5 Star Review : Crossroads by Lori L. Otto – A Post Choisie Novella

Posted on 02/18/2015 by shellbellereads

Crossroads

A Post Choisie Series Novella

By Lori L. Otto

Synopsis

Will Rosser is smart.
Will Rosser is creative.
Will Rosser is driven.

Will Rosser is no Jon Scott.

This novella is a tie-in to the Choisie series. CROSSROADS takes place the summer after Livvy’s first year of College. This should be read after completing the Choisie series.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Robin’s Review

*** If you have not read the Choisie series, this review may contain mild spoilers.

Lori Otto recently set a goal for herself. She wanted to write and publish a short story about Will Rosser in just two weeks. It’s a goal she not only met, but even surpassed! Crossroads is a 22,000-word post-Choisie series novella about the older of Jon Scott’s two half-brothers. Many of the characters you already know and love from the Choisie series star in this mature young adult novella because it ties in with the series.

For those who have not already read Lori Otto’s Choisie series, I’ll share some background information about Will and his family. Will has an older half-brother named Jon Scott and a younger brother named Max. Their single mother is an alcoholic. Because the three brothers don’t have a father figure in their life, Jon took on the role as man of the house. Jon has made an effort to be available for his brothers over the years and, more recently, in between college classes and his internship. Jon attended baseball games and provided advice for his siblings. He encouraged them to watch over their mother and to study hard so they will be successful in life. As Jon grew older, he groomed Will to take over his role as the man of the house.

After their mother was arrested, she was forced to face her alcoholism. She moved their family from Manhattan to Utah so they could all be together while she was able to get the help she needed. Will lived in Utah for a year and a half, including his entire sophomore year of high school. At the end of the school year, Will had to leave his best friend and his first love behind to move back to Manhattan with his family.

In Crossroads, we learn that Will has planned a weekend trip to Utah over the summer break to visit his girlfriend, Laila and his best friend, Landry. It’s a trip he has planned so that he can say goodbye to Laila. Will is at a crossroads in his life. He is very much in love with Laila, but he knows he needs to say goodbye. Will and Laila both understand this visit will be the end of their relationship, and, although Will doesn’t realize it, his life will be changed in more ways than one.

Although Will’s character does play more of a role in Dear Jon, he really doesn’t get a lot of page time in the rest of the Choisie series. What I enjoyed the most about Crossroads is getting to know Will as a character and seeing his character develop throughout the novella. Crossroads is not a long story, but readers will definitely see him experience some changes in his life. Like his brother Jon, I just fell in love with his character. Will is smart. He loves physics. He has an extreme passion for music. Not only does he love music, but we are able to see the beginnings of something special. Will just might be a musical prodigy.

I don’t think it is absolutely necessary for someone to have read the Choisie series before reading this novella. If you have not read any novels by Lori Otto, Crossroads might be a great introduction to her writing. I found Crossroads intriguing, and I absolutely want to read more about Will Rosser! In my opinion, Crossroads is a solid 5-star novella!

Author Bio:

After graduating from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1997 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Lori Otto worked in the billboard industry for ten years. Frustrated with trying to communicate entire messages in “seven seconds or less,” she decided to leave outdoor advertising and return to her love of creative writing.

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Excerpt & Teaser Reveal : Sloth by Ella James

Posted on 02/18/2015 by shellbellereads

Sloth

By Ella James

Release Date : February 25, 2015

Synopsis

I whirl around, because I need to go now. Need to run.

He grabs my arms, snatching me around to face him, holding me in front of him. Holding me still as he tries to tell me things I never want to hear.

“Stop it! Shut up! Shut up, Kellan! Fuck you!” He pulls me closer, and I slap his face.

The sound echoes through the foyer. His smooth, tanned check stains brilliant crimson.

He doesn’t move a muscle. Doesn’t even blink as I look at him for what I know will be the last time.

I’m sorry. His lips move silently. I don’t care. I can’t. His secrets ruined my life. He ruined my life!

If I live to be hundred, my heart will never be the same.

Note: Sloth is the first in my new Sinful Secrets series. Each intense, erotic story is inspired by a sin, and centered around a life-altering secret. Each “sin” stands on its own, so they don’t have to be read in order. After Sloth, I’m writing Murder. Between these two, I’m releasing a stand alone: a more traditional romance called The Boy Next Door.

Excerpt

He looks down at me, and his face is so stern, so solemn…so hungry that I almost flee right then.

Instead, I ride it out. I tell myself I can handle whatever happens, and I stand my ground as he turns the knob and pushes it open.

His eyes cling to my face as he waves me inside first.

I step inside expecting something grand. Elaborate. Even magical. And that’s exactly what I find.

The wall in front of me is nothing but a sheet of glass, giving me a stunning view of the tops of pines, and the river rushing over rocks below them. Above the treetops, the pale sky stretches on and on, marred only by another crow or hawk or raven.

I could get lost in that view, but I don’t let myself. I roll my gaze around the room, taking in its deep plum walls, high ceilings. There’s even a fancy indention at the center of the ceiling, something that looks right out of a home and garden magazine. And to my left is the bed. A huge, imposing, mahogany canopy with a pale green duvet and curtains that drop down around it.

