New Release + 5 Star Review: Asking For More by Lilah Pace – Asking For It Series – Book 2.5

Posted on 03/23/2016 by shellbellereads

Asking For More

Asking For It Series – Book 2.5

By Lilah Pace

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

The incendiary author of Begging for It and Asking for It again plunges readers into the shadowy depths of love, pain, pleasure and peril…

How far is too far?

Finally sure of each other’s strength and love, Jonah and Vivienne continue to explore their darkest fantasies together. However, what should be a night of ecstasy takes a dangerous turn, injuring Vivienne. She shrugs off the incident, but Jonah is haunted by it, particularly by the fear that others may believe he abuses her, or even glimpse the truth of their erotic obsession.

Then Jonah receives a call from his younger sister, Rebecca, who’s dealing with trouble of her own in South America. When Vivienne travels with him to aid Rebecca, she learns yet more about his tortured history—and Jonah opens up to Vivienne as never before.

Can Vivienne help Jonah cast off the shadows of his past forever?

MATURE AUDIENCE

_______________________________

Tracey’s Review

Finally free to pursue their desires, Vivienne Charles and Jonah Marks have settled into a comfortable life. But when a situation arises that makes Jonah feel as though he poses a danger to Vivienne, the ghosts of his past cause him to retreat into himself, and it is up to Vivienne to show him that their love is strong enough to overcome his doubts.

Lilah Pace continues to beautifully capture the unconventional relationship between Vivienne and Jonah. Having been through so much to get to this place of acceptance and communion, Vivienne is determined that she can help Jonah rise above the fears that hold him back. Seeing the two of them work together to create the reality that they desire is deeply satisfying. These two characters, who now feel like old friends, have grown so much over the course of this series, and Lilah’s crafting of their story is done so beautifully without losing any of the heat that has been there from the beginning. ASKING FOR MORE is another 5-star review, and a perfect ending to Vivienne’s and Jonah’s story.

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

__________________________________

Asking For It Duology

Asking For It – Book 1

“This is who I am. This is what I want. Now I need a man dangerous enough to give it to me.”

Graduate student Vivienne Charles is afraid of her own desires—ashamed to admit that she fantasizes about being taken by force, by a man who will claim her completely and without mercy. When the magnetic, mysterious Jonah Marks learns her secret, he makes an offer that stuns her: they will remain near-strangers to each other, and meet in secret so that he can fulfill her fantasy.

Their arrangement is twisted. The sex is incredible. And—despite their attempts to stay apart—soon their emotions are bound together as tightly as the rope around Vivienne’s wrists. But the secrets in their pasts threaten to turn their affair even darker…

Reader Advisory: Asking for It deals explicitly with fantasies of non-consensual sex. Readers sensitive to portrayals of non-consensual sex should be advised.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Begging For It – Book 2

Release Date – September 1, 2015

The provocative author of Asking for It once again explores the dark side of erotic obsession, and the secrets that make it as dangerous as it is irresistible.

Some secrets should only be shared in the dark.

Jonah and Vivienne’s erotic bond—living out raw scenarios of captivity and force—began as no-strings sex between strangers who shared the same desires. Now the intimacy between them is turning into love, but it’s a love built on fantasies so extreme that exploring them makes guilt inescapable. But the risks they’re taking are far more dangerous than they’d imagined.

A stalker is terrorizing the city, and one of Jonah’s ex-lovers names him as a potential suspect to the police. Standing by a man under suspicion could cost Vivienne everything. But when Jonah’s stepfather takes advantage of the scandal to seize control of the Marks family fortune, Vivienne is drawn into her lover’s broken family and twisted past. Only then will she learn how dark the truth really is…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

___________________________________

Author Bio:

Glamorous Woman Celebrating New Year With Champagne

Lilah Pace is a pseudonym for a New York Times bestselling author, so she can’t give away too much about herself here, but she has lived everywhere from Italy to the United Kingdom before putting down roots in the American South.

She’s addicted to Diet Coke, loves her dog, and daydreams about several British movie stars (though usually no more than two at a time).

And while it took her a long while to get up the courage to write books, now she hopes she’ll never stop.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Ginger’s Heart by Katy Regnery… A Modern Day Fairytale… Little Red Riding Hood

Posted on 03/22/2016 by shellbellereads

Ginger’s Heart

A Modern Fairytale… Little Red Riding Hood

By Katy Regnery

Release Date: March 22, 2015

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/ Kobo /Google Play

Synopsis

Once upon a time there were two cousins:
one golden like the sun,
one dark like midnight,
one a protector,
one a predator,
one a Woodsman
and
one a Wolf…
both owning equal,
but different,
parts of a little girl’s heart.

In this modern retelling of “Little Red Riding Hood,” the woodsman and the wolf are cousins, and Little Red is the girl with whom they both fall in love.

Beautiful Ginger McHuid, daughter of Kentucky’s premiere horse breeder, grows up on her family farm, best friends with Cain Wolfram, the son of her father’s Stallion Manager, and Cain’s cousin, Josiah Woodman, son of a local banker. Throughout their happy childhood, the three are inseparable friends, but as they mature into adults, complicated feelings threaten to destroy their long history of friendship and love.

*****
This is a standalone novel inspired by Little Red Riding Hood. Contemporary Romance: Due to profanity and very strong sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

Ginger’s Heart is part of the a modern fairytale collection, which will include five standalone, unrelated novels:

The Vixen and the Vet (Beauty & the Beast) – available now
Never Let You Go (Hansel & Gretel) – available now
Ginger’s Heart (Little Red Riding Hood) – available now
Don’t Speak (The Little Mermaid) – available 2017
Swan Song (The Ugly Duckling) – available 2018

Excerpt

An hour later they stopped by the Glenn River, eight miles downriver from Ginger’s house and two from the distillery where Cain had partied last night.

“We should water them,” he said, reining in Thunder and dismounting with the ease of a lifelong horseman.

She reined in Heath, who nickered in protest, and grinned down at Cain who reached up for her. His hands lingered for an extra moment on her hips as she slid down the front of his body. Leaning her head back, she stared up at him, daring him to pull her closer, to kiss her, to admit that this whole “friends” thing was bullshit on fire. But, he clenched his jaw, cleared his throat and dropped his hands.

“Thanks,” she murmured, her voice husky in her ears as he stared down at her, his eyes flinty and dark.

Taking Heath’s reins with a grunt, he turned away from her, leading the horses to the river’s edge and leaving her to follow behind. She leaned down to pick up a flat stone and skipped it across the slow moving water.

“Not bad,” said Cain.

“You were always the best.”

“Nah,” he said. “Woodman was better.”

“Nope,” she countered, picking up another stone. “Woodman was good, but you were better. Remember that Fourth of July that you skipped eleven times? Eleven times. It was a record.”

Satisfied that the horses were calm and drinking their fill, Cain leaned down and grabbed a rock of his own, skipping it over the dark water.

One-two-three-four-five-six-seven…

“Wow!” she said, clapping lightly. “You’ve still got the touch!”

He turned to her, grinning. “You always get excited about the littlest things. What’s it like gettin’ a kick out of everythin’, Gin?”

“What’s it like gettin’ a kick out of nothin’, Cain?” she asked, her voice full of sass.

