ARC Review: Uncovered by Emily Snow

Posted on 09/01/2014 by shellbellereads

Uncovered

By Emily Snow

Synopsis

The plan was simple—figure out what role she played in my father’s death and expose her to the world.

*This romance novel contains explicit content and is not advised for readers under 18*

My name is Lizzie Connelly, and I have it all. The gorgeous apartment. The new job most women would rip out their own souls for—working for Margaret Emerson at Emerson & Taylor. I have one of those lives you’ve always dreamt about, the kind you only see on HBO. But, the thing is, that life is a lie. A façade.

It all started with one call. “Everything you know about your story—your father’s story—is a lie. It’s up to you to uncover everything.” One call, and I turned my world upside down to dig my way into Margaret’s life—the woman who I’d never laid eyes on until recently. My stepmother who took everything after my father died fourteen years ago.

But here’s another thing: simplicity doesn’t exist, and my plans are flawed from the beginning because I never anticipated Oliver. Sexy, too smart for his own good, and infuriating, he’s the one person who could blow my plans to uncover Margaret. She’s his mother, and in another life, that would have made him my stepbrother.

I want to pretend that none of that matters, that I can simply finish what I came to do without sparing him a second glance and another thought.

Like I said, though, there’s no such thing as simplicity.

My real name is Gemma Emerson.

And this is my story.

Buy: Amazon

Tracey’s Review

Gemma Emerson’s life could be divided into two parts, ‘Before’ and ‘After.’ ‘Before’ was the life she’d created for herself in Las Vegas, the one that began when she lost all that was dear to her and she was left on her own. ‘After’ is her new life, the one that started after the phone call that changed her life and made her question everything that she’d believed for the last fourteen years.

When Gemma receives a phone call from an unknown source, telling her that the facts surrounding the death of her father are not what they seem, she cannot rest until she uncovers the truth. With the help of Pen, her best friend and hacker extraordinaire, Gemma recreates herself as Lizzie Connelly, leaves Las Vegas for Los Angeles, and sets out to figure out what really happened all those years ago.

I am a huge fan of Emily Snow. She just gets more amazing with each book she writes, and she has totally blown it out of the water with Uncovered. This story is unlike any that she’s written so far. Lizzie’s strength and determination in figuring out the truth behind the lies that she was told by her stepmother, Margaret Emerson, make for a read that I could NOT put down. The plot is fresh, fast-paced, and interesting, and the characters are well-written, and add so much to the story. Pen, Linc, Oliver (oh, my gosh, Oliver!), and even Margaret and Finley, bring so much color to the story, and are all great foils for Lizzie. And, about Oliver: he is one of the hottest book boyfriends I’ve had the pleasure to get to know lately, and his interactions with Lizzie are by turn off-the-charts hot and sweet and sexy.

If you haven’t read Uncovered yet, I suggest that you move it to the top of your TBR, and make a date to read it soon; You will not be sorry!

Author Bio:

Emily Snow is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the DEVOURED series (October 2012, January 2013) and TIDAL (December 2012). She loves books, sexy bad boys, and really loud rock music, so naturally, she writes stories about all three. Visit her blog at http://emilysnowbooks.blogspot.com for news, teasers, and contests.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Day Blitz + Review: Indiscretion Volume 3 by Elisabeth Grace- Indiscretion Serial-Book 3

Posted on 09/01/2014 by shellbellereads

Indiscretion: Vol. 3

Indiscretion Serial

By Elisabeth Grace

Synopsis

A summer of f*ck buddies? Something to take the edge off? I was down.

But when Chloe shows up at my hotel door, wanting to rip my head off, rather than give me head—I cared. A lot. Too much, in fact.

This is turning into more. And I can’t do more.

Like the ink under my skin she’s becoming permanent. Enduring. Immovable.

Was I ready to let her go though?

Not a f*cking chance.

***Note: This is the third instalment in the Indiscretion serial. There are 4 Volumes total. Volumes 1-3 are approximately 23K-25K in length, with the final fourth instalment being longer. The release schedule for the remaining instalment is as follows: Volume 4: Sept 15th.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Indiscretion Volume 3 by Elisabeth Grace has gone beyond readers expectations. Elisabeth Grace intensified the plot, added a new twist that has readers mystified, added new characters, and taken Max and Chloe’s fragile relationship to a whole new level.

Indiscretion Volume 3 picks right up where Volume 2 has left off. Chloe is confronting Max about his business agenda and how it affects her. Max’s explanation is more than satisfying, it is downright erotic and emotional. It still appears that he has a secret agenda and is hiding a multitude of secrets from Chloe.

Their relationship will continue on the out of control rollercoaster ride until both are willing to let go of their pasts, misconceptions, secrets, and give into their true emotional feelings. They now not only have to battle each other but also an enemy that could destroy them both. They can confront this enemy together with a united front or they can do it solo and lose the one thing they both need more than anything, each other.

No matter how hard they try to deny their feelings , their erotic chemistry is the glue that keeps them together. Although we know it is much more than their sexual needs being satisfied. What starts out as a not strings attached summer relationship is turning into much more.

In this installment to the series we get a better understanding of the characters, their motivations, and personalities. Although Max still remains somewhat mysterious. I think we are going to be surprised when his persona is cracked open and exposed to the readers.

This volume was sizzling hot. It ended on a cliffhanger that had my heart racing and my loyalties to Max in question.

September 15, 2014 cannot get here fast enough. I need to know what is going to happen in the finale volume, Indiscretion Volume 4. I have no doubt Elisabeth Grace is going to give the readers a grand finale that will have fireworks.

