Cover Reveal + Giveaway: Indiscretion: Vol. 1

Posted on 07/14/2014 by shellbellereads

Synopsis

F*ck and chuck. Pump and dump. Hit it and quit it. One night stand. Didn’t matter how I branded it—that’s all she had wanted it to be. That much was clear when she left me with my pants down and my dick still out.

What she hadn’t counted on was fate intervening and our worlds colliding—again.

The day I showed back up in the life of Chloe Griffins, I knew I had to have her again. My body was hungry for another taste. Like an addict, I’d been craving another hit for months, and there she was—flesh and bone, tits and ass.

The fact that she worked for the competition should’ve been reason enough for me to leave her alone. I had a job to do that summer and f*cking Chloe wasn’t part of it. But I was like a man possessed.

I’d do whatever it took to have her again.

INDISCRETION: VOLUME ONE releases August 4th – add it to your Goodreads list here!

Connect with Elisabeth Grace

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!
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Google+ | Instagram

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Assumption by Aurora Rose Reynolds~Underground Kings # 1~ Cover Reveal

Posted on 07/13/2014 by shellbellereads

Release Date: September 5th, 2014

Blurb:

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.

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

Additional Books by Aurora Rose Reynolds

Until Series

November is looking forward to getting to know her father and the safety of a small town. After leaving the big apple and her bad memories for Tennessee, November starts working for her dad at his strip club doing the books. The one time she’s allowed there during club hours she runs into Asher Mayson. He’s perfect until he opens his mouth and makes assumptions. November wants nothing to do with Asher but too bad for November fate has other plans. Asher Mayson has never had a problem getting a woman that is until November. Now all he can think about is making November his and keeping her safe.

THIS IS NOT A CLIFF HANGER.
Newly Edited and Updated Version
*Recommended for mature audiences 17+ due to strong language and sexual content.*

Amazon / Barnes & Noble

From The USA TODAY BEST SELLING AUTHOR OF Until November.

THIS IS NOT A CLIFFHANGER

Trevor Mayson had his life planned out – make the family business successful and play the field for a few more years before eventually settling down. Then he sees her. Liz Hayes was beautiful, shy and everything that he could ever want…but she didn’t fit into his plans. After Trevor painfully rejects her, Liz finally starts to move on, but Trevor is finding it difficult to truly let her go. It seems the more he tries to stay away, the more intense his feelings for her become. Like a stretched rubber band, he can only take so much before snapping.

Liz Hayes is done waiting for Trevor and isn’t interested in getting her heart broken by him again, but Trevor is making it difficult for her to forget him when he shoves his way back into her life.

Can Trevor prove to her that he is worth falling in love with again, and is he ready to change his life plan to let her into his heart?

17 + due to sexual content

Amazon / Barnes & Noble

From the Bestselling author of Until November and Until Trevor.

When Cash Mayson was forced to choose between the love of his life and his unborn child, he knew exactly what he had to do. No matter how broken it left him.

When Lilly Donovan was forced to accept that the guy she loved wasn’t who she thought he was and became a single mother, she knew exactly what she had to do. Proving just how strong she was.
What happens when years later you find out that everything you thought you knew was a lie?
Can two people who once loved each other overcome the obstacles that are thrown at them and fall in love all over again?
Cash Mayson had forgotten how it felt to be loved Until Lilly came back into his life. And now that he remembers, he will do everything within his power to keep not only the woman that he loves, but also his children.
The power of love is a beautiful thing.
Recommended for 17+ due to sexual content and language.

Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Sophie Grates has never had it easy, but she’s finding her way through life one step and one day at a time. That is, Until Nico comes in and flips her world upside-down. He forces her to see you cannot live life from the outside looking in, and sometimes you have to step out onto the ledge so you can really enjoy the view.

Nico Mayson knew the moment he saw Sophie Grates that she was the one. His whole life, he has been judged by what’s on the outside, so finding a beautiful woman who sees the real him only makes his feelings that much stronger.

Nico knows the kind of man he is, and the things he is capable of, and he will do everything in his power to help Sophie fight her demons so they can have their happily ever after. Everything in life worth having is worth fighting for.

18 and older due to explicit content

Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Serial Review: The Love Trials Vol. 1 – Vol. 3

Posted on 07/13/2014 by shellbellereads

Synopsis for Part One

New hot, sexy and suspenseful serial from the New York Times Bestselling Author of The Ex Games and The Private Club. The Love Trials is a three part contemporary romance serial.

