5 Star Review : Try With Me by Elyssa Patrick – With Me Series – Book 3

Posted on 02/23/2015 by shellbellereads

Try With Me

With Me Series – Book 3

By Elyssa Patrick

Synopsis

There is nothing happily ever after about my life. My mom is dying of breast cancer. I work four jobs just to keep us going.

What I don’t need to deal with?

Jamie McAlister.

Yeah. Him. Blond, tall, gorgeous. I had a crush on him throughout high school, but he never knew I existed. I don’t even think he knows my name. I was too shy to say a word to him. It seems that everywhere I go, he’s there. And now? He’s kissed me–a lot. And those hot kisses have led to even hotter nights.

I’m falling for him, head over heels. But I don’t know how to fit Jamie into my life. I only know I need him. Which means I have to try for something I never thought was possible. I have to fight for him and a forever kind of love.

THE WITH ME SERIES IN ORDER:
Stay With Me ~ available now (Hailey & Caleb)
Go With Me ~ available now (Daphne & Nick)
Try With Me ~ available now (Zelda & Jamie)
Dream With Me ~ Fall 2015 (Esmé & Griff)

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

I first stumbled across Elyssa Patrick when I saw a post by Maya Banks on Facebook praising her first book. I figured if Maya Banks was singing her praises that this new author had to good. I downloaded that first book and have become a devout Elyssa Patrick fan. Every single book she has published has been a 5 Star Book. She has ventured from the New Adult genre to Contemporary Romance and Erotic Romance. Each and every book has a fresh voice and a gripping romance. Her characters come to life. The sexual tension, romantic tension, and character tension is a slow build that becomes explosive. The emotional and romantic moments pull at the heart strings. Each and every book has a lively cast of secondary characters that not only supports the leading characters but also finds a place in the reader’s heart. By the end of the book, the reader is not only happy with the outcome of the story, they are also hoping that one of these secondary characters will get their own moment to shine in a future book.

Try With Me is the third book in the With Me series. This series revolves around four sexy college roommates and the women that become a part of their “family”. Try With Me features the Jamie McAlister. Out of the four guys , Jamie is the jokester and easy going one of the group. Not only is he drop dead gorgeous, he is also smart, hard working, loyal, and dependable. It would seem he has everything going for him. He wants to have a steady relationship like his two other roommates have. There is only one girl he wants to have that relationship with. A girl he knew in high school. A girl that was out of his league. He wants Zelda.

Zelda’s life didn’t go as she planned after she graduated high school. She didn’t go to Harvard. In fact she didn’t go to college at all. Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has spent the last three years taking care of her mother, searching for new treatments to help her mother, and working four jobs to make ends meet. She does’t have time for a social life. She doesn’t have time for herself. Her mother has reached the end of her treatments and has about six weeks to live. Zelda wants to bring her home and spend the rest of her time with her. Zelda’s life is in complete chaos. When she runs into Jamie McAlister, the one boy she had a crush on in high school, she doesn’t have time for love. How can she resist the one man she has always wanted?

Zelda and Jamie will find the love they always wanted but never thought they could have. Zelda will gain a new group of friends that will be there when she needs them the most. Zelda will learn life to live life to the fullest. She will be able to go on after a devastating loss.

Try With Me was my favorite book in this series. It was emotional, heartbreaking, uplifting, and humorous. It portrayed real life. I loved Jamie. His quirky humor and steadfast personality made it easy to fall in love with him.

Read Try With Me by Elyssa Patrick. Read the With Me Series.

With Me Series

Stay With Me – Book 1

‘ve been famous since I can remember. Singing, acting, dancing–I’ve done it all. The tabloids cover my every move, but I don’t want that anymore. I want to be normal, whatever that is.

When I leave Hollywood for college in Vermont, I’m on my own for the first time in my life. This is my chance to figure out who I am and what I want in life.

But it’s a lot harder than I expected. I can’t escape my image. Classes are difficult, and I’m struggling. And then there’s Caleb Fox.

Sexy, intriguing Caleb Fox.

Caleb is the one man who doesn’t want to use me. He breaks down my walls. He challenges me. He wants me. And I just don’t know if I can give him the same–or if he’ll stick around when he finds out my shameful secret that the tabloids haven’t managed to uncover.

Dating him is risky enough, but loving him could break me.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Go With Me – Book 2

I, Daphne Fox, have a few things to confess:

1. I hate Nick Brady. Loathe. Abhor. Can’t stand him 95% of the time.
2. That other 5%? I’m not talking about that at all.
3. People think I’m lucky for surviving the car crash. I disagree.
4. Nick is the only guy who makes my nightmares go away.
5. I won’t love him, though. Love is not worth the pain.

I, Nick Brady, have a few confessions of my own:

1. I don’t hate Daphne Fox. At all.
2. I find her scar sexy. Just like the rest of her.
3. I may be her older brother’s best friend, but that’s not going to stop me.
4. I love her.
5. And I’m going to do everything I can to have her.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

About Elyssa Patrick

Elyssa Patrick is a former high school English teacher who left the classroom to write sexy, funny, emotional contemporary romances. She is currently hard at work on her next novel.

She loves to hear from her readers!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Ember by Rachel Van Dyken – Eagle Elite Series – Book 5

Posted on 02/19/2015 by shellbellereads

Ember

The Eagle Elite Series

Release Date: February 19, 2015

By Rachel Van Dyken

Synopsis

I am a Killer. A Rapist. A Monster.

I know only pain and survival.

That is until the Cappo’s sister walked into my life.

And changed everything.

She’s a light who makes my darkness darker, her smile makes my heart turn to ice, and I can’t escape the fear her seductive looks instill–knowing it’s only a matter of time before I fail–again, and take her for myself.

This is the story of my redemption.

But it’s not pretty…I died, and now I’m alive, but not living, breathing but not surviving. I am Phoenix De Lange, son to a murdered mob boss, estranged brother, horrible friend, monster in the making, newest leader to one of the most powerful families in the Cosa Nostra.

And I will have my vengeance.

Or die trying.

I am Phoenix De Lange.

Death is all I know.

Until she offers me a piece of life–I can’t resist taking.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Kobo

Excerpt

Once we were on the road, Phoenix chose the correct music for our drive. I say correct because, according to him, one didn’t start the day listening to hip-hop or anything remotely fun. No. Mr. Rogers had me listening to classical music.

Classical.

Mozart, to be exact.

Not that I wasn’t a fan of the arts, but really? It just seemed so against what you would expect from him. He was the bad boy personified; like, if you put his name in the dictionary, right next to it would be “And mothers warned their daughters to stay away, but the heart wants what the heart wants, and that heart wants that body… bad.”

He was all lean muscle and tight abs.

And I could have sworn he had a dimple, but I’d never actually seen it. Phoenix’s dimple was like Bigfoot; I’d seen glimpses in pictures and via rumors, but I had never actually seen it for myself.

One day.

One day I’d catch it and take a mental picture or five. Maybe ten. Needless to say, I knew that if I had one of his smiles, it would be a magical thing.

His hands gripped the steering wheel so hard I had a brief moment of panic thinking he was actually going to rip the thing from the dash and have a breakdown. Sad part? I half-expected it. He wasn’t acting normal… well, he was always moody, but this morning he seemed downright suicidal.

“So…” I tried to zone out the instruments assaulting my sanity. “You went to Eagle Elite, right?”

He was quiet for a minute then gave a swift nod.

“Wow, don’t talk so fast. I almost didn’t get all that.”

