Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Safe Bet by Monica Murphy

Posted on 01/10/2017 by shellbellereads

Safe Bet

The Rules Series – Book 4

By Monica Murphy

Release Date: January 10, 2017

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Amazon AU / B & N / IBooks

Synopsis

Sydney Walker’s new job is perfect. As the live-in nanny to the most famous quarterback in the NFL and his beautiful wife, she couldn’t have it any better. Their kids are adorable. Her bosses are more than generous. Plus, there are hot football players at the house all the time. Life can’t get much better than this.

Until her life turns into an absolute nightmare. The media is abuzz with rumors that she and her boss Drew Callahan are having a torrid affair. Everyone knows the truth–except the public. So Drew’s wife Fable comes up with the perfect idea.

She creates a fake relationship between Sydney and one of the rookie players on Drew’s team. Wade Knox is forever indebted to Drew and Fable and readily agrees to the set up. Pretending to be in a romantic relationship with the hot nanny for a week–how hard can it be?

Crazy how it only takes one week for two people to fall head over heels in love…

(This mash-up new adult romance features characters from both the One Week Girlfriend series and The Rules series.)

Excerpt:

“Drew!” Fable
calls, waving him over. “Come meet Sydney.”

He starts to head
over there and when he sends me a look over his shoulder, I reluctantly follow
him. I really don’t need to be involved in this scenario, but I just can’t tell
him that, can I? It would be rude. And I’m never rude to Drew and Fable.

Ever.

“Sydney, this is
my husband, Drew. Drew, this is Sydney Walker. She’s going to be our new
nanny,” Fable says, sounding pleased. She looks over at her husband with a
little wince. “I hope you don’t mind that I went ahead and hired her.”

“Of course I don’t
mind. I trust your judgment.” Drew turns to greet Sydney. “Good to meet you,”
he says as he gives Sydney a firm handshake. She’s staring up at him, her lips
slightly parted, her eyes wide. Full on awestruck, which is typical. He’s a
superstar. That’s how most people look at Drew when they first meet him.

“Hi,” she squeaks,
her cheeks going pink as she releases Drew’s hand. Her gaze slips to mine, and
then flitters away. But that one quick glance was like a sucker punch to my
gut.

The nanny is
beautiful.

I take a deep
breath, shoving my hands in my jeans’ pockets so I won’t do something
stupid—like try to grab her. She has pretty blue eyes and a full mouth that’s
made for kissing. Her curves are even lusher than I first realized. She has
full hips and a tiny waist and shapely legs. But I can’t worry about pretty
nannies right now. I have to concentrate on work.

It still blows my
mind that I might play for the NFL. That football is my job. I’m a lucky son-of-a-bitch.

“Sydney, this is
Wade Knox. He’s an old family friend,” Fable says, knocking me from my
thoughts. I blink and look down to find Sydney smiling up at me, interest
clearly showing in her gaze. Hmm. “Wade, this is Sydney.”

“Hey Sydney.” I
shake her hand, electricity pulsing between us the moment our palms touch. She
jerks her hand away from mine as if I burned her. Guess she felt it too.

Interesting.

“Nice to meet
you,” she murmurs as she takes a step back. Like she needs the distance.

Even more interesting.

We make small talk
for a few minutes before Fable takes Sydney back to the house, and the moment
the door shuts behind them, Drew’s talking.

“The nanny’s
cute,” he observes, his voice way too nonchalant.

“Uh huh.”

“She looked at you
like she thought you were cute, too.”

I roll my eyes. He
never says stuff like this, so what’s his deal? “Cute? What are you doing?
Trying to play matchmaker?” I send him a pointed look. “Give me a break. I
don’t need the distraction.”

Michel’s Review

It’s hard to believe that the One Week Girlfriend series is over four years old. Drew and Fable took readers by storm. Their story was truly unforgettable. While they were the forefront of the series there were other characters that were part of their solid foundation. Wade Knox has been a part of that foundation from the beginning. We met him as a young teenage buy. His antics with Owen were notorious even though he really didn’t have a voice in the series. As the series matured and began to spread it’s wings, so did Wade Knox. He finally became a full fledged character with a voice. His place in the series was cemented. Now… years later… Wade is getting the front seat. What kind of girl could capture the heart of this dynamic guy? Monica Murphy didn’t have to look far, she found the spoiled little sister, Sydney Walker, from The Rules series. Two series coming together and exploding on the pages. Two totally different types of book families melding together to become one family. What a family reunion!

The paparazzi is trying to ruin Drew and Fable’s lives. They are solid in their relationship and completely dedicated to their children. When pictures and rumors begin to circulate that Drew is having an affair with the Naughty Nanny, it’s time to take matters into their own hands. Drew and Fable know exactly how to handle this. Create a fake relationship to deter the interest in another direction. They need the Naughty Nanny to have a sizzling hot romance with someone else. Who would fit the part better than the upcoming rookie, Wade Knox, who has all the right plays, all the right looks, and a heart of gold. Wade would do anything for Drew and Fable, they are family. Faking a romance with with the beautiful nanny, Sydney Walker, is not a hardship at all.

When the make believe romance turns into something more between Wade and Sydney, the entire family is on board. Sometimes the best things in life begin with a little lie.

Monica Murphy stole my heart once again. It was great to revisit all the characters from the One Week Girlfriend series and The Rules series. It was a heartwarming reunion.

__________________________________________________

I write books. I have the best job ever. New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Writer of new adult contemporary romance-ish stuff. Published with Avon and Bantam. Mom and wife. Native Californian.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Full Package by Lauren Blakely

Posted on 01/09/2017 by shellbellereads

FULL PACKAGE by Lauren Blakely is Here!

A sexy and funny friends-to-lovers standalone romantic comedy, FULL PACKAGE is about a sexy, witty man as he falls head over heels for a woman, who just happens to be his roommate. It takes everything you love about a Lauren Blakely novel –witty dialogue, smoking hot sex scenes, and heartfelt moments –and puts them into one fantastic book! Told in the guy’s POV, with a creative look into Josie’s POV as well, FULL PACKAGE is the laugh-out-loud and insanely hot story of what happens when a sexy ER doc falls madly in love with his gorgeous roommate…and they’re forced to deal with all that simmering desire in a mere six hundred square feet of living space.

“Lauren Blakely has mastered the recipe for delightful and delicious. It’s called Full Package. I can’t find words to tell you how much I enjoyed this friends to lovers romance with enough sweet to melt in your mouth and enough spice to melt your panties.”

~ iScream Books

“Lauren Blakely nailed it AGAIN. This man man is perfection! HOT, SWEET, FUNNY, SMART.”

~ Queen of Hearts

✮✮✮FULL PACKAGE is here!✮✮✮

From the New York Times Bestselling author of MISTER O and BIG ROCK, comes a hot & hilarious new standalone romantic comedy…

I’ve been told I have quite a gift.

