Play Me Series by Tracy Wolff-Review- Play Me Hard – Book 3

Posted on 12/08/2014 by shellbellereads

The Play Me Series

A Spin Off of the Ethan Frost Series

5 Novellas = 1 Sizzling Hot Romance

By Tracy Wolff

Play Me Hard – Book 3

No one ever said love is easy. In the third installment of an eBook original serial from the New York Times bestselling author of Ruined and Addicted, Aria and Sebastian discover that building trust might be harder than they ever imagined.

My name is Aria Winston. I’ve fought desperately to escape the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas. Now I’m on my own, in control of my own life and my own destiny . . . just the way I like it. Until Sebastian Caine changes everything.

Ever since taking Aria under his wing and into his seductive domain, Sebastian hasn’t been able to think straight. Their chemistry is intoxicating. Their power exchange is exhilarating. And the sex leaves them both absolutely exhausted. But if there’s one thing Sebastian does know, it’s that he needs to protect this strong yet vulnerable woman. Because she has depths that are unknown—even to her. Aria has worked hard to establish herself as anything but submissive. That isn’t who she is, or who she wants to be. So why does it feel so sweet to give up control . . . and so intense when Sebastian takes care of needs she doesn’t even realize she has? But he has needs of his own—and secrets that run just as dark and deep as Aria’s.

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

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The Play Me Series is a spin off of the Ethan Frost Series. This series features one of Ethan Frost’s best friends and his return to Las Vegas. There are 5 Books in this series and each is novella length. Each installment is sensual, breathtaking, addicting, and paced perfectly to keep the reader intrigued. Each installment ends on a major cliffhanger that leaves the reader wanting more. The final book does not end on a cliffhanger but leaves the reader anxious for the next Ethan Frost book. The characters from this series will be in the next Ethan Frost book and will be involved in Ethan’s mission to destroy his enemies.

The characters in this series are phenomenal. Their attraction and sexual chemistry is smoldering hot. Their erotic relationship will keep the readers fanning themselves. Their story is thrilling in so many ways. From their current lives, their secrets from the past, their steamy relationship, their smoldering sexual escapades, and complicated new directions , The Play Me series is addicting.

Each book in this series was released on December 2, 2014. Readers do not have to wait for the next book to come out. The pricing for each book is similar to other serial romances on todays market. The pricing for the series all together is equivalent to purchasing one book by one of the major publishing houses. It is well worth the price and I highly recommend this series.

Although this series is a spin off of the Ethan Frost series it can be read as a stand alone series.

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Play Me Hard is my favorite book in this series so far. This book picked up where the last book left off. Sebastian is doing what he was supposed to do after his and Aria’s erotic sexual combustion. He is taking care of Aria the way a Dom is supposed to. The way a man should treat a woman that has given him a precious gift.

This book made me fall in love with both Sebastian and Aria. We got a glimpse of their personalities, odd little quirks, and funky little habits that make them unique individuals. Rather than exploring their sexual attraction, they were taking the time to get to know one another. It was very endearing and made their characters more human.

Even though Sebastian and Aria are on somewhat good terms. We discover that Sebastian is hiding some secrets of his own. The revelation comes at Aria’s apartment building and leaves the readers antsy to find out what he is hiding. I guess we will have to read the next book to find out!

I am really enjoying the Play Me Series.

Author Bio:

Tracy Wolff collects books, English degrees and lipsticks and has been known to forget where—and sometimes who—she is when immersed in a great novel. At six she wrote her first short story—something with a rainbow and a prince—and at seven she forayed into the wonderful world of girls lit with her first Judy Blume novel. By ten she’d read everything in the young adult and classics sections of her local bookstore, so in desperation her mom started her on romance novels. And from the first page of the first book, Tracy knew she’d found her life-long love. Now an English professor at her local community college, she writes romances that run the gamut from contemporary to paranormal to erotic suspense.

And for all of those who want the unedited version:
Tracy Wolff lives with four men, teaches writing to local college students and spends as much time as she can manage immersed in worlds of her own creation. Married to the alpha hero of her dreams for twelve years, she is the mother of three young sons who spend most of their time trying to make her as crazy as possible.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Sneak Peek Excerpt: Ripped by Katy Evans- The Real Series

Posted on 12/08/2014 by shellbellereads

Ripped

By Katy Evans

Release Date: December 9, 2014

Pre- Order: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Synopsis

The fifth book in the New York Times new adult series that began with Real.

A ripped rock star with attitude.
An ex-girlfriend with a reckless plan.

Pandora assumed getting her heart broken by her bad boy ex could only happen once–until Mackenna Jones comes back to town for the biggest concert of his career. They say girls are getting pregnant just thinking about the Crack Bikini tour and it’s destined to be a huge hit.

Oh, it’ll be a hit alright–when Pandora comes out swinging. She and her friend Melanie are determined to humiliate him onstage. But when they’re caught by security and her ex is
summoned, Mackenna decides not to press charges if she’ll join him on tour and follow certain conditions–rules designed to give him the upper hand and keep her in close contact with him once again. Soon, the passion they once shared is reignited, and no matter how much Pandora wants to hate him, her hard exterior starts to crack.

And worse: Mackenna knows it, too. But he hasn’t uncovered all her secrets…

Sneak Peek Excerpt

The big dose of reality hits me when I wake up and he is sprawled, in all his muscular glory, across my hotel bed. It takes a second for me to remember that I, uh . . . I let Mackenna stay over?

I groan and slap my palm against my forehead. Fuck. Why why why does he weaken my willpower? The mattress squeaks as he shifts in bed, one arm reaching out as he groans in his sleep and seems to search for me. I roll away quickly and watch his hand settle on a pillow.

“Mackenna,” I say, toeing his side with my foot. “Mackenna!” I hiss.