Author Bio:

Welcome! I’m Elisabeth Grace, or El if you prefer, and I write New Adult Contemporary Romance. been an avid reader my entire life, but when I discovered romance novels during my first pregnancy I was hooked! Not sure if it was the hormones or the lack of a life that was headed my way once my daughter was born, but since then I’ve been devouring several romance books a week. I love nothing more than reading about some serious alpha males and a happily ever after.

Things you should know about me…

I live outside Toronto, Canada…eh. (Yes, it’s true. We Canadians say ‘eh’ A LOT.)

I’m a wife and mommy to two small children which I refer to as Little Miss and Mr. Magoo.

I own one cat spawned by the devil. Seriously. He’s as cute as they come but you’ve never met a meaner feline. In retrospect we should have named him, Lucifer. I have the scars to prove it.

I believe there’s no such thing as too much chocolate. Or popcorn. Or bread. Or potatoes. Yes, you guessed it…I’m a sugar and carb addict.

I hate running. Always have, always will. Unless David Gandy’s in the vicinity you won’t find me doing it. Ever. Not sure who David Gandy is and think you might want to become a Gandy Girl like me? Google him. You can thank me later.

I’m a LOVER of all music. The 1200+ songs on my IPod can attest to the variety of my musical tastes. Hubby and I try to travel to a different music festival every year and are regular concert goers.

My name is Elisabeth and I like reality TV. There I admitted it and that’s the first step, right? Yes, I’m a writer and I see the need for scripted shows, but sometimes there’s just something so entertaining about watching one Real Housewife lose it on another one. I could listen to Cochran’s diatribe on his fellow castaways for hours.

Of the four of us that make up my family, three of us are Leo’s. Let’s say it together…DRAMA!

I may be the world’s worst cook. My poor children. Unless Daddy’s cooking they know not to expect much.

I write every night after my kids are in bed until the wee hours of the morning. This wouldn’t be a problem except for the fact that I have always been an early-bird-catches-the-worm kind-of girl, so 5:00am comes early. Sleep is over-rated, I say.

If you are a lover of romance novels, steamy bedroom scenes and alpha males than you may enjoy my stories! 🙂

I LOVE talking with fellow readers about books! There’s nothing better than discovering your next favorite read because someone recommended it to you! If you’re the same I’d encourage you to reach out to me via one of my social media links so we can chat!

Happy Reading!

Best, El

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

If you’re US based and you want to receive a text message when Elisabeth has a new book go LIVE, text ROMANCE to 313131!

Release Day Blitz: Love Discovered In New York by Danielle Allen

Posted on 09/01/2014 by shellbellereads

Love Discovered In New York

By Danielle Allen

Synopsis

The Rebel

Mya Washington is a rebel. Or at least, that’s what her family has always said. As the youngest of a set of triplets, she has always been the more rebellious of the three…even though she never considered herself a rebel.

Outspoken? Yes.

Rule Breaker? Sometimes.

Trouble Maker? Nev—occasionally.

Growing tired of being typecast and misunderstood, Mya moves to New York looking for a fresh start away from the life she grew up in and out of the shadow of her older sisters. Striking out on her own may have put a strain on the family dynamic, but it’s the new beginning Mya was looking for.

But after the unexpected death of her mother, she is blindsided yet again by a wedding invitation she didn’t see coming. Her father’s upcoming marriage only cements the wall she’s put up around her heart. Because if her father could be such an utter disappointment, why should she even attempt to open up to any man?

Enter Colton Davis.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Excerpt

“What are you doing?” I asked breathily, licking my lips and silently begging him to kiss me.

He didn’t answer at first. He looked at me predatorily before leaning down to nibble on my neck. The feeling of his teeth lightly grazing my skin while the threat of someone walking down the hallway and turning the corner made me clench tightly. His fingers gripped my hips and desire washed over me. His hands caused goosebumps to erupt everywhere he touched. My body hummed from the electric currant that flowed between us. The anticipation I felt for Colton’s kiss was almost unbearable.

“What are you doing?” I repeated, wrapping my arms around his neck.

Leaning in so that our lips were almost touching, Colton answered sexily, “You.”

Author Bio

I am a married event planner, life coach and instructor. Between my awesome friends and family and my amazing husband, I am constantly surrounded by love. My goal at all times is to love what I’m doing and enjoy life. I love shopping and football with equal fervor. I’m an amateur movie critic (i.e. my husband and I watch and critique a lot of movies for fun). I love to read, but since I’ve been writing, I don’t read as much as I used to. I love music. A good lyric with a good melody can paint a vivid picture and invoke such a range of emotions. I have a soft spot for most mediums of creative, artistic expression. But music is probably my favorite.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Review: No In Between by Lisa Renee Jones- Inside Out Series-Book 4

Posted on 08/29/2014 by shellbellereads

No In Between

Inside Out Series- Book 4

By Lisa Renee Jones

Synopsis

The fourth in the Inside Out erotic romance series by New York Times bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones, this steamy novel resolves Chris and Sarah’s relationship and leads into Mark’s story.

“Chris and I have faced our demons and bared our souls to one another in Paris. Now that we are back home in San Francisco, I want to believe that nothing can tear us apart. Not Ava’s accusations against me to the police, or Chris’s fear that he will destroy me as he feels he did Amber. And not Mark, who was once too intimately a part of our lives, and who I can see crumbling inside out. He believes he is invincible, just as I want to believe Chris and I are invincible. We have to be invincible. We need each other too much for any other ending.

Excerpt

My fingers wrap his wrist. “I know you want to protect me, and I love you for that more than you know.”