A bed for sex.

My hunch is confirmed when I notice, amongst the heavy dresser and wide desk, a claw-footed tub in one corner of the bedroom.

I’ve got my mouth half open, trying to decide if I should just be me and blurt out “sex cave,” or continue with my act and feign charm.

I turn around to him, belatedly realizing I should be making sure he doesn’t shut and lock the door. I find his eyes on me, but when my gaze meets his, he breaks away and walks over to the window.

“This used to be my room,” he says without turning around to look at me.

“Until?”

“I gave it up for trainees.”

“That sounds kinky.” It’s unplanned; I just murmur it.

He turns to me, his eyes hardened, his mouth gone sensuously soft. “You think so, Miss Whatley?”

I nod, and he walks over to me.

His hands close around my wrists. He looks into my eyes, like he’s desperate to see what I’m thinking. He brings one of my hands to his mouth. The soft brush of his lips on my palm makes me tingle, but it doesn’t matter. I’m going through with my plan regardless of how attracted I am to him.

“Can you see yourself staying here?” he asks, in that low, deep, sexy voice of his.

“I don’t know.” I try to sound weak; uncertain. “I think I’d miss my friends at the Tri Gam house.”

“I could make you forget about them while you’re here.”

IS KELLAN WALSH PROPOSITIONING ME?

“How could you do that?”

He steps a little closer to me, sending my pulse racing. His wide chest is inches from my breasts. I find myself longing to step forward.

Instead, he does.

My breasts mash against his chest as our hips brush. Half a heartbeat later, I feel his dick pressing against my lower belly.

Oh my God.

His hands come up and frame my face. His eyes, on mine, are hypnotic.

“I’m not going to lie to you. I want your body, Cleopatra. I’d like nothing more than for you to stay here with me. I’ll teach you to deal—teach you how to avoid getting caught, how to maximize your, our earnings—and we can see if this goes anywhere.”

“That’s why you brought me up here?” I whisper.

He nods slowly.

About Ella James

Ella James is a USA Today bestselling romance author. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the Movers & Shakers list and the Amazon Top 25 overall; two were listed among Amazon’s Top 100 Bestselling Young Adult Ebooks in 2012. To find out more about Ella’s projects and get dates on upcoming releases, you can stalk her on the following social media sites:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Subscribe to her newsletter HERE

Cover Reveal : One Last Sin by Georgia Cates – The Sin Trilogy – Book 3

Posted on 02/18/2015 by shellbellereads

Release
Date: March 23

Bleu MacAllister’s fate lies in the hands of the enemy.
Complicated circumstances have rendered her helpless to escape their clutches
so she must await rescue by her less than lily-white knight. All is right again
when she’s back in the arms of the man she loves until long buried secrets are
unearthed. With them, Bleu finally discovers her mother’s killer along with far
more than she could possibly imagine. Can she find happiness with a husband who
will go to any length to keep her safe, even if it means denying her of the one
thing she believes she wants most in this world?

ADD TO GOODREADS

BleuMacAllister is consumed. A horrific childhood incident has caused every
decision in her life to revolve around bringing a monster to justice. With
years spent studying The Fellowship, an organized crime brotherhood of liars,
thieves, and killers, Bleu will rely on her skills as a special agent to cut
Thane Breckenridge off at the knees. But walking hand in hand with retribution
means risking collateral damage, in the form of Breckenridge’s son
Sinclair—until Sin becomes so much more than Bleu bargained for. She’s always
known this undertaking would place her life in danger—she never imagined her
heart would be as well.

AMAZON Barnes & Noble iBooks

An epic tale of revenge and love in a new romantic trilogy from the New York Times best-selling author of The Beauty Series.

Bleu MacAllister is in hiding less than three months when Sinclair Breckenridge discovers her whereabouts. Her former lover, the future leader of a criminal organization known as The Fellowship, resists the tug of his heart heartstrings in her direction. Instead, he opts to watch over his beloved from afar. And she has no idea. But Sin’s sacrifice is short-lived. His bonny lass is a hunted traitor. He fears Abram’s assassins are closing in, leaving him with one solution for saving Bleu–make her his wife. Marriage seems an easy fix for their dilemma but wedded bliss is brief when the couple finds trouble lying in wait beyond the realm of the brotherhood. Will the original revenge seeker find herself the object of collateral damage?

Amazon iBooks

Georgia resides in rural Mississippi with her wonderful
husband, Jeff, and their two beautiful daughters. She spent fourteen years as a
labor and delivery nurse before she decided to pursue her dream of becoming an
author and hasn’t looked back yet.

When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about writing. When
she’s being domestic, she’s listening to her iPod and visualizing scenes for
her current work in progress. Every story coming from her always has a song to
inspire it.

Representation: All questions regarding subsidiary rights
for any of my books, inquiries regarding foreign translation and film rights
should be directed to Jane Dystel of Dystel & Goderich.

Blog Tour + Review: Treasure Me by Mia Dymond – Alpha Four Series – Book 1

Posted on 02/18/2015 by shellbellereads

Synopsis

Reputable fine art broker Sophie Graystone has a knack for acquiring one-of-a-kind artifacts. A seasoned professional, she marches to the beat of her own drum and takes direction from no one.

