ARC Review: Archangel’s Shadow by Nalini Singh-Guild Hunter Series-Book 7

Posted on 11/19/2014 by shellbellereads

Archangel’s Shadow

Guild Hunter Series- Book 7

By Nalini Singh

Synopsis

NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED
AN ALL-NEW GUILD HUNTER NOVEL

Return to New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s sensual and painfully beautiful Guild Hunter world in her new novel of sacrifice, loyalty, and the choices of love that can shatter the heart.

In the wake of a brutal war, the archangel Raphael and his hunter consort, Elena, are dealing with the treacherously shifting tides of archangelic politics and the people of a battered but not broken city. The last thing their city needs is more death, especially a death that bears the eerie signature of an insane enemy archangel who cannot—should not—be walking the streets.

This hunt must be undertaken with stealth and without alerting their people. It must be handled by those who can become shadows themselves…

Ash is a gifted tracker and a woman cursed with the ability to sense the secrets of anyone she touches. But there’s one man she knows all too well without a single instant of skin contact: Janvier, the dangerously sexy Cajun vampire who has fascinated and infuriated her for years. Now, as they track down a merciless killer, their cat-and-mouse game of flirtation and provocation has turned into a profound one of the heart. And this time, it is Ash’s secret, dark and terrible, that threatens to destroy them both.

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Tracey’s Review

In the aftermath of a devastating war, which has pitted archangel factions against each other and left many dead in its wake, something dark and dangerous threatens the citizens of New York, and the archangel Raphael and his contingent are faced with unraveling the mystery of the new and deadly threat. Ash, a human Guild hunter, and Janvier, her vampire partner, are racing against time to unmask the killer before it’s too late, all the while fighting an ever-growing attraction that they should not act upon.

ARCHANGEL’S SHADOWS, the seventh book in the Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh, is an action-packed, edge-of-your-seat read from the first page. Ash and Janvier are a team, the human Guild hunter and vampire working in the service of the archangel Raphael. The attraction which has always existed between them is becoming stronger, with Janvier making no effort to hide his desire to become Ash’s partner in every sense of the word. But Ash is hiding a secret that could tear them apart, and that keeps her from giving in to the desire that she feels.

This is the first book that I have read from the series, and while I sense that there is a lot of backstory that I am missing, it did not keep me from thoroughly enjoying this book. I am a huge fan of paranormal romance, and Nalini is a master of the genre. The characters are unique and engaging, and the heat between each of the couples is palpable. I love that the female characters are strong and respected by their male counterparts, with not one delicate flower in the lot. These ladies are capable, and aren’t afraid to let everyone know, which is one of the things that resonated most strongly for me. As well, the Seven, whom have all been introduced in earlier books, are fascinating to me, and I really enjoyed the banter and real affection that they have for each other. All of these things, combined with the mysterious threat that Ash and Janvier are facing, made for a read that I couldn’t put down. I look forward to going back and starting the series from the beginning, and also continuing to read the upcoming installments.

NEW YORK TIMES AND USA Today bestselling author of the Psy-Changeling and Guild Hunter series Nalini Singh usually writes about hot shapeshifters and dangerous angels. This time around, she decided to write about a hot and wickedly tempting rock star. If you’re seeing a theme here, you’re not wrong.

Nalini lives and works in beautiful New Zealand, and is passionate about writing. If you’d like to explore her other books, you can find lots of excerpts on her website. Slave to Sensation is the first book in the Psy-Changeling series, while Angels’ Blood is the first book in the Guild Hunter series. Once Rock Addiction is out, swing by the site to check out the special behind-the-scenes page, complete with photos of many of the locations used in the book.

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Review: Home by @JA Huss- Social Media Series- Book 6-Grand Finale

Posted on 11/19/2014 by shellbellereads

Home

The Social Media Series- Book 6

By @JA Huss

Synopsis

I just want my Grace back. I want the girl I found sending me dirty tweets on Saint Thomas. I want the girl who reluctantly gave in to my charms and let me boss her around. I want the girl who sent me to my knees and made me imagine what her fairy tale would look likewith me in it.

I just want to move on.I want everything she ever wanted, and I want us to make it happen together. But the media needs more from us. More dirt. More pain. More payment for past transgressions.

