ARC Review: Wake Up Maggie (The Misadventures of Maggie Mae) by Beth Yarnall- Book 1

Posted on 01/23/2015 by shellbellereads

Wake Up Maggie Mae

The Misadventures of Maggie Mae- Book 1

By Beth Yarnall

Synopsis

Making up, making out, and tracking a murderer…

A Maggie Mae Misadventure

Rearranging your cheating boyfriend’s family jewels isn’t a crime—unless your boyfriend is an Arizona state senator. And he happens to have a bullet in his chest.

Caught at the scene of the crime, Maggie Mae Castro is the only suspect, and the only one who saw the senator’s real killer—the skank ho he was cheating on her with.

FBI Special Agent Clive Poole has been shadowing the senator’s every move for nearly a year. He’s wanted Maggie from afar and knows she didn’t kill the senator, but with temptation close enough to touch, it’s now his job to protect her from danger.

Maggie finds herself falling for a man who knows everything about her, from her juvie record to her shoe size. But when they learn the senator was not what he seemed, and Maggie becomes the target of not one, but two killers bent on hiding their secrets, keeping Maggie safe is going to be even more difficult for Clive than sticking to his “hands off” policy.

Warning: Contains inappropriate make-out sessions, flying bullets, a senator with secrets, designer shoe abuse, and a vegetarian Special Agent who’s incredibly attracted to a woman who slathers her bacon cheeseburgers with PB&J. We’re talking about Maggie Mae Castro here—you never know what’s going to go down.

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Tina’s Review

Micro Novella, under 100 pages.
She’s been framed for murdering (and desecrating) her ultra-conservative senator boyfriend. He’s been surveilling the Senator for nearly a year and knows she’s not the killer. There’s a certain Stephanie Plum-esque vibe going on here. Surprisingly, there’s a full story packed in so short a page-span! The characters are likable, the dialogue is witty and smart, the plot is complete and full, it flows smoothly. The conflicts are resolved with little predictability. There’s a satisfying conclusion to this particular “episode”, with more to come. A fun, quick read!

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Author Bio:

Best selling author, Beth Yarnall writes romantic suspense, mysteries and the occasional hilarious tweet. For a number of years, Beth made her living as a hairstylist and makeup artist and co-owned a salon. Somehow hairstylists and salons always seem to find their way into her stories. Beth lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their dog where she is hard at work on her next novel.

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ARC Review : Maya -And The- Tough Guy by Carter Ashby – Big Girl Panties Series – Book 2

Posted on 01/22/2015 by shellbellereads

Maya ~And The~ Tough Guy

Big Girl Panties Series – Book 2

By Carter Ashby

Synopsis

Maya Bradley is on her own now. With the help of her dear friends, Zoey and Addy, she’s determined to give her children the lives they deserve, away from their abusive father. But the journey is destined to be difficult, and she meets her first roadblock when she asks sexy, tattooed bar owner, Jayce Gilmore, for a job serving drinks.

Jayce has two reasons for not wanting to hire Maya. One: she deserves a more respectable job. And two: he’s been madly in love with her since he was a young boy. But when he finally realizes how desperate she is for work, he has no choice but to bring her on.

With Maya struggling to earn a living, get an education, and raise two children, Jayce finally finds himself in a position to help her. And though she isn’t interested in a relationship, Maya is showing definite signs of physical attraction. Jayce is sure he can keep his love hidden and fulfill her every fantasy. Unfortunately, he has severely underestimated the needs of his heart. As the moment of truth fast approaches, Maya must decide whether to break a tough guy’s heart, or open her fragile soul to the risks that come with loving again.

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Tina’s Review

This is the second book in the Big Girl Panties series. It can stand alone, but would be more meaningful if you’ve read book one first.
Eight years ago, Jayce and Maya almost had a “moment” on the night of their high school prom. When she backed out, Jayce was kind about it. He took her home and gave her his number. That was the night that irrevocably changed Maya’s life forever. With Maya trying to gain some independence after a lengthy healing process and having Damon arrested, she tries to find a job. Not an easy task for someone afraid of her own shadow. After discovering the lengths she’ll go to to provide for her children, Jayce employs her. Suddenly he’s nearly as afraid of her as she is of him!
Emotional. I laughed, I cried. I love Maya and if I thought she broke my heart in the first book, it was nothing compared to this one. Jayce pulls off such a strong and confident persona for the world, but inside, he’s still pretty broken too. What a wonderful pair. The secondary characters are terrific. They are strong and supportive without trying to take over the plot. The interaction and dialogue is real… it sucks you in, makes you *feel*. The plot is terrific and the story flowed quite smoothly. The conflicts are plentiful, some minor while some are complex and most were resolved. It’s a small puzzle piece, but no further mention is made of Maya’s dad’s outcome. Predictability was not obvious. This story concludes well, but leaves you anticipating Addy and Grey’s story.

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Author Bio:

When I got my first email from the man who would one day be my husband, it was very clear that he did not want to email me. Friends had set us up and he was obviously bowing to their pressure. His email consisted of a numerical list of facts about himself that he clearly meant to be the end of our correspondence.