And crickets. Again.

I cleared my throat. “You graduate?”

“Sort of.”

“How do you sort of graduate?”

“Did you bring lunch money?” He asked in a tight voice.

I gaped. “Did you just ask me if I brought lunch money?”

He shrugged.

“You’re driving me to school, forcing Mozart on my poor sensitive morning ears, and just asked me if I had money for milk.”

“I’m concerned about you eating. Sue me.”

“Pretty sure the Nicolasi boss can afford to spare me a few dollars for a sandwich and a can of pop.”

“No pop.”

“Who died and made you my grandpa? Seriously. I want to know so I can steal your gun and point it at them.”

“Nobody touches my gun.”

“Which one?” I smirked, hoping he’d find the humor in my sexual innuendo, but who was I kidding? It was Phoenix. He simply grunted, rolled his eyes, and kept driving.

In a moment of pure rebellion, I undid the first two buttons of my white, collared shirt.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he asked, his voice calm, his eyes still on the road.

“Wow, you really are like a parent. You can see me even when you aren’t looking.”

“Button that shit to your chin before I pull this car over.”

“Put on Jay-Z, and we’ll talk.”

More cursing.

I undid another button.

“Son of a bitch, you’re annoying.”

“Is this our first lovers’ spat?”

“Were there drugs in your toast?” He finally glanced at me, his blue eyes chilling me to the bone. “Be serious. I don’t want to get called into the dean’s office because you’re high.”

“Do I look like I’m on drugs?”

“Is this a trick question?”

Michel’s Review

HOLY EVER LOVING CRAP! Ember, the fifth book in the Eagle Elite series was INTENSE!

Ember is Phoenix De Lange’s book. This man is a killer, a rapist, an abuser, a ghost, an enforcer, and a MONSTER. He has betrayed the family. He has betrayed himself. A death sentence is too easy and too painless for Phoenix De Lange. Redemption is impossible. Or is it?

Phoenix De Lange never stood a chance in life or in the family. He was a monster by birth. His father made him a horrific human being. His actions betrayed the family. He almost killed Nixon Abandonato’s ( the head leader of the families in the United States) woman, Trace Rooks (granddaughter of the Alfero family). His betrayal brought the Luca Nicolosi, leader of the original Sicilian family to the States to decide the fate of all five families. This should of been his death sentence. Luca Nicolosi issued a verdict worse than death. He made Phoenix De Lange a ghost, an enforcer, a protector, and a leader. He saw that there was redemption in Phoenix De Lange’s soul. He saw the man that was buried deep beneath the hideous surface. He saw a man with that craved absolution. He gave him a second chance.

Phoenix De Lange may still be physically alive and breathing but in his heart he is a dead man. He cannot forgive himself for his past. He will put his life on the line every time a family member is threatened. He will sacrifice himself before he allows any harm to come to his family and friends. He does not expect his family to forgive or forget. He continually punishes himself for his past. He is a haunted man without any hope. He does not understand why Luca chose him to lead the Nicolosi family. He does not understand why Luca gave him the key to all of the family secrets. He does not understand why Luca gave him Bee Campisi ( the Cappo’s, Tex Campsisi, little sister) to protect. He hates that he wants her. She is sunshine and rainbows. She is everything good. She is everything he does not deserve… and she loves him. Can he stay away from her and keep her untainted from his ugliness? Or will she be the final nail in his coffin?

There is a storm brewing within the family. The Russian’s are on the horizon. They are threatening the family. The FBI is knocking on their door. The Family is about to be destroyed. Someone in the family is betraying them all. Phoenix knows who it is, after all he knows all the family secrets. Can he save the family? Can he keep Bee from be touched by the war that is coming. Will he have to kill a man that is one of his brothers? Will he walk out with his heart as cold as it was or will he succumb to his true feelings for Bee?

Luca saw redemption within Phoenix’s soul. Now it is up to Phoenix to rise from the ashes and soar.

The war is coming. The Russians are at the door. One man will be sacrificed for his betrayal. One man will pay the price. Welcome to the family…blood in…no out.

The Eagle Elite series is a complex and intricately woven series. There are plots within plots. Each book features a different family and the individual members. They are tightly connected to all the characters throughout the series. The grand plot grows throughout each book. Ember cannot be read as a stand alone book. Phoenix De Lange’s story began in Elite and has progressed throughout the first four books in the series.

Phoenix De Lange is a character that has been quite a force throughout this series. In the beginning he was a monster that deserved to be hated. He proved that there many layers in his persona. He has evolved from being the devil himself to a broken man. My heart broke for him. I wanted him to find a slice of happiness that could be his and only his. Rachel gave him a life worth living and a future to look forward to.

Ember set up the next book in the Eagle Elite Series. The next book is Elude, will release in July 2015. It is going to be a shocker.

EAGLE ELITE SERIES

Elite- Book 1

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Elect- Book 2

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Entice- Book 3

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Elicit -Book 4

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Bang Bang- Novella

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Enforce – Book 1.5

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Enchant – Book 0.5

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Ember – Book 5

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

About Rachel Van Dyken:

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband and their snoring Boxer, Sir Winston Churchill. She loves to hear from readers! You can follow her writing journey at www.rachelvandykenauthor.com

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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5 Star Review : The Hermit and The Hooker by L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid

Posted on 02/18/2015 by shellbellereads

The Hermit and The Hooker

By L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid

Synopsis

New York’s Finest
Blogging as *The Socialmedialite*
April 22
LADIES AND GENTS! I have an announcement!
You know that guy I featured on my blog a few months ago? The really, really hot Irish rugby player who plays the position of ‘hooker’ in the RLI (Rugby League International)? The one with the anger management issues, the body of a gladiator and the face of a movie star? The one with the questionable fashion choices leading me to ask whether he was the lovechild of a leprechaun and a hobbit? Ronan Fitzpatrick? Yeah, that guy. Well, I have a confession to make…

THE HERMIT
Annie Catrel, social media expert extraordinaire at Davidson & Croft Media and clandestine celebrity blogger, can make anyone shine in the court of public opinion. She is the Socialmedialite, anonymous creator of New York’s Finest and the internet’s darling. Virtual reality is Annie’s forte, but actual reality? Not so much.

THE HOOKER
Ronan Fitzpatrick, aka the best hooker the world of rugby has seen in decades, despises the media—social or otherwise. The press has spun a web of lies depicting him as rugby’s wild and reckless bad boy. Suspended from his team, Ronan has come to Manhattan to escape the drama, lay low, fly under the radar. Only, Ronan isn’t easy to overlook, and he can’t escape the notice of the Socialmedialite…

THE PLAN
When Ronan is sent to Davidson & Croft Media to reshape his public image, he never expects to cross paths with shy but beautiful Annie, nor does he expect his fierce attraction to her. He couldn’t be happier when her boss suggests pairing them together.
What lengths will Annie take to keep her virtual identity concealed? And what happens when the hooker discovers who the hermit really is?

The Hooker and the Hermit is a collaboration between authors L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid, is a full length 110k word novel, and is a standalone.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

The Hermit and The Hooker by L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid has taken the romance reading world by surprise. The title alone is catchy enough to intrigue readers to download this book. The cover with the player wearing spandex and bright green with strategically drawn circles catches undivided attention. The synopsis demands that this book must be read. Top off all of the those great qualities with the fact that two outstanding authors, L.H. Conway and Penny Reid, teamed up to write this book!