You can’t change the past. And even though Grace is ready to put her demons to bed, mine are just starting to get restless. Because when you’ve silenced as many enemies as I have, you know that secret won’t stay buried forever.

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HomeTweetHome

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Grand Finale. End of Social Media Series

#BitterSweet

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Social Media Series a 2014 Favorite!

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Michel’s Review

The Social Media Series by JA Huss has been an erotic and action packed experience. Each episode has left readers on the edge of their seats. The ending was bittersweet and pure perfection for Grace and Vaughn.

I am not going to say too much and give away spoilers. The one thing I will say is that Grace became a stronger woman. She learned to open her heart and let love in. She learned that she is just as much Daisy as she is Grace. Combine the two together and Vaughn has the perfect woman. Vaughn surprised me throughout this series. He grew emotionally and proved to Grace, as well as the world, that he is a man of honor.

I loved the Social Media series. I highly recommend this series. JA Huss is a gifted writer that always delivers more than a sensational romance.

THE SOCIAL MEDIA SERIES

FOLLOW – AUGUST 27, 2014

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LIKE – SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

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BLOCK – SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

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STATUS – OCTOBER 8, 2014

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PROFILE – OCTOBER 22, 2014

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HOME – NOVEMBER 5, 2014

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Author Bio

Author Bio:

J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label).

She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers.

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Review: Stirred Up by S. E. Hall and Angela Graham- Volumes 1 and 2

Posted on 11/19/2014 by shellbellereads

Stirred Up

Volumes 1 and 2

By S.E. Hall and Angela Graham

Synopsis

NYT, USA Today & Amazon Best Selling authors Angela Graham and S.E.Hall
Erotic stand-alone. No cliffy. 40,000+ words.
Certain men. Certain professions. Some things are just universally sexy.
But maybe not quite this sexy…
“Lay back for me.”
*Previously 2 volumes, now get the entire story in one shot.*

Buy: Amazon

Ashley’s Review

Once a year, women have that one appointment that we all look forward to (dramatic eye roll) where nothing is left private as a doctor stares at your lady bits and conducts the ole favorite of, “you’re gonna feel some pressure” before inserting a speculum and administering that annual exam.

So low and behold that while in Huntington, WV for the Rebels and Readers book event do I spot with my little green eyes, a cover so glorious that I pick it up to read the blurb on the back.

“Certain men. Certain professions. Something things are just universally sexy. But maybe not quite this sexy… Lay back for me.”

Pulling a “what the,” I ask the author Angela Graham if this is a book about a girl and her gynecologist. To my shock she affirms that yes it is a book just about that. Although insanely creepy, the plot was so unique I had to check it out, so I shoved over my $10 and couldn’t wait to break into the binding.

This book was a complete surprise! Not only was it masterfully written, evoking and touching those emotions all us ladies feel about that dreaded appointment, the plot was clever and the characters were just likeable.

Addison has always been close to her older brother, Dylan and his best friend, Brady. When Brady, a doctor, and also a close family friend advises Addison to take precautions on her health he does the unthinkable by setting her up an appointment with the only gynecologist in town. Humiliated and absolutely frightened about her upcoming first appointment, Addison takes us on a journey that has the readers laughing. From “prepping” for the appointment to the “thoughts” while waiting for the doctor, I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. When in walks Mr. Reynolds, Addison is put face to face with the ultimate test, don’t panic, remain calm, and don’t maul the hot doc. Hall and Graham have created a true masterpiece with this story and not to mention a complete twist that will leave readers “oohing” and “aahing” for days to cum…..

I have rated Stirred Up with 5-meticulous stars. This book had a solid story-line, well defined and developed characters, and one mind blowing twist. The emotion the female lead is able to exemplify to the readers is honest and accurate, taking on something all women dread once a year. This is a Highly recommended read.

Author Bios:

S.E.Hall is the author of the Amazon Best Selling Evolve Series, Emerge, Embrace, Entangled(novella)and Entice as well as the best selling stand-alone NA Romance, Pretty Instinct. She also co-wrote Stirred Up, an erotic short-story with her CP and friend, Author Angela Graham and is honored to be a part of the USA Today and NYT Best Selling Devour box set. S.E., which stands for Stephanie Elaine, resides in Arkansas with her husband of 18 years and 3 beautiful daughters of the home, and one married daughter who graced her with two beautiful grandchildren. When not in the stands watching her ladies play softball, she enjoys reading and writing and the occasional trip to the casino. She’s also clutch at Baggo, when it’s warm outside, and definitely the woman to pick on your side for some Flip Cup!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

NYT and USA Today Bestselling author of the Harmony series.

