Happy Release + Review: Served Hot by Annabeth Albert – Portland Heat Series – Book 1

Posted on 03/03/2015 by shellbellereads

Served Hot

Portland Heat Series – Book 1

Genre: GLBT, M/M, Gay

By Annabeth Albert

Synopsis

In Portland, Oregon, the only thing hotter than the coffee shops, restaurants, and bakeries are the hard-working men who serve it up—hot, fresh, and ready to go—with no reservations…

Robby is a self-employed barista with a busy coffee cart, a warm smile, and a major crush on one of his customers. David is a handsome finance director who works nearby, eats lunch by himself, and expects nothing but “the usual”—small vanilla latte—from the cute guy in the cart. But when David shows up for his first Portland Pride festival, Robby works up the nerve to take their slow-brewing relationship to the next level. David, however, is newly out and single, still grieving the loss of his longtime lover, and unsure if he’s ready to date again. Yet with every fresh latte, sweet exchange—and near hook-up—David and Robby go from simmering to steaming to piping hot. The question is: Will someone get burned?

First in the new Portland Heat series!

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Kobo

Tina’s Review

Novella length, about 100 pages. The synopsis provided really does capture the essence of the book quite nicely. Well-written, very likable character each individually charming and with their own flaws. There are very few secondary characters & even then, they only minute supporting roles. The dialogue and interaction is believable in it’s initial awkwardness and progression as the relationship progresses. My heart breaks a little for these two guys here and there, throughout the book, because of the doubts and insecurities brought on my poor past experiences. There’s enough emotion conveyed to connect you to the story and it’s characters and the sexy scenes were sweet and hot. Plot is a hard element to score on novellas, they often lack the depth and dimension of a full-length novel. This one makes a valid attempt, but lacks the fullness I’d prefer to see. That said, it is still a nice story that flows very well, it just fell a little dynamically flat is all. There are conflicts throughout that are resolved in mostly-mature and timely manners. Predictability was pleasantly low. The conclusion is solid and nicely wrapped up. Overall, I’d say this was a quick, but enjoyable read.

Author Bio:

Frequent tweeter, professional grammar nerd, and obsessive reader, Annabeth Albert is also a Pacific Northwest romance writer in a variety of subgenres.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.

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Happy Release + Review : Shoulda Been A Cowboy by Maisey Yates – Copper Ridge Series – Novella

Posted on 03/02/2015 by shellbellereads

Shoulda Been A Cowboy

A Copper Ridge Novella

By Maisey Yates

Synopsis

In this sexy, sweet prequel novella to her new series, USA TODAY bestselling author Maisey Yates welcomes readers to the charming small town of Copper Ridge, Oregon, where it’s never too late for second chances.

There’s not much about his teenage years that Jake Caldwell can be proud of. Except maybe for keeping his hands off cute, kindhearted Cassie Ventimiglia. She was the only one who saw him as more than a tattooed rebel who couldn’t wait to leave the ranching life behind. Now he’s back in Copper Ridge to sell his father’s property—and staying right above Cassie’s coffee shop. And out of nowhere, the girl he’s never forgotten is offering a whole lot more than fresh-baked muffins…

Jake’s dark, smoldering appeal hasn’t changed one bit. But Cassie has. Following everyone else’s rules didn’t quite work out. Time to ask for what she’s always wanted…and what Jake’s more than happy to give: a wild, hot romance that could make a one-time bad boy realize he’s back for good.

Don’t miss Part Time Cowboy, the first in the Copper Ridge series, from HQN Books!

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tina’s Review

Novella: 100 -120 pages. A fun, quick “second chance secret-crushes” read. She was the “good girl” that used to tutor him in high school. Then he vanished, for fifteen years. Now, after his dad’s passing, Jake’s back to settle the estate. He wants to clear out the farm and sell off the properties as quickly as possible so he can get back home to Seattle. There’s only one problem. Cassie. Her entire life is wrapped up in one of the buildings he plans to sell off. Her new business that she’s worked so hard to start up for herself and her apartment above the shop are all she has to show for herself after her divorce left her with nothing. Fifteen years of unresolved feelings for one another are once again being tested.
The lead characters are well-written and enjoyable, but there really is not a lot in the way of secondary characters. The dialogue and interaction is believable. The plot lacks the depth and dynamics a full-length novel would, but maintains a strong story line. The ease of flow is outstanding. The minor conflicts were resolved locally with little fanfare. Predictability was on par with a feel-good story of this length. The conclusion was solid enough, although nothing was stated about Jake’s house and employment back in Seattle nor the farm house and other property in town. Did he sell them all? Is he leasing/renting them? There’s a nice epilogue with a glimpse of the next book’s characters. Overall, it’s a pleasant, quick read.

Author Bio:
USA Today Bestselling romance writer with a penchant for coffee, sugared cereal, and alpha males. Three children, one husband, and too many dresses for my closet.

