Release Blitz + Review: All I Need Is You by Wendy S. Marcus

Posted on 10/06/2015 by shellbellereads

Today we are celebrating the release of ALL I NEED IS YOU by Wendy S. Marcus. This is the second book in the Loving You series. Check out the blurb, graphics, and excerpt for the title below.

Wendy is having a Facebook party Oct. 7th from 6p-9:30 p EST. Click HERE to join. There will be a chance to win one, or maybe two $50 USD Gift Cards!

Party Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1722383387985652/

BOOK BLURB:

Perfect for fans of Kristan Higgins and Robyn Carr, this sexy yet sweet military romance reunites a headstrong dancer and a rugged army soldier after one steamy encounter tears them apart.

As a dancer who creates mesmerizing visions onstage, Neve James is looking for the same kind of stability in her love life. Her pen pal, Rory McRoy, is on leave from deployment in Afghanistan, so she heads to Boston to surprise him. After corresponding for months as part of a “Support Our Troops” initiative—and exchanging dozens of “Read When You’re Alone” letters—Neve knows what Rory likes, and she intends to fulfill his every fantasy. But all they get are a few blissful moments together before they’re interrupted by a woman claiming to be Rory’s fiancée.

Rory has fallen hard for Neve’s letters. When he finally meets her in person, he has to have her, right then and there—until Neve takes off in a fit of anger. Forced to return to Afghanistan before he can fix things between them, Rory waits four agonizing months to prove that he’s not the man Neve thinks he is. But by the time he arrives in New York, she’s already made up her mind. Luckily, Rory never backs down from a challenge, and he’s prepared to put everything on the line for love.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | iBooks | B&N | Kobo

Click here to add ALL I NEED IS YOU To Goodreads.

EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT:

“Don’t make that face around me. People will think I died,” Neve said, her beautiful green eyes opened slightly, her voice scratchy, little more than a whisper. She winced when she swallowed. “Water.”
He lifted the cup from her bedside table, elevated the head of her hospital bed, and guided the straw to her mouth. So many of his friends had died, but not Neve, thank God. “Nate ran out for coffee.”
“What day is it?” she asked, her voice a little stronger.
“Monday.”
She went to move her arm with the IV in it and winced. Then she lifted her other hand and rubbed her face. “I’ve been out of it for two whole days.”
Rory nodded. “Pretty much.”
As if just realizing something, she went still, then looked up at him with a questioning look: “Why are you still here?”
Because Neve had become such an integral part of his life, during such a difficult time in his life, and he didn’t want to lose her over some misunderstanding. She’d become his best female friend. He appreciated her perspective on things, valued her opinion, and enjoyed their interactions, especially the very intimate sharing of naughty letters and sexual likes and dislikes. He could talk to her about anything. And as much as he didn’t want to lose a friendship that had become very special to him, he also wanted more of what had happened between them in the storeroom of his parents’ pub. And he couldn’t stop thinking about it, couldn’t stop thinking about her.
They needed time to talk so they could move past Mary, who was not now and had never been his fiancée, so they could figure out what happened next, where they fit into each other’s lives now that he’d returned home for good. And they couldn’t very well work all that out until she woke up.
But he didn’t tell her any of those things. Instead he decided he’d much rather get a rise out of her, spark some life back into her, so he leaned in close, stared directly into her sleepy eyes, and whispered back, “You promised next time I could have you naked in a bed and take all the time I want.” He leaned in closer, almost to her ear, hating the stink of bleached hospital sheets and sickness, wishing she smelled of the enticing perfume she’d used to scent her erotically charged letters. “And here you are, in a bed, wearing nothing but a flimsy gown, which is close enough to naked for me. Now that you’re up, whaddya say we get to it?”
“Really, Rory.” She let out an annoyed huff. “Propositioning a woman in the hospital, hoping she’s so delirious with fever she’ll agree to have sex with you, is the sign of a truly pathetic, desperate man.”
Not just any woman. He turned his head so she wouldn’t see his smile, so happy to have her back. “I can wait until your fever comes down.” He pulled over the chair he’d been sitting in, lowered himself into it, and put his feet up on the foot of her bed. “It’s the gentlemanly thing to do. Besides, I’m in no rush.”

Tina’s Review

Judging a Book by it’s Cover:
Naked, gleaming torso with bulging muscles that would rival the best crafted balloon animal. Dangerously low-slung pants. The cover is not so much what drew me in, although I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t what initially caught me eye. No, it was the synopsis. I enjoy a good military romance and this one seemed to fit the bill.
Looking Deeper:
Third person POV. I loved the unique opening, wished there were more of that throughout the book.
Our hero in ALL I NEED IS YOU is refreshingly unique in that he’s not the typical “over six feet” towering Adonis. In fact, I can honestly say that this is the first time I’ve read a hero with his description and am thoroughly pleased with how well Rory and Neve fit as a couple. The characters and their chemistry are excellent. Love isn’t perfect, and more often than not, it’s not instantaneous. Ms. Marcus captures the essence of the imperfect human finding their way to being one half of a whole in such a realistic way. There are several secondary characters that help to add depth and dynamics to the plot. The overall story is very well written and thoroughly enjoyable to read. There were several conflicts that were not at all resolved in perfect manners, but were managed in very real ways instead. Predictability was minimal and no big surprises. The conclusion wraps up in a wonderful epilogue with just the slightest hint as to who may get a book next. I, for one, *will* be backtracking to read Brooke and Shane’s book, LOVING YOU IS EASY, and will definitely keep my eyes open for the next book in this series. It’s easy to love this series and I am – without a doubt – a new fan of Ms. Marcus.
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AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Wendy S. Marcus is an award-winning author of contemporary romance. A nurse by trade, Wendy holds a Master of Science in Health Care Administration, a degree that does her absolutely no good as she now spends her days, nights, and weekends mucking around in her characters’ lives creating conflict, emotion, and of course, a happily ever after. Wendy lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley region of New York. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her dog Buddy, and blogging/e-mailing/tweeting/facebooking with her online friends.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Newsletter

Release Blitz + Review + Giveaway: Sinner’s Steel by Sarah Castille – Sinner’s Tribe Motorcycle Club Series – Book 3

Posted on 10/06/2015 by shellbellereads

Sinner’s Steel

Sinner’s Tribe Motorcycle Club – Book 3

Release Date: October 6, 2015

By Sarah Castille

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

HE’S HELL ON WHEELS.
Tall, dark, and dangerously handsome, Zane “Tracker” Colter is the strong, silent type of tattooed muscle biker who drives women wild. But as a master of strategy for the outlaw MC club, Sinner’s Tribe, he doesn’t have time to play around with groupies and biker chicks-especially when he can’t stop thinking about Evie, the girl who got away…

SHE’S PLAYING WITH FIRE.
Evie’s been in love with Zane ever since they were children-until he broke her heart and disappeared. Now he’s back in her life, bigger and badder than ever. Zane is stunned by how beautiful and confident Evie’s become, using her artistic talent to customize motorcycles. He wants her so bad, he’d ride through fire to win her back. There’s one problem: Evie is dating his deadliest rival-the leader of the Black Jacks-and if Evie and Zane hook up, there’ll be hell to pay… in Sinner’s Steel.

Excerpt

“Take off your clothes.” Evie leaned against Zane’s bedroom door, more for support than a means of escape.

“Evie . . .”

A growl curled in her throat, her anger growing as she realized this was the beginning of the end. Once she saw what was under his shirt, there would be no going back. “Take them off. I want to see what he did to you.”

He pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it on the bed, then he stripped down to his boxers. Her legs trembled as her gaze swept over his body, starting at his feet, her strength leaving her as she took in the discolored skin on his shins and thighs, the cuts on his wrists, and then gave out when she saw the full extent of his bruised and lacerated torso.

Her beautiful Zane.

She sank down to the floor, wrapped her arms around her legs and buried her head and sobbed, the grief ripping her apart inside. Tears spilled down her cheeks dripping on the floor with each ragged inhale. She cried not just for him, but for them, and the knowledge they could never be together.

“Fuck.” Zane’s voice was harsh, raw as he crossed the room to kneel beside her. “Sweetheart, it’s not as bad as it looks.”