All of the social media platforms are blowing up about this book. It is giving Ronin Fitzpatrick the positive attention he desperately needs. It is bringing Annie Catrel out of her cave and into the limelight.

Ronin Fitzpatrick has come to New York to escape the negative media exposure he has been receiving since he was suspended from his team in Ireland. His temper and rash actions have earned him the “bad boy” reputation. He needs to lay low, stay off the media’s radar, and chill out. He hates being away from his team, away from Ireland, and desperately misses his family. He has only one friend in New York. He has nothing but time on his hands. He choses to use this time to extensively train. He wants to be in top shape when he can finally return to the team. When a popular blogger posts a picture of him on their blog with derogatory remarks, he blows his gasket. He quickly begins to spar with the Socialmedialite through emails. Once again he is in the limelight of the media’s ridiculous circus. Not good!

Annie Catrel is a brilliant social media expert. She can work wonders and make Satan look like a boy scout. Her skills are highly sought after and any celebrity that is assigned to her will shine brightly. Annie is great with social media platforms but she is horrible with one on one interaction with people. She is a self imposed hermit and only interacts when she absolutely has to because of her job at Davidson & Croft Media. Behind the scenes she is secretly a popular celebrity blogger. Online she can be herself, speak her mind, and interact with people.

When Ronin is sent to Davidson & Croft for a media makeover, he is in for so much more. When he first lays eyes on Annie, he is a goner. He wants her in his life, in his bed, and wrapped around him. Luck is on his side, Annie has been exclusively assigned to his profile. She will be his handler.

As these two get to know one another they quickly realize that there is more than meets the eye. Ronin is quite the different man than the media portrays. Annie is slowly learning to come out her shell and show Ronin some of her personal brilliance that only shines in her blog.

When these two finally get their relationship on track, the media world will tear them apart. Ronin has bones in his closet. Ronin has enemies that will stop at nothing to destroy his reputation. Annie has a secret as well, a secret that will make Ronin despise her. Although her blog has been the one thing that brings her self respect, it is also the one thing that will destroy her relationship with Ronin.

Can these two find a way to love each other in spite of everything?

The Hermit and The Hooker was brilliantly written and executed. It was entertaining, humorous, witty, emotional, and sexy. Both characters were brilliant. They both had many unique qualities that endeared them to the readers. The dialogue and perfect timing made this book stand out. The romance was realistic, believable, and red hot. Everything about this book was excellent.

I highly recommend The Hermit and The Hooker.

About The Authors

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

She thinks that imperfect people are the most interesting kind. They tell the best stories.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

ABOUT PENNY:
Penny Reid is a part time author of romantic fiction. When she is not immersed in penning smart romances she works full time in the biotech industry as a researcher. She’s also a full time mom to two diminutive adults (boy-7 and girl-5), wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought hijacker.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

5 Star Review : Crossroads by Lori L. Otto – A Post Choisie Novella

Posted on 02/18/2015 by shellbellereads

Crossroads

A Post Choisie Series Novella

By Lori L. Otto

Synopsis

Will Rosser is smart.
Will Rosser is creative.
Will Rosser is driven.

Will Rosser is no Jon Scott.

This novella is a tie-in to the Choisie series. CROSSROADS takes place the summer after Livvy’s first year of College. This should be read after completing the Choisie series.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Robin’s Review

*** If you have not read the Choisie series, this review may contain mild spoilers.

Lori Otto recently set a goal for herself. She wanted to write and publish a short story about Will Rosser in just two weeks. It’s a goal she not only met, but even surpassed! Crossroads is a 22,000-word post-Choisie series novella about the older of Jon Scott’s two half-brothers. Many of the characters you already know and love from the Choisie series star in this mature young adult novella because it ties in with the series.

For those who have not already read Lori Otto’s Choisie series, I’ll share some background information about Will and his family. Will has an older half-brother named Jon Scott and a younger brother named Max. Their single mother is an alcoholic. Because the three brothers don’t have a father figure in their life, Jon took on the role as man of the house. Jon has made an effort to be available for his brothers over the years and, more recently, in between college classes and his internship. Jon attended baseball games and provided advice for his siblings. He encouraged them to watch over their mother and to study hard so they will be successful in life. As Jon grew older, he groomed Will to take over his role as the man of the house.

After their mother was arrested, she was forced to face her alcoholism. She moved their family from Manhattan to Utah so they could all be together while she was able to get the help she needed. Will lived in Utah for a year and a half, including his entire sophomore year of high school. At the end of the school year, Will had to leave his best friend and his first love behind to move back to Manhattan with his family.

In Crossroads, we learn that Will has planned a weekend trip to Utah over the summer break to visit his girlfriend, Laila and his best friend, Landry. It’s a trip he has planned so that he can say goodbye to Laila. Will is at a crossroads in his life. He is very much in love with Laila, but he knows he needs to say goodbye. Will and Laila both understand this visit will be the end of their relationship, and, although Will doesn’t realize it, his life will be changed in more ways than one.

Although Will’s character does play more of a role in Dear Jon, he really doesn’t get a lot of page time in the rest of the Choisie series. What I enjoyed the most about Crossroads is getting to know Will as a character and seeing his character develop throughout the novella. Crossroads is not a long story, but readers will definitely see him experience some changes in his life. Like his brother Jon, I just fell in love with his character. Will is smart. He loves physics. He has an extreme passion for music. Not only does he love music, but we are able to see the beginnings of something special. Will just might be a musical prodigy.

I don’t think it is absolutely necessary for someone to have read the Choisie series before reading this novella. If you have not read any novels by Lori Otto, Crossroads might be a great introduction to her writing. I found Crossroads intriguing, and I absolutely want to read more about Will Rosser! In my opinion, Crossroads is a solid 5-star novella!

Author Bio:

After graduating from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1997 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Lori Otto worked in the billboard industry for ten years. Frustrated with trying to communicate entire messages in “seven seconds or less,” she decided to leave outdoor advertising and return to her love of creative writing.

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Happy Release + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Unexpected Fate by Harper Sloan – Hope Town Series – Book 1 – A Spin off of Corp Security Series

Posted on 02/17/2015 by shellbellereads

Unexpected Fate

By Harper Sloan

Release Date: February 17, 2015

Synopsis

Have you ever felt like you were living your life for a future that was predetermined? Like there was some bigger picture you just prayed you would someday see clearly? That picture has been crystal clear to me since I was old enough to recognize it for just what it was.

Or I should say recognize him for who he was.

I’ve loved Cohen Cage since I was a small child. He’s been my everything for the last twenty-two years. I’ve loved him through every girlfriend he’s ever brought home. Through his college years and then mine. I’ve loved him through two deployments. And ever since the day I told him how I felt, he’s acted like I’m a stranger.

My name is Danielle Reid, and it’s time for me to get my man.

Our future is an unexpected fate, and no matter what our parents, siblings, and friends say…it’s going to be worth every second of the fight to make it happen.

**This book is a standalone, HEA, with mature themes and sexual situations**

Buy : Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Unexpected Fate by Harper Sloan

Excerpt

“Dani-girl.” His voice, that rich rumble of masculine excellence, washes over me and I shiver again before cursing under my breath. The rumble of his low laughter tells me that he definitely didn’t miss that little move.

Kill me now.

“Hey, Coh,” I say with a smile. “What brings you in? Last minute, I might add.” I pat the chair before walking around and holding the back while he sits down.