Lt. Dagan “Rebel” Caldwell, ex-Army Ranger and investigator for Alpha Four, is driven by an iron will to succeed and is talented in the ability to convince others to conform. He soon learns that he has met his match in one certain female.

Assigned to investigate several attempted thefts of Sophie’s paintings, Rebel’s skill and talent are sorely tested when Sophie challenges him at every turn, aggravating and arousing him in the process. Desperate to get his man, Rebel uses her rebellion as a secret weapon, hoping to win her heart in the process.

Links to Buy:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Eu50zp

B&N: http://amzn.to/179PQEe

iBooks: http://bit.ly/17zecZj

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1uWGZRD

Guest Post

Greetings from the hot and humid state of Oklahoma! My name is Mia Dymond and I write sexy contemporary romance novels with a twist of sass. I currently have fourteen novels available on retailers including iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Amazon, and Smashwords.

My most recent release is Treasure Me, Book in the Alpha Four series. Alpha Four is a tough, no-nonsense group of ex-Army Rangers with muscles of stone and hearts of gold. Book one is the story of Lt. Dagan “Rebel” Caldwell and Sophie Graystone, a couple who clashes at every turn with the need for control. I hope you’ll enjoy the rocky journey they travel to fall in love. Please enjoy an excerpt:

Once Rebel held two steaming cups of coffee, he headed back to the table and sat beside her. Much to his relief, she wasted no time in touching him. She wrapped one hand around her cup, and wrapped the other around his forearm, her fingers drawing lazy circles against his skin.

“I’m curious,” she said as her fingers taunted the nerves beneath his skin, “how did you get your nickname?”

He chuckled low under his breath. Curiosity was a good start.

“Curious, huh?”

She nodded.

“I’ve never been one to follow protocol.”

“In the Army?”

“In life. I enlisted in an act of rebellion.”

“Is that a decision you regret?”

“Not in the least. Thunder, Chaos, and Ace made it all worthwhile.”

“You guys are close.”

“Family.”

“I take it there are several stories behind those nicknames too.”

He nodded without elaboration.

“So,” she prompted, “tell me about your team.”

“Can’t do that.”

“Why?”

“Confidential. I’d have to silence you if I told you and I’m not sure that’s possible.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I’m confident you’d find a way to challenge my methods.”

“You’d be disappointed if I didn’t.”

He snickered, aroused as hell by the fact that she didn’t hesitate before she fired right back at him. No doubt, she’d challenge him alright and she was absolutely correct when she responded – disappointed didn’t begin to describe his feelings.

“Thunder assembled Alpha Four when he retired from the Army. It only took three phone calls to build a team.”

“The four of you are very loyal.”

He nodded. “There’s just something about fighting evil that brings a team together.”

“Do you think about it often?”

He hesitated, weighing the decision to answer her. He’d seen a whole lot of evil during his military tours, things that he’d never share with her. Yet, thanks to Uncle Sam and Thunder, he’d learned to file it so far away that even memory couldn’t find it.

He glanced down at her fingers, still rubbing circles on his forearm and distracting him from answering her question. Her soft, gentle touch caused the nerves under his skin to quiver with excitement. What in the hell had she asked?

“Sophie?”

“Hmmm?”

“I can’t concentrate when you do that.”

Her brow furrowed. “Do what?”

He glanced down at her fingers. “That. You’re driving me crazy.”

“Oh, really?”

Before he could stop himself, he nodded. Oh. Hell. So much for never let them see you sweat. He’d pretty much just handed her a whole locker of ammunition.

“Well, then.” She blinked those deep, dark eyelashes several times as her fingers continued their assault. “Perhaps you should answer my question.”

“No.”

“No?”

“I mean, no I don’t think about the evils in my past often. Alpha Four gives me plenty to think about.”

“Are you in danger?”

“Not always. Sometimes our assignments are as mundane as installing a security system.”

“Other times you put your life on the line for someone else.”

“Yes.”

“Like me.”

“Well, no one’s tried to kill you …. yet.” He gave her hand a slight squeeze, buying a second of courage for his next comment. “But I’d put my life on the line for you without a second thought.”

Tracey’s Review

Mia Dymond has become one of my go-to authors for quirky action-filled stories, with strong and sassy women and hot sexy alpha men. Treasure Me, the first in Mia’s new Alpha Four series, has all of these things going for it. As with all of Mia’s books, I enjoyed the story, and liked the characters, but the problem for me here is that, for such a short read, there was just a whole lot going on. The speed with which things happened was unrealistic; the two main characters, Sophie Graystone and Dagan ‘Rebel’ Caldwell, have known each other for just a few days before declaring their love for each other. The whole ‘insta-love’ thing is always a hiccup for me, and it just wasn’t believable here, because they really know nothing about each other. This being said, the idea of the story is interesting, and I loved, as always, the sidekick characters that will surely, in typical Mia fashion, have the starring roles in the subsequent books in the series.