He rolls around and sits up, and thank god the covers are halfway around his waist, because if I see one more inch of bare flesh I might explode from the heat spreading through me. I feel myself blush even deeper when his muscles bulge as he pushes himself up with his arms. His eyes adorably heavy, he blinks to adjust to the light, his mouth as perfect and generous as it was yesterday. And then he looks at me. That gaze is softer silver in the morning, not as sharp or as intimidating, almost . . . intimate when he sees me. Glimmering playfully.

And too late, I realize why he’s fucking grinning. My T-shirt got caught on the waistband of my panties. And he’s taking me in, in one quick sweep. “Well, fuck, someone woke hungry this morning,” he says, his voice bedroom sleepy as he looks at me, and I grab the pillow to cover myself.

“I’m not hungry,” I say.

“I was talking about me. Come over here.”

“No, Mackenna! Come on. Get out of my room already. I told you to leave!”

He grins and gets up, and I toss the pillow and flush as I pull down my T-shirt while he heads to the bathroom. It only takes him a minute to come out. Not enough to comb all my fingers through the tangles in my hair. If I were into that and cared what the asshole thought. Which I don’t.

His eyes run up the length of my legs, continue from the hem of my T-shirt to my neck, then land on my head. “Leave your hair, it looks all right,” he says huskily, stopping to loom before me.

Heat flows through my body as he looks down at me with blatant need. What is wrong with him? With us?

“Nothing’s wrong,” he murmurs.

“I said that out loud?” I groan.

“You’ve been . . . vocal, all night. I like it.”

God. I dreamed. I dreamed . . . I’m not even sure what. I dreamed about the closet again. I dreamed we were in bed. I dreamed he tried to kiss me, and when I turned away, he set a thousand shivery kisses up and down my neck.

The memory makes me flush cherry red. Did that happen during the night? By the intimate way he looks at me, I think he wanted inside me real bad. I didn’t let him, thank god. He fingers the collar of my tee, then watches me as he slowly drags his finger up my neck, his thumb caressing my bottom and top lip. Even though his hold is loose and he’s not physically holding me down, I feel trapped. His gaze alone holds me motionless.

He used to look at me with this same proprietary gleam when he was my boyfriend. My secret boyfriend, who nobody knew about . . . except me. I guess, in the end, my mom knew.

But while the secret lasted, we hid in the janitor’s closet in school and made out until I could hardly walk, my legs unsteady as I headed for class with his taste in my mouth, the scent of his soap clinging to my clothes.

I’m fighting the urge to smell his neck now. It’s a war to just stand here motionless, tracing every inch of his masculine face with my eyes when I want my fingers to do the same. The years become nothing.

The hum between us is just like in the old days, when I was the center of his galaxy. When the girls in school would stare longingly at him when he walked past my locker, having eyes only for me. Sometimes, when the halls were vacant enough, he quickly leaned over me and kissed the back of my ear and every part of my body, from my toes up to the back of my ear. I’d grow hot, and the place between my legs would start pulsing.

Too easily I remember coming home and squealing.

Me—squealing.

I would play love songs, only to replay the words he said to me and the ways he touched me. I would shower, eat, and sleep Mackenna Jones. . . .

But deep down, my mother’s bitterness and my father’s infidelity poisoned me. I kept all these feelings to myself—kept them from my mother so she wouldn’t take Mackenna from me. But because I didn’t want to lose him, because I feared it wasn’t real, I also kept my feelings from him, and now I’m used to saying nothing. Keeping it bottled up.

Why do I feel like I’m about to burst now?

“Don’t, Kenna,” I say when he uses his thumb to open my lips. He stands dangerously close—his height, his breadth, his size, his do-me-now-woman sex appeal intimidating the hell out of me.

He grins wickedly and strokes a hand over my hip.

“Why not?”

“Because it’s not going to happen,” I say breathlessly.

“Yeah, it will.” His smirk says, It definitely will.

He pats my butt slowly, and the familiar way he brushes his lips over mine brings my temper to a boil. Who does he think he is? Does he think because we made out by mistake he gets to play my boyfriend? When I growl and slap his hand away, he chuckles and heads back to the bathroom.

Soon I hear the shower, the sound of the water slapping his delicious man-flesh. Then I hear him hum a tune, a tune I’ve never heard before. My chest moves when I remember he used to do that when we were teens. God, no, stop thinking of those moments. It hurts. Truly it does. Think of the bad ones. When he left. When he left me on my own after making me need him and believe I couldn’t live without him.

Refusing to get all sappy with memories, I grab my phone and think of Melanie.

She’s probably at the office, missing the delightfully bitter morning company that is me.

I quickly text, I kissed him

Every second I wait for her answer, I feel worse and worse, not only about the closet incident but also about falling asleep with him around. When I woke up, the bastard was almost spooning me.

Melanie: What?

Me: I kissed the bastard! He spent the night. Oh god!!!!! This is suicide!

Melanie: Why? Was he into it? You know what they say about where there was once fire . . .

Me: He was into the kissing, into using me for his selfish reasons and I was selfish too.

Melanie: So what’s the problem?

Me: The problem is he’s going to think he WON!

And he will. He really, really will, because he’s so full of himself I’m surprised he fits inside this building.

Author Bio:

Katy Evans grew up with books and book-boyfriends until she found a real sexy boyfriend to love. They married and are now hard at work on their own happily ever after. Katy loves her family and friends, and she also loves reading, walking, baking, and being consumed by her characters until she reaches “The End.” Which is, hopefully, only the beginning…

Katy Evans is the NYT and USA Today bestselling author of the Real series.

To find more about her, look her up on her website, Twitter, or Facebook, she’d also love to hear from you!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release Day + Giveaway: Ice ~Regulators MC by Chelsea Camaron and Jessie Lane

Posted on 12/08/2014 by shellbellereads

Ice

Regulators MC Series- Book 1

Release Date: November 8, 2014

By: Chelsea Camaron & Jessie Lane

Synopsis

She’s an investment banker.