“Yet too easily, you found a reason to shut me out tonight. Trust isn’t a fair-weather friend. It’s about a willingness to be vulnerable and exposed.”

“And I am willing to do that. That’s why I’m here now.”

He searches my face, and I don’t know what he looks for, what he needs, or what he finds. He releases me abruptly. “Hold out your hands and lace your fingers together.”

Heat rushes through me with the certainty that I’m about to fully understand the painting he’s created of me. This is him sending me a message. He’s not holding back. My confession, as incomplete as it is, has changed nothing. I offer him my arms, aware as I haven’t been in the past few minutes of my naked body, my breasts pressed together.

Chris reaches into his back pocket and produces a roll of art tape, using it to wrap my wrists. Task complete, he bends my elbows and presses my wrists to my chest, his fingers covering the bindings. He has become dark Chris, the dominant Master who never shows emotion; the Chris who arouses me in ways I would never believe a man could.

“Sit down,” he orders, and the way he manages such force with what is no more than a whisper stirs heat low in my body.

My throat is dry and my heart beats so loudly I am certain Chris can hear. I squat and he follows me down, steadying me so I don’t fall without the use of my hands. “All the way,” he murmurs, gently nudging me until my bare backside is on the floor.

He angles my knees up toward my chest, with my feet out enough to stabilize my body. His long lashes lower, half-moons on his cheeks, and I sense him struggling with what has passed between us. He knows I need to see he won’t hold back, but this isn’t just for me. I think he really needs this, too, for me to show him, not tell him, how much I trust him.

Chris tapes my ankles and then throws the roll over his shoulder. My nerve endings are so alive, so on edge that the roll hits the ground like a thundering drum that seems to radiate through the room, through my body. His hands come down on my knees and the touch sweeps over me, awakening nerve endings in the most intimate and unforgiving of places. I feel this man everywhere, I want him everywhere. But as if he knows what I feel, and he means to deny me, he withdraws. I shiver with a sudden cold certain to linger. He will torment me, make me wait for him. Make me beg.

He stands up, towering over me, and I stare up at him, trying to read him, the anticipation of what comes next tingling through me. And it’s supposed to. I see that in his eyes, and I am reminded of his words when I’d first seen the painting. It’s about trust. The kind of trust I want from you and have no right to ask for. He’s going to push me. He’s going to take me somewhere uncomfortable. Somewhere I might not want to go, but I will. With Chris, I will.

Buy : Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tracey’s Review

Chris Merritt and and Sara McMillan have worked through all of their personal demons in Paris, and returned to San Francisco, determined to put their pasts behind them and begin their life together. Before they can move forward, though, they are faced with wading through the chaos that awaits them at home. Just when it seems that the mystery behind the disappearance and death of Rebecca Mason has been solved, new questions emerge that leave everything up in the air, and leave them wondering who, exactly, can be trusted.

Lisa Renee Jones had written another fabulous installment in the ‘Inside Out’ series, creating plot twists that leave you wondering where the heck the story is heading. When I started reading this book, I was sure that the whole mystery of what, and at whose hands, had happened to Rebecca. But, in just a few short pages, Lisa Renee managed to throw all that I thought I knew right out of the window. New evidence, less-than-honest disclosures by key players, and a case that threatens to leave everyone involved as collateral damage make for a read that I was unable to put down. Added to the main story, we’re also left asking what ever happened to Sara’s friend Ella. Did she meet the same fate as Rebecca, or is her story really the fairytale that she painted to Sara?

Lisa Renee Jones is the mistress of erotic intrigue, and writes one heck of a cliff-hanger, but the story is just so compelling that I can’t help but eagerly await ‘I Belong To You,’ the next book in the series. Five stars for this hot, sexy, and action packed read.

Author Bio:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT SERIES, and is now in development by Suzanne Todd (Alice in Wonderland) for cable TV. In addition, her Tall, Dark and Deadly series and The Secret Life of Amy Bensen series, both spent several months on a combination of the NY Times and USA Today lists.

Watch the video on casting for the INSIDE TV Show HERE

Since beginning her publishing career in 2007, Lisa has published more than 40 books translated around the world. Booklist says that Jones suspense truly sizzles with an energy similar to FBI tales with a paranormal twist by Julie Garwood or Suzanne Brockmann.

Prior to publishing, Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by Dallas Women Magazine. In 1998 LRJ was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at on her website and she is active on twitter and facebook daily.

One Favorite Moment in the Ten Tiny Breaths Series by K.A. Tucker + Giveaway + In Her Wake Teaser

Posted on 08/27/2014 by shellbellereads

Ten Tiny Breaths Series

By K. A. Tucker

The Ten Tiny Breaths Series is one of my all time favorite series. It is packed full of true emotions, heartbreaking circumstances, defining moments, self discovery, friendship, soul searching, and happily ever romance in the most perfect way.

I have reviewed every single book and gave the 5 Stars!

Each book features a different couple with different circumstances in life. They are all connected by relations, co workers, tragedies, and friendships. The strengths of the connections is the glue that holds all these wonderful characters together throughout the series.

Each and every character is very unique in their own way. Their personalities and drives are larger than life. These characters are embraced by the readers as if they were in their lives personally. Each of their stories will have the readers invested in their lives.

K. A. Tucker is a phenominal writer. She delivers a story with tender loving care. The lives and emotions her characters experience are very realistic and easy for readers to identify with. She adds the right amount of humor, character flaws, and passionate romance to keep the reader addicted to this series.