My snarky response was a numerical list of facts about myself, and for some reason, he liked it. So that’s what I’m going to do here, since I’m not so good at writing about myself.

Carter is not my real name. Imagine how you would feel if your strictly right-wing religious family and friends found out you wrote stuff with sex and bad words in it.
I’ve been married 11 years and have three kids and two dogs.
I like to garden but I DO NOT like to talk about gardening. So please, let’s not talk about gardening.
I’m deeply introspective and welcome anyone who wants to bitch-slap me back into reality, should I float away a little too far into my own thoughts.
I think fiction is a basic and essential element of our existence as humans. I think it’s part of what makes us human. And I think we relate better to each other through stories than we do through fact–bitch slap me now, I’m getting introspective.
I’m a little flighty about hobbies. Reading, writing, and bread baking are the only ones that have stood the test of time. Current hobbies include mixing drinks, making mead, gardening, fermenting stuff from the garden…I think that’s all at the moment.
I’ll read anything. Most of my loved ones stick to their favorite genre, so I will go read what they’re reading so we can have stuff to talk about at the dinner table.
I homeschool my children. Not because of religious reasons. Not because I hate the system (although I’m not overly fond of it). But because I just want to be with them. And playing school is fun. Remember that? Playing teacher and making your younger sister do a bunch of homework? Was that just me?
Last one: The first time I dropped out of college was because I was having one of those existential crises teenagers are so fond of having. When I went home, I found stacks and stacks of notebooks in my closet full of unfinished (and god-awful) stories. I didn’t even remember writing them. But that’s when I realized that I was a writer. Because I have to do it. It’s who I am. The publishing thing is virgin territory, but I have always, and always will, write. Because I have to.

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ARC Review: Justin by Christi Snow – The Male Model Chronicles – Book 1

Posted on 01/21/2015 by shellbellereads

Justin

Male Model Chronicles – Book 1

By Christi Snow

Synopsis

Tara Malone is having one of those lives. Born to Oscar award-winning actor, Anthony Malone, and model-famous beauty, Veronica Scott, she should have it made. But her curvy figure and out-of-control frizzy red hair are just the start of her many, many issues. Now to make matters worse, she’s started out her week by running over model, Justin James, with her car. She had a lot of fantasies about the cover model, but never did any of them include vehicular assault.

Justin James doesn’t have time for two broken wrists, but neither does his over-achieving family. He can’t open up his fridge or unzip his fly without excruciating pain and no one else has the time to help him. Tara already shot him down at the accident scene, but maybe he can work this so that the curvy bombshell has a reason to hang around for a bit. He’s not above using guilt if it means he gets to know her better.

The first in a new series of novellas inspired by Shauna Kruse’s photography and her beautiful male models.

The Male Model Chronicles.

Disclaimer: The Male Model Chronicles, a new fictional series, built around the real-life world of Kruse Images & Photography and the gorgeous male models that Shauna Kruse gets to immortalize in her photos. The heroes are real people who also happen to be male models, but every single other thing about the series is fiction.

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Justin by Christi Snow is a delightful contemporary romance. It is the first book in the Male Model Chronicles series.

One accident brings two unlikely people together. When Tara Malone accidentally runs Justin James over with her car while searching her phone for coffee,it seems as if fate has stepped in. Rather than being angry, Justin is mesmerized by the beautiful woman kneeling over him in the street.

Tara offers to help Justin with his health care needs as well as everyday life needs. Her demanding boss is out of town and she has time on her hands.

Justin and Tara have an undeniable chemistry that smolders throughout the book. Not only are they sexually attracted to one another, they also genuinely like one another.

Tara’s demanding boss will interfere with their time together. The results only make it better for both of them. Tara will grow as an individual. Justin will find that he is falling head over heels for the first time.

Justin was a feel good book. I loved both of the characters. I love their intellectual chemistry as well as their sexual chemistry. One of the best parts of this book was that Justin was a cover model for romance books. Tara was an avid reader of these books and appreciated Justin’s work.

I am looking forward to the next book in the Male Model series by Christi Snow.

Christi Snow is a fantastic writer. I have read and reviewed several of her romantic suspense books. She knows how to add the right amount of romance, the right amount of sexual tension, a solid plot, and endearing characters. Don’t miss out on her books.

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About Christi Snow

As an avid reader my entire life, I’ve always dreamed of writing books that brought to others the kind of joy I feel when I read.

But…I never did anything about it besides jot down a few ideas and sparse scenes.
When I turned 41, I decided it was time to go after my dream and started writing. Within four months, I’d written over 150,000 words and haven’t stopped since. I’ve found my passion by writing about sexy, alpha heroes and smart, tough heroines falling in love and finding their passion. I’m truly living the dream and loving every minute of it.
My tagline is…
Passion and adventure on the road to Happily Ever After. I have to admit, I am loving this adventure!

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ARC Review: The Marriage Match by Tracy March- Suddenly Smitten Series – Book 3

Posted on 01/21/2015 by shellbellereads

The Marriage Match

Suddenly Smitten Series – Book 3

By Tracy March

Synopsis

Hot bachelor seeks bride…

Resort tycoon Trent Hawthorne is looking for a wife. His all-business, no-nonsense grandmother (and the matriarch of the small town of Maple Creek) has selected three potential brides―all beautiful and approved. Each “fantasy date” will take place in a lush Caribbean setting, filmed like a reality show to promote the Hawthorne family’s chain of resorts. All of Trent’s hopes for love combined with a clever marketing gimmick…what could possibly go wrong?