He’s an outlaw biker.

A little bit of heaven is about to meet a whole lot of hell.

Morgan Powell was raised to be perfect, to set an example for her sisters to follow. Her life has been dedicated to making something of her career, so she wouldn’t know what to do with a man even if you gave her an instruction manual.

Brett ‘Ice’ Grady spends his days trying to keep up with his teenage daughter, his nights consumed in Regulators’ MC business. He has no time for anything more than a casual hookup.

Two worlds collide when the dangers of his life crash into the calm of hers.

Can she go beyond her own boundaries and chip her way through to the man known to be as cold as ice?

Loosely attached to Chelsea Camaron’s Hellions Series and Jessie Lane’s Ex Ops Series.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Smashwords / All Romance Ebooks

Guest Post

It Started Like This

By Jessie Lane

(A Chelsea Camaron approved message)

Chelsea Camaron and I do a lot of plotting together. In fact, she’s the person I call to help me through my writer’s blocks. For me, the Regulators MC was an idea I thought up shortly after writing Secret Maneuvers. In depth, the Regulators MC is quite a bit different from what I’ve seen concept wise. However, I was intimidated by the idea of stepping into the biker romance arena. So, I put the idea on the back burner although CC said she thought it would totally kick ass.

Time passed, and then I started writing Stripping Her Defenses. This was where I knew the Regulators MC would make an entrance into my writing world. They were always involved in Riley Sullivan’s story line and how he finds his ex-wife after their divorce. But the more I thought about them, the more I loved the idea of them. Still, I didn’t think I could do it on my own. I, admittedly, am not the expert at that sort of alpha man.

Then it hit me. I needed my best friend. She writes an alpha man like nobody’s business!

So I called CC and I laid it all out for her, positively sure I was going to have to beg. And I would have too. I would have begged and pleaded and even shed crocodile tears to talk her into the Regulators MC project. Luckily, she didn’t make me do all that. She immediately started spouting ideas for the series and I asked her if she would marry me and have little author babies with me.

She told me our husband’s probably wouldn’t like that idea but we could totally write those books.

So, I gave up the idea of running away and marrying my bestie and settled for writing the Regulators MC instead. I’m SO glad she said yes. She’s breathed this amazing, unbelievable life into characters in a way I never could have accomplished. I’m a lucky, lucky woman to have a friend who balances me so beautifully. She’s my ying to her yang.

In closing, I can’t wait for everyone to read Ice. It already blows me away and it’s not even done yet. These characters… AHHH I love these characters. I can honestly say I couldn’t have done it without the fabulous, incredible, marvelous (I’m kissing my best friend’s ass here, bear with me) stunning, phenomenal friend. Hopefully, after you read Ice, you’ll love it as much as we both do.

Thanks for having me here today! Happy reading everyone!

Excerpt

~Morgan~

Looking at my phone screen, I smile at the text in front of me.

I’m off 2nite. Movie @ ur house or mine?

Texting back, I tell my best friend I will be at her house after work with takeout. Working in a bank, I have every weekend off. Casey’s career path is far different than mine, though, and it is one that requires weekend time; as a result, this is the first Friday she has had off in a while.

My day drags on as I review current investment portfolios and market changes. I have the best job ever. I get paid to spend other people’s money as an investment broker here in South Beach. My life is sun, sand, and dollar bills.

Before going to Casey’s, I stop by my condo and change clothes. The down side to my job is the stuffy suits I have to wear: reasonable, past knee-length skirts, reasonable women’s dress pants, and reasonable button up shirts. I might hate them; yet, in a sad way, the dress code fits my life—reasonable.

It is not long into girl’s night before the difference in our lifestyle’s show.

“Damn, we’re not even halfway through the first movie, and you’re ready for bed? What the hell? Grandparents stay up later than you,” My best friend wakes me out of my doze.

“Sorry, some of us keep normal business hours.”

“Yeah, your hours scream forty-two, not twenty-four, as does everything else in your life.”

“I’m not that bad,” I protest half-heartedly. However, that voice of doubt says “maybe I am.” Maybe my stiff upbringing has rubbed off on me more than I care to admit.

My parents raised me to be an example. As the oldest of three, I had to be the light to guide my younger sisters, Madyson and Mallory. Everything with my parents was about fitting the mold, keeping up appearances. Their brainwashing worked to some degree. Going away to college did nothing for me in my attempt to escape my overbearing parents, either. No, they live in my head, every rule engraved into my brain matter. Too bad no one warned me there is no cure and no escape once they get those rules engrained into my very being.

Morgan Ann Powell: pathetic, stiff, borderline pseudo-old lady, and a college educated, suit wearing, have my shit together prude—that is me. I am, quite possibly, the only woman in her twenties who can count on one hand how many guys she has kissed. I am also a twenty-four-year-old virgin. I wouldn’t know what to do with a penis if it was given to me gift wrapped in Christmas paper and topped with a bow. I am not cut out for parties, guys, or any wild times, either. My destiny is to be the old lady who lives alone, feeding all the stray cats in the neighborhood.

Author Bios

Chelsea Camaron

Chelsea Camaron was born and raised in Coastal North Carolina. She currently resides in Southern Louisiana with her husband and two children but her heart is always Carolina day dreaming.

Chelsea always wanted to be a writer, but like most of us, let fear of the unknown grab a hold of her dream; she realized that if she was going to tell her daughter to go for her dreams, that it was time to follow her own advice.

Chelsea grew up turning wrenches alongside her father, and from that grew her love for old muscle cars and Harley Davidson motorcycles, which just so happened to inspired her ‘Daddy’s Girls’ series. Her love for reading has sparked a new love for writing and she currently has a few more projects in the works.

When she is not spending her days writing you can find her playing with her kids, attending car shows, going on motorcycle rides on the back of her husband’s Harley, snuggling down with her new favorite book or watching any movie that Vin Diesel might happen to be in.