“I’m gettin’ a kick out of you right now, princess.”

A charge zapped between them as the words left his mouth, and her breath hitched and held for just a moment, but she looked down and picked up another rock. She was enjoying today too much to go back to Awkwardland.

She skipped her rock, which sunk after three measly hops.

“Remember when you saved my Cabbage Patch doll from certain doom in this river?” she asked him.

He screwed up his face as her. “Wasn’t me. Must have been Woodman.”

“It was you!” she insisted. “Not Woodman!”

“Savin’ a dolly? Please. That has Woodman written all over it. I couldn’t have cared less if it drowned.”

“But I cared,” she said softly. “Which is why you saved it.”

“Fine. Have it your way,” he said, sitting down on a large rock near the water’s edge.

She sighed, squatting down to wash her hands in the clear water before looking back at him. “Why do you do that?”

“Do what?”

“Let Woodman take credit for all the good things?”

He shrugged, looking away from her, out at the water. “I don’t.”

“You just did. Twice.”

He sighed, giving her a long-suffering look. “If somethin’ good happened, chances were, it was Woodman’s doin’.”

“How do you figure?”

“He’s the better man, Gin,” said Cain, his eyes severe, his words deliberate.

She stood up slowly, turning her body completely to face him. “Do you really believe that?”
He looked away. “It’s the truth.”

“Cain. Cain, look at me.” Her words didn’t feel like enough so she beseeched him with her eyes too. “You’re just as good a man as he is.”
“Ha!” scoffed Cain, standing up and moving away from her. “Not in this life, princess.”

Michel’s Review

Ginger’s Heart by Katy Regnery is the latest release in the Modern Fairytale series. This series has proven to be Katy Regnery’s strongest work. The fairytales that kept us entranced in our childhood have once again come to life and captivated our adult imaginations. Each modern fairytale follows the theme of the original story but takes it to another level that takes place in modern day times. The big bad wolf and little red take on a new persona and their story engages the readers emotions on every level.

Usually I am not a huge fan of love triangle themed books. I struggle with the conflict and indecisiveness. I get extremely frustrated with the manipulations, the blind eye, and deceptive actions. I want a story where the couple finds their true love for one another without another person pulling at the heartstrings. I am just not a fan of that kind of book.

I loved the first two books in the Modern Fairytale series. I can honestly say in many ways I was not looking forward to reading Ginger’s Heart because of the love triangle theme. At the same time, I was looking forward to reading Ginger’s Heart because of my faith in Katy Regnery’s writing. Katy steps out of the typical romance formula in this series. She taps into an emotional fountain and delivers a heart wrenching story that follows the theme of the original tale but takes on a new life. Ginger’s Heart was no exception. The thing that impressed me the most was how Katy handled the love triangle. It worked on every level without making any of the characters deceptive or manipulative. It showcased the true meaning of love no matter what the relationship was. There are so many definitions of love and Katy made sure that the readers experienced more than the romantic definition.

Two cousins, one girl, and a history that began when they were small children. Two cousins that were brothers of the heart. While one cousin was the golden child, the other was the black sheep. One girl held their hearts captivated. One girl was the glue that held them together and the thing that tore them apart. Life also dictated very different paths that brought them full circle once again. But first they had to experience their story, trip along the path in the woods, grow into mature individuals, and face their own big bad wolves. The one thing that always stayed consistent was their love for each other. The definition changed throughout their lives but was always there without conditions.

Katy wrote a powerful, emotional story that engaged all of my emotions. Be sure to pull out the tissues before engaging in this book. I loved Ginger’s Heart!

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

/ Kobo /Google Play

______________________________________________

The Modern Fairytale Series

The Vixen And The Vet – Book 1

Inspired by Beauty and The Beast

**2015 RITA Finalist!**

“With Southern charm and a deeply romantic plot, readers will fall in love with this modern day fairy tale.” –RT BOOK REVIEWS

In this modern-retelling of “Beauty and the Beast,” Savannah Carmichael, betrayed by an unreliable source, returns to her hometown of Danvers, Virginia with her once-promising journalism career in ruins. Given the opportunity to get back in the game by writing a patriotic human interest piece, Savannah turns her attention to the town hermit, Asher Lee, a wounded veteran who returned to Danvers eight years ago, and hasn’t been seen since.

After an IED explosion in Afghanistan took Asher’s hand and disfigured half of his face, he’s lived a quiet life on the outskirts of Danvers where the locals respect his privacy…that is, until Savannah Carmichael comes calling in a borrowed sundress with a plate of homemade brownies. When Asher agrees to be interviewed by Savannah, he starts feeling things for the beautiful reporter that he hasn’t felt in years.

Misfits in small-town Danvers, Savannah and Asher create a bond right away, touching each other’s hearts in ways neither thought possible. When a terrible mistake threatens to drive them apart, they’ll have to decide if the love they found in one another’s arms is strong enough to fight for their hard-won happily ever after.

This is a standalone novel inspired by Beauty & the Beast. Contemporary Romance: Due to profanity, realistically depicted scenes of war and very strong sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

(The next standalone a m o d e r n f a i r y t a l e novel, Never Let You Go, inspired by Hansel & Gretel, will be released on June 19, 2015.)

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

*******

Never Let You Go – Book 2

Inspired by Hansel and Gretel

In this modern retelling of “Hansel and Gretel,” 13-year-old foster children, Holden and Griselda, escape from their abductor after three years of brutal captivity and try to cross the Shenandoah River on foot. Tragically, one of them makes it to safety but the other is left behind.

Ten years later, Griselda’s boyfriend drags her to a fight club grudge match where her world is turned upside down when she watches Holden step into the ring.

Though the connection between them is fierce, bitter regret, simmering rage and a cache of physical and emotional scars lie between them, just as dangerous as the whitewater of the Shenandoah.

Never Let You Go is a story of fear and hope, defeat and survival, and two people – once profoundly broken – who discover that love is the only thing that can make them whole again.

This is a standalone novel inspired by Hansel & Gretel. New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to profanity, scenes of physical abuse and very strong sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18. (Note: children are not sexually abused in this book.)

For June and July 2015, 25% of all gross royalties will be donated to the Elizabeth Smart Foundation.

(The next standalone a m o d e r n f a i r y t a l e novel, Ginger’s Heart, inspired by Little Red Riding Hood, will be released in Winter 2015/2016.)

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

*******

Ginger’s Heart

Inspired by Little Red Riding Hood

In this modern retelling of “Little Red Riding Hood,” the woodsman and the wolf are cousins, and Little Red is the girl with whom they both fall in love.

*****
This is a standalone novel inspired by Little Red Riding Hood. Contemporary Romance: Due to profanity and very strong sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

Ginger’s Heart is part of the a modern fairytale collection, which will include five standalone, unrelated novels:

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

/ Kobo /Google Play

*****

Don’t Speak

Inspired By The Little Mermaid

Available 2017

****

Swan Song

Inspired by The Ugly Duckling

Available 2018

___________________________________________________________________________

Author Bio

Katy Regnery, award-winning and Amazon bestselling author, started her writing career by enrolling in a short story class in January 2012. One year later, she signed her first contract for a winter romance entitled By Proxy.

