Holiday Review: It’s A Wonderful Fireman by Jennifer Bernard- Bachelor Fireman Series

Posted on 11/25/2014 by shellbellereads

It’s A Wonderful Fireman

A Holiday Novella

Bachelor Fireman Series- Book 6.5

By Jennifer Bernard

Synopsis

Hard-edged fireman Dean Mulligan has never been a big fan of Christmas. Twinkly lights and sparkly tinsel can’t brighten the memories of too many years spent in ramshackle foster homes. Although he’s established himself as one of the top firefighters at San Gabriel Station 1, he doesn’t think he’s good enough for someone like gorgeous Lizzie.

Lizzie Breen is used to fighting—from her alpha male brothers, who try to smother her in the name of safety, to the life-threatening childhood illness she overcame. She knows what she and Mulligan feel for each other is a lot more than a fling, but she can’t get him to see that. The only gift Lizzie wants to give him this season is her love, but he’s not willing to accept it.

When Mulligan is trapped in the burning wreckage of a holiday store, a Christmas angel arrives to open his eyes. But is it too late? This Christmas, it’ll take an angel, a determined woman in love, and the entire Bachelor Firemen crew to make him believe … it is indeed a wonderful life.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tina’s Review

*** Provided by AVON and Edelweiss in Exchange for an Honest Review. ***

Dean Mulligan really does not like Christmas. In fact, he actually thinks Christmas should be banned… for safety reasons. He suffered an abusive childhood and fought on the street through his teen years. He’s a Topman and one of the best fire readers around.
Lizzie Breen, Fred’s little sister, recently finished her EMT training and has been looking to get her pilot’s license and helicopter certification to become a flight paramedic. She plans to reveal a bog job offer she just received in British Columbia, but for now she volunteers in the Children’s Wing at the hospital as often as time allows.
Mulligan and Lizzie have a… something… between them, sort of, that neither of them can explain or identify with certainty. When Mulligan falls through the roof of a Christmas store, of all places, his deluded imagination conjures up a sexy Christmas Elf Lizzie Angel while he lays trapped.
This short but sweet holiday novella has a definite IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE vibe to it. The storyline takes you through key points of Mulligan’s life, including highlights of his and Lizzie’s time together.

Mulligan is a hulking man trying to hide behind a tough and gruff exterior. Lizzie is a warm, kind-hearted soul with a competitive streak to rival her brothers’. Together, they balance one another. Many of the past characters to the series make cameos, almost as a proper Final Farewell to the readers as much as for the story itself. The plot is well written and flows quite smoothly, even with the switch between flashbacks and present situation inside and outside the incident. There’s plenty of emotions to dig through in this one. Conflict seems to be Mulligan’s middle name, so it ran throughout the book and most often was difficult to resolve, but Lizzie’s determination and Clarence’s guidance brought eventual resolution. There was very little predictability. The conclusion was solid. The readers were given a final update on all characters from the series’ previous books while allowing Mulligan and Lizzie to have their own unique ending.
This was a bittersweet read, knowing it’s the end of the firefighter era for Ms. Bernard. But she did manage to nicely introduce Caleb Hart from Mulligan’s past and he’ll be the Hero in her new baseball themed series. ALL OF ME is scheduled to release in May of 2015.

Author Bio:

Jennifer Bernard is a graduate of Harvard and a former news promo producer. The child of academics, she confounded her family by preferring romance novels to … well, any other books. She left big city life for true love in Alaska, where she now lives with her husband and stepdaughters. She’s no stranger to book success, as she also writes erotic novellas under a naughty secret name not to be mentioned at family gatherings.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Day Blitz + Review + Giveaway: Hard To Come By by Laura Kaye- Hard Ink Series – Book 3

Posted on 11/25/2014 by shellbellereads

We are beyond thrilled to bring you the Release Day Launch for Laura Kaye’s HARD TO COME BY! HARD TO COME BY is the third full length novel in Laura’s Hard Ink Series, published by Avon Romance. As a special treat, through December 2, pre-order Hard to Come By or purchase it during release week, and receive exclusive bonus content! Just fill out the quick form here!

Buy at Amazon | Amazon.ca | Amazon UK | B&N | iTunes| Kobo

Hard to Come By on Goodreads

Pre-order or purchase before December 2, and get awesome bonus content!

Excerpt:

Marz was playing with fire. He damn well knew he was. But that didn’t make him want to pull away.

He just wanted more of the heat.

Marz nuzzled the side of Emilie’s face with his nose, his lips. She turned her face toward him and offered her lips. He couldn’t refuse.

Capturing her mouth on a tortured groan, Marz poured every ounce of his longing and confusion and desire into the kiss. They grasped at each other and Emilie turned in his arms. He pinned her against the railing and planted his hands in her hair. She opened to him and accepted his tongue, sucking him in until Marz’s blood ran hot and his hard-on ached. He ground himself against her and devoured every little moan and whimper and gasp she spilled.

Trailing kisses from her mouth to her jaw to her ear, Marz dragged a hand down her body and grasped her breast in his palm. She cried out and her head dropped back, drawing his mouth to her neck, where he licked and sucked and nipped as he kneaded her soft flesh. “You are so damn sexy.”

Her hand flew to his hair and grasped the back of his head. “Touch me,” she said. “Don’t stop touching me.”