When his scent hits my nose, I almost come on the spot. Lord, he smells good. I wonder what he would smell like while his body covered mine, all sweaty from hours of good lovemaking. I run my fingers through the longer lengths on the top and feel my cheeks heat slightly, thinking about doing the same when his face is buried between my legs.

“…needed a trim.”

Shit. I missed what he said because, naturally, I was thinking about him naked. Naked and thrusting into my body. Naked and feasting between my spread thighs.

“You feeling okay? I thought Nate said you were better?”

“Uh, I’m fine. Just—is it hot in here?” I fan my face and avoid his eyes.

He’s silent, so I take that as a sign that it’s safe to bring my attention back to him.

Big mistake there. His knowing eyes are boring right into mine. The chocolate depths sparkling in a way that makes it clear he has a good idea about where my mind was going.

“Did you hear what I said, Dani-girl?”

“Of course I did, Cohen. What, did you think I was standing here daydreaming?” I joke.

“Well, yeah, that’s exactly what I think.” His eyes darken and he smirks a devilish grin. “Did you know you talk in your sleep, Dani?” he asks, and I drop my comb.

Oh, God. Shut up, shut up, shut up. This is not happening. No way.

“No, I don’t,” I childishly snap.

“Dani, you do. So, yeah, I do think you were standing there daydreaming. Want to know why?” He uses his booted foot to move his chair so that he’s facing me, and then he leans in so that his face is dangerously close to mine. Even when he’s seated, his head is almost level with my own. Curse my horizontally challenged self. “While you were zoning off into space with your fingers running through my hair, you had this smile on your lips. The same smile you had the other day when you were dreaming. About me, Dani. And don’t deny it, because you don’t moan my name if you’re dreaming about another man. Yes, Dani, you very much do talk in your sleep.” He smiles again before leaning back and looking down to his phone. “Clean up my neck please, cut the length off the top, and give me a buzz on the sides. Other than that, you’re clear to continue with your thoughts.”

I must have been standing there like an idiot because he looks up from his phone, laughs to himself, and, with one tan hand, reaches out and pushes my mouth closed.

“You’re going to catch flies that way, Dani-girl. One day, maybe you can clue me in on what those dreams are about.”

Drives me insane, the control he has over me. There isn’t a single person in the world, other than Cohen, who can turn me into a ridiculously stupid, sputtering fool. My normal confidence disappears. And clearly, he isn’t as oblivious to my feelings as I originally thought.

How in the hell am I supposed to handle this?

Wait a minute. Cohen or not, I’m not going to let him pull my strings when I know he is just doing this to make me feel uncomfortable.

So, time to call his bluff.

“Why? You planning on doing something about it?”

He looks up sharply, clearly not having expected me to actually say something in return since he was going for shock value.

“Try me,” he demands, his voice thick and even deeper than normal.

I throw my head back and reach out to run my fingers thought his hair again, just barely suppressing the shivers. Curling my fingers slightly so that I can grab a good hold, I lean in and pull his head back at the same time. With my nose just a hair away from his and our breaths mingling together, I say, “Cohen, you couldn’t handle the truth of my thoughts when it comes to you and we both know it. So how about you let me know when you’re ready for me to clue you in.” I give his hair a light tug and smile when he swallows loudly and shifts in his seat. “Ready for that trim?” I ask with a wink, and I’m rewarded with his groan.

I have no idea how I do it, but I manage to get through his cut without coming unglued. I can see Lyn trying to get my attention from across the room. Stella had to leave after she overheard my words to Cohen because her giggles were getting the best of her. Cohen has remained silent the whole time. His eyes though… They’re speaking louder than his words ever could.

They haven’t left my reflection in the mirror since I started. I can feel them every time I shift. When I stopped to go grab another comb after I dropped my fourth one, I felt his gaze follow me across the room to Stella’s station. The few times I stopped cutting to meet his eyes, the heated promise written all over his face almost did me in. I almost just said ‘fuck it’ and climbed on his lap to have a go regardless of the people watching our every move.

I finish the last buzz of my clippers around his right ear and move to brush all the stray hair off. “All done,” I say softly and unclip his cape.

He stands, shoving his phone in the back pocket of his jeans, and walks over to stand in front of me. I continue to pretend I’m busy with the cape I just removed, brushing stray hairs off here and there, when his hand comes up, his finger and thumb hitting my chin, and my face is lifted until I have no choice but to look in his eyes.

“Do not tease me, Dani. It’s not a game you want to play if you don’t intend to follow through.”

“I-I wasn’t… I wouldn’t,” I stammer.

“You did, and I have no doubt you’ll have the brilliant idea to do it again. The next time you allude to those dirty thoughts I know you have about me, don’t think for a second that I won’t drag you to the closest bed to show you just how fucking dirty they’ll get.” He leans close, his scent hitting my nostrils, and I involuntarily inhale deeply, earning me a rumbled chuckle. “What you don’t know, Dani—because contrary to what you think, you don’t know me well enough to assume what having me would really be like. But I promise you this: every little thought that you have had that causes you to moan my name while scissoring those perfect legs back and forth, praying for completion—it would be so much hotter than you could ever imagine.” He gives me a soft, sweet kiss against my temple that has fire racing from that spot all over my body until it ends in the awareness that I’m pretty sure I just came in my pants.

Michel’s Review

If you are a fan of Harper Sloan’s Corp Security Series you are going to love Unexpected Fate. If you have not read any of Harper Sloan’s books or the Corp Security Series, Unexpected Fate, book one in the new series Hope Town, is a good place to start. I can guarantee you will want to go back and read Axel, the book that started it all.

Unexpected Fate is the first book in the Hope Town series. It is a spin off from Corp Security series. It is a very mature, graphic New Adult series that features the children of the Corp Security clan and their world.

Unexpected Fate features Cohen Cage, the adorable three year boy that always wore a cape. We met him in Cage (book 2) and he stole our hearts. Now he is all grown up and living up to his legacy, Alpha Male the Corp Security way. He has bided his time and waited for the one woman that has been his soulmate all his life. He has been waiting for Danielle Reid, daughter of EXTREME Alpha Male, Axel Reid (book one-the Alpha that started it all). The timing has never been right. Their five year age difference set their lives on different paths. Now their paths are finally colliding and destiny is taking control.

Dani and Cohen will have to overcome a lot of hurdles before they can finally declare their love to the world and become the couple they were meant to be. They will have to conquer ALPHA-DADDY Axel, who will keep his “little princess” locked in a tower forever. They will have to keep a lid on their relationship so that the other Alpha Princes and “Little Princesses” don’t spill the beans. They will have to deal with reality tv that is “All Glitter and Gold” Sway Style. They will have to slay a Stalker Dragon. What happens next…besides ALPHA DADDY Axel having a coronary ?

The Alpha kingdom is being taken over by the Alpha Princes. The Little Princesses are stepping out and shaking their money makers. They are going to shake the Alpha Corp Security Kingdom and make it their world. We are going to see Alpha granddaddies, Queen-nannas, and a new dynasty to rule the Corp Security Kingdom. Our new Alpha Knights in shining armor will slay any dragon that threatens their Beautiful Princesses. New royalty will be introduced and their world will live on….

As our favorite magical Fairy Sway would say ” There’s new love that’s pure Glitter and Gold”.

I loved how Harper Sloan has added a new dynasty to the Corps Security world. I love how she is giving these seasoned Alpha’s a new foe to conquer….AGE! I love how she’s breathing new life into one of our favorite fictional worlds. I love that she is letting Sway wave his magic wand and giving us more Golden characters to love with all of our hearts. He has spun a road of Glitter & Gold for the Corp Security to have a new Hope Town.