She hates being serious and is still a big kid at heart. She is a small town country girl enjoying life and, Chelsea hopes that her readers remember not to take life too seriously and to embrace your inner five year old, because five year olds know how to enjoy the simple things in life and how to always have fun.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Jessie Lane

Jessie Lane is the best selling author of The Star Series, Big Bad Bite Series and the Ex Ops Series.

She lives in Kentucky with her two little Rock Chicks in the making and her over protective alpha husband. She has a passionate love for reading and writing naughty romance, cliff hanging suspense, and out-of-this-world characters that demand your attention, or threaten to slap you around until you do pay attention to them.

Jessie writes Adult Paranormal and Contemporary Romance & Upper YA Fantasy/Paranormal Romance.

Website ~Newsletter~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

Signed paperbacks & swag of Ex Ops Series (Secret Maneuvers & Stripping Her Defenses) and the Hellions Series (One Ride, Forever Ride & Merciless Ride)

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Happy Release: Foreplay by Six New York Times Bestselling Authors – Lauren Blakely, Vi Keeland, Aurora Rose Reynolds, Victoria Ashley, Tijan,and Penelope Ward

Posted on 12/08/2014 by shellbellereads

Foreplay

Six Stand Alone Novels

Release Date: December 8, 2014

By New York Times Best Selling Authors

Tijan, Penelope Ward, Vi Keeland , Victoria Ashley, Aurora Rose Reynolds, and Lauren Blakely

Synopsis

SIX New York Times Bestselling Authors

SIX Standalone novels

SIX Steaming hot stories

Because who doesn’t like a whole lot of FOREPLAY…

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

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Carter Reed from New York Times Bestseller Tijan

Emma decided to skip the gym and went home early. It was the last easy decision she made because she found her roommate being raped by the boyfriend. She had two choices. Call the cops and be killed by his family’s mafia connections or kill him first and hope to survive. There was no choice to her. She killed the bastard first and went to the one person who could protect her. Carter Reed. He’s a weapon for the rivaling mafia family, but he’s also Emma’s secret. Not only was he best friends with her brother, but she’s the reason he became that weapon in the first place.

Jake Undone from New York Times Bestseller Penelope Ward

Nina Kennedy led a sheltered life ruled by phobias. When she moves to Brooklyn, that life is turned upside down as she develops an intense attraction to her gorgeous roommate.

Behind Jake Green’s rough exterior, lies a heart of gold. He makes it his mission to change Nina’s outlook on life. Jake becomes her tutor, forcing Nina to face her demons. He just wasn’t expecting to fall hard for her.

But Jake has been living his own private hell. Once he drops a bombshell, will their love survive it?

Worth the Fight from New York Times Bestseller Vi Keeland

It didn’t matter that the ref called it a clean hit. Nico Hunter would never be the same.

Elle has a good life. A job she loves, a great apartment, and the guy she’s been dating for more than two years is a catch and a half. But it’s boring…and she strives to keep it that way. Too many emotions are dangerous. Her own past is living proof of what can happen when you lose control.

Then Nico walks into Elle’s office and everything changes…for both of them. But what can the tattooed, hard-bodied MMA fighter and the beautiful and always steady attorney have in common? A lot more than they bargained for.

This Regret from New York Times Bestseller Victoria Ashley

Phoenix has been stumbling through life since her brother Adric’s tragic death but after eight years, she is finally piecing what remains together.

When walking into the tattoo shop one day, the last thing she’s expecting to see is Kellan Haze, Adric’s best friend no one has seen or heard from since the day they found her brother’s body. He’s nothing as she remembers him as a child, with his wild messy hair, tattoos that cover most of his undeniably sexy body and eyes so intense it makes her legs quiver with one look. The one thing even she can’t deny is the instant rush she feels just by being in his presence. But . . .

Kellan is sexy, daring and possibly . . . dangerous.

This Regret is a story of love, lust, betrayal and danger with an ending that no one saw coming.

Until Nico from New York Times Bestseller Aurora Rose Reynolds

Nico Mayson knew the moment he saw Sophie Grates that she was the one. His whole life, he has been judged by what’s on the outside, so finding a beautiful woman who sees the real him only makes his feelings that much stronger.

Nico knows the kind of man he is, and the things he is capable of, and he will do everything in his power to help Sophie fight her demons so they can have their happily ever after. Everything in life worth having is worth fighting for.

Playing with Her Heart from New York Times Bestseller Lauren Blakely

A sizzling and addictive story of a woman with a broken past and the man who can’t fight his desire for her…

When you’re acting the role of a lifetime, how can you know if love is real—or all just a part of the show? Twenty-three year old rising theatre star Jill McCormick finds it nearly impossible to resist the director of her first Broadway play – sexy, sophisticated, possessive, all-alpha Davis Milo. The attraction between them is too powerful, and soon their private rehearsals spiral into new, forbidden territory…but will the past stand in the way of a future together?

Happy Release: Cold As Ice by Charlene Groome- The Warriors Series- Book 2

Posted on 12/08/2014 by shellbellereads

Cold As Ice

Series: The Warriors – Book 2

By Charlene Groome

Synopsis

The Warriors take to the ice again in Charlene Groome’s sensational series about hockey players and the women who love them. But the team’s new addition may have to work for a warm welcome…
Defenseman Devin Miller has bounced from team to team and city to city, but he’s finally ready to settle down—professionally and personally. The Warriors seems like the perfect fit. Now all he needs is the right woman to start a family with—and he’s willing to put in the practice to find her.

Sports anchor Carla Sinclair already doesn’t like Vancouver’s hot new acquisition. So when she’s persuaded to interview him, she’s not prepared for the chemistry between them. But though Devin seems eager to show Carla his moves—on and off the ice—he keeps his personal life off-limits. Frustrated by him in more ways than one, Carla decides to track down Devin’s secrets on her own—and soon must decide if their attraction is worth the hit to her fragile heart…

Excerpt

“So, Devin, what do you want from me?”