Marz pulled away long enough to do a three-sixty scan. The lighthouse cast a dark shadow over them, and the pier was otherwise empty. His heart raced and his pulse hammered. He dove back in, trailing kisses down her neck to her collarbone, which he traced with his tongue. Her nails scratched deliciously at his scalp and her grip urged him down.

Through the thin material of her blouse and bra, he mouthed and flicked at her nipple. He shifted the deep vee of the neckline to reveal a lacy royal blue bra. He tongued her through the lace until she was panting and moaning and writhing against the railing.

“Oh, my God,” she rasped as he shifted her shirt and moved to her other breast. This time, he tugged the lace down to bare the deep pink of her nipple. She tasted and smelled like something fruity and sweet, and it made Marz hunger for more. “Derek,” she gasped. “Yes, yes, yes.”

Her palm cupped and squeezed the bulge of his erection through his jeans. His hips jerked into the touch, craving more of her, all of her. He groaned and it seemed to egg her on, because she pressed and rubbed her hand against his trapped cock until he was panting and imagining taking her down to the ground.

“Jesus, Emilie, you’re driving me fucking crazy,” he said as he worked kisses back up her body to her mouth.

“I know just what you mean,” she said. Her molten hot gaze met his. Eyes hooded, lips shiny and swollen, cheeks flushed, she was a freaking goddess standing under the moonlit sky. He felt the force of her beauty every bit as much in his chest as in his cock.

“You sure about that, babe?” he asked as he took her mouth in a deep, wet kiss. “Because my imagination has me stripping you of those fuck-hot jeans.”

“Yeah?” She rubbed his cock in a long stroke with the heel of her hand. “Mine has us getting a room at the hotel back there. So I’m sure,” she said with a smile.

Marz’s heart hammered against his breastbone and his cock jerked, clearly liking her idea, too. Except, if he took her up on it, he was going to end up buried inside her for as long as she’d have him. And so long as this clusterfuck of a situation defined their relationship, he couldn’t take things that far. Could he?

About HARD TO COME BY:

Caught between desire and loyalty…

Derek DiMarzio would do anything for the members of his disgraced Special Forces team–sacrifice his body, help a former teammate with a covert operation to restore their honor, and even go behind enemy lines. He just never expected to want the beautiful woman he found there.

When a sexy stranger asks questions about her brother, Emilie Garza is torn between loyalty to the brother she once idolized and fear of the war-changed man he’s become. Derek’s easy smile and quiet strength tempt Emilie to open up, igniting the desire between them and leading Derek to crave a woman he shouldn’t trust.

As the team’s investigation reveals how powerful their enemies are, Derek and Emilie must prove where their loyalties lie before hearts are broken and lives are lost. Because love is too hard to come by to let slip away…

And don’t miss the other Hard Ink books, now available:

Hard As It Gets

Hard As You Can

Hard to Hold On To

Praise for Hard to Come By:

“Rough sex and explosive fights power Kaye’s third Hard Ink novel, a thrilling adventure that feels more like an action movie with a romantic subplot than a typical contemporary romance. New readers will head straight for Kaye’s backlist after powering through this installment.” ~Publishers Weekly Starred Review
“TOP PICK! If you’re looking for danger, gritty action, and sizzling passion, then Kaye has just the book and the series for you.” ~RT Book Reviews Magazine

Michel’s Review

Laura Kaye has added another superb addition to the Hard Ink series. If you have not read the Hard Ink series or any of Laura’s books, I would highly recommend all of her books. Her writing is flawless. She weaves a tale that is gripping in so many ways. Her books are emotional, witty, and loaded with suspense. Her characters are larger than life and jump off the pages. Readers easily embrace them in their hearts. The books are meticulously plotted and each passage is delivered with great care. Her books flow with ease and each scene is like watching a movie.

Hard To Come By continues the series plot. This special ops team was set up, betrayed, and dishonorably discharged. Their records have been tarnished. Their reputation has ruined. Their personal characters have been destroyed. They are trying to get to the bottom of this betrayal that destroyed their lives. There is more at stake than their personal reputations. The conspiracy runs deep.

Derek DiMarzio, known as Marz, is the techie of the group. He can break any password, find hidden info in the cyber world haystack, and is a data geru. He is also the comedian of the group and has a way of keeping the guys from getting mired down by the crap they have endured. He has sacrificed more than his reputation and career for the army. He has lost part of his leg. He will carry the memories of the Army, good and bad, for the rest of his life.

Intel has led the group to Manny Garza. He is a part of the Church gang that has been giving them trouble. He has connections to the organization that orchestrated the betrayal that led to their discharge from the Army. Intel has also indicated that Garza has a sister, Emilie, living in the area. They have assigned Derek to occupy Emilie so that they can investigate her home for information on Manny’s whereabouts.

Derek performs his duties well. He performs them so well that he ends up head over heals in love with Emilie. He wants to continue seeing her after their mission is accomplished. As you can conclude, his teammates don’t want this to happen. They don’t want Derek to fall for the enemy. We all know the saying, keep your enemies close. That is exactly what Derek intends to do.

Emilie is not blind to her brother’s illegal activities. She doesn’t condone his actions and behaviors. She remembers the brother he once was, caring and protective. She wants him to get help and out of the life he has committed himself to. She has suffered from a bad marriage and has trust issues where men are concerned. When she meets Derek things begin to change.

The relationship between Derek and Emilie is breathtaking. There is more than sexual chemistry that keeps them inflamed. Their openness and honesty about their feelings is one of the things that strengthen the bonds between them.