Hey, I don’t just mean in my pants. I’ve got a big brain too, and a huge heart of gold. And I like to use all my gifts to the fullest, the package included. Life is smooth sailing….

Until I find myself stuck between a rock and a sexy roommate, which makes for one very hard…place.

Because scoring an apartment in this city is harder than finding true love. So even if I have to shack up with my buddy’s smoking hot and incredibly amazing little sister, a man’s got to do what a man’s got to do.

I can resist Josie. I’m disciplined, I’m focused, and I keep my hands to myself, even in the mere five-hundred square feet we share. Until the one night she insists on sliding under the covers with me. It’ll help her sleep after what happened that day, she says.

Spoiler-neither one of us sleeps.

Did I mention she’s also one of my best friends? That she’s brilliant, beautiful and a total firecracker? Guess that makes her the full package too.

What’s a man stuck in a hard place to do?

You can find this sexy standalone romantic comedy across all retailers!

✦Amazon US ✦Amazon UK ✦Amazon CA ✦Amazon AU ✦iBooks

✦Barnes & Noble ✦Kobo ✦Google Play ✦Amazon Paperback

✦Audio (Sebastian York!) ✦or via Audible

“Fresh, fun, flirty, and fabulous.”

~ Karen at Bookalicious Babes Blog

Add it to Goodreads here!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30283662-full-package

Tracey’s Review

Oh, Lauren Blakely, you enchantress, you. You’ve teased us, you’ve given us hints, and, finally, here we are, the FULL PACKAGE. Chase Summers, aka Dr. McHottie, and Josie Hammer, the sweetest baker in all of the land, have made appearances in the earlier books in Lauren’s romantic comedy series of reads that have become some of my absolute favorite reads. We’ve heard tell of Chase’s problem finding his own digs now that he’s back stateside after serving in Doctors Without Borders. He’s looked high and low, and still no joy. Living single since her roomie left to marry Josie’s older brother, Wyatt, Josie’s looking for a roommate that won’t drive her crazy, and luck has not been on her side. But, wait, was that Fate’s tinkling laughter that I heard?

“Bouncing around from place to place is wearing on me…It’s like I have some sort of curse when it comes to finding a decent rental. And you have a curse when it comes to finding…”
“A decent roommate.” Her voice trails off as she stares at me. Really stares. And as she seems to study me, the answer clicks. The lightbulb literally goes off at the same time for both of us.

And so it begins, or continues, really. Because, determined as they are to keep things friends only, let’s just say that, where there’s a spark, generally follows a flame, and in this case, the flame is hot enough to heat the entire city of Manhattan.

Like the other books in this ‘series,’ FULL PACKAGE is an absolute delight. Chase and Josie have serious chemistry, and what I love about this relationship is that they’ve known each other for quite a while. While insta-love has a time and a place (yes, yes, it really does, come on now), there is none of that here. What there is, is complete trust, shared interests, and all of the elements of a really solid friendship. These two just enjoy each other, love spending time together, and are, in fact, a great couple before they are a couple. This is not to say that there isn’t plenty of heat simmering between Chase and Josie, just that that isn’t all that there is, and it’s endearing and refreshing, and made them one of my favorite LB couples.

…We’ll need a code word. A heads-up. I’ll text you, or you’ll text me with that word.”
“Like aardvark? I’ve always thought that aardvark would be an awesome code word because it’s completely obvious it’s a code word.”
She calls me on my bluff, narrowing her eyes as we reach the block with her building. “Aardvark it is. But what if things get awkward between us?”
“What would be awkward between us?”
“…I guess I was just thinking…if anything felt awkward between us…” She waves her hand from her to me and back.
Ohhhhhh.
I get it now.
I pretend to whisper. “You mean,” I say, taking my time to drawl out each syllable, “sex-u-al ten-sion?”
Her cheeks flush. “No. I just mean awkward. I don’t mean that. Just that we’re a man and a woman living together. It’s just smart to be prepared for any…weirdness.”
“Just kidding, Josie,” I say, and drape an arm around her. “Things will never be awkward between us. But if they ever get that way, just say ‘Swedish Fish.’ That will be our safe word.”

I mean, how could you not love these two? They’re just so easy together, and able to talk about anything. Anything, that is, except the elephant in the room, the one holding the sign saying ‘Sexual Tension Be Here.’ Because, yes, good intentions and the bro-code are all well and good, but, when it comes down to it, Love will find a way, and that She does. Soon enough, Chase and Josie are both feeling those feelings, and, next thing you know, there aren’t enough fans or Swedish fish to be found.

Lauren has done her usual magical thing here, and written a book that was impossible to put down, that had me laughing, and smiling, and fanning myself, and saying “Awww,” all the marks of a fantastic read for me. 5+ sexy roomies, all bets are off, Swedish fish filled stars for FULL PACKAGE. Do not miss this one, guys, because it’s a keeper.

***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***

And don’t miss Lauren Blakely’s other standalone Romantic Comedies!

BIG ROCK
MISTER O
WELL HUNG

*✮✮✮ Enter to win this amazing FULL PACKAGE GIVEAWAY!✮✮✮***

Josie and Chase put together some of their favorite things just for you to celebrate the release of FULL PACKAGE!

The FULL PACKAGE is filled with:

✮ $50 Gift Card to Lush: Fresh Handmade Cosmetics for fruity scented bath products that Chase loves so much.

✮ $50 Gift Card to Sugarfina: A Luxury Candy Boutique where you can sample some of Josie’s favorite gourmet candy.

✮ A lovely Coach Wristlet containing a $50 Amazon Gift Card for you to spend on whatever your heart desires.

✮ And last but not least, my entire Audiobook Collection minus Full Package on Audible. It is aurally delicious!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

http://laurenblakely.com/full-package-giveaway/

About Lauren Blakely:

Since self-publishing her debut romance novel CAUGHT UP IN US over three years ago, Lauren Blakely has sold more than 1.5 million books. She is known for her sexy contemporary romance style that’s full of heat, heart and humor. A devout fan of cake and canines, Lauren has plotted entire novels while walking her four-legged friends. She lives in California with her family. With thirteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than seventy times. Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love, and Fighting Fire as well as standalone hit romances like BIG ROCK, MISTER O, WELL HUNG, and THE SEXY ONE which were all instant New York Times Bestsellers. In January she’ll release FULL PACKAGE, a standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter.

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

New Release + Excerpt + 5 Star Review: Real Good Man by Meghan March

Posted on 01/05/2017 by shellbellereads

From USA Today bestselling author Meghan March comes a sexy new duet. We’ve all had the bad boys, now it’s time for a Real Good Man.

Fall for a woman over text messages? No way in hell.

Reality can never be as good at the fantasy, right?

Wrong. It’s better.

Banner Regent is smart, funny, and she’s so far out of my league, she might as well be royalty.

I’m a mechanic from Kentucky. She’s a New York City party girl.

We were never supposed to meet, but one text started something neither of us saw coming.

How do you seduce the woman who already has everything?