He glances down at his almost empty beer. “If you want an interview, I want a night out

with you. Show me the city.”

She burst out laughing. “You have teammates for that,” she says, staring at his prickly

chin. “Ask one of the guys.”

“I plan to stay here for a while. I need to know about the city I’m playing in.”

“Do you do this in every city you play in? Get a chaperone to show you around?”

“No, this is the first.” He looks up at her and their eyes meet. For a second, Carla can

barely breathe, mesmerized by his seductive eyes, so dark they make her heartbeat carry on with double rhythm.

She swallows hard. “For some reason I don’t believe that.”

“Believe it! Do you have a hard time meeting friends?”

“No.”

“Then it shouldn’t be a problem if we get to know each other.”

She stares at him, contemplating. “That can’t happen.”

“Why not?”

“Because…” She’s stumped. “Because it can’t.”

“You don’t think I’m good enough for the team, do you?”

“I didn’t say that!”

“You implied.” He looks at his glass and then at her. “I know how you feel about me.”

“I don’t know what I said.” She tries to recall her last newscast.

“It’s not what you said, it’s what you want.”

Meet Charlene Groome

I write contemporary romance that are modern -sexy heroes and strong minded heroines- with satisfying endings.
I have combined my love of ice hockey with romantic stories.
I live on the west coast of British Columbia with my husband, three children and our Yellow Lab.

Giveaway
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Cover Reveal: Lucky Numbers by G.G. Carver

Posted on 12/08/2014 by shellbellereads

Lucky Numbers

Release Date: February 14, 2014

By G. G. Carver

Synopsis

Lucy Eaton had a job she loved as a Teaching Assistant at a Special Needs School and a boyfriend who struggled with commitment issues. Life was good, not great, but good, until one day Lady luck paid Lucy a visit and a life that most people could only dream of opened up to her. With the creases of every day life ironed out she could sit back and live the dream.

But what if that dream doesn’t turn out to be what you thought you wanted? Want and need are two very different things. The head wants, but the heart needs, and as generous and fortuitous as life can be, it can also be incredibly cruel. No one gets to live a creaseless life. That is something Lucy will soon discover.

Author Bio

Born in the heart of England to two devoted parents he enjoyed a happy, loving childhood. Not long after completing his further education he set off on a worldwide adventure visiting various places around the globe, but it was New Zealand that stole his heart. It was here that he discovered his creative side with amateur dramatics, and he made several brief appearances in national soap operas.
After 5 years he returned to England and discovered his passion for writing. He wrote several unpublished children’s books, but had a vision for a book that would take him on an exciting journey.
He also lives with his close companion Carver Jnr his cuddly pup that features in many of his humorous Facebook updates. He enjoys keeping fit, long walks in the fresh air and spending time with close family and friends.

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Spotlight + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: In His Shadows by Tiffany Snow

Posted on 12/07/2014 by shellbellereads

In His Shadow

The Tangled Ivy Trilogy- Book 1

By Tiffany Snow

Release Date: December 16, 2014

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Synopsis

Ivy Mason is hiding—from her past, from herself, and from anyone who could love her. The only kind of love she’s ever known hurts, leaving scars on her body and soul. Now, her world may be boring and predictable, but that’s exactly what she wants. Until Devon Clay walks into her life.

A lonely man in a deadly profession, Devon works as an agent for an underground British agency known only as the Shadow. Nothing about him is safe or ordinary. The danger that consumes his life turns into an addiction Ivy can’t resist…even if it proves fatal.

As Ivy’s past begins to catch up with her, she wonders if love really is the twisted thing she’s always thought it was. Maybe it could be more with this man, who’s shown her that she doesn’t need to protect herself from everyone. Is what she feels for Devon worth the risk? He may save her heart or break it, if she manages to stay alive.

Pre-Order

Guest Post: Getting To Know An International Man of Mystery by Tiffany Snow

Devon Clay, from my romance novel In His Shadow, is a British spy, and the only thing Ivy Mason knows about spies is what James Bond taught her. Ivy’s past gives her an acute ability to read people, and she can read from a mile away the danger emanating from Devon. She doesn’t like him, doesn’t want to get to know him, but Devon doesn’t give her much of a choice.

Ivy’s past has left her with issues no one’s been able to touch…until Devon. Perhaps it takes two damaged souls to recognize the other because he’s able to break through the barriers she’s built around herself.

At heart, Devon is a protector and a warrior, clothed in twenty-first century civility and sophistication. Attracted to Ivy because of her beauty, he becomes intrigued by who she is the more he learns about her. Add to it his innate desire to protect, and Ivy becomes someone his heart can’t resist, even though his head tells him their destiny is bound to be separate.

Secrecy is what keeps Devon alive. Experience has taught him that anyone he loves can become not only a liability, but being involved with him puts them in grave danger. Can he have both? A woman to love, but who he can also keep secret and safe?

Devon turns into an addiction, an obsession, for Ivy. The first man to really show her the depth of feeling and intimacy between a man and a woman, she can’t say no to him despite the multitude of reasons why she should. Could you give up the one thing that makes you feel alive? Neither can she. Is obsession love? Or is it ultimately a selfish emotion? Ivy finds out when circumstances force her to choose between betraying Devon, or sacrificing herself.

In the Tangled Ivy Trilogy, Ivy and Devon grow as characters as their relationship moves from lust, to sex, to obsession, and finally into love. But their love story comes at a price and the stakes for their happily ever after will affect millions.

Excerpt

“Come you need to rest.”

Taking my hand, Devon pulled me to my feet and led me down the hall to the bedroom. He flipped on the switch and a lamp illuminated the room. Although spacious, the huge bed dominated the space and my eyes were drawn inexorably to it.