Now a hybrid author who publishes both independently and traditionally, Katy claims authorship of the six-book Heart of Montana series, the six-book English Brothers series, and a Kindle Worlds novella entitled “Four Weddings and a Fiasco: The Wedding Date,” in addition to the standalone novels, Playing for Love at Deep Haven and Amazon bestseller, The Vixen and the Vet.

The Vixen and the Vet is included in the charity anthology Hometown Heroes: Hotter Ever After, and Katy’s novella “Frosted” will appear in the upcoming (Jan ’15) anthology, Snowy Days Steamy Nights. Additionally, Katy’s short story, “The Long Way Home” will appear in the first RWA anthology (Feb ’15), Premiere.

Katy lives in the relative wilds of northern Fairfield County, Connecticut, where her writing room looks out at the woods, and her husband, two young children, and two dogs create just enough cheerful chaos to remind her that the very best love stories begin at home.

Connect with Katy:

Katy LOVES connecting with her readers and answers every e-mail, message, tweet and post personally!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Day + 5 Star Review: Bennett by Brenda Rothert – On The Line Series – Book 2

Posted on 03/18/2016 by shellbellereads

Today we are celebrating the release of BENNETT (On the Line, #2) by Brenda Rothert. You won’t want to miss this steamy contemporary romance! KILLIAN, the first book in the On the Line series, is on sale now for just .99¢ so grab it while you can!

Bennett (On the Line, #2)

PURCHASE IT NOW!

Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | B&N | GooglePlay

Add Bennett to Goodreads

Book Blurb:

Bennett Morse devotes his time to chasing two things: an NHL career and women. He’s the easygoing member of his three-man line on the Fenway Flyers, content to play the game he loves and soak up the female attention it brings – as long as it’s from a different woman each time. He learned the hard way that choosing only one leads to heartache.

Newly single attorney Charlotte Holloway finds just what she needs in Bennett – a sweet, sexy man to ease the burn of her recent breakup. One night is all she wants from the left winger who seems to have all the right moves. Soon circumstance draws her back to Bennett, and the sparks between them become a fiery blaze. But with the stakes high, will they risk it all and put their hearts on the line?

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

Tracey’s Review

When Bennett Morse and Charlotte Holloway meet by chance and decide to spend the night together, neither one is prepared for the outcome of their actions, or that their encounter would lead to anything more. But, when Fate, kismet, the Universe, call it what you will, steps in, the two find out quickly that sometimes things, and people, are not what they seem, and that life as they know it is about to be very different.

I have been a fan of Brenda for a very long time, and am never disappointed by the stories and characters that she creates. BENNETT, the second book in Brenda’s On the Line series, is no exception. In Bennett, Brenda has written a man that is not the usual player. Yes, he’s had his share of action, but his heart is in the game, and in getting called up to the professional team. When he meets Charlotte, who has recently broken up with her boyfriend, he is smitten. Everything about her appeals to him, and he is more than ready to see where things go. But Charlotte, raised by a mother who depended on men for her self-worth, isn’t about to jump right into another relationship. Strong and capable, she’s more than able to take care of herself, and isn’t afraid to let Bennett know.

What really makes this book so special is the way that Brenda continually takes her characters out of their comfort zones and allows them to rise to heights that they didn’t know they could attain. Bennett is so much more than just a hot hockey player, and is willing to overcome his personal demons to show Charlotte just how much she means to him, and what he’s willing to give up to be with her. And, Charlotte, afraid in her own way to let Bennett in, finds in him a safe place, where she can let someone else help her carry the load.

BENNETT is a wonderful addition to the On the Line series, and the story, the heart, the wonderful way that the main characters mesh, along with the supporting characters and their stories, combine to earn this read an easy 4.5 stars. And, having gotten to know Liam just a little bit in this book, I can’t wait for his story in the near future.

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

Killian, the first book in the On the Line series, is on sale now for just .99¢!

Killian (On the Line, #1)

Amazon | iBooks | B&N | Kobo | GooglePlay

———————

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Brenda Rothert is an Illinois native who was a print journalist for nine years. She made the jump from fact to fiction in 2013 and never looked back. From new adult to steamy contemporary romance, Brenda creates fresh characters in every story she tells. She’s a lover of Diet Coke, chocolate, lazy weekends and happily ever afters.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | | Wattpad | Amazon

Book Tour + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Killer by Heather C. Leigh

Posted on 03/16/2016 by shellbellereads

Ten years ago, their lives shattered to pieces…

And he’s the KILLER that has to live with it.

Two people. One incident.

Interwoven between two damaged souls in ways they don’t understand.

#DarkRomance #Fighter

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

Killer

By Heather C. Leigh

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Release Date: March 15,2016

Synopsis

Ten years ago, their lives shattered to pieces…

And he’s the KILLER that has to live with it.

Two people. One incident. Interwoven between two damaged souls in ways they don’t understand.

But now, they must fight the same war–a past that wrecked them both–destroyed the two people they used to be. With a hurricane of love, hate, anger, fury, and fear, can two broken lives find a way to let it all go for a chance at happiness?

Excerpt

Britt and Gabriel are waiting for me in his office so we can start our meeting. After my interaction with Wolfe, I’m seething and frustrated. All I want to do is jump into the cage and beat the fuck out of something, release this shit building up inside. Confusing new emotions like jealousy are dueling with my usual focused, raw fury.

The dark, hollow place in my chest isn’t equipped for this. I fight, I fuck, I exist. Nothing more, nothing less.

Furious, I walk over to Gabriel’s office and shove open the door. It bangs against the wall with a loud crack, causing Gabriel to frown and Britt to cry out. Just like that, she drops to the floor, curling into a ball and covering her head with her hands.

Gabriel leaps to his feet, hurrying around his desk to crouch next to a huddling, quivering Britt. Stunned, I stand at the door frozen, unsure what is going on or what I should do.

“Meu filha! Britt! What is happening?” Gabriel’s voice hitches as he tries to pull Britt out from under his desk. His head whips around to face me. “Killer! ¡Venha aqui e ayudar!” (Get over here and help..)

I cross the space in two quick steps, approaching Gabriel’s desk from the opposite side. Britt’s tiny frame is tucked into a tight ball, her knees pulled to her chest, head ducked, and arms curled protectively over her head.

Protecting her from what?

“Britt,” I say in as composed of a voice as I can manage, which at this moment, isn’t saying much. Not a lot freaks me out, but right now, watching Britt fall to pieces, has me struggling to keep calm. “Please, come out.”

Britt is quietly sobbing, her body shuddering in fear. Watching her in such obvious distress sends a stabbing pain through my chest. Not sure this is the best thing for her, but not knowing what else to do, I crawl under the desk. Being as large as I am, I can only get my head and shoulders in next to her.

Gabriel slides into nervous, staccato Portuguese. “I will leave you to take care of her. Let me know when she’s feeling better and I will return.” He stands and leaves the room, gently closing the door behind him.

He left me with her?

What the fuck am I supposed to do? At a loss, I do the only thing that comes to mind. It worked to relax her before, so why not? I gather her tiny, trembling body up in my arms, and hold her. Britt immediately unwinds her arms, clutching me tight, burying her face into my shirt, her tears dampening the fabric.