Angela lives in Tipp City, Ohio with he three little darlings and a beautiful feline companion that keeps her company during late night writing binges.

Check out my Facebook page for a deleted chapter from Inevitable as well as teasers.

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Serial Feature + Review + Giveaway: Donut Shop Divas by Khloe Adams- Books 1-4

Posted on 11/19/2014 by shellbellereads

The Donut Shop Divas Serial

Books 1- 4

By Khloe Adams

Reviewed by Tina

Hot & Glazed

Book 1

Hard-working Miranda Hunter, donut shop diva and owner of HOT & GLAZED, is one frustrated girl. She needs to find a man to put the zip-a-dee back into her doo-dah. But not just any man will do. Long ago, she’d sworn off pro jocks with their cheating ways and groupies. She’d seen enough of it with her dad, a former pro defensive lineman, who’d played on and off the field and broken her mother’s heart.
When hot and delicious Aiden Knight walks into her donut shop, sprinkles and sparks fly. After an all-nighter of torching sex with the 6’5” hottie, Miranda discovers Aiden is a star quarterback. OMG! She’s broken her vow never to date pro athletes. Will she recover from her fumble and enforce her no jock rule, or will she continue to play the game with the sexy pro?

Miranda co-owns HOT & GLAZED, a little bakery in Denver, Colorado with her younger sister, Rachel. Rachel is the wild and care-free baking and decorating genius while Miranda is the responsible caretaker of the duo and the financial genius of the business. As luck would have it, the morning Rachel is sick and can’t help prep to open, the OPEN sign was never turned off from the day before causing a giant super-hunk to come knocking too-early at the store’s front door – but willing to pay a small fortune for a dozen donuts. Her immediate attraction to Aiden has her acting out-of character.
Aiden Knight is a professional football player coming off of an injury. He’s in between teams currently and has a weakness for sweets. He doesn’t expect the immediate attraction to the little baker that opens the door nor the jolt of awareness when they make contact. Immediately, he knows he had to spend more time with her. He asks her to dinner… and one night, to make their hottest fantasies come true.
—————————————–
Be forewarned, length-wise, this is a micro-novella. It’s focus is on the introduction of characters and their night together. Miranda is supposed to be the responsible sister, but honestly the reader does not see too much of that here. Together they seem to have great chemistry. The dialogue is believable. The plot is a bit confined given the story length, but it has life in it and flows smoothly. I’m happy there’s no predictability thus far but there are underlying conflicts that cannot be resolved this early on, so they are left open; this “book” is only the first *part* of the story therefore does NOT have a conclusion, it carries into Hot & Lei’d.

Hot & Lei’d

Book 2

After one delicious, sinful night in Denver, star quarterback Aiden Knight invites Miranda Hunter to Hawaii. Only Aiden has a reputation as a player – on and off the field – and she doesn’t want to be hurt. The smart move is to walk away. But she can’t get him out of her head. Risking her heart, this donut shop diva and owner of HOT & GLAZED packs up her bikini and a box of donuts from her shop and jets to Maui.

Aloha, Miranda! Under swaying palm trees on a moonlit beach, Aiden and Miranda feed their sexual hunger for each other. They share their deepest secrets.
And then…fumble! Miranda accidently reveals his darkest secret to the world. Will Miranda get a pass, or will she be tossed off Aiden’s team with a broken heart?

Miranda meets up with Aiden again, this time in Hawaii, ten days later. He’s there to help promote the Hawaiian Youth Football League and asked her to join him. She had received a simple text, “Give me another chance.” and that was enough to convince her to accept the first-class tickets that arrived, pack her bikini & jump on a plane bound for paradise!
————–
In the second installment, there’s a touch more game-play and plot. It should have been named Hot and Sexy. It was as fun as it was steamy. Everything: characters, dialogue, interaction, plot… everything was very well written. When underlying conflicts are still hinted at and secrets are revealed to one another, exposure can be one’s downfall. Very minor predictability present. There is no conclusion, rather a gaping hole for HOT & CUFFED to pick up and start filling in.