“You can sleep in here,” he said. “I’ll take the sofa.” The way he said it, almost with a wry smile, had me glancing at him.

“You don’t have to give up your bed for me,” I protested. “I mean, it’s not like you’re a gentleman.” I didn’t know why I added the dig, maybe I wanted to push him and see how far he’d go.

But his lips only twisted further. “I can pretend as well as the next man,” he said.

Devon moved closer until we were nearly touching. I stood my ground though I wanted desperately to take a step back.

“What are you doing?” I asked, immediately hating the throaty sound in my voice.

Devon didn’t answer me. His gaze dropped to my mouth and my pulse leapt. Leaning down, his lips brushed mine in a feather-light touch. His lips were soft and warm, teasing gently and coaxing a response from me as his tongue swiped my bottom lip

It was electric and I moaned softly, opening my mouth so he could deepen the kiss. He tasted of strawberries, his tongue sliding along mine as his hand palmed the back of my head. Devon kissed me as though he had all the time in the world, until I was breathless and clutching his shoulders, my body pressed against his.

“You’re body was made for me, “ he murmured, his lips sliding along my jaw to leave my skin burning. “That’s why you’re not afraid. It knows me. It wants me between your legs, buried inside you.”

The words curled in my ear like the sweet, silky promise of a viper. I stiffened but before I could push him away again, Devon pulled back.

“Good night, sweet Ivy.” Then he was gone, the door closing softly behind him.

How the hell was I suppose to sleep after that?

Michel’s Review

It is no secret that I am a huge fan of the Romantic Suspense genre. I love the thrill of danger and suspense that place the hot alpha male hero and brave heroine in a world of peril. Tiffany Snow is a master of writing romantic suspense books. Her books are loaded with high octane action, page turning peril, and sizzling hot loves scenes that leave the readers hearts racing.

In His Shadow is the first book in the Tangled Ivy Trilogy. It was a page turner that I couldn’t put down. The first page gives the reader a sense of the dangerous undertones that Devon Clay possesses. It also gives the reader a strong sense of Ivy Mason’s sharp intelligence, quick sense, and a strong intuition of dangerous threats.

As the story begins to unfold Tiffany Snow keeps the reader guessing at why Ivy is being involved in the world to shadows that Devon rules. She is put in perilous situations. She witnesses several murders. She is attracted to man she knows nothing about. She is giving up her innocence and her instincts of self protection all for a man that only brings death and danger to her door. Little does she know is that she was involved before Devon even came on the scene. One innocent moment with a lonely old man placed her on the radar to a world of espionage and mass destruction.

The chemistry between Devon and Ivy is sizzling hot. Devon will make your panties melt off with his sexy English accent and mysterious persona. He brings Ivy to her knees with one look, one touch, and one suggestion. He is a man that knows his way around a woman’s body. When he seduces Ivy he is also seducing the reader.

Ivy is one of my favorite kind of heroines. She is intelligent and compassionate. She has a strong sense of self and does not let Devon walk all over her. She makes her own decisions and accepts the good with the bad. She has an ugly past that would scar anyone for life. She does not let the past rule her present. She has learned from all she endured and has become a strong woman.

In His Shadow kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the chemistry between Ivy and Devon. I loved the pacing of the story. I loved the intricate plot. The book had a satisfactory ending even though it was not the conclusion to Ivy and Devon’s story. It has me anticipating the next book.

I highly recommend In His Shadow by Tiffany Snow. It is a thrilling reading experience.

About Tiffany Snow

I love to stick with characters over a series of books when I read, which is the same way I write. My first series – THE KATHLEEN TURNER SERIES – includes five books, two companion novels, and features a love triangle. My new series, coming from Montlake Romance December 16, 2014, is the TANGLED IVY TRILOGY, beginning with IN HIS SHADOW.
As for me, I’ve been reading romance novels since I was way too young to read such things, have an unhealthy obsession for all things Doctor Who, prefer Pepsi to Coke and Absolut to both, think men who drink girly cocktails are wusses, have learned to never stop believing in my beloved St. Louis Cardinals, and can recite the entire scripts of When Harry Met Sally and Apollo 13. George Washington is cool, Bon Jovi still rocks the house, and Bruce Willis is the ultimate alpha-male hero. Most of all, romance never, ever gets old.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

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Happy Holidays! Advent Calendar 2014 from Inkslinger

Posted on 12/06/2014 by shellbellereads

Happy holidays, everyone! Everyone at InkSlinger – the publicists and the fabulous authors they work with – wanted to do a little something special for the bloggers and readers who constantly amaze them with their support, so they put together an advent calendar full of fun prizes!

Each day you can check their advent calendar to check for the giveaway for that date! They’ll be hosted by different bloggers on each day, but the advent calendar will link directly to the posts! And don’t worry if you miss a day – the giveaways will run all month long, so there’s plenty of time!

I’m hosting today’s giveaway – check out the details below!

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Review Blog Tour: Down For The Count Series by Christa Cervone- On The Ropes and Going The Distance- A Fighter Series

Posted on 12/05/2014 by shellbellereads

On The Ropes

Down For The Count Series- Book 1

By Christa Cervone

Synopsis

***Author’s note*** This book is not recommended for readers under the age of eighteen, due to strong sexual content, language, child abuse, and drug reference. Also, this is the first book in a series.

A murderer’s child…A foster child…A troubled teen…Gabriel ‘The Saint’ Vega has never had an easy life. Being shuffled from one foster home to another after his father murdered his mother, he found himself in and out of trouble with the law. Never giving a damn about himself, let alone anyone else, his life was spiraling out of control; fast. Until one man and one sport changed everything.

Frankie Carbone taught Saint how to handle his anger and rejection; by fighting it out in the ring. On his way to stardom, Saint finds himself pushed into the spotlight and into the arms of more women than he can ever imagine; he’s completely content with one night stands and random sex.