Show her what it’s like to be with a real good man.

Real Good Man is book one of the Real Duet. Logan and Banner’s story will conclude in Real Good Love, releasing January 17, 2017.

iBooks | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA | BN | Kobo | Audible

Finally, fifteen minutes after we said we’d meet, Logan Brantley walks into the tapas bar. Every curse word known to woman—and several I make up on the fly—flash through my brain.

This isn’t fair. Logan Brantley is even sexier when he’s not dressed in camo and carrying a big gun. More than one head swings in his direction. Women flip their hair and uncross and re-cross their legs as he steps up to the hostess stand.

A shaft of possessiveness lights up inside me, right along with nervous energy and my pounding heart. Back off, bitches. He’s not here for you.

I hear the low rumble of his deep drawl when he speaks to the hostess. She gestures in my direction, and he turns. Piercing blue eyes find me at the table where a lone water glass sits in front of me.

Liquid courage should definitely have been on the menu. Why didn’t I order a drink?

Because I’m an idiot. Because I thought I could handle this.

Now my heart is hammering so loud, my voice will probably be inaudible, or even worse—quaver when I speak.

Logan walks toward me with long, sure strides. He’s taller than I realized. And broader. And bigger. Everywhere. He’s wearing a black Henley that stretches across his chest, leaving no doubt of the fact that the man is built. And his jeans. Jesus. They’re worn and snug in all the right places.

The picture I found was clearly not recent, and it’s not just the fact that his brown hair is longer and shaggier. He’s one of those men who age well.

Logan stops in front of me when he reaches the tall bar table. He says nothing as his gaze drops to the toes of my boots and drags up every inch of my body.

“You’re a hard woman to find.”

Tracey’s Review

Banner Regent is a city girl through and through. Smart, sassy, and self-assured, she’s the queen of the one-night stand. So when a chance text connects her with Logan Brantley, she’s pretty sure that she and this man from BFE, Kentucky, have nothing in common. Except that…they totally do. What begins as an online friendship quickly turns into so much more, and Banner is about to find out that there is something very special about this real good man.

Oh, my gosh. Just, oh. my. goodness. I loved absolutely everything about this book. I fell for both Banner and Logan from the first pages, and what followed was a full-blown lovefest. Banner is the snarky New York friend that you’d want to have as a bestie, and Logan, well, I’m not sure that I can find words that do justice to this man.

Meghan March is the queen of the alpha bad boy, but she’s knocked it out of the park with Logan. Sure, he’s got baggage, like the rest of us, but he’s what so many book boyfriends aren’t. He’s self-assured, successful, hardworking, and knows exactly what he wants. He’s very well-aware of what he brings to the table, and is not afraid to pull out all the stops to show Banner, a woman that he wouldn’t normally think would be a good fit for him, that seeing what could happen between the two of them is worth their time.

“So, where do we go from here?”
“We’re going to get to know each other. I’m going to take you out on dates and show you what we’ve both been missing. You’re gonna fall in love with me, Banner. That’s where we’re going from here.”

And, color me smitten, done, completely won over. Because, Logan is not your typical bossy alpha guy, but he does know what he’s doing, and what he’s doing is winning Banner over.

Beyond the awesomeness of this couple, Meghan does a believable job of writing life in a small Kentucky town, and the problems that the people that live there face. There is an undercurrent of desperation and danger that runs through REAL GOOD MAN that is sure to come to a head in REAL GOOD LOVE, the second book in this book duet, and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds, and what it means for Logan and Banner. And, y’all, Meghan does the total mic drop at the end of this book, and, oh, is it going to be all kinds of awesome to see where the story picks up come the second book (I’m totally rubbing my hands together in anticipation right now..).

Yes, it’s early days, and yes, I’ll read a ton more books in 2017, but REAL GOOD MAN is a fantastic start to my reading year. This is a 5+-star read for me, and the only thing that would have made it better was having REAL GOOD LOVE ready to go immediately, because, dang, I cannot wait to get my hands on the rest of this story. Don’t wait, guys, snap this one up right now, because you need to read it. Like, now. You’ll thank me later, I guarantee.

***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***

___________________________________

Meghan March has been known to wear camo face paint and tromp around in woods wearing mud-covered boots, all while sporting a perfect manicure. She’s also impulsive, easily entertained, and absolutely unapologetic about the fact that she loves to read and write smut. Her past lives include slinging auto parts, selling lingerie, making custom jewelry, and practicing corporate law. Writing books about dirty talking alpha males and the strong, sassy women who bring them to their knees is by far the most fabulous job she’s ever had. She loves hearing from her readers at meghanmarchbooks@gmail.com.

New Release + 5 Star Review: One Careful Owner by Jane Harvey-Berrick

Posted on 01/04/2017 by shellbellereads

One Careful Owner

By Jane Harvey-Berrick

Release Date: January 2, 2017

Buy : Amazon / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Amazon AU / B & N / IBooks / Kobo

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Synopsis

“Take me, all of me, broken and in pieces, or say to hell with me.”

WARNING!
This book will break your heart!
From the best-selling romance author of THE EDUCATION OF SEBASTIAN comes a sexy, heart-breaking and heart-warming story about one man and his dog. (Standalone)

* * * * *

Alex is lost and alone, with only his dog, Stan for company. He doesn’t expect kindness from anyone anymore, but sometimes hope can be found in the most unlikely places. He has a second chance at happiness, but there’s a dark side to Alex, and a reason that more than one person has called him crazy.

Single mother Dawn is doing just fine. Except that her ex- is a pain in the a**, her sister isn’t speaking to her, and her love life is on the endangered list.

At least her job as a veterinarian is going well. Until a crazy-looking guy arrives at her office accompanied by an aging dog with toothache. Or maybe Alex Winters isn’t so crazy after all, just … different.

Dawn realizes that she’s treated him the same way that all the gossips in town have treated her—people can be very cruel.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33001549-one-careful-owner

Contains scenes of an adult nature.

This is a standalone novel with no cliff-hanger.