The road for Derek and Emilie is not easy. Can these two find a lasting relationship in the midst of betrayal and wrongdoings? What is Manny’s connection? Will they be able to find Manny and gain the information they are seeking? Or is this going to blow up in their faces just like their careers did? Will Emilie find out Derek was using her to get the information they desperately need? Will the truth destroy their relationship?

Read Hard To Come By. The Hard Ink series is fantastic. I can’t wait for the next book.

About Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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Holiday Review: Her Holiday Man by Shannon Stacey

Posted on 11/20/2014 by shellbellereads

Her Holiday Man

Contemporary Holiday Romance

By Shannon Stacey

Synopsis

Christina Forrester is starting over. After a financial scandal sent her ex-husband to prison, she’s left raising her young son without any of the comforts of their old life. Budgets, coupons, lawn care—you name it, she’s learning to do it all on her own. Well, almost on her own—she’d be lost without Gail Broughton, the kind widow across the street. But when Gail’s son comes home, Christina’s vow to never trust a man again is put to the test.

Will Broughton left town because he was tired of being “that poor man” who lost his wife and unborn child in a tragic accident. But years have passed and, with his dad gone and his mom alone, it’s time to go home. Only his mother’s not alone. She’s taken Christina under her wing, and the beautiful and determined single mother awakens something in Will he thought was buried forever.

As Will and Christina are forced to spend more time together, feelings that are more than neighborly grow between them. And with Christmas coming and a child filling both houses with holiday cheer, it becomes nearly impossible not to embrace the joy—and the love—in their lives.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Nobody writes a holiday romance like Shannon Stacey. Every year she delivers a very special holiday story that makes the holiday season brighter. She captures the magic of the holidays, delivers an emotional book, always gives her characters a holiday miracle, and gives the reader a taste of small town charm during the holidays. I always look forward to these holiday themed books every year. It’s the perfect book to help celebrate the holiday season.

Christina Forrester and her young son were betrayed by her husband and left penniless. She had to rebuild a new life that is worlds apart from her former life. The funny thing is that she is much happier and feels like she is accomplishing giving her son a good life. When she ended up in New Hampshire it was more of a blessing than a curse. She met Gail Broughton, a kind window, that helped her get on her feet. She has a job, a nice house she is renting, and a wonderful neighbor that helps her with her son, Nathaniel.

Since Gail lost her husband, she has been a bit lost until she meets Christina Broughton. Christina and Nathaniel help fill the void in her life. Her children are grown and on their own. Her son left New Hampshire after he lost his wife and unborn child. Her daughter is married and has small children of her own to manage. Gail has a lot time and a heart full of love to give this small wounded family.

Will Broughton decides to move back to New Hampshire for his mother. He knows she must be lost without his father. He intends to be there for her and help her with all the honey do jobs around the house. He is finally ready to come home. He’s come to terms with his loss and has accepted his new life. He doesn’t intend on falling in love again or starting a new family. One loss in a lifetime is all he can handle. That is until he meets Christina and Nathaniel. These two people will become an important part of his life. They will become his future.

I loved the family unity and dedication in this book. It showed the importance of showing your loved ones how much they mean to you. It also showed that there is always room for more love.

Nathaniel captured my heart with his pure innocence. His wonder and awe of the holidays made this book magical. I loved how he hero worshipped Will. I love how Will taught him the importance of giving to others. Will set the perfect example of being a good man.

The chemistry and attraction between Will and Christina was sizzling. They did not go into their relationship lightly. They both had to heal from the past and learn things about themselves. Their friendship and companionship was a slow build to a forever kind of love.

Shannon Stacey delivered another beautiful holiday romance.

Author Bio:

Shannon Stacey married her Prince Charming in 1993 and is the proud mother of two incredible sons. She lives in New England, where her two favorite activities are trying to stay warm and writing stories of happily ever after. Her two cats refuse to curl up on her lap and keep it warm while she writes, but her Shih Tzu is never far away.

When she’s not writing, she’s indulging in her other passion—four wheeling! From May to November, the Stacey family spends their weekends on their ATVs, making loads of muddy laundry to keep Shannon busy when she’s not at her computer.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

ARC Review: Archangel’s Shadow by Nalini Singh-Guild Hunter Series-Book 7

Posted on 11/19/2014 by shellbellereads

Archangel’s Shadow

Guild Hunter Series- Book 7

By Nalini Singh

Synopsis

NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED
AN ALL-NEW GUILD HUNTER NOVEL

Return to New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s sensual and painfully beautiful Guild Hunter world in her new novel of sacrifice, loyalty, and the choices of love that can shatter the heart.

In the wake of a brutal war, the archangel Raphael and his hunter consort, Elena, are dealing with the treacherously shifting tides of archangelic politics and the people of a battered but not broken city. The last thing their city needs is more death, especially a death that bears the eerie signature of an insane enemy archangel who cannot—should not—be walking the streets.