She thought she knew what was between the sheets, but she really had no idea.

I thought I knew what I was getting into when I received the invitation from the lovers academy. I thought I was going for love. I had no idea that the lovers academy cared more about what happened between the sheets than it did a meeting of the minds and souls.

This isn’t your regular love story. My Prince Charming didn’t ride up on a white horse and come and save me. In fact, he warned me to stay away from him. Of course, I didn’t listen. Why would I? There’s something so exciting about going after someone you shouldn’t have.

However, I never thought it would be like this. I’ve never felt so conflicted in my life. No one told me that being bad could feel so good. No one told me that when the big bad wolf tells you to run away and hide, you should listen.

If I’d only known just how far from charming my prince was, I would have ignored the invitation.

Readers of this serial should be prepared for a wild sexy ride. They should also be above 18 years of age due to sexy situations.

* 4 Stars for the complete Love Trials Serial*

Michel’s Review

The Love Trials serial by J. S. Cooper is an addition to the ongoing story introduced in the The Ex Games serial and The Private Club serial. The dynamic characters, their stories of deceit, lust, and wrong doing will have the readers intrigued. The Love Trials is the story of Nancy and Jaxon. We met Nancy in The Private Club and her place in the series surprised us all. Now we get to see what Nancy does now that she has found her place in the intriguing world J. S. Cooper has created.

*4 Stars * for The Love Trial Serial

Individual Ratings for each volume below:

The Love Trials Vol. 1

4.5 Stars…..

Another great serial romance by J. S. Cooper

Were you addicted to The Ex Games serial and The Private Club serial by J. S. Cooper? I know I was. I just couldn’t get enough. As both series ended there were characters that I wanted to know more about. I wanted them to have their own story. I was curious on how their lives would turn out. One of those characters was Nancy.

Nancy turned out to be a complete surprise in The Private Club series. Her connections with the owners of the Private Club were much deeper than the readers anticipated. She became a major player in this ongoing saga. The Love Trials is her story.

Nancy has been in love with an older man for years. He was her teacher and mentor. She truly thought they were to be destined soulmates. Once she became an adult and a legal age, she decided she was going to go after her dream. After a lengthy research, she finds her former teacher is now teaching at the Lovers’ Academy. It is not your ordinary school. It is a school that teaches women the art of seduction and the power of sex.

Nancy enrolled and was accepted into the Lovers’ Academy. She sees this as her opportunity to reunite with her beloved Hunter. She knows that once she gets there, they will be able to pursue a relationship without the boundaries of society, family, and friends. They can be together now that she is legal. They can have the forever love they were destined to have.

Things didn’t turn out exactly as Nancy planned once she arrived at the Lovers’ Academy. Hunter didn’t regconize or acknowledge her. She was assigned a different teacher. The actual curriculum of the Lovers’ Academy is quite different from her expectations. It is not lectures, demonstrations, and book reading. It is hands on. She will learn the art of love making with her new instructor in a very personal manner. Is she up to it? If it will land her Hunter, she will go the mile.

Her instructor has her heart racing, her desire escalating, and her complete attention. He is strong, sexy, knowledgeable, and mysterious. He has the right kind of curriculum to have Nancy striving to be a star student.

As the lessons begin, Nancy will discover secrets about herself she never thought she had. She will start falling into her instructor, Jaxon’s web, and will find that Hunter may not be what she thought he was. In fact, it appears Hunter has an agenda of his own that might not be good for Nancy. We won’t know until The Love Trials Vol. 2.

What is Hunter’s agenda?

Why has Jaxon chosen Nancy as his student?

Are there secrets lying beneath the surface at the Lovers’ Academy?

What is Nancy’s next assignment?

J. S. Cooper has delivered another sensual, intriguing, suspenseful new serial. It is the spin off of The Ex Games and The Private Club. It is starting out just as thrilling. I can’t wait to read more.

I would give this story a five star rating for the plot, characters, story flow, and pacing. Five stars for entertainment value, I could not put it down. The only thing that kept The Love Trials Vol. 1 from being a five star rating is that there were several editing errors in the 48 pages. As a reader and reviewer I expect better editing.