Excerpt

He still reminded me of a Mountain Man, and he appeared to be wearing the clothes that I’d thought were rags. His long, shaggy brown hair and thick beard hid most of his face. A shudder of apprehension ran through me.
He seemed just as ill at ease as he had been by the lake, his eyes darting around restlessly, but then he walked around to the passenger door and I lost sight of him.
When he reappeared, he was carrying a large dog, one that easily weighed 80 or 90 pounds. He must have been strong because he carried the weight easily. I recalled the thick slabs of muscle that sculpted his chest and arms when I’d seen him earlier. Yes, there was no doubt that he was strong, but as he held his pet, his hands were gentle.
I watched his chin bob, and I realized that he was talking to his dog.
Carefully, he set the animal on the ground and fixed a leash around its neck.
The dog immediately sat down and refused to budge. His coat was thick and looked glossy and healthy, his muzzle starting to gray. I guessed he was part retriever, part mastiff—large and solid. And heavy.
Ashley giggled as the man tugged on the leash, but the dog still wouldn’t move. The man stood still, looking at his pet, his hands on his hips, then he shook his head in defeat. Bending down, he scooped up the dog again and shouldered his way through the door into the office.
Now he was closer, I could study him in more detail.
His hair was a tangle of light brown with sun-blond lights, still uncombed, an off-putting mess of wild, crazy curls. His clothes were even worse now I could see him wearing them, unkempt and torn as if he’d given up, but they were clean. And when he stopped in front of Ashley, I caught the faint scent of soap and laundry detergent—no cologne. This man was a paradox.
Ashley smiled tightly from her position behind the reception desk.
“Mr. Winters and Stan, is that right?”
He nodded but didn’t speak, still holding his dog in his arms. His face was grim, as if he’d never smiled, never thought of smiling.
So this was the man who’d bought Old Joe’s place? I immediately felt guilty that I’d assumed he was trespassing and camping illegally. I didn’t know that somebody had already moved into the property. Technically, I’d been the interloper this morning. I felt like such a judgmental bitch. But he’d really scared me, and I hadn’t been thinking clearly.
“I’m so sorry,” Ashley said with fake sweetness, “but Dr. Petz, our male veterinarian, had to go out on an emergency visit. Dr. Andrews over there is available.”
He turned to stare at me and his body stiffened. I saw a flicker of recognition in his eyes before he dropped his gaze to the floor again. I thought for sure that he’d turn and walk out, but then he glanced at his dog and I saw the expression soften in his curious golden-brown eyes as he peered up at me and nodded slowly.
“Great!” said Ashley, her gaze glancing across to me. “I’ve got basic information from your email, but if you could just fill out this form and…”
“Maybe you’d like to bring Stan into the examination room, Mr. Winters,” I interrupted quickly. “He looks rather heavy.”
The man blinked twice, but carried the dog inside without commenting or even looking at Ashley.
“Rude!” Ashley said, not quietly enough, and although I agreed, I shot her a look and took the form from her.
She leaned toward me, her eyes wide as her voice dropped to an urgent whisper.
“I’ll keep my ears open, Dawn. He looks kind of weird. You know, serial killer weird.”
I pressed my lips together and followed my new client.

________________________________________________

Michel’s Review

Jane Harvey-Berrick is starting out 2017 with a bang with her new release of One Careful Owner. One Careful Owner has everything readers are looking for in a great book. One Careful Owner is an emotional story that every reader can relate to on some level. A single mother doing everything in her power to give her child a good life, a broody and seriously flawed hero, a lovable pouch with unconditional love and wisdom, an adorable little girl that loves with her whole heart, an evil sibling ( that may not be quite so evil) and very real social and criminal issues that are prominent in today’s world. Jane Harvey- Berrick adds her special blend of magic through her thought provoking words and gift of story telling. From the moment I picked up this book I could not put it down until I finished the last word.

One Careful Owner starts with a very dramatic scene that instantly draws the reader into the story and forces the reader to instantly become sympathetic to the hero. The next scene introduces the heroine as she encounters the brooding hero for the first time. From that point the reader is hooked but what comes next, the meat of the story that includes a hundred pound pouch and an adorable eight year old girl has the reader completely under the author’s spell. It’s a story of every kind of relationship we encounter in our lives. It’s a story of learning to deal with life, the good and the bad, the rewards and the messy mistakes. It’s a story of the true meaning of families.

Jane Harvey-Berrick is one of those authors that never seizes to amaze me. Every book she has written has touched my heart in many ways. Her gift of creating an entertaining and emotional story that steps outside the boundaries of the typical romance formula without becoming too dark, offensive, or too sappy truly showcases her talent. She challenges her writing skills and imagination to create a story that reaches deep within the readers souls.

I highly recommend One Careful Owner by Jane Harvey-Berrick.

______________________________________________

She is also a campaigner for former military personnel to receive the support they need on leaving the services. She wrote the well-received play LATER, AFTER with former veteran Mike Speirs. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk1CyB8c0xA )

Jane is a writer of contemporary romance fiction, known for thoughtful stories, often touching on difficult subjects: disability (DANGEROUS TO KNOW & LOVE, SLAVE TO THE RHYTHM); mental illness (THE EDUCATION OF CAROLINE, SEMPER FI); life after prison (LIFERS); dyslexia (THE TRAVELING MAN, THE TRAVELING WOMAN).

She is also a campaigner for former military personnel to receive the support they need on leaving the services. She wrote the well-received play LATER, AFTER with former veteran Mike Speirs.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk1CyB8c0xA )

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Boost + Review + Giveaway: Devine Desire by Audrey Carlan

Posted on 01/04/2017 by shellbellereads

Devine Desire

The Lotus House Series – Book 3

By Audrey Carlan

Blurb

When veteran yoga instructor Mila Mercado was asked to attend a new class and report back to the studio, she had no idea that the over-confident, ruggedly sexy newbie Atlas Powers was going to teach more than just a very controversial and erotic form of yoga.

New instructor Atlas Powers has two passions in life: his music career and steamy by-the-book Mila Mercado. He teaches yoga by day and works at his passion by night until the fiery woman walks into his class and gives the term desire a whole new dimension.

In this wicked hot tale of love and lust, two struggling artists are trying to make their dreams come true. Only one thing gets in the way until they stop fighting long enough to burn up the sheets and the yoga studio with a divine desire neither of them can avoid.

ADD TO GOODREADS

Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK
B&N / KOBO / iBOOKS
GOOGLE PLAY

______________________________________________________

Tracey’s Review

What do you get when two hot-blooded, artistic, people are in the same room? Well, if it’s DIVINE DESIRE by author Audrey Carlan, you get Mila Mercado and Atlas Powers, two of the sexiest most well-paired yoga instructors to come out of Lotus House.

All that Mila the artist really wants to do is to work on her craft. Seeing a subject in most everyone, she yearns to focus on doing what comes naturally to her full time, to pour out her passion in her painting and share it with the world. In the meantime, though, she’s busy as a yoga instructor at Lotus House. Well, that, and fighting her passion for Lotus House’s newest yogi, Atlas Powers.

When Atlas suggests teaching an, erm, unorthodox form of yoga as part of the Lotus House line-up, Mila is tapped to attend and report back to her bosses. But what Mila mostly gets out of the class is a major case of the hots for him, and a wicked idea that will have them spending lots of time together.

Audrey’s Lotus House series has so many things going for it. I have come to understand things about yoga that I did not know before, and her inclusion of the practices of yoga make for an earthiness and sensuality that add so much to these books.

Mila and Atlas are a fiery mix of artistic temperment that combust to make one heck of a hot couple. Beyond the physical, though, both are working through things from their past, and trying to make their way to their happy despite it. When those ghosts from the past come home to roost, Mila and Atlas have their work cut out for them, and it’s an emotional road that the two have to travel to come out on the other side.