On the floor in my trainer’s office, lying half under a desk, a tiny shard of my black soul becomes human again.

Michel’s Review

Spoiler Free Review

Keller and Britt have one thing in common. A horrific incident that forever changed their lives. For the past ten years that incident has dictated their lives. Both of them refuse to acknowledge that day. They have kept the past a secret in their present lives.

One walked away from the incident with tremendous guilt and remorse. He became Killer. The other barely survived and doesn’t remember a thing but she still lives with aftermath of that day. She lives in fear. She lives with the health issues that resulted from the damage of that day. She is a miracle. She is a survivor. Ten years later when their paths cross again, they are still literally strangers but drawn to one another.

As this story unfolds, Keller and Britt find solace in one another. They are finally finding peace within their souls. They are finally stepping out of the past and letting someone in. They are learning to trust and love once again.

As they open their hearts the past comes back to haunt them in many ways. Both of their parents want them to become a part of a cause that both of them want nothing to do with. Keller is finally learning to forgive himself for his carelessness of that day. Britt is starting to remember what happened and is even more terrified.

They are working together in an MMA gym. Britt is a trainer and Keller is the new champion fighter known as Killer. The gym is their safe zone until another fighter decides to declare war on Killer and claim Britt for himself.

This leads to psychotic stalking and facing a potential killer once again.

Heather wrote a powerful story that portrays the after effects of a reality that is sadly present in our society. She didn’t glorify the event. She gave the victims a strong voice and glorified their survival. She gave them the happily ever after they should of always had. She gave them back their lives.

__________________________________________________

About Heather C. Leigh

I’m the author of the Amazon best selling Famous series. I like to write about the ‘dark’ side of fame. The part that the public doesn’t get to see, how difficult it is to live in a fishbowl and how that affects relationships.

I was born and raised in New England and currently live outside Atlanta, GA.

I love the Red Sox, the Patriots, and anything made of chocolate (but not white chocolate, that doesn’t count).

My favorite authors are Dan Wells, Tina Reber, Ken Follett, and Stephen King. Happy reading!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Drop Dead Sexy by Katie Ashley

Posted on 03/15/2016 by shellbellereads

Drop Dead Sexy

By Katie Ashley

Synopsis:

For Olivia Sullivan, love is more a four letter curse word than a sentiment. Growing up as the daughter of a small town mortician, guys didn’t warm to the fact there were dead people in her house. At thirty, taking over the family business and becoming the town Coroner helped to cement her undateable status. Of course her past sex history didn’t help matters either.

Attempt number one with her first love ended barely before it got started with a horrific latex allergy hospitalization. Attempt number two had him coming and then going with an undiagnosed heart condition. For the past three years, Olivia has closed up shop for fear of what might happen next in the bedroom.

After being forced to go single to her mother’s lingerie shower, Olivia stumbles into an out of town bar with one intention: find an able bodied stud to go home with to end her losing sex streak. Enter Holden Caulfield Mains aka Catcher, who earned his nickname not just from the book he was named for, but for the fact he was sure to catch the attention any woman who came within a five mile radius. Waking up after a night of the most mind blowing sex she could have ever imagined, a horrified Olivia runs away thinking she’s left Catcher behind.

When Olivia’s small town is wracked by its first murder, she never could have imagined her one night stand would reappear in the form of the GBI’s lead investigator. To her mortification, Catcher isn’t ready to let go of their sizzling chemistry, and he doesn’t understand the meaning of no. As things start to heat up between them, the body count starts to rise, and they’re led on a wild goose chase from backwoods mountain Nudist Colonies to altercations with the Dixie Mafia. Can Olivia and Catcher survive to solve the murder while also not succumbing to their explosive passion?

Purchase your copy Today!

***

Michel’s Review

Drop Dead Sexy by Katie Ashley is a fun romantic suspense novel that will have the readers sitting on the edge of their seats while laughing their butts off. It’s a who done it story in a backwoods southern small town. The sexy GBI agent, Catcher Mains and coroner/ mortician, Olivia Sullivan are on the case. Solving the mystery of pharmacist Randall “Randy” Dickinson’s life and murder is going to keep them pretty busy, as well as trying to keep their clothes on and hands off each other. Who said one night stands were only for one night?

Olivia has been down on her luck in the love and sex department. When she finally decides to jump on the horse and take a ride again, she meets the best stud in the stable. She meets Catcher Mains, a man that is drop dead sexy. After a memorable one night stand, Olivia takes the walk of shame back to her small town with memories of a scorching night. When her small town gets their first murder case, she would of never dreamed that GBI agent, Catcher Mains would be assigned to the case. He’s determined to make her part of the investigation. He’s determined to get in her panties again.

The case is full of surprises. Randy had a lot of secrets. He was not your average small town pharmacist that sang in the church choir. His connections lead them to a nudist colony ( oops…I mean nudist resort), a snake charming evangelist, a hoodoo witch, and the dixie mafia. In between the investigation, Catcher and Olivia are doing their own private investigating of each other.

Olivia’s grandmother and mother are picking out the china patterns. Olivia’s losing the cobwebs. Catcher is clearing Olivia’s cobwebs and weaving a web of his own.

I absolutely loved this book. It was fun and full of suspense. Katy nailed the small town Georgia mentality and atmosphere. I live near the area where the story takes place, I can throw a rock out my back door and it would land in Elijay. She nailed it and gave this story an authentic feel.

I highly recommend Drop Dead Sexy by Katie Ashley!

***

Katie Ashley is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon Best-Selling author. She lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her daughter, Olivia. She has a slight obsession with Pinterest, The Golden Girls, Shakespeare, Harry Potter, Designing Women, and Scooby-Doo.

With a BA in English, a BS in Secondary English Education, and a Masters in Adolescent English Education, she spent eleven years teaching both middle and high school English. As of January 2013, she became a full-time writer.

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Love,Chloe by Alessandra Torre

Posted on 03/14/2016 by shellbellereads

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Love,Chloe

By Alessandra Torre

Synopsis

Chloe Madison. That’s me. A former NYU princess who fell from grace, right off my pampered Manhattan throne and onto the unforgiving steps of Nicole Brantley, socialite and queen bitch. Now, I walked her dog and mixed her smoothies. Tried to navigate my own problems while fixing all of hers.

I wanted what every New York girl wanted. A career, an apartment, and true love, preferably in a smoking hot package.

It turned out … I’d have to fight for all of it.

Purchase your copy of Love, Chloe today!

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Read the first TWO chapters for FREE on www.ReadChloe.com

Join: Love, Chloe Facebook Page

Michel’s Review

I have only one word to describe Love,Chloe by Alessandra Torre…

Delightful!

Alessandra Torre never fails to surprise me as a reader. She is known for her dark, gritty, erotic romances. She has also proven that she can write a light hearted, fun contemporary romance that has the readers charmed. Love, Chloe is another great success that she can add to her impressive bibliography.

This delightful story begins with a spoiled rich heiress losing everything she possessed. Her parents have abandoned her and are facing prison time. The FBI has seized her uptown New York City apartment. Her perfect trust fund billionaire boyfriend is a cheat. Her best friends are spending time in South Beach rather than commiserating with her new pauper life. She’s forced to crash on her friend’s couch. She’s forced to get a job. Chloe Madison has to turn a new leaf whether she wants to or not.