She shook her head, held herself tighter, unable to speak for the images spinning around in her mind. Jagger had no bruises on his body. That guilty look on his face when he’d come into the shop . . . the marks on Zane’s wrists.

Zane hadn’t fought back. His hands were tied and he hadn’t fought back.

“Let me explain.” He cradled her in his arms, as if she was the one hurting. She supposed, in a way, she was.

“There’s nothing to say that could make this acceptable to me.” Evie sniffed back her tears. “I can’t do this, Zane. Seeing you like this is tearing me apart. I’ll never be able to forgive Jagger, never forget what he did to you. I won’t even pretend to understand how you agreed to it. The fact that you live in a world where this kind of thing goes on is bad enough, but on top of it . . . your patches . . . blood . . .”

“I’ll leave.” Simple words and yet they weighed heavy on her heart.

“I don’t want you to leave.” She held herself stiff, afraid to touch his battered body. “This club means everything to you. That you would take that beating from your best friend tells me how much you love this life. You would hate me every day for taking you away from it.”

“I love you more,” he said. “I have always loved you. I’ve lived my life in the shadows because I couldn’t let you go.” He drew in a ragged breath, brushed his lips over her hair. “I can’t lose you now. I went looking for Viper because I couldn’t bear to lose you.”

She struggled to sit, pushed herself to standing. “I can’t bear the thought of losing you either, but I don’t even know who I am anymore. All I know is that I’ve been stupidly naive, and this life you lead isn’t for me. I want to be with you, but I don’t see how this can work.”

His face smoothed, eyes darkened. Even now she knew him so well, she could see his emotional retreat.

She closed her fist and hit it to her breast, her eyes stinging with tears all over again. “It hurts me to see you in pain. It hurts me to think of you suffering. It hurts me to think of you in such danger that you have to take a life. I’ve spent my whole life hurting because I wanted you and couldn’t have you. I just can’t take the hurting anymore. I love you, Zane, but it hurts just too damn bad, and now you’re taking risks for me that could get you killed. I don’t want that. Even if we can’t be together, I need to know you’re alive and happy and doing what you love to do.”

His voice, when he spoke, was thick with pain. “You want to walk away? What about Ty?”

“I don’t know.” God, why couldn’t she stop crying? “I need some time to think about it. He adores you. He’s so happy to have you in his life, I can’t take that away from him.”

She turned, reached for the door, but it felt too wrong. Unfinished. There was something she needed to do.

“Will you let me do something for you before I go?”

“Anything.”

She gestured to his bruised, battered body. “You did this for me. I want to give something back. I want to take care of you so when I leave I’ll know you’re going to be okay.”

***

Pain.

His life was all about pain.

And yet the pain in his body was nothing compared to the pain in his heart. Zane’s hand clenched on his breast. If he could rip his damn heart out of his chest he would. Go back to the darkness that had sustained him for the last nine years, back to the shadows. Out of the damn light.

He heard the rush of water in the shower from the en suite bathroom, a luxury afforded only the senior patch brothers who kept rooms at the clubhouse, but he couldn’t go in. He was too wound up, too out of control, too damn emotional.

What else could he do? He had meant every word when he told her he would fight to be with her. He just hadn’t realized she would be the one standing in his way.

With a roar, he thudded his fist against the wall. His hands were about the only place on his body that wasn’t bruised. Might as remedy that problem because he had saved them for nothing.

When he felt no release from his assault on the wall, he ripped a drawer from the dresser and smashed it on the ground. Clothes flew across the room and the wood cracked and splintered. Like his heart.

“Zane!”

But now that the floodgates had opened, he couldn’t stop. He lifted the drawer and smashed it down again, his aching muscles protesting the impact. “Do you want him, Evie? Is that it? Is that what this is all about?” He knew it was ludicrous. She had seen who Viper was, but he needed a reason, something he could change.

“No, baby. You know that’s not true. Now come let me wash you and look after those cuts and bruises.”

Smash. Smash. Smash. He tore the drawer apart. He loved her compassion and yet he hated it if it meant the last time he touched her he would be in pain.

“I’ll shower with you so I can look after you properly.” She clasped the bottom of her T-shirt and tugged it over her head. Zane froze mid-strike, his primal instincts sharpening at the sight of her skin and her beautiful breasts encased in blue satin.

“I don’t want your help.” He threw the remnants of the drawer across the room.

“Too bad. And if you can’t it for you, then do it for me.” Evie undid the bra and tossed it on the bed with her shirt. “It will make me . . . feel better.” She slid her jeans and panties over her hips and then kicked them off. Gloriously naked, quietly confident, undaunted by his rage, she turned into the bathroom. “Come on.”

Zane’s body shook, torn between going after his woman and unleashing his frustrations on the rest of the furniture.

Don’t go in. He knew what would happen if he followed her, and it wouldn’t involve standing still while she treated his wounds. And with his heart raw and exposed, he didn’t think he could handle that level of intimacy without totally losing control. With a growl, he ripped out another drawer, and hammered it against the wall until it shattered, pieces flying in all directions. Exhausted, he sank down on the bed, the ruins of the drawers scattered at his feet, his muscles quivering at the exertion. He could hear the shower behind him, feel the breath of steam, smell the floral fragrance of shampoo.

Evie.

Loves me.

Leaving me.

Overwhelmed with the need to touch her, he stripped off his clothes, all thoughts of staying away forgotten beneath the desire to hold her in his arms one last time.

Evie turned when he stepped into the shower, rivulets of water streaming over her beautiful body. “Took you long enough. Did you break all the drawers?”

Words deserted him. He took her in his arms and held her against him.

“It’s okay,” she murmured against his chest, her arms tightening around him. “We’ll be okay.”

He didn’t know how long they stood under the warm water, but his heart finally slowed its frenetic beat and the tension eased from his body.

“You’re mine.”

“And you’re mine. That won’t change.” She slid her hands up his chest ever so gently to circle his neck.

She was right about that. Nothing wouldn’t change. He would find a way. He would fight for her until he couldn’t fight anymore.

________________________________________

Michel’s Review

Sarah Castille kicked up the Sinner’s Tribe Motorcycle Club series to full throttle. This dynamic biker series has captured the readers attention. The latest release, Sinner’s Steel takes the club to a whole new level of danger.

A war has been brewing between the Sinner’s MC and the Devils Jacks MC. After the Jacks tried to kill the Sinner’s president and a former Sinner betrayed the club, the tension has boiled down to murder. The Sinner’s are hunting the man, Axel , that betrayed them. When they finally find him they are in for some other surprises and a downright war. This time the war isn’t only going to be between the clubs. It has become very personal for the Sinner’s VP, Zane “Tracker” Colton. It is going to be a fight for his woman. The one he claimed as a young man and lost because of a messy past that left him one of the most wanted men. He will kill to get his woman back.

Zane left Evie behind after their one youthful romantic night together. He had always been her best friend and one of the only people she could depend on. After their fateful night together , she never saw him again until ten years later. Ten years too late. Ten years of thinking he killed her father. Ten years of abandonment when she needed him the most.

Evie has become a strong independent woman. She is a single mother supporting her son. She gave up her college opportunities and became a paint detailer at Big Bill’s Custom Motorcycles, Paint, and Artwork. She has no allegiance to any MC. She is an artist doing her job and paying the bills to support her son. She has done well for herself. She has also caught the eye of the Devil Jacks MC president, Viper. She has been on a few dates with Viper and he has been the charming gentleman… until he finds out she has past connections with the Sinner’s.

Evie is shocked when Zane comes to her shop hunting a Jack. She hasn’t seen him in ten years. She doesn’t want anything to do with him now but knows she has to share her secret with him. He is the father of her son.

Zane wants Evie and Ty in his life. He wants Evie as his old lady. He has never stopped loving her. He will be damned if he is going to let Viper take her away now that he has found her again.

Let the war begin. Evie and Ty may end up being causalities of the war. Viper will show his true colors. Zane will show his true heart. It may be too late but he will die trying to show Evie his heart.

Sinner’s Steel is the most intense book of the series. It had a bittersweet love story that kept the reader rooting for Evie and Zane. Ty was a great kid that was the best of both of them. I really enjoyed this book!