Audrey has once again written a story that simultaneously grabs you by the heartstrings and heats things up, and it’s one that I thoroughly enjoyed. 5 no-question stars for DIVINE DESIRE, as expected. And, based on the little snippet at the end of this book, we’re going to love LIMITLESS LOVE, the next book in the series, so if you haven’t read the first books, now’s the time to get caught up. Fans of Audrey should move these books right to the top of their TBRs, and get reading!

***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***

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Also Available

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GOOGLE PLAY

Author Bio

Audrey Carlan is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She writes wicked hot love stories that are designed to give the reader a romantic experience that’s sexy, sweet, and so hot your e-reader might melt. Some of her works include the wildly successful Calendar Girl Serial, Falling Series, and the Trinity Trilogy.

She lives in the California Valley where she enjoys her two children and the love of her life. When she’s not writing, you can find her teaching yoga, sipping wine with her “soul sisters” or with her nose stuck in a wicked hot romance novel.

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New Release + 5 Star Review: Hard Hitter by Sarina Bowen – The Brooklyn Bruisers Series – Book 2

Posted on 01/03/2017 by shellbellereads

Hard Hitter

Brooklyn Bruisers Series – Book 2

By Sarina Bowen

Release :January 3, 2017

Buy : Amazon / B & N / IBooks / Kobo

Synopsis

He’s a fighter in the rink, but he’s about to learn that playing nice can help you score…

As team captain and enforcer, Patrick O’Doul puts the bruise in the Brooklyn Bruisers. But after years of hard hits, O’Doul is feeling the burn, both physically and mentally. He conceals his pain from his coach and trainers, but when his chronic hip injury becomes too obvious to ignore, they send him for sessions with the team’s massage therapist.

After breaking up with her long-term boyfriend, Ari Bettini is in need of peace of mind. For now, she’s decided to focus on her work: rehabilitating the Bruisers’ MVP. O’Doul is easy on the eyes, but his reaction to her touch is ice cold. Ari is determined to help O’Doul heal, but as the tension between them turns red hot, they both learn that a little TLC does the body good…

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Michel’s Review

The Brooklyn Bruisers are back making another scoring goal with Hard Hitter ! Nobody writes a hockey romance better than Sarina Bowen.

Patrick O’ Doul is one of the NHL’s most fierce enforcers. For years he has put a hurt on his team’s opponents. He has built a reputation of being one of the most brutal enforcers in the league. He is also a dedicated team leader. He leads by examples. He always puts the team and the game first. He’s given years to the game giving it his all. Now he finds himself in his thirties and feeling every hit. The years have taken it’s toll. He can no longer brush off the pain. His coach is insisting he takes the help and relief he desperately needs. He has been forced into massage therapy with the team’s therapist. It’s not that he is against massages, he just can’t stand being touched by anyone. It’s going to take a miracle to get him on Ari’s table.

Ari has Patrick’s number, she understands his aversion to being touched. She’s good at her job and will find a way to treat this dynamic powerful athlete without disrupting his psyche. She’s a professional.

Ari and Patrick enter into an unlikely friendship that becomes valuable to them both. Ari is trying to move on from an abusive relationship. Patrick is searching for something more in his life than hockey. He has kept people at arms length all of his life. He needs a change. Ari is not only going to soothe his aches and pains, she is going to help him soothe his soul. She is teaching him how to be a real friend and teammate. She is healing his soul.

Both Ari and Patrick are healing each other. Patrick is showing Ari how honorable men behave. He is showing her the respect she deserves. He is also willing to give her his heart. Ari must choose to take a chance on love again or her career.

Sarina Bowen delivered another emotional story that showcases what matters most in life, love and friendship.

Everytime I open a new Sarina Bowen novel I know that I am in for a fulfilling and entertaining reading experience. She creates very real characters and gives them a story every reader can relate to. She is a must read author that never disappoints.

Hard Hitter by Sarina Bowen is a 5 Star Book. I can’t wait to see what comes next for the Brooklyn Bruisers.

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The Brooklyn Bruisers Series .

Rookie Move

Brooklyn Bruisers Series – Book 1

By Sarina Bowen

Release Date: September 6, 2016

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

In high school they were the perfect couple—until the day Georgia left Leo in the cold…

Hockey player Leo Trevi has spent the last six years trying to do two things: get over the girl who broke his heart, and succeed in the NHL. But on the first day he’s called up to the newly franchised Brooklyn Bruisers, Leo gets checked on both sides, first by the team’s coach—who has a long simmering grudge, and then by the Bruisers’ sexy, icy publicist—his former girlfriend Georgia Worthington.

Saying goodbye to Leo was one of the hardest things Georgia ever had to do—and saying hello again isn’t much easier. Georgia is determined to keep their relationship strictly professional, but when a press conference microphone catches Leo declaring his feelings for her, things get really personal, really fast…

“Romantic and hilarious, Rookie Move will hook you from page one. Nobody does hockey like Sarina Bowen.” –Elle Kennedy, New York Times bestselling author of the Off Campus series.

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Author Bio:

Sarina Bowen writes steamy, angsty Contemporary Romance and New Adult fiction from the wilds of Vermont.

The Year We Fell Down, Book #1 in The Ivy Years series, began breaking hearts in March 2014. Book #2, The Year We Hid Away, is brand new.

For Harlequin-E, Sarina writes the Gravity series. Coming in From the Cold features an angsty downhill ski racer and one of the most unique plot conflicts in contemporary romance today.

Sarina enjoys skiing, coffee products and a nice glass of wine. She lives with her family, eight chickens and more ski gear and hockey equipment than seems necessary.

She would be honored to connect with you at http://www.sarinabowen.com.

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******

5 Star Review: Bad Mommy by Tarryn Fisher

Posted on 01/02/2017 by shellbellereads

Bad Mommy

By Tarryn Fisher

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK / Amazon CA

Synopsis

When Fig Coxbury buys a house on West Barrett Street, it’s not because she likes the neighborhood, or even because she likes the house. It’s because everything she desires is next door: The husband, the child, and the life that belongs to someone else.

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Robin’s Review

Known best for her artistic writing style, author Tarryn Fisher has a huge following who seem to hang on her every word. She gave readers a huge Christmas gift this year when she pulled the trigger on a novel on Christmas Eve, and this time it’s a psychological thriller. Bad Mommy is a cautionary tale, with each of three parts being a character study on the individual portrayed: Fig Coxbury, Darius Avery, and Jolene Avery. The true strength of Bad Mommy lies in how flawlessly Fisher depicts each character.

Through inner dialogue and actions, Fisher absolutely NAILS painting Fig as a psychopath. With eyes fixated on the Avery family, Fig gradually inserts herself into the lives of Jolene, Darius and their daughter, Mercy. But she doesn’t stop there. Not only does Fig invade their lives, but she thinks she can be a better Jolene. She stalks. Copies. Manipulates. Deceives. Uses diversion tactics. Because Fig has a goal and nothing will stop her from reaching it.