Over the next year readers will follow Chloe’s journey to becoming a new person. A person that is real, sincere, and has values that go beyond designer shoes. She’ll land her first job as a PA for the adorable pooch Chanel, who has a better wardrobe than she does. She’ll get promoted to PA to the evil condom heiress, Nicole, and not because she was doing her job well. Along the way she’ll kiss the hottest movie star in Hollywood and become the latest topic in the tabloids. She’ll be gifted diamonds and cars by another pursuer and turn them down on mere principal. Or maybe because a certain handyman/ super has caught her attention.

Chloe Madison is learning about real life. Chloe Madison is learning who Chloe Madison really is. When she looks into the mirror she is going to like what she sees. And the big bonus for Chloe is that she’s going to find her prince and the true meaning of love.

I absolutely loved this book. I loved the Instagram Posts that began each chapter and next step in Chloe’s delightful life. Alessandra Torre has once again delivered a fantastic book!

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═══ EVENTS FOR LOVE, CHLOE RELEASE ═══

MARCH 14 – 21: Goodreads Buddy Read Event

• • •

TUESDAY MARCH 15: Goodreads Party

Time of Party #1: 1 – 2 PM EST

Time of Party #2: 10 – 11 PM EST

Link to join Parties: https://goo.gl/Btqbc3

• •

TUESDAY MARCH 22: Release Party:

Party on Authors FB like page

Event is from 9-10:30 PM EST

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WEDNESDAY MARCH 23:

All DAY Instagram Giveaway

https://www.instagram.com/alessandratorre4/ | @AlessandraTorre4

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TUESDAY MARCH 24:

Twitter Party 10:30 – Midnight EST @ ReadAlessandra

Use #ReadChloe to participate

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Alessandra Torre is an award-winning New York Times bestselling author of twelve novels. Her books focus on romance and suspense, all with a strong undercurrent of sexuality. Torre has been featured in such publications as Elle and Elle UK, Dirty Sexy Funny with Jenny McCarthy, as well as guest blogged for the Huffington Post and RT Book Reviews. She was also the Bedroom Blogger for Cosmopolitan.com.

You can learn more about Alessandra on her website at www.alessandratorre.com, or you can find her on Twitter (@ReadAlessandra) or Facebook.

Newsletter: www.nextnovel.com

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Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway : ROCK by JA Huss

Posted on 03/10/2016 by shellbellereads

Title: Rock

Author: JA Huss

Genre: Rock Star Romantic Suspense

Release Date: March 7, 2016

Blurb

He had it all. He lost it all. And all he wants now is a second chance.

RK Saber ran from tragedy five years ago when his car went over the side of a mountain in a prom-night crash. Consumed by guilt, he walked away from Juilliard and morphed into Rock, front man for the global rock-band sensation, Son of a Jack. Five members. Five best friends. Five rising stars burning so bright, they had to know it couldn’t last.

When tragedy strikes again and the band goes from five to two, RK is sentenced to… home. Back to the place where all his nightmares started. Back to the memory of all the things he lost. Back to the reality he refused to face before he left.

The Vetti twins were identical in all ways but two. Melanie was insane and Melissa was not. One twin was killed on prom night five years ago and one twin was not. And now that RK has returned home, the twin left standing has quite a story to tell. Could she really be the girl he thought he’d lost forever? Or is Melanie just up to her same old tricks?

ROCK is a rock-star romantic suspense by the New York Times bestselling master of twist, JA Huss.

ADD TO GOODREADS

Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
B&N / KOBO

Trailer

Excerpt

I take my shirt off as I walk across the hallway, throwing it down on the floor. Missy is standing with her back to me, testing the temperature of the shower. She peeks over her shoulder and smiles. “I know you probably hear this all this time, but damn, Rowan Kyle. You should never take that shirt off in public again.”

I go for my pants, unbuttoning them, unzipping them. She watches every move. And then I kick off my boots and fling them into the hallway with the shirt. She turns all the way around now and I feel myself getting hard as she presses her palm against my cock, squeezing it through my pants.

“If I knew you were coming back I’d have waited for you.”

God, that hurts.

“I just…” She stops, her sad eyes lingering on mine. “I just didn’t think you would. Come back, I mean.”

“I’m sorry,” I say. And I mean it. I’m so fucking sorry I wasn’t her first.

“It’s OK. We get to skip all that awkward fumbling, right?” She swallows hard and I know she’s sorry too. She was the only girl I dreamed about. The only girl I ever wanted. Even after all my rock-star nights, Melissa Vetti is still the only girl I want.

I place both my hands on her cheeks and lean down to kiss her mouth. Her lips part, her tongue seeking out mine. It’s soft, and slow, and short. Way, way too short.

She pulls away, taking her hand off my cock, and turns, stepping into the shower. I let my pants fall to the floor and toss them in the hallway. The shower has a clear glass surround and I watch her as she stands under the water, her fingers massaging it into her hair.

I step in with her and place my hands on her shoulders so I can turn her towards me. “Melissa—”

“Shh,” she says. “I don’t want to talk about it right now. I just want to enjoy this.” She picks up the soap and starts to lather me up, massaging the bubbles along my arms. Over my chest. Up and down my back.

I grab the bottle of shampoo and squeeze some into my palm, then rub my hands together and begin working it through her long, dark, hair as I study her face. The makeup is smearing as I watch. It makes her look like she’s crying.

“I feel like this is a dream,” she says, her soapy hands moving to my front. “I feel like I’ve been granted some wish but it’s all fake and you’re just going to disappear again. Leave me here alone. Lonely. You want to know why I stay home, RK?”

No. No, I really don’t.

“Because I’m lonely. Because you were my life. And I know I was having doubts back when we were about to graduate, but they were small doubts. Growing-up doubts. Not-knowing-what-I-wanted doubts. But I was never going to break up with you, RK. Never. And I was certainly never going to walk away from us.”

Fuck. I guess I haven’t looked at it from her point of view very much. “I walked away.”

“You walked away.” Her frown is so deep it hurts my heart.

“I’m sorry. I don’t even know why—”

“Shh,” she says again. “Later.”

Her hand slides up and down my cock as she looks me in the eyes. It’s a very intimate moment. Probably the most intimate moment I’ve had in years.

“Rinse,” I say.

Missy turns away, and I swear, I know what she’s feeling. Every time she does that I think she will never turn back to me again. I hate when she turns away. I watch as she rinses the shampoo out of her hair. The water streams down her face like that waterfall where we had our first kiss.

She’s not Melanie. How could I ever think she was Melanie?

“Can I make you dinner tonight? Before the show?” she asks when she turns back. The relief that she’s still here is real, as irrational as it is.

“Dinner?” I say, trying to wrap my head around the change of subject. I was about to attack her, lift her up, press her back against the wall, and fuck the shit out of her and now she’s talking about dinner.

“Yeah. Do you still like lemon pasta? Like your mom used to make?”

“Jesus,” I say. “The angel hair with the white wine sauce? I haven’t thought about that in years.”

