Release Day Blitz + Giveaway: No In Between by Lisa Renee Jones-Inside Out Series-Book 4

Posted on 08/19/2014 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.

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.

GIVEAWAY

$20 Fandango Gift Card

$15 Starbucks Gift Card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MDk5NjRmMDM5ZDM4YTBjYWM0YzAyYzM0NGI2ODRhOjQyNg==/

Release Blitz: Indiscretion:Volume 2 by Elisabeth Grace- Indiscretion Serial

Posted on 08/18/2014 by shellbellereads

Indiscretion: Volume 2

By Elisabeth Grace

Synopsis

Fraternizing with the competition? Check.

Risking everything I’d worked so hard for? Check.

Mind-shattering orgasms? Double check.

Max Richfield made me forget myself. Forget all the reasons why I’d chosen to be alone for so long. I had goals. I needed stability. He brought chaos. I’d taken years erecting my walls. And with good reason, I would soon discover.

Now my inability to see beyond Max’s charm could cost me everything.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Wow… I am hooked on the Indiscretion Serial by Elisabeth Grace!

Indiscretion Volume 2 picks up where the first volume left off. The cliffhanger crisis is dealt with and Chloe and Max have moved on.

What started as an agreement for a purely sexual relationship is evolving into more. Chloe and Max are finding that they genuinely enjoying each others company outside of the bedroom. They are starting to have feelings for one another. That does not fit into the “summer fling” scenario. It is too bad that their careers are about to conflict with their personal relationship.

Max’s father owns the company that Max works for. His mortal enemy is Chloe’s boss. The two have a vendetta against each other. Max’s father has an agenda and Max wants to keep his relationship with Chloe a secret. Chloe’s boss finds out about the relationship and lays down an ultimatum that Chloe cannot ignore.

The cliffhanger at the end of this will have the readers begging for the next volume. Indiscretion: Volume Three will release September 1, 2014.

This serial is sizzling hot. The erotic encounters, the passionate moments, and sexual tension between Max and Chloe will have readers fanning themselves. Add witty dialogue, strong characters, a tension building plot, and a beautiful budding romance and the readers really have a great serial to read.

Elisabeth Grace has done a wonderful job. I can’t wait for more!

Welcome! I’m Elisabeth Grace, or El if you prefer, and I write New Adult Contemporary Romance.

I’d 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!

Cover Reveal: Unforgiven by Rebecca Shea- Unbreakable Series-Book 3

Posted on 08/18/2014 by shellbellereads

We’re excited to share the cover for author Rebecca Shea’s upcoming release, Unforgiven, which releases on September 22, 2014!

A companion novel to “Unbreakable” & “Undone” and is the final book in the Unbreakable series — This is Lindsay and Matt’s story.

Lindsay Christianson seemingly has it all—the perfect career, the perfect boyfriend, and the best-laid plans for a perfect life—until one phone call changes everything.

With a moments notice, Lindsay must choose between her perfect life and her professional dreams. The choice momentarily seems clear when the opportunity to propel her career abruptly sends her across the country, leaving everything she loves behind in North Carolina.

Navigating a new city with a broken heart and a job where her colleagues will do anything to sabotage her success, the pressure quickly becomes too great. When old habits resurface, Lindsay finds herself chasing demons she thought were long since buried.

With pain and destruction left in her wake, will Lindsay find a way to erase the damage she’s done, or will her sins remain unforgiven?

**This book is a Contemporary Romance and contains mature subject matter. It is not intended for those under 17 years of age.**

Unforgiven by Rebecca Shea from Becca the Bibliophle on Vimeo.

“All right, everyone.” Lindsay stands up and pushes back her chair slightly. She wobbles a bit on her heels and rests her hand on my shoulder to steady herself. “Apparently, tonight is as good as any night to let you all in on a little secret.” She wipes the palms of her hands down the sides of her black dress.