As it turns out, all it takes is a kiss. A sizzling, sweet-as-sin kiss. But Cynthia Sawyer isn’t one of the bachelorettes, and she’s definitely not supposed to be making out with her boss’s sexy grandson. Not to mention it’s strictly against company policy. But Cynthia has her own reasons for hooking Trent up with a bride who isn’t her as soon as possible. And losing her heart is a price that she’s willing to pay…

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Tina’s Review

Cynthia “Cyn” Sawyer is the personal assistant to “The Queen”, Fairleigh Hawthorne. Daughter of a minister and librarian, she grew up under the strict regimes of How to become a Proper Young Lady, which she was not inclined to go along with. She’s already stressed over the elaborate annual garden party that the manor hosts, but now the Queen has devised a scheme of epic proportions that would take her in a whole new direction.
Trent Hawthorne couldn’t decide if his grandmother’s marketing idea was insane or genius. As CEO of the family’s chain of resorts, It’s been proposed he partake in a Dating Game meets The Bachelor style reality adventure. Spend a weekend with three potential brides for the next upcoming three weeks leading up to a proposal and marriage.
He remembered her as a gawky Goth girl, but she’s all grown up now and he can’t help but notice. While going over plans, they realize that they truly get each other on an elemental level. Unfortunately she works for the Hawthornes because when she’s around, he forgets there are other girls waiting to to be chosen to become his bride.

As the third book in the series, you meet the characters that obviously were in the previous installments, but this book does stand solidly on it’s own. The characters are quite enjoyable and maintain believable interaction and dialogue throughout. The plot and concept are light and fun with an easy reading flow. This made for a very pleasurable experience. There were several conflicts layered into the story that were fully resolved by the end. Predictability was a given in some areas, but it did not take away from anything. The conclusion was tight and solid, very well done.

About Tracy March

Award-winning author Tracy March writes romantic thrillers influenced by her interest in science and politics. She also writes lighthearted romances inspired by her real-life happily ever after.

Look for Tracy’s Suddenly Smitten contemporary romance series including THE PRACTICE PROPOSAL, TEMPTED IN THE TROPICS (both selected as RT Book Reviews Top Picks), and THE MARRIAGE MATCH releasing in January 2015. Tracy’s romantic political thriller, GIRL THREE, was selected by Kathy Altman of USA Today as a Top Read of 2013, and her romantic suspense novel, A SHOT OF RED, was chosen as a Night Owl Reviews Top Pick.

Always up for travel and adventure, Tracy has flown in a stunt plane, snowmobiled on the Continental Divide, ziplined in the Swiss Alps, and been chased by a bull in the mountains of St. Lucia. She loves Nationals baseball, Saturday date nights, and Dairy Queen Blizzards—and rarely goes a day without Diet Coke and Cheez-Its.

Tracy lives in Yorktown, Virginia, with her superhero husband who works for NASA. They recently spent two years living in Washington D.C., and enjoy visiting often—especially when the Nats are in town.

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One Month of Elle Kennedy: After Hours Series Feature and Giveaway

Posted on 01/19/2015 by shellbellereads

One Month of Elle Kennedy

After Hours Series

3 Sexy Men…3 Determined Women…3 Sizzling Hot Romances

One Sizzling Hot Series

4 Star Series Review by Michel

Elle Kennedy is known for her sensual sizzling hot romances. Her alpha males captured the reader’s attention and have them swooning. Her strong leading ladies can bring these alpha men to their knees without breaking their spirit. Their passionate romances and heated bedroom scenes are in sync. Each and every book is thoroughly entertaining and worth every moment spent reading. The After Hours series is a fantastic way to spend reading.

One Night Of Sin

Book 1

Sometimes it’s good to be bad…

When it comes to sex, good girl Skyler Thompson always plays it safe, choosing stable and sedate over wild and thrilling. She doesn’t do one-night-stands, but one look at sinfully sexy Gage Holt and she’s willing to reconsider. He makes her want to be bad for once in her life, and she’s prepared to take what she wants.

Danger follows former MMA fighter Gage Holt like a shadow. Despite his successes as part owner of Sin, an exclusive nightclub in Boston, Gage can’t risk getting involved with a woman, especially one as sweet as Skyler. Still, he can’t resist a taste—and it’s so damn good he has to see her again.

As addicted as he is to her, Gage knows there’s no future for him and Skyler—not with his past lurking in the dark corners of an MMA cage. But Skyler’s tougher than she looks, and she’s ready to fight for her man.

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One Night of Sin gives the reader an introduction to the characters in the series. Three former MMA fighters and friends go into partnership in business. They open successful nightclubs and are on their way to making a new name for themselves. Each man has a specific role in their business.

Gage Holt is in charge of security. He is a quiet, no nonsense kind of guy. His reputation in the ring and upbringing in the lower side of Boston has made him best suited for this type of job.