Hot & Cuffed

Book 3

Paradise turned out to be one big disaster!
With her passionate affair with the star quarterback Aiden Knight left dangling in the tropical wind, Miranda Hunter packs up her bikini and returns home, broken hearted. Just when she thinks her life couldn’t get more miserable, an armed thug threatens to rob HOT & GLAZED, the donut shop she and her sister own.
Saved by FBI Special Agent Connor O’Leary, she seeks comfort in his strong arms. Unable to resist this agent known for being an all around badass, she takes off with him to a secluded mountain cabin where inhibitions are forgotten.
Wow! This donut shop diva never knew playing with a dangerous man could be so addicting. Will her new addiction be enough to heal her heart, or will she still yearn for the sexy quarterback?

Miranda can’t help but notice the hot new customer that’s been coming around and staying longer than average customers would. Never did she expect him to save her life, though.
Connor O’ Leary is a Boston Irish FBI Agent. He’s divorced and recently moved to Denver to be closer to his six-year old son.
Neither expected an attempted armed robbery moments after introductions were made, but that’s exactly what happened. The life-threatening occurrence may have amplified the mild attraction, but Miranda is still hung up on Aiden. Connor’s a gentleman, but intense and protective.
—————————————–
I’m a little on the fence with Miranda in this segment. The plot flows smoothly but centers primarily around an afternoon at his house followed by two days at a cabin in the mountains. The conflicting issues are still present and there’s no solid conclusions as of yet. Thankfully, the predictability is practically non-existent. To be continued… in Hot and Hooked.

Hot & Hooked

Book 4

Miranda Hunter, donut shop diva and owner of HOT & GLAZED, thought she might never see Aiden Knight again. Surprise! The superstar quarterback signs up with Denver’s pro football team, moves to Colorado, and sends her a message: Aloha.
Miranda lives up to her last name. She “hunts” him down, determined to hook her man. But this time around, she has grown wiser. As their smoking-hot passion reignites, this mega-sexy pro will either have to play by her rules, her game, or lose her heart forever.

Things clearly have not been the same for Miranda since leaving Hawaii.
In the final segment, Miranda is still shattered over the hottest news in Denver and is still determined to find a means to make amends for the inadvertent slip-up that occurred months ago. It just may take more than some strawberry-filled glazed donuts with sprinkles on top to get through to him though.
The characters are still a fun mix of human error and sexy sweetness. The plot flies by smoothly with plenty of dynamics and smart, snappy dialogue. The conflict between Miranda and her leading guy finally find a resolve and they get the conclusion they needed, It leaves room enough for Rachel’s serial to begin without having any major cliffhangers.

Author Bio:

The truth behind Khloe Adams is—she’s not one author but three. Plus, one of the authors is a USA TODAY Bestseller and has written over 75 books. Together, they write hot and sexy contemporary romance with a touch of humor.

Their story began when they met each other on an elevator at a Romantic Times Convention. Only this was no ordinary ride. The elevator became stuck between the fiftieth and fifty-first floors at the hotel.

But don’t get worried. They write romance, not horror.

They were trapped with a male model from the cover of several steamy romances. He kept them very entertained. Afterward, they needed a drink to cool down and headed for the nearest bar.
One thing led to another and they decided to form a partnership and write about independent women and strong, sexy guys. With the help of modern technology, they’ve managed to do it. Two of them live in Florida, and the other one lives in Colorado. A recent USA TODAY review said, “Khloe Adams writes hot with a flair—great humor.”
Their debut serial Donut Shop Divas features four bite-sized erotic romances focusing on Miranda’s story: HOT & GLAZED #1, HOT & LEI’D #2, HOT & CUFFED #3 and HOT & HOOKED #4.

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4.5 – Star ARC Review: Game for Tonight by Karen Erickson

Posted on 11/19/2014 by Saucy Southern Readers

Game For Tonight

Game For It Series – Book 3

By Karen Erickson

Synopsis:

A sexy category romance from Entangled’s Brazen imprint…

She’ll teach him the art of seduction one play at a time…

Publicist Aubrey Cooper never should have crossed the line. After all, pro football player Flynn Foley is her client. But something about this mouth-wateringly-hot, clean-cut athlete makes Aubrey imagine all kinds of X-rated fantasies. And it only takes one game-changing play―and one night―to turn the tables from strictly business to very, very personal…

Flynn has maintained a no-sexy-distractions policy for his entire pro career. Aubrey is exactly the kind of distraction he was trying to avoid, and she’s the one he can’t resist. When the media catches wind of their naughty little liaison, however, Aubrey’s boss steps in to make them an official couple. What Flynn doesn’t know is that Aubrey is forced to fake the relationship―or lose her job. Now Aubrey must hide the truth…even as she begins to fall for Flynn.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Excerpt

Aubrey cracked open her eyes, studying him like he’d lost his mind. Which he sort of had—over her. He kissed her again before she could say a word, losing himself in her sweet lips, the soft little moans sounding low in her throat.