Our perception of Darius shifts when we begin reading from his point of view. We begin to see Darius as a narcissistic sociopath, a psychiatrist who enjoys playing games. He knows mental illness when he sees it, and he uses his career to his advantage – especially with women who are vulnerable and need affirmation. While Darius collects proof of his conquests, the noose around his neck tightens. Because the biggest game of his life? It’s taking place at his own home.

And then we have humble, trusting Jolene. The forgiving writer who – at the drop of a hat – would do anything to help a friend in need. Even when red flags are flying. Jolene’s perspective is outstanding. She’s kind. Skeptical. Curious. Funny. Grouchy. Manic. The inner dialogue is completely believable considering the circumstances she’s in. Fisher is known for her big heart and giving nature throughout the indie author world. So as I read from Jolene’s point of view, I questioned if Fisher wrote about herself.

For me, Bad Mommy felt like reading perfection. It’s one of Fisher’s finest manuscripts. The dialogue between characters is entertaining. Her writing is nearly flawless, with inner dialogue being key to revealing the psychology behind each character. The progression of character relationships as the plot thickens is riveting. And as I said before, Fisher portrays her characters just flawlessly. Is Bad Mommy truth or fiction? Maybe a little of both? Either way, this 5-star cautionary tale is one of my VERY favorites of the 2016 year!

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Tarryn was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. She immigrated to America with her parents when she was thirteen, and spent the next eighteen years in South Florida where she earned her degree in Psychology, wrote her first novel, and had two children. In 2012, on a whim, she moved her family to Seattle, Washington where she currently makes her home safely away from the sun. Tarryn is the founder of Guise of the Villain, a fashion blog, and has written ten published novels. Tarryn is a Slytherin.

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New Release + 5 Star Review: Hate Story by Nicole Williams

Posted on 12/30/2016 by shellbellereads

Hate Story

By Nicole Williams

Release Date: December 26, 2016

Buy: Amazon / B & N / IBooks / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Amazon AU

Nina can’t let herself fall in love with the man she’s going to marry. Both of them have experienced the sting and sham of love and have no intentions of falling victim to it twice. Love is expensive—hate is free.

Three years. A million dollars. A solution to both of their problems. They planned it all, from the story of their first meeting to the date of their divorce. Nothing could go wrong.

But what they didn’t consider was chemistry, and Nina and Max have no shortage of it. After too many near-kisses, Nina convinces herself that hating Max is better than loving him, and the more she gets to know this soon-to-be-husband of hers, the more she discovers just how very much she truly, madly, and deeply . . . hates him.

This isn’t a love story. This is the other kind.

Excerpt

“Okay. So how do you think this is going?” Max tipped the broom handle between us. “You and me?”
My forehead pinched together. “You and me the plan? Or you and me the surprise?”
Max’s brow answered my question.
“And this topic is what you consider not-so-deep?” I nudged him and moved to finish stocking syrups.
“All I’m looking for is a simple estimation. Since we were just talking about school, give us a grade for how you think this is going.”
“A grade? Like A, B, C, D, F?”
“Exactly like that.”
I shook my head. “Did you have a rough day at work today? Lose an Olympic-size swimming pool of money or something? Are you needing your daily ego stroking to come from somewhere else today?” When I glanced back at him, I found Max leaning into the door he’d relocked, arms crossed and waiting.
“Our relationship is unique,” he said. “Intricate. I’m asking not because I need my ego stroked, but because I care. If I need to make some changes, I’m willing to. Anything you need, whatever you want, that’s what I’ll give you. But first, I have to know how I’m doing.”
If a man could get a woman pregnant from a piercing stare and a collection of words, I’d just gotten myself good and knocked up. With twins.
“You know how it’s going,” I said, trying to focus on the syrups instead of what—or who—I wanted to focus on.
“I know how I think it’s going. I’d like to know how you think it’s going.”
My mouth went a little dry. Having these kinds of talks was hard for anyone—they were next to impossible for me. “Well, you haven’t gone and confessed your undying love or scared the hell out of me by asking me to be your baby mama, so you’re keeping your promise to take it nice and slow.” When he gave a mini bow, I rolled my eyes. “Not to mention you aren’t too shabby in the sack, you don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink, and you share the remote well.”
Max’s face went flat. “Not too shabby?”
“Oh, please. You know how good you are. Stop fishing for compliments.” A flush crept up my neck as I thought of the most recent evidence to support that theory.
A slow, crooked smile spread across his face. “I want a grade.”
“Like comprehensive? Or broken down by category?” I was stalling, and Max knew I was stalling.
“You’re making this way too difficult,” he grumbled.
“An A minus,” I said abruptly. “I’d give you an A minus.”
“Why not an A plus?”
I kept my head turned so he couldn’t see my smile. Only Max Sturm would be outraged by an A minus. “Because there’s always room for improvement. And I wouldn’t want it to go to your head, that’s why not an A plus.”
The door creaked when he shoved off of it. He made no move to tame the way he was checking me out, leaning into the counter as I organized the syrups. “Something’s definitely going to my head.”
My gaze roamed his zipper region. “I was talking about the one north of your neck.”
“And I’m talking about the one at the end of my dick. My, at present, hard dick, thanks to you.” He came up behind me, fitting himself against my backside as his hands moved around to work on my jeans.
“Max,” I protested, my eyes closing a second later when his dick nuzzled deeper into my backside.
“Nina. I’m taking your body. Here. Now.” His chest pressed into my back as he lowered my zipper. “Accept that so we can move on to the next part.”

Michel’s Review

Some say there is a fine line between love and hate. Both of these emotions can be all consuming. Hate Story by Nicole Williams is not a story of two strong emotions battling to overtake the other. It is a beautiful love story of two strong willed individuals on a journey of self discovery. Two people finding themselves as well as finding the perfect partner in life.

Nina agreed to marry Max so that he could obtain his green card for one million dollars. They have a three year contract that is perfectly synchronized to the very last detail. Max wants his green card so that he can remain in the United States the rest of his life. Nina needs the money to keep her grandmother’s home. It’s the perfect arrangement. Neither want a real marriage. Neither of them wants to fall in love. In fact, Nina doesn’t believe in love. Love has let her down her entire life.

As Nina and Max embark on their arrangement they soon find they sincerely like one another. They find their attraction slowly building into something more. Something that isn’t in the contract. Once they admit their true feelings it changes everything. Their contract is null and void.

Once they have broke the contract it has broken both of them. Now they have to face the real truths of their lives. They have to learn to deal with their real emotions. They have to choose their future.

Nicole Williams once again delivered an emotional love story that leaves the reader swooning. I highly recommend reading Hate Story by Nicole Williams.