“So, for a little over a year now, Matt and I have been seeing each other.” There are a few chuckles, but mostly everyone sits silently listening to Lindsay. “We’ve kept it quiet for a while simply because it’s what worked for us.” She shrugs. “It started off casual and just turned into more, and we didn’t really make a big deal out of it.” She looks down at me and smiles the most beautiful, genuine smile I’ve ever seen. Her blue eyes sparkle in the lights from the crystal chandelier and her long, blonde hair hangs in waves. She looks almost angelic in the dimly lit room. “So, cat’s out of the bag.” She laughs and raises her glass. I stand up and raise my glass next to hers. “To Matt and me,” she says with a smile on her beautiful face. I lean in and press a long kiss to her lips while everyone hoots and hollers around us.

“I love you, sweet girl,” I say between kisses.

Rebecca Shea is the USA Today Bestselling author of Unbreakable and Undone. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her family and her beagle, Miles. From the time Rebecca could read she has had a passion for books. Rebecca spends her days working full-time and her nights writing, bringing stories to life. Born and raised in Minnesota, Rebecca moved to Arizona in 1999 to escape the bitter winters. When not working or writing, she can be found on the sidelines of her sons football games, or watching her daughter at ballet class. Rebecca is fueled by insane amounts of coffee, margaritas, Laffy Taffy (except the banana ones), and happily ever afters.

Facebook † Twitter † Website

♥SERIES READING ORDER♥

Book 1: Unbreakable

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes

Book 2: Undone

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes

Cover Reveal + Giveaway: Rock Addiction by Nalini Singh

Posted on 08/15/2014 by shellbellereads

Rock Addiction

Release Date: September 15,2014

By Nalini Singh

Synopsis

A bad boy wrapped in a sexy, muscled, grown-up package might be worth a little risk…

Molly Webster has always followed the rules. After an ugly scandal tore apart her childhood and made her the focus of the media’s harsh spotlight, she vowed to live an ordinary life. No fame. No impropriety. No pain. Then she meets Zachary Fox, a tattooed bad boy rocker with a voice like whiskey and sin, and a touch that could become an addiction.

A one-night stand with the hottest rock star on the planet, that’s all it was meant to be…

Fox promises scorching heat and dangerous pleasure, coaxing Molly to extend their one-night stand into a one-month fling. After that, he’ll be gone forever, his life never again intersecting with her own. Sex and sin and sensual indulgence, all with an expiration date. No ties, no regrets. Too late, Molly realizes it isn’t only her body that’s become addicted to Fox, but her heart…

Author Bio:

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

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

STALK HER: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY

$50 GIFT CARD

Reader to receive an Advanced Read Copy (ebook, 2 winners) http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MDk5NjRmMDM5ZDM4YTBjYWM0YzAyYzM0NGI2ODRhOjQyMw==/

ARC Review: The Troublemaker Next Door and How To Handle a Heartbreaker by Marie Harte-The McCauley Brothers Series- Books 1 and 2

Posted on 08/14/2014 by shellbellereads

The Troublemaker Next Door

The McCauley Brothers Series- Book 1

By Marie Harte

Synopsis

He can fix her sink, but can he wrench his way into her heart?

Flynn McCauley never thought he’d be so cliché as to fall for the girl next door. But when Maddie calls him over to help fix her faulty sink, he’s a goner. Too bad the fiercely independent interior designer wants nothing to do with him. Even worse, he’s forced to rely on the advice of his nosy brothers—and his five-year-old nephew!—to figure out how to make her give him a shot.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

I have been reading books by Marie Harte for quite a few years . Marie has written several erotic contemporary romances, erotic paranormal romances, erotica, and erotic science fi romance. She has written for many different smaller publishers with an astounding success. She is one of the pioneers in the digital book industry. I remember back before ereaders were available, purchasing her books and reading on my computer. I was thrilled when the contemporary romance series , The McCauley Brothers was released by Sourcebooks (a large publisher). Hopefully more readers will read the fantastic books by Marie Harte.

I absolutely loved The Troublemaker Next Door. It was fun, snarky, steamy, and delivered a heartwarming romance.

Meet Flynn McCauley, the deliciously hot plumber. Flynn is your ordinary guy that likes to hang with his brothers, enjoy a few beers with the guys, and co- owns his own business with his best friend Brody . He is dedicated to his family. He loves being single and appreciates a sexy woman but has no intentions of settling down anytime soon.