Then Salem Harris comes walking into his life and changes his game plan. Saint finds himself wanting Salem in all the ways that scare him. She is off limits; taken. But that doesn’t stop Saint from going after what he wants, and he wants her.

Frankie showed Saint a new way of life with Boxing, but will Salem give him the one thing he’s never known – love? Will Saint find himself fighting for the one thing he thinks he doesn’t deserve or will Salem end up breaking his heart? Gabriel ‘The Saint’ Vega has had to fight for every good thing he’s gotten in his life.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Michel’s Review

On The Ropes by Christa Cervone is unlike any of the fighter books I have read to date. Most fighter books feature a bull headed, very determined Alpha male that has some kind of issues in his past. He allows these issues to hold him back from being in a successful loving relationship. On The Ropes does have a very bull headed Alpha male, Gabriel “Saint” Vega. He has a horrific past. That horrific past has molded him into the man he is today. Rather than allowing the past to rule his future, he allowed people to help him along the way in his life. He has learned from the positive examples in his life and is determined to be an honorable man. His past is put into the right perspective. He has learned that some things are out of his control and that he has to accept it and move forward in the best direction that he can. He has learned that family is not always defined by DNA.

He is on the verge of breaking into the big league in the boxing world. He has trained hard and followed the rules. He listens to his trainer, Frankie Carbone, and follows his directions. After all , it was Frankie that gave him the break he needed in life. One would think with his new found fame and fighting career that he would have a huge ego. Not the case with the Saint. He is a very humble man. He knows his strengths and weaknesses, he has respect for others, and gives his time to “at risk” kids. He may be a bit of a player where the ladies are concerned but overall he’s a good guy.

When a sponsorship opportunity knocks on the door, Frankie encourages Saint to take this opportunity. This opportunity leads him to meeting the one woman that can change his view on serious relationships. This one woman is the only woman he can’t have. She is the girlfriend of his sponsor and they are in a very serious relationship.

Salem Harris is a spoiled rich girl with her nose high in the air. She has been involved with Blaine all her life. It doesn’t matter that he treats her badly. It doesn’t matter that he cheats on her. He is her destined prince charming.

When Salem and The Saint but heads is more than a pissing match. The sexual chemistry between the two will go the distance. But their relationship is a forbidden one. Nothing good can come from it. And when something does come of it….CLIFFHANGER!

On The Ropes set the pace for the Down For The Count Series. I loved Gabriel “Saint” Vega. His humble personality and dedication to those he loved knocked my socks off. I had a hard time liking Salem. She was incredibly self absorbed and self entitled. I could not understand the attraction that the Saint had for her. But then Christa Cervone waved her magical pen and showed the readers another side to Salem. I am anxious to see her transformation in the next book. The secondary characters made this story work. Their personalities and assigned roles gave this story an insight to the real lives of the fighters behind the scenes and in real life circumstances.

I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

Going The Distance

Down For The Count Series- Book 2

By Christa Cervone

Synopsis

***Author’s note*** This book is not recommended for readers under the age of eighteen, due to strong sexual content, language, abuse, and drug reference. Book 2 in a two book in a series.

Life has been a roller coaster for Gabriel ‘The Saint’ Vega. From surviving a hellish childhood, to reuniting with his lost brother, only to hit the struggle of helping him battle his drug addiction. Boxing saved Gabriel’s life, and just when his career hits the fast track, he finally finds love with Salem; at least for a short time.

Social differences, obligations, and misguided good intentions tore Gabriel and Salem apart before they could ever really get started.

Will Gabriel be able to save his brother from the whirlpool of addiction that threatens to drag him under? Is Salem capable of breaking away from the ropes that bind her to doing what’s expected rather than what and whom she desires? Can Gabriel convince Salem that their mutual feelings are worth fighting for, and that together, they will be able to go the distance?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Michel’s Review

We met the main characters and got a glimpse of their life in On The Ropes. Going The Distance is the sequel to that book and “meat” of the series.

Gabriel “Saint” Vega has fallen in love with the one woman he can never have, Salem Harris. Not only is she out of his league and in a different social class, she is also involved in a very serious relationship.

After a one night mistake, Gabriel vows to stay away from Salem. His desire for her is too strong to abstain. As these two finally start letting down their guard and getting to know one another all kinds of angst will rear it’s ugly head in their lives.

There is the douche bag boyfriend, the junkie brother, the socially correct family, the financially troubled gym owner & trainer, the fighting career, and life in general standing in their way. Can Gabriel and Salem make it through all the obstacles in their way. Can their love survive the storm?

This book was the “meat” of Gabriel and Salem’s story. It was a very emotional, heart wrenching book that took me by complete surprise. My opinion on Salem’s personality drastically changed. She showed her true personality and true strengths in this book. Gabriel “Saint” Vega proved he was a fighter outside of the ring. He fought for those he loved.

I highly recommend the Down For The Count Series by Christa Cervone. It will not disappoint.

Author Bio:

Born and raised in New England, Christa is a married mother of three. She began writing her first book, Broken, in October 2012, as a love story to her husband, Frank. During the writing process, Christa managed to keep her book a secret from the majority of her family and friends, including her mother. She finally revealed that she had written a book on her personal Facebook page just two weeks before Broken was released.

Broken was released in February 2013, and within twenty-four hours of its release, it was on Amazon’s Movers and Shakers list as well as in the Top 20 Erotica. Christa released her second novel, On the Ropes – Book One in the Down for the Count series, in February 2014. On the Ropes has also climbed the charts on Amazon, hitting the Top 10 Sports Fiction and the Top 20 Romance Sports Fiction lists. Book Two, Going the Distance, was released July 2014 and claimed the number 3 spot in the Interracial category as well being in the top 20 in Erotica on Amazon.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Holiday Feature + Giveaway : Merry Christmas, Baby by Jill Shalvis and All I Want For Christmas Is You by Jessica Scott

Posted on 12/05/2014 by shellbellereads

Merry Christmas, Baby

By Jill Shalvis

A Lucky Harbor Holiday Novella -Book 12.5

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Synopsis

SEASON’S KISSES . . .
Wild child Chloe Thompson can’t believe how much things have changed. She still can’t get enough of her sexy husband Sawyer, but he seems to prefer working to impending fatherhood. So tonight, a very pregnant Chloe is escaping her troubles at the town Christmas party.