Although I am only giving Treasure Me 3.5 stars, I like Mia’s books and style enough to continue reading whatever she writes, so am looking forward to seeing Kat’s and Chaos’ story, and recommend this one for Mia’s fans.B

About The Author

Mia Dymond

I write contemporary romance novels with sexy, alpha males and females with attitude to boot. I live in a zoo,hold down a full time job, and am trying to coax my creative muse from her cage. So BEWARE, the madness may rub off on you! ~ Facebook

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Exciting Synopsis Reveal – Interim by S. Walden – A Dark New Adult Thriller

Posted on 02/18/2015 by shellbellereads

Interim

A Dark New Adult Thriller

By S. Walden

Release Date : April 14, 2015

Synopsis

~A lot can change in the space between devising a plan and carrying it out. That space is called the INTERIM.~

High school seniors Jeremy Stahl and Regan Walters aren’t friends. Not even close. He’s a picked-on, picked-apart loser outcast. She’s a cool kid running with the popular crowd. It’s unlikely they’d ever speak to one another. Too bad he’s madly in love with her. But what does it matter anyway? He’s got no time for love. Only revenge.

Meticulously detailed in the pages of his battered red notebook is his master plan: April 14, 9:30 A.M., two guns, eighty rounds of ammo, backup knives, eleven victims. He’s finally ready to answer every single taunt, jeer, and flying fist—unwarranted abuse that’s spanned six years of his lonely life. He’s justified. He’s ready. But he never readied himself for her.

Regan finds his journal. She reads it, and when he discovers her intrusion, he has to switch tactics. She’s a liability now.

Better fix that.

About S. Walden

S. Walden used to teach English before making the best decision of her life by becoming a full-time writer. She lives in Georgia with her very supportive husband who prefers physics textbooks over fiction and has a difficult time understanding why her characters must have personality flaws. She is wary of small children, so she has a Westie instead. She is the USA Today bestselling author of Going Under. When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about it.

She loves her fans and loves to hear from them. Email her at swaldenauthor@hotmail.com and follow her twitter feed at @swaldenauthor.

Summer Walden

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Happy Release + Giveaway : Broken By Lies by Rebecca Shea – Bound and Broken Series – Book 1

Posted on 02/18/2015 by shellbellereads

Broken By Lies

Bound and Broken Series – Book 1

By Rebecca Shea

Synopsis

I had no idea how much I would love Alex the day he walked into my life.
He changed everything.
The way I breathed.
The way I thought.
The way I loved.
He brought me back to life.
He gave me strength and a safe place to land.

And then he broke me.

Finding Emilia was a chance to do something good for once in my life.
I wanted to change.
She believed I was her savior.
I ached to be.
She found her way into my heart and claimed it as her safe place.
I should be telling her the truth about me…instead I break her with lies.

This book is a New Adult Romance and contains mature subject matter. It is not intended for those under 17 years of age.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble (available soon) / ITunes

About Rebecca Shea

Rebecca Shea is the USA Today Bestselling author of Unbreakable and Undone. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her family and her beagle, Miles. From the time Rebecca could read she has had a passion for books. Rebecca spends her days working full-time and her nights writing, bringing stories to life. Born and raised in Minnesota, Rebecca moved to Arizona in 1999 to escape the bitter winters. When not working or writing, she can be found on the sidelines of her sons football games, or watching her daughter at ballet class. Rebecca is fueled by insane amounts of coffee, margaritas, Laffy Taffy (except the banana ones), and happily ever afters.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

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Happy Release + Review + Giveaway: Touch & Go by Mira Lyn Kelly

Posted on 02/18/2015 by shellbellereads

Title: Touch & Go

Series: Dare to Love #2

Author: Mira Lyn Kelly

Publisher: Loveswept

Release Date: February 17, 2015

Synopsis

USA Today bestselling author Mira Lyn Kelly cranks up the heat for two
lifelong friends whose most secret longings come true in every delectable way.

Vivacious and successful, Ava Meyers is living her dream life, except
for one thing: Ever since childhood, she’s been in love with her best friend .
. . and she’s never admitted it. Back then, Sam Farrow was a damaged young man
with a tough past. Now he’s supremely confident, super-sexy, and totally
untouchable—until the night when Sam pretends to be Ava’s boyfriend to save her
from some unwanted attention. In a moment of weakness, Ava finds out that a
long friendship is no match for blistering sexual chemistry.

After years of denying his own feelings, Sam finds that one amazing
night with Ava isn’t enough to chase away all the pent-up fantasies. So he
proposes they spend a few weeks driving each other wild, exhausting their every
desire, and then return to their perfect platonic relationship like nothing
ever happened. But Sam’s plan has one fatal flaw: the part where they give each
other up. Because the more they let go of their inhibitions, the more they’re
tempted to never go back.