Buy Links: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

*****************************************************************************

The Love Trials Vol. 2

5 Stars!

The Love Trials 2 by J. S. Cooper picks up right were the Love Trials 1 left off. Nancy confronts Jaxon about the disturbing conversation she has overheard. His explanations leave her reeling with all kinds of confusion. Despite her inner instincts to cut her losses and run far away from the Love Academy she choses to stick it out. After all there is a mystery to solve, facts to be found, feelings to be explored, choices over which man to chose, and a profound need for self preservation.

The longer she remains at the Lovers Academy, more questions begin to build a fragile reason to hang on to her original motivations for attending the Lovers Academy in the first place. She has learned that Jaxon and his father have a vendetta against her newly found father, Brandon. The more she learns, the more she questions her newfound relationship with her father and her place in the family unit. She also begins to question her feelings about Hunter. The more she learns, the more twisted it becomes. Hunter is not all she thought he was. He also has an agenda.

Jaxon, on the other hand is not playing his hand completely. On one hand he seems to care about her as a person and as a student. On the hand, he also has a vendetta that could very well destroy her and her family. The only thing that makes him different from Hunter and his father is his honesty about his involvement. She knows he is involved but not the whole story. She has to make a choice on whether to trust him or cut her losses.

Just as things start surfacing, new questions lead the story down another path. It ends with a startling cliffhanger that has your jaw on the floor! I cannot wait for The Love Trials 3.

J. S. Cooper has mastered the art of writing a serial romance. She creates intrigue, mystery, and hair raising scenes. She adds red hot sexual tension loaded with passion. She creates a line up of dynamic characters and brings characters from the former Ex Games & Private Club into play. It is like reading an ongoing saga that features different characters in each serial but blends the former serial with a perfect balance in their world.

I must say the editing and flow of the story was perfection.

Buy Links: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

***********************************************************************

The Love Trials Vol. 3

* 3 Stars *

The Love Trials has reached it’s conclusion. Secrets have been revealed, the final hand has been played, a murder has been solved, players have switched sides, and road to vengeance has been traveled.

Everything that happened in the final episode of this serial surprised me. At times I felt like the story was rushed and some scenes didn’t have enough “meat” to make them work in the story. At other times I found scenes that had too much “meat” , that made it feel like the words were just fillers. The ending was good and the characters found their HEA, however again it was too rushed.

The overall series was good but I do think the final episode was the weakest contribution. I felt the story was rushed, a times the character motivations did not seem realistic, and I found quite a few editing errors. The Love Trials serial is a good contribution to the overall story that has played out in The Ex Games serial and Private Club serial. I would recommend all three serial’s because J. S. Cooper has created some fascinating characters in a world that is beyond our imagination.

Buy Link: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

**********************************************************

Author Bio:

J. S. Cooper is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She is a true romantic that is in love with love. The J. S. stands for Jaimie Suzi. She just thought J. S. sounded cooler! J. S. was born in London, England and moved to the States at age 17. She studied history in college and then went to law school and then decided to follow her writing dreams. J. S. writes ‘New Adult’ contemporary romance books because that is what she also loves to read.

Available Books: The Last Boyfriend, The Last Husband, Before Lucky, The Other Side of Love, Zane & Lucky’s First Christmas, Crazy Beautiful Love, Scarred, and Healed.

Upcoming books: Finding My Prince Charming, If Only Once (The Martelli Brothers), Everlasting Sin, The Rebel Next Door and Hot Prof.

Please join J. S. Cooper on her facebook page if you enjoy her books here: https://www.facebook.com/J.S.Cooperauthor. If you wish to get in contact, please email her at Jscooperauthor@gmail.com.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads

Review: Little Black Book by Tabatha Vargo & Melissa Andrea

Posted on 07/12/2014 by shellbellereads

Synopsis

My name’s Sebastian Black, and I want to buy you. I could have any woman I want, but I choose you.

NO RELATIONSHIP, JUST SEX.

Here’s my offer…

I’ll put your name in my LITTLE BLACK BOOK, and when I want you, I’ll call you. When I call, you’re going to come, in more ways than one. It will be mutually pleasurable for both of us.

There are only two rules:

DON’T EVER DENY ME.

DON’T FALL IN LOVE.

If you do either, I’ll remove you from my book and payment stops.

Do we have an understanding?