When he meets Skyler at his club, he has a new fight on his horizon. This sexy woman has captured his attention. He finds that he wants to spend more time with this woman than between the sheets.

Just as things are looking good, Gage’s past takes over his new life. His younger brother has caused trouble and Gage will have to re enter the fighting world once again. The lowlifes of this world want to control Gage. Gage wants out.

Between fighting for his new life and trying to hang on to Skyler, Gage has his work cut out for him. Little does he know, he has someone who is fighting for him. Styler is ready to do anything to help Gage live his life happily. She will fight for their life together.

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One Night of Scandal

Book 2

Ex-fighter Reed Miller has been secretly lusting over his best friend’s girl for months, but he refuses to jeopardize a friendship over a woman—especially one who doesn’t like him all that much. Now that Darcy’s on the market again, it’s even more imperative to stick to his strict hands-off policy. But the sizzling attraction between them is too powerful to ignore, and once he’s had a taste of her…all bets are off.

Darcy Grant is tired of walking the straight and narrow path. She’s on the hunt for passion, and there’s no denying Reed is just the man to give it to her. Although she has no interest in dating a bad boy, and certainly not her ex’s best friend, it’s impossible not to melt beneath Reed’s skillful touch. Now it’s just a matter of setting a few ground rules—and hoping her rule-breaking, sweet-talking bad boy agrees to follow them. But if she lets Reed into her bed, does she stand a chance of keeping him out of her heart?

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What do you do when you want your best friend’s girlfriend? For Reed Miller it is to avoid her at all cost. His attitude towards Darcy comes across as harsh and at times downright cruel. It is the only way he can function around her and not betray his oldest and best friend A.J..

When Reed catches Darcy cheating on A.J. he is livid and steps in. He soon finds out that Darcy and A.J. have had a mutual and friendly break up, leaving the path clear for him to move in. In his mind it is still wrong to poach on his best friend’s ex.

Reed comes across as an insensitive habitual player. Beneath the surface he is a great guy. He has matured and is ready for a lasting relationship.

Darcy and Reed are thrown together in several new kinds of situations due to the break up. What they find is they have more in common than they thought. They find they have an intense chemistry for one another that they have never experienced before.

Can these two resist temptation? Or will they come clean to A.J. and get his blessing in their new relationship.

Love is worth it, even if it means losing your best friend.

It was an intense story that had no easy resolution. In the end love conquered all.

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One Night of Trouble

Book 3

No More Mr. Nice Guy…

The moment AJ Walsh sees the sexy, tattooed pixie walk up to his bar, it’s lust at first sight. He’s always been labeled the “nice” guy―opening doors, buying flowers, and never, ever having one-night stands. But with this wicked little angel with red lips and unfathomably dark eyes? Oh, yeah. Tonight, “nice” has nothing to do with it…

Brett Conlon is trying to convince her family that she’s put away her reckless wild girl side for good. Nothing―and no one―could be better for her reputation than golden boy AJ Walsh. So they make a deal: if he plays The Good Boyfriend for her family, he can be a very, very bad boy with her. Now their one naughty night is about to turn into a whole lot of trouble…

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One Night of Trouble was a delightful unexpected surprise. It is my favorite book in this series. A.J. Walsh is my kind of alpha guy.

A.J. Walsh has always been the good and nice guy. He was the perfect son, an all star athlete, the reliable friend, and steadfast business partner. His golden boy image and golden good looks have only made people see what’s in front of their eyes. They can’t see beneath the surface. They can’t see the guy that is strangling in his own image, a guy dying to break loose and through caution to the wind. They don’t see that his soul in withering. A.J. can’t even see it all himself. He has goals and self expectations on how his life should be. He has struggled with the man he is and the man he is hiding away.

When A.J. runs into an old schoolmate all bets are off. Brett Conlon is the kind of girl he has always wanted to get his hands on. She is the kind of girl that you don’t take home to meet the parents. She is a free spirit. Between her sexy tattoos, her rebellious attitude, and free spirit, A.J. is on the chase . For once in his life he is going to take what he wants and enjoy a wild fling.

As Brett and A.J. get to know one another they realize they have more in common than they thought. They also have hopes and dreams that they can help each other achieve.

Brett wants to prove that she has given up her wild ways and is ready to take over the new family business. What better way to prove it than to take A.J. Walsh home. Her family adores and respects him.

For A.J. the one thing he wants to have one wild fling. One that feeds the wild side he has hidden away. A fling with Brett is perfect. But what starts out as a fling turns into so much more. She brings out the real A.J. the man he has hidden away. She likes that A.J..

Can A.J. finally let it all out. Will his friends and family accept who he really is? Is he strong enough to take that risk?

This book was very emotional. It was sad to see what we thought was a very good and ordinary guy hiding away the best parts of himself. He was hiding away a man that would make his Mr. Nice Guy look like a complete idiot and fool.

A.J. Walsh is a special man. Brett Colton was the only one who really looked at the man beneath the perfect exterior.

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About Elle Kennedy

A USA Today bestselling author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a BA in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!