Sheriff Sawyer Thompson hopes surprising Chloe at the party will give him a chance to set things right. But as the snow begins to fall and the wind rages, he wonders whether he can make it back in time. While mother nature conspires to keep Sawyer and Chloe apart, an unexpected arrival will require them to kiss and make up . . . and ring in the happiest holiday Lucky Harbor has ever seen.

Tracey’s Review

Chloe Thompson knows that she’s been less than easy to live with lately, but, heck, being nine months pregnant should get a girl a pass, right? Then there’s the fact that things between her and her hunky husband Sawyer seems to be less loving than usual, and that he’s gone more than he’s around, making Chloe wonder how he really feels about the impending arrival of their ‘Bean.’

MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY was my first experience with reading one of Jill Shalvis’ books, and, so, my first introduction to Lucky Harbor. This was a novella, so was very short, but Jill was able to pack a lot of entertainment into it. I love a smalltown romance, and the folks of Lucky Harbor just make the homey feel more evident. Jill’s characters are great; all of them are so unique, with their own quirks and personalities, and, with snappy dialogue and a holiday theme, it was fun to see them interact with each other. My only wish is that I’d read the whole series first, so that I knew more about who everyone is, because I have a feeling that I’d have been in love with them, and with Lucky Harbor, long before now. I recommend this sweet, sexy, and sassy little holiday read for anyone. While it is not necessary to have read the other books first, I do suggest that it may not be a bad idea, but it is completely enjoyable either way.

All I Want For Christmas Is You

A Coming Home Holiday Novella – Book 5.5

By Jessica Scott

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / I Tunes

Synopsis

From USA Today Bestselling author Jessica Scott comes an all new novella about a woman who came back from war changed and the man who loves her enough not to let her go.

All Major Patrick MacLean wanted was Christmas with the woman and child who were his family in everything but name. But Captain Samantha Egan has come back from the war a different woman than the one who left – and she doesn’t know if she can love him anymore.

But neither of them counted on the determination of a little girl they both call daughter and if Natalie has her wish, her parents may have no idea what’s coming for them. It’s going to take Christmas miracle to bring these two wounded warriors back from the edge of a broken heart.

This story has been featured in Home For Christmas: A Holiday Duet with JoAnn Ross.

Michel’s Review

Wow! All I Want For Christmas by Jessica Scott packed a powerful punch! I cannot believe a novella could be this powerful and dig so deeply into my emotions. The story was beautifully written. Jessica Scott illustrated a very honest glimpse into the lives of those that serve in the Armed Forces. Their sense of “normal ” life is a completely different definition than most average Americans. They have chosen a career that serves and protects. Their jobs are 24/7. They sacrifice their personal and family lives to perform their jobs so that we can have peace in our own personal lives. There isn’t down time when deployed. There isn’t weekends off or nights to unwind. Their sense of normal changes completely, from sleeping arrangements or use of the facilities. It is not a resort vacation or an exclusive campground. It is a wartime arena that is dictated by their surroundings at every moment. Danger is a constant threat. Lives are lost, lives are broken, and lives are saved. No wonder is so difficult for the soldiers to return home and try to blend into our sense of “normal”.

All I Want For Christmas Is You is about a military career couple. They are not married but have been together for years. They have an eight year old daughter and a strong loving relationship. With both of them being in the military , they have deployed at different times so that one parent is always home with their daughter. Their last deployments have caused this couple to have a two year separation. Not only that, Samantha has returned home with some very serious PSTD issues. She is disconnected with the normal world, disconnected from those she loves, and emotionally numb. Rather than reaching out for help, she leaves with the intent of ending her relationship with Patrick.

Patrick is determined to save his family and save the woman he loves. He understands what she is dealing with. Through love, patience, complete honesty, insight into his own war experiences, and guidance in getting the right kind of help, Patrick will show Samantha that there is more to their “normal” life than she realizes. She is worth fixing.

The love they have for each other and the love for their daughter Natalie is all that matters.

This story was beautifully written and very emotional. It is the perfect holiday book that will validate and honor the lives we live. The men and woman have sacrificed their own personal lives to allow all of us to have Happy Holidays. They deserve them too!

Jessica Scott has once again wowed me with her writing and sensitivity to powerful issues.

Read This Book!

$100 American Express Gift Card

Holiday Novellas

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Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Play Me Series by Tracy Wolff-Review- Play Me Hard – Book 3

Sneak Peek Excerpt: Ripped by Katy Evans- The Real Series

Happy Release Day + Giveaway: Ice ~Regulators MC by Chelsea Camaron and Jessie Lane

Happy Release: Foreplay by Six New York Times Bestselling Authors – Lauren Blakely, Vi Keeland, Aurora Rose Reynolds, Victoria Ashley, Tijan,and Penelope Ward

Happy Release: Cold As Ice by Charlene Groome- The Warriors Series- Book 2

Cover Reveal: Lucky Numbers by G.G. Carver

Spotlight + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: In His Shadows by Tiffany Snow

Happy Holidays! Advent Calendar 2014 from Inkslinger

Review Blog Tour: Down For The Count Series by Christa Cervone- On The Ropes and Going The Distance- A Fighter Series

Holiday Feature + Giveaway : Merry Christmas, Baby by Jill Shalvis and All I Want For Christmas Is You by Jessica Scott

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