“This book was amazing, super sexy, heart breaking, stomach in knots kind of awesome.” ~ Eye Candy Bookstore

“From the very first scene, it grabbed my attention – who knew a threesome could be so deliciously hot. This book set my little finger on fire – I couldn’t flip the pages on my kindle fast enough.” ~ Deliciously Wicked Books

Buy Links: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Michel’s Review

Little Black Book had me from page one. It was one of those books that kept the reader intrigued and guessing what was going to come next. When all the pieces of the puzzle come together the reader’s will be floored.

Sebastian Black is one of those men you love to hate and hate to love. He is a pig when it comes to women. He has no regard for their feelings and simply uses them until he has no further use for them. Basically he buys them for his sexual pleasure. Their names go into his little black book. If a woman’s name is in the book they are at his beck and call until he draws a line through their name. He never gets personal and always controls their time spent together.

When the new waitress at his club catches his eye, he has to have her. He is ruthless with his actions in order to obtain her. He uses her weaknesses against her and plays on her misfortunes. The more he pushes, the more she pushes back. Sure he may of paid for her to warm his bed but he didn’t pay for her soul.

Rosslyn proves what a strong woman she is. She will soon turn the tables on Mr. Black. She will touch his soul that he buried many years ago.

It may be a soul that will destroy her very essence.

The authors created an intriguing story. The word play was very well thought out. I loved the analogies with cartoon characters and what they meant to Mr. Black. I loved that the authors allowed Rosslyn to be a strong woman that held onto her convictions no matter what. I loved the twisted and complicated plots throughout the book.

I hope that Tabatha Vargo and Melissa Andrea team up to write more books. They have formed a championship team.

I highly recommend this book. It will not disappoint.

About The Authors:

Tabatha is a USA TODAY bestselling author, but mostly she’s a sweet tea sippin’, front porch sittin’ kind of girl from South Carolina. She loves old, historical anything, wind chimes, and all things romantic. She’s the mother of an 8 y/o rockstar/princess and the wife of her very own Prince Charming. When she isn’t writing, she’s texting book ideas to herself. Tabatha is represented by Jane Dystel of Dystel & Goderich Literary Management.

Website ~ Goodreads ~ Facebook ~Twitter

New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author, Melissa Andrea- I find it hard to sum up my life in a paragraph, but I’ll try. Reading has always been a passion for me, and writing as instinctive as breathing. Every inhale is an idea; every exhale a creation. Flutter will be my debut release, and I couldn’t be more excited about it! The only thing I do better than writing you ask? Making beautiful girls. My daughter’s will always be my greatest accomplishment. I was born in Denver, Colorado -but I will always think of sunny Arizona as my home. I don’t have a big family, but I’m close with my sister, brother & my mom. My mom is my hero, my inspiration, and I couldn’t have asked for a more amazing person to be raised by. 4 things you should know about me: I’m very girly, but I can get down and dirty with the best of them. I adore the color pink, I love things that sparkle (including vampires) and I like even numbers (hence 4 things about me, not 5)

Website ~Goodreads~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Review: Blonde Date by Sarina Bowen ~ The Ivy Years 2.5

Posted on 07/11/2014 by shellbellereads

Synopsis

A blind date. A nervous sorority girl. A mean-spirited fraternity prank. What could go wrong?

As a sorority pledge, there are commandments that Katie Vickery must live by. One: thou shalt not show up for the party without a date. Two: the guy shall be an athlete, preferably an upperclassman.

Unfortunately, Katie just broke up with her jerkface football player boyfriend. Even worse, her last encounter with him resulted in utter humiliation. She’d rather hide under the bed than attend a party where he’ll be.

Yet staying home would mean letting him win.

Enjoying herself tonight was out of the question. She could only hope to get through the evening without her blind date noticing that he was spending the evening with a crazy person.

Andrew Baschnagel is living proof that nice guys don’t finish first. He’s had his eye on Katie since the moment her long legs waltzed into his art history class. So when her roommate sets Andy up to be Katie’s date, he’d be crazy to say no. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have a lot of practice with either girls or parties. Yet.

BLONDE DATE is a 24,000 word novella. ALSO INCLUDED: an exclusive preview of the third novel in the Ivy Years series, THE UNDERSTATEMENT OF THE YEAR.

Buy Links: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Michel’s Review

Sarina Bowen has done it again. She has added another fabulous addition to The Ivy Years Series with recently released novella, Blonde Date.

