Blog Tour: Fakers by Meg Collett

Posted on 10/17/2014 by shellbellereads

Fakers Banner.jpg

Fakers

By Meg Collett

Synopsis

Kyra Aberdeen is a Youtube sensation. Her bubbling personality and fresh beauty capture the hearts of millions each week through her videos. But she’s just faking it. Because beneath the surface is a simmering darkness that threatens to pull Kyra under some days. She masks her depression with a sunny smile and bright laugh.

When Kyra moves to Canaan Island and buys her deceased mother’s childhood home, she is hoping to confront the lurking darkness that haunts her every step. But life never goes according to plan, and when Kyra meets her grumpy contractor, Hale Cooper, it seems he’s not going to make things any easier for her. Yet Kyra is drawn to him, to a man whose every emotion plays across his face as he feels it. But she’s never let herself get too close to anyone before, and she finds herself in uncharted waters.

If she lowers her guard and allows herself to love Hale, will the darkness creep in too?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Smashwords / Kobo

Excerpts

“Well,” Stevie started, picking her spatula back up. “I’m going to start with the most obvious question: Is he a good kisser?”

Kyra bit her lip and nodded, making Stevie roll her eyes dramatically. “It was probably the best kiss I’ve ever had, but that really isn’t saying much since my kissing experience is pretty limited. His skin was warm from where he’d been working. He wasn’t quite sweaty yet, but I could still smell it. When I kissed him, I tasted the salt of it around his lips. I had my legs around his waist—”

“What?” Stevie screeched, throwing her hands in the air and flinging icing everywhere. “That is so not just a kiss! You pounced on the poor guy! You’re a freaking animal!”

“I did,” Kyra agreed, smiling rather dreamily. “I jumped onto him, and he caught me. I could feel the muscles in his arms go all tight to hold me. And then I kissed him, but that didn’t last long.”

“He stopped it?” Stevie asked, slightly breathless.

“No. He starting kissing me back, and it was like…”

“Like what?” Stevie yelled.

“Like he needed to taste every part of my mouth. Like maybe he had wanted to kiss me too, but I was the one that did it first. It kind of felt like he wanted every inch of me, but all he had was my mouth. So he took it. And all I could do was just hold on.” Kyra shrugged when she was finished.

Stevie was wide-eyed with her mouth parted slightly. She blinked as if she was waking up from a dream. Then she shivered. “Well, I’m good to go for another few months.” She squeezed her legs together and made another face. “Oh, yeah. That’ll do.”

Tracey’s Review

Kyra Aberdeen is hoping that returning home to a place she’s never been will bring her the peace she’s never had. Although she appears to the world as cheerful and upbeat, delivering peppy Youtube videos and social media posts, it’s all just an act. For as long as she can remember, Kyra has been fighting a darkness inside of herself, one that she can only find relief from in unhealthy ways. In an effort to stop her destructive behavior, she’s decided that smiling big and putting on a happy front will be her way of dealing with things. Until she goes home to Canaan Island, GA, and meets Hale Cooper. Hale hates fakers, and has no problem pushing every one of Kyra’s buttons until she’s willing to get real.

FAKERS was an interesting read for me. I think that Meg Collett did a good job of addressing the need for openness and discussion about hot button issues like depression and addiction. She managed to make her characters funny and engaging, even while they were less than perfect. Stevie is absolutely the best friend that anyone would want to have, and I found myself laughing out loud at her antics. I had a bit of a hard time getting a bead on Hale, but he stood by Kyra like a champ, and I really liked him a lot by the end of the book.

Ultimately, I did enjoy FAKERS, and would recommend it, especially to fans of New Adult reads, and give it 3+ stars.

Author Bio

Meg Collett lives deep in the hills of Tennessee where the cell phone service is a blessing and the Internet is a myth of epic proportions. She is the mother of one giant horse named Elle and two dogs named Wylla and Mandy. Her husband is a saint for putting up with her ragtag life. End of Days is her first series.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Blog Tour: The Choisie Series by Lori L. Otto- Experience First Love A Second Time

Posted on 10/17/2014 by shellbellereads

Series: Choisie

Titles included: Contessa, Olivia, Dear Jon, and Livvy

Author: Lori L. Otto

Released: Feb 2014

Find on Goodreads

Series Synopsis:

The Choisie series is a Young Adult/New Adult story following a teenage girl as she struggles to find her footing under the scrutiny of local media and the cautious eye of her overprotective father.

Livvy Holland was adopted by a generous and wealthy couple as a child. Now sixteen, she is a burgeoning artist, encouraged by her mother and inspired by a man she was never able to meet. Feeling estranged from a loving father whose mind works much differently than her own, she questions whether or not she was paired with the right guardians. In her plight for independence, she reconnects with a fellow art student who grew up alongside Livvy.

Jon Scott has led anything but a privileged life. After his father passes away, he is left to care for his two half-brothers while his mother’s alcoholism threatens to tear his family apart. All he wants for himself and his brothers is a better life. His dreams for an Ivy League education are coming to fruition, thanks to a lifetime of hard work and ambition. This is not only important to Jon himself; he also knows that the man who will win Livvy’s heart has to be someone exceptional. Her father would accept nothing less–and Jon believes that Livvy deserves the best of everything, too.

That may be the only thing Jon and Livvy’s father agree upon.

Over the course of their courtship, these two teens will experience the bliss of true love, but their immaturity and differing lifestyles will also threaten to tear them apart. They both begin to question the other’s devotion and commitment; only time will tell if their first love is meant to last a lifetime.

This series, comprised in totality of four books, allows the reader to experience first love for a second time. The first three books–Contessa, Olivia, and Dear Jon–are available now, with the fourth book–Livvy–slated to be released December 9!

Buy Links:

Contessa – Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Olivia – Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

Dear Jon – Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

Livvy – Coming Dec 9, 2014 – Amazon | iTunes

Excerpt

Jon shakes his head. “It’s weird, because I’d never really thought about ‘love’ when it came to my dad. It wasn’t something I’d ever really looked for. I knew some kids had that–hell, I knew you had that, with the way your dad doted over you–but I just assumed you were all lucky, or special, or somehow extraordinary. I never knew it was something I should expect. I mean, my dad never even told me he loved me. And when Will and Max came along, their dad was the same. Emotionally dead.

“And Mom wasn’t much better. She was too hurt by my dad–and then too drunk in the wake of what happened. She’d tell me she loved me, but it was rarely when she was in a coherent, sober state.”

“I love you, Jon,” I tell him spontaneously, moved to say so by his story and by my own genuine compassion for him. “How could anyone not love you?” Sadness overwhelms me as I look into his eyes, and I feel myself begin to cry. “Don’t believe it for a second. Just because they didn’t say it doesn’t mean they didn’t feel it.”

Another tear falls down his cheek, but he never breaks down. He looks at me for a few seconds, his thumbs wiping away the wetness from my face, and returns my involuntary verbal outburst with an instinctive physical one of his own. His lips crash hard against mine, moving quickly as his hands lace through my hair and rest at the nape of my neck.

Both of us in need of a breath, he turns his head to the side slightly, resting his temple against mine. My hands press on his chest, feeling the fast rise and fall of his breathing that mirrors my own. His left hand trails down my right arm until it reaches my hip. His fingers grasp my hipbone as his right hand gently caresses my cheek.