This hunt must be undertaken with stealth and without alerting their people. It must be handled by those who can become shadows themselves…

Ash is a gifted tracker and a woman cursed with the ability to sense the secrets of anyone she touches. But there’s one man she knows all too well without a single instant of skin contact: Janvier, the dangerously sexy Cajun vampire who has fascinated and infuriated her for years. Now, as they track down a merciless killer, their cat-and-mouse game of flirtation and provocation has turned into a profound one of the heart. And this time, it is Ash’s secret, dark and terrible, that threatens to destroy them both.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tracey’s Review

In the aftermath of a devastating war, which has pitted archangel factions against each other and left many dead in its wake, something dark and dangerous threatens the citizens of New York, and the archangel Raphael and his contingent are faced with unraveling the mystery of the new and deadly threat. Ash, a human Guild hunter, and Janvier, her vampire partner, are racing against time to unmask the killer before it’s too late, all the while fighting an ever-growing attraction that they should not act upon.

ARCHANGEL’S SHADOWS, the seventh book in the Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh, is an action-packed, edge-of-your-seat read from the first page. Ash and Janvier are a team, the human Guild hunter and vampire working in the service of the archangel Raphael. The attraction which has always existed between them is becoming stronger, with Janvier making no effort to hide his desire to become Ash’s partner in every sense of the word. But Ash is hiding a secret that could tear them apart, and that keeps her from giving in to the desire that she feels.

This is the first book that I have read from the series, and while I sense that there is a lot of backstory that I am missing, it did not keep me from thoroughly enjoying this book. I am a huge fan of paranormal romance, and Nalini is a master of the genre. The characters are unique and engaging, and the heat between each of the couples is palpable. I love that the female characters are strong and respected by their male counterparts, with not one delicate flower in the lot. These ladies are capable, and aren’t afraid to let everyone know, which is one of the things that resonated most strongly for me. As well, the Seven, whom have all been introduced in earlier books, are fascinating to me, and I really enjoyed the banter and real affection that they have for each other. All of these things, combined with the mysterious threat that Ash and Janvier are facing, made for a read that I couldn’t put down. I look forward to going back and starting the series from the beginning, and also continuing to read the upcoming installments.

NEW YORK TIMES AND USA Today bestselling author of the Psy-Changeling and Guild Hunter series Nalini Singh usually writes about hot shapeshifters and dangerous angels. This time around, she decided to write about a hot and wickedly tempting rock star. If you’re seeing a theme here, you’re not wrong.

Nalini lives and works in beautiful New Zealand, and is passionate about writing. If you’d like to explore her other books, you can find lots of excerpts on her website. Slave to Sensation is the first book in the Psy-Changeling series, while Angels’ Blood is the first book in the Guild Hunter series. Once Rock Addiction is out, swing by the site to check out the special behind-the-scenes page, complete with photos of many of the locations used in the book.

STALK HER: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Review: Home by @JA Huss- Social Media Series- Book 6-Grand Finale

Posted on 11/19/2014 by shellbellereads

Home

The Social Media Series- Book 6

By @JA Huss

Synopsis

I just want my Grace back. I want the girl I found sending me dirty tweets on Saint Thomas. I want the girl who reluctantly gave in to my charms and let me boss her around. I want the girl who sent me to my knees and made me imagine what her fairy tale would look likewith me in it.

I just want to move on.I want everything she ever wanted, and I want us to make it happen together. But the media needs more from us. More dirt. More pain. More payment for past transgressions.

You can’t change the past. And even though Grace is ready to put her demons to bed, mine are just starting to get restless. Because when you’ve silenced as many enemies as I have, you know that secret won’t stay buried forever.

Buy: Amazon

@shellbellereads

@smutbookjunkie

HomeTweetHome

#Home#Heart#Finale

@smutbookjunkie

@shellbellereads

Grand Finale. End of Social Media Series

#BitterSweet

@shellbellereads

@smutbookjunkie

Social Media Series a 2014 Favorite!

#Favorite

@smutbookjunkie

@shellbellereads

Congratulations @JA Huss!

#Congrats#Favorite

Michel’s Review

The Social Media Series by JA Huss has been an erotic and action packed experience. Each episode has left readers on the edge of their seats. The ending was bittersweet and pure perfection for Grace and Vaughn.

I am not going to say too much and give away spoilers. The one thing I will say is that Grace became a stronger woman. She learned to open her heart and let love in. She learned that she is just as much Daisy as she is Grace. Combine the two together and Vaughn has the perfect woman. Vaughn surprised me throughout this series. He grew emotionally and proved to Grace, as well as the world, that he is a man of honor.

I loved the Social Media series. I highly recommend this series. JA Huss is a gifted writer that always delivers more than a sensational romance.

THE SOCIAL MEDIA SERIES

FOLLOW – AUGUST 27, 2014

Buy: Amazon

LIKE – SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

Buy: Amazon

BLOCK – SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

Buy: Amazon

STATUS – OCTOBER 8, 2014

Buy: Amazon

PROFILE – OCTOBER 22, 2014

Buy: Amazon

HOME – NOVEMBER 5, 2014

Buy: Amazon

Author Bio

Author Bio:

J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label).

She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Review: Stirred Up by S. E. Hall and Angela Graham- Volumes 1 and 2

Posted on 11/19/2014 by shellbellereads

Stirred Up

Volumes 1 and 2

By S.E. Hall and Angela Graham

Synopsis

NYT, USA Today & Amazon Best Selling authors Angela Graham and S.E.Hall
Erotic stand-alone. No cliffy. 40,000+ words.
Certain men. Certain professions. Some things are just universally sexy.
But maybe not quite this sexy…
“Lay back for me.”
*Previously 2 volumes, now get the entire story in one shot.*

Buy: Amazon

Ashley’s Review

Once a year, women have that one appointment that we all look forward to (dramatic eye roll) where nothing is left private as a doctor stares at your lady bits and conducts the ole favorite of, “you’re gonna feel some pressure” before inserting a speculum and administering that annual exam.