Read Unexpected Fate… it will not disappoint!

About Harper Sloan

Harper lives in small town Georgia just a short drive from her hometown of Peachtree City. She (and her 3 daughters) enjoy ruling the house they dubbed ‘Estrogen Ocean’, much to her husbands chagrin. Harper has a borderline unhealthy obsession with books; you can almost ALWAYS find her with her eReader attached. She enjoys bad reality TV and cheesy romantic flicks. Her favorite kind of hero–the super alpha kind!

Harper started using writing as a way to unwind when the house went to sleep at night; and with a house full of crazy it was the perfect way to just relax. It didn’t take long before a head full of very demanding alphas would stop at nothing to have their story told.

told.Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

GIVEAWAY
$50 Gift Card (2 Winners)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal + #Hashtag Series Review : #Player by Cambria Hebert – #Hashtag Series – Book 3

Posted on 02/16/2015 by shellbellereads

# Player

#Hashtag Series – Book 3

Release Date: March 9 , 2015

By Cambria Hebert

Synopsis

Players gotta play.

Hate is like a poison. It contaminates everything.

So does doubt.

Even though I deny what I overheard, even though I insist it isn’t true, the seed of doubt has been planted. I can’t help but be tormented with the endless what-if’s that have taken over our lives.

Romeo and I were happy in love. The future stretched before us brighter than any star in the darkest sky. Now everything is broken. Literally broken. Romeo’s entire career is at stake, my entire future is threatened… and my past?

It’s coming back to haunt me.

To haunt us.

Romeo says we’re in this together and right now the only sure thing is us. But how far can a love so new be pushed? The lengths we will have to go to save each other puts everything at risk.

Romeo is a #player but how much of the game can one person play?

The Hashtag Series

# Nerd – Book 1

Two people from completely different worlds are about to be thrown together…

In more ways than one.

She wants to keep her scholarship. He wants to stay on the team. An awkward alliance doesn’t even begin to cover Rimmel and Romeo’s relationship.

But that’s about to change.

It starts with a dare. An initiation. A challenge.

Quickly, it turns into more. But when you’re a victim of your status, there is no room for anything real. The rules are clear and simple.

Stick to your circle.

And never fall in love with anyone on the outside.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

I am a huge fan of Cambria Hebert’s books. Each and every book has kept me glued to the pages. Her books always have a special blend of genres with characters that are larger than life.

I wasn’t sure what to expect with the #Hashtag series. The synopsis seemed different from what we have come to expect from Cambria’s books. I thought that this was going to be more of a new adult romance that focused on college campus life (which I love). I was not expecting some romantic suspense to be added to the mix. I wasn’t expecting Romeo. Romeo has stolen my heart! Talk about a swoon worthy book boyfriend, Romeo has it in spades!

Rimmel is more than your average #Nerd. She has come to Alpha University not only to gain an education but also to escape her past in Florida. She keeps to herself, stays ahead of her assignments, and lives for her volunteer work at the animal shelter. She has trouble socializing with her fellow students. The only place she feels free to be herself is with her furry four legged friends. But that is about to change when she is forced to tutor the star quarterback and notorious player, Romeo. She is dreading dealing with the campus manwhore but in order to keep her scholarship she has to deal with it.

At first the tutoring sessions start out as expected. Romeo is more interested in his conquests and football. Rimmel is counting the minutes for each tutoring session to end. These two unlikely people are forced to spend time with one another. In the end they will both discover that they may just have more in common than they thought. The will discover that they both have many layers. They will discover love for the first time.

Meanwhile throughout the book Romeo is rushing for the top Fraternity on campus. His commitment to rushing will take him to an all time low. He will be challenged to do things that he has always considered wrong. When the final challenge crosses the line and threatens to hurt Rimmel he will have choices to make.

Not only is Romeo having to chose between status, image, and his quest to join the fraternity, he has unknowingly made a very lethal enemy.

The opening for the #Hashtag series is thrilling. The journey that Romeo and Rimmel make in this semester is life changing for them both. The love they have found for one another is unexpected. Can they hang onto their love with all the expectations of sports, social status, academics, and their different backgrounds? Will Romeo’s enemy destroy everything they both hold dear? We will find out in #Hater.

#Hater – Book 2

The effect of that look lingered, like an unspoken promise, long after it was gone.

Becoming a couple – becoming the other half of a campus celebrity wasn’t easy. I let down walls guarding my heart and he looked past my glasses and accident prone tendencies. Romeo and I are an unlikely match, a #nerd and a jock. But we made it.

And we’re happy.

Zach doesn’t want us to be happy. He wants Romeo to pay for getting him kicked out of Omega and for the night he spent in jail. He’s going to use anything and everything he can to get his revenge. Including me.

As the weather on campus grows cold and the days become dark, revenge becomes the center of someone’s life and the happiness Romeo and I worked so hard for is threatened.

I can’t help but worry that our love is going to be overshadowed by hate.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Rimmel and Romeo are settling into their relationship. Rimmel is becoming more confident and comfortable with herself. Romeo is moving on beyond what his social status requires.

Rimmel and Romeo are the couple that has become campus celebrities. Their every move is watched, tweeted,and posted by all. They are the stars that shine brightly.

Everything seems to be going well for them. Their relationship is growing. Romeo’s family is accepting Rimmel. Rimmel is building friendships and other relationships outside of the animal shelter. There is one thing that casts a dark shadow on their happiness.

Zach about ruined their relationship in #Nerd. He forced Romeo to quit rushing for the Omega Fraternity. He underestimated Romeo’s wits and tenacity. He underestimated Romeo’s power. Romeo has destroyed Zach’s status as the president of Omega. His influence has turned his brothers against him. Now he is going to destroy Romeo and Rimmel. He is out for blood.

As Zach’s vendetta escalates to the point of terror, Romeo and Rimmel will have other things coming at them from other parts of their lives. Both are enough to tear them apart and ruin their futures. Will they be able to overcome these adversities?

One moment of terror will destroy their hope for the future. It looks like Zach has had his final revenge that will destroy the rest of their lives. How can they overcome this? To make matters worse, Rimmel’s past is coming to haunt her. Secrets are being revealed that she may never be able to overcome.

What happens next? Cliffhanger! I cannot wait to get my hands on #Player, book 3, on March 9, 2015.

#Hater was consuming. I could not put this book down. I loved how Romeo handled everything. I loved how he brought out the best in Rimmel and gave her courage to be herself. I loved that Rimmel saw Romeo as more than a jock.

This couple will steal your heart!

Read the #Hashtag Series by Cambria Hebert!

Author Bio:

Cambria Hebert is a bestselling novelist of more than twenty books. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair. She currently resides in North Carolina with her children (human and furry) and her husband, who is a United States Marine.

Besides writing, Cambria loves a caramel latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching movies. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chorkie (the real boss of the house).

Cambria has written within the young adult and new adult genres, penning many paranormal and contemporary titles. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense. A few of her most recognized titles are: Text, Torch, Tryst, Masquerade, and Recalled.

Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Controlling Her Pleasure by Lili Valente- Under His Command Series – Book 1

Posted on 02/16/2015 by shellbellereads

Controlling Her Pleasure

Book 1

By Lili Valente

Synopsis

Blake Roberts has everything he’s ever wanted—fame, money, and ownership of the hottest chain of tattoo parlors in the country. But he’s haunted by his first love, the matching tattoo they share a constant reminder of who he was before he learned how to control his emotions, his desire, and a woman’s pleasure.