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ARC Review: Fragmented by Stephanie Tyler- Section 8 Series – Book 3

Posted on 01/16/2015 by shellbellereads

Fragmented

Section 8 Series – Book 3

By Stephanie Tyler

Synopsis

WHEN THE RISKS ARE THIS GREAT…

When Dr. Drea Timmons was kidnapped during Section 8’s last mission, Jem did everything in his power to rescue the woman he’d fallen for—a woman unwillingly recruited for one of S8’s most personal and dangerous covert operations. Drea survived, but at a price. The trauma of her capture has rendered her without a single memory of her ordeal—or any recollection of how violently unpredictable her ex-boyfriend, Danny, an Outlaw Angel, had become, or why she had left him.

IS TRUST EVEN AN OPTION?

When Danny threatens to turn Drea over to the feds, she is forced to go on the run and confront a past that is as deadly as her future. As trouble closes in on both ends, Drea has no choice but to trust Jem, the only man who can help her, the only man whose electrifying touch brings back memories—piece by piece—too stirring to forget.

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Michel’s Review

Fragmented by Stephanie Tyler is the third book in the Section 8 series. It picks up. Where the second book left off with a huge cliffhanger.

Fragmented is Drea and Jem’s story. Drea is beginning to regain some of her memories from Section 8 and the team. She is beginning to remember fragments of her ex boyfriend Danny. Danny is the enemy and much more dangerous than she can remember. She has to rely heavily on her trust in Jem and the team. Afterall it was Jem that brought her in and has protected her from Danny, the FBI, and other agencies in the bureaucracy.

The Section 8 team will band together to help her and continue to do their covert rescue operations.

What follows is the Section 8 team trying to save a young girl that has been kidnapped, take Danny and his MC members down, fight the government agencies that are backing Danny, and continue to rescue operations. In the midst of all this action Drea and Jem’s relationship is developing into a deep bond that goes beyond the team. They are falling in a deep abiding love.

Fragmented is fast paced, action packed, suspenseful, sensual, and romantic. The characters are intense. Their story is riveting. The overall plot for this series is gripping and exciting. The entire cast in this series is charismatic and compelling. Their stories will have the reader on the edge of their seats hoping they get resolution and the love they deserve.

The Section 8 Series is fantastic. Fragmented was a great addition. Fragmented can be read as a stand alone book because there is enough back story for a reader new to this series to understand. I would recommend reading all the books in this series, in reading order. It will not disappoint.

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New York Times Bestselling author Stephanie Tyler writes what she loves to read – romantic suspense with military heroes for Bantam Dell. She lives in New York with her husband, her daughter and her weimaraner. She also writes paranormal erotic romance for Bantam Dell under the pen-name Sydney Croft.

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ARC Review: You Really Got Me by Erika Kelly

Posted on 01/15/2015 by shellbellereads

You Really Got Me

By Erika Kelly

Synopsis

The first irresistible novel in a hot new series about a rock star on his way up—and the woman he wants to take all the way…

Emmie Valencia has what it takes to be the music industry’s hottest band manager. She just needs to prove it. Determined to discover a killer new band, Emmie is ready to make her move. First stop: Austin, Texas.

As a sizzling-hot lead singer, Slater Vaughn has no trouble raising heart rates—but his band’s been flat-lining for years. When Emmie, his bandmate’s sister, crashes with them in exchange for some free management, her industry know-how lands them a spot in the biggest music festival in Texas. But it isn’t just her business acumen that catches Slater’s attention. Emmie is sexy and warm, and—for the first time in his life—he wants more.

But as irresistible as Slater is, Emmie is done with musicians. In her experience, a man can’t be a rock star and someone to trust with your heart—but Slater is determined to show her he’s both.

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Michel’s Review

You Really Got Me by Erika Kelly was a very good rock star romance.

The band Snatch is on the cusp of success. They are about to break into the world of rock and roll. Front man and lead singer Slater Vaughn is a talented songwriter and musician. His incredible stage presence and his great looks have the women swooning. He has the world in his hands and his dreams are coming true.

Emmie Valencia is the daughter of a rockstar. She has worked in the industry for quite some time as a PA on a popular record label. She wants a chance to prove she can be an asset in developing and promoting the label. But her job seems to only be fetching coffee and picking out ties. She’s tired of being overlooked and quits her job. She is going to go out on her own and prove she has what it takes to make it in the industry. She has the right connections, knows the ins and outs of the business, and has what it takes to create a powerhouse in the music world.

Emmie becomes the manager of her brother’s band Snatch. Snatch’s success is going to make her career. She is going to make all their dreams come true.

Emmie and Slater form a strong friendship that develops into more. For once Slater is willing to see beyond the groupies and want more. Miscommunications will happen, wires will be crossed, drama will build, success will change them, and they will have many bumps in their road to love. They will have to overcome their insecurities and find a balance in their relationship.

Emmie and Slater will take your heart by storm. Their story will grab your heart.

You Really Got Me by Erika Kelly is a strong debut in the new rock star rseries that you will enjoy. It is a bit predictable and moves a bit slowly during the angsty parts. It is still highly entertaining.