So low and behold that while in Huntington, WV for the Rebels and Readers book event do I spot with my little green eyes, a cover so glorious that I pick it up to read the blurb on the back.

“Certain men. Certain professions. Something things are just universally sexy. But maybe not quite this sexy… Lay back for me.”

Pulling a “what the,” I ask the author Angela Graham if this is a book about a girl and her gynecologist. To my shock she affirms that yes it is a book just about that. Although insanely creepy, the plot was so unique I had to check it out, so I shoved over my $10 and couldn’t wait to break into the binding.

This book was a complete surprise! Not only was it masterfully written, evoking and touching those emotions all us ladies feel about that dreaded appointment, the plot was clever and the characters were just likeable.

Addison has always been close to her older brother, Dylan and his best friend, Brady. When Brady, a doctor, and also a close family friend advises Addison to take precautions on her health he does the unthinkable by setting her up an appointment with the only gynecologist in town. Humiliated and absolutely frightened about her upcoming first appointment, Addison takes us on a journey that has the readers laughing. From “prepping” for the appointment to the “thoughts” while waiting for the doctor, I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. When in walks Mr. Reynolds, Addison is put face to face with the ultimate test, don’t panic, remain calm, and don’t maul the hot doc. Hall and Graham have created a true masterpiece with this story and not to mention a complete twist that will leave readers “oohing” and “aahing” for days to cum…..

I have rated Stirred Up with 5-meticulous stars. This book had a solid story-line, well defined and developed characters, and one mind blowing twist. The emotion the female lead is able to exemplify to the readers is honest and accurate, taking on something all women dread once a year. This is a Highly recommended read.

Author Bios:

S.E.Hall is the author of the Amazon Best Selling Evolve Series, Emerge, Embrace, Entangled(novella)and Entice as well as the best selling stand-alone NA Romance, Pretty Instinct. She also co-wrote Stirred Up, an erotic short-story with her CP and friend, Author Angela Graham and is honored to be a part of the USA Today and NYT Best Selling Devour box set. S.E., which stands for Stephanie Elaine, resides in Arkansas with her husband of 18 years and 3 beautiful daughters of the home, and one married daughter who graced her with two beautiful grandchildren. When not in the stands watching her ladies play softball, she enjoys reading and writing and the occasional trip to the casino. She’s also clutch at Baggo, when it’s warm outside, and definitely the woman to pick on your side for some Flip Cup!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

NYT and USA Today Bestselling author of the Harmony series.

Angela lives in Tipp City, Ohio with he three little darlings and a beautiful feline companion that keeps her company during late night writing binges.

Check out my Facebook page for a deleted chapter from Inevitable as well as teasers.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Review + Giveaway: First Debt by Pepper Winters- The Indebted Series- Book 2

Posted on 11/17/2014 by shellbellereads

First Debt

Indebted #2

Series: Indebted

By Pepper Winters

Synopsis

“You say I’ll never own you. If I win—you willingly give me that right. You sign not only the debt agreement, but another—one that makes me your master until your last breath is taken. You do that, and I’ll give you this.”

Nila Weaver’s family is indebted. Stolen, taken, and bound not by monsters but by an agreement written over six hundred years ago, she has no way out.

She belongs to Jethro as much as she denies it.

Jethro Hawk’s patience is running out. His inheritance gift tests, challenges, and surprises him—and not in good ways. He hasn’t leashed her but he thinks he might’ve found a way to bind her forever.

Debts are mounting. Payment waiting.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

First Debt by Pepper Winters was another thrilling installment into the Indebted Series. After Debt Inheritance readers were left on the edge of their seats. First Debt adds a new edginess to the Indebted Series. This installment to the series will get into the minds of the characters. The horror of the royal decree will begin…

The Indebted Series is a Dark Erotic Thriller series. It is intended for ADULT READERS.

This book may touch on some of your hardcore limits. There is mental abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, implications of gang rape, and implications of murder. All of these situations are somewhat graphic. The way Pepper Winters delivers these elements in the story are mostly through the characters POV’s and manipulations. They are integral to the story.

A Family Feud between the Hawks and The Weavers

A Royal Proclamation

A 600 Year Debt

The Debt Will Be Paid In Full

The Families

The Hawks are one of the most influential families in England. Their influence has a strong reach internationally. They are the world’s leading diamond dealers. They are also the leaders of one of the most powerful motorcycle clubs in the world. They are powerful, ruthless, violent, and unyielding. They will come out on top at all costs.

The Weavers are world renowned for their influence in the fashion industry. They have clothed royalty. They are masters at their trade. Unlike the Hawks, they are not a powerful family. They have impeccable lineage that they value. The only mark on that lineage is their debt to the Hawks.

The Characters

Jethro Hawk is the 29 year old, first born son in the Hawk family. At age thirty he will take over the reigns of the Hawk Empire. As part of that legacy, being the first born son, he gets the Indebted Inheritance. He gets the first born daughter of the Weavers. He fully intends to collect his inheritance, carry out his family’s vendetta, and claim the legacy he has been born into. He is cunning, calculating, ruthless, uncaring, controlling, manipulative, and downright terrifying. He is a villain in the darkest way. He will claim his inheritance at all costs.