Nicole Williams is the New York Times and USATODAY bestselling author of contemporary and young adult romance, including the Crash and Lost & Found series. Her books have been published by HarperTeen and Simon & Schuster in both domestic and foreign markets, while she continues to self-publish additional titles. She is working on a new YA series with Crown Books (a division of Random House) as well. She loves romance, from the sweet to the steamy, and writes stories about characters in search of their happily even after. She grew up surrounded by books and plans on writing until the day she dies, even if it’s just for her own personal enjoyment. She still buys paperbacks because she’s all nostalgic like that, but her kindle never goes neglected for too long. When not writing, she spends her time with her husband and daughter, and whatever time’s left over she’s forced to fit too many hobbies into too little time.

Nicole is represented by Jane Dystel, of Dystel and Goderich Literary Agency.

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New Release and 5+ Star Review: Face- Off At The Alter by Toni Aleo by Toni Aleo – The Assassins Series – Book 10

Posted on 12/28/2016 by shellbellereads

Face-Off At The Alter

The Assassins Series

By Toni Aleo

Buy: Amazon / B & N / IBooks / Kobo / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Amazon AU

Synopsis

Markus Reeves is sucking. Big-time. Toiling away on a minor-league hockey team hundreds of miles away from home, he’s watching his dreams of an NHL career fade away. Add in the lingering guilt he has over the dramatic demise of his relationship with college girlfriend, Mekena, and he’s a mess on and off the ice.

But the family of his heart, the Sinclairs, won’t let Markus suffer any longer. When he arrives himself back in Nashville for a trial run on the Assassins, it feels like his life may be making a turn for the better. If only he could get Mekena to forgive him…

Mekena Preston has been hurting since fleeing Nashville following the horror of Markus’s betrayal with her sister. Now a professional photographer, Mekena finds herself in the same place at the same time with Markus to celebrate Lucy and Benji Paxton’s wedding. Neither of them has been able to move on—and they’re starting to wonder if they really want to.

____________________________________

They’re headed for a face-off at the altar unless they can confront their past and unearth the truth about what really happened on that fateful night.

Excerpt

Watching as Elli crossed the ice, saying hi to everyone she passed, Mekena knew she had to go. Standing, she wobbled a lot, but she still made it to the entry to the ice. She could do this. It wasn’t that hard. Just like walking—on water. No big deal.
Oh, God, she was going to die, and everyone was going to see it.
Swallowing hard, she stepped out on the ice and figured she could ride the side of the boards to him. Elli was already there, gushing over the kids and kissing all over the guy Mekena assumed was her nephew. And holy hot genes. Dark hair, bright blue eyes, and a jawbone that could slice the ice. He was beautiful, just like his uncle and his momma. Tall, too, and thick. Obviously a hockey player. That should have given her a little more confidence to skate over there, but instead, her fingers dug into the siding as she slowly made her way toward them.
When Elli looked up, Mekena let go of the sides and waved. “I’m a little slow. I’m coming!”
Elli said something to Ryan, whose eyes lit up when he looked over at her. As he detangled himself from the kids that were trying to climb him like a wall, she figured he was coming to help.
Oh, no, that was embarrassing.
No, she could skate. She had it!
Letting go of the siding, she went with ease. And at first, things were good. She was skating! But as well as it was going, it suddenly went very bad. She felt her knee bend funny and then her body start to fall. And as the ice came into view, she let out a cry, waiting for the ice to break not only her glasses but her nose too. Maybe her teeth.
But she didn’t fall.
No, instead, someone had her by her hips, pulling her up and to her feet.
“Whoa there, girlie. I thought you knew what you were doing?”
Markus.
Everything inside her went hot. Not from embarrassment but from pure, burning desire. Trying to catch her breath, she looked up at him, his eyes so dark, his mouth so close to her cheek as he smiled.
Crap. Crap on a cracker.
“Markus.”
“Yup, it’s me,” he said, grinning as he stood her on her feet. “Saving your life.”

Michel’s Review

This time of year may be hectic but it is also joyful. Most people are taking the time to reconnect with family and friends. They are celebrating life and making new goals for the new year. The release of Face-Off At The Alter by Toni Aleo was perfectly timed. I felt like I was reconnecting with my old friends from The Assassins series and The Bullies series.

It all begins with Lucy Sinclair and Benji Paxton’s wedding. The wedding has turned into a week long event. It’s time for family and friends to reconnect and enjoy one another’s company. Markus Reeves is heading home to Nashville from Florida spend time with his adoptive family, the Sinclairs.

Markus Reeves has spent the last couple of years in Florida playing hockey for the Assassins farm team. His life has spun out of control and his dreams are no longer within reach. He always dreamed of playing in the NHL for the Assassins. His game has tanked since his move to Florida. He hates his coach, his teammates, and his life. The only thing he’s looking forward to is returning home to Nashville for Lucy’s wedding. He’s looking forward to spending time with his friends. He also knows it’s time to face the music and face the girl he destroyed. The girl that sent his life in a downward spiral.

Lucy’s wedding must be his good luck charm. Ellie Adler has come to Jacksonville. He’s being brought up on conditional terms. It’s his second chance and opportunity to prove his worth as a player and teammate. He’s going to do everything in his power to make a place for himself on the Assassins team. He’s going to become the man he was supposed to be before his world imploded two years ago. The man he was before he destroyed Mekena Preston.

Mekena Preston has returned to Nashville to photograph Lucy and Benji’s wedding. She left Nashville two years ago after Markus and her sister betrayed her. She’s not the same girl she once was. Her heart is full of anger and hate. Taking this job means she will have to face Markus Reeves. Although she is not looking forward to seeing him, this time around she is in control. This time around she is going to push back.

Mekena and Markus were both destroyed when he slept with Skylar Preston ( the Bullies series). The betrayal destroyed them both as individuals. Two years later they are both finally going to get closure. They can finally move on in life. They can finally reach their full potential. Fate is once again going to intervene and change both of their destinies. Fate is going to right some wrongs but will come at another high price.

Toni Aleo once again did a wonderful job writing a powerful and emotional book about love, life, friendship, and family. The pure honesty is what makes her books beyond exceptional. Readers have become deeply connected to all her characters and their stories.

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About the Author

My name is Toni Aleo and I’m a total dork.
I am a wife, mother of two and a bulldog, and also a hopeless romantic.
I am the biggest Shea Weber fan ever, and can be found during hockey season with my nose pressed against the Bridgestone Arena’s glass, watching my Nashville Predators play!
When my nose isn’t pressed against the glass, I enjoy going to my husband and son’s hockey games, my daughter’s dance competition, hanging with my best friends, taking pictures, scrapbooking, and reading the latest romance novel.
I have a slight Disney and Harry Potter obsession, I love things that sparkle, I love the color pink, I might have been a Disney Princess in a past life… probably Belle.
… and did I mention I love hockey?

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Release Boost + 5 Star Review + Giveaway : Drunk On Love by S. L. Scott

Posted on 12/27/2016 by shellbellereads

Title: Drunk on Love

Author: S.L. Scott

Genre: Sexy Romance Comedy Standalone

Release Date: December 21, 2016

Blurb

From New York Times Bestselling Author, S.L. Scott, comes this downright delicious peek into the male anatomy… er, mind of Hardy Richard.There are only two rules:

1. Don’t get too close.

2. Don’t fall in love.

Correction: Don’t ever fall in love. I don’t need the baggage of relationships. Life should be simple, easy, uncomplicated.