While playing cards and drinking with the guys at his brother Mike’s house, he meets the new neighbors that rented the house next door owned by Flynn’s folks. The new neighbors knock on the door because they are having some plumbing issues. Seeing that these new neighbors are extremely beautiful and sexy, Flynn quickly volunteers to be the man to fix their problems. Three beautiful women and a plumbing issue, no problem!

While Flynn is finishing up, he hears ranting and shouting. Immediately he has to find out what is wrong. There he meets Maddie, one pissed off woman. It seems Maddie just had a run in with her boss because he tried to get her to have sex with him. It’s unfortunate that Flynn is a man at that moment. Maddie lights into him, berates him and his gender, and takes her anger out on him.

The next day Maddie is feeling a bit of guilt for chewing her new neighbor out and sets out to apologize. Things quickly take a turning point from there. To her great surprise the house is loaded with hot men. But the one man she is there to see is quite a sight. He has just woken up from a drunken stupor, in his underwear, and looking downright delicious.

Flynn and Maddie hit it off and are soon burning up the sheets. Neither wants a relationship or commitment. They make an arrangement to be “bumping” buddies. But the heart doesn’t always listen to the brain. No matter how many issues and insecurities it has. The heart always knows what is best.

Maddie will have to get over her commitment issues, her mistrust, and believe in herself. Flynn will have to show her how to do it.

The Troublemaker Next Door is sizzling hot. Flynn and Maddie will take you on a fun adventure. The McCauley brothers, friends, and roommates lend a fun hand in this romp and I am sure we will be seeing more of them in the upcoming books in The McCauley Brother series.

The ending, the hustling prank, and the carrots being dangled has me anticipating the next book.

I highly recommend The Troublemaker Next Door.

How To Handle a Heartbreaker

The McCauley Brothers Series- Book 2

By Marie Harte

Synopsis

HE CAN’T GET HER OUT OF HIS HEAD It’s lust at first sight when Brody Singer first lays eyes on Abby Dunn. The dark-haired beauty looks a lot like a woman he once knew, who died years ago. At first Brody fears his attraction is a holdover from that secret crush, but Abby’s definitely different. She’s a lot shyer, a lot sexier and, despite her attempts to dissuade his interest, absolutely mesmerizing.

SHE CAN’T GET HIM OUT OF HER BOOKS Abby isn’t having it. She’s still trying to put her last disastrous relationship behind her and overcome the flaws her ex wouldn’t let her forget. But somehow Brody isn’t getting the hint. It doesn’t help that when writing her steamy novels, she keeps casting Brody as the hero.

Brody is more than happy to serve as her muse and eager to help make sure her “research” is authentic. But when their research turns into something real…will she choose her own happily ever after?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

How To Handle A Heartbreaker by Marie Harte is the second book in the McCauley Brothers series. It was fantastic.

Warning readers, break out your fans, sit on a bucket of ice, and be ready for a very hot, steamy book.

Brody Singer is the blonde McCauley, the brother adopted by the McCauley family. He is Flynn’s best friend and dubbed the blonde twin. He is a jokester of the group and always has something up his sleeve. Whether it is cheating at cards or teaching Mike’s young son to be like him, he is always ready for a good laugh. But underneath all of his silliness is a wounded man with scars that run deep. His family life, before the McCauley’s came into his life, was horrific and abusive. He uses his humor to hide these emotional scars.

Abby Dunn is shy, introverted, and quiet kind of girl. She is an erotic romance writer. After a really bad relationship with an ex that made her feel depraved and dirty, she quickly learned to put her deepest desires on the page instead of experiencing them herself.

Abby and Brody are thrown together repeatedly. Their attraction for one another escalates. When Abby dons her Goddess of Love costume at a Halloween Party and partakes in some liquid courage, she finally opens the gate to all her pent up desires. Brody is there to help her unleash all that pent up passion. After all , he is a great guy to help her with research for her work.

These two quickly become involved in a purely analytical relationship. Abby needs to research the facts for her erotic romances and apply them to her characters. But as their research progresses they soon have new results to further investigate.