Nila Weaver is a young, naïve, and innocent 24 year old woman. Like her fore fathers she has taken her place in the fashion industry. Her designs are innovative, sexy, and flawless. She has just made her mark in the Haute couture world. What should have been a celebration has turned into a nightmare. Jethro Hawk has come to collect the debt her family owes. A debt she never knew existed. A debt she will have to pay.

First Debt

Jethro gave Nila the opportunity to try to escape knowing that she would fail. He had to admire her will and strength in character. He had to break that will and break Nila in order to carry out the first debt. What Jethro didn’t count on was Nila testing his strength of will.

As the plot unfolds the readers will get a glimpse of who Jethro Hawk is. He is more than meets the eye. Readers will begin to sympathize with Jethro even though he is a horrific villain that holds Nila’s life in his hands. Her fate has been decreed for over six hundred years. Why does she have to pay for the crimes of her ancestors. Why do the Hawks insist on carrying out a six hundred year old debt?

In First Debt the readers will get more of a history lesson about the sins committed by the Weavers towards the Hawks. The readers will witness Nila carrying out her first debt payment. It is horrific for both Nila and Jethro.

The Hawks are harboring more than a six hundred year resentment towards the Weavers. They see this six hundred year old proclamation as a way of proving their power, defying the common law, and testing the future Hawk Legacy. It doesn’t matter that they are enslaving and murdering innocent young Weaver women. These innocents are nothing but a pawn in the bigger picture of the Hawk Legacy.

As I said, readers will begin to see parts of the complex and troubled Jethro Hawk. We will also get an introduction to some of the other Hawk family members. It will leave readers puzzled about who is good and who is bad.

Enough of the history is revealed to keep readers hooked. The chemistry between Jethro and Nila will fuel a fire that could possibly burn them both. Their fates have been written by royal decree. Can they make their own fate?

Who knows…only the brilliant mind of Pepper Winters. The next book will be out in early 2015. How many more debts will Nila have to pay? Will Jethro be paying the debt with her? How can they defy a six hundred year old decree?

Indebted

Indebted Series

By Pepper Winters

Synopsis

“I own you. I have the piece of paper to prove it. It’s undeniable and unbreakable. You belong to me until you’ve paid off your debts.”

Nila Weaver’s family is indebted. Being the first born daughter, her life is forfeit to the first born son of the Hawks to pay for sins of ancestors past. The dark ages might have come and gone, but debts never leave. She has no choice in the matter.

She is no longer free.

Jethro Hawk receives Nila as an inheritance present on his twenty-ninth birthday. Her life is his until she’s paid off a debt that’s centuries old. He can do what he likes with her—nothing is out of bounds—she has to obey.

There are no rules. Only payments.

A modern day Dark Erotic Romance

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Author Bio

Pepper Winters wears many roles. Some of them include writer, reader, sometimes wife. She loves dark, taboo stories that twist with your head. The more tortured the hero, the better, and she constantly thinks up ways to break and fix her characters. Oh, and sex… her books have sex.

She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends.

Giveaway

One Signed Set of Indebted Series

(Debt Inheritance & First Debt)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MDk5NjRmMDM5ZDM4YTBjYWM0YzAyYzM0NGI2ODRhOjUxNQ==/

Blog Tour + Review: Backstage by A. M. Madden-The Back Up Series

Posted on 11/17/2014 by shellbellereads

Trey Taylor was loving life. Bass player to the world famous rock band Devil’s Lair, chicks falling to their knees at every turn, no one to be held accountable to for his actions…life rocked.

He had all he needed, food to sustain his body, sex to sustain his libido, rock to sustain his soul. For years he walked to the beat of his own drum, and made no excuses to anyone. Running and hiding can temporarily distract your fate, but it won’t derail it. Fate was coming for him, whether he liked it or not.

His past was gaining ground and threatening all the secrets he desperately tried to hide. His present was slowing him down, making him feel emotions he buried years ago. The two are about to collide. Will Trey survive the impact?

* AMAZON * BARNES & NOBLE * SMASHWORDS *

Michel’s Review

Wow! Backstage by A.M. Madden was a fantastic rock star romance. It can be read as a stand alone novel or in series order. I would highly recommend reading the entire Back-Up series. Each book is well written and highly entertaining.

Trey Taylor has been an enigma throughout this series. He is a man of mystery that hides behind the shades he always wears. Those shades hide the true glimpse into Trey Taylor’s soul.

We meet Trey when he was eighteen years old. He has come from a very troubled home life. It has left deep scars upon his soul. He doesn’t depend on his parents and keeps mostly to himself. There is one exception, his girlfriend, Taylor. They are planning to run away together on her eighteenth birthday. Tragedy strikes and Trey is left alone and broken. The only solace he has is his guitar. He vows to leave home and never look back.

Trey has struggled along the way. His coping mechanism is sex and music. He doesn’t let anyone in and keeps everyone at arms length. His success with Devil’s Lair has kept him in the spotlight, available to women, and able to hide the pain he has carried around for years.

When the past and the present collide things will change. He will have to reveal his secrets. He will have to relive the pain. It is a heart wrenching and painful experience that could cost him his friendships that he has carefully built.

Trey’s history has made him feel unlovable. Will his present prove that he is or will destiny step in and prove him wrong? He has a chance at love with Leila if his past does not destroy it.