He liked sex. And he liked the woman in his arms plenty. So much, that he’d kept her at arm’s length for months for fear of falling hard for her and ruining his concentration. Besides, he wasn’t much of a rule breaker, damn it. If it was against company policy to date a fellow employee, then he wasn’t going to do it.

But screw it. He felt as if everything was uncertain right now, up in the air, unconfirmed. Walsh wasn’t talking—at least he wasn’t talking enough. The conversation they’d had before Aubrey had interrupted them had been full of nothing but a bunch of crap. Coach had acted downright evasive.

The vibe he was getting from his coach? He didn’t like it. At all.

He was tired of worrying about things that were out of his control. What was the big deal if he kissed Aubrey anyway? Maybe he could work her out of his system. Maybe kissing her wouldn’t be all that special and he could walk away from this.

Ha. Tell that to his overheated, turned-inside-out body. Flynn broke away from Aubrey’s lips to catch some air, though really, he wanted to look at her, memorize this moment when he’d first kissed Aubrey. Even in the dim light, he could see her lips were swollen, her cheeks flushed. She opened her eyes, the dazed look in them sending an arrow of arousal shooting straight through him, making his cock twitch. Pride suffused him. He put that look on her face.

“Flynn.” She pursed her lips, exhaling softly, the sound shaky. “What in the world was that?”

He smiled. She was a bundle of nerves, his publicist. Always running around, a little manic, a lot frantic, riding his ass to do this, do that. She’d been harder on Hamilton, but that crazy guy needed someone to rein him in most of the time.

“I thought it was a kiss? Unless I’m doing it wrong…” A chuckle escaped him, and he hoped she was in on the joke.

“No. You were definitely not doing it wrong.” She blew out a trembling breath, her gaze cautious. “I just want to make sure we’re both on the same page.”

“Well, I’m pretty sure we’re on the same page.” Leaning in, he nuzzled her cheek with his, kissing a soft path along her fragrant skin until his mouth was on hers once more. “A shame you didn’t recognize it.”

She smiled against his lips, her fingers tightening in his hair. “I just thought…”

“Thinking gets you nowhere,” he whispered just before he took the kiss deeper, his tongue thrusting, his mouth devouring. She was a thinker, which meant she set her brain to smoking more often than not. And he wanted her feeling, not thinking or worrying.

He gripped her hips with both hands and pulled her in, wanting her as close as he could get her. This…thing between them had been brewing for a while, torturing him. She’d been by his side almost constantly the past few months, guiding his career, carefully preserving his image.

Every time he was with her, the scent of her hair drove him wild. The way he caught her looking at him, her gaze hungry, her lips damp, echoed an answering call deep within him.

Kelley’s Review

Sinfully sexy forbidden romance.

Game for Tonight is the perfect forbidden romance. Aubrey is there to make sure that Flynn’s good boy image is solid. He is a virgin and they have spun that into his marketing campaign. He is completely off-limits for Aubrey but she just can’t help herself.

Game for Tonight is a stand alone read. It is Aubrey and Flynn’s story but you also get to see Jared and Sheridan again and Nick and Willow again. I think I would have enjoyed this read even more if I had read the other books in this series. It is obvious that the infatuation between Aubrey and Flynn has been going on for quite a while. Karen delivers in the sensuality department as Flynn and Aubrey create lots of steam between the sheets. The idea of a sexy football star being so focused that he has not slept with any of the women that have thrown themselves at his is intriguing. Karen does an excellent job developing her characters in this series.

Aubrey is a good girl with a kind heart and really is the perfect match for Flynn. The problem is that Aubrey has been holding on to a horrible secret and just when things are looking great for she and Flynn to have their happily ever after, her confession might be just enough to tear them apart. Imagine having to work with someone who you were head over heels in love with who would not give you the time of day because of one stupid mistake.