Abby and Brody are finding a deeper meaning to their research encounters. Abby is finding confidence and is owning her sexuality. She doesn’t need to hide behind a pen name. Brody is learning to share his issues with someone without hiding behind his humor.

Just when things are going great and both are learning to open up, accept themselves, and share their hearts, Brody’s past will come banging at the door with a vengeance.

Brody will have to meet his past head on. Abby will have to be secure enough to wait for Brody to battle his demons. Their research was not done in vain, it made them both stronger people with a bright and shiny future.

I loved Brody and Abby. Their relationship was fun, inspirational, and passionate. They played well together and had some great laughs. Their mutual trusts in one another led to some beautiful moments.

I can’t wait for the next McCauley Brothers book to release on October 7, 2014. I wonder what Marie Harte is going to stir up with Cameron McCauley and the sexy girl next door, Vanessa Campbell. I’m sure it is going to be a sizzling book.

Coming October 7, 2014

Ruining Mr. Perfect

McCauley Brothers Series- Book 3

by Marie Harte

Preorder: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Author Bio:

Caffeine addict, boy referee, and romance aficionado, NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Marie Harte has over 100 books published with more constantly on the way. She’s a confessed bibliophile and devotee of action movies. Whether hiking in Central Oregon, biking around town, or hanging at the local tea shop, she’s constantly plotting to give everyone a happily ever after.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Cover Reveal: Nights With Him by Lauren Blakely

Posted on 08/13/2014 by shellbellereads

Cover design by Sarah Hansen at Okay Creations

Releases November 11th!

Add NIGHTS WITH HIM on Goodreads

Pre-Order on iTunes Today

Releases October 21st!

Message from Lauren:

The Seductive Nights erotic romance series continues with a new installment starring a new couple later this fall! While the first four books in the series followed Julia and Clay, the next two will be about Michelle and Jack, and can be read without having read the earlier books. (Though, why wouldn’t you want to read about Clay and Julia?!)

I can’t wait to introduce readers to Jack Sullivan. He’s sexy, broody,witty, smart, and a little bit damaged and he’s also my favorite kind of hero – the kind who wears a suit! Jack Sullivan is a sex toy mogul and is the CEO of a high-end line of pleasure products – he’ll bring all that experience to the bedroom as he sweeps Michelle Milo off her feet – expect many steamy encounters between these two! Michelle needs some good loving after all – readers know her already as Clay’s friend from Night After Night who loved him unrequitedly from afar. Now it’s
finally her turn in the romance arena, and Jack will make sure she gets it good!!

To give readers a chance to get to know this newest dirty-talking alpha hero of mine, I will be releasing a free prequel novella called ONE NIGHT WITH HER on October 21 about the night they meet and the mind-blowing encounter they have in a New York City hotel. The novel itself will release on Nov. 11. NIGHTS WITH HIM is available to preorder on iBooks, with an Amazon preorder to go up about three weeks before the novel’s release.

About NIGHTS WITH HIM:

A sensual, sexy, standalone romance novel in the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Seductive Nights Series by Lauren Blakely…

Jack Sullivan is a Sex Toy Mogul.

An extremely eligible bachelor in New York, he’s the full package,right down to his full package. Hell, this man could be the model forone of the toys his company, Joy Delivered, peddles. Instead, he’s thepowerful and successful CEO and he’s got commitment issues a mile-longafter the tragic way his relationship with his fiancée ended.

He’s looking for a way to erase the pain and that arrives in the formof Michelle Milo. From her pencil skirts to her high heels, she’s hisperfect fantasy, especially since she has no idea who he is the nightthey meet at a hotel bar. He doesn’t have a clue either that she’s thebrilliant psychologist his sister has arranged for him to see to helphim get over his past. She’s simply the stunning woman he takes to bedthat night and delivers many Os of joy too.

His touch helps her forget that other man.

When he shows up at her office door the next day, there’s no way inhell she’s going to treat him after they’ve slept together. Jack isn’twilling to let go of the first woman he’s felt anything for in yearsso he proposes a deal – share her nights with him for thirty days. Atthe end of one month of exquisite pleasure, they walk away, havinghelped each other move on from their haunted pasts.