Backstage is a story of losing oneself because of the past. It is a battle of redemption. The redemption is learning to love oneself and accept the love of others. It is learning about self worth. Everyone deserves to be loved, even Trey Taylor.

Backstage was one the most emotional books I have read. My gut was in knots and my heart was breaking. Through it all the reader was able to experience the wealth of emotions that Trey Taylor had to experience to come full circle. This was more than a rock star love story. It was a story of learning about love in every form.

I highly recommend reading Backstage by A. M. Madden. It will not disappoint!

* Go Back To The Couple That Started The Series *

Amazon US * Amazon UK * Amazon CA * Amazon AU * B&N *

Amazon Best Selling Author ~ A.M. Madden’s debut novel Back-up is the first of three in The Back-Up Series. Book 2, Front & Center is also available on Amazon. Book 3, Encore will be released June 2014.

A.M. Madden is a wife, a mother, an avid reader of romance novels and now an author. In Back-up she aspired to create a fun, sexy, realistic romantic story. She wanted to create characters that the reader could relate to and feel as if they knew personally. A self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, she loves getting lost in a good book. She also uses every free moment of her time writing, while raising teenage boys.

* FACEBOOK * TWITTER * WEBSITE *

5-Star ARC Review: Before We Fall by Courtney Cole- Beautifully Broken Series- Book 3

Posted on 11/15/2014 by Saucy Southern Readers

Before We Fall

The Beautifully Broken Series

By Courtney Cole

Synopsis

Sometimes before we fall . . . we fly.

One dark moment was all it took to turn twenty-four-year-old Dominic Kinkaide’s world black. On the night of his high school graduation, a single incident changed him forever, and he became a hardened man-famous in the eyes of the world, but tortured inside. Now all he cares about is losing himself in the roles that he plays.

At twenty-three years old, Jacey Vincent doesn’t realize how much her father’s indifference has affected her. She is proof that sometimes it isn’t one specific moment that wrecks a person, but an absence of moments. She tries to find acceptance in the arms of men to fill the void-a plan that has worked just fine for her, until she meets Dominic.

When jaded Dominic and strong-willed Jacey are thrown together, the combination of his secrets and her issues turns their attraction into the perfect storm. It could change their lives for good-if it doesn’t tear them both apart . . .

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Kelley’s Review

Before We Fall by Courtney Cole takes you on an emotional journey as you follow the lives of two very broken people on the path to redemption. In the beginning I did not like Jacey or Dominic. At 20 percent of the way through this read I almost put it down. I had a hard time identifying with these characters. They were dirty and perverted and I had their path already plotted in my head. I decided since I was reviewing this for Romance @ Random that I would continue reading the story.

Dominic Kinkaide has been dealing with horrible guilt for the past six years because he blames himself for a terribly tragedy that was no one’s fault. No matter what he does he can’t get over it. He has decided that he is only worthy of sexual perversion and will not allow himself to get emotionally attached to anyone. He has accepted that he is a monster and shuts everyone around him out of his life. This makes him lonely, bitter, and unbearable to be around.

Jacey Vincent is working as a high priced scantily clad cocktail waitress as she puts herself through school. She allows men to ogle her and grope her for tips. She is one step up from stripping. She looks at it as a job and the money is good. She does not plan on doing it forever but what she does not completely realize is that her image gives others the impression that she is cheap and easy.

When Jacey meets Dominic Kinkaide at a party she is working, she is awestruck. She can see that he is wrestling some serious demons. Sparks fly between the two of them and Dominic is intrigued but blows her off like every other woman he comes across. He does not believe that she will be any different than any of the women who want him just because he is famous.

I really thought I had this story pegged but boy was I wrong. These characters possess deep dark secrets worse than you could ever imagine. Their path to redemption is very rocky and emotionally gripping. I was up until 1:30 a.m. reading because there was no way possible for me to predict what was going to happen next. Courtney Cole is a masterful plotter and she really took this story twisted and turned it and then dropped a bomb that I never saw coming. She also throws in a tiny paranormal twist in epilogue that brings the reader right back to the beginning of the book. This book was so much more than I ever imagined it could be. The supporting cast was written so well that I can’t wait to read each of their stories. The phrase I think that sticks out for everyone in this read is “before we fall, we fly”.

My interpretation of this phrase is that when two people begin to fall in love they fly. Everything is wonderful and they live in a bubble and have this feeling of euphoria before they fall deeply and madly in love. You have to fly first and feel all that is good before you can truly fall in love taking the good with the bad.

I am really looking forward to reading more books in this series.

ABOUT COURTNEY COLE:

Courtney Cole is a novelist who would eat mythology for breakfast if she could. She has a degree in Business, but has since discovered that corporate America is not nearly as fun to live in as fictional worlds. She loves chocolate and roller coasters and hates waiting and rude people.

Courtney lives in quiet suburbia, close to Lake Michigan, with her real-life Prince Charming, her ornery kids (there is a small chance that they get their orneriness from their mother) and a small domestic zoo.

Website |Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp|Pinterest

Blog Tour + Review: Surrender by K.M. Scott- Club X Series- Book 2

Posted on 11/15/2014 by shellbellereads

Surrender

Club X Series- Book 2

By K.M. Scott

Synopsis

Stefan March lives for a good time. Born into wealth, he sees everything in terms of what he can have, especially women. So far, life has denied him nothing and no one. When he meets his newest bartender, he instantly knows who his next conquest will be, but Shay’s not like the usual women he collects. To get her, he’ll have to be more than just the player he’s always been.