“I need you,” he whispers in my ear. I nod my head against his, and I know he can feel my response. He continues to stroke the corner of my mouth with his thumb. I kiss it sweetly, and he lets it linger over my lips. I kiss it a few more times before I grasp his t-shirt in my hands and start to take it off. He lets go of me to pull it over his head.

His eyes trained on mine, he stands up in front of me, offering his hand to help me to my feet. Once standing, I kiss his lips, then his jawline, then his neck, and he turns his shoulder like clockwork, bending down ever so slightly so I can kiss the dream and the sleep.

Robin’s Review

Contessa by Lori Otto

If you have not read the Emi Lost & Found series, this review may contain spoilers.

Do you remember your first true love? Do you remember the passion, the overwhelming feelings that you experienced? For me, everything felt incredibly intense. I felt completely safe in the arms of my partner, as if nothing from the outside world could hurt me. I existed in an imaginary bubble. I felt protected. Imagine experiencing your first love at the age of sixteen. When you couple the experience of falling in love with teenage hormones, you have a real recipe for drama, angst and heartbreak. The immaturity and inexperience of a teenager makes it especially hard to maintain an ongoing relationship. Author Lori Otto has done a fantastic job of capturing this scenario in Contessa as Livvy Holland falls in love with Jon Scott.

Although not required, I recommend reading the Emi Lost & Found series before beginning Contessa. There are events, family history and background information found in that series that is extremely relevant to the Choisie series. Reading the Emi Lost & Found novels will help you to appreciate and better understand the family dynamic found in Contessa. As an extension of the Emi Lost & Found series, the Choisie series focuses on the adopted daughter of a wealthy philanthropist and his wife who live in Manhattan.

Olivia Sophia Holland was adopted by Jackson and Emi Holland at the age of four. At the beginning of Contessa, Olivia is nearing the age of sixteen when she is reunited with Jon Scott. Jon and Livvy previously shared a workspace at Nate’s Art Room, a program for underprivileged kids who show promise with the arts. Livvy is a talented and flourishing artist. Although clearly not from an underprivileged home, she has been allowed to attend classes because both of her parents are part of the foundation for Nate’s Art Room. Jon is two years older than Livvy, but his age difference doesn’t deter him from approaching her father to ask for permission to date her when she turns sixteen.

Relationships are a primary focus in Contessa. Livvy is young, but she is at the age where she wants to exert her independence. She has always had a close relationship with both of her parents, but more recently, she seems to be growing closer to her mother, while simultaneously pulling away from her father. Jacks is a wealthy philanthropist, well-known in Manhattan, which places their family in the crosshairs of the paparazzi. Jacks can be overbearing and protective as he struggles for some semblance of control over her social life, preferences and decisions. This includes micromanaging time and experiences between Livvy and her first love, Jon. Livvy has also developed a fatherly-type of affinity for a talented artist whom she never met, which further drives a wedge between her and Jacks. All of this combined has created a division between them that seems too great to overcome.

I have mixed feelings for Livvy in Contessa. She is a hard character to love in this novel, but I do. She can be impulsive, selfish and hurtful towards her parents, but I also see the good in her. There are moments that her inner beauty shines through. This leads me to believe that Livvy will grow by leaps and bounds as this series progresses. Her relationship with Jon is both intense and extremely sweet. Because of his age and family obligations, Jon is more mature than Livvy. He has lifelong goals and sees Livvy as a part of his future. I can only wonder what Lori Otto might have planned for this couple.

Contessa is the first novel of this series, the main characters are young, and there is a whole lot of story that remains to be seen for Jon and Livvy. There is plenty of room for character growth for many of the characters, including Jacks and Emi. Novels written by Lori Otto tend to bring out the strongest emotions in her readers – anger, sadness, joy and satisfaction. Lots of tears. To this day, Otto is responsible for the ugliest cry that I have ever experienced from reading a novel, and I totally mean that as a compliment! With Contessa, she was able to bring out the best and worst of my emotions, and that is a sign of a great book. Contessa is most definitely a 5-star read! Congratulations to Lori Otto for an outstanding start to her new series!

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.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Blog Tour + Excerpt + Review: Shame by Rachel Van Dyken- The Ruin Series- Book 3

Posted on 10/02/2014 by shellbellereads

Shame

Ruin Series- Book 3

Release Date: October 6, 2014

By Rachel Van Dyken

Synopsis

Everything done in darkness, will eventually be brought into the light.

I ran, but all it did was keep me one step ahead of my past. I tried to start over; new name, new identity. But you can’t change your soul.
A fresh start at college was just what I needed. For a while, it worked. I was the party girl, the one that seemed confident, but it was a lie.
When guys kissed me–I felt only pain.
When they touched me–Nothing but fear.

Deep inside, every girl wants to be the beauty in the story, to find someone that will see you as their world.
But the truth? I was the beast. And as much as I wanted redemption, I wasn’t fool enough to think I’d ever get it.
Until he walked into my life.

I wasn’t prepared to fall for someone. My scars were too deep, the wounds too raw. But he offered me peace, he offered me security. I should have known it was just another lie–I should have known that falling in love with my professor was a bad idea.
But I was powerless to stop myself from falling.
And he was powerless to catch me.

Because the darkness finally caught up to me, and as fate would have it, a cruel twist almost bled me dry. But I’m stronger than I knew. I’m stronger than you think.
You think you know my story, but you don’t….after all everyone has Shame in their lives– and I’m no longer afraid to show you mine.

Pre Order: Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Excerpt

It was hard to explain the way he spoke to me; at times he was flirtatious and well… happy. Other times? It seemed like he was fighting another side of himself, one that was more reserved, uptight, controlled. And if you were to ask me which side scared me the most? I’d say both. Because both sides were dangerous to me — both pushed a person like me past the point of no return. His seriousness made me curious; his flirtation made me want more.

“Just dinner?” I asked. “Isn’t that against the rules?”

“Yeah, well…” He glanced down briefly before flashing a sensual smile, his eyes dilating. “…it seems to be an impulse I can’t really control around you.”

“Control’s overrated, you label-making fool.”

At that he laughed, a rich chuckle that had my entire body relaxing and heating at the same time. I took a step toward him and smiled. “So, rule-breaker, where are we going?”

He grabbed his messenger bag and keys. “You’ll see.”

“Cryptic.” My eyebrows arched as I crossed my arms over my chest. “This isn’t going to turn into one of those six o‘clock news things where the crazy professor takes the girl out then buries her in the woods, is it?” I tried to sound like I was joking, but the minute the words left my mouth, it was no longer funny. Suddenly, I realized how stupid it would be to go with him. I knew nothing about him, nothing at all!

He smiled, tilting his head toward me. “Why am I getting the sudden urge to pull out a list of character references?”

“Because I just scared myself,” I admitted out loud.

“You want my social security number?” He winked. “Credit score? First grade class photo? Oh, and by the way, in first grade I was nominated most likely to own a pet store… so, if you aren’t okay with that, we probably shouldn’t continue this.”

“This?”

“Dinner.”

“Because you liked pets?”

“I wanted to own a lizard farm.”

I covered my mouth with my hands and nodded solemnly. “All little boys have dreams.”