We met Andy and Katie (ponytail Katie) in The Year We Hid Away. Katie is one of Scarlet’s roommates and Andy is a neighbor in Bridger’s dorm.

Scarlet sets up a blind date for Andy and Katie after Katie has a bad dating experience with her football jock boyfriend. Katie wants to date a different kind of guy but he has to meet her dating commandments criteria.

Andy may not be a football jock but he is an athlete. He plays for the school’s losing basketball team. He is a nice guy, an upper classman, and is cute in his very own way. He has also crushed on Katie since the beginning of the term.

Katie needs a date for a sorority charity party. When Scarlet suggests a blind date with Andy, Katie is all in. After all, how bad can he be? He’s a jock, he’s male, and he will help her save face with her ex boyfriend and sorority.

What starts out as your usual uncomfortable blind date turns into a complete surprise for both Andy and Katie. Their date ends up being magical for them both.

I am not going to say more because it would give away too many spoilers. I will tell you this, Andy and Katie’s story had me captivated. I felt every emotion both were going through throughout their date. I felt the nerves, the attraction, the comradery, the playfulness, and sexual chemistry. This sexual chemistry between these two had me fanning myself. The word play had me giggling.

This novella was fresh, fun, and unique.

Sarina Bowen and The Ivy Years series has me completely hooked. Sarina’s writing is beyond superb. Her books flow beautifully, her characters are memorable, their stories are “real” life situations, and the secondary characters make the Harkness College world come to life.

Blonde Date can be read as a stand alone novella or in series order. I would recommend the entire series. It is one that will grab your attention.

Read this series!

*Note* ~ There is a preview for the upcoming book in this series at the end of this novella. I cannot wait for The Understatement of the Year, Book 3 in The Ivy Years series. It is another unique story that needs to be told. Coming Fall 2014.

Author Bio:

Sarina Bowen writes steamy, angsty Contemporary Romance and New Adult fiction from the wilds of Vermont.

The Year We Fell Down, Book #1 in The Ivy Years series, began breaking hearts in March 2014. Book #2, The Year We Hid Away, is brand new.

For Harlequin-E, Sarina writes the Gravity series. Coming in From the Cold features an angsty downhill ski racer and one of the most unique plot conflicts in contemporary romance today.

Sarina enjoys skiing, coffee products and a nice glass of wine. She lives with her family, eight chickens and more ski gear and hockey equipment than seems necessary.

She would be honored to connect with you at http://www.sarinabowen.com.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter~ Goodreads

Review: Rhett by J. S. Cooper

Posted on 07/10/2014 by shellbellereads

Synopsis

New Standalone novel from New York Times Bestselling Author J. S. Cooper

I’m Rhett.

I’m cocky because I can be. I’ve got it all: the looks, the money, the endurance. I’m the guy that every girl wants to be with, yet none of them have ever been able to tie me down.

I don’t do love. I don’t do relationships. And I sure as hell will never do marriage.

I’m all about the fast life and everything that entails. There’s a different woman in my bed every week. My friends are jealous of me. My enemies envy me. Everyone wants my life. And everything in my life is absolutely perfect. At least, that’s what everyone thinks.

Everything changed the day, Clementine O’Hara told me she was moving away. She’s my best friend. She was my first kiss in grade school. We share everything with each other. She’s the only girl I haven’t tried anything with because she’s off-limits to me and my friends. Only, suddenly I’m seeing her in a different light.

I’m Rhett and I don’t let anything get me down. Then one night changed everything and everything I thought I knew was called into question. All of a sudden, being Rhett didn’t mean so much anymore. All of a sudden my friendship with Clementine was in jeopardy and I wasn’t sure what I was going to do.

Buy Links:

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Michel’s Review

Rhett by J. S. Cooper is another fun read. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I loved watching a player brought to his knees and losing his heart. Those are the best ones to fall.

Rhett has always had everything he ever wanted. He’s good looking, smart, rich, a ladies man, and a best friend that has been by his side no matter what. That best friend is Clemmie. He knows he can depend on her. He knows she will always be there. But will she?

Clemmie has been Rhett’s best friend through thick and thin. She understands him and his conceited ways. She has always been there for him. But now, she realizes that she has always put him first and her needs lasts. Now she is going to put herself first. She is going to put herself out there, start dating, and start moving towards her future life. A new life that might not have room for Rhett.