Shay Callahan is beautiful, determined, and intelligent. She’s got plans for her life, and they don’t include getting sidetracked by a man, and certainly not her wealthy player boss. Her job at Club X is for one thing—money to fund her education—but if she can make Stefan March see he’s not God’s gift to women, all the better. She never expects to find out there’s more to him than meets the eye.

As different as day and night, can these two see past who they think they are to find love?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

I have to admit that I have never read any of K.M. Scott’s books. When the blog tour for Surrender-Club X came through my email, I was very intrigued with the blurb. I am always looking for new authors to add to my “must buy” list. K.M. Scott is undoubtedly on that list! I loved Surrender- Club X! It can be read as a stand alone novel or in series order.

The Club X series is based around three brothers that own a club where fantasies can come true. Stefan March is the youngest of the three brothers and the one with the most sullied reputation. He has earned the reputation of being a man whore that uses women without remorse. His older brothers are usually left to clean up his messes and make restitution for his escapades. His messes don’t stop him from moving on to the next woman, the next sticky situation, and the next notch in his belt. After all , he knows his looks and charm can land him any woman he wants whenever the whim hits him. He is a bad boy through and through and makes no apologies for it. He has never been turned down and always has his next target in sight. That is until Shay Callahan comes to work at Club X as a bartender. She wants nothing to do with Stefan. She is immune to his charm and good looks. She has her own agenda to focus on and that does not include the man whore boss. With quite a bit of taunting from his brother and a huge dose of sibling rivalry, Stefan has made Shay his next mark. He will do anything to win and show up his brother. The chase is on.

Shay Callahan is a smart woman. She has taken the bartender job at Club X to make enough money to fund her continuing education abroad in microbiology. She doesn’t have the inclination or the time for a self proclaimed man whore. She knows the game well. Stephan’s cockiness and arrogant attitude rub her the wrong way. She wouldn’t mind bringing Stefan down a peg or two and show him how the real game is played.

From the moment these two meet there is combustible chemistry between them. The game is on. As each player makes their move, the sexual tension escalates. The rapport and banter between the two is entertaining, witty, downright sexy, and challenging. It makes one wonder who is playing who.

The more these two are together the more bonded they become. Shay begins to see the true Stephan that he keeps hidden from the world. She sees a man that is much more than what meets the eye. Stephan finds that Shay is the one woman that can touch his soul like no other. These two will have to let go of their agenda’s and give their hearts to one another in order to win the big game.

K.M. Scott did a great job with Surrender -Club X. The story was fast paced, super sexy, with larger than life characters, entertaining dialoge, and panty dropping romance.

I highly recommend Surrender-Club X. I am looking forward to the next book in the Club X series!

The Club X Series

Temptation

Club X Series-Book1

By K.M. Scott

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

About The Book

Cassian March, the public face of Tampa’s most exclusive nightspot, Club X, has a great life. Women, sex, and money are his for the taking, and no man indulges his desires more. Life is short, and he plays hard. He lives by only one rule—never let a woman get close.

Olivia Lucas needs a job, and if that means working at a club that specializes in making members’ wildest fantasies come true, then that’s what she’ll do. A girl’s got to pay the rent, right? She never expected to fall for the gorgeous owner of Club X, though, but a man like him would never go for someone like her. Or would he?

.About K.M. Scott

K.M. Scott writes erotic contemporary romance and thinks she has the best job in the world! A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she loves to write sexy Alpha heroes and the strong women they fall hard for, giving them stories that keep her readers turning the page until the very end. When she’s not writing, she can be found reading or feeding her TV addiction, always with a tall glass of iced tea (or a martini) by her side. Fans can find her on Facebook, Twitter, her blog, or through email, which she loves to receive.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Tag Archives: 5 Star Review

Holiday Review: It’s A Wonderful Fireman by Jennifer Bernard- Bachelor Fireman Series

Release Day Blitz + Review + Giveaway: Hard To Come By by Laura Kaye- Hard Ink Series – Book 3

Buy at Amazon | Amazon.ca | Amazon UK | B&N | iTunes| Kobo

Hard to Come By on Goodreads

Pre-order or purchase before December 2, and get awesome bonus content!

And don’t miss the other Hard Ink books, now available:

Hard As It Gets

Hard As You Can

Hard to Hold On To

Holiday Review: Her Holiday Man by Shannon Stacey

ARC Review: Archangel’s Shadow by Nalini Singh-Guild Hunter Series-Book 7

Review: Stirred Up by S. E. Hall and Angela Graham- Volumes 1 and 2

Review + Giveaway: First Debt by Pepper Winters- The Indebted Series- Book 2

Blog Tour + Review: Backstage by A. M. Madden-The Back Up Series

* AMAZON * BARNES & NOBLE * SMASHWORDS *

* Go Back To The Couple That Started The Series *

5-Star ARC Review: Before We Fall by Courtney Cole- Beautifully Broken Series- Book 3

Blog Tour + Review: Surrender by K.M. Scott- Club X Series- Book 2

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Pre-order or purchase before December 2, and get awesome bonus content!

And don’t miss the other Hard Ink books, now available:

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* AMAZON * BARNES & NOBLE * SMASHWORDS *

* Go Back To The Couple That Started The Series *

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