To pick one favorite moment would be impossible. Each of these books has so many moments that touch the soul. But there is one thing in common throughout all of these books besides the passionate romance and promise of happily ever afters. The common factor is she allows her characters to recognize their flaws and imperfections, she allows them the good and bad emotions, and finally she gives them that “defining moment” where they accept who they are and love themselves in spite of it. She makes them whole.

On that note, I highly recommend the Ten Tiny Breaths series. I have already read the arc for In Her Wake (review coming on release day) and I will say it may be my favorite of them all. She captured Trent’s soul and gave him to us readers because he desperately needed the tender loving care we could give him.

The Ten Tiny Breaths Series

Just breathe, Kacey. Ten tiny breaths. Seize them. Feel them. Love them.

Four years ago Kacey Cleary’s life imploded when her car was hit by a drunk driver, killing her parents, boyfriend, and best friend. Still haunted by memories of being trapped inside, holding her boyfriend’s lifeless hand and listening to her mother take her last breath, Kacey wants to leave her past behind. Armed with two bus tickets, twenty-year-old Kacey and her fifteen-year-old sister, Livie, escape Grand Rapids, Michigan, to start over in Miami. Struggling to make ends meet, Kacey needs to figure out how to get by. But Kacey’s not worried. She can handle anything—anything but her mysterious neighbor in apartment 1D.

Trent Emerson has smoldering blue eyes, deep dimples, and he perfectly skates that irresistible line between nice guy and bad boy. Hardened by her tragic past, Kacey is determined to keep everyone at a distance, but their mutual attraction is undeniable and Trent is determined to find a way into Kacey’s guarded heart—even if it means that an explosive secret could shatter both their worlds.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Author’s Note: Although it is a prequel, In Her Wake is best read after completing Ten Tiny Breaths.

Before you knew him as Trent in Ten Tiny Breaths, he was Cole Reynolds—and he had it all. Until one night when he makes a fatal, wrong decision…and loses everything.

When a drunken night out at a Michigan State college party results in the death of six people, Cole must come to terms with his part in the tragedy. Normally, he’d be able to lean on his best friends—the ones who have been in his life since he could barely walk. Only, they’re gone. Worse, there’s the shattered body of a sixteen-year-old girl lying somewhere in a hospital bed, her entire life ripped from her because of a case of beer and a set of keys.

Everyone assures him that they know it wasn’t intentional, and yet he can’t ignore the weight of their gazes, the whispers behind his back. Nor can he shake the all-consuming guilt he feels every time he thinks of that girl who won’t so much as allow him near her hospital room to apologize. As the months go by and the shame and loneliness festers, Cole begins to lose his grip on what once was important—college, his girlfriend, his future. His life. It’s not until Cole hits rock-bottom that he can begin to see another way out of his personal hell: forgiveness.

And there’s only one person who can give that to him…

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

In this follow-up novel to the top-selling Ten Tiny Breaths, Livie Cleary faces a new set of challenges as she navigates freshman year at Princeton, wild parties, and the gorgeous rowing team captain who is everything she doesn’t want in a guy, or so she thinks…

“Make me proud.” These were the last words Livie’s father ever spoke to her. In the seven years since her parents’ tragic death, Livie has done her best to keep this promise through her every choice, word, and action, while looking after her sister with strength and maturity. But with college right around the corner, unexpected challenges will test her resilience—and her heart.

Livie walks into Princeton with a solid plan, and she’s dead set on delivering on it: Rock her classes, set herself up for medical school, and meet a good, respectable guy to marry someday. What isn’t part of her plan are Jell-O shots; a lovable, party animal roommate she can’t say “no” to; and Ashton, the arrogant—and extremely attractive—captain of the men’s rowing team who makes Livie’s usually non-existent temper flare. Worse, he’s best friends and roommates with Connor, who fits Livie’s criteria perfectly. So why does she keep thinking about Ashton?

As Livie finds herself facing mediocre grades, career aspirations she no longer thinks she can handle, and feelings for Ashton that she shouldn’t have, she’s forced to let go of her last promise to her father and, with it, the only identity that she knows.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

I believe you don’t have years, or months, or weeks to impact a person’s life. You have seconds. Seconds to win them over, and seconds to lose them.

Owning a strip club isn’t the fantasy most guys expect it to be. With long hours, a staff with enough issues to keep a psych ward in business, and the police regularly on his case, twenty-nine-year-old Cain is starting to second-guess his unspoken mission to save the women he employs. And then blond, brown-eyed Charlie Rourke walks through his door, and things get really complicated. Cain abides by a strict “no sleeping with his staff” rule. But being around Charlie challenges Cain’s self-control . . . and it’s been a long time since any woman has done that.

Twenty-two-year-old Charlie Rourke needs a lot of money, really fast, in order to vanish before it’s too late. Taking her clothes off for men makes her stomach curl, but Charlie tells herself that at least she’s putting her acting and dancing skills to good use. And though her fellow dancers seem eager to nab their sexy, sophisticated, and genuinely caring boss, she’s not interested. After all, Charlie Rourke doesn’t really exist—and the girl pretending to be her can’t get distracted by romance.

Unfortunately, Charlie soon discovers that developing feelings for Cain is inevitable, and that those feelings may not be unrequited—but losing him when he finds out what she’s involved with will be more painful than any other sentence awaiting her.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Sometimes you can’t change—and sometimes you just don’t want to. Discover Ben’s side of the story in this fourth novel by the beloved, top-selling indie author of Ten Tiny Breaths, One Tiny Lie, and Four Seconds to Lose.