The Sinner’s Tribe Motorcycle Club Series

Rough Justice – Book 1

From New York Times bestselling author Sarah Castille comes Rough Justice, a scorching new series featuring red-hot, hard-riding bikers and the women who can’t help but love them…
IT TAKES A GOOD, STRONG WOMAN
Raised in a motorcycle gang, tough, beautiful Arianne Wilder has always dreamed of a normal life. But no sooner does she escape her father’s domineering grasp than she wakes up to find herself in a rival gang’s clubhouse—at the mercy of the dangerously sexy Jagger Knight.
TO TAME A MAN WHO’S HELL ON WHEELS.
The alpha leader of the notorious Sinner’s Tribe, Jagger Knight is all muscle, all biker, and all man. But somewhere inside this hard, tattooed outlaw, Arianne senses a kindred spirit—and she can’t ignore their tempestuous attraction. Can she beat him at his own game in a revved-up blaze of glory? Or will their passion spark a war that’s the end of the road for them both?

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Beyond The Cut – Book 2

Release Date: June 2, 2015

SHE’S HOLDING ON TIGHT.
As a teen, Dawn ran from a life on the streets straight into the arms of Jimmy “Mad Dog” Sanchez, a biker who promised to be her knight in shining armor. But his love was just another cage. Years later, Dawn’s former life still has its hooks in her and she’ll do whatever it takes to break free. When Cade “Ryder” O’Connor, a member of a rival club, makes her an offer, Dawn finds herself in a different, hotter kind of trouble with one irresistible Sinner…

WILL HE GIVE HER THE RIDE OF HER LIFE?
Cade is an outlaw biker with allegiance to one thing and one thing only: The Sinner’s Tribe Motorcycle Club. But when it comes to the stunningly sexy, fiercely independent Dawn Delgado, Cade finds himself…hungrier for more. Trouble is on Dawn’s heels and he wants to be the answer to her prayers, whether she wants him to be or not. What can’t be denied is the red-hot attraction between them. However, as they fall deeper, the danger rises and Cade may have to sacrifice it all…in Beyond the Cut by New York Times bestselling author Sarah Castille.

Pre Order: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Sinner’s Steel – Book 3

Release Date: October 6, 2015

“Raw, rugged, and romantic.” -Eden Bradley, New York Times bestselling author
“A sexy and dangerous ride!”-Roni Loren, New York Times bestselling author

Pre Order: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

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Author Bio:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Sarah Castille, writes contemporary erotic romance and romantic suspense featuring blazingly hot alpha males and the women who tame them. A recovering lawyer and caffeine addict, she worked and travelled abroad before trading in her briefcase and stilettos for a handful of magic beans and a home in shadow of the Rocky Mountains.

Sarah loves to connect with readers. Sign up for her newsletter to hear about new releases:

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

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Review + Giveaway: Scottish Werebear: An Unexpected Affair by Lorelei Moone- Scottish Werebears Series-Book 1

Posted on 09/30/2015 by shellbellereads

Scottish Werebear: An Unexpected Affair

Scottish Werebears Series – Book 1

By Lorelei Moone

Synopsis

Romance novelist, Clarice Adler, has lost the inspiration to write ever since dumping her cheating boyfriend. How do you dream up a plot of two people falling in love, when you’ve stopped believing in love yourself? But her deadline is looming, and her career hangs in the balance, so she decides to lock herself away on the secluded Scottish Isle of Skye to finish her manuscript. Upon meeting Derek McMillan there, it seems she’s found her new muse and the words start to flow out of her as if by magic. Clarice falls for him, hard, despite knowing nothing about the man, except that he’s unavailable.

Derek McMillan has been managing his farm and renting out a few holiday cottages on his own for years now. He deals with the occasional tourist for some extra money, but mostly keeps to himself. When he first lays eyes on the curvy beauty, Clarice, he immediately regrets accepting her booking. Lightning strikes, and as much as he tries to deny it, his inner bear knows that she’s his mate. But he’s a shifter, and she’s a human, and the two can’t ever mix, can they?

In this steamy paranormal romance novella, follow along as an impossible love blossoms between two people, who couldn’t be more different. One might say fate intended for them to meet, if you believe in that sort of thing, but they’re both set on fighting their attraction with everything they’ve got. They’re going to need another push to admit to themselves as well as each other what’s going on…

Please note that this is the first title in the Scottish Werebears Series. Each book features a different couple from first meeting to HEA, as well as an overarching external plot that won’t be fully resolved until the end of the series.

Buy: Amazon

Excerpt

★★ Chapter One ★★
Throughout her flight into Inverness, Scotland, Clarice found herself repeatedly going over the printout she’d taken of her destination: Moss Cottage on the Isle of Skye. It promised unspoiled vistas, a homely atmosphere and most importantly of all: a quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
That’s what she needed most: to get away. Away from the distractions of life in London, away from the constant buzz of her phone, notifying her of incoming emails or tweets. Away from all reminders of the life she used to share with Alan before she caught him cheating on her.
Upon her arrival at the cottage, she would send a message to Lily, her best friend, who had also been the one to suggest the Isle of Skye as a destination to begin with, and that was it. Clarice had promised herself to switch everything off. From nine to five daily, she would be unplugged, allowing her to focus on the task at hand.
After stealing a glance out the window – they were still descending through thick cloud cover – she flipped the page over, reading the backside again. Local attractions include wildlife walks, beach walks, hill trails. Walks, basically, all you could do on the Isle of Skye according to this text was go for a quiet walk.
It is going to have electricity, though, won’t it? Clarice read the other side again and studied the accompanying pictures. There was a table lamp in one of the shots, which suggested that electricity was indeed going to be supplied… As long as her laptop had power, everything was going to be all right.
As the small plane landed bumpily on the runway, she felt a surge of excitement as well as nerves build within her chest. Soon, a mere three-hour drive away, she was going to arrive at her destination.
“Please remain seated until the fasten seatbelt sign is switched off,” said the captain’s almost robotic voice over the intercom.
Clarice smiled to herself. No way that’s going to happen. Half these people would be up, carry-on luggage and phone in hand, before the plane came to a halt.
She leaned over to get a better look out the window. The views throughout most of the flight had been obstructed by a thick layer of clouds, far below the altitude of the plane. Now, the outside world looked as one would expect Scotland to look in early autumn: grey and damp.
How does it matter, it’s not like I’ll leave the house, much. Clarice took a deep breath, holding it in an attempt to calm her nerves. She had never done anything like this. Leave it all behind for a few weeks of solitude.
But this time, it was necessary. Early attempts to figure out if there was any flexibility in the deadline for her latest book had only resulted in her editor breathing down her neck harder. Apparently anything short of a deadly illness wasn’t cause enough to postpone a release. A messy breakup and resulting existential crisis didn’t count. That was why Clarice had been forced to resort to drastic measures to finish the manuscript on time.
Finally, the fasten seatbelt signs switched off with the customary ding, and soon after, the doors of the plane opened. Clarice smiled a final goodbye to the quiet old man seated next to her. The flight was relatively short, as far as flights go, but she was still surprised that he hadn’t said a word throughout. He nodded, then joined the throng of impatient passengers heading for the door.
It was a small airport, meaning you didn’t get one of those fancy walkways leading from the plane straight to the door. Instead, all the passengers were let off via a mobile staircase, and then they walked along demarcated pathways painted on the concrete taxiway, towards the modest looking terminal building to collect their bags.
The bags arrived in a similarly low-tech manner: on trolleys in plain view of the waiting passengers. Clarice found her suitcase and started walking, aimlessly at first, until she spied the car rental sign.
Alan used to take care of all of these things during their holidays together, but now it was all up to her. How hard can it be?
As it turned out, picking up a pre-booked rental car wasn’t very difficult at all. However, Clarice was still battling residual nerves by the time she made it into the driver’s seat and started leafing through the various printouts of the route to the Isle of Skye. It looked easy enough, there weren’t very many roads to choose from. The maps on Clarice’s phone concurred.
A deep breath later, she turned the key. So far so good, now it was time for the home stretch.
***
As pretty as the drive towards the Isle of Skye was, it did nothing to prepare her for the beauty ahead. Stark black cliffs stood out against the dramatic clouds overhead. There wasn’t much vegetation, just grasses and mosses with the occasional small grouping of trees that had managed to battle the elements for survival.
Though the road snaked through the landscape up ahead, Clarice still felt like an explorer, discovering this mysterious land for the first time. At every bend, she instinctively slowed, both to cater for oncoming vehicles – which were few and far between – as well as to admire the views.
She passed through a few small towns on the way, but for the most part, the island seemed unspoiled and almost barren. The road narrowed more and more as she reluctantly drove on. Every map she’d printed out, even the satellite navigation on her phone confirmed she was on the right track, yet the road ahead looked too small to lead anywhere.
Finally, she made it to a small settlement that according to Google was a mere twenty minutes away from her destination. Village would be too big a word for the cluster of houses she found. Luckily one of the buildings housed a small daily needs shop. Clarice parked right outside, eager to stock up on some essentials so she wouldn’t have to leave the cottage at least for the next couple of days.
“Hello?” she called out through the open door.
No answer.
She stuck her head inside, looking around the dimly lit interior of the store. It looked like somebody’s living room, with a few racks of groceries, as well as firewood and some camping supplies stacked up inside.
“Excuse me?” she asked again.
Finally, an old man appeared through the door at the far end of the room.
“Ah, a customer!” He shot her a smile that seemed to wrinkle up every inch of his face all at once. “How can I help?”
“I just wanted to buy a few things,” Clarice explained, smiling nervously while eyeing the shelf of cookies nearer the wall.
“Aye, of course. Please take a look around. If you’re after anything specific, we may need to order it in.”
Clarice nodded and gathered up some packets of digestives. It was a bad habit, snacking while writing, especially when writing was your main job and you spend a lot of time doing it. With the deadline hanging over her head, she didn’t know how else to cope.
She rounded off her selection with some bread, eggs, and other daily essentials, then made her way towards the counter where the old man was waiting. He didn’t even have a till. Instead he listed up everything on a notepad and totaled it in his head.
“Where are you staying, if I may ask?” He handed her the torn off sheet of paper, with the total, £20.78 written in shaky pencil.
Clarice paused for a moment, wondering if it was wise to answer. What the hell, this place is so small, he would probably find out anyway. You’re not in London anymore!
“Moss Cottage. That’s just up the road I suppose?”
“Ah yes. The old McMillan farm. Lovely place, very quiet. Just-” He leaned forward, raising his hand gravely. “Take care of the bear.”
“Thanks. Umm, wait, what bear?” Clarice asked.
“Up in the hills around the farm. Keep your eyes open if you go wandering out by yourself. Especially in the evenings.”
Clarice scrutinized the old man’s face, looking for any sign that he was just pulling her leg, but his expression remained completely serious.
“I wasn’t aware that there were bears in Scotland?”
The old man let out a chuckle. “Well, according to the authorities, there aren’t any, but we’ve all seen him. A big fella too, could tear you in half, he could.” By the end of his sentence, again the old man’s expression turned deadly serious.
“But enough of that, you seem like a sensible lass, you’ll be careful. Enjoy your vacation.” He smiled again, his weathered skin folding into a million little creases.
“Uhh, thanks.”
“Bye now!”
Back at the car, Clarice tried to shake off her unease at the preceding conversation. A bear. Here? That’s ridiculous, right? As far as she knew, bears had been extinct in Britain for pretty much forever. Unless it was some kind of zoo escapee.
No, perhaps the old man had been enjoying his Scotch a bit too much. That must be it.