“A bully crushed mine when he told me lizard farms don’t exist.” He shook his head. “In second grade I was voted least likely to succeed, on account that I didn’t speak for the entire year.”

“Why’s that?” I took another step toward him.

He took another step in my direction and shrugged. “It took me a while to get over the lizards.”

“So you stopped speaking?”

“It was more of me trying to make the public aware of my outrage.”

“Ah, like lizard strike.”

“I made shirts.”

“Tell me, professor, is that when the label-making started?”

“No.” He nodded toward the door and started walking. I followed, genuinely interested in what he was going to say and hating that it was possible he was stringing me along only to go all cold-crazy-psycho on me again. “That was an entirely different situation.” He pulled the door open.

“What? No more stories?” I asked.

“Dinner.” He shrugged, his eyes a stormy gray. “I’ll tell you at dinner.”

“Bribery.”

“My trump card. Label-maker stories. You know, I do actually know how to romance a woman.”

“Well…” I cleared my throat and broke eye contact. “…since I’m your student, I’ll just take your word for it.”

“Right,” he said quickly then repeated, “Right, shall we?”

“Lead the way.” I forced a smile and tried to remember that this was dinner, nothing romantic, just my very sexy professor once again apologizing for being a jackass during class.

Michel’s Review

Shame is the third book in The Ruin series by Rachel Van Dyken. I have loved every book in this series. Lisa has been a prominent character throughout this series. From her dedicated friendship to “Taco Tuesday’s” the readers have come to love her character. There is an air of mystery concerning her past that the readers are finally going to see.

Lisa was not always the happy go lucky college girl she appears to be. She has a very dark past. A past she is ashamed of, with just cause.

Lisa was a model in her past life. She was wild, selfish, insecure, and easily influenced by others. Being raised in a town where looks and appearances are everything, her insecurities run deep.

Lisa had the wrong kind of friends and the wrong kind of boyfriend. Her actions towards others went past the point of bullying to downright cruelty. Together with her boyfriend, they destroyed young lives and humiliated unsuspecting people. To them it was all a game. But in reality it was total destruction, not only to their victims but to themselves. After a horrific incident, that resulted in death, Lisa no longer wants to be the girl she is. The opportunity arises for her to change her life when her good friend Gabe decides to do a life makeover. Gabe and Lisa move to Washington to attend college. They change their names and identities. This is Lisa’s chance to become the person she truly wants to be.

The past has a way of catching up with her. Frightening letters and incidents begin to happen to Lisa. She feels like she is being stalked and fears for her life. Her new life is beginning to crumble and she may have to pay for her past sins.

While she is living in fear, she also finds one bright spot in her life. Her new professor is opening her eyes to a new reality. She is falling in love with him. But he has secrets as well.

Can Lisa live with her shame and find love? Read the book!

Shame is much more than a romance. It is a psychological thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. It is amazing how Rachel Van Dyken blended the emotional highs and lows that go along with fear and love.

I highly recommend the Ruin series. Shame can be read as a stand alone novel.

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

The Ruin Series

Ruin- Book 1

I’m not your typical girl. I’ve been running away from the memories that haunt me for so long that depression has become my only comfort. I was content in the darkness…until Wes Michels offered to be my light.

I didn’t know that time wasn’t my ally — that every second that ticked past was one step closer to the end of something that was beginning to mean the end of myself. He tried to warn me. He promised me all he was able to offer–each moment as it came–but it would never be enough.

Sometimes when you think it’s the end, it’s only the beginning. Wes thought he could save me, but in giving me everything, he ruined me. Because after one kiss, one touch, I couldn’t–I wouldn’t ever be the same.

And from that moment on, his heartbeat became my own.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Toxic – Book 2

Everyone has a secret…

Gabe Hyde is on borrowed time. He’s been hiding his identity for over four years-hidden from the world that used to adore him–obsess over him–driven to the edge of insanity by one poor choice.
But that one choice, altered the course of his life forever.
Pretending isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, especially when pretending means hiding your real self from the people that care about you the most. But if anyone ever discovered the truth it wouldn’t just be his life at risk–but hers.

Saylor doesn’t hate men.
Just Gabe.
Only Gabe.
He’s a reckless, happy-go-lucky, silver spoon fed pain in her ass. Everything about him makes her more and more confused. Unfortunately they both donate time at the same Group Home. If she wasn’t afraid of flunking, she’d be long gone. She hates that she’s attracted to him almost as much as he hates that he’s attracted to her–and she can tell, especially since their first encounter ended up making her knees so weak she couldn’t form coherent sentences for weeks afterwards. But the closer she gets to him, the more confused she becomes. He isn’t who he says he is, and he’s hiding something big.

What happen when two worlds collide? Two worlds that never should have met in the first place? Some secrets are too big to be hidden forever–the only question? Will his destroy everyone he loves? Or finally bring about the redemption he’s been craving for the past four years?

Everyone has a secret…What’s yours?

Buy: Amazon/ Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Fearless- Book 2.5

When I met Kiersten, time stood still. It was as if every cell in my body screamed HER. I couldn’t look away, I couldn’t walk away, I couldn’t even move. My other half, my soul mate, was staring right at me. I had to have her. I had to make her mine. But I felt selfish doing that–knowing that I may not have endless amounts of time to give her…and even now that every things’ over with and I’ve been given that time back.
Nothing is ever certain in this life.
Which is why I’m about to do something crazy, impulsive, daring.
After all, what type of person would I be if I didn’t take my own advice?
I’m jumping off the cliff, I’m living fearlessly.

This is the continuation of Wes and Kierstens story.

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

Release Blitz and Review + Giveaway: Unclaimed by Laurie Wetzel

Posted on 09/29/2014 by shellbellereads

By Laurie Wetzel

Synopsis

Abandoned by her birth parents and ignored by her adoptive family, Maddy Page believes she is unlovable. She only allows herself to dream of falling in love. That changes when she meets MJ; handsome and kind, MJ penetrates Maddy’s defenses. Maddy soon finds herself confiding in MJ like she has with no one else, revealing secrets even her closest friends don’t know. He makes her feel safe–a feeling she’s never experienced except in her dreams.

When Maddy witnesses MJ disappear and reappear in thin air, she realizes she might have been wrong about him. He could be dangerous–maybe even a killer. Determined to uncover the truth of who–or what–MJ is, Maddy ignores her instinct to run. But she soon realizes that getting close to MJ could cost more than a broken heart–it could cost Maddy her soul.

Buy Links : Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Excerpt

My entire body pulses in the wake of his touch. His words “if you were mine” keep circling around in my head, and with each rotation, something inside me grows. He makes me feel happy and less broken. I feel I could take on the world as long as he’s beside me. Whatever he is, I don’t care. I’ve never felt anything like this, and I’ll go to Hell and back to keep it. Regardless of what happens to me, I have to protect him. I have to keep him safe, always.

He grins and squeezes my hand again. My body responds with such intensity, I almost feel as if I were floating. I don’t want it to ever stop. I want to stay strong. I want to be brave. I want to feel safe. He gives me all of that. I want to hold him forever, even if it’s only his hand.
“Tomorrow,” he says, pulling me from my thoughts. “I’ll find a way to see you.”
“Promise?”