But soon, all those nights threaten to turn into days as the linesbetween lust and matters of the heart start to blur. Can two people soterribly afraid of love truly fall head over heels?

**NIGHTS WITH HIM is a standalone full-length novel in the bestselling SEDUCTIVE NIGHTS series following the love affair of a new couple.**

About Lauren Blakely:

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 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. Her novels include Caught Up In Us, Pretending He’s Mine, Playing With Her Heart, and Trophy Husband. She also writes for young adults under the name Daisy Whitney.

Waiting on Wednesday Sneak Peak: Boarded By Love by Toni Aleo

Posted on 08/13/2014 by shellbellereads

Boarded by Love by Toni Aleo

Coming September 8th, 2014!

Add to Goodreads!

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.

About the Author

Toni Aleo is the author of the Nasvhille Assassins Series: Taking Shots, Trying to Score, Empty Net, Falling for the Backup, and Blue Lines.

When not rooting for her beloved Nashville Predators, she’s probably going to her husband’s and son’s hockey games and her daughter’s dance competitions, taking pictures, scrapbooking, or reading the latest romance novel.

She lives in the Nashville area with her husband, two children, and a bulldog. Read more about Toni here.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Release Day Blitz + 6- Star Review + Giveaway: Captured by Jasinda and Jack Wilder

Posted on 08/12/2014 by shellbellereads

Captured

World of Wounded Novels

By Jasinda and Jack Wilder

Synopsis:

You go into combat, you fear death. It’s what keeps you careful, keeps you alive. I’ve faced death more times than I can count. I’ve taken bullets. I’ve taken lives.

But nothing can prepare me for the soul-crushing terror of being captured.

***

I married a Marine. I knew the risks. Every time my husband shipped out, I knew there was a chance he wouldn’t come back. But Thomas always did. Always. Then one day two officers in full dress uniform knocked on my door and shattered my world.

How do you keep going when you lose what made life worth living?

***This is a full length, stand-alone contemporary romance, set in the world of WOUNDED**

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

***6 STAR SALUTE ***

*** 2014 FAVORITE READ ***

*** Captured is a POWERFUL Book ***

Jack and Jasinda Wilder deserve a standing ovation for Captured ! It is a phenomenal reading experience!

Captured is one of those books that will engage all of your sensory factors, emotionally and physically. This book renders every emotion with a poignant, brutally honest insight into the human psyche. The explicit descriptions throughout the book will have the readers feeling the physical pain, the adrenaline highs and lows, the surreal feel of the environmental surroundings from the temperature to the geographical elements, the smells and tastes from those surroundings, and the pure physical joy of the ‘feel good’ moments.

Captured is written from duo POV’s throughout a three-year period. The reader experiences Derek West’s traumatic experience in the war arena and his re- introduction back into society. His journey will touch your soul.

From Reagan Barrett’s POV the readers will experience the emotional chaos that comes from loving a career Marine. They will see the strengths, weaknesses, and heartrending trials loved ones go through on the home front.

Derek and Reagan have traveled an emotionally tortuous road. Their journey is heartbreaking with a multitude of trials and tribulations. Along the journey they will discover the true meaning of love. Their final destination is one of peace and pure happiness.

Captured not only highlights the horrors of the war front, it also spotlights the pure joy of finding love. The sexual chemistry and romance between Derek and Reagan is smoldering.

From the war arena to the home front….one letter will touch the soul.

This one letter will

Give Hope
Give Peace In Death
Motivate one to Live
Bring the dawning of new life
Evoke guilt
Demonstrate the power of forgiveness
Bring people together to form a new family unit
Give second chances
Reconnect old friendships
Reaffirm Life

One letter will touch many lives.

The written word is powerful!

Captured showcases just how powerful the written word is!

Jack and Jasinda Wilder have Captured that power!