Tina’s Review

** ARC Provided by Author in Exchange for an Honest Review **

Judging a Book by it’s Cover:
Bare torso with tribal tattoo, pants dipping dangerously low and a sort of wonky pectoral muscle. The bear in the background is super cute. Brooding, moody background colors help make them both stand out. The synopsis sounds rather fun and entertaining.
Looking Deeper:
Third person POV. Poor Derek, he’s a bit clueless in what to do with himself in the beginning, but is such a softy sweetheart behind the gruff front he puts up. Clarice is a bit fanciful, but enjoyable. Both characters were absolutely wonderful. There really was not a lot in the way of secondary characters, allowing the main focus to remain on the lead couple. The chemistry, while progressing at a stradily aggressive rate, was something both denied until they just could not anymore, a refreshing change to other similar stories. Dialogue felt natural and appropriate. The plot was full and complete, for being a novella of this short length and it was written extremely well – so smooth and fluid. There really were not a lot of conflicts other than internal struggles, but they managed in efficient and mature ways. No predictability. The conclusion allows Derek and Clarice their HEA, but there’s a nice big opening for A DANGEROUS BUSINESS to pick it right up at the end. Although not a *huge* fan of paranormal, I honestly would love to read the next book in this saga to see if my suspicions are correct. Thank you, Ms. Moone, for the opportunity to read your work.

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Author Bio:

Seductive young woman posing with two masks

Lorelei Moone is an up-and-coming author of paranormal romance based in London. Her first book, Scottish Werebear: An Unexpected Affair is set to hit the virtual shelves on Amazon on 25 September 2015. A lover of all things sweet, and caffeinated, when she’s not writing about sexy bear shifters and their strong-willed curvaceous love interests, Lorelei can be found baking cookies or cakes for her family.
Keep an eye out for future releases in the Scottish Werebears Series, with book 2, Scottish Werebear: A Dangerous Business coming out in October/November 2015.
Lorelei is a participating author of the brand new ShareBear mailing list. Would you love to receive weekly emails full of brand new werebear/other shifter books as soon as they hit the shelves? Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/bxbyMn

Website ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

one ebook of SCOTTISH WEREBEAR by Lorelei Moone
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Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: Sexy by JA Huss

Posted on 09/14/2015 by shellbellereads

Sexy

By J. A. Huss

Release Date: September 9 , 2015

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

Synopsis:

Fletcher Novak is Sexy.

Fletch has charm, Fletch has charisma, and Fletch has moves. He turns dreams into reality two nights a week, baring his body to lonely women, bored housewives, and bachelorettes looking for that one last good time. He’s into one-night stands, one-time things, and he never, ever gets serious.

Tiffy Preston is looking for commitment.

A billionaire’s daughter with the world at her fingertips, Tiffy’s in Lake Tahoe to take over her father’s hotel and clean up the Mountain Men Male Revue Show. She’s well-bred, polite, and hates everything Fletcher represents.

But Fletcher offers Tiffy something she can’t refuse—total satisfaction and the man of her dreams. All she has to do is… everything he tells her.

Because Sexy doesn’t sell… it’s for sale.

Sexy is a full-length, standalone novel by New York Times Bestselling author, JA Huss.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

Excerpt

“Have you thought about me?” I ask. “Since last night at the show? Because I’ve thought about you.”

“What did you think about me? That I’m your next victim?”

“No, actually.” I smooth down the blanket on the ground of the shed and then step towards her, taking her face in my hands and pulling her tight against my chest. “I’ve thought about your hot breath as you panted against my cock when I was standing on your chair. I thought about your upturned eyes, looking at me if I ever got the chance to get you on your knees.”

She gulps air.

“Now tell me what you’ve been thinking about. Because you wouldn’t be here if you didn’t want to be.”

“We’re locked in,” she whispers as my mouth moves in closer.

I kiss her softly. No tongue, just a small, tender kiss that makes girls melt. “You have a phone, Tiffy. One call to your BFF, Claudio, and you’re free.”

She stares at me.

“But even though I might be the biggest prick you ever met, you want me, don’t you.”

She swallows hard.

“And I want you. That’s why we’re here. I want you. So if you don’t feel the same way, now’s your chance to say so.”

“I want…” She stops. There was a word on her lips, but I’m almost certain it was not my name. Jealousy heats me up in a millisecond. What kind of girl has another man’s name on her tongue when she’s gazing up into my eyes?

“What?” I say sharply. “What were you gonna say?”

“I want to be irresistible. Like you.”

“What?” I have to admit, I’m surprised. And then I laugh. “Are you a virgin?”

“I’m twenty-six, asshole. I’m not a fucking virgin.”