Once Clemmie starts dating other men and looking into moving, Rhett sees her in a new light. He suddenly sees a woman instead of a girl. A woman that he wants more than anything.

Rhett always gets what he wants. This time he may not. This time it isn’t going to be easy. This time Rhett is going to have to give himself. Can he do it?

Read the book! It is a fun romp that will not disappoint.

Author’s Bio:

Available Books: The Last Boyfriend, The Last Husband, Before Lucky, The Other Side of Love, Zane & Lucky’s First Christmas, Crazy Beautiful Love, Scarred, and Healed.

Upcoming books: Finding My Prince Charming, If Only Once (The Martelli Brothers), Everlasting Sin, The Rebel Next Door and Hot Prof.

Please join J. S. Cooper on her facebook page if you enjoy her books here: https://www.facebook.com/J.S.Cooperauthor. If you wish to get in contact, please email her at Jscooperauthor@gmail.com.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads

Review: The Year We Hid Away by Sarina Bowen ~ The Ivy Years Book 2

Posted on 07/10/2014 by shellbellereads

Synopsis

She’s hiding something big. He’s hiding someone small.

Scarlet Crowley’s life was torn apart the day father was arrested for unspeakable crimes. Now the shock has worn off, but not the horror.

It’s a safe bet that Scarlet is the only first year at Harkness College who had to sneak past TV news trucks parked on her front lawn just to leave town. But college will be Scarlet’s fresh start. Clutching a shiny new student ID — with a newly minted name on it — she leaves it all behind. Even if it means lying to the boy she’s falling for.

Bridger McCaulley is a varsity hockey star known for being a player both on and off the ice. But a sobering family crisis takes that all away. Protecting his sister means a precarious living arrangement and constant deception. The only bright spot in his week is the few stolen hours he spends with Scarlet.

The two form a tentative relationship based on the understanding that some things must always be held back. But when grim developments threaten them both, going it alone just won’t work anymore. And if they can’t learn to trust one another now, the families who let them down will take everything they’ve struggled to keep.

New Adult romance, including sexual situations. Suitable for ages 17+

Buy Links:

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Michel’s Review

Wow! Sarina Bowen blew me away with her first book in The Ivy Years Series, The Year We Fell Down. I was amazed by her writing abilities. Her voice was fresh, entertaining, and held me captivated to the very last word. I gave that book a 6 Star Rating and added it to my 2014 Favorites List. The characters that were introduced in the book became members of my beloved book family. I wanted to know all of their stories. I was biting at the bits for the next book in the series, The Year We Hid Away.

The day The Year We Hid Away released I quickly one clicked this book and devoured it. Unfortunately due to my busy schedule I was unable to write my review until now. This book never left my mind and I thought about the characters and their story. I wanted this review to do justice for this amazing book. Again Sarina Bowen has amazed me with her gifted writing. Her characters, their lives, and their stories are fresh, unique, heartwarming, and so much more than your run of the mill new adult romance.

The Year We Hid Away is another 6 Star book!

The Year We Hid Away is Bridger McCaulley’s story. Let me tell you ladies, this man is going to steal your heart. He is one the most fascinating characters I have read.

Bridger McCaulley is a gifted hockey player, a brilliant student, a well rounded person, and quite the ladies man. On the surface it seems he has life by the horns. As we all know, appearances can be quite deceiving. Bridger’s personal life is a mess. His family life is in shambles. He is fighting to hold onto his academic career and keep his family together. His younger sister needs his protection. He will do anything to give her what she needs. Some things will have to go. His social life, his place on the hockey team, and his friends will have to be put on the back burner. No sacrifice is too small or too large. That is okay until he meets Scarlet Crowley.

Scarlet Crowley is no stranger to family problems. She is hiding from her own family after her father was arrested for unspeakable crimes. She just wants to attend college and start a new life without her past haunting every move she makes. When she meets Bridger McCaulley she finds a kindred soul. A person that she can call a friend.

As their relationship develops into more than just friends their pasts, their family issues, and their lives will hang a dark cloud over them. They will have to join together to hang onto the very things that are good in their lives. Hopefully it will be enough. Hopefully they can hang onto one another.

The Year We Hid Away is a highly emotional book. One minute you will be laughing and the next you will be fretting. These two young people have so much on their plate. It amazes me how strong they are.