Tracey’s Review

Since the day that she found out that she was adopted, Maddy Page refuses to feel. Anything. Thoughts that she is somehow second-best, like she is less important to her family and friends, plague her, keeping her from accepting any affection, afraid that it will unexpectedly be taken away from her. But Maddy is special. Since her childhood, she has been gifted, able to do things more easily and better than other people. And, for as long as she can remember, she has been able to see Dream Girl and the Dark Prince, Damian, when she sleeps at night.

Maddy is unaware of just how many things set her apart from others. But there are those that recognize how special she is, and are eager to get their hands on her. Because Maddy is unclaimed, somehow marked by neither Heaven nor Hell, making her fair game for whichever side can bind her to them. And neither side will stop until she belongs to them.

UNCLAIMED is the first book in the UNCLAIMED series by Laurie Wetzel. As a new book in the YA paranormal genre, it is a fine addition, with a plot that is original, and that has characters that are interesting and multi-dimensional. There were times when I was reading it, though, that I found myself distracted and a bit confused by the way that the story jumped around. As I read, it seemed as though there should have been a bit more backstory towards the beginning of the book. Instead, it was rolled out bit by bit as the book progressed, and this made it a little more difficult for me to follow. Overall, I did enjoy UNCLAIMED, and I would definitely like to read future books in the series to find out how things are wrapped up.
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Author bio

Laurie Wetzel has always had a passion for writing, but it wasn’t until a New Years Resolution in 2011 that she finally shared her lifelong dream of being an author with her husband. He read the very first draft of Unclaimed and gave her the words she needed to hear, “This is what you need to be doing.” Three years later the first book in the Unclaimed series was published with the second book expected to be out in 2015. Laurie lives in Mankato, MN, with her husband and two young sons. When she’s not writing, working, or spending time with her family, she’s either reading, running, or catching up on her favorite shows on Netflix. For updates on the Unclaimed series as well as other works in progress, feel free to check her out online!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

GIVEAWAY!!

There is a huge giveaway happening with the blog tour for signed paperback of Unclaimed, Pens,Bookmarks, Posters!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour + Review: Uncivilized by Sawyer Bennett

Posted on 09/26/2014 by shellbellereads

Uncivilized

By Sawyer Bennett

Synopsis:

**Warning: This book is a wild, sexy beast of a read. 18+**

Putting a woman on her knees before me is what really makes my cock hard. I fuck with dominant force and absolute control. I demand complete surrender from my conquests.

Savage man, loner, warrior… I am dangerous at my core. I have lived amidst the untamed wild of the rainforest, in a society that reveres me and where every woman falls before me in subjugation.

Now I’ve been discovered. Forced to return to a world that I have forgotten about and to a culture that is only vaguely familiar to my senses.

Dr. Moira Reed is an anthropologist who has been hired to help me transition back into modern society. It’s her job to smooth away my rough edges… to teach me how to navigate properly through this new life of mine. She wants to tame me.

She’ll never win.

I am wild, free and raw, and the only thing I want from the beautiful Moira Reed is to fuck her into submission.

She wants it, I am certain. I will give it to her soon.

Yes, very soon, I will become the teacher and she will become my student. And when I am finished showing her body pleasure like no other, she’ll know what it feels like to be claimed by an uncivilized man.

Note: This is a big, damn book and it is a stand alone, coming in at a whopping 109,000 words.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Excerpt

Putting a woman on her knees before me is what really makes my cock hard. I fuck with dominant force and absolute control. I demand complete surrender from my conquests.

Savage man, loner, warrior… I am dangerous at my core. I have lived amidst the untamed wild of the rainforest, in a society that reveres me and where every woman falls before me in subjugation.

Now I’ve been discovered. Forced to return to a world that I have forgotten about and to a culture that is only vaguely familiar to my senses.

She’ll never win.

I am wild, free and raw, and the only thing I want from the beautiful Moira Reed is to fuck her into submission.

She wants it, I am certain.

I will give it to her soon.

Michel’s Review

Sawyer Bennett has set my panties on fire with her latest release, Uncivilized. She broke out of her comfort zone and delivered a blazing erotic romance that makes the body temperature soar. Unlike a lot of erotic romances, Uncivilized had a fantastic plot that was delivered with intelligence, compassion, and emotional depth. It was a unique take on Tarzan and Jane with a naughty twist. The characters were loaded with personality and raw sensuality.

Zach Easton went to the Amazon when he was a young boy with his missionary parents. His parents died from a jungle fever and the world presumed Zach had passed too. Eighteen years later, by word of mouth, it is discovered that there is a possibility that he is still alive.

Zach’s godfather hires an anthropologist that specializes in Caraican Indian tribes to help retrieve Zach and bring him home where he belongs.

Moira has been hired to bring Zach home and acclimate him into the modern world. Moira sees this as a challenge and great opportunity to further her research . When Moira first see’s Zach, her impressions are changed. She witnesses Zach dominating a woman from the tribe. This stirs her desires and sexual attraction to Zach. She can’t let her desires stand in the way of her job.

Quickly their roles change as they embark on acclimating Zach into society. Teacher becomes the student. The student becomes the teacher.

Zach is a sexual man, used to dominating women, and taking what he wants. He is used to doing whatever he wants without question. He is raw, carnal, and primitive.

And like most men, sex is always on his mind. He wants to learn all things sexual. Google is his best friend. He wants to be with Moira his way and her way. Both will learn some valuable lessons. Moira will learn the about her own sexuality and carnal side. Zach will learn about romance, emotions, and foreplay.

The thing I loved about Uncivilized was that is was more than an erotic take on Tarzan and Jane. Moira accepted Zach and his “uncivilized” ways. She didn’t judge his primitive ways and make them seem wrong. She taught him what he needed to know to be able to survive in our modern society. She showed him compassion and respect. She admired his intelligence and strength.

Zach respected Moira for her knowledge, her femininity, and understanding. She taught him that the emotional side of coupling was just as important as the carnal side. She taught him the values of love and family that were much more personal than his primal ways.

Sawyer Bennett has a gift with words that draws the reader in, breathes life into her characters, and makes the reader feel every moment. She adds the right amount of humor and wit to make the characters and their lives seem very real. She allows her characters to have flaws and strengths that most readers can relate to and understand. Her stories come to life and jump off the pages. Readers are thoroughly entertained with a hot passionate romance.

Uncivilized is one of the most passionate books I have read. Sawyer Bennett has delivered a five flaming star book!

Read Uncivilized! It is …HOT…HOT…HOT!

About the Author

USA Today Best-Selling author, Sawyer Bennett, is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. She is married to a mobster (well, a market researcher) and they have two big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: Saddles and Sin by Jessie Evans

Posted on 09/23/2014 by shellbellereads

Saddles and Sins

Lonesome Point Series- Book 2

By Jessie Evans

Synopsis

A sinfully sexy romance from New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Jessie Evans.

Even sweet cowboys have a sinful side…

Robert Lawson–Bubba to his friends–is six feet, four inches of tall, dark, and handsome cowboy, with a panty-melting voice and a face made to launch a country music career. But when his family’s ranch hands go down with the flu, Robert cancels his high-profile auditions in Austin, and returns home to Lonesome Point to help out. Fortune and fame are all well and good, but family and friends come first. Besides, he’s ready to enjoy some off-the-clock time with his manager, a woman who has him dying to show her what a good man can do to a woman when he’s given permission to be bad.