Kelley’s Review

Your heart, mind, body, and soul will be Captured…

Wow! What an amazing read. I could not put it down. Jasinda and Jack truely captured what life is like after love, loss, heartache, and pain. The lives that Marine Corps families live are not easy. Marines are deployed everyday and their wives do everything they can to show them the love and support they need, while keeping themselves so busy that they don’t have to think about the dangers their husbands are facing. I know what this feels like because I was the wife of a Marine and it is the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my entire life. He was deployed for 6-months while I went to school and worked three jobs to keep my mind off of what he was facing. The letters are the one thing that kept me going. I wrote to him every other day and when I would get a letter back it would be like time stood still and I would read those letters over and over again until the ink began to fade. Every night before I went to bed I read the letters and every morning when I woke up. I needed him with me and that is how I made it work. The letters in this story are heart-wrenching and full of love and devotion. Jasinda and Jack did their research and gave us something so beautiful, and so real that is brought tears to my eyes. It took me back 20 years ago when I was writing those letters. But, enough about me.

Reagan and Derek are two lonely souls that have been ravaged by war and loss. Both are dealing with shell shock. Reagan just can’t do it again. She can’t take the risk that her heart with be irrevocably broken and Derek is seriously wounded mentally after being a prisoner of war. He is skittish and easily startled. The journey to recovery for Derek is painful, emotionally and physically. His return to civilian life is toilsome as he has to conquer his demons everyday.

Reagan Barrett is tough. She is a widow and has been running her husband’s family farm on her own for the past ten years, all while being a single mom. She has the amazing support of her neighbors Hank and Ida who have become her extended family. Reagan has buried the idea that she will ever fall in love again.

When Derek West shows up on her doorstep all of the feelings she has buried start to come to life and Derek ignites a passion in her that she never knew existed. The chemistry between Derek and Reagan is off the charts, HOT.

Will these two broken souls be able to recover from all the wounds that war has inflicted upon them and find their happlily ever after? You will have to read Captured to find out.

Thank you Jasinda and Jack for a truly amazing story full of love, and loss and giving others a glimpse into the life of a Marine Corps family. Marines go in first and are the last to leave. They are tough and strong and their wives are amazing women who are selfless and give love easily to their husbands and others around them. Captured is a must read for anyone that wants to know what it is like to be a Marine Corps wife.

CAPTURED will show you:

Courage
Amazing Grace
Perseverance
Turmoil
Unity
Return
Everlasting Love
Determination

*** On a personal note, We want to thank the men and women of the Armed Forces for serving and protecting our nation. We would also like to thank their families and loved ones for enduring life on the home front while their loved ones selflessly serve and protect our country. You are all true heroes in every way.

Author Bio:

NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, WALL STREET JOURNAL and international bestselling author Jasinda Wilder is a Michigan native with a penchant for titillating tales about sexy men and strong women. Her bestselling titles include ALPHA, STRIPPED, WOUNDED, and the #1 Amazon and international bestseller FALLING INTO YOU. You can find her on her farm in Northern Michigan with her husband, author Jack Wilder, her five children and menagerie of animals.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

Jasinda and Jack have generously gifted our blog a signed copy of Captured to give away.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ARC Review: Truly: The New York Series by Ruthie Knox- Book 1

Posted on 08/12/2014 by shellbellereads

Truly

The New York Series – Book 1

By Ruthie Knox

Synopsis

RITA finalist and New York Times bestselling author Ruthie Knox kicks off a steamy new series set in the city that never sleeps—alone, at least.

May Fredericks hates New York. Which is fair enough, since New York seems to hate her back. After relocating to Manhattan from the Midwest to be with her long-distance boyfriend, NFL quarterback Thor Einarsson, May receives the world’s worst marriage proposal, stabs the jerk with a shrimp fork, and storms off alone—only to get mugged. Now she’s got no phone, no cash, and no friends. How’s a nice girl supposed to get back to safe, sensible Wisconsin?

Frankly, Ben Hausman couldn’t care less. Sure, it’s not every day he meets a genuine, down-to-earth woman like May—especially in a dive in the Village—but he’s recovering from an ugly divorce that cost him his restaurant. He wants to be left alone to start over and become a better man. Then again, playing the white knight to May’s sexy damsel in distress would be an excellent place to start—if only he can give her one very good reason to love New York.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Ruthie Knox is an incredible writer. She has the gift of making ordinary people larger than life. She adds a special blend of humor, creative dialogue, unique characters, and an interesting plot with it’s own magical flare. It is a pure joy to read her books.