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Happy Release + Review + Giveaway: Malevolent by Cassia Brightmore – Darkness Series – Book 1

Posted on 03/02/2015 by shellbellereads

Malevolent

The Darkness Series #1

by: Cassia Brightmore

Publication Date: February 23, 2015

Genre: Dark Erotic Thriller

Cover Design: Mayhem Cover Creations

Synopsis

Darkness has a seductive power, a delicious energy that sinks its claws in deep. Once the devil has a hold of you, true malevolence is born.

Sheriff Brady James has sworn to protect the small town of Durham Heights, his current priority to ruthlessly hunt a sadistic killer on the loose. With lives at stake, his focus is split between two beautiful women – one dark, one light. The clock is ticking, the threat palpable; crawling closer at every turn. Once death has you in its sights, there is no escape.

Pain. Suffering. Lives shattered and broken. In the fight of good against evil, who will survive?

This is the first book in the Darkness series, a wishing evil upon others novel that can be read as a standalone.

Due to mature content and violent situations, this book is recommended for readers 18 years and older.

Buy:

Excerpt

Grabbing her roughly by the arm, he hauled her back until she was flush against him, her back to his front. Grinding his erection into her ass, he lowered his lips to her ear. “You think you can push me like that and I won’t respond?” He taunted, nipping her ear painfully. She let out a low moan, her body beginning to betray her.

“You’re mine. I won’t share you, and I’ll be damned if I let anything happen to you, Gwyn. The sooner you get it through your head that I own you now, the better.” His hand trailed down her body, cupping her aching pussy through her shorts. Feeling her heat, he groaned. Dragging them backwards, he hit one of the tall trees, his hands coming up to brace her shoulders.

“Brady, please,” she begged. Her body was a slow fire, desire taking over every part of her being. This man and his fierce possessiveness of her awakened a darkness in her she didn’t know existed. He pinched her nipples roughly through her thin shirt, her back arching against him.

“You want my cock, sugar? Right here out in the open?”

Tina’s Review

Don’t let her sweet face fool you… there is a deliciously dark and wickedly twisted mind hiding beneath that adorably innocent facade.

Novella length, approximately 100 pages. Chapter One sets the tone for the violently graphic side to this story. If you are squeamish or your senses are easily offended: Do NOT read this. You have been warned. Sexual, physical, mental and emotional abuse do occur, as only one part, in the plot. It’s hard to rate the lead characters, as I feel the dark leads play just as an important role as Brady does. Whether it be the bad guys or the good, or even the females and secondary characters, they are are all written very well, each with a distinct and unique personality. The plot is intriguing, it sucks and pulls you in. The ease of flow creates a page-turning thriller that you can’t wait to see what happens next in. For being a novella length story, I am extremely surprised by how packed the content is in this story and the characters are richly developed.
As a debut novella, this is a fantastic start. I think Ms. Brightmore has a successful future ahead of her with this series if she continues to write at this level and only improves with age and experience. The only less than stellar comment I can make is that I’d figured the general identity of one of the malevolent duo out in the first chapter. The second one I’d bounced between three people, but the correct one of those three was only actually a fleeting thought. Looking back on it, the clues are all there… for the most part. It’ll keep you guessing and wanting more! Although the mystery is solved, the case is only partially closed. Predictability is low, if you’re not searching every shadow for clues. The conclusion is solid in that the current story is wrapped up well-enough, but there’s one element left wide open for the next book to pick up. I’d not call it a full-on cliffhanger, but more an “until next time”.

Facebook Release Party

https://www.facebook.com/events/1598699650365570

Authors who will be joining Cassia

Sydney Aaliyah Michelle I Evie Harper Author

Leighton Riley Author I Author Heather Leigh I Skye Callahan, Author

River Savage Author I Kat DeSalle & Kristin Leigh Jones I Author M. M. Koenig
Author Nina Levine I Author Gemma James I Lili Saint Germain

Meet the Author

Cassia Brightmore is a new indie author. Her debut novel, Malevolent is the first book in the Darkness Series and can be read as a standalone.

Writing has always been a passion of hers and publishing her first novel is truly a dream come true. She enjoys writing dark stories that she hopes will thrill the reader. When she’s not reading she can be found playing xbox one, watching re-runs of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and catching up on Revenge and Scandal. She also has an unhealthy obsession with Jon Snow from GOT (but who doesn’t??).

She lives in Grimsby, Canada with her two furbabies, Harley and Molly.

GIVEAWAY

$25 egift card (Winner’s choice)
2 Signed Paperbacks

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Review: Charade by J. S. Cooper – Prequel to Swept Away Series -Book 1.5- Novella

Posted on 02/25/2015 by shellbellereads

Charade

Swept Away Series – Book 1.5 – Prequel Novella

By J. S. Cooper

Synopsis

From New York Times bestselling author J.S. Cooper comes an e-novella prequel to the Swept Away series, best read after Illusion. Bianca is determined to avenge her father’s death, but to do that, she must get in bed with his enemies…

When Bianca’s father died, she was left with nothing but her memories—and a box full of secrets. Had her father really been squeezed out of the company he founded? And could his betrayers have something to do with the death of Bianca’s mother years before?