Marisol Medina has been looking for her golden ticket since she became a country music manager. A scandal with one of her clients nearly destroyed her, but now she’s close to launching an artist who will make her career. Robert Lawson has it all–talent, charisma, and a naughty side that flicks all of Marisol’s kinkier switches. But Robert is off limits. She refuses to mix business and pleasure, even if it will be hell resisting temptation while spending a week at the Lawson family ranch, doing her best to convince Robert to ditch the saddle and embrace his future as a star.

But as Marisol and Robert grow closer and the passion between them ignites, Marisol must decide if fear is stronger than love, or if a chance at forever is worth breaking all her rules.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Excerpt

The kiss started off soft and sweet, with so much heart in every brush of skin against skin that Bubba’s throat pulled tight with emotion. But then Marisol’s tongue slipped between his lips and he tasted the smoky sweet taste of her, and his body began to respond the way it always did when this woman was in his arms. Soon his heart was slamming against his ribs, he was hard enough to transform his jeans into a medieval instrument of torture, and it felt like the world was going to end if he didn’t get her naked and underneath him in the next sixty seconds.

“Hold that thought,” he growled against her lips, reaching out to squeeze her thigh before starting the truck and pulling back onto the road.

“I hope you live close by,” Marisol said, her breath coming fast.

“Right around the corner and down a hill,” he said. “We’re going to be in my bed in five minutes.”

“I don’t care if we make it to the bed,” Marisol said, sending another jolt of awareness surging between his legs. “Bent over the back of the couch is fine with me.”

“Keep talking like that and we might not make it past the foyer,” he warned, letting his foot shove the gas pedal closer to the floorboards.

The foyer is fine.” Marisol leaned in, whispering the words against his neck in a voice so fucking sexy it was almost enough to make him come right there. “The floor there can’t be much harder than the rocks by the pool.”

Tracey’s Review

Life is about to change for Robert ‘Bubba’ Lawson in a very big way. The success he’s long dreamed of is on the horizon, and there is no one he’d rather share it with than Marisol Medina. Marisol, Bubba’s manager, is a real pepper pot, a go-getter with a feisty attitude and the drive to help Bubba break into the country music scene. She also happens to drive him wild, and the feeling is very mutual.

I cannot even put into words the love that I feel for Robert ‘Bubba’ Lawson. Jessie Evans has written a sweet and sexy cowboy that, if possible, is even hotter than all of her previous men, and that’s saying quite a lot! I mean, swoon city. Not only is Bubba an awesome friend, as he showed us in ‘Leather and Lace’ (Lonesome Point Book 1), he is also a genuinely nice guy. Did I mention that he’s panty-meltingly hot? And talented? And smart? And quite possibly the most fabulous boyfriend ever?

I picked up this book and, as with all of Jessie’s books, could NOT put it down. Once I really met Bubba, there was nothing to do but hang on for the ride as he swept Marisol off her feet and broke down every wall that she tried to put up. He is not afraid to lay everything out there, and to make Marisol’s not-so-vanilla fantasies a reality. For real, where can I get my own Bubba? I’m afraid that Jessie may have spoiled me for other book boyfriends…I obviously cannot say enough about how much I loved Saddles and Sins, and I absolutely cannot wait for Tulsi’s and Pike’s story in Diamonds and Dust.

The Lonesome Point, Texas series. Hot Texas days, hotter Texas nights:

LEATHER AND LACE

SADDLES AND SIN

DIAMONDS AND DUST

GLITTER AND GRIT

About the Author

Jessie Evans gave up a career as an international woman of mystery to write the sassy, Southern romances, and sexy, New Adult romances she loves to read.

She’s married to the man of her dreams, and together they’re raising a few adorable, mischievous children in a tree house in the boonies. She grew up in rural Arkansas, spending summers running wild, being chewed by chiggers, and now appreciates her home in a chigger-free part of the world even more.

When she’s not writing, Jessie enjoys playing her dulcimer (badly), sewing the worlds ugliest quilts to give to her friends, going for bike rides with her house full of boys, and wandering the woods, glass of wine and camera in hand, on the lookout for Bigfoot.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

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Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: Boarded By Love by Toni Aleo – Bellevue Bullies Series -Book 1

Posted on 09/15/2014 by shellbellereads

Boarded By Love

Bellevue Bullies – Book 1

Spinoff of The Assassin’s Series

By Toni Aleo

Synopsis

Jude Sinclair here, hockey player for the Bellevue Bullies and lover of all ladies. Hockey’s in my blood, and not to sound full of myself, but I’m good at it…really good. The draft is within my reach—it’s mine to take—but that’s not the only reason people know my name. They know me because of my way with women. They know the score, and I aim to please. I just tend to stay away from repeat performances. In other words, I don’t do relationships beyond my family and friends. I’m happy with life. However, I should warn you that my story and how I see it playing out is about to change due to a certain redhead on campus.

She’s beautiful. Stunning. Breathtaking.

She’s my game changer.

~*~

He’s trouble from the moment I see him. I don’t know what I’m thinking, but from the moment I meet his gaze, I’m his. It’s a scary feeling.

I’ve never trusted anyone outside my aunt and uncle—and even that took months. I didn’t have it easy growing up. My mom was usually strung out, and she didn’t give me a second thought. Drugs and the men who paid her were more important to her. It was horrible, but I’m stronger today. Because of my past, security is what I need most. Money assures me that I can take care of myself today, tomorrow, and next month. I don’t want to ever be hungry or go without again, so I work hard for every penny.

Oh, by the way, I’m Claire Anderson. I’m a hard-studying sophomore at the University of Bellevue, dancer for the school dance team, and a burlesque dancer at a club, but that’s my secret.
You may think you know how our story ends, but you have no clue. It’s not easy falling in love… or living happily ever after. At first it may seem so, but when is anything worth having ever won without a fight?

Especially when you’re boarded by love.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Excerpt

I can still taste her on my lips.

I swear. The taste hasn’t left me since I kissed her less than twenty-four hours ago, neither has the hard-on. She has me completely wound-up tight, whacking off till my dick is raw and wishing like hell to get in her pants. When I walked in to find her in only a sports bra and shorts that should be illegal… Well, I’m surprised I’m still vertical.

God, she is fucking hot.

Her long red hair is in a mess on top of her head with a cute little black bow at the base. She stands with such amazing confidence while the other girls cover their stomachs with their arms or slouch to the side, but not Claire. No, she stands proud, beautiful, and man, I just want to rush over there and touch her again. I still can’t believe she kissed me senseless then ran off without a second glance. While I don’t mind being used, I wasn’t done.

I need her. On me. Beneath me. Anywhere on me. Now.

I can’t take my eyes off her. I’m supposed to be watching some girl dance, but there is no way. Not with Claire in the room. She stands with the brunette from her Facebook. She’s even prettier in person, but she holds no candle to Claire. Hell, no one does. I watch as they talk, and the love just shines out of the brunette’s body for her. It’s crazy to watch. It reminds me of my mom’s love, and I figure it’s her mom. I need to ask because I have to know. I don’t know what it is about this feisty little redhead, but I want to know her ins and outs. Then I want to sleep with her. Continually. And then some more.