Purple-haired, sharp-tongued Reese MacKay knows all about making the wrong choice; she’s made plenty of them in her twenty-odd-years. So when her impulsive, short-lived marriage ends in heartbreak, she decides it’s time for a change. She moves to Miami with the intention of hitting reset on her irresponsible life, and she does quite well…aside from an epically humiliating one-night stand in Cancun with a hot blond bouncer named Ben. Thank God she can get on a plane and leave that mistake behind her.

Football scholarship and frat parties with hot chicks? Part of charmer Ben Morris’s plan. Blown knee that kills any hope of a professional football career? So not part of the plan. Luckily Ben has brains to go with his knockout looks and magnetism. After three long years of balancing law school with his job as a bouncer at Penny’s Palace, he’s ready to lead a more mature life—until his first day of work, when he finds himself in the office of that crazy, hot chick he met in Cancun. The one he hasn’t stopped thinking about.

If Ben truly were a smart guy, he’d stay clear of Reese. She’s the boss’s stepdaughter and it’s been made very clear that office romances are grounds for dismissal. Plus, rumor has it she’s trouble. The only problem is, he likes trouble, especially when it’s so good-looking…

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

GIVEAWAY

SIGNED PAPERBACK SET OF TEN TINY BREATHS SERIES + IN HER WAKE

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/OTE3MmMxYTA5NWI0YjhkMjZkNWU0YzM1M2E1YzU2OjE4OQ==/

About K.A. Tucker:

Born in small-town Ontario, Kathleen published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She is a voracious reader and the farthest thing from a genre-snob, loving everything from High Fantasy to Chick Lit. Kathleen currently resides in a quaint small town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.

Website ** Twitter ** Facebook ** Novel Goodreads ** Author Goodreads ** YouTube ** Pinterest ** Instagram

COMING SEPTEMBER 1, 2014

Release Day Blitz + Review: Assumption by Aurora Rose Reynolds- Underground Kings Series- Book 1

Posted on 08/26/2014 by shellbellereads

Assumption

Underground Kings Series- Book 1

By Aurora Rose Reynolds

Synopsis

as·sump·tion:

a thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof

They say when you assume that you make an ass out of you and me. Kenton Mayson learned this lesson firsthand when he made assumptions about Autumn Freeman and the kind of woman she is based on what little information he had. What he finds out is she’s not only beautiful, but also smart, funny, a fighter, and exactly the kind of woman he wants to share his life with. Autumn made assumptions of her own about Kenton, and now he needs to prove her wrong in order to protect her and their future.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Aurora Rose Reynolds has done it again! Another hot alpha Mayson that makes us swoon and temperatures rise.

We met Kenton Mayson in the previous Until series. He is the cousin to the Mayson brothers of that series. He is mysterious, dangerous, and a self made man. His work as a bounty hunter and private investigator keeps him busy in the underground world. He doesn’t have time for relationships or love. When he sees his manwhore cousins finding good women, settling down, and raising families, he’s envious and wants that kind of life for himself. When Autumn Freeman is placed in his home for protection it is very clear she is not that kind of woman. She is a stripper and because of her profession she has loose morals. ASSUMPTION!

Kenton is in for a real eye opener. Autumn is more than a two bit stripper. She is intelligent, funny, loving, and innocent. She is everything he wants in a woman that he wants to spend his life with. Because she is naive and innocent, he assumes that she will trust his words. Again ASSUMPTION! He will have to earn her trust, break through her walls, and show her what love really means.

Autumn has been around plenty of men. Most of these men are cheaters, liars, and untrustworthy. She assumes Kenton is the same way once he makes some derogatory remarks about her chosen profession. Assumption!

A life time of heartache and wounds keeps Autumn from opening up to Kenton. She thinks he will see her past life as a reason to reject her. Assumption!

These two have made a lot of assumptions about one another. They are clearly attracted to one another but both are clinging to their assumptions. Once they let go of those assumptions and open their hearts, they are going to find something much better than what they assumed happily ever after would be.

I loved this story. Aurora’s writing and male characters remind me of Kristen Ashley’s men in all their alpha hotness. Aurora has that same easy going manner that makes her stories flow with natural ease. Her voice is fresh, fun, sexy, and entertaining. Her male characters may be hot Alpha men, but her women outshine these boys. They are the perfect blend of sweet and sassy, innocence and street smart, intelligent and naive, and they know how to put these Alpha men on their knees. And like Kristen Ashley, her dialogue will have you laughing, crying, and swooning. You will close this book with a big smile and a heart full of happiness.

I loved the new characters introduced into the Mayson world. Jason stole my heart with his wit and geekiness. Kai peeked my interest with his mysterious badness. Sven has more in his pockets than a lot of cash. I am so looking forward to what comes next in this series.

I highly recommend Assumption by Aurora Rose Reynolds.

**Note: I don’t usually compare authors to one another. But when I compared Aurora Rose Reynolds with Kristen Ashley, it was intended as a huge compliment. She evokes the same kind of light hearted happiness while giving us an intense romance. It is a gift to be able to pull that kind of magic through words alone.**

The Until Series

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

About Aurora Rose Reynolds

Aurora Rose Reynolds is a navy brat who’s husband served in the United States Navy. She has lived all over the country but now resides in New York City with her Husband and pet fish. She’s married to an alpha male that loves her as much as the men in her books love their women. He gives her over the top inspiration everyday. In her free time she reads, writes and enjoys going to the movies with her husband and cookie. She also enjoys taking mini weekend vacations to nowhere, or spends time at home with friends and family. Last but not least she appreciates everyday and admires it’s beauty.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Day Blitz: Reasonable Doubt Volume 3 by Whitney G. – Final Book in Reasonable Doubt Series

Posted on 08/26/2014 by shellbellereads

Reasonable Doubt Volume 3

Reasonable Doubt Series

By Whitney G.