Bianca will do anything to find out—even pursue the heir to Bradley, Inc. But the road she’s on is a dangerous one, and if David Bradley sees through her charade, it could be deadly…

Buy : Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Charade by J. S. Cooper is the prequel novella in the Swept Away series. It can be read before book 1, Illusion or after. It is not a Stand Alone novella. It is a snippet of events in the complex plot in the Swept Away series.

Charade is an introduction to where it all began. Bianca’s father has passed away and she is left with boxes of old papers, letters, and documents that indicate that her mother’s death may not have been an accident. It also indicates that her father may have been swindled for a patent he created. It is the first time that Bianca has heard anything about her parents past.

The discoveries that she makes lead to more questions. The mystery is buried deep. Throughout her research on the information that she has obtained it is clear that the secrets have been buried deep and one family is behind it. She devises a plan to learn more about her parents past and the company that may have been responsible for their ruin.

She begins dating David Bradley, who is the son of the one of the founding members of the company in question. She is hoping to get close enough to find answers to her questions.

Bianca and David’s relationship progresses into what looks to be a very serious relationship. All seems to be going well until David starts showing his true colors. His family still remains a complete mystery. The past connections are starting to become dangerous. It is clear that his mysterious brother is the one in control.

Charade gives the reader a good insight to the story that is about to unfold in the Swept Away series. It gives the reader a sense of the mystery. It also gives the reader more of a sense of Bianca’s personality and drive.

I would recommend reading this novella along with the series. I am anxious to see where this series is going to next. New players are introduced in Illusion and the web of danger has been spun. The second book in the series, Disillusioned will release on March 17, 2015.

The Swept Away Series

Illusion – Book 1

Illusion is the book readers are calling a roller coaster ride of emotions. It’s achingly sexy, steaming hot, full of romance and has suspense that will keep you guessing until the last page.

Indie sensation and New York Times bestselling author of the Ex Games series and the Private Club series, J.S. Cooper introduces the Swept Away series–three new, dark and sexy romances about a woman marooned on a desert island with a mysterious stranger–but is he friend or foe?

The day started like every other day…

Bianca finds herself kidnapped and locked up in a van with a strange man. Ten hours later, they’re dumped on a deserted island. Bianca has no idea what’s going on and her attraction to this stranger is the only thing keeping her fear at bay.

Jakob wants only to figure out why they’ve been left on the island and how they can get off. But as the days go by, he can’t ignore his growing fascination with Bianca.

In order to survive, Bianca and Jakob must figure out how they’re connected, but as they grow closer, secrets are revealed that may destroy everything they thought they knew about each other.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Disillusioned – Book 2

Coming March 17, 2015

Following on the heels of Illusion, indie sensation and New York Times bestselling author J.S. Cooper brings us the second novel in the Swept Away series, a trilogy of dark and sexy romances about a woman marooned on a desert island with a sexy stranger—but is he friend or foe?

When Bianca and Jakob awake on a sandy shore in the middle of nowhere, their first thoughts are of survival. But as they explore their surroundings and try to discover who stranded them on the island, they can’t deny the electricity surging between them. Soon it’s more than just a campfire keeping them warm…

But just as Bianca is starting to trust Jakob, she uncovers a clue to their abduction—and he may know more than he’s letting on. Was Jakob just as surprised as she to find himself alone with her…or could the man she’s fallen for be her captor?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

About J. S. Cooper

Cooper is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She is a true romantic that is in love with love. The J. S. stands for Jaimie Suzi. She just thought J. S. sounded cooler! J. S. was born in London, England and moved to the States at age 17. She studied history in college and then went to law school and then decided to follow her writing dreams. J. S. writes ‘New Adult’ contemporary romance books because that is what she also loves to read.

Please join J. S. Cooper on her facebook page if you enjoy her books here: https://www.facebook.com/J.S.Cooperauthor. If you wish to get in contact, please email her at Jscooperauthor@gmail.com.

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Review : The Pure Sin Series by Kyra Davis – Deceptive Innocence & Dangerous Alliance

Posted on 02/25/2015 by shellbellereads

Deceptive Innocence

The Pure Sin Series – Book 1

By Kyra Davis

Synopsis

Kyra Davis, the New York Times bestselling author of Just One Night, returns with book one in the thrillingly erotic Pure Sin series featuring a beautiful young woman out for revenge—until she falls in love with the one man whose secrets are as dangerous as her own.

Ever since Bell’s mother died while serving time for a murder she didn’t commit, Bell’s been focused on one thing: revenge. She knows her mother was set up by Jonathon Gable, the head of both the powerful Gable family and an international banking corporation. Now she’s determined to take him down—from the inside.