Add to Goodreads

Tina’s Review

Purely enjoyable characters and incredibly fluid writing style. Sexy, sweet… Hot!  Friends for twenty years, Sam and Ava fake a relationship to dissuade a persistent co-worker of Ava’s from his continual pursuits. Only, both have much stronger feelings for the other that have been locked away for far too long for this to be pulled off innocently. I loved the lead characters and although I get the sense that the secondary characters had a fun introduction in the first book, Ms. Kelly does a pretty good job of allowing new readers the chance to enjoy them without feeling too lost. The dialogue and interaction is dynamic; smart, funny, snarky, believable. The plot is pretty “standard fare” for any friends-to-lovers story, but there are just enough little twists and quirks to keep it fresh. The fluidity of the writing is amazing, it makes for a VERY enjoyable read. The conflicts were multi-layered; some resolved quick and neat, some not as much. But by the end, resolutions were found in a mature manner, providing a solid, heart-warming ending. The predictability was fairly average, given the nature of the storyline, but it was an extremely enjoyable feel-good book with plenty of hot stuff thrown in.
————————

Links to Buy

AMAZON US / UK

B&N / KOBO / iBOOKS

Also Available

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B&N / KOBO / iBOOKS

Author Bio

USA
Today bestselling
author Mira Lyn Kelly grew up in the Chicago area and earned her degree
in Fine Arts from Loyola University. She met the love of her life while
studying abroad in Rome, Italy, only to discover he’d been living right around
the corner from her back home. Having spent her twenties working and playing in
the Windy City, she’s now settled with her husband in rural Minnesota, where
their four beautiful children provide an excess of action and entertainment.
When she isn’t reading, writing, or running to keep up with the kids, she loves
watching movies, blabbing with the girls, and cooking with her husband and
friends.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Happy Release + 6 Star Review + 2015 Favorite : Garrett by Sawyer Bennett- Cold Fury Hockey Series – Book 2

Posted on 02/17/2015 by shellbellereads

Garrett

Cold Fury Hockey Series – Book 2

By Sawyer Bennett

Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Sawyer Bennett hits the ice with the story of a playboy athlete whose winning ways lead him to a beautiful woman with a lot to lose.

Carolina Cold Fury star Garrett Samuelson never wants to miss out on a single minute of fun. Whether he’s playing hockey, hanging out with friends, or walking the red carpet with a new date on his arm, he lives every day to the fullest. When he meets Olivia Case, he sees someone who’s exactly his type—confident, sexy, smart . . . his next fling. But the more he pursues her, the more Garrett shares a side of himself that other women don’t normally get to see.

Olivia has been keeping a secret. While Garrett lives for the next thrill, Olivia’s not sure she’ll live to see the next day. She’s undergoing treatment for some serious medical issues, and she doesn’t have time for a relationship with no guarantees—especially one with a hot-as-sin womanizer who won’t take no for an answer. But as she gets to know the real Garrett, Olivia can’t help falling for him . . . hard. To reveal the truth would mean risking everything—but you can’t score without taking the tough shots.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Kelley’s Review

Sawyer delivers an emotional rollercoaster that reminds us that life is too short not to live it to its fullest. We can sit around and worry about when the end will come or we can truly live and love for as long as we are given. This story is about love and loss and reminds us that no matter what we do, that often life is not fair. This read was not at all what I expected. I was up reading until 2:30 am and then had to turn around and get up at 6:00 am for work the next morning. I thought I was getting a steamy and sexy hockey story and what I ended up with was so much more. Sawyer shook me to my core and knocked the wind out of me. I have never finished a book in tears where I could not stop the overflow of emotions. Get your tissues ready and make sure you have some chocolate on hand because you will need them.

Garrett Samuelson is your typical sexy hockey player that often takes women to bed in pairs. He is the king of the one night stand and never spends more than one night with any woman. All of that changes when he meets Olivia. From the moment he first sees her he is stumbling all over himself and of course hits on her with the cheesiest pickup line. The thing is that he truly believes that she is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. My favorite scene in this read is when Garrett tries to get Olivia to give him the time of day and she blows him off. I adore it when the good girl gives the bad boy the brush off. Garrett is extremely perplexed because he is not used to women that do not swoon at his feet. Olivia provides him with a serious challenge and he begins to rethink his one night no repeats mantra.

Olivia Case has a lot on her plate. She has just received some news that she has yet to process and does not have the time or desire to start a relationship with someone right now. However, she is very attracted to Garrett and one night with him between the sheets might be just what she needs to take her mind off of things. He is safe since he is not the relationship type and even though it is not in her good girl nature to go after a man that will forget her by the next evening she is so very tempted to make him put his money where his mouth is. The problem is that even when you think something is a sure thing sometimes it’s not. Olivia never saw what was coming when she tempted the king of one night stands.

I absolutely adored this read and loved that we get to see Sutton and Alex again as well. If you are looking for something different to read that is not predictable and will keep you turning the pages then look no further. Garrett will have your heart overflowing with love and will remind you that everything is never what it seems and you can never judge a book by its cover. In this case even though the cover is smoking hot there is so much more to the story then just some sexy times between the sheets. Bravo Sawyer for taking me on an emotional journey that I will not forget any time soon.

Michel’s Review

Sawyer Bennett scored a 6 star goal with her latest release Garrett , in the Cold Fury Hockey series. This book came as a complete surprise that took the readers on an emotional journey. Sawyer tackled a very heavy subject that can touch any of our lives. She researched the subject and not only used it to write a phenomenal love story, she also enlightened the reader without making it a downer. As in all her books, her characters are so well developed that they become very real people that become a part of the reader’s lives. The relationships between her characters are not only loaded with sexual heat and tension, they are also loaded with very real situations and difficulties that most people experience in their own personal intimate relationships. It’s never easy for two people to come together and have the perfect relationship. It takes commitment, communication, sacrifice, sharing, and placing another person first. Sawyer allows her couples to muddle through, find their way, and work on their flaws. She allows them to experience all the emotions, trials, and triumphs that most every day couples experience. This is what makes the reader connect with the characters and their lives. Sawyer also adds her special blend of magical storytelling that makes these characters larger than life. It is easy for the reader to escape into the world she has created. It is no wonder that she is a New York Times Best Seller.