Sarina Bowen wrote an amazing story. She tackled some very heavy issues. She had the guts to write about something that most people can’t deal with. She showed how these things affect all the people they touch. She did not sugar coat anything and found very realistic resolutions for all involved. Add a beautiful romance, great friends, and an adorable little girl and you have the perfect book. The Year We Hid Away is that book!

Author Bio:

Sarina Bowen writes steamy, angsty Contemporary Romance and New Adult fiction from the wilds of Vermont.

The Year We Fell Down, Book #1 in The Ivy Years series, began breaking hearts in March 2014. Book #2, The Year We Hid Away, is brand new.

For Harlequin-E, Sarina writes the Gravity series. Coming in From the Cold features an angsty downhill ski racer and one of the most unique plot conflicts in contemporary romance today.

Sarina enjoys skiing, coffee products and a nice glass of wine. She lives with her family, eight chickens and more ski gear and hockey equipment than seems necessary.

She would be honored to connect with you at http://www.sarinabowen.com.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter~ Goodreads

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

Posted on 07/10/2014 by shellbellereads

SYNOPSIS:

Two people so bent they can
no longer stand tall

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

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

And once is all he’d ever offer.

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

Until an angel challenged him
to fight…to feel

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

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

Break… so you can Breathe.

EXCERPT:

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

AUTHOR BIO:

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

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

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Michel’s Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Giveaway

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

The Charistown Series

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

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

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

Amazaon / Barnes and Noble

BLAST HOSTED BY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: The Year We Fell Down by Sarina Bowen ~The Ivy Years Series

Posted on 07/09/2014 by shellbellereads

Synopsis

The sport she loves is out of reach. The boy she loves has someone else.

What now?

She expected to start Harkness College as a varsity ice hockey player. But a serious accident means that Corey Callahan will start school in a wheelchair instead.

Across the hall, in the other handicapped-accessible dorm room, lives the too-delicious-to-be real Adam Hartley, another would-be hockey star with his leg broken in two places. He’s way out of Corey’s league.

Also, he’s taken.

Nevertheless, an unlikely alliance blooms between Corey and Hartley in the “gimp ghetto” of McHerrin Hall. Over tequila, perilously balanced dining hall trays, and video games, the two cope with disappointments that nobody else understands.

They’re just friends, of course, until one night when things fall apart. Or fall together. All Corey knows is that she’s falling. Hard.

But will Hartley set aside his trophy girl to love someone as broken as Corey? If he won’t, she will need to find the courage to make a life for herself at Harkness — one which does not revolve around the sport she can no longer play, or the brown-eyed boy who’s afraid to love her back.

Buy Links:

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Michel’s Review

While I was on a one-click fury, I came across this book in the buying recommendations. The synopsis had me intrigued. One – it was about hockey players, which I am a real sucker for. Two – it is a new adult romance, which I love because of all the angst. And three – it had a different type of plot, and I love originality. How could I not one click this book? The funny thing is, the one book I was originally shopping for has not been touched. I had to read this one immediately.

The Year We Fell Down was fantastic! This book had me tingling all over. I loved every aspect of this book. It was well written, had an original plot, the main characters were exceptional, the secondary characters were just as charismatic, intensely romantic storyline, the right amount of turmoil and a love triangle that was explosive.

Corey was one of the most amazing heroines I have ever read. She was an athlete, a top ranked hockey player, with a bright future and scholarship on the horizon until she has an accident on the ice that forever changed her life. Now she is starting her freshman year in a wheelchair. She is still learning to deal with her physical limitations. She is not only adjusting to her physical condition but also her mental condition. Her hopes and dreams were severed when her accident resulted in a spinal injury. Rather than dwelling on what might have been, she is moving forward with a determination and positive outlook. She is discovering things about herself she never knew existed. She is learning to manage her new life. She is still a fighter at heart, a competitive soul, and a winner.

Moving into a dorm that accommodates students with special needs was not what she had planned on. Fate or destiny has other plans. She meets Adam Hartley, a star hockey player, that was placed in the same dorm because of his broken leg. Adam is the hottest guy she has laid eyes on. He’s upbeat, friendly and very taken. He is dating every guys dream girl. She’s rich, gorgeous, has the perfect body and has legs that work. Something that Corey will never be able to compete with.