Bell needs access to the Gable home and offices, so she poses as a bartender to seduce her way into the bed—and life—of Jonathon’s rebellious youngest son, Lander. He’s not a typical Gable, spending more time in the dive bars of Harlem than the posh cocktail lounges of the Upper East Side. He has an attraction to danger, a vulnerability Bell isn’t shy about exploiting. It should be easy to uncover the secrets she needs to destroy his family and clear her mother’s name.

But it turns out Lander is much more complicated than she ever imagined. He’s enticing, intelligent, mysterious—plus their sexual chemistry is off the charts. Even though Bell knows he’s the enemy, she can’t help but be moved, both physically and emotionally, by the man she swore was just a target. When he finds out the truth she’s sure both their hearts and her plan will be crushed…until she begins to realize that Lander might be hiding his own secrets, darker than she ever imagined.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Deceptive Innocence by Kyra Davis is the beginning of one woman’s obsessive need for vengeance. She is demanding to have justice for the wrong doings that tore her family and life to shreds. She has declared war on the Gable family. She is going to destroy these men the way they destroyed her life. She has studied her foes. She has educated and trained to infiltrate their world. She has carefully plotted her vengeance. She is ready.

Belle’s mother was wrongfully convicted of murdering her lover. Her lover was a wealthy and powerful married man. Belle believes that the Gable family is responsible for framing her mother. After her mother commits suicide in prison, Belle begins the course of revenge for her death. She has targeted the Gable sons as a way to get to their father.

She takes a job as Travis Gable’s PA. She begins her destruction of his family from within as the role of the trusted assistant. She is also secretly dating his brother, Lander Gable. Lander does not want Belle working for his brother. She can sense a hidden tension between the brothers. This tension is will feed into her plan for her revenge.

She becomes involved with Lander Gable. He is quite different than her initial impression she had from her research. He has an air of mystery and hidden secrets. He records some of his secrets through caricature art and wordplay in his journal. He fights likes he comes from the streets. He makes love like Valentino. He lives two very different kinds of lives. He has a secret as well. He wants vengeance against his family for different reasons.

Is their enemy the same? Will these two be able to hang onto the relationship they have started? When the big reveal comes it will leave the readers anticipating the next book. It is a major cliffhanger.

Deceptive Innocence was loaded with mystery, intrigue, passion, and smoking hot love scenes. It built a story that captured the reader’s full attention. The pacing was perfect. The characters were intriguing. I can’t wait to read Dangerous Alliance, book 2 in the Pure Sin Series.

Dangerous Alliance

The Pure Sin Series – Book 2

By Kyra Davis

Synopsis

From Kyra Davis, New York Times bestselling author of Just One Night, comes Book Two in the Pure Sin series that Sinfully Sexy is calling “angsty, intriguing, and off the charts sexy.”

The beautiful, angry Bell has revenge in her heart and Lander Gable in her sights. She’s seduced her way into his arms with the intent to destroy his wealthy family. But now that she’s there, lust and passion have begun squeezing out that desire for vengeance. It’s a dangerous game Bell is playing, and sex, mystery, and lies are the most intriguing game pieces of all.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Dangerous Alliance by Kyra Davis picks up where Pure Sin left off.

Belle and Lander have joined forces on their quest for justice and revenge. Belle has let Lander take the lead. It turns out that Lander has his own agenda. Despite this, Belle is still manipulative and ready to play her cards. Once her cards are played and revenge is on the threshold Belle realizes she doesn’t know what to do with her life. Will her relationship with Lander be the same? Will they have a future together?

What unfolds throughout this story will take the reader’s through many twists and turns. The final moments of Belle’s revenge will come as a complete surprise from an unsuspecting source. The final confrontation will blow the readers away. The ending will leave the reader satisfied with this series.

Belle and Lander are one of the hottest couples in print. This couple’s heat burned the house down.

The Pure Sin series is one of the best erotic romantic suspense series I have read. I highly recommend this series.

________________________________

About Kyra Davis

Kyra Davis is the New York Times bestselling author of the the JUST ONE NIGHT trilogy, SO MUCH FOR MY HAPPY ENDING and the Sophie Katz mysteries. She grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and is currently living in Southern California with her son and his charming, albeit moody leopard gecko. You can learn more about Kyra Davis and her books by visiting: http://www.kyradavis.com

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Amazon Author Page

Happy Release + Review + Giveaway: Killian by Brenda Rothert – On The Line Series – Book 1

Posted on 02/24/2015 by shellbellereads

Happy Release Day to Brenda Rothert and her new book KILLIAN! Read a sneak peek into the book below and make sure to enter the giveaway! Good luck!

♥ BUY THE BOOK ♥

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Killian Bosch knows he’s his own worst enemy – he just doesn’t give a damn. The star forward of a minor league hockey team, he’s unstoppable on the ice. His reckless behavior, devil-may-care attitude and complete disregard for consequences have made him a major source of headaches for the Fenway Flyers’ brass.
But the new Flyers owner is more steel than brass. Sidney Stahl is a disciplined woman who parlayed earnings from a college job into a real estate empire. She’s determined to transform the Flyers from marketing nightmare to hockey powerhouse. Once she gets Killian in line, she knows the rest of the team will follow his lead.