He needs to purge her from his heart, and he’ll do whatever it takes to be free.

Erin Perry’s been burned by love and she’s not ready to put her body under a man’s control, let alone her heart. But then Blake shows up, the only man she ever truly loved. Blake is ruthlessly handsome, and seething commanding energy that has her aching to submit.

To be pleasured, tamed, owned, and put under His control.

Warning: This book features a big, tattooed, Dominant alpha male—give him your trust and he’ll command your pleasure. All. Night. Long. Cliffhanger Alert: This steamy read ends in a cliffhanger. If you don’t like being teased, steer clear. The entire Under His Command series, Erin and Blake’s complete love story, will publish in February and March of 2015.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Coming Soon

Commanding Her Trust – Book 2

March 2, 2015

Blake Roberts is falling hard for his old flame and won’t stop until Erin is his. He doesn’t simply want her body; he wants her submission, her abandon, and the wounded heart she’s trying so hard to hide.

He wants all of her and he’s pulling out all the stops–in the bedroom and out–until she surrenders.

For Erin, what started as a charade has become all too real. She’s never experienced anything like the savage bliss she’s discovered in Blake’s arms. He tests her, dominates her, and if she doesn’t gain her freedom, soon he’ll own her–body and soul.

She has to escape even if running from Blake feels like running from the only home she’s ever known.

Claiming Her Heart – Book 3

March 16, 2015

Blake has what he thought he wanted–Erin’s submission, her trust, and the woman he loves back in his bed. But with her submission comes protection of her secrets. Erin is in trouble and an innocent life hangs in the balance.

Blake knows he can help her break free of the past, but he doesn’t know if a man like himself belongs in her future.

How can he swear to protect her from danger when he has a dark side of his own?

Tracey’s Review

You’ll need an extra set of panties and a fan as you read Controlling Her Pleasure, the first book in the Under His Command series by Lili Valente, a new voice in erotic romance. This book is a novella, but, believe me, it is NOT short on the sizzle. The spark between tattoo artist and Dom Blake Roberts and Erin ‘Angel’ Simmons practically leaps off the page. When these two are together, whether as teens exploring their first love, or, later, as two halves of a very sexy whole, the heat is absolutely palpable.

Controlling Her Pleasure is a great introduction to this new series, and had me from the first page. Blake is full of smolder, all man, and not afraid to show it. And Erin, for all of her sass and bravado, is more than happy to find herself under his spell. Their chemistry had me speeding through this read, and I cannot wait for the next book to see what comes next in their adventure.

I’ve happily added Lili to my list of hot authors, and give this book 5+ steamy sexy stars.

About Author

Lili Valente has slept under the stars in Greece, eaten dinner at midnight with French men who couldn’t be trusted to keep their mouths on their food, and walked alone through Munich’s red light district after dark and lived to tell the tale.

These days you can find her writing in a tent beside the sea, drinking coconut water and thinking delightfully dirty thoughts.

Lili loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her via email at lili.valente.romance@gmail.com

Website ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

$10 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Release + Review: A Desperate Man Vol. 2 by Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine

Posted on 02/16/2015 by shellbellereads

A Desperate Man: Volume 2

Ella Frank Brooke Blaine

Illusions — we all create them.

For some it’s to project an impressive image to a prospective employer; for others it’s to attract the eye of another.

My illusion is a bit more…complicated.

Years in the making, my secret has the potential to bite me in the ass. And not in the way I typically enjoy.

Sex.

As women, we’re judged for reveling in the same carnal pleasures that men do, but I’ve never been shy about my voracious appetite.

Now, I’m under no illusions that I’ll find love with any of my one night stands.

After all, I have one rule — no repeats — but it’s a rule that’s becoming harder to follow since Evan James came back into my life.

Did I say back into my life?

My name is Reagan Spencer, and you may think you know me, but…

How well do we really know anyone?

Excerpts

“Walk with me?” Evan asked.

She gave him a small smile and nodded. “Sure.”

Pushing off the rail, she fell in step with him as they walked along the river’s

edge.

“I’d be scared of what you’d see if you looked at me through your lens,” he

admitted.

“You shouldn’t.”

Evan scoffed and ran his fingers through his hair. “I can’t imagine there’s much

good there…”

“You’d be surprised at what I see.”

That comment had him coming to a standstill. “Would I?”

“Yes.”

“Okay,” he said, and started walking again. “Tell me what you see.”

Reagan slid her thumbs down the straps of her camera and cocked her head,

looking him over.

“I see a successful man. One who dresses well, even on a Saturday morning. So

that would indicate to me that he takes pride in his appearance. Maybe cares about what

others think also. The fact that you were leaving a therapist’s office makes me think

you’re a man with some issues, but also a man who is willing to work through them.

Again, that comes back to pride. You seem to be able to swallow yours when need be.”

Evan’s brow furrowed, but he said nothing as she continued.

“You also have a certain…air about you. It’s in the way you move. You’re

confident, but at the same time, when you flash that smile, the arrogance disappears, and

you look like the boy you used to be.”

The smile under discussion appeared, and Evan asked, “How do you know what

kind of boy I used to be?”

“Hey? This is my story,” Reagan reminded him before he continued asking

questions she wasn’t willing to answer.

“Oh, my apologies, I somehow thought it involved me.”

“It does, but you’re on the outside listening, so shh. You asked, remember?”

With a serious face, he nodded. “You would be right.”

“Okay. Now I lost my train of thought.”

Evan chuckled. “Well, it’s probably for the best that you didn’t mention any of

my unappealing attributes.”

“Speaking of…” she said, and turned to walk backward, facing him. “How did the therapy session go today?”

“Really great. There was an orgy, a sampling of sex toys, and a dessert buffet

afterward. Very satisfying.”

“Evan…”

He blew out a breath and rubbed the back of his neck. “It was fine. It’s always

fine. Today, Dr. Glover brought up behavior triggers, and it helped to figure out where

this whole mess started.”

Curious, she asked, “And where was that?”

“It wasn’t any one event. It was the high off the power I got from my job, it was

being in an unhealthy relationship…my grandparents passing…the worry about

following in my parents’ footsteps. The further things spiraled out of my control, the

more I craved that control in other parts of my life. Well, a very specific part of my life.”

He glanced over at her before continuing. “Obviously that’s the condensed version, but…I think it helps. Knowing those things and hopefully being able to
stop them in the future.”

But the urge isn’t gone?”

The look in his eyes was haunted as he replied, “No. No, it isn’t gone.”

Tracey’s Review

Although their first meeting was anything but, Evan James and Reagan Spencer have moved beyond their mutual attraction to work together in a professional capacity. And, while they try to keep it to business as usual, their desire for each other is making it difficult to say no to each other.

In this second volume of A Desperate Man, Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine really flesh out the story so that more is revealed about Reagan’s and Evan’s past, and more insight is given, especially about Reagan. While I found the first book to be a hot introduction to Evan’s and Reagan’s relationship, I really enjoyed this book, because the characters became more real. Without giving any spoilers, I will say that having glimpses into the past really add to understanding why Reagan feels so conflicted about her current involvement with Evan. And, while Volume 1 was hot, this book is even hotter, but in a less visceral and much more erotic way. I wasn’t sure that I liked Evan at all in the first book, but here, in Book 2, he won my heart. The characters relate to each other more intimately, and there is more playfulness and a sense of being comfortable here, right up to the point where it isn’t. And that is where the wonderful and talented authors leave us, as key players become aware that things, and people, are not what they seem.