Michel’s Review

Boarded By Love by Toni Aleo was a fantastic start in the Bellevue Bullies series. It is the spin off of the Assassin’s series and features a college team located in Nashville, TN.

This novel features Claire Anderson, the troubled niece of Phillip Anderson, Assassin player featured in the Breakaway novel. Claire was a real troubled teen in the Breakaway novel and gave Phillip and Reese a very hard time. Her mother was a junkie that abused and neglected Claire throughout her childhood. Claire adopted her mother’s wild lifestyle until she went to live with her Uncle Phillip after her mother’s death. It took a lot of patience and unconditional love to bring this young woman around. Now she is on the right track. She is in college,dancing, and pursuing her dreams. She’s got herself together and is very focused. She wants to become a dance choreographer, preferably in the Burlesque style.

When she meets Jude Sinclair, captain of the Bellevue Bullies hockey team, she is knocked for a loop. It is the first time she has been attracted to someone in three years. He makes her want more than her dancing and future career. He gives her the love she never knew she needed. But will her dreams of Burlesque dancing and the route she is taking to secure those dreams keep Jude around for the long haul? She is afraid to tell him that she is working in a Burlesque club for fear of losing him. When the opportunity arises to make her dreams come true, she will have to come clean with her secrets and risk losing Jude. She will have to faith in their love. Trust doesn’t come easy for Claire.

Jude Sinclair is the Bellevue bad boy. He has a different girl in his bed daily. He is upfront with the girls and makes no promises. He’s sexy, hot, charming, and a very gifted hockey player. He will be going into the NHL draft soon and is focused on his hockey career. When he meets Claire Anderson, she changes his perspective on relationships. He wants Claire in his life and he doesn’t want to share her with anyone. She has stolen his heart. Claire is his game changer.

Boarded By Love was more than a new adult love story. Both Jude and Claire’s families played strong roles throughout the book. The reader saw a true glimpse of what real families are and how their relationships are important to a couple’s dynamics. We saw how these family relationships shape and mold their thoughts, feelings, and drives.

I loved all the characters in this book. They were very real and had an important role in the story. I loved seeing some of our favorite Assassin players make their appearance. I loved their protectiveness towards Claire and how they intimidated Jude. I loved Jude’s reactions to them.

While most New Adult books dwell on a lot of angst, indecision, and self reflection, Boarded By Love did not. Toni Aleo created characters that were very real and at the maturity level that they should be. Jude and Claire were very focused individuals, had good heads on their shoulders, and reacted just as they should have in all the emotional moments. Their relationship was beautiful. Toni allowed them to meet, flirt, date, and fall in love. She progressed their relationship in a way that most relationships progress in real life. It was beautiful watching Claire and Jude fall in love and tackle all the problems that came their way.

I can’t wait for the next book in this series. Like I said earlier, Toni created some interesting secondary characters. I am hoping the other Sinclair brothers get their own books. I am also hoping that Lucy Sinclair finds her true love, hopefully it will be an Assassin. The other team members and campus friends were intriguing as well. I think we have a lot to forward to in the future from Toni Aleo.

I highly recommend Boarded by Love.

My name is Toni Aleo!

I am a wife, mother of two and a bulldog, and also a hopeless romantic.

I have been told I have anger issues, but I think it’s cause of my intense love for hockey!
I am the biggest Shea Weber fan ever, and can be found during hockey season with my nose pressed against the Bridgestone Arena’s glass, watching my Nashville Predators play!
When my nose isn’t pressed against the glass, I enjoy going to my husband and son’s hockey games, my daughter’s dance competition, hanging with my best friends, taking pictures, scrapbooking, and reading the latest romance novel.
I have a slight Disney and Harry Potter obsession, I love things that sparkle, I love the color pink, I might have been a Disney Princess in a past life…probably Belle, and did I mention I love hockey?

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon | Goodreads | Website

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Blog Tour + Review: Crimson Ties by J. T. Cheyanne

Posted on 09/01/2014 by shellbellereads

Title: Crimson Ties

Authors: VL Moon and JT Cheyanne

Series: Crimson Reign, book #2

Pages: 794

Synopsis

Not everything in Heaven is as holy as it seemsÖ

In Crimson Ties, the second installment of the Crimson Nights Saga, Laziel is nowhere to be found, and with the ferocity of Malachi Denaliís vampiric temperament growing out of control, Romeís Vatican enclave and those that dwell there risk everything to keep their Kingís throne out of Darklon De Sangueís treacherous hands.

As Darklonís mental state deteriorates, his treasonous plans to overthrow Malachi know no bounds. With Arial dancing upon a deadly double-edged sword and working to gain Darklonís trust, this continuing saga keeps everyone on tenterhooks as new treaties are strengthened and friendships are forged by oaths and blood.

Will Laziel return in time to save Malachi from those that threaten the male he loves, or will the fury of Malachiís distain for emotion see Laziel ascend if he refuses to accept the hand that destiny has dealt him and the gift of his angelís love?

With emotions running high, and Malachiís past turning up to haunt them both in the form of the mysterious Vischeral Bourne, the twists and turns may prove too much for Laziel and his vampire. While Malachi and Laziel struggle with fate, an alliance with the wolves and the secrets behind the Nephilim and their sadistic Queen threaten to rock the very foundations of the supernatural world.

Who knows what ties will bind and which will fade away.

With a high element of supernatural romance and erotic sexcapades between male lovers, Crimson Ties may not be to some peopleís taste, but for those brave enough to step into the wicked world of Laz and Lachi, we hope that you will read and thoroughly enjoyÖ

Buy Links

Amazon/ Barnes and Noble / Smashwords/ ARe

Lis’ Review

The story of Malachi Denali, king of the vampires, and his Angel Laziel continues in book two of the Crimson Nights series. Crimson Reign was a roller coaster ride.. Crimson Ties is an explosion of emotions as the ride crests the peak and hurtles down the steep tracks into the abyss. Every chapter will leave you with your mouth gaping open, struggling to hold on as one powerful event after another propels you through the story. It’s exciting, it’s terrifying, and you just can’t wait for more.

Book One set us up in the world of the vampire king and his enclave beneath the Vatican in Rome. We met his Angel, his court, his allies and his enemies. Book Two gives so much more detail on all the characters as the complex plot to bring down Malachi by the very evil Darklon unfolds. And that’s what makes this book so exciting. As we learn more about the characters who were secondary in book one, we begin to see the ties that bind them all together. These authors have woven a story pattern that tightly connects Vischeral and Copi, Tobias and Roman, Arial and Bastien, Celix and Clariel and of course the ever-cool Ms. Stroner, who somehow manages to bring order to the chaos around her. Crumbling enclave? Just step over the rubble. Disagree with your boss? Call him out. Emotions so strong they create cataclysmic battles between vampires and fallen angels? She strides through it all with an elegance that catches everyone’s notice.