“Then what do you mean? I’m confused.”

“You’re just…” She sighs. “So good at this stuff. Seduction, right? I’m bad at it.”

“Who do you want to seduce?” My jealous rage is back.

“No one. Not specifically. But you’re so confident. And I’m so… not. I feel like I should take notes.”

It’s my turn to sigh. “What, you want me to teach you how to seduce someone?” The irony is not lost.

“Well, look. I hate you. I really do. You had me grabbing your cock last night and then I got accused of sexually harassing you. You made me feel like an idiot in that meeting with your plans and proposals. And now I’m up in your sex den, and I’m not sure what’s happening.” She looks at me with pleading eyes. “Tell me how you get all this control. How do you do it?”

I think about this for a few seconds, and then take a calculated risk. “How many blowjobs have you given in your life, Tiffy?”

“What?” She laughs, putting her hand over her heart like the word ‘blowjob’ is an assault on her virtue.

“Any?”

“I’ve given… one,” she admits, and then averts her eyes.

I’m turned on again. “One? One is not enough. If you want to know how to control a man, you don’t need to look any further than your own mouth. Men are drawn to lips. Every girl they ever think about sexually starts with an image of their cock in that girl’s mouth. So if you want control, you gotta lead a guy to your mouth.”

She takes a deep breath. “Go on.”

God, why am I so annoyed that she’s asking me for pointers? I can make her do anything I want right now. I should be celebrating.

“Please,” she begs. “Tell me.”

I place a hand on her shoulder and push. “Get on your knees.”

Michel’s Review

Get ready for one smoking hot romance. Sexy by JA Huss is steamy!

Sexy by JA Huss is a fun, sexy, erotic contemporary romance. Unlike her other books that have a dark and complex plot, Sexy was simplicity at it’s finest. It was a warm hearted and extremely erotic story about finding true love when you least expect it. It also showed that there is more to a person than by the outer image we show the world. It’s important to look deeper rather than taking things at face value.

Sexy kept me enthralled. I could not put the book down. I enjoyed every sexy moment with Tiffy & Fletcher.

I highly recommend Sexy by JA Huss!

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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.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

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Secret Backstage Confessions Series… Review for … Josh by Eden Summers – Book One

Posted on 09/12/2015 by shellbellereads

Eden Summers is part of amazing and sizzling new book series with 5 other Authors. Join them all as they take you in a journey right past the bouncers and backstage doors…

Secret Backstage Confessions Series

An All-Access pass to Sex, Love,
and Rock ‘N Roll. Because what happens on tour doesn’t always stay on tour…

From Australia to the World…

Chicago. The last stop of their wildly successful US tour sees Australia’s
biggest rock band, The Screaming Tuesdays, in sultry, summer-time Chicago to
play two sold-out shows. But the stage is not where the action is, and no one
knows what goes on behind the scenes…

************

Book One

Josh

By Eden Summers

Buy: Amazon

Josh

by Eden Summers

Release Day September 10th

There are implied benefits to the
security manager role, but Josh has been on the job a long time, and fangirls
willing to do whatever it takes to get backstage just don’t do it for him
anymore. Except tonight. And that one brunette. She probably wants nothing more
than to bang a drummer, but Josh can’t seem to find it in himself to care. He’s
going to take whatever it is that she offers, for as long as she’s offering,
and he’s not going to let his pride get in the way…

Tracey’s Review

JOSH by Eden Summers is part of SECRET CONFESSIONS: BACKSTAGE, a collection of short stories by some fabulous Australian authors. These stories all revolve around the group Screaming Tuesdays, and, rather than focus on the band itself, deal with what goes on around and behind the scenes.

Josh is the security manager for the band. Responsible for making sure that things stay safe and somewhat sane, he’s also part of the group that decides who gets backstage to see the band. Being the head honcho definitely has some perks, but having a conscience makes for an interesting situation. Lori, a sexy brunette who knows just what she wants, makes all the difference, and what began as just another night turns into one of the best that Josh has had in a very long time.

While these hot little stories are short, they’re easy to read and very satisfying, although I would love to see more about Josh and Lori down the road. Eden Summers has done her usual great job of writing about the rockstar way, and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. 4 stars and recommendation to add this one to your TBR.

*** ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review ***

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Author Eden Summers

Eden Summers is a true blue Aussie, living in regional New South Wales with her two energetic young boys and a quick witted husband.
In late 2010, Eden’s romance obsession could no longer be sated by reading alone, so she decided to give voice to the sexy men and sassy women in her mind.
Eden can’t resist alpha dominance, dark features and sarcasm in her fictional heroes and loves a strong heroine who knows when to bite her tongue but also serves retribution with a feminine smile on her face.

Stalk Eden Summers Here

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Eden
Summers
Author of Contemporary and Erotic Romance

Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: Indecision by Elisabeth Grace

Posted on 09/09/2015 by shellbellereads

Do you love a man in uniform? Us too – and boy, has Elisabeth Grace supplied one for us! Jamie is sweet in the streets and sizzling in the sheets, and you most definitely want to get your hands on him in INDECISION, which is available now!

About INDECISION

Jackie Davenport will try anything once, especially in the bedroom. Anything except falling in love. She lives a carefree existence packed full of fun, but free from emotional entanglements and that’s just how she wants to keep it. When she meets the new police officer in town, she’s unable to deny the connection between them. His over confidence and bullish ways grate on her…still she can’t help but find herself falling into his bed AND falling for him.

Jamie McTavish is man enough to admit that he probably didn’t make the best first impression when he met the 911 Operator. That doesn’t mean there isn’t still sizzling sexual tension between them. He’s a man of action and he’s not content to sit on the sidelines until Jackie works out her issues. But trying to tame this tiger might be too big of a challenge for even him.

Add INDECISION to your Goodreads list here!

Get it now: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Google Play | Kobo

Excerpt

I pulled the cruiser into Jackie’s driveway. What the hell was wrong with me? It was only yesterday that I’d gotten her off and yet here I was, sitting unannounced in her driveway like a stalker.

If I’d thought it difficult to get her off my mind before, what had happened in the wine cellar had made it damn near impossible.

Everyone I’d talked to had said the same thing—that she’d turned down each and every cop or fireman that had asked her out. No one was sure if she was just trying to keep her personal life outside of the work environment or what, but I intended to find out. The insane pull between us didn’t leave me any other choice.

With a sigh, I unbuckled my seatbelt and glanced at the small bungalow. It was cute with white siding and black shutters. Hanging baskets of colorful flowers hung from hooks around the veranda and a kickass bicycle was leaning against the side of the house. That helped to explain why she had such a firm ass.

I opened the door to the cruiser when the front door of the house burst open, and Jackie stood there frozen, her hand held to her chest and such an expression of fear on her face that I bolted out of the car and up the front steps.

“What’s wrong?” I demanded as soon as I was in front of her.

“Wh-what are you doing here?” she asked in barely a whisper.

I relaxed a fraction once it was clear she was okay. “I figured you could use a lift to Don’s place for your car. Didn’t think you would’ve driven home last night.” I shrugged. “It’s been quiet today, so I popped by to see if you wanted me to drive you over.”

She released a pent-up breath and relief washed over her face. “Oh, thank God.”

I frowned and gripped her upper arms. “What’s going on? Everything okay?”

She glanced down at where my hands lay on her soft skin and looked back up to me, blinking twice. “It’s nothing. When I saw the cruiser in the driveway…never mind.” She shook her head.

I studied her for a moment. She was sexy just rolling out of bed with her hair thrown in a messy bun and last night’s make-up still on her face. “You sure?”

She nodded and her eyes flicked down to my hands once more. “Why are you always touching me whenever I see you?” Her voice had come out all breathy, not at all convincing me that she didn’t like my hands right where they were.

I grazed her collarbones with my thumbs, causing goose bumps to form on her skin. “I think you know exactly why.”

Michel’s Review

Elisabeth Grace writes romance with such ease. All of her books have memorable characters that stay with the reader long after the book is finished. Her characters come to life with dynamic personalities. Their passion and chemistry is sizzling hot.