Synopsis

I hate him…

I hate that I fell in love with him, I hate that he didn’t love me back, and I hate the fact that I just made a life-altering decision just so I could get the hell away from him.

He’d always said that he was unchangeable, heartless, and cold…

I really should’ve believed him…

**Final book in the Reasonable Doubt series…**

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Reasonable Doubt Volume 1

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Reasonable Doubt Volume 2

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About Whitney Gracia Williams

A self diagnosed candy addict, travel junkie, and hypochondriac, Whitney Gracia Williams LOVES to write about characters that make you laugh, cry, and want to (in the case of Selena Ross) reach through your Kindle and slap them. She is the “imaginary bestselling” author of the Jilted Bride Series, Mid Life Love, Wasted Love, and Captain of My Soul. When she’s not locked inside her room, feverishly typing away on her laptop, she can be found here: http://www.whitneygracia.com She also loves getting emails from her readers, so if you want to tell her how much you loved (or hated) her stories, email her at whitgbooks@gmail.com

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

ARC Review: Rival by Penelope Douglas- Falling Away Series- Book 3

Posted on 08/26/2014 by shellbellereads

Rival

Falling Away Series- Book 3

By Penelope Douglas

Synopsis

From the New Adult sensation and New York Times bestselling author of Bully and Until You

Madoc and Fallon. Two estranged teenagers playing games that push the boundaries between love and war…

She’s back.

For the two years she’s been away at boarding school, there was no word from her. Back when we lived in the same house, she used to cut me down during the day and then leave her door open for me at night.

I was stupid then, but now I’m ready to beat her at her own game…

I’m back.

Two years and I can tell he still wants me, even if he acts like he’s better than me.

But I won’t be scared away. Or pushed down. I’ll call his bluff and fight back. That’s what he wants, right? As long as I keep my guard up, he’ll never know how much he affects me….

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The Fall Away Series

Bully

My name is Tate.

He doesn’t call me that, though. He’ll barely refer to me at all, and he’ll hardly ever speak to me.

But he still won’t leave me alone.

We were best friends once. Then he turned on me and made it his mission to ruin my life. I’ve been humiliated, shut out, and gossiped about all through high school. His pranks and rumors got worse as time wore on. I even went to Europe for a year, just to avoid him.

But I’m done hiding from him now, and there’s no way I’ll allow him to ruin another year. He might not have changed, but I have.

It’s time to fight back.

When one brave young woman stands up to her best friend Jared, now tormenter, the consequences go beyond anything either of them ever would have imagined….

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Until You

This is Jared’s story.

Have you ever been so angry that hitting things felt good? Or numb to all emotions? The past few years have been like that for me. Traveling between fury and indifference with no stops in between. Some people hate me for it, while others are scared of me. But none of them can hurt me, because I don’t care about anything or anyone.

Except Tatum.

I love her so much that I hate her. I hate that I can’t let her go. We used to be friends, but I found out that I couldn’t trust her—or anyone else. So I hurt her. I pushed her away. But I still need her. She centers me. Engaging her, challenging her, pushing her—it’s the one last part of me that feels anything anymore.

But then she went and screwed everything up. She left for a year and came back a different girl. Now, when I push, she pushes back…and I’m not sure either one of us will ever be the same.

Includes a teaser for RIVAL, the next unforgettable novel from Penelope Douglas….

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Falling Away- Coming January 6, 2014

Jaxon is the guy she’s supposed to avoid. K.C. is the girl he won’t let get away….

K. C. Carter has always followed the rules—until this year, when a mistake leaves her the talk of her college campus and her carefully arranged life comes crashing to a halt. Now she’s stuck in her small hometown for the summer to complete her court-ordered community service, and to make matters worse, trouble is living right next door.

Jaxon Trent is the worst kind of temptation and exactly what K.C. was supposed to stay away from in high school. But he never forgot her. She was the one girl who wouldn’t give him the time of day and the only one to ever say no. Fate has brought K.C. back into his life—except what he thought was a great twist of luck turns out to be too close for comfort. As they grow closer, he discovers that convincing K.C. to get out from her mother’s shadow is hard, but revealing the darkest parts of his soul is nearly impossible.…

Pre Order- Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Robin’s Review

Once again, Penelope Douglas has written a powerful story for her Fall Away series. Rival is a new adult contemporary romance novel written from a dual point of view. It’s the explosive story about Madoc Caruthers and his stepsister, Fallon Pierce. Expect white heat in Rival, similar to the tone and intensity found in the first novel of the series, Bully.

Their family is completely dysfunctional. His father is married to her mother. Biologically speaking, the siblings are not related. Their parents are estranged, with neither parent living at the family home. After being forced to attend a Catholic boarding school for two years, Fallon decides to return home, where she finds Madoc and the housekeeper, Addie, are the only persons in residence. Hostility reigns between Madoc and Fallon. They clash repeatedly. Filled with rage, Fallon does not back down from Madoc. He goads her, she taunts him. It’s an interesting type of foreplay, but imagine what follows.

There is so much more to this novel than a sibling rivalry. The plot of Rival is absolutely compelling. While reading, I found myself continually shocked by the unexpected twists and turns layered into the story. Penelope Douglas uses flashbacks to fill in the blanks. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, I found that I was completely wrong. Once I reached a certain point in Rival, I found myself struggling with the believability factor, as it pertained to the ongoing hostility between Madoc and Fallon. However, this wasn’t something I continued to feel for the entire novel. Other than this one drawback, I can say that I found myself completely invested in Madoc, Fallon and their story. Rival has earned a solid 4-star rating.