“Yeah. Remember when I made that for you on your seventeenth birthday?” She laughs. It was a fun night. A really fun night. The kind of fun you only have with the girl of your dreams before you turn to drugs and need alcohol and sex to force the fun. “I fucked it all up,” she says through a giggle.

I grin as I picture her attempt to cook me something. “I’m not sure how anyone can fuck that recipe up, but yeah. You did.” She bites her lip and I almost die. “It was perfect though. Because you made it. And you made it special for me.”

“You ate every bite.”

“There was no chance in hell I wouldn’t, Missy. Not after you went to all that trouble. So sure. I’m not gonna complain about a trip down memory lane with you tonight.”

“Good,” Missy sighs. “Good.” And then she grabs the conditioner and the possibility of sex fades away.

I’m actually glad it fades. I’m glad she changed the subject. Turned us in a different direction. I know I hate-fucked her when I first got back into town, and I’m sorry about that. I’d like to take it back and get a do-over. I’d rather wait. Like we did when we were kids. I’d rather wait until we know for sure this is real, and special, and maybe even permanent.I’d like to take my time with Melissa Vetti.

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Michel’s Review

What do you get when you add J.A. Huss + a smoking hot rockstar + an evil twin + dead bandmates + a once in a lifetime love? It’s not a difficult equation, the answer is quite simple… a fantastic book…Rock: A Rock Star Romantic Suspense by J. A. Huss.

J. A. Huss is known for writing romance with a twist. Her characters, plots, and delivery are complex and unpredictable. She weaves a tale with mystery and intrigue that sneaks up on the reader because they become involved in the relationship between the main characters. The building of the relationship, the intense chemistry, and the erotic scenes keep the readers glued to the pages. And then suddenly the underlying plot takes the characters and readers hostage. It’s impossible to put the book down. J. A. Huss outdid herself with Rock. This book had multiple twists and turns. It was hard to predict who was the hero and who was the villain. The relationship between Rock and Missy was even more unpredictable because it was never clear who they really were. As the story evolved and the revelations were made, it added more intrigue.

Rock , aka Rowen Kyle Saber, is more than a rock star. He is a talented musician, superstar, small town boy, and simple man. His road to stardom was an accidental effect of his troubled younger life. He fled from his small hometown in Colorado after a tragic accident that caused the death of his girlfriend. He never intended to return but fate had other plans. Another accident that caused the death of bandmates has forced him to return home. This time the evidence has implicated him as the one responsible for their deaths. He’s forced to face his past, his losses, and his questionable future. He has to face his dead girlfriend’s evil twin sister and the brother he turned his back on. He is also forced to start dealing with the issues that led him to becoming a drug addict. He’s still trying to recover from his injuries and grief from losing his bandmates. He’s a mess, he’s blacking out and losing considerable amounts of time. The people he’s depending on to help him seem to be turning their backs on him. But that’s only his perception of what is happening, in reality it’s a completely different story. Now he has to figure out the truth about the Rock, R.K., and Rowen Kyle Saber. Three separate men encased in one body with one reality. Who is he and what has he done?

Read this book. It’s guaranteed to keep you glued to the pages. J. A. Huss has delivered a chart topping hit book!

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Author Bio

JA Huss is the USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty romances. She likes stories about family, loyalty, and extraordinary characters who struggle with basic human emotions while dealing with bigger than life problems. JA loves writing heroes who make you swoon, heroines who make you jealous, and the perfect Happily Ever After ending.

Author Links

FACEBOOK
TWITTER
BLOG
AMAZON

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Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Midnight Lily by Mia Sheridan – Sign of Love Series… Inspired by Virgo

Posted on 03/01/2016 by shellbellereads

Midnight Lily

Sign of Love Series – Inspired by Virgo

By Mia Sheridan

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

A standalone romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Archer’s Voice.

Holden Scott is the prince of professional football. At least he was before he lost it all . . . or more to the point, before he threw it all away. Now he’s out of a job, out of the public’s good graces, and perhaps just a little out of his mind. So when a friend offers up his remote lodge in the wilds of Colorado, giving Holden some time away to get his life back on track, he can hardly say no. The last thing he expects is to see a beautiful girl in the woods—one wearing a white, lace dress who appears in the moonlight, and leaves no footprints behind. Is she a dream? A ghost? A product of his muddled imagination? Or something entirely different?

Midnight Lily is the haunting love story of two lost souls reaching for each other in the dark. A tale of healing, acceptance, and the worlds we create to protect our own hearts. It is a story of being lost, of being found, and of being in the place between.

THIS IS A STAND-ALONE SIGN OF LOVE NOVEL, INSPIRED BY VIRGO. Non-Paranormal, New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and

Tracey’s Review

“Happily ever after doesn’t mean a lifetime of perfection. I don’t think anyone believes that happily ever after means there are no unhappy days, even unhappy years. It means loving forever, despite the many reasons it’s easier not to.”

I knew that MIDNIGHT LILY by author Mia Sheridan was going to be a different sort of book. And, let me say that it is like nothing I’ve ever read by Mia. This story is quite the departure, but is none the less magnificent for it.

MIDNIGHT LILY is, by turn, uplifting, nostalgic, heartbreaking, and healing, but it is always, at the heart of it, an epic love story. The characters are beautifully drawn, the story one that comes from an exceedingly gifted author who continues to amaze me with the stories that she crafts. With each page I was both intrigued and drawn in to this beautiful story, and I could not put it down.

I cannot recommend enough that you read this book. Rife with twists, turns, moments of wonder, it must be read to be experienced, because each person will take something different away from the story. MIDNIGHT LILY is an easy 5+ stars for me, and one that fans both old and new should have at the top of their reading lists. Thank you, Mia, for sharing this hauntingly beautiful story with us. You continue to blow me away.

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

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Author Bio

Mia Sheridan is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. Her passion is weaving true love stories about people destined to be together. Mia lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband. They have four children here on earth and one in heaven.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Blog Tour + 5 Star Review: Set The Pace by Kim Karr

Posted on 02/29/2016 by shellbellereads

Every city needs a hero, but Detroit’s white knight just might be a villain.

A rough childhood branded Jasper Storm trouble. A bad boy. Not worth a damn. His love of cars was the only thing that could battle his delinquency. With the need for speed in his blood, he overcame his wayward ways. Mostly. All grown up, the broken city of Detroit hails him their shining star. And the man behind a new cutting-edge automobile is ready to turn this bankrupt town around.

Everything he does in life is fast. He talks fast, f*cks fast, and drives fast. But when one reckless turn brings him face-to-face with the childhood he has tried very hard to forget, he finds himself on the edge of wondering if he shouldn’t slow down.

Charlotte Lane was the tomboy who lived next door. She was his best friend. He was her protector. Then tragedy struck and she disappeared, forever—or so he thought.

Jasper has many reasons to hate Charlotte and keep his distance, but she’s infiltrating his every thought and he can’t stay away. Back in town with an agenda of her own, she should push him aside. Make him turn around. Walk away herself. Yet she can’t.

With the past lurking between them, they proceed with caution. That is until one sex-filled night leads to murder. When Detroit’s biggest ally suddenly becomes suspect number one, will Charlotte—the girl Jasper once kept safe—be the one to save him?