Elisabeth has once again delivered a good book. I was drawn into the story with the very first paragraph. The first chapter set the book up and had the reader enthralled with Jackie and Jamie.

She added humor, emotional plights, and red hot chemistry in what would seem to be a predictable romance. This made the book stand out.

Jackie doesn’t date cops. She has her reasons. When Jamie McTavish blows into town and turns a road side stop into sexy encounter, all bets are off. Jackie will be battling her convictions. Jamie plans on taking her heart prisoner.

Loving a man in uniform is something Jackie is going to learn. Jamie is the man to teach her.

I loved how easy this book was to read. It was thoroughly enjoyable!

Giveaways and Release Festivities

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Author Bio:

Welcome! I’m Elisabeth Grace, or El if you prefer, and I write New Adult Contemporary Romance.

I’d been an avid reader my entire life, but when I discovered romance novels during my first pregnancy I was hooked! Not sure if it was the hormones or the lack of a life that was headed my way once my daughter was born, but since then I’ve been devouring several romance books a week. I love nothing more than reading about some serious alpha males and a happily ever after.

Things you should know about me…

I live outside Toronto, Canada…eh. (Yes, it’s true. We Canadians say ‘eh’ A LOT.)

I’m a wife and mommy to two small children which I refer to as Little Miss and Mr. Magoo.

I own one cat spawned by the devil. Seriously. He’s as cute as they come but you’ve never met a meaner feline. In retrospect we should have named him, Lucifer. I have the scars to prove it.

I believe there’s no such thing as too much chocolate. Or popcorn. Or bread. Or potatoes. Yes, you guessed it…I’m a sugar and carb addict.

I hate running. Always have, always will. Unless David Gandy’s in the vicinity you won’t find me doing it. Ever. Not sure who David Gandy is and think you might want to become a Gandy Girl like me? Google him. You can thank me later.

I’m a LOVER of all music. The 1200+ songs on my IPod can attest to the variety of my musical tastes. Hubby and I try to travel to a different music festival every year and are regular concert goers.

My name is Elisabeth and I like reality TV. There I admitted it and that’s the first step, right? Yes, I’m a writer and I see the need for scripted shows, but sometimes there’s just something so entertaining about watching one Real Housewife lose it on another one. I could listen to Cochran’s diatribe on his fellow castaways for hours.

Of the four of us that make up my family, three of us are Leo’s. Let’s say it together…DRAMA!

I may be the world’s worst cook. My poor children. Unless Daddy’s cooking they know not to expect much.

I write every night after my kids are in bed until the wee hours of the morning. This wouldn’t be a problem except for the fact that I have always been an early-bird-catches-the-worm kind-of girl, so 5:00am comes early. Sleep is over-rated, I say.

If you are a lover of romance novels, steamy bedroom scenes and alpha males than you may enjoy my stories! 🙂

I LOVE talking with fellow readers about books! There’s nothing better than discovering your next favorite read because someone recommended it to you! If you’re the same I’d encourage you to reach out to me via one of my social media links so we can chat!

Happy Reading!

Best, El

Be sure to sign up for Elisabeth Grace’s newsletter – she’s releasing a new chapter of BUILT TO LAST every two weeks, which will be available to newsletter subscribers only as she writes it!

Connect with Elisabeth Grace

If you’re US based and you want to receive a text message when Elisabeth has a new book go LIVE, text ROMANCE to 313131!

Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway : Saving Me by Bella Juarez

Posted on 09/09/2015 by shellbellereads

Michael Brannan has had enough of one night stands that go nowhere and leave him empty. After watching his heroes, Tom and Aaron, married and happy, he longs to learn the secret to their content, full lives. He yearns for a girl he left behind and who’s now out of his reach.

Angel Rivas has attained superstardom as a plus-sized model. But Angel’s success comes with a price-an unknown stalker who seems to have eyes into her most private moments is terrorizing her.

When Michael’s bosses set him up with Madam Eve’s 1Night Stand, he finds his unattainable woman so near, yet so far. Can she forgive him for his treachery all those years ago? Can Michael protect Angel from things that go bump in the night? This last entry into the RED HORSE Trilogy is guaranteed to take your breath away.

Buy Saving Me:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1MM9ZSg

Excerpt

“You….” she whispered.

This blind date had to be some kind of elaborate, cruel joke. Michael Brannan had single-handedly caused her the worst humiliation in her life. In an instant, she vividly recalled the laughter and whispers directed at her as the mean girls made her last month of high school the worst sort of hell. Blinking, she watched in horror as he walked toward her. At any minute, her already-frayed nerves would snap. So many emotions converged on her at once: the trauma of high school, the stress of her hectic work schedule, and the terror of an unknown stalker. Seeing the boy who’d broken her heart-making it impossible to trust men-almost put her over the edge. From the time she’d met Michael in their freshman English class, she’d had a huge crush on the ginger-haired football star, and he’d humiliated her in front of the entire senior class.

“Angel? Is that really you?”

She stumbled back as he moved closer.

“What the hell are you doing here?” she blurted.

“I’m meeting someone. What are you doing-”

“Who?” she asked.

“I don’t know her name. It’s supposed be a blind date. Why?”

“Oh, hell no! Not again! Not you…anybody but you.”

He grabbed her as she turned away. While Michael touching her had been something she’d longed for the entire time they’d been in high school, right now it made her white hot with fury. Without thinking, she spun around, balled her fist, and punched him as hard as she could.

As she drew her arm back, when she tried to yank free, her Pandora bracelet caught and broke, spilling the charms all over the wooden porch floor. Michael’s eyes widened, and his gaze followed the broken jewelry as it rolled away.

“Angel, I’m sorry. I deserve that,” he said as his hold slackened.

“I hate you!” she screamed, breaking free and rearing back again, the jewelry forgotten.

The cobalt eyes that had charmed her back in the day now sparked with dangerous anger. He caught her wrist in a death grip and yanked her closer, causing her to lose her balance. Measuring six feet in five-inch heels, she tilted her head back to meet his eyes. She’d tried to forget how tall and strong he was. In an instant, the powerful, taut football player who could make her damp when he’d pull her against him in a light, friendly hug came back to her with sharp clarity. Was it possible he’d gotten stronger over the years?

“I don’t care,” he growled. “You owe me a date. After making me wait for an hour, you will see this thing through. Am I clear?”

Tracey’s Review

When Michael Brannan and Angel Rivas last saw each other, things were not exactly hearts and flowers. Giving in to peer pressure, Michael broke Angel’s heart, and she’s never forgotten it. But when Fate brings them together again, Michael will do anything to show Angel how much he’s changed.

Saving Me is the third book in the Knights of Red Horse series by Bella Juarez. It’s a short hot little read, a quickie, if you will. I enjoyed the book well enough, but I really wish that there had been a lot more development of the characters. One minute Angel could barely tolerate Michael, still stinging over his rejection in high school, and the next, well, they more than kissed and made up. Although the two had known each other before, this felt a lot like insta-love, which always gives me pause. Had the book been longer, I believe that I would have enjoyed seeing how Michael and Angel’s relationship unfolded over time, and seeing each of them evolve as people. As it is, I’d give 4.5 stars for the steam factor and the fact that the book is well-written, with a final rating of 4, because I really really wish that there had been more of the story to sink my teeth into. But, if you’re looking for a super-hot erotic short, grab this one, as it just may be what you’re looking for.

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Other Books In This Series

Hanging by a Moment: Book 1 1 Night Stand Series:

Widower and Air Force reservist, Tom Ryan fills the empty spaces in his life by building dream homes for others. When he’s invited to a client’s party, he meets the owner’s sister-in-law, a tempestuous artist, and discovers that maybe there is a wrong time to meet the right person…

Free-spirited Emily Sanchez is known for pushing the envelope in art, but meeting dependable, and down-to-earth Tom challenges her. The man has submissive written all over him, and she thinks she might be just the woman to peel back the layers and release the brilliant passion inside.