The problem I’m faced with is, if I really believe life should be that easy, that uncomplicated, and that simple, then why am I still thinking about a woman I met on a random Monday at the bar? A girl who was never a Gimlet, and always a Paloma. Yep, I called it all wrong last night and I’m starting to wonder if my heart will pay the price.

I might have broken rule number one, but rule number two remains firmly intact. For now. Sort of. Okay, maybe rule two hasn’t been broken, but it’s definitely been bent.

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Tracey’s Review

As a dude, who’s not a hairdresser, I know too much about women’s hair. But in my line of work, it’s a bonus…No matter what their hairstyle, the one thing all women have in common is sex. Yup, sex. You might say that sounds trite, even obvious, but it’s true. There’s a basic need, a desire that the right cocktail with the right opportunity at the right time can release, making the most put together woman come undone.

So says Hardy Richard, owner and proprietor of Hardy’s Hideaway, a gem of a bar that caters chiefly to, well, women and their needs. Hardy and his cadre of hard-working, handsome, and, oh, so, helpful barmen make the Hideaway one of the most popular and sought-after watering holes that you never knew was there. And is just what brings in the woman in search of a Gimlet, and maybe some more, that will rock Hardy’s world in ways that he never anticipated.

It is no secret that I am a big fan of author S.L. Scott. After all, Jack Dalton of the Resistance is still one of my favorite book boyfriends ever. Suzie has a way of writing from the heart, of spinning a tale that draws me in from the first page and keeps me hooked all the way through. DRUNK ON LOVE, her latest, is a fine example of her ability to create a story that I can escape into, and emerge feeling absolutely, well, love-drunk.

I’m going to say right up front that Hardy is, without a doubt, my favorite of Suzie’s men since my Jack. He is completely self-aware, living life completely on his terms, and doing it with gusto. He knows exactly what people are looking for when they come to the Hideaway, and is more than happy to meet their needs.

They’re all here for the same reasons…The Hideaway is happy to provide both. Our customers are left satisfied because we’re more than just bartenders. We’re therapists. We’re life coaches. We’re teachers. We’re lovers. We’re sexual healers. Here, under the dim lights, we’re gods. My team is gifted, leaving our patrons smiling and wanting more…Our motto is threefold. The customer is always right, they always come, and they always come back. Goals we strive for night after night.

When Gimlet Girl shows us, Hardy is intrigued. Happy to help her with whatever she’s looking for, he’s more than a little surprised to find that she’s more of a Paloma girl after all. And once he’s had a taste of her, he’s the one wanting more. For a guy that doesn’t do relationships, Hardy is all in, which takes him a bit out of his comfort zone. But the best thing about Hardy? He’s not a quitter, and watching him change only makes him that much more endearing and, yes, hot. I think that he surprises himself with the lengths that he’ll go to to get the girl, and his story had me devouring this book like it was my favorite adult beverage (margarita, heavy on the top shelf tequila, if you want to know…).

I’m hoping that DRUNK ON LOVE is the beginning of a new series, honestly, because I would love to see so much more of these folks. While the rest of the guys will never top Hardy in my heart, they are a bunch that bear getting to know. So, Suzie, if you’re reading this, MORE of the Hideaway, pretty please! In the meantime, 5+ tipsy, topsy-turvy, man of my dreams stars for this book. Totally one of my favorite reads of 2016, and a great one for your TBR. I guarantee, you will LOVE this read, so grab it and go. You’re welcome. ❤

***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***

Author Bio

Living in the capital of Texas with her family, Scott loves traveling and avocados, beaches, and cooking with her kids. She’s obsessed with epic romances and loves a good plot twist. Her favorite color is blue, but she likens it more toward the sky than the emotion. Her home is filled with the welcoming symbol of the pineapple and finds surfing a challenge though she likes to think she’s a pro.

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FULL PACKAGE by Lauren Blakely is Here!

“Lauren Blakely has mastered the recipe for delightful and delicious. It’s called Full Package. I can’t find words to tell you how much I enjoyed this friends to lovers romance with enough sweet to melt in your mouth and enough spice to melt your panties.”

~ iScream Books

“Lauren Blakely nailed it AGAIN. This man man is perfection! HOT, SWEET, FUNNY, SMART.”

~ Queen of Hearts

✮✮✮FULL PACKAGE is here!✮✮✮

From the New York Times Bestselling author of MISTER O and BIG ROCK, comes a hot & hilarious new standalone romantic comedy…

I’ve been told I have quite a gift.

Hey, I don’t just mean in my pants. I’ve got a big brain too, and a huge heart of gold. And I like to use all my gifts to the fullest, the package included. Life is smooth sailing….

Until I find myself stuck between a rock and a sexy roommate, which makes for one very hard…place.

Because scoring an apartment in this city is harder than finding true love. So even if I have to shack up with my buddy’s smoking hot and incredibly amazing little sister, a man’s got to do what a man’s got to do.

I can resist Josie. I’m disciplined, I’m focused, and I keep my hands to myself, even in the mere five-hundred square feet we share. Until the one night she insists on sliding under the covers with me. It’ll help her sleep after what happened that day, she says.

Spoiler-neither one of us sleeps.

Did I mention she’s also one of my best friends? That she’s brilliant, beautiful and a total firecracker? Guess that makes her the full package too.

What’s a man stuck in a hard place to do?

You can find this sexy standalone romantic comedy across all retailers!

✦Amazon US ✦Amazon UK ✦Amazon CA ✦Amazon AU ✦iBooks

✦Barnes & Noble ✦Kobo ✦Google Play ✦Amazon Paperback

✦Audio (Sebastian York!) ✦or via Audible

“Fresh, fun, flirty, and fabulous.”

~ Karen at Bookalicious Babes Blog

Add it to Goodreads here!

And don’t miss Lauren Blakely’s other standalone Romantic Comedies!

✮✮✮ Enter to win this amazing FULL PACKAGE GIVEAWAY!✮✮✮

Josie and Chase put together some of their favorite things just for you to celebrate the release of FULL PACKAGE!

The FULL PACKAGE is filled with:

✮ $50 Gift Card to Lush: Fresh Handmade Cosmetics for fruity scented bath products that Chase loves so much.

✮ $50 Gift Card to Sugarfina: A Luxury Candy Boutique where you can sample some of Josie’s favorite gourmet candy.

✮ A lovely Coach Wristlet containing a $50 Amazon Gift Card for you to spend on whatever your heart desires.

✮ And last but not least, my entire Audiobook Collection minus Full Package on Audible. It is aurally delicious!

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iBooks | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA | BN | Kobo | Audible

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*✮✮✮ Enter to win this amazing FULL PACKAGE GIVEAWAY!✮✮✮***