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About Erika Kelly

Award-winning author Erika Kelly has been spinning romantic tales all her life—she just didn’t know it. Raised on the classics, she didn’t discover romantic fiction until later in life. From that moment on, she’s been devouring the genre and has found her true voice as an author. Over three decades she’s written poems, screenplays, plays, short stories, and all kinds of women’s fiction novels. Married to the love of her life and raising four children, she’s lived in two countries and seven states, but give her pen and paper, a stack of good books, and a steaming mug of vanilla chai latte and she can make her home anywhere.

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ARC Review: Montana Actually by Fiona Lowe- A Medicine River Romance

Posted on 01/15/2015 by shellbellereads

Montana Actually

A Medicine River Romance

By Fiona Lowe

Synopsis

City doctor Josh Stanton and his sports car don’t suit the country, but with his medical school debt about to bury him, Josh has to make the best out of a bad situation. Adjusting to his new job and life in the middle of nowhere isn’t easy, but at least the views of the mountains—and one distractingly attractive local—are stunning…
After eight years away, Katrina McCade is back in Bear Paw for a break from her life, bad choices—and men. But when a broad-shouldered stranger bursts into town, she finds herself unexpectedly saddled with the town’s sexy new doctor as a tenant. Katrina doesn’t need a man to make her happy, especially a disgruntled physician. But try telling her body that…

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Tracey’s Review

Katrina McCade has come back home to Bear Paw, Montana, to heal her broken heart amidst her loving family. With a less-than-stellar romantic track record, Katrina is happy to spend her time far from anything that reminds her of the mistakes that she’s made, especially good-looking doctors with smooth lines and hidden agendas. For Josh Stanton, coming to Bear Paw as the interim ER doctor/GP is nothing more than the fastest way to get out from under his mountain of debt from medical school. A city boy born and bred, he’s convinced that life in a small town is a chore to be endured.

Montana, Actually, is the first book in the Medicine River series by Fiona Lowe. I enjoyed it from the first page, and read it in one sitting. Bear Paw is a community filled with camaraderie and love, and all of its inhabitants immediately captured my heart. Josh shows up in town with a superior attitude, but is not a bad guy at heart. He’s a first-rate doctor and pretty darned hot, and not at all what Katrina was expecting. The more time they spend together, the more they become their real selves, and it’s a pleasure to see this evolution.

As much as I liked the romance, banter, and sexy times between Josh and Katrina, though, I have to say that it was Beau, Kat’s cousin, that stole my heart. His and Shannon’s storyline was sweet, sexy, and touching, and was a welcome side story that made the book that much more enjoyable. Fiona did a great job with all of the supporting characters and their part of the story, and I am looking forward to reading TRULY MADLY MOTANA, the second book in the series.

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About Fiona Lowe

Multi published with Berkley, Carina Press and Harlequin, Fiona’s been the recipient of a RITA and a R*BY (Australian Romantic Book of the Year) for her novel, Boomerang Bride. She’s also won a CataRomance Reviewer’s Award and been nominated for a RT Reviewers’ Choice Award & an Australian Romance Readers Award. Her current Medicine River series is set in Montana, She loves creating characters you could meet on the street and enjoys putting them in unique situations where they eventually fall in love. Fiona currently lives in Australia, which is a lot warmer than Montana, and she attempts to juggle her writing career with her own real life hero, a rambling garden with 80 rose bushes and two heroes in the making.
Fiona loves to hear from her readers and you can contact her at her website.

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ARC Review: Naughty Bits by Joey W. Hill

Posted on 01/15/2015 by shellbellereads

Naughty Bits

The Complete Novel

By Joey W. Hill

Synopsis

THE COMPLETE NOVEL

To better serve the customers of her lingerie shop, Madison must explore the pleasures of giving up control…

After inheriting her sister’s North Carolina lingerie shop, Naughty Bits, Madison jumps at the chance to dump her boring finance career and try her luck down South. But even before Madison can settle in, she catches the attention of the owner of the neighboring hardware store. Sexually dominant Logan Scott recognizes a submissive when he sees one. And what he sees, he wants.

He presents her with three very tempting gifts—handcuffs, erotic cards, and an open invitation to start her sexual training. She has to accept. After all, how can she hope to sell fantasies to lingerie customers without embracing her own? Now, she’s about to discover just how far her fantasies can take her—and how far Logan will go to make every one of them come true.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

Tracey’s Review

When Madison inherits Naughty Bits from her sister, Alice, she has no idea of what she’s getting. After all, she’s a sales whiz, so what could be so hard about selling, well, naughty wares to people that want them? What Madison finds, though, is that she has also inherited Logan Scott, owner of the hardware store next door to her store. Because Alice knew things about her sister that Madison didn’t even admit to herself, and was taking care of her even from beyond.

I wasn’t quite sure what I was getting when I signed on to read this book. The story was previously released in four smaller parts, in a serial-type format. I absolutely think that putting the separate parts together into one book was a great move, because I’m not sure that I would have liked the story as well had I read it piecemeal. The story drew me in and kept me reading, piquing my interest more with each page. Madison craves things, things that she doesn’t quite understand, and Alice knew that Logan would be more than capable of helping her. Logan, who has such a big personality, is a patient teacher, willing to help Madison become the person that will make her feel the most free, to break down her boundaries and take her to the place that she can be herself. While the dynamic between Logan and Madison is intense, there is also a feeling of comfort and freedom as their relationship unfolds, and it becomes clear that Alice knew these two better than they knew themselves up to that point.