The seduction of his sexy new team owner is a challenge too forbidden for Killian to resist. Sidney plays into his attraction as a means of controlling him, but soon finds that she’s the one surrendering. It’s all on the line as Killian and Sidney are forced to choose – business or pleasure?

My mind was jerked back to the present when I became aware the coach had moved on from his teaching lesson. “The new owner’s upstairs watching practice,” Orion announced, giving us the evil eye. We all looked up in the direction of the owner’s box, but I couldn’t see anyone standing inside.

Orion turned to Bruce, the Flyers assistant coach, and spoke in a voice loud enough that no one could miss what he was saying, “Bruce, did we not have a meeting with the new owner before practice this morning?”

Bruce nodded his agreement.

“Tell me if I remember this right, Bruce.” Orion continued. “Did she tell us this team will be undergoing some major changes? That we’ll be making cuts and bringing in new talent?”

“That’s right, Coach,” Bruce said in an even tone.

Sighs and shuffling from around me indicated nervousness. I had nothing to worry about. I was the captain of the team and probably the best player here, though Bennett was a very close second. But the idea of cutting the dead weight got my attention. I was as disgusted as Orion with the record of our team. It was fucking embarrassing. He’d been brought in by the new ownership to turn things around and it sounded like that was about to happen.

“I’ve been here two weeks,” he said. “I’ve given all of you a chance to show me you want to be on this team. Starting today, there’ll be one on one meetings between some of you and the new owner. Later on, Bruce and I will talk to each of you individually to let you know who’s staying and who’s going. Now back to the fucking play, boys.”

As we turned to get back in line, Orion called Liam’s name. “You’re up first with the owner,” he said. “You know where her office is?”

My head swiveled to look at Orion. Her? The new owner was a woman? Fucking hell. A woman wouldn’t be able to make the tough decisions this team needed to recover from its place at the bottom of the league.

And what about Liam? He was a quiet, solid player on the first line. What the hell did the new ownership want with him? I wanted to go with him to that meeting, but that was never going to happen.

Liam skated over to the bench and I glanced back up at the owner’s box, glowering. Anybody who fucked with Liam was also fucking with me. I had nothing to lose, and a man with nothing to lose was never someone you wanted to fuck with. Especially not by some woman who thought she could overhaul this team and turn things around. Others had tried and failed. She would be no different.

______________________________________

Tracey’s Review

As the new owner of the Fenway Flyers, businesswoman Sidney Stahl has got her work cut out for her. Her only goal is to get her hockey team in fighting form, and to convince team captain Killian Bosch to set a good example for his teammates. Killian is anything but sedate. Working and playing hard, the last thing he’s looking for is to settle down and tow the line, but saying no to Sidney might not be as easy as he thinks.

KILLIAN is the first in a new series by author Brenda Rothert. Brenda is no stranger to delivering stories about hot hockey players. Her Fire On Ice series features some of the hottest pro players out there, and Killian and his friends are right in line to continue the trend. Killian is passionate, dedicated to the game and to his brothers on the team. Inspired to play his best by his new coach, Orion Caldwell, he finds himself drawn to Sidney, the new owner of the Flyers. Sidney knows that she should stay away from Killian, that getting involved with him is not the professional thing to do, but the heart wants what it wants, and these two definitely want each other.

I very much enjoyed reading KILLIAN. As always, Brenda has written a love story between characters with a lot of heart, but which is also absolutely full of passion and heat. Sidney and Killian are great foils for each other, each inspiring the other to evolve into better versions of themselves. Although their story is mostly wrapped up in this book, I look forward to seeing more of them in future books in the On the Line series, and to reading both Liam’s and Bennett’s stories.

Author Bio:

Brenda Rothert lives in Central Illinois with her husband and three sons. She was a daily print journalist for nine years, during which time she enjoyed writing a wide range of stories.

These days Brenda writes New Adult Romance in the Contemporary and Dystopian genres. She loves to hear from readers by email at bjrothert@sbcglobal.net.

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Review: Snowed In by Sarah Title – Southern Comfort Series – Book 3

Posted on 02/23/2015 by shellbellereads

Snowed In

Southern Comfort Series – Book 3

By Sarah Title

Synopsis

There’s nothing like a hot kiss on a cold day…

Librarian Maureen O’Connell might have predicted she’d find herself crying into the ice cream case at the supermarket after a bad breakup—but she definitely never imagined that a guy hot enough to melt the Rocky Road would flirt with her right there in the freezer aisle. Only Gavin Fraser isn’t a fantasy, he’s a mouth-watering new flavor…

When a freak snowstorm strands Maureen at Gavin’s after just one date, it’s a perfect excuse for something a lot steamier than hot chocolate in front of the fire. It’s definitely lust. Can it also be love?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tracey’s Review

After being jilted by her boyfriend of two years, Maureen O’Connell finds herself in a, well, strange position. Considering drowning her woes in a pint of ice cream, Maureen’s encounter with a mystery man amidst the frozen foods is completely out of character, but does the trick of snapping her out of her misery. And when fate brings them together again, she’s in for quite a surprise.