I sped through this short but extremely satisfying installment, and cannot wait for the conclusion to Evan’s and Reagan’s story.

__________________________________________________________________

About the Authors

Brooke Blaine

You could say Brooke Blaine was a book-a-holic from the time she knew how to read; she used to tell her mother that curling up with one at 4 a.m. before elementary school was her ‘quiet time.’ Not much has changed except for the espresso I.V. pump she now carries around and the size of her onesie pajamas.

Her first solo novel, a romantic comedy, is due out in early 2015, but first, she thought she’d write a raunchy story with her best friend that would scar her conservative southern family for life.

If you’d like to get in touch with her, she’s easy to find – just keep an ear out for the Rick Astley ringtone that’s dominated her cell phone for ten years.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Ella Frank

Ella Frank is a #1 Amazon Bestselling Author. She writes both contemporary and erotic fiction and is best known for her Exquisite Series, and Temptation Series.

The minute she began her love affair with reading, she became and avid supporter of the romance genre and has never looked back.

Ella is Australian born and bred but currently resides in Houston, Texas with her husband.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Buy Links for A Desperate Man: Volume 1

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Kobo

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Rebel by Callie Hart – Dead Man’s Ink Series – Book 1

Posted on 02/12/2015 by shellbellereads

Rebel

Dead Man’s Ink Series

By Callie Hart

Release Date:February 9, 2015

Synopsis

Rebel and Sophia’s story.

The first of a three part series. This novel contains a small snippet which has already been released in the Owned: An Alpha Anthology, however it is followed by a full story installment.

Sophia

Sometimes, you don’t mean to become another person. Sometimes the choice is made for you, and pretending is the only thing that keeps you going. When Alexis Romera is taken and her kidnappers find her fake ID in her purse, she must become Sophia in order to keep her family safe. Revealing her real identity to the man she’s sold to would be easy enough, but can she trust him? Hell bent on revenging the murder of his uncle, Rebel doesn’t seem all that interested in playing things safe.

In fact, nothing about the secretive, dark and brooding MC president seems safe at all.

Rebel

What do you do when the man who raised you is murdered, and the only witness is kidnapped girl who’s being sold as a sex slave? You buy her, of course. As president to the most powerful motorcycle club in America, Rebel isn’t lacking in power. There are strings the man can pull, and entire criminal organisations and corporate businesses alike would fall to their knees. However, along with such power comes intense interest. The DEA have their eye fixed solely on the MC…and they’re just waiting for Rebel to trip up.

Getting Sophia to testify is the only way to bring the Los Oscuros cartel down. The beautiful, dark haired, dark eyed woman is belligerent and uncooperative and unlikely to bend to his will, but Rebel has a few tricks up his sleeve to make her compliant–he’ll charm her until she’s bending over backwards to please him.

Of course, falling for her might cause a few hiccups along the way…

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Excerpt

“You gonna sit down or what?”

I sit down. Arguing with him would be futile. We sit there, side by side, staring off down the arrow-straight road, and for a moment I don’t hate him. He pulls a cell phone out of his pocket and taps something into it, and then he turns to face me, frowning slightly.

“You believe in vengeance?”

“You mean like revenge?”

He shakes his head. “Revenge is a selfish act. Retaliation for something. Vengeance is a different thing altogether. It’s about obtaining justice, usually for someone who can’t claim it for themselves.”

This is an odd line of questioning but I decide I’ll bite. Maybe I wouldn’t if he were being a jerk like he was a couple of hours ago, but that’s not what’s happening. He’s pensive, the live wire that apparently runs through him dulled for the moment. “I don’t know,” I say. “Probably, in that case.”

“What if I simplified the question?

What if I say, do you believe in justice?

“Then, yes, I do believe.”

Michel’s Review

OMG… I loved Rebel by Callie Hart!

From the very first paragraph I was hooked. Rebel starts with an intense beginning that builds to an explosive climax that leaves the reader biting their nails and begging for the next book. This book is intense, violent, explicit, and has the beginnings of a beautiful fierce love.

I know that there are quite a few excellent biker series on the market for readers to chose from. The Widow Makers MC is quite different from most of the series out there. It’s clear from the beginning that this club is more than outlaws defying society. Their membership is unique, they don’t have specific machine requirements, they are adaptable, and the general daily operations is ruled by who they are. Although it would seem they are a bit unstructured in many ways, it is quite the opposite. They have some very deadly alliances. They also have some powerful connections.

When Alexis is taken after witnessing a horrific crime her world is forever changed. She is taken by a gang connected with the Mexican cartel and sold into slavery. Her fake ID is the only thing she has going for her. Her true identity is hidden from her captors. Her captors have threatened retaliation on her family if she talks about anything that has happened to her. She is scared to death. It gets worse when she is sold to the Widow Makers.

The Widow Makers has used their connections to buy Sophia (aka Alexis) from Hector. She witnessed the murder of a very powerful judge. A judge that is related to Rebel, the president of the Widow Makers MC. They need her to testify to bring down Hector and his men. They have declared war.

The Widow Makers will try enlist one of their most dangerous allies, a Columbian Cartel that wants to destroy Hector also. But they have a price. It is a price that the Widow Makers are not sure they want to pay. They will have to make a choice of lying in bed with the devil or pursuing their enemies on their own. They are out gunned and will probably lose their lives.

As this story unfolds so much more happens. In the end the Widow Makers will not know who is friend or foe. Their world will be threatened from every which way. Events will take place that will send the club spiraling in all directions.

This is WAR!

Meanwhile Rebel and Sophia are engaging in a battle of their own. Not only does Rebel want to convince Sophia to testify by offering protection for her and her family, he is also attracted to her as a woman. As the two begin a rocky relationship their world spins out of control. How can Rebel guarantee protection for Sophia when he is about to engage in an all out war. There are too many enemies to kill. There are unknown enemies lurking in the background.

The ending of this book was a major OMG CLIFFHANGER. It was intense! I need the next book!

I was very impressed with Callie Hart’s writing. She built a world that drew the readers into the story from the beginning. She added intensity, action, and mystery while building a romance. I couldn’t put this book down.

Rebel is a 5 Star book!

About Callie Hart

Callie has experienced many changes throughout her life, and gone through many ups and downs that have all worked towards shaping and molding her into the person she is today: fun loving, active, social, and hard working. The only thing that has remained a constant throughout her life is writing. Creating characters who will tear your conscience in two is a favorite pastime of Callie’s. There are few real saints and sinners in her books; more often, the denizens of her stories are all very human. Broken, flawed, and always with the potential for redemption.

Despite the subject matter being markedly hot and heavy in comparison to the stories she wrote in elementary school, there will always be an element of fairytale to her work.

Stalk Her: Website – Facebook – Twitter – Goodreads – Join Callie’s Newsletter

GIVEAWAY
3 Rebel Super Swag packs
1 paperback of Rebel w/ signed bookplate
1 complete eCopy set of the Blood & Roses series
1 ARC of Callie Hart & Lili St. Germain’s upcoming collaboration, Hell’s Kitchen
(to be ready by end of February)
1 MAC “Rebel” lipstick
Gary Taylor Leather Jacket
$20 Amazon/iBooks Gift card
Kindle HD 6

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Blitz + Giveaway: Below The Belt by Sidney Halston – Worth The Fight Series – Book 3

Posted on 02/10/2015 by shellbellereads

Below The Belt

Worth The Fight Series – Book 3

By Sidney Halston

Synopsis

Once one of the most sought-after names on the mixed martial arts circuit, Antonio “Scarface” Marino watched his career go down for the count as he chased skirts and made tabloid headlines. Now he’s finally making a comeback, and it’s all thanks to Francesca Silva, a Brazilian bombshell as tough as any of her fighters. But who’s the real Francesca: the trash-talking trainer who rides him hard, or the vulnerable woman who blushes at his touch?