Michel’s Review- 4.5 Stars

Rival by Penelope Douglas is book three in the Fall Away series. It can be read as a stand alone or in series order. The previous books are Bully and Until You. These books feature Jared and Tate and the characters from this series. This is where we meet Madoc, Jared’s best friend and cohort. Of the two, Madoc is the more laid back, fun loving, party kind of guy. He seems to let things roll off easily and nothing brings him down. With his family’s wealth, lack of parental guidance, and good looks it appears that Madoc has everything going for him. But behind this façade is a completely different young man. His family is dysfunctional, he is a product of a split home, and is left to his own devices most of the time. His father is a high profile attorney that has more interest in his career than he does his family. He remarried but never invested himself in his new family. His new wife was obviously only married to him for his prestigious standing and wealth. She also had a teenage daughter that she neglected as well.

These two teenagers were thrown together and forced to become a family. They were polar opposites. Fallon was a shy, quiet, and studious kind of girl. Madoc was a popular party kind of guy. Most of the time the two butted heads and took sibling rivalry to a new level. It would seem these two were destined to hate each other. But they both had something in common, they were both deeply hurt by their parents neglect and disregard. They found solace in each other that soon led to the forbidden attraction to one another. Once the parents discover the secret relationship between the two all hell breaks loose. What little family unity existed is now fractured beyond repair. Fallon is sent away to a Catholic boarding school. Madoc is left to his own devices. Their parents have more or less gone their own ways, living apart, and married in name only. There are deep resentments and malicious feelings for all that are involved.

Two years later Fallon returns to her former home with a vendetta of revenge. She wants to destroy Madoc and his father for the treatment she received in their home. Madoc hates Fallon after she deserted him and left him to deal with the ugliness their parents had made of their lives.

It’s an all out war. It’s a love hate relationship. It’s their way of dealing with the feelings neither one of them knows how to express. It is their foreplay.

What unravels and comes into play will have the readers glued to the pages. The story is unpredictable and very well plotted. Fallon and Madoc are Rival’s that make the battlefield look like a playground. When the peace treaty is finally reached the reader’s will be ecstatic.

Rival is sizzling hot! It is almost an erotic romance. The connection between Fallon and Mardoc is undeniable.

I loved how Penelope Douglas portrayed these two teenagers maturing into adulthood. They were very realistic to what young people are really like. She showed the many different types of families our modern day world knows. The secondary characters, the cast from the first two books, their families, and their community will definitely hit home. I am invested in this series and cannot wait for the next book, Falling Away to release in January, 2015.

This series is New Adult and is graphic. It will appeal to young adults as well as the mature audience. It is well written, has original plots, charismatic characters, and steamy romance.

I highly recommend Rival and The Fall Away series.

My seventeen year old daughter has read the Fall Away series. It has become her favorite. She has recommended this series to all her friends and they love it. When I asked them what made this series so special, they all replied that the characters seemed very real. They were like a lot of their friends and classmates. They loved that Penelope showed a truthful side of how teenagers really are in today’s world. Bully made a huge impact among their friends and fellow students. Bully is now on the recommended reading list in the Anti-Bullying campaign in their school.

The WVHS Girls have rated and voted the Fall Away Series & Rival their TOP PICK OF 2014.

About Penelope Douglas

Penelope Douglas is a writer living in Las Vegas. Born in Dubuque, Iowa, she is the oldest of five children. Penelope attended the University of Northern Iowa, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, because her father told her to “just get the damn degree!” She then earned a Masters of Science in Education at Loyola University in New Orleans, because she HATED public administration. One night, she got tipsy and told the bouncer at the bar where she worked that his son was hot, and three years later she was married. To the son, not the bouncer. They have spawn, but just one. A daughter named Aydan. Penelope loves sweets, The Originals, and she shops at Target almost daily.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Cover Reveal: The Life Gift by T.R. Lykins

Posted on 08/26/2014 by shellbellereads

The Life Gift

by TR Lykins

A Companion Novel to The Last Heartbeat

Releasing: Late Sept 2014Cover Design: Juliana Cabrera

Genre: Clean Romance, New Adult, Young Adult

Goodreads

Kristen believed her parents were truly happy and
wanted a marriage like theirs. She really didn’t know anything about
their relationship until she was leaving for college. That’s when they
dropped a heartbreaking bombshell on her.

They only stayed together to make her happy.
Now, she thinks she is the reason for their unhappiness, can she trust love?

Does love even last anymore?

Her new college roommate, Alexia, changes her
mind about love. Seeing how fast Alexia falls for her dreamy guy Phillip,
and how fast that dreamy guy falls for Alexia, she then realizes that maybe
love could happen in her life!

Now, Kristen has to change her ways and open her
heart up for love. Can Kristen do that after watching her parents live a lie
for so many years? Hoping she can find her true love and not get hurt,
Kristen thinks she can find him out there somewhere, but where?

One tragic moment happens to her friend and it
makes her realize that life could end in a blink of an eye. Kristen makes a
life decision that affects her and her friends.

Can she go through it?

This gift is the greatest gift she can give to
her best friend, Alexia. Nine months of her life is a long time to give up for
your friend.

Will this sacrifice be truly appreciated and will
Alexia be able to take care of her precious gift?