Snowed In by Sarah Title was a pleasant surprise for me. I’d never read any of Sarah’s books, but this one looked cute (I’m a sucker for a story involving a librarian, being the book lover that I am), so I picked it up. This is a shorter read, but no less engaging for not being longer. Maureen’s inner dialogue had me laughing, and Gavin is an absolute sweetheart, being just what Maureen needs to get over her ex. Their interactions are sweet, humorous, and pretty darned sexy, and I enjoyed reading their story. Sarah writes character and dialogue in a way that drew me right in and kept me reading straight through to see how things finished up. The secondary characters are great, too. I absolutely adored Pippa and Marv; they are a hoot, and we should all be so lucky to have neighbors like them.

The only thing that gave me pause with Snowed In was the darned insta-love aspect between Maureen and Gavin. It’s fairly common in romances, especially if the story is shorter, but I have a hard time buying into the idea. Given the quirky way that they met, though, and the chemistry between them, I was willing to go along with the story and see how it played out, and Sarah did a nice job of tying things together in the end. I will happily read more books by Sarah, and would recommend Snowed In for fans of the genre.

The Southern Comfort Series

Kentucky Home – Book 1

In this warm and witty new series, author Sarah Title introduces readers to the down home Kentucky hospitality of the Carson family and their Wild Rose Farm and Stables. It’s a place where love is always possible—and sweeter than ever the second time around…

Mallory Thompson and Keith Carson are far from impressed with each other when she arrives at his family’s horse farm, fleeing an abusive marriage. Mallory sees nothing but a gruff man who’s as patronizing as her soon-to-be ex-husband, and Keith has no time for a city girl who’s afraid of dogs. But the struggling Wild Rose is too small to allow anyone to keep their distance…

As one by one, Mallory wins the hearts of his family, from his cranky father to his headstrong younger sister and three-legged dog, Keith finds himself more than a little attracted to her stubborn charm. And the longer Mallory stays, the more she realizes Keith is nothing like the overbearing bully she married—and the more she fantasizes about being in his strong, loving arms. Maybe some folks get a second chance to make a first impression after all…

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Home Sweet Home – Book 2

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single woman in possession of a ramshackle house must be in want of a handyman.”

Just because English professor Grace Williams is a woman whose “new” house is crumbling around her doesn’t mean she needs an arrogant, condescending man’s help, even if he does look gorgeous in faded jeans and a tool belt. What she needs is a working bathroom, not a ridiculous crush.

Jake Burdette has no use for the university types who stumble around Willow Springs, with their noses in the air whenever they’re not in a book. He may not be a scholar, but he’s proud of the hard, honest work he does—even if he would appreciate a little more of it. He doesn’t need Grace’s pity, even if he does wish she wasn’t so adorably sexy.

They’re all wrong for each other. But Grace’s troublesome house seems to feel differently…

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Sarah Title has worked as a barista, a secretary, a furniture painter, and once managed a team of giant walking beans. She currently leads a much more normal life as a librarian in West Virginia. Kentucky Home is her first novel.

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

Posted on 02/18/2015 by shellbellereads

Title: Touch & Go

Series: Dare to Love #2

Author: Mira Lyn Kelly

Publisher: Loveswept

Release Date: February 17, 2015

Synopsis

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

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

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

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Tina’s Review

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

Links to Buy

AMAZON US / UK

B&N / KOBO / iBOOKS

Also Available

AMAZON US / UK

B&N / KOBO / iBOOKS

Author Bio

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

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Review + Giveaway: Intoxicate by Tessa Teevan – Explosive Series- Book 4

Posted on 02/13/2015 by shellbellereads

Intoxicate

Explosive Series – Book 4

By Tessa Teevan

Synopsis

Marry me.

Two words Kalli Montgomery never expected to say out loud to Xavier Cruz, even though she’s been in love with the sexy, single father for as long as she can remember. Unfortunately, she hasn’t just been friend-zoned for the past ten years. No, even worse, he’s treated her like a little sister, no matter how hard she tried to prove she could be so much more. When she agrees to spend the summer as the caregiver for his daughter, Lily, she knows it’s her last chance to finally make him take notice.

As unexpected circumstances threaten to disrupt his home life, Xavier’s desperate to keep his family together. He’ll do whatever it takes, even if it means marrying a woman he doesn’t love. For Xavier and Lily, Kalli will do just about anything, even at the risk of getting her heart broken in the process.

Little does she know, sometimes love isn’t quite as unrequited as one may think. Xavier sees her-he always has. And the vow he made all those years ago never to go there with his best friend’s little sister is wavering, and it’s wavering fast. When they come up with a plan that leads to wedding bells, it’s a no brainer.