Lachi and Laziel/Lorenza are the main characters, but Visheral and Copi stole my heart. I laughed at their banter, tapped my foot at their reluctance to come together, cheered when they realized the love they both felt and cried at the way it all turned out. Tobias and Roman are the couple that romances are made of.. sweet, loving, and playful, the complete contrast to Vish and Copi’s intense, conflicted yet powerful connection. Angels of every kind pop up in this story, from the Fallen to the celestial, the Nephilim to the guardians. There is evil to balance out the angelic: Darklon’s depravity, and the Nephilim Queen’s sick torture lead us to two giant suprises that ultimately affect just about everyone in the book.

Each character’s development brings us right back to the epicenter of the story… Lachi and Laziel. Different types of love, different ties that bind, but through it all we strive to discover what exactly will happen with the vampire king and the angel who deserts him in order to gift him with the ultimate symbol of a profound love. .. their child. This book is a must read if you want to experience the terror of true evil, the exhilaration of non-stop action, and the power of love. All these make up the Crimson Ties.

Book #1 Crimson Reign

Synopsis

A pulse of light preceded the gift of life breathed into the coldest and darkest of souls. Bathed in the glow of celestial love and swathed in a blanket of black satin wings nestled a king among kings, a vampire born to destroy the decay threatening to eradicate the race he was destined to save.

An angelic heart torn by yearning, suffering and pain throbbed to the rhythm of the life he created; a life prophesied in the scriptures by the Creatorís own hand. A vow of servitude given in blood sealed the fate of a Seraphimís heart and tied it eternally to the creation he craves, protectsÖloves.

Ancient treaties are lost and reborn, rising from the ashes as the Nephilim ravage the vampire race. The deviant desire that soared in Malachi Denaliís blood threatens to bring Rome to its knees when Malachiís world, his soul and his heart are brutally shattered and torn apart.

Will purity born of an angelís love be enough to calm the savage mind of Malachi Denali? Or will Laziel be doomed to a life of purgatory for loving the life he was gifted to createÖ

This is not a HEA, or even a HFNÖ.Who knows what will happen to seal their fateÖonly time will tell. Vampires, angels, demons and wolves together with love, betrayal, sadness and yearning make up the ongoing story that isÖ

Buy Links:

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Smashwords /ARe

About the authors

Laz and Lachi Publications is the combined writing team of J.T. Cheyanne and V.L. Moon. The two met in 2010, fell hard and fast for each other and married in April 2014. They write both independently and together in the gay erotica and gay paranormal genres. They also have a couple of contemporary romance novels under their belt.

Social media links

Our joint page

https://www.facebook.com/LazLachibooks

Website

http://www.lazandlachi.com/

JT Cheyanne

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jtcheyannestories

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JTCheyanne

VL Moon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VenusMoonstories

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VenusMoon5

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Breaking To Breathe by Lisa N. Paul ~ Review Blog Tour Giveaway

Posted on 07/10/2014 by shellbellereads

SYNOPSIS:

Two people so bent they can
no longer stand tall

With his sexy looks, his seductive dirty talk, and his resident bad boy
reputation,

Kyle Marx was the thrill-ride every woman wants to experience…at least
once.

And once is all he’d ever offer.

Suffocating in his own personal hell, Kyle thought sex, booze, and
drugs could numb the pain of his past

Until an angel challenged him
to fight…to feel

After living through a childhood that left her vulnerable and exposed,
Cate Lockton mastered the art of blending in instead of standing out. She
locked herself away to prevent more damage to her already fractured heart. She never imagined a man with a past more broken than her own would
crash into her world and force her to let him in.

Their lives first collided on a stormy night. But Danny’s on Main is
where they finally connected. A neighborhood bar where strangers become
friends, friends become family and some become lovers, and where the strong
learn that while you can bend to exist, sometimes you’ve gotta

Break… so you can Breathe.

EXCERPT:

“Danny, you don’t just hug random women without introducing
yourself first. My Lord, it just comes off creepy.” The strawberry blonde woman
stretched up on her tip-toes and pecked his cheek before extending her hand to
Cate and Elliot. “Hi, I’m Julie Marcus; the hugger is my husband, Danny.”

AUTHOR BIO:

Lisa N. Paul is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend,
reader, writer, blogger, and self-proclaimed comedian—just not always in that
order. Ever since she was a little girl, she has devoured books. Falling
in love with the Sweet Valley High series at a young age drew Lisa to series
books and inspired her to write her own. Thursday Nights is
the first book in her Charistown series.

When not writing, Lisa can be found eating french fries and Godiva raspberry
truffles, or hanging out with her husband and two sons.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Michel’s Review

Breaking To Breathe is book three in the Charistown series. It can be read as a stand alone novel or in series order. I highly recommend reading this series in order because the reader gets an overall feel of the dynamics of Danny’s on Main, the bar on which the series is built upon. You get to meet the charismatic characters, their group dynamics, their individual quirks and strengths, the comradery that brings them together as a family, and lastly their individual stories that endear them to the readers hearts. Each book is very well written and keeps the reader’s attention to the very last word.

Breaking To Breathe is Kyle Marx’s story. Kyle is the guy we have grown to dislike in the previous two books. He is a player, he has no respect for women, he is arrogant, cocky, at times a drunk, and general ass. He is on a path to self destruction and has reached the point of rock bottem. But like most people, he has many hidden layers. What people see on the surface is a façade to hide the inner turmoil this man has endured all of his life. He has reached the point where he ready to die just to find peace from his inner demons.

One stormy night, one horrific accident, and the face of an angel will lead Kyle on a new path. First he will have to confront his demons, cleanse his soul, and let go of the past. Only his angel can understand his pain and torment. Only his angel can give him the peace he so desperately needs.

Cate has been hiding from life. She would rather be invisible than be recognized for the strong, compassionate woman she is. She has had a horrific past that has scarred her soul. Her pain was exploited in the past. She only wants to move forward in life, keep her emotions to herself, and exist in an uncomplicated world. She does not need or require any attention to have this peace. If she wants interaction with other people, mainly the opposite sex, she is going to do it on her terms and by her rules. One night only and no repeats. But one night, one accident, one man, and one place, Danny’s on Main will change everything she ever thought she wanted or needed.

One stormy night, one horrific accident, two broken people will come together and find that there is peace. They will find that love really does exist. Their story is explosive.

Breaking To Breathe is a highly emotional book. At times it will be hard to breathe when you see what Kyle and Cate have experienced in life. You will admire their strength of survival. You will rejoice when these two beautifully broken people finally find that there are rainbows in life.

Lisa N. Paul has wrote another five star book. I highly recommend Breaking To Breathe and the Charistown series. This series will keep you captivated !

Giveaway

Rafflecopter Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3bb62e159/

The Charistown Series

This sexy, steamy contemporary romance will leave you yearning for more. Which is perfect since this is the first book in the Charistown series.* Even though this is a series, each book can be read as a stand alone novel.*l
Pain can leave even the strongest of people weak and hollow. But when fate brings two weak souls together, will the love they find mend the fragments that are barely holding them together, or will the weight of their past finally cause them to crumble? Max DeLucca has spent seven years trying to forget the betrayal of his past. He lives his life from day to day never looking forward and never looking back. The walls around his heart keep anyone from getting too close and prevent him from feeling too much…until he meets her. Her entire life, Janie Silver searched for the kind of love that wouldn’t leave her broken and more importantly, wouldn’t leave her behind. She longs for a love that can heal the wounds of her past and give her the future she knows she deserves. She thought she was looking for something that just didn’t exist…until she meets him. Danny’s on Main is where their story begins. A neighborhood bar where strangers become friends, friends become family and some … become lovers … it all started on Thursday Nights*Warning – this book is intended for mature audiences only. Descriptive sexual situations are included in this story.

