 4.5 sassy, steamy, can’t turn the pages quickly enough stars for Becky McGraw and Too Hot To Trot.

________________________________________________

About Becky Mcgraw

Becky McGraw is a married mother of three adult children, and a Southern girl by birth and the grace of God, ya’ll. She resides in South Texas with her husband and dog Abby.

A jack of many trades in her life, Becky has been an optician, a beautician, a legal secretary, a senior project manager for an aviation management consulting firm, which took her all over the United States, a real estate broker, and now a graphic artist, web designer and writer. She knows just enough about a variety of topics to make herdangerous, and her romance novels interesting and varied. Being a graphic artist is a good thing for her too, because she creates her own cover art, along with writing the novels.

Becky has been an avid reader of romance novels since she was a teenager, and has been known to read up to four novels of that genre a week, much to the dismay of her husband, and the delight of e-book sellers.

She has been writing fictional short stories and novels for fun, as well as technical copy for her jobs for many years. She was a member of the Writer’s Guild on AOL, as well as a founding member and treasurer of the first online chapter of the Romance Writers of America, From the Heart Romance Writers. Currently, she is a AN member of RWA and a general member of FTHRW.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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BEYOND THESE WALLS by J.L. Berg is available now! Are you ready for more of Lailah & Jude’s epic love story? Be sure to grab BEYOND THESE WALLS during the first week of release, while it’s just $2.99!

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Within These Walls is on sale for a limited time! Grab it now for just .99c!

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Grind: A Legal Affairs Story

(Book #2 of Cal and Macy’s Story)

Sawyer Bennett

Release Date: April 21, 2015

Grind Synopsis:

The Legal Affairs- Cal and Macy’s Story

Grind: A Legal Affairs Story

(Book #2 of Cal and Macy’s Story)

Sawyer Bennett

Release Date: April 21, 2015

Grind Synopsis:

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