This marriage of convenience has one rule: absolutely no falling in love.

Easier said than done. Throw together a girl who believes rules are meant to be broken, and a man whose whole career revolves around following orders and you get a recipe for disaster. What could possibly go wrong?

Shooting a glare at him, I throw my hands up in exasperation. “Are you telling me that this whole anticipation thing is one-sided? Is it that easy for you to resist? I really need to step up my game.”

Xavier’s eyes fall to my lips for a quick moment before he looks back up at me. I see the desire in his expression, and without him even saying a word, I know he wants this, too. So why is he making me wait?

“You have no idea how much I want to kiss you right now. How many times I’ve thought of doing just that. Every time you were curled up against me on the couch, I wanted to kiss you. Every morning when you showed up, I wanted to kiss you. Every time you said goodnight to Lily and then slipped out my door? I wanted to kiss you before you left. It’s not a new development. The first time I ever saw you, Kalli, I wanted to kiss you. And I’ve wanted to ever since.”

His admission floors me. He’s told me before that he “saw” me, but I had no clue it was from the very beginning. I’m not really sure how to process it. In fact, he beats me to the punch.

“So now you know. This will be just as hard for me, but it will be so damn worth it. Because when you’ve wanted something for as long as I’ve wanted you? It’ll be the best feeling in the world when I finally get it.”

“Our first kiss will be that epic?”

“A first kiss to rival them all,” he quips, grinning at me. He holds his arms out wide. “Now, we’ll start with a hug and work our way up.”

“I feel like I’m sixteen again,” I tell him as I wrap my arms around his waist.

His hands come down to my back and he gives me a big squeeze, my head pressing against his firm chest. I love this feeling of being in his arms, him holding me close. There’s nowhere on the planet I’d rather be than right here with him. As much as I want him, I know he’s right. I don’t care when it comes. Because when it does, our first kiss will be unforgettable.

His chest rumbles as he chuckles. He squeezes me tight one last time before letting me go. “And it’s only just the beginning,” he tells me. “Have a good night, crazy girl.”

Michel’s Review

Intoxicate is the book fans of the Explosive Series by Tessa Teevan have been waiting for. The characters have played parts in all of the previous books. The build up to this book was like mental foreplay. Tessa carefully laid the ground work and built a slow burning desire between these two.

Xavier Cruz is a single father. He is Kalli Montgomery’s older brother’s best friend. He has known Kalli since she was sixteen. Although he was attracted to her, she was forbidden territory. Now he is desperate to hang onto his daughter. He needs a stable home life. He needs a wife. Kalli is the perfect woman for the job. She loves his daughter. They have been friends for ten years. She is no longer a girl, she is a vibrant woman.

Kalli has been in love with Xavier since the moment she met him at age sixteen. She adores his daughter as well. When the opportunity to marry Xavier to help save his family is on the table, she is all in. She knows that this is her chance at fulfilling her dreams.

What starts as a marriage between friends turns into a smoldering, passionate relationship. The discovery of an undeniable love is slow building, one kiss at a time.

Intoxicate was a wonderful read. It was not loaded with a lot of angst and indecision. It focused on two people coming together, building a relationship, falling hopelessly in love, and creating a happy family. This book had the right amount of playfulness, humor, passion, sizzling bedroom themes, and romance that makes your heart beat a bit faster. I would recommend this book and the Explosive series.

The Explosive Series

Ignite- Book 1

Buy: Amazon

Incinerate- Book 2

Buy: Amazon

Inflame- Book 3

Buy: Amazon

About Tessa Teevan

I’m a twenty something book junkie who is also obsessed with sports. Bengals, Buckeyes, Reds are my teams! I work for the government during the day, hang out with Air National Guard on the weekends, and have been married to my own book boyfriend for over seven years. We currently live right outside of Dayton, OH with our two cats.

If I’m not writing or looking through tons of photos of hot men, all in the name of research, then you can probably find me curled up with my Kindle, ignoring the rest of the world. I love my sports almost as much as I love my books. My other obsessions include red wine, hot men, country music, and all things Grace Potter.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Email

_________________________________________

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Happy Release + Review + Giveaway : Obligations by Aurora Rose Reynolds – Underground Kings Series – Book 2

Posted on 02/12/2015 by shellbellereads

Obligation

Underground Kings Series- Book 2

By Aurora Rose Reynolds

Release Date: February 12, 2015

Synopsis

[ob-li-gey-shuh n]

An obligation is a course of action that someone is required to take, whether legal or moral.

Myla was sent to a family her father and mother had chosen for her when they knew their time on earth was almost up.

Kai has been watching Myla from afar since he took over the family business from his father and inherited the responsibility of keeping her safe.

When word gets back to Kai that Myla is in danger he immediately jumps into action and does the only thing that can be done at the time by marrying her.