Garrett is more than a sports romance. It is a story of life, love, loss, friendship, and hope.

Garrett Samuelson is the team manwhore. He’s known for his one night stands. He embraces his “ladies man” reputation with gusto. His one true love is not the ladies, it is his profession. He absolutely lives, breaths, and loves the game of hockey. He is committed to his team and the game.

Olivia Case is a free spirit. She is content with her life. She has a satisfying career, a close knit group of friends, and a great family. She is a happy independent woman. She doesn’t need a relationship to complete her. She is comfortable in her own skin and happy with her life. Everything is great until she receives some bad news that is about to alter it all. It makes her take a deeper look into her life, her goals, and her dreams. It also makes her realize that she has not been living life to the fullest. She needs to grab each moment and make it completely hers.

When Olivia and Garrett meet at a Cold Fury team party, the fireworks go off. These two are hot for one another. They both look at this insta attraction as a possibility of a phenomenal one night stand. For Olivia, it is giving her all to living life to the fullest, allowing pleasure in her complicated life full of trauma. For Garrett, it is spending a fulfilling night with a woman that flips all his buttons. What neither of them realized was that this was their one defining moment that would change their lives forever.

Garrett will have to prove his staying power. Olivia will have to allow Garrett into her inner circle and accept his commitment. Together they will face the world one moment at a time.

This book reached so many emotional depths that define us as people. It showcased the importance of friendship. It proved that love in any shape or form is the most important thing in the game of life.

This book not only brought Garrett and Olivia together. It introduced to new characters in this series. It brought the characters, Sutton and Alex, back into our hearts. Stevie (Olivia’s BF) has become one of my most admired book characters because of that one moment that he made everyone’s day better. And finally there was Zack. Sawyer set up his story and broke all of our hearts right along with his. I cannot wait for June 9th, 2015 to get here. I need this man to be okay. I need him to find a new happiness.

Sawyer Bennett is an ALL STAR WRITER ! Read Garrett!

Author Bio:
USA Today Best-Selling 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 and the Last Call Series.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Unexpected Fate by Harper Sloan – Hope Town Series – Book 1 – A Spin off of Corp Security Series

Posted on 02/17/2015 by shellbellereads

Unexpected Fate

By Harper Sloan

Release Date: February 17, 2015

Synopsis

Have you ever felt like you were living your life for a future that was predetermined? Like there was some bigger picture you just prayed you would someday see clearly? That picture has been crystal clear to me since I was old enough to recognize it for just what it was.

Or I should say recognize him for who he was.

I’ve loved Cohen Cage since I was a small child. He’s been my everything for the last twenty-two years. I’ve loved him through every girlfriend he’s ever brought home. Through his college years and then mine. I’ve loved him through two deployments. And ever since the day I told him how I felt, he’s acted like I’m a stranger.

My name is Danielle Reid, and it’s time for me to get my man.

Our future is an unexpected fate, and no matter what our parents, siblings, and friends say…it’s going to be worth every second of the fight to make it happen.

**This book is a standalone, HEA, with mature themes and sexual situations**

Buy : Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Unexpected Fate by Harper Sloan

Excerpt

“Dani-girl.” His voice, that rich rumble of masculine excellence, washes over me and I shiver again before cursing under my breath. The rumble of his low laughter tells me that he definitely didn’t miss that little move.

Kill me now.

“Hey, Coh,” I say with a smile. “What brings you in? Last minute, I might add.” I pat the chair before walking around and holding the back while he sits down.

When his scent hits my nose, I almost come on the spot. Lord, he smells good. I wonder what he would smell like while his body covered mine, all sweaty from hours of good lovemaking. I run my fingers through the longer lengths on the top and feel my cheeks heat slightly, thinking about doing the same when his face is buried between my legs.

“…needed a trim.”

Shit. I missed what he said because, naturally, I was thinking about him naked. Naked and thrusting into my body. Naked and feasting between my spread thighs.

“You feeling okay? I thought Nate said you were better?”

“Uh, I’m fine. Just—is it hot in here?” I fan my face and avoid his eyes.

He’s silent, so I take that as a sign that it’s safe to bring my attention back to him.

Big mistake there. His knowing eyes are boring right into mine. The chocolate depths sparkling in a way that makes it clear he has a good idea about where my mind was going.

“Did you hear what I said, Dani-girl?”

“Of course I did, Cohen. What, did you think I was standing here daydreaming?” I joke.

“Well, yeah, that’s exactly what I think.” His eyes darken and he smirks a devilish grin. “Did you know you talk in your sleep, Dani?” he asks, and I drop my comb.

Oh, God. Shut up, shut up, shut up. This is not happening. No way.

“No, I don’t,” I childishly snap.