Set the Pace

Excerpt

Charlotte Lane

Buzz. Buzz.

Startled, I jump and quickly place the frame back in its place.

Buzz. Buzz.

It’s the call button from the lobby. I’m not sure what to do. I should probably ask Jasper if he is expecting anyone before I let whomever it is up.

The hallway he disappeared down is fairly long and at the end are two doors. Both are slightly ajar. I can hear the shower running and music playing. I try to place the song. Just as I go to knock, I pause, and then grin, it’s Led Zeppelin—the same music that used to blare from his garage when he was out there with his father.

Somehow in my absentminded quandary, my fingertips have nudged the door open just enough that I can see inside the bathroom. Perfectly. In my direct line of sight is a huge glass wall and he is just beyond it.

My pulse is beating so hard I can feel it pounding at all my pulse points. I should leave. I don’t need to bother Jasper. Whoever it is buzzing to come up can just come back later. Yet, I can’t move. Or maybe it’s more like I don’t want to move.

Steam hovers in the air but there’s not nearly enough to obscure anything. And there he is, naked in the water, head bent as it sluices over him. His eyes are closed. One hand is on the wall. The other slides slowly down his belly and lands between his thighs.

Oh, God.

Now I really can’t move. I’m frozen in place. His hand is on his cock. I swallow the noise my throat tries to make, but I’m sure I don’t do a good job of it. Thank you, Jesus, he doesn’t seem to notice. No, he definitely doesn’t notice because oh, my God, now he’s stroking himself. Slowly. Deliciously. Up, then down, and a twist of his palm around the head of his cock.

I shouldn’t be watching this, and yet I can’t look away. This is private. For him only, and yet I have to wonder if it’s because of me. Is it his attraction to me that made him step back just moments ago? Made him have to relieve the desire he was feeling? Then why did he say he wouldn’t kiss me again?

When he moves his wrist faster, I have to stifle my sudden harsh breath with my hand. My eyes are glued to his body and although I should leave, I can’t. I just can’t. Jasper, doing this to himself, is the most erotic thing I’ve ever seen in my life. The only thing stopping me from reaching between my own legs is my perverted fascination with wanting to watch him come. Oh, and of course the terror of getting caught.

His mouth opens, water filling it and overflowing when he tips his face into the spray. I want so much to be in there with him, share the water, and feel that mouth on my body, but I’m not sure that’s ever going to happen. We seem to be dancing around the attraction we feel for each other. Like both of us are afraid to take that leap from a two-decade-old friendship to intimacy. Afraid perhaps of where it might lead, or maybe where it won’t.

I can’t be sure.

Then again, it could be that the ghosts that accompany us are just too strong to bear.

Soon he’s fucking into his fist with a deliberation that makes me weak at the knees, and I watch. I watch the way his muscles cord in his arms, the way his cock moves within the confines of his fist, the way his face contorts into pure pleasure.

Looking at Jasper, watching him about to come, it opens up something within me. The feeling is hard to describe and I can only think of one word that is fitting—primal.

His cock disappears inside his curled fingers and this stroke seems somehow more determined. Up, down, a twist around his crown, and then another twist. This time his head dips down, and then lowers still.

I press my thighs together to ward off the ache of arousal that is flooding me. I can’t hear him, but I wish I could. I know what he’s feeling, though, because I can see his mouth open and his face contort with satisfaction. He’s close. I can tell. And then soon enough, his taut belly strains, the muscles in his legs bunch, and then it happens—his desire jets out.

Never in my life have I wanted to make myself come like I do right in this moment. No, that’s not true. Never in my life have I wished for a man to take me the way I wish for Jasper to take me right now. Still, this is all kinds of wrong. I shouldn’t have watched him. I know this. Chiding myself, I lick salt from my upper lip and slowly, cautiously take a step back.

“Is there a show going on that I wasn’t invited to?”

That voice. I know that voice. The cynicism behind the tone.

Oh, God.

No. No. No.

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Michel’s Review

Imagine my shock when Set The Pace by Kim Karr released early. Our blog was scheduled to review the book on the original release day. I was scrambling to get this book read and have the review up before too many days passed by. As I began reading I was immediately sucked into their world.

Set The Pace was quite different from my first impressions after reading the synopsis for this book. I had it in my mind that this book was going to revolve around the auto racing sport. I was completely wrong. This book revolves around car designs and manufacturing. Detroit was the perfect city to set the scene for this story. But… there is much more to this book than developing and marketing a car in a decaying city. There’s a complex plot that began twenty years earlier. There are two murders, one obvious suspect, several people of interest, and one determined detective trying to close the case. Add a tragedy from twenty years earlier that destroyed hundreds of families and the children of that tragedy who are seeking their own peace of mind., the story becomes more complex.

For one it’s turning a tragedy into a positive beginning for the future. For another, it’s finding the answers as to what really happened and putting the ghosts to rest. For another, it’s seeking vengeance and revenge. Add a few players from the past, some self serving players in the present, and four men that want their car on the market, the plot becomes all the more complicated. Among all the mystery is a sizzling hot romance between two of the major players in the story. Before the budding relationship can blossom into a true commitment, the past and present tear them apart. To make this story even more interesting is the backdrop, Detroit City. The city takes on a life of itself. The people of Detroit have long memories, shattered hopes, poverty, and a dying city. All their hopes are on this new car manufacturer to bring jobs and prosperity back to their city.

Jasper Storm has a passion for cars. He has worked his entire adult life developing the car of the future, The Storm. Just as he is realizing his dreams, they are quickly becoming destroyed. He’s being framed for murder. It’s possible that someone is trying to sabatoge his creation, The Storm, before it hits the market. To make matters worse, the girl he hated for twenty years reappears back in town when everything begins to fall apart. The hate he has harbored turns into something beautiful when he gets to know the woman the girl has become.

Charlotte Lane disappeared in the middle of the night twenty years ago. The life she has lived has been haunted by the events of her last night in Detroit. She’s back in town to get answers and understand the truth. When her co worker, a writer for the blog is murdered on the night that could dictate the future Jasper Storm’s car, things become more complicated. Charlotte is forced to face the boy she left behind, Twenty years ago she desperately needed Jasper’s friendship. Today she desperately desires the man Jasper has become. It doesn’t matter what happened in the past or that Jasper could possibly be behind her co worker’s death. Her heart has always belonged to Jasper.

As the story unfolds, there are many twists and turns. The mystery becomes more complex. Kim Karr not only delivered the beginnings of a passionate romance but also a story that will keep the readers glued to the pages. Her vivid descriptions bring the characters to life, the city to life, and the mystery to life. She created so many questionable characters and questionable circumstances, that it makes it impossible to formulate a concrete theory. This book in many ways reminds me of the older detective television series from the past where solving a murder was anything but cut and dry. It was refreshing to become involved in this kind of story once again. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Reader * Writer * Coffeelover * Romantic

Kim Karr is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She is a daydreamer. So much so that if daydreaming could be a hobby it would be her favorite. It’s how her stories are born and how they take root. An imagination that runs wild is something to be thankful for, and she is very thankful.