Don’t miss book 1- Last Heartbeat

Goodreads | Amazon

Alexia has fought hard to over come a tragic illness in her past. Barely getting on with her life, she finally leaves home to enter the real world. This first big step makes her appreciate all that she has struggled with. This next step in her life, also leads her to a possible heartbreak. How can Alexia keep up with all of her struggles and keep going on?

Phillip has lost someone close to him when he was younger. This person was the most important person in his life. He has struggled to get past this loss, and once he does, he finds out something about his favorite person that makes him feel the hurt all over again. Why can’t Phillip move on for good? Can he really forgive someone in the past, if they no longer live?

A chance meeting has Alexia and Phillip spending hours talking. This sparks an attraction for each other. Every day, running into each other makes the attraction grow stronger until they finally give in to it. When another accident strikes, both of their pasts come barreling back to haunt them. Can they move forward knowing the secrets they now know about one another? How much more can two broken people endure? Will they find their way back into one another’s arms or have they finally come to a breaking point in life?

I am married to the love of my life and have been married to him for twenty years. When I met my husband it was love at first sight so I am still a believer in love. We even got married three months after we meet. I am a stay at home mom of two wonderful boys who keep me on my toes.

As a stay at home mom, I became a avid reader who loves and reads most genres. The love of these books spiked my interest to learn more about the book world and the process it took to become an author. Learning as much as I can about the wonderful world of writing, I had to write my story. I’ve had this story building in my head for over a year and I just needed to share it with everyone. Educating myself in this industry has made me work hard to obtain my goals of writing and becoming an author. The learning process has also made me appreciate, what all these authors have accomplished and all the hard work they put in. I can’t wait to share my story with you!!! My novel is a Clean New Adult/Young Adult Romance. Hope you enjoy my unique story about love.

Review: Stay With Me by Sharla Lovelace

Posted on 08/24/2014 by shellbellereads

Stay With Me
By Sharla Lovelace
Synopsis

From national bestselling author Sharla Lovelace, comes another romantic and heartwarming novel set in the heart of Texas.

Ian was the wild boy every girl dreams of, a renegade who thrived on breaking the law and setting Savi’s body on fire. It was all fun and games and hot excitement, no strings attached, until the one day he got serious—and then disappeared without a trace.

Savi has spent the ten years since committing herself to her work, her daughter, and to not thinking about Ian—or love. Just when it’s possible she might have found the one man who can change her mind, Ian pulls into town, bringing with him all of the lust, danger, and excitement Savi remembers.

As Ian stirs up old feelings and draws Savi back into memories and passion she’s too weak to fight, he’s also digging up dirt on the man Savi is falling for, doing everything he can to prove that Duncan is not who he seems to be. And Savi, unsure whether she can trust either man, will be forced to decide between rekindling a love that never really burned out and building a new one that looks ready to catch fire.

Contemporary Romance

Amazon B&N

iBooks | All Romance eBooks

Kobo | Smashwords | Google Play

Goodreads

Tracey’s Review

Growing up, Savanna Barnes was a wild child, living life to the fullest and taking no prisoners, and Ian McMasters was her willing partner in crime. They were everything to each other, best friends, partners, lovers. But Ian betrayed Savi in the worst possible way, leaving her broken and untrusting, determined to live a life that did not include love and commitment. But Savi is not dead, and can still appreciate Duncan Spoon, hot veterinarian, killer chef, and the sexiest guy around. She’s dying to spend some sexy time with him, and it looks like she’s about to get her chance. Then, suddenly, Ian is back in town, and Savi isn’t sure anymore what her heart wants.

I absolutely adored this book. There are equal parts nostalgia, romance, and intrigue, with plenty of hot and sexy times. Duncan, oh, my goodness, Duncan. He is pretty much everything that any hot-blooded woman could hope for. Ian, on the other hand, is trouble with a capital ‘T.’ He’s Savi’s kryptonite, and, even though they are explosive together, they are absolutely not good for each other. Waiting to see who Savi would ultimately choose had me flying through this book.

There is a well-crafted secondary storyline intertwined with the love triangle which completely held my interest. The supporting characters are realistically and lovingly written, and add so much to the story. That Savi is able to navigate her life with humor and sass, and not completely lose her mind makes reading ‘Stay With Me’ a real pleasure. I absolutely recommend this book, and am looking forward to reading a lot more from Sharla Lovelace.

Author Bio:

Sharla Lovelace is the bestselling, award-winning author of sexy small-town love stories. Being a Texas girl through and through, she’s proud to say she lives in Southeast Texas with her retired husband, a tricked-out golf cart, and a mutt puppy with ADHD. She is the author of The Reason Is You, Beforeand Ever Since, Just One Day, Don’t Let Go, and Stay with Me.

For more about Sharla’s books, visit www.sharlalovelace.com, and keep up with all her new book releases easily by subscribing to her newsletter at http://sharlalovelace.com/my-newsletter.

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Tag Archives: Contemporary Romance

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Review: No In Between by Lisa Renee Jones- Inside Out Series-Book 4

One Favorite Moment in the Ten Tiny Breaths Series by K.A. Tucker + Giveaway + In Her Wake Teaser

Release Day Blitz + Review: Assumption by Aurora Rose Reynolds- Underground Kings Series- Book 1

Release Day Blitz: Reasonable Doubt Volume 3 by Whitney G. – Final Book in Reasonable Doubt Series

About Whitney Gracia Williams

ARC Review: Rival by Penelope Douglas- Falling Away Series- Book 3

Cover Reveal: The Life Gift by T.R. Lykins

Review: Stay With Me by Sharla Lovelace

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About Whitney Gracia Williams

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