“Dani, you do. So, yeah, I do think you were standing there daydreaming. Want to know why?” He uses his booted foot to move his chair so that he’s facing me, and then he leans in so that his face is dangerously close to mine. Even when he’s seated, his head is almost level with my own. Curse my horizontally challenged self. “While you were zoning off into space with your fingers running through my hair, you had this smile on your lips. The same smile you had the other day when you were dreaming. About me, Dani. And don’t deny it, because you don’t moan my name if you’re dreaming about another man. Yes, Dani, you very much do talk in your sleep.” He smiles again before leaning back and looking down to his phone. “Clean up my neck please, cut the length off the top, and give me a buzz on the sides. Other than that, you’re clear to continue with your thoughts.”

I must have been standing there like an idiot because he looks up from his phone, laughs to himself, and, with one tan hand, reaches out and pushes my mouth closed.

“You’re going to catch flies that way, Dani-girl. One day, maybe you can clue me in on what those dreams are about.”

Drives me insane, the control he has over me. There isn’t a single person in the world, other than Cohen, who can turn me into a ridiculously stupid, sputtering fool. My normal confidence disappears. And clearly, he isn’t as oblivious to my feelings as I originally thought.

How in the hell am I supposed to handle this?

Wait a minute. Cohen or not, I’m not going to let him pull my strings when I know he is just doing this to make me feel uncomfortable.

So, time to call his bluff.

“Why? You planning on doing something about it?”

He looks up sharply, clearly not having expected me to actually say something in return since he was going for shock value.

“Try me,” he demands, his voice thick and even deeper than normal.

I throw my head back and reach out to run my fingers thought his hair again, just barely suppressing the shivers. Curling my fingers slightly so that I can grab a good hold, I lean in and pull his head back at the same time. With my nose just a hair away from his and our breaths mingling together, I say, “Cohen, you couldn’t handle the truth of my thoughts when it comes to you and we both know it. So how about you let me know when you’re ready for me to clue you in.” I give his hair a light tug and smile when he swallows loudly and shifts in his seat. “Ready for that trim?” I ask with a wink, and I’m rewarded with his groan.

I have no idea how I do it, but I manage to get through his cut without coming unglued. I can see Lyn trying to get my attention from across the room. Stella had to leave after she overheard my words to Cohen because her giggles were getting the best of her. Cohen has remained silent the whole time. His eyes though… They’re speaking louder than his words ever could.

They haven’t left my reflection in the mirror since I started. I can feel them every time I shift. When I stopped to go grab another comb after I dropped my fourth one, I felt his gaze follow me across the room to Stella’s station. The few times I stopped cutting to meet his eyes, the heated promise written all over his face almost did me in. I almost just said ‘fuck it’ and climbed on his lap to have a go regardless of the people watching our every move.

I finish the last buzz of my clippers around his right ear and move to brush all the stray hair off. “All done,” I say softly and unclip his cape.

He stands, shoving his phone in the back pocket of his jeans, and walks over to stand in front of me. I continue to pretend I’m busy with the cape I just removed, brushing stray hairs off here and there, when his hand comes up, his finger and thumb hitting my chin, and my face is lifted until I have no choice but to look in his eyes.

“Do not tease me, Dani. It’s not a game you want to play if you don’t intend to follow through.”

“I-I wasn’t… I wouldn’t,” I stammer.

“You did, and I have no doubt you’ll have the brilliant idea to do it again. The next time you allude to those dirty thoughts I know you have about me, don’t think for a second that I won’t drag you to the closest bed to show you just how fucking dirty they’ll get.” He leans close, his scent hitting my nostrils, and I involuntarily inhale deeply, earning me a rumbled chuckle. “What you don’t know, Dani—because contrary to what you think, you don’t know me well enough to assume what having me would really be like. But I promise you this: every little thought that you have had that causes you to moan my name while scissoring those perfect legs back and forth, praying for completion—it would be so much hotter than you could ever imagine.” He gives me a soft, sweet kiss against my temple that has fire racing from that spot all over my body until it ends in the awareness that I’m pretty sure I just came in my pants.

Michel’s Review

If you are a fan of Harper Sloan’s Corp Security Series you are going to love Unexpected Fate. If you have not read any of Harper Sloan’s books or the Corp Security Series, Unexpected Fate, book one in the new series Hope Town, is a good place to start. I can guarantee you will want to go back and read Axel, the book that started it all.

Unexpected Fate is the first book in the Hope Town series. It is a spin off from Corp Security series. It is a very mature, graphic New Adult series that features the children of the Corp Security clan and their world.

Unexpected Fate features Cohen Cage, the adorable three year boy that always wore a cape. We met him in Cage (book 2) and he stole our hearts. Now he is all grown up and living up to his legacy, Alpha Male the Corp Security way. He has bided his time and waited for the one woman that has been his soulmate all his life. He has been waiting for Danielle Reid, daughter of EXTREME Alpha Male, Axel Reid (book one-the Alpha that started it all). The timing has never been right. Their five year age difference set their lives on different paths. Now their paths are finally colliding and destiny is taking control.