Francesca went to the mat to sign Tony because she believes he still has the potential to bring big success to her gym—if she can keep his head in the cage and out of her personal life. After a short-lived marriage soured her on love, a one-night stand is all she can handle. Now Tony’s kisses are stirring up complicated feelings—especially when he agrees to face her ex in the ring. Francesca’s used to freezing guys out. But Tony’s tempting her to give in to the heat.

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Michel’s Review

I love the Worth the Fight series by Sidney Halston. Each book has been fantastic. They all have very different types of characters,interesting plots, a strong foundation of friendships, a feisty menacing chihuahua that intimidates big tough men, and sizzling red hot romance.

I was really looking forward to the release of Below The Belt. We met Antonio “Scarface” Marino in the the previous book Full Contact. He is a top billed MMA fighter with a very bad reputation. He is a prima donna in the MMA world. He likes to play hard and work as little as possible. He has a tendency of being an out of control hothead. His manager is on the brink of dropping him, he’s losing sponsors left and right, and aging fast. His career is on a downward spiral when WTF Gym takes him on. For WTF it’s all about gaining the publicity and notoriety as a professional class gym.

Francesca Silva is hard as nails. She can hold her own in the professional world of fighting. She rules WTF with an iron fist. She doesn’t ever socially mingle with any of her fighters. In fact she doesn’t date period. She has a few close friends but she doesn’t let them get too close. Being brought up in the MMA world and a gym brat, she knows the score. She’s been there, done that, been destroyed, made herself stronger, moved on, and started a complete new book. She is in total control at all times. Or should I say she thinks she is until Antonio Marino starts pushing all the buttons she thought she had destroyed. He is making her feel things that she thought she buried ten years earlier.

When the red hot Cuban turns on the charm he is a force to be reckoned with. You know what they say about Latino lovers. Tony has it all in spades. He also has the Latino hot head tendencies that lead him to making the wrong assumptions, petty jealousy, and verbal diarrhea . But with Francesca he has found a woman that will stand up to him, call him out, and give it back tenfold.

Put one sexy Cuban male and one spicy Brazilian woman in a relationship and the fireworks are going to explode. It won’t take a hurricane to bring their world down, their own stubborn hot heads are doing a fine job at it.

Both have insecurities, anxieties, and vulnerabilities they hide from the world. But when these two are together the walls come down and their personal baggage starts spilling out. The funny thing is they help each other pick up the pieces and make their baggage much lighter.

Some readers may struggle with the back and forth verbal sparring and the domineering attitudes. What they must understand is that this is a part of their cultural upbringing. This is the norm for relationships. I think Sidney Halston nailed this aspect of these characters on the head.

I loved how realistic this book felt in terms of graphic locations. I am from south Florida and this book made me homesick. I loved the easy feel of Tarpon Springs to the spirited feel of Miami Beach.

I loved the resolution in the end and was quite surprised at the direction this book took the series. Sidney threw in some new blips for Dragos. He now has three princess kittens and one snooty male cat to contend with. I bet Slade and Jack are out celebrating and buying kitty treats. Antonio is buying tissues and Francesca is buying catnip.

I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I am a fan of WTF fight team!

Tina’s Review

This is a hard one for me to rate and review. It is quite obviously a later book in a series, as evidenced by most of the characters already having a history with one another, including our two main characters. It CAN stand alone and the author DOES do a pretty good job at trying to fill in some of the back stories, but it would have been greatly beneficial to read the previous books prior to this, I think. Antonio is a testosterone-laden hothead who has a few redeeming moments here and there, but I had a hard time really liking him, let alone falling for him. Francesca seems to wall herself off from others while portraying herself to be completely independent and strong, seemingly incapable of feeling emotion. The secondary characters are an interesting mixture, including the stereotypical hyper-aggressive Chihuahua. The dialogue and interaction is mostly good, but there are times that I just want to smack both of them for the crap that comes out of their mouths. It’s a bit frustrating. The flow of writing is smooth, but the plot is a bit flat. While the cover caught my eye and plot initially grabbed me, compelling me to read it, the overall journey was not as dynamic as I’d hoped it would be. The conflicts that the plot is ridden with are usually resolved in mature and timely manners. There was little predictability and the hero and heroine get a solidly concluded ending. There is a slight opening / lead-in for Cain and Violet’s story to pick up next.

The Worth The Fight Series

Against The Cage – Book 1

In her Loveswept debut, Sidney Halston turns up the heat as a sexy cage fighter shows a former bookworm how delicious a few rounds between the sheets can be.

For Chrissy Martin, returning to her Florida hometown always seems to bring bad luck. The day starts with a breakup text, followed by a jailhouse phone call from her troublemaker brother. Now a routine traffic stop has ended with her accidentally punching an officer . . . in a delicate place. Then Chrissy realizes that the hot cop on the receiving end of her right hook is none other than the man from her teenage fantasies.

Jack Daniels knows how to take a hit. After all, when he’s not chasing reckless drivers, he’s kicking ass in a mixed martial arts ring. So what takes his breath away isn’t the low blow, but the woman who dealt it: a gorgeous knockout with legs Jack wouldn’t mind being pinned under—who just so happens to be his best friend’s nerdy little sister, all grown up. Soon their instant chemistry leads to a sizzling affair, but Jack and Chrissy are fighting an uphill battle if they want to make love last beyond the final bell.

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Full Contact – Book 2

Sidney Halston returns to steamy Tarpon Springs, Florida, where a hell-raising bad boy prepares to get down and dirty for the woman he loves.

How could she have been so stupid? When Jessica Cross decides to give her violently jealous boyfriend—the otherwise influential and charming Dennis Stavros—a second chance, she very nearly becomes a statistic. After weeks of healing from a broken rib and collapsed lung, and with Dennis behind bars, Jessica finally feels ready to come out of hiding. But will she ever be able to take a chance on love again with someone new?

Mixed martial arts fighter Slade Martin knows he has a bad reputation. Hell, he’s probably earned it. So it won’t be easy to convince beautiful, vulnerable Jessica that she can trust him—that from the moment she walked into his life, she’s been the only one he’s wanted. Powerful and confident, Slade knows he can honor his vow to protect Jessica body and soul. Winning her heart will be another matter . . . but a woman like Jessica is worth the fight.

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________________________________

USA Today bestselling author, Sidney Halston lives her life with one simple rule: “Just Do It” Nike, and that’s exactly what she did. After working hard as an attorney, Sidney picked up a pen for the first time at thirty years old to begin her dream of writing. Having never written anything other than very exciting legal briefs, she found an outlet for her imaginative romantic side and wrote Seeing Red, among four other novels currently in the works, including the sequel to Seeing Red. That first pen stroke sealed the deal and she fell in love with writing.

Sidney lives in South Florida with her husband and children. She loves her family above all else, and reading follows a close second. When she’s not writing you can find her reading and reading and reading… She’s a reader first and a writer second.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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