But when they are paired by Madame Eve, Tom turns the tables on Emily, because he’s always been curious about the lifestyle and if the chaotic artist is willing to surrender, they may discover their deepest desire…

Buy Hanging by a Moment:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1hdxK9E

B&N: http://bit.ly/1IeF4I0

iBooks: http://apple.co/1hdxMhS

Beautiful Nightmare: Book 2 1 Night Stand Series

Aaron Rosencrantz’s architectural firm is thriving—thanks to his brilliant and tough-as-nails COO, Natasha Rodriguez. But every day, they deny the powerful attraction raging between them. Corporate meetings and contracts rule their lives—not to mention a string of promises and commitments made to family. However, all bets are off when he catches a sexy glimpse of her desire for him. His hopes soar…only to be dashed by a horrible misunderstanding. So when mysterious and renowned Madame Eve sets up these two powerful personalities to come together at the Las Vegas Carnivore Club, which one will bend?

Buy Beautiful Nightmare:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1U5wHe3

B&N: http://bit.ly/1EVex2a

iBooks: http://apple.co/1PRMwiw

Author Bio:

Bella Juarez has a passion for writing and tells her stories with a high level of military suspense and erotic romance. A few years ago, Bella was an IT technician with a craving for military and espionage history and would devour anything, fact or fiction, about the subject. Today, she lives on a south Texas ranch with her family and dogs.

With stories of intrigue running through her imagination, she always dreamed of writing a novel. Finally, in 2012, she wrote and released Rapid Dominance, book 1 of the Black Ops Brotherhood Series. Since then, she has released five more novels in this series. Branching out, she’s written three erotic romance novellas all with military elements.

Her stories blend today’s headlines into thought provoking, intricate plots interwoven with razor-sharp suspense, intrigue, and scorching, white-hot romance.

Bella’s idea of a perfect day starts out with a run, followed by a pot of strong French roast coffee, to keep her going while she sits at her keyboard tapping away on another story.

https://www.facebook.com/bella.juarez.35

www.bellajuarez.com

http://bellajuarez.blogspot.com/

http://www.bookstrand.com/bella-juarez

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Happy Release + Review : Wilde At Heart by Tonya Burrows – Wilde Security Series – Book 3

Posted on 09/07/2015 by shellbellereads

Wilde At Heart

Wilde Security Series – Book 3

By Tonya Burrows

Synopsis

He has everything under control. Except her.
Reece Wilde put everything in his life on the backburner to protect his brothers and their struggling company, Wilde Security. With a major contract on the line, Reece can’t afford any mistakes…like getting caught in a red-hot, X-rated moment with wild child Shelby Bremer, who’s more trouble than he can handle. Now he’s being blackmailed.
Shelby’s mile-long impulsive streak gets her in more trouble than she’d like to admit. Between her sister’s wedding, her coffee shop set on fire, and getting down and dirty with the groom’s brother, things are definitely coming off the rails. With both their careers and their safety on the line, Reece is determined to keep them both safe…even if it means a Vegas-style shotgun wedding.
But gambling on a wild card—and a wild soul—is risky…and sometimes, it can get a guy killed.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Tina’s Review

Judging a Book by it’s Cover:
A well-dressed man, looking as though the weight of the world rests on his shoulders. Stormy and turbulent background could be an indicator to the mood of the overall setting.
Looking Deeper:
Third-person POV. Although this is the third Wilde book in the series, it can be read on it’s own. However, it is my opinion that WILDE AT HEART would be more rewarding to read if read in order – since the characters are so tightly connected.
Reece: Second oldest Wilde brother. Computer Geek, non-athletic. Odd-man out, even in his own family. Disciplined, controlled, focused. Determined to do what it takes to make sure he and his brothers never have to struggle again.
Shelby: Labeled a trouble-maker, a jinx, irresponsible, a wild child. No one knows the dark secrets she hides. Even when she means well, things tend to run amok. She’s sacrificed more than anyone knows and she hides her soul-shattering heartache behind her aloof and colorful persona.
Each have past demons, but when the past threatens their future, wedding bells present the perfect solution. Sort of.
Both leads are perfectly flawed individuals that make an entertaining couple. The secondary characters mostly consisted of the brothers and past characters, and some minor cross-over with HORNET. The dialogue is fresh, fun, smart, sassy and believable. The plot is well-layered and dynamic, with an even and smooth blend of suspense and romance. There are a few conflicts that are met in an efficient manner, but more often than not, their ways of dealing with conflicts were less than ideal. Predictability was moderate. I pegged her bad guy early on, but a secondary bad guy facing Reece was not foreseen. The conclusion of this story is solid, but leaves plenty of openings for Vaughn and Greer to begin their books. Overall, I was pleased with the book and thought it made a great addition to the Wilde brothers’ books. I look forward to learning what’s happening with Greer and discovering what’ll happen when Vaughn finds Lark, which we all know will be inevitable.
** Side note: I love Poe and really wish he had the chance to shine more. This was truly his opportunity to prove himself to be something amazing, especially with how smart the breed is.

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Author Bio:

Tonya Burrows wrote her first romance in 8th grade and hasn’t put down her pen since. Originally from a small town in Western New York, she’s currently soaking up the sun as a Florida girl. She suffers from a bad case of wanderlust and usually ends up moving someplace new every few years. Luckily, her two dogs and ginormous cat are excellent travel buddies.

When she’s not writing about hunky military heroes, Tonya can usually be found at a bookstore or the dog park. She also enjoys painting, watching movies, and her daily barre workouts. A geek at heart, she pledges her TV fandom to Supernatural and Dr. Who.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: Broken Oaths by V. L. Moon and J. T. Cheyanne

Posted on 09/04/2015 by shellbellereads

Broken Oaths

By V. L. Moon & J. T. Cheyanne

Synopsis

Betrayed by his peers and slandered as a traitor, Commander Thierry Donovan has nothing left. Locked away and targeted by the very men responsible for his incarceration, Thierry defies the odds and fights for the fundamental right to survive the hell-hole of his imprisonment. With no one to trust, Thierry finds solace in the last place he imagines…

The church is Ryan Flynn’s sanctuary. He craves the solitude and peace he finds in the hallowed halls. His oath to serve God is a calling Ryan has hidden behind all of his adult life; until his past catches up with him in the form of his foster brother, Special Agent Orrin Hunt…

Submerging himself within a world of danger, violence and corruption is the only way Orrin can cope with life. Rejected and tormented by the bitter remorse of unrequited love, Orrin is oblivious to the beauty of what life can offer him. If he’d only open his eyes, and maybe his heart….

Jaydan Callahan’s life is a wreck. Gangs, drugs and violence are a part of his normal day to day routine. For one so young, he’s seen it, been there, done it and gotten more than enough tee shirts as proof. Capable of smelling a cop from a mile away, it comes as no surprise to Jay when the guy he has the hots for is actually working under cover to bring down the town’s notoriously dangerous king pin.

Four men, four lives, each one of them stained by lies, corruption and doubt. Can love show them the path to redemption, or will broken oaths, fear and grief make the crosses they bear too heavy a mantle to carry.

Love is Love

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK / B & N / Smashwords

Lis’ Review

The authors of “Crimson Reign” and “Love, Life and Circumstance” have never been ones to shy away from digging deep to give their readers a story that pushes boundaries, makes the readers think and feel and clamor for more. Crimson Reign gave us the wickedly sexy vampire king and his angel in a paranormal world in upheavel. LLC gave us two men with a baby to care for in the South with all its prejudices. And now “Broken Oaths” gives us Ryan and Thierry, pushing the limits again with the story of a priest and a Navy Commander.

Thierry Donovan is a former Navy Commander falsely accused of treason and jailed in a super secure facility in solitary confinement. The only other people he sees are the guards who watch over him, including his friend A.J. who goes easy on the rules for the prisoner. Thierry has no outside contact until he asks for, and is sent, a priest, Father Ryan Flynn. Their connection is instant, but like anyone else whose life is tied up in the rules and restrictions of their chosen profession or current fall from grace, both try to deny what they feel.

We learn of their pasts right away. The opening chapters tell us why these men chose the path they did, and give us a glimpse of the obstacles they faced along the way. Thierry’s career and life have been destroyed by his imprisonment. Father Flynn’s profession is an effort to get rid of the sinner label he brought down on himself because of his and his foster brother’s teenage exploration of their growing attraction. Both hide behind these shields they use so effectively – for a while. Thrown together in the priest and penitent roles, they soon acknowledge that there is something more between them as they work to bring justice to Thierry and bring down the one who used him as a scapegoat in a treasonous plot. Their story is about learning to trust in themselves and in each other, never giving up on love no matter how hard the fight.