She grew up in New York and now lives in Florida with her husband and four kids. She’s always had a love for reading books and writing. Being an English major in college, she wanted to teach at the college level but that was not to be. She went on to receive an MBA and became a project manager until quitting to raise her family. Kim currently works part-time with her husband and with the rest of her time embraces one of her biggest passions–writing.

Kim wears a lot of hats! Writer, book-lover, wife, soccer-mom, taxi driver, and the all around go-to person of her family. However, she always finds time to read.

She likes to believe in soulmates, kindred spirits, true friends, and Happily-Ever-Afters. She loves to drink champagne, listen to music, and hopes to always stay young at heart.

Book Tour + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Specimen by Shay Savage

Posted on 02/25/2016 by shellbellereads

Speciman

By Shay Savage

Release Date: February 24, 2016

*******

A soldier, a doctor, and a stark white laboratory full of lies.

Amazon / Amazon UK

Blurb

I awaken in a laboratory.

I don’t know who I am.

I’m inexplicably drawn to the doctor who cares for me. She tells me I’ve been altered, that I’m stronger and faster, that I’ll be a key component in a war between corporations. She says I volunteered for this. She says I volunteered to be transformed, but I have no way of knowing if what she says is true.

Something isn’t right. My memories have been taken, wiped clean, but dreams begin to slip into my conscious mind. I can’t let anyone know when that happens, or they’ll remove my memories again. Somewhere inside of me, I know I need to remember something important.

I’m fighting a war I don’t understand, and the one woman I rely on can’t be trusted.

Excerpt

Suddenly, my body goes rigid. I can’t move at all, but I can feel a surge through my entire system. I can see it, taste it, smell it. My heart forces blood through my veins, warming my insides. As the blood flows, the muscles in my legs, arms, and chest flex.

“Sten? Are you all right?”

I try to focus on her face, but my vision is blurred.

“Hold on, Sten. You just need to ride it out.”

“What…” I can’t utter another word. My throat seizes up, and for a second, I am unable to take a breath.

Riley’s palm touches my face as she presses a sensor to my temple. My arm jerks, and I grasp her hand. I press it to my chest.

“Relax. Focus on your breath.”

“I can’t!”

She takes my free hand in hers and holds it to her body, right over her heart.

“Focus on me, then,” she says. “Feel my heartbeat.”

My fingers twitch. I can feel the steady beat in each fingertip. Closing my eyes, I count the beats. One hundred. Two hundred. Three hundred.

Minutes pass. I keep counting. Eventually, my body begins to adjust and my muscles relax. I become aware of not just her heartbeat, but of how close my hand is to her breast. My dick strains in my shorts.

I reach out with my legs, wrapping them around her waist and bringing her body toward my crotch. Releasing her hand, I reach up and grab the back of her head and use the other hand to push the collar of the lab coat out of the way. The blue of her blouse contrasts with her skin. It’s beautiful, enticing.

With one finger, I trace the edge of her collar, brushing over her skin. I can feel her heart beat under my fingertip, and I want to taste the spot where I’ve touched her. I look back to her eyes. She’s staring at my lips.

I bring us together, pressing my mouth to hers gently at first but then with more vigor. I can taste mint on her breath as my tongue slides over hers. I thread my fingers through her hair and tighten my thighs around her waist, holding her close to me. I trail my finger farther down her collar and spread my hand to cup her breast.

She pulls back, breaking the kiss.

“Sten, you’ll have to stop that now.”

“I don’t want to.”

“I know.” She touches the side of my face, running her hand over my rough cheek.

“I want you. I need you.” I don’t understand why I’m explaining myself. It’s clear to me from her scent that she wants this too, but she keeps pushing me away. She denies me as she denies herself.

Why?

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Michel’s Review

Are you looking for something different to read? A book where you can escape in the story as well as experience a sexy romance? Look no further and read Specimen by Shay Savage.

I usually don’t read sci-fi or futuristic romance. The blurb for Specimen caught my attention and I wanted to read this book. It did not disappoint.

In the new world after a comet has destroyed the eco system two factions are vying for power. The power comes from controlling the water and food resources. After a lengthy war, they are now trying develop the perfect soldier. A soldier that can survive without food and water for days.

When Sten wakes up in a laboratory without any memories, he’s confused and volatile. Dr. Riley Grace explains that he volunteered for the new program to create the perfect soldier. He doesn’t remember his past life, the war, or volunteering. He has to take her for her word.

He has become the prime Specimen in this new program but something isn’t right. He’s beginning to have memories and they aren’t of the same life they proclaimed he had. To top it off he has become dependent on Dr. Riley Grace for more than sexual satisfaction. She is the key to helping him regain control of his life once more.

Specimen is fast paced with an intense plot. The characters, the pacing of the story, and vivid descriptions make this book seem like a movie. I became engrossed in the story and could not put it down. Shay Savage created a world that comes to life.

I highly recommend Specimen by Shay Savage!

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Shay Savage lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her family and a variety of household pets. She is an accomplished public speaker, and holds the rank of Distinguished Toastmaster from Toastmasters International. When not writing, she enjoys science fiction movies, masquerading as a zombie, is a HUGE Star Wars fan, and member of the 501st Legion of Stormtroopers. When the geek fun runs out, she also loves soccer in any and all forms – especially the Columbus Crew, Arsenal and Bayern Munich – and anxiously awaits the 2014 World Cup. Savage holds a degree in psychology, and she brings a lot of that knowledge into the characters within her stories.

Stalk Shay Here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Saucy Southern Readers

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Tag Archives: 5 Star Review

New Release + 5 Star Review: Asking For More by Lilah Pace – Asking For It Series – Book 2.5

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Ginger’s Heart by Katy Regnery… A Modern Day Fairytale… Little Red Riding Hood

Release Day + 5 Star Review: Bennett by Brenda Rothert – On The Line Series – Book 2

Today we are celebrating the release of BENNETT (On the Line, #2) by Brenda Rothert. You won’t want to miss this steamy contemporary romance! KILLIAN, the first book in the On the Line series, is on sale now for just .99¢ so grab it while you can!

Bennett (On the Line, #2)

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Book Tour + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Killer by Heather C. Leigh

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Drop Dead Sexy by Katie Ashley

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Love,Chloe by Alessandra Torre

═══ EVENTS FOR LOVE, CHLOE RELEASE ═══

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway : ROCK by JA Huss

Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Midnight Lily by Mia Sheridan – Sign of Love Series… Inspired by Virgo

Blog Tour + 5 Star Review: Set The Pace by Kim Karr

Book Tour + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Specimen by Shay Savage

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Today we are celebrating the release of BENNETT (On the Line, #2) by Brenda Rothert. You won’t want to miss this steamy contemporary romance! KILLIAN, the first book in the On the Line series, is on sale now for just .99¢ so grab it while you can!

Bennett (On the Line, #2)

PURCHASE IT NOW!

Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | B&N | GooglePlay

Add Bennett to Goodreads

Book Blurb:

Killian, the first book in the On the Line series, is on sale now for just .99¢!

Killian (On the Line, #1)

Amazon | iBooks | B&N | Kobo | GooglePlay

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | | Wattpad | Amazon

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═══ EVENTS FOR LOVE, CHLOE RELEASE ═══

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