I have been looking forward to the release of Truly after following Ruthie’s fascination with the naked beekeeper in New York City. Only Ruthie could find an unusual subject to mold her leading male character after.

Meet Ben Hausman, a cranky former chef. He’s a major egotistical chef that has a stick up his butt in the kitchen. Add a very bitter divorce that forces him to sell his restaurant and ties his hands to opening a new restaurant for a year; he’s beyond angry. He has tried cooking shows and reality t.v., but it is just not him. His life is a mess. He deliberately pushes people away. He has anger issues and is struggling to keep them in check.

After a friend calls him on his behavior he decides to conduct an experiment. The experiment is to be nice to a stranger.

May Fredericks has been having a very bad day. She is a small town girl from Wisconsin that finds herself stranded in New York City after she dumps her NFL boyfriend on live TV. After the live breakup, she is mugged. Finding herself with only her metro card and $5.00 in her pocket, she does what every smart girl would do. She decides to go to the bar, get a drink, and plan her return to Wisconsin. There she meets the cranky chef, Ben Hausman.

When Ben offers to help her out, show her the city, and offers her a place to stay.

There the magic begins. These two vastly different people will discover the magic of life, love, and happiness in a new way. They will make discoveries about themselves that will enlighten them both. They will console each other about their past failures, cheer each other on, and find their chemistry is much more than sexual.

I absolutely loved this book. The chemistry between this couple was hot! The wooing through culinary skills to beekeeping will dazzle the reader.

I highly recommend this book.

Author Bio:

New York Times bestselling author Ruthie Knox writes contemporary romance that’s sexy, witty, and angsty–sometimes all three at once. After training to be a British historian, she became an academic editor instead. Then she got really deeply into knitting, as one does, followed by motherhood and romance novel writing.

Her debut novel, Ride with Me, is probably the only existing cross-country bicycling love story. She followed it up with About Last Night, a London-set romance whose hero has the unlikely name of Neville, and then Room at the Inn, a Christmas novella–both of which were finalists for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Award. Her four-book series about the Clark family of Camelot, Ohio, has won accolades for its fresh, funny portrayal of small-town Midwestern life. She also writes New Adult romance as Robin York.

Ruthie moonlights as a mother, Tweets incessantly, and bakes a mean focaccia.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Review: Sister Golden Hair by Juli Page Morgan -Illicit Series- Book 1

Posted on 08/12/2014 by shellbellereads

Sister Golden Hair

Illicit Series – Book 1

By Juli Page Morgan

Synopsis

Recently widowed and newly jobless, 42-year-old Rhett (yeah, she knows that’s a man’s name) Davis has a major life decision to make. She can either stay in the little Texas town where she was never really accepted, driving the same old beat-up Dodge and sliding toward genteel decrepitude, or she can buy a Jag, get some highlights, ditch the frumpy clothes, and strike out for the big smoke of Dallas. Hey, she never liked that Dodge, anyway.

The one thing she’s not looking for in the Big D is romance, but when her upstairs neighbor turns out to be the delectable and very single Rhys James, frontman for the band Illicit, Rhett decides that she just might give this love thing a shot…assuming she remembers how to go about it, that is. It doesn’t take her long to figure out that Rhys is anything but a predictable, paint-by-numbers sorta guy. Music is his mistress, and she’s not good at sharing. Throw in a scheming ex-wife and a demanding daughter, and Rhett’s quest for her old crush’s heart just got a hell of a lot harder.

But Texas women don’t scare easy. And Rhett will be damned if she lets this English Rock star go without a fight.

Buy: Amazon

Lis’ Review

Sister Golden Hair by Juli Page Morgan

“Well I keep on thinkin’ ‘bout you, Sister Golden Hair surprise,

And I just can’t live without you, can’t you see it in my eyes?”

BLURB: Recently widowed and newly jobless 42-year old Rhett (yeah she knows that’s a man’s name) Davis has a major life decision to make. She can either stay in the little Texas town where she was never really accepted, driving the same old beat-up Dodge and sliding toward genteel decrepitude, or she can buy a Jag, get some highlights, ditch the frumpy clothes and strike out for the big smoke of Dallas. Hey, she never liked that Dodge anyway.