If you like forbidden romance with lots of sizzle and spice you will enjoy Game for Tonight.

The Game For It Series

Game For Marriage

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Game For Trouble

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Game For Tonight

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Author Bio:

USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson writes what she loves to read – sexy contemporary romance. Published since 2006, she’s a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite with her husband and three children. She’s also known as NYT and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy.

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Giveaway

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Holiday Review Blog Tour + Giveaway: The Trouble With Christmas by Kaira Rouda

Posted on 11/19/2014 by shellbellereads

Trouble With Christmas

A Holiday Romance

By Kaira Rouda

Synopsis

At 35-years-old, Cole Stanton is burned out. His high-paced, uber-successful career has left him yearning to start over. He finds Indigo Island, buys a restaurant and settles into an uncomplicated life. But Christmas is a mess. He has over-committed the small restaurant’s resources again, and is over his head. He finds himself longing for everything he has left behind, until a chance encounter with gorgeous Lily offers a spark of salvation to his business and, perhaps his life.

Beautiful pastry chef Lily Edmonds is thirty years old and heartbroken. It’s just before Christmas and she’s just been dumped by via telephone by her fiancee. Her best friend Avery Putnam invites her to Indigo Island, hoping to add joy back into Lily’s life. A chance encounter with the sexy owner of a local restaurant makes Lily feel an attraction she thought she’d never feel again, and offers her a business challenge to keep her mind focused on something other than her broken heart.

Cole Stanton and Lily Edmonds are both starting over. Will the joy of the holiday season bring them together or will the troubles with Christmas push them apart?

Buy: Amazon

Michel’s Review

The Trouble With Christmas by Kaira Rouda was a charming southern holiday romance. This book is perfect for those who are foodies and appreciate the art of cooking. It is also perfect for those that enjoy a light romance with mature characters.

Pastry Chef Lily Edmonds has been dumped by her fiancé right before Christmas. Their long term relationship came to an end out of the blue. She is reeling from the shock, hurt by the betrayal, and dreading the holidays. Everyone has someone special to celebrate the holidays with. She feels like she is imposing on her friends by tagging along for the Putnam family holiday celebrations on Indigo Island.

Cole Stanton has moved to Indigo Island after experiencing a shocking blow that made him question his life and career choices. Indigo Island is place to start over and make a new life that helps people rather than destroys them. He has invested in a failing local restaurant. He is determined to help bring this business back to life. He is determined to make the other side of Indigo Island just as appealing as the tourist side.

When Cole and Lily meet by accident, they are instantly attracted to one another. Once they begin to get to know one another they realize they have a great deal in common. Cole has the drive and determination to rebuild the restaurant. Lily has the knowledge and know how to make their Christmas Dinner Special a success.

What starts out as a project to help Cole’s restaurant and local community turns into love. It also brings the entire Indigo Island together to celebrate the holidays.

The Trouble With Christmas was a lovely story about love and friendship. It focused on the best reasons for giving. It focused on friendship and community.

Kaira Rouda wrote a charming holiday romance.

Author Bio:

Kaira Rouda is an award-winning and bestselling author of both fiction and nonfiction. Her books include: Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs; Here, Home, Hope; All the Difference; In the Mirror; and the short story, A Mother’s Day. She lives in Southern California with her husband and four children and is at work on her next novel. Connect with her on Twitter, @KairaRouda, and on Facebook at Kaira Rouda Books. And of course, on Pinterest! For more about Kaira and her books, please visit her website KairaRouda.com.

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Re-Release + New Cover + Sale: Genevieve Clare by J. B. Hartnett

Posted on 11/19/2014 by shellbellereads

Genevieve Clare

By J. B. Hartnett

Synopsis

I’m a professional mourner. Caskets, drag queens and dirty old men are all in a day’s work. But I’m no stranger to loss and that’s what makes me good at my job.
Something is missing though and that something goes by the name of Ahren Finnegan.
When faced with the idea of losing one more person from my life, I pushed him away, my one true love.
Now he’s back and this time I don’t think he’s going to take no for an answer.