Dani and Cohen will have to overcome a lot of hurdles before they can finally declare their love to the world and become the couple they were meant to be. They will have to conquer ALPHA-DADDY Axel, who will keep his “little princess” locked in a tower forever. They will have to keep a lid on their relationship so that the other Alpha Princes and “Little Princesses” don’t spill the beans. They will have to deal with reality tv that is “All Glitter and Gold” Sway Style. They will have to slay a Stalker Dragon. What happens next…besides ALPHA DADDY Axel having a coronary ?

The Alpha kingdom is being taken over by the Alpha Princes. The Little Princesses are stepping out and shaking their money makers. They are going to shake the Alpha Corp Security Kingdom and make it their world. We are going to see Alpha granddaddies, Queen-nannas, and a new dynasty to rule the Corp Security Kingdom. Our new Alpha Knights in shining armor will slay any dragon that threatens their Beautiful Princesses. New royalty will be introduced and their world will live on….

As our favorite magical Fairy Sway would say ” There’s new love that’s pure Glitter and Gold”.

I loved how Harper Sloan has added a new dynasty to the Corps Security world. I love how she is giving these seasoned Alpha’s a new foe to conquer….AGE! I love how she’s breathing new life into one of our favorite fictional worlds. I love that she is letting Sway wave his magic wand and giving us more Golden characters to love with all of our hearts. He has spun a road of Glitter & Gold for the Corp Security to have a new Hope Town.

Read Unexpected Fate… it will not disappoint!

About Harper Sloan

Harper lives in small town Georgia just a short drive from her hometown of Peachtree City. She (and her 3 daughters) enjoy ruling the house they dubbed ‘Estrogen Ocean’, much to her husbands chagrin. Harper has a borderline unhealthy obsession with books; you can almost ALWAYS find her with her eReader attached. She enjoys bad reality TV and cheesy romantic flicks. Her favorite kind of hero–the super alpha kind!

Harper started using writing as a way to unwind when the house went to sleep at night; and with a house full of crazy it was the perfect way to just relax. It didn’t take long before a head full of very demanding alphas would stop at nothing to have their story told.

told.Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Happy Release + Giveaway : Becoming The Whiskey Princess by Toni Aleo- Taking Risks Series – Book 2

Posted on 02/17/2015 by shellbellereads

Becoming The Whiskey Princess

Taking Risks Series – Book 2

By Toni Aleo

Synopsis

For better or worse, for richer or poorer, ‘til almost death do they part…
Amberlyn Reilly took a risk and found a new life in Ireland. She did something drastic and jumped in front of a loaded gun for the one she knew she couldn’t lose. And with her mother’s last request, she did more than fall in love. She fell into Declan O’Callaghan—with her eyes wide open and her damaged heart and soul leading the way.
When Irish-born Declan O’Callaghan spotted Amberlyn across the lake, he knew his life was about to change. And it did. Now he has everything he’s ever dreamed of —he’s marrying for love, and with that love, the family distillery will now be his as long as he marries before the deadline.
Things are moving fast. It’s now or never. And as their beautiful relationship grows, time is something these two don’t have a lot of. Declan’s and Amberlyn’s souls are tightly tethered, but will the questions and second thoughts of others prevent them from having a life they’ve both only begun to dream of? Will family and the obligations that come with the O’Callaghan name push them to their breaking point? Or has the Whiskey Prince truly found his happily ever after taking Amberlyn as his Princess?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

On Sale For Limited Time

Whiskey Prince

Taking Risks Series – Book 1

Synopsis

Take a risk.
Do something drastic.
Fall in love.

When Amberlyn Reilly loses her mother, her whole world comes crashing down. Having been caretaker to her for most of her teenage years, Amberlyn is inexperienced in many aspects of life. She hasn’t had time to live, have fun, or enjoy even the little things. It’s only when a letter from her mother, asking her to fulfill three things, sends her off to Ireland to live a life she never thought possible that she begins to heal.

Declan O’Callaghan was born and raised in Ireland and has his family’s legendary whiskey in his veins. He’s shy and not a fan of the pressure and spotlight that comes with his family name, or the title he was given at birth—the Whiskey Prince. Declan knows just what he wants and that is to take over the family dynasty, but when his father gives him an ultimatum, everything he’s worked for could come undone in the blink of an eye.

With six months to get married, the reclusive Declan spots Amberlyn across a lake and instantly feels the need to know her. Soon, the two find themselves traveling down a path neither expected. However, like any road, there are bumps and side streets to derail them. Can Declan help find the pieces that will make Amberlyn whole again? And will Amberlyn stay or run when she learns of Declan’s deadline of marriage?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

About Toni Aleo

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, scrap-booking, 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

GIVEAWAY!

Enter to win a $50 Gift Card to Amazon or B&N.
• Open international, as long as the gift card can be gifted to you via email.
• Contest ends Monday, February 24th.
• Winner will be announced on Toni Aleo’s Facebook, and via the Rafflecopter.
• Once the winner has been announced, winner has 48 hours to claim prize or else a new winner will be chosen.

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Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

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About Rebecca Shea

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Happy Release + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Unexpected Fate by Harper Sloan – Hope Town Series – Book 1 – A Spin off of Corp Security Series

Happy Release + Giveaway : Becoming The Whiskey Princess by Toni Aleo- Taking Risks Series – Book 2

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About Rebecca Shea

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