To Kai, Myla is an unwanted obligation, something that has to be done in order to protect the family business. And to Myla, Kai is another man who she believes will let her down. Neither Myla nor Kai would have thought that something that started off as a farce would become the most important thing either of them could’ve ever done.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Excerpt

“Everyone is looking for you.”

I turn my head, pulling my hair out of my face as I watch a boy I’ve never seen before climb up the stairs and into my tree house.

“Who are you?” I ask him as he sits across from me.

“Kai,” he smiles, looking around. He looks a lot different than the other kids I know. His hair is long, and his skin is a lot darker than mine. “Why are you hiding?”

I shrug and look away from him. Daddy was yelling earlier; he was so mad that he was turning red. Then Mommy started crying, and Daddy started yelling louder. I heard Mommy telling Daddy that he had to send me away. I don’t want to go away. I try to be good, but sometimes, I forget to listen.

“Why are you crying?”

I look up at him and wipe my face. “I’m scared,” I whisper, wiping my nose.

“Come on. I’ll protect you,” he says, holding his hand out to me.

Then my mommy calls my name again. I look at his hand, move Mr. Bear under my arm, and put my hand in his.

“Myla!” Mommy yells, running towards me.

I can tell she has been crying again.

“Where did you go?” Her hands grab my shoulders and she shakes me hard.

“It’s my fault. I asked her to show me the tree house,” Kai tells her.

She stops shaking me then looks at him. “You shouldn’t have done that. You knew we were looking for her,” she says angrily her head.

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking,” Kai says softly, putting his hands in his pockets and looking at the ground.

I look back at Mommy, and she shakes her head before grabbing my hand and pulling me with her. When I look over my shoulder at Kai, he smiles, making me smile back.

Don’t Miss Out On The First Book in the Underground Kings Series

as·sump·tion:

a thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof

They say when you assume that you make an ass out of you and me. Kenton Mayson learned this lesson firsthand when he made assumptions about Autumn Freeman and the kind of woman she is based on what little information he had. What he finds out is she’s not only beautiful, but also smart, funny, a fighter, and exactly the kind of woman he wants to share his life with. Autumn made assumptions of her own about Kenton, and now he needs to prove her wrong in order to protect her and their future.

Warning 18 and over due to violence and sexual encounters

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Obligation is the second book in the Underground Kings Series by Aurora Rose Reynolds. Aurora has delivered another sexy Alpha Bad Boy that has a heart of gold and is as fierce as a lion. I fell in love with Kai just like I have with all of Aurora’s other leading Alphas.

Obligation begins with a bang. Myla has married a stranger. A man that offered her protection when her ordinary non descript life in Seattle almost comes to an explosive end. She can’t understand why someone is out to destroy her. She has married a man she doesn’t know in the name of survival.She can’t understand how Kai knew to come when she needed him the most. The one thing her instincts tell her is that she can trust Kai with her life.

Kai is the head of an organized crime family in Hawaii. His family has ties and obligations to Myla’s birth family. He has watched her from afar and stepped in when she needed his protection. He has his own problems with enemies of the family that need to be “taken” care of. The last thing he needs is to be taking care of a woman. A woman who’s past has brought trouble not only to herself but Kai’s business as well.

Myla and Kai have been destined to be together since they were children. Destiny has come knocking on the door. What starts as an obligation becomes consumption. These two were meant to love each other.

Just as they are working out the kinks and making their relationship real ,the world will implode around them. Enemies are taking control, surprises for their family are on the horizon, and life is changing at a very fast pace.

They will have to do everything in their power to keep their love strong. Kai will protect Myla at all costs. Myla will find new strengths she never knew she possessed.

At the end of the day it will be Kai’s crazy Uncle Frank that saves the day and gives them the opportunity to build their happily ever after.

I love Aurora’s writing style. Her stories have the right amount of grit and action. They also have the right amount of sexual tension and red hot love scenes. What I love best about her books is that she builds a solid relationship between her characters outside of the bedroom. Her dialogues are entertaining, witty, and emotional. By the end of each book the reader has a huge smile on their face.

Aurora Rose Reynolds is a “feel good” author that always delivers a good book. Read Obligation! It won’t disappoint.

About Aurora Rose Reynolds

Aurora Rose Reynolds is a navy brat who’s husband served in the United States Navy. She has lived all over the country but now resides in New York City with her Husband and pet fish. She’s married to an alpha male that loves her as much as the men in her books love their women. He gives her over the top inspiration everyday. In her free time she reads, writes and enjoys going to the movies with her husband and cookie. She also enjoys taking mini weekend vacations to nowhere, or spends time at home with friends and family. Last but not least she appreciates everyday and admires it’s beauty.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Tag Archives: 4 Star Review

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

Review + Giveaway: Intoxicate by Tessa Teevan – Explosive Series- Book 4

Happy Release + Review + Giveaway : Obligations by Aurora Rose Reynolds – Underground Kings Series – Book 2

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