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

The Darker the Storm, The Deeper the Pain…
Love knows no bounds when two people are destined to be together.
One fights to maintain the distance; while the other battles to close the gap.
The Brighter the Light at the End…
Will they move forward together or finally close the last remaining door to their past?
It’s time for Ryan and Ashley to decide. But once that decision is made,
there will be no going back…
Always Reach for the Light…
A Neighborhood bar where old wounds heal, friends become family, and some…become lovers…
Danny’s on Main is where their story continues… Where they all shelter each other during the …
Storm Front**This book is intended for mature audiences.**

Amazaon / Barnes and Noble

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The Thrill Of It by Lauren Blakely Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway

Posted on 11/21/2013 by Saucy Southern Readers

57d41-thethrillofitbylaurenblakelyforoct16coverreveal

Synopsis:

A new adult story of Love. Sex. Addiction. Blackmail. And Power…

Some say love can be an addiction. Others say it’s the thing that makes life worth living. Let me tell you everything I know about love…Love isn’t patient, love isn’t kind. Love is a game, a chase. A thrill. Love is wild and war-like, and every man and woman must fight for themselves. At least that’s how it was for me. A high-priced virgin call girl by the time I started college, I was addicted to love and to sex. Even though I’ve never had either. I controlled love, played it, and held the world in the palm of my hands. Then I fell down from those highs, and I’m being blackmailed for all my mistakes, forced to keep secrets from everyone, except the only guy I don’t regret.

Trey…

With all the other women, I knew what they were. They were temporary. They were pills, they were bottles, they took away all the pain, and numbed the awful memories that wore down my ragged, wasted heart. Until I met Harley. She’s the only girl I ever missed when she walked away. But now she’s back in my life, every day, and there are no guarantees for us, especially since I don’t know how to tell her my secrets. What happened to my family. All I know is she’s the closest I’ve ever come to something real, and I want to feel every second of it.

How can you love with no regrets when regret is all you know?

Excerpt

She parts her lips as if she’s about to say something, then stops herself. She looks down, breathes out hard, then takes a sip.

“What is it?” I ask softly.

“Is it because they were easy or you were so good?”

I bite my lip for a second, trying not to let her question make me all crazy inside for her. But I am that way. Even more so because she’s blushing now. Red is rushing to her cheeks in splotches.

“You think I’m good?”

“Yes,” she says in a breathy voice that sends a buzz through my whole body.

“But you knew that.”

I shake my head. I did know that. But I don’t know that either. I don’t know anything with her. I don’t know what’s real and what’s a game.

“I didn’t know that,”

I say, and maybe I’m lying, but I can’t help it.

I want to hear her say it, even though this is the riskiest thing to do in the world. To tread on this territory of us, of the almost-sex we had. I’m already burning up, I am hot all over.

She raises her eyes, meets my gaze.

“You know what I told you that night. I mean, I don’t have anything to compare it to –“

I cut her off. “–Good.”

“But I’ve never let anyone do that to me before.”

She said that the night we were together. It made me feel electric all over hearing it from a hot girl I wanted to have a one-night stand with, a last fling before I went on the wagon. Hearing it now, knowing her, understanding her, being privy to all her deep, dark secrets is the biggest fucking turn-on of my life. I’m dying for her to touch me right now, even though I know we won’t go there, but I want it so badly. I want to feel her hands on me, I want her to unzip my jeans and do something about how fucking uncomfortable I am right now with my dick straining hard against the fly.

“Yeah?”

I say in a hoarse voice because I can’t manage sentences, much less coherent thought. I can’t move either, because if I shift an inch, I will lunge at her, pull her under me, and fumble at all our zippers to get our clothes off. And I can’t, can’t, can’t do that to her. She’s a virgin, and she’s messed in the head, and if I take her virginity because she winds me up with a few words then I am more of an ass than those pathetic men who hired her.

“I told you that, Trey,”

she says softly, and there’s something about this moment that feels like a confessional, like she needs to tell me these things, like she has to say them.

“No one has ever made me come. I’ve never let anyone touch me. I never wanted to be touched. I never even knew what it would feel like to have someone do that,”

she says and licks her lips, and I am dying. Completely dying right now. My hands are twitching, and I grip hard on the beer bottle, so hard I could break it, but I have to hold onto something, because all I want right now is to touch her. The whole living room is burning, the space between us is hot and humming and full of all this hazy desire I feel, and it’s taking over my body, my brain, my heart, and the air between us. If I weren’t already sitting down, I might collapse. Because this feeling is knocking breath out of me. It is staggering.

“Harley,” I say in a low voice.

“Trey, what happened last night?

My Review

5 Hearts

The Thrill of It is a sinfully dark and heart wrenching love story unlike anything I have ever read before. I am still feeling the aftereffects of the roller coaster of emotions I felt while reading this story. The Thrill of It pierced my soul and left me shaking. This is unlike any of Lauren’s other books.

From the very beginning my heart breaks for Harley. She is beautiful on the inside as well as the outside even though she doesn’t believe it. I kept asking myself how she got herself in such a horrible situation. This book is written to where the events that led to the current situation are not revealed until the end. This kept me on edge and gripped my heartstrings. I did not want to believe what I was reading. This could not be happening. How could it?

Trey was a mystery to me. Is he a good guy or a bad guy? Why is he drawn to Harley? She is so young and he is into older women, not 19 year old virgins. It frightens me to the core that he is going to break her heart. Trey is seriously damaged and is broadcasting his pain through the tattoos inked on his body. He is holding on to horrible memories that are tearing him up inside and he will not let anyone in.

Then there is Cam. He is like a slime ball used car salesman that you want to hate, but at the same time you feel sorry for him. How could he stoop so low?

The chemistry between Trey and Harley is scorching hot. Harley experiences pleasure like she has never known before. Trey’s dirty thoughts get my heart racing and my panties wet. Look out ladies you may need to break out B.O.B. when you read what is going through Trey’s dirty mind. Lauren hits a home run in seduction once again.

In the end, can true love survive between Trey and Harley when they are so irrevocably damaged? I sure hope so. We will just have to wait and see…

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18457861-the-thrill-of-it?ac=1

Purchase:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQSTXUO/
Apple iBookstore: http://bit.ly/1bNc785

About the Author:

Lauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat, heart, and humor, and her books have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. Like the heroine in her upcoming novel, FAR TOO TEMPTING, she thinks life should be filled with family, laughter, and the kind of love that love songs promise. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. She loves hearing from readers! Her novels include Caught Up In Us, Pretending He’s Mine, Playing With Her Heart, and Trophy Husband. On October 21 she’ll release the sexy rock star romance Far Too Tempting, and on November 21 she’ll release her edgy new adult novel THE THRILL OF IT. She also writes for young adults under the name Daisy Whitney.

Author Links:

https://twitter.com/laurenblakely3

http://laurenblakelybooks.blogspot.ca/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6860216.Lauren_Blakely

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