Cover Reveal: Avowed by Alicia Taylor and Natalie Townson- The Manipulation Trilogy – Book 3

Posted on 11/19/2014 by shellbellereads

Avowed

The Manipulation Trilogy – Book 3

By Alicia Taylor and Natalie Townson

Release Date: January 23, 2014

Pre-Order:

Synopsis

Three years ago I vowed revenge. Now I’m married with secrets, desperate to get past them.
I set out to destroy the man I thought ruined my life. I never saw it coming when he turned out to be the love I couldn’t live without.
Damon was my target, now I’m determined to keep him.
Will he be able to get past my confessions, and forgive my actions? Will I be able to forgive his? We’ve come too far to lose it all now. It’s time to fight for us, fight for our happiness.
Not every story is as it seems but it’s time to avow our sins.
Both of us.

Pre-Order

The Manipulation Trilogy

Corrupted

The Manipulation Trilogy- Book 1

By Alicia Taylor and Natalie Townson

Synopsis

**Warning**
This book is intended for a mature reading audience and isn’t suitable for younger readers. 18+ only.

I am going to marry a monster.

He is my everything.
He manipulates people for fun. He takes over their lives, consuming them. He dominates and crushes, ruling them, claiming their souls. No one can survive the games of Damon Hunt.

Before now. Before me.

I am Ella Knight. I am corrupted. My sister was a victim of Damon’s games. It’s my turn to play now.

Damon Hunt has been my sole focus, my everything for three years, since my sister’s death. I’ll manipulate him. I’ll take over his life, consuming and crushing him. I am going to take away his soul. Damon Hunt will not survive my games. I will win.

I hope.

Warped

The Manipulation Trilogy – Book 2

By Alicia Taylor and Natalie Townson

Synopsis

I won’t be caught off guard again. I won’t let them win. They played the first round and won. Now it’s time for me to even the score. Damon and Leona will pay for their twisted games. Leona is first.
His touch repulses me.
His fake affection disgusts me.
He sickens me.
I need to get my head in the game. I need to be smart and break their bond to more easily crush them. Damon is clever. He knows what he’s doing. He’s been playing the game long enough.
He’s twisted.
I’m warped.
It’s time to finally end this.
Time to finally win.

Buy: Amazon

 Alicia Taylor is 28, lives in Derbyshire in the UK with her husband and two step-daughters.

 Corrupted is her debut novel which she cowrites with Natalie Townson. This is book one in the Manipulation Trilogy.

 Her love of reading led to blogging which led to this – dipping her toes in the indie author pool.

 Connect with Alicia

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 Natalie Townson is 31, a mother of one beautiful little boy and lives in Gloucester in the UK with her Husband.

 Corrupted is her debut novel that is a book one of the manipulation trilogy, that she co writes with Alicia Taylor. She is currently working on book two of the series which is nearly complete.

 

Connect With Natalie

 Facebook | Twitter or you can like our facebook page Author Alicia Taylor & Natalie Townson

Holiday Review: Holiday On Ice by Jaci Burton- Play By Play Series-Book 8.5

Posted on 11/19/2014 by shellbellereads

Holiday On Ice

Play By Play Series- Book 8.5

By Jaci Burton

Synopsis

In this original holiday novella in the Play-By-Play series, New York Times bestselling author Jaci Burton gives readers the gift of “plenty of romance, sexy men, hot steamy loving, and humor.” (Smexy Books)

Superstar hockey player Patrick “Trick” Niemeyer and dancer Stella Slovinski have picked up where they left off a year ago, resuming their hot, uncomplicated affair. Stella refuses to call it dating, or a relationship. But lately, Trick is looking for more…

Stella’s been burned before—in a relationship she never talks about—not with her family, not with her friends, and definitely not with Trick. But now it’s the holiday season and Trick is determined to give Stella his heart wrapped up in a bow. He knows Stella is the right woman for him, but he’ll have to melt the ice surrounding her heart to keep her from walking away.

Includes a preview of Jaci Burton’s QUARTERBACK DRAW and LOVE AFTER ALL.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tina’s Review

ARC copy provided by publisher, via NetGalley, for a fair and honest review.