Although I had not read any of her previous books, I enjoyed Joey’s style of writing very much, and look forward to reading more from her.

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About Joey W. Hill

I’ve always had an aversion to reading, watching or hearing interviews of favorite actors, authors, musicians, etc. because so often the real person doesn’t measure up to the beauty of the art they produce. Their politics or religion are distasteful, or they’re shallow and self-absorbed, a vacuous mop-head without a lick of sense. From then on, though I may appreciate their craft or art, it has somehow been tarnished.

Therefore, whenever I’m asked to provide personal information about myself for readers, a ball of anxiety forms in my stomach as I think: “Okay, the next couple of paragraphs can change forever the way someone views my stories.” Why on earth does a reader want to know about me? It’s the story that’s important.

So here it is. I’ve been given more blessings in my life than any one person has a right to have. Despite that, I’m a Type A, borderline obsessive-compulsive paranoiac who worries I will never live up to expectations. I’ve got more phobias than anyone (including myself) has patience to read about. I can’t stand talking on the phone, I dread social commitments, and the idea of living in monastic solitude with my husband and animals, books and writing is as close an idea to paradise as I can imagine. I love chocolate, but with that deeply ingrained, irrational female belief that weight equals worth, I manage to keep it down to a minor addiction. I adore good movies. I’m told I work too much. Every day is spent trying to get through the never ending “to do” list to snatch a few minutes to write.

Despite all these mediocre and typical qualities, for some miraculous reason, these wonderful characters well up out of my soul with stories to tell. When I manage to find enough time to write, sufficient enough that the precious “stillness” required rises up and calms all the competing voices in my head, I can step into their lives, hear what they are saying, what they’re feeling, and put it down on paper. It’s a magic beyond description, akin to truly believing my husband loves me, winning the trust of an animal who has known only fear or apathy, making a true connection with someone, or knowing for certain I’ve given a reader a moment of magic through those written words. It’s a magic that reassures me there is Someone, far wiser than myself, who knows the permanent path to that garden of stillness, where there is only love, acceptance and a pen waiting for hours and hours of uninterrupted, blissful use.

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Happy Release + ARC Review: Beyond The Consequences by Aleatha Romig- The Consequences Series – Book 5

Posted on 01/15/2015 by shellbellereads

Beyond The Consequences

The Consequences Series- Book 5

By Aleatha Romig

Synopsis

BEYOND THE CONSEQUENCES

Book #5 of the bestselling Consequences series

From New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig comes more of the suspenseful romantic thriller about secrets and deception, passion and love, choices and consequences.

Secrets and deception

As the pieces of their puzzle come together, Anthony and Claire Rawlings continue to defy the odds. Together they overcame an incomprehensible beginning. Apart they endured unimaginable heartache. Reunited with family and friends, their journey continues as they navigate a dangerous world where secrets threaten to destroy what they hold the most dear.

Passion and love

Tony and Claire turn up the heat as sparks fly, passion rages, and love prevails. With only a dark glance or devilish grin, the fire that sparked in an isolated suite, continues to burn. Though no longer willing to be less than Tony’s equal in life, behind closed doors only one man makes the rules.

Choices and consequences

The safety of the Rawlings family is not debatable, and only Phillip Roach can assure that they are not disappointed. Learn how he leads old friends and new associates through the dangerous world of delusion and revenge. The choices he makes for both the family and his personal life will have consequences.

Beyond the Consequences is a novel that began as the novella, A Peek Beyond the Consequences, in a limited-release anthology, Breathless. Since its publication in 2014, Beyond the Consequences has more than tripled in length with more action, heat, and secrets to reveal. Learn once and for all the identity and fate of the sender of the Rawls-Nichols letters as you join the Rawlings for a special surprise!

Theirs was a long, complicated story with a monster and a knight. What made their story unique was that these two players were the same person.—Aleatha Romig, CONVICTED

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IBooks / Kobo / Print Copy

Robin’s Review

Back in September of 2014, Aleatha Romig published a novella that was included with 11 other stories in Breathless: an Anthology. A Peek Beyond the Consequences was unexpected and a welcomed surprise for fans of the Consequences series! We were given a glimpse of the future as it relates to Anthony, Claire and Nichol Rawlings, their extended family and employees. Romig has now expanded this novella to a full-length novel titled Beyond the Consequences. Her new novel is now almost three-times longer than its original size!

Up until now, I have considered the novels of the Consequences series to be dark psychological thrillers, but Beyond the Consequences seems to fall into the contemporary romance or romantic suspense genres. Yes, there are some elements of darkness, suspense and intrigue in this novel, but overall, I felt a sense of peace and happiness within the Rawlings family while I was reading. If my memory serves me correct, the first five chapters of Beyond the Consequences are the original novella found in Breathless: an Anthology. Just like me, there may be readers who realize they have already read the beginning of Beyond the Consequences. If you have not, please know these five chapters are excellent! They have their own story arc, complete with an entertaining mystery which is resolved.