Orrin Hunt, Flynn’s foster brother, has loved Ryan since they were wayward teens who helped each other cope through the difficult nightmares they faced. He’s involved behind the scenes trying to find the truth behind Thierry’s imprisonment and as such, is the one who brings Father Flynn into Thierry’s life. Orrin’s love for Ryan has endured all these years, until he goes undercover in a local street gang and meets Jay Callahan, the young, smart mouthed leader of the group. Jay falls hard for Orrin, but Ryan is the white elephant in the room, the love Orrin has for Ryan a wall that blinds him to what’s staring him in the face. Their story is about letting go of the past and embracing the future, daring to take the risk for love.

And tying these two couples together is the intrigue, a plot very carefully constructed that makes the reader anxious to find out just exactly how the whole thing will be revealed. It builds like the walls of Thierry’s prison cell, brick by brick. And with four strong-willed characters, there is no doubt they will figure it out.

Unfortunately, the villains were the one area that let me down. Characterization and angst is definitely these authors’ strong suit and in this book the whole mystery was right up there with it. The plot was complex and excellently crafted, with all the characters’ actions and reactions to each other and to their situation adding to the edge of the seat reading experience. Until one particular scene that made me stop and go “Really?” I just didn’t buy it. With that one scene the villains, who up until then were wonderfully evil, became caricatures of themselves. That one scene weakened the intrigue, pushing it into campiness instead of suspense.
Everyday struggles for love, for recognition, for redemption made this book a winner, overcoming the problem with the villains. The love stories of Ryan and Thierry and of Orrin and Jay are well written and very realistic. They struggle with their feelings, each one questioning his worth, his actions, his heart. As they work through all the machinations of being together, we as readers realize right along with them that outer trappings don’t matter. It’s what’s in the heart that rules.

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Giveaway
Prize: 3 ebook copies of Broken Oaths
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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About the authors

Laz and Lachi Publications is the combined writing team of J.T. Cheyanne and V.L. Moon. The two met in 2010, fell hard and fast for each other and married in April 2014. They write both independently and together in the gay erotica and gay paranormal genres. They also have a couple of contemporary romance novels under their belt.

Social media links

Our joint page

https://www.facebook.com/LazLachibooks

Website

http://www.lazandlachi.com/

JT Cheyanne

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jtcheyannestories

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JTCheyanne

VL Moon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VenusMoonstories

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VenusMoon5

Release Blitz + Review + Giveaway: In The Dark by Monica Murphy – The Rules Series – Book 2

Posted on 08/25/2015 by shellbellereads

In The Dark

The Rules Series – Book 2

By Monica Murphy

Release Date: August 25, 2015

Buy : Amazon / ITunes

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

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

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

Michel’s Review

In The Dark by Monica Murphy is the second book in The Rules series. This New Adult series features three rich bad boys and the dynamic young women that capture their hearts and change their bad boy ways. This series is fun, sexy, and light hearted. It’s not weighed down with emotional angst or over the top sexcapades. It’s the perfect series to add to your ereader and is guaranteed to delight.

Gabriel Walker is on a forced summer vacation with his family. He is bored and spends his time spying on his sexy neighbor. When he finally approaches her little does he realize that he has just given away the key to his heart.

Lucy is house sitting for the summer. She knows she doesn’t fit in with the rich elite residents. She tries to stay away from Gabe Walker but it is impossible. He may be rich but he is also a decent guy that’s fun to be around.

The two decide to have a summer fling. Gabe assumes Lucy is in the same social class he is. She doesn’t tell him any different. What does it matter, they won’t see each other after summer ends.

Summer comes to an end and it’s back to school. Both Gabe and Lucy are surprised when they run into one another on campus. She thought he was living in Texas. He thought she was a rich girl living out of daddy’s pockets. Now they both have to face the truth. The one thing that is still apparent is that they can’t stay away from one another or keep their hands off one another. But first they will have to deal with their secrets.

Once again Monica Murphy wrote the perfect new adult romance. It had the perfect combination of the carefree coed spirit, the emotional moments, and the sizzling hot romance.

I highly recommend In The Dark and Fair Game. The Rules series is delightful.

I am looking forward to the final book, Slow Play.

The Rule Series

Fair Game

The Rule Series – Book 1

Release Date: May 12, 2015

By Monica Murphy

Buy: Amazon

Synopsis

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

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

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

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

In The Dark

The Rule Series – Book 2

Release Date: August 25, 2015

By Monica Murphy

Synopsis

IN THE DARK (Book 2) August 25, 2015

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

Slow Play

The Rule Series – Book 3

Release Date: November 3, 2015

By Monica Murphy

Synopsis

SLOW PLAY (Book 3) November 3, 2015

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

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

Despite her reluctance, Alex finds herself quickly involved with Tristan. Underneath that playboy exterior is a good guy, a sweet and sexy guy who she is undoubtedly falling for. What they both don’t realize is the actions of Alex’s parents are the reason for so much tragedy in Tristan’s family. And when Tristan discovers who Alex and her family really is, can he forgive and forget?
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I write books. I have the best job ever. New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Writer of new adult contemporary romance-ish stuff. Published with Avon and Bantam. Mom and wife. Native Californian.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4a501259533/?

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Tag Archives: 4 Star Review

Release Blitz + Review: All I Need Is You by Wendy S. Marcus

Today we are celebrating the release of ALL I NEED IS YOU by Wendy S. Marcus. This is the second book in the Loving You series. Check out the blurb, graphics, and excerpt for the title below.

Wendy is having a Facebook party Oct. 7th from 6p-9:30 p EST. Click HERE to join. There will be a chance to win one, or maybe two $50 USD Gift Cards!

Party Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1722383387985652/

BOOK BLURB:

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | iBooks | B&N | Kobo

Click here to add ALL I NEED IS YOU To Goodreads.

EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT:

Tina’s Review

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Newsletter

Release Blitz + Review + Giveaway: Sinner’s Steel by Sarah Castille – Sinner’s Tribe Motorcycle Club Series – Book 3

Review + Giveaway: Scottish Werebear: An Unexpected Affair by Lorelei Moone- Scottish Werebears Series-Book 1

Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: Sexy by JA Huss

Secret Backstage Confessions Series… Review for … Josh by Eden Summers – Book One

Josh

by Eden Summers

Release Day September 10th

Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: Indecision by Elisabeth Grace

Do you love a man in uniform? Us too – and boy, has Elisabeth Grace supplied one for us! Jamie is sweet in the streets and sizzling in the sheets, and you most definitely want to get your hands on him in INDECISION, which is available now!

About INDECISION

Excerpt

Newsletter

Connect with Elisabeth Grace

Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway : Saving Me by Bella Juarez

Happy Release + Review : Wilde At Heart by Tonya Burrows – Wilde Security Series – Book 3

Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: Broken Oaths by V. L. Moon and J. T. Cheyanne

About the authors

Social media links

Release Blitz + Review + Giveaway: In The Dark by Monica Murphy – The Rules Series – Book 2

Today we are celebrating the release of ALL I NEED IS YOU by Wendy S. Marcus. This is the second book in the Loving You series. Check out the blurb, graphics, and excerpt for the title below.

Wendy is having a Facebook party Oct. 7th from 6p-9:30 p EST. Click HERE to join. There will be a chance to win one, or maybe two $50 USD Gift Cards!

Party Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1722383387985652/

BOOK BLURB:

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | iBooks | B&N | Kobo

Click here to add ALL I NEED IS YOU To Goodreads.

EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT:

Tina’s Review

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Newsletter

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Josh

by Eden Summers

Release Day September 10th

Share this:

Do you love a man in uniform? Us too – and boy, has Elisabeth Grace supplied one for us! Jamie is sweet in the streets and sizzling in the sheets, and you most definitely want to get your hands on him in INDECISION, which is available now!

About INDECISION

Excerpt

Newsletter

Connect with Elisabeth Grace

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About the authors

Social media links

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