Patrick “Trick” Niemeyer plays professional hockey for the Travelers. Stella Slovinski is a professional dancer and best friends with Carolina Preston. They met, originally, about a year ago through Carolina and Drew and had an off/on relationship for a few months. Now, she’s scored a lead on Broadway and he’s still concentrating game to game to make it to the finals, their schedules are even busier than ever. The magnetic attraction is still there between them and Trick wants to try again, but Stella is afraid to commit to a relationship.
———————————————-
A longer novella, this book is falls short of being a full-length novel. The only previous Play-by-Play characters that make an appearance in HOLIDAY ON ICE are the Travelers and new characters are even introduced. Trick and Stella are solid, likable characters. Stella is completely commitment-shy due to a bad experience in her past (quite a while back) while Trick is ready to settle down. The dialogue and interaction feel a little stiff, and almost too proper, in several places. The flow of the story is smooth, however it’s sometimes difficult to pack a lot of dimension into it when the book is so short. The plot was not flat, but could have benefited from a little more dynamics. There was a minor conflict which was fairly easy to resolve, extremely minor predictability, and a rock-solid conclusion.
Overall, it was a short and sweet Holiday Novella that fans of Ms. Burton and her Play-by-Play series should enjoy.

Michel’s Review

ARC copy provided by publisher, via NetGalley, for a fair and honest review.

Holiday On Ice was a great addition to the outstanding Play By Play series. Jaci Burton has created a series that features sports romances that are emotional and erotic. Each and every book has charismatic characters, red hot romance, and a thrilling escape in the world of professional sports.

Trick and Stella have had an on again off again relationship for the past year. It is a casual relationship without commitment . Trick has realized he wants more than a fling with Stella. He has to convince to take a chance on him. Stella pulls back every time he starts breaking down her walls. Trick shows his devotion throughout this story.

Stella has had a bad experience in matters of love. She does not want to go down that road again. Somewhere along the way her casual relationship with Trick is taking a new direction. Can she let go of the pain and let someone love her again. Can she open up and give Trick the love she has buried away.

What better time to find the true meaning of love than the holidays. The magic between Trick and Stella will warm your heart.

I highly recommend Holiday On Ice by Jaci Burton. It can be read as a stand alone novel or in series order. Holiday On Ice will warm up your holidays.

Author Bio:

Jaci Burton is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of over 60 books. She lives in Oklahoma and when she isn’t on deadline, she can usually be found trying to convince her husband to remodel some room or another in their house (she blames HGTV for this). She loves gardening, sports, casinos and getting lost in a great book. She’s a total romantic and longs for the happily ever after in every story, which you’ll find in all her books.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Day Blitz: Master Of Pleasure by Lauren Hawkeye

Posted on 11/19/2014 by shellbellereads

Lauren Hawkeye’s MASTER OF PLEASURE releases today and we’re so excited! It’s the perfect steamy, romantic read!

Master Of Pleasure

By Lauren Hawkeye

Synopsis

Billionaire Theodosius Vardalos has lived on the island of Eden for over ten years. Though his horrific scars have made him a recluse, he has turned Eden into a resort where the lines between fantasy and reality blur… A place where he sees noone face to face, not even his staff, who have dubbed him “Master of the Island”. Even as Theo helps fulfill the fantasies of his guests, he waits… Waits for the mysterious woman who was shown to him when he first arrived on Eden. He recognizes Noelle Davis the second the nosy reporter steps foot in his castle… But the dream woman is nothing like he anticipated.

He yearns for her submission. But he wonders… can a woman as beautiful as Noelle truly be happy with a beast?

Buy: Amazon

About with Lauren Hawkeye

Lauren Hawkeye/ Lauren Jameson never imagined that she’d wind up telling stories for a living… though when she looks back, it’s easy to see that she’s the only one who is surprised. Always “the kid who read all the time”, Lauren made up stories about her favorite characters once she’d finished a book… and once spent an entire year narrating her own life internally. No, really. But where she was just plain odd before publication, now she can at least claim to have an artistic temperament.

Lauren lives in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada with her husband, toddler, pit bull and idiot cat, though they do not live in an igloo, nor do they drive a dogsled. In her nonexistent spare time Lauren can be found knitting (her husband claims that her snobby yarn collection is exorbitant), reading anything she can get her hands on, or sweating her way through spin class. She loves to hear from her readers!

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Lauren Hawkeye’s MASTER OF PLEASURE releases today and we’re so excited! It’s the perfect steamy, romantic read!

Master Of Pleasure

By Lauren Hawkeye

Synopsis

About with Lauren Hawkeye

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 Connect with Alicia