Most of Beyond the Consequences takes place after the events of Convicted and Revealed. According to Romig, “It’s meant as a fun glimpse into the future of a family that had a very dark and unusual beginning.” Claire is now involved in the day-to-day running of the estate. Tony has resumed his position as the CEO of Rawlings Industries after a two-year absence, but he has also decided to share this position with Tim Bronson, who ran the company in his absence. Tony works from home quite often so that he can spend more time with his family. There are some very touching moments between Claire, Tony and Nichol in Beyond the Consequences. There are moments between the Rawlings, their family and friends which made me smile.

A good portion of this novel centers on Phillip Roach. Phil struggles with the decision to add a woman named Taylor Walters to the security team. He knows she is more than capable of doing her job, but he is very protective of the Rawlings family. After all, Phil considers them his family. There is less darkness in this novel, but don’t let that fool you. The security team continues to be concerned about packages and letters from an unknown individual that continue to arrive at the estate. Phil, Eric and Taylor are involved in an ongoing investigation that is one of the more interesting parts of this novel. If you enjoyed the mystery in Consequences, Truth, Convicted and Revealed, you won’t want to miss reading this.

The only negative criticism I have for Beyond the Consequences is that this story is missing the spine-tingling drama – something Aleatha Romig is well- known for – that is found in the earlier novels of the Consequences series. As I mentioned earlier, expect some elements of suspense and intrigue, but overall the darkness of the vendetta has played itself out. I consider this novel to be a contemporary romance or even a romantic suspense novel. Beyond the Consequences is actually a more realistic portrayal of life. The Rawlings family is now dealing with real life issues such as mental health, continued therapy sessions, medications, and the possibility of having more children. Family is a huge theme in this story. And, as always, Aleatha Romig’s writing style is beautiful. Please know that I enjoyed Beyond the Consequences. It was refreshing to see Tony and Claire continue to move forward in their relationship! Beyond the Consequence earns a solid 4 stars!

About Aleatha Romig

Aleatha Romig is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Together with her high-school sweetheart and husband of twenty-eight years, they’ve raised three children. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time with her family and friends. Her pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams!

CONSEQUENCES, her first novel, was released August 2011, by Xlibris Publishing. Then in October of 2012, Ms. Romig re-released CONSEQUENCES as an indie author. TRUTH, the sequel, was released October 30, 2012, and CONVICTED, the third in the series, was released October 8, 2013. Unexpectedly, the fourth book of the Consequences series came to life with REVEALED: THE MISSING YEARS. It is the fourth full-length novel in the series. It explores the years in CONVICTED that previously were only mentioned, as well as a complete character glossary and timeline. REVEALED was released May 20, 2014. BEYOND THE CONSEQUENCES, book #5, will be released in 2015. Yes…MORE Tony and Claire.

Aleatha also wrote reading companions for the Consequences Series. BEHIND HIS EYES CONSEQUENCES (Book 1.5) and BEHIND HIS EYES TRUTH (Book 2.5) are currently available for those times and scenes when the readers asked, “What was he thinking?” These companions also contain never before released behind-the-scenes scenes.

INSIDIOUS, the first released book from TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE was be released October 21, 2014. TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE will be a series of standalone, dark, erotic thrillers guaranteed to take you on a wild, hot, and dark ride. Each novel in the series will be independent of the next. The characters from one book will never be revisited. Instead, Aleatha leaves it up to her readers to imagine how each story will end while remembering that it is the journey that is the most fun. DUPLICITY, book #2, will be released in 2015.

Aleatha is a “Published Author’s Network” member of the Romance Writers of America and represented by Danielle Egan-Miller of Brown and Miller Literary Associates.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ TSU ~ Amazon Page

::::SECRET CONSEQUENCE AUTHOR HOP::::

YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS!!

Starting TODAY, Aleatha Romig will be having a Secret Consequence Author Hop in honor of the release of Beyond The Consequences (Consequences Book #5). More than 30 prizes, More than 30 authors, 1 amazingly epic love story! Make sure to follow Aleatha Romig’s Author Page for details.

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

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Happy Release + ARC Review: Beyond The Consequences by Aleatha Romig- The Consequences Series – Book 5

Aleatha is a “Published Author’s Network” member of the Romance Writers of America and represented by Danielle Egan-Miller of Brown and Miller Literary Associates.

YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS!!

Starting TODAY, Aleatha Romig will be having a Secret Consequence Author Hop in honor of the release of Beyond The Consequences (Consequences Book #5). More than 30 prizes, More than 30 authors, 1 amazingly epic love story! Make sure to follow Aleatha Romig’s Author Page for details.

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Aleatha is a “Published Author’s Network” member of the Romance Writers of America and represented by Danielle Egan-Miller of Brown and Miller Literary Associates.

YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS!!

Starting TODAY, Aleatha Romig will be having a Secret Consequence Author Hop in honor of the release of Beyond The Consequences (Consequences Book #5). More than 30 prizes, More than 30 authors, 1 amazingly epic love story! Make sure to follow Aleatha Romig’s Author Page for details.

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