The one thing she’s not looking for in the Big D is romance, but when her upstairs neighbor turns out to be the delectable and very single Rhys James, frontman for the band Illicit, Rhett decides that she just might give this love thing a shot..assuming she remembers how to go about it, that is. It doesn’t atke her long to figure out that Rhys is anything but a predictable, paint-by-the-numbers guy. Music is his mistress and she’s not good at sharing. Throw in a scheming ex-wife and a demanding daughter, and Rhett’s quest for her old crush’s heart just got a hell of a lot harder.

But Texas women don’t scare easy. And Rhett will be damned if she lets this English Rock star go without a fight.

_______________

by Lis Kellam

Okay, I admit it. I bought and read this book for two selfish reasons. One, it was written in third person so I knew I would get both sides of the story in one book. And two, the heroine is 42 years old. And what a refreshing read that was! Maybe because I can identify with Rhett and Rhys just a little bit better but I was ready for a story that dealt with themes a little closer to home.

Juli Page Morgan didn’t disappoint at all. This book was well-written, telling a great story in a way that brought out the emotions of it all. From Rhett’s hesitant steps back into living after being widowed, to Rhys’s heartbreak at discovering the betrayal that takes him away from the woman he’s come to love, every emotion is brought to light in a great story that made me feel like I was right there with them, experiencing every triumph and heartbreak along the way.

Rhett is a three-dimensional woman, with fears, dreams, and toughness, all of which we discover right along with her. Rhys is smokin’ sexy hot, and for the first time in a long time he gave me that thrill of excitement as he seduced Rhett with his confident, sensual ways. There’s humor in Ms. Morgan’s descriptions, there’s glamour in her depictions of the rock stars she writes, but there’s also real situations, real family dynamics and realistic depiction of the life of a hugely successful rock band. The secondary characters had distinct personalities of their own, and I hope we get to see more of them in the next book.

This is a must-read and I cannot wait for book two in the Illicit Rockers series.

Author Bio:

Bestselling author Juli Page Morgan’s former life as a Rock radio deejay gave her an All Access pass to the real world of Rock stars. She’s been on their tour buses, in their hotel rooms, and backstage in their dressing rooms and at the aftershow parties. She stood side-stage as they played, and was even on the stage a time or two to announce bands. Now she hands that All Access pass to you through her Romances that Rock, books that prove the reality is hotter than the fantasy! Juli’s an unapologetic lover of Rock ‘n Roll, Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, and French onion dip, not necessarily in that order. Talk to her on Twitter (twitter.com/JuliPageMorgan), Facebook (facebook.com/JuliPageMorganAuthor) or at her website (julipagemorgan.com). ”There are few books out there that hit what rock and roll, and the people behind it, is all about. Given Juli’s history, you’ll immediately understand why her books rock on so many levels.” — Terri Herman-Ponce, author of the Past Life series.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Tag Archives: Contemporary Romance

Release Day Blitz + Giveaway: No In Between by Lisa Renee Jones-Inside Out Series-Book 4

Release Blitz: Indiscretion:Volume 2 by Elisabeth Grace- Indiscretion Serial

Cover Reveal: Unforgiven by Rebecca Shea- Unbreakable Series-Book 3

Cover Reveal + Giveaway: Rock Addiction by Nalini Singh

ARC Review: The Troublemaker Next Door and How To Handle a Heartbreaker by Marie Harte-The McCauley Brothers Series- Books 1 and 2

Cover Reveal: Nights With Him by Lauren Blakely

Releases November 11th!

Add NIGHTS WITH HIM on Goodreads

Pre-Order on iTunes Today

Waiting on Wednesday Sneak Peak: Boarded By Love by Toni Aleo

Release Day Blitz + 6- Star Review + Giveaway: Captured by Jasinda and Jack Wilder

ARC Review: Truly: The New York Series by Ruthie Knox- Book 1

Review: Sister Golden Hair by Juli Page Morgan -Illicit Series- Book 1

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Releases November 11th!

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