As luck would have it, Hartley’s girlfriend is doing a semester in France. During her absence these two people form a strong friendship and bond. They share their love for hockey, their athletic attitudes, their down to earth attitudes and some of their hidden secrets. Once his girlfriend returns from France, Hartley will have to make some choices and figure out what is right for him. He will also have to deal with his deepest dark secret before he can truly love either woman.

This is a moving and emotional story. The reader gets a very real insight on what it means to have a handicap. Not only are there physical limitations, but also mental hurdles one has to overcome. The bond of friendship and respect is an unbreakable foundation in a relationship. When it comes right down to it, physical and sexual attraction are not enough to hold a relationship together forever. It is what is inside the heart and soul that will make it last.

Sarina Bowen wrote a compelling romance that will stay in the reader’s heart long after the book is closed. I am looking forward to the next book in the Ivy Years series. The Year We Hid Away will be out on June 1, 2014. I highly recommend this series. It will not disappoint.

Author’s Bio

Sarina Bowen writes steamy, angsty Contemporary Romance and New Adult fiction from the wilds of Vermont.

The Year We Fell Down, Book #1 in The Ivy Years series, began breaking hearts in March 2014. Book #2, The Year We Hid Away, is brand new.

For Harlequin-E, Sarina writes the Gravity series. Coming in From the Cold features an angsty downhill ski racer and one of the most unique plot conflicts in contemporary romance today.

Sarina enjoys skiing, coffee products and a nice glass of wine. She lives with her family, eight chickens and more ski gear and hockey equipment than seems necessary.

She would be honored to connect with you at http://www.sarinabowen.com.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter~ Goodreads

Unbeloved by Madeline Sheehan- Undeniable Series #4~ Review

Posted on 07/09/2014 by shellbellereads

Synopsis

Warning: This is not a conventional or predictable love story. It involves one woman and two men bound by a love so destructive it spans two decades, pitting brother against brother, and shattering the lives of those touched by it.

Dorothy Kelley is a born romantic, searching for her prince. Instead she finds herself pregnant at fifteen, and a in a loveless marriage by the tender age of eighteen. Then hope comes riding into her life on a motorcycle and within weeks, Jason “Jase” Brady, a member of the Hell’s Horsemen motorcycle club, sweeps Dorothy off her feet.

But nothing is ever simple for Dorothy. Jase is married with children. And as Dorothy patiently waits for Jase to give her the happily-ever-after she’s been dreaming about, James “Hawk” Young, a member of the Hell’s Horsemen with secrets of his own, sees an opening into Dorothy’s life and takes it. What follows is a long and painful journey of self-discovery and forgiveness, as Dorothy comes to realize that home was exactly where she’d left it, and the love she’d forever craved had always been within her reach.

This is the story of Dorothy, Jase, and Hawk.

We are all born pure; it is our journey that burdens us and leads us astray. Our mistakes that beat us down and cover us in guilt and shame, burying us a little more with each passing hardship. It is up to us to dig ourselves out, to come to terms with our faults, to embrace not only our imperfections but those of the ones we love, and to once again find the path we strayed from.

Praise for the UnDeniable Series:

“I have never been so beautifully uncomfortable than when reading the Undeniable Series. I didn’t just feel while reading them. Madeline Sheehan set every single emotion within me on fire with a blowtorch.”

—S.L. Jennings, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author

“In an untouchable league of her own, Madeline Sheehan has created a riveting tale of ugly, forbidden love turned beautifully right. Heartbreak, grief, and finding strength and healing through family is the foundation of this emotional saga. A single breathing entity working in tandem against the cruelty that is their world, every character in the Undeniable Series will become a piece of you, embedding themselves into your thoughts for years to come.”

—Gail McHugh, New York Times best-selling author

Buy Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Michel’s Review

The Undeniable series by Madeline Sheehan is one of my all time favorite series. Her portrayal of what being a member of The Hells Horsemen is brutally honest. These men play hard, love fiercely, and protect what is theirs. It is not a matter of black and white, right or wrong, or good and bad. It is real life, the life they chose to make for themselves. They honor that life, honor their brothers, and give their all to the club. Their women are just as tough and charismatic. They have chosen men that are not easy to love and will not always put them first. But they know beneath all of that hardness lies a heart that is dedicated to them and their children.

Madeline Sheehan writes a story that portrays what real life is about. This series is full of honest emotions, coping with choices, moving forward in life no matter what direction it is heading. She is not afraid of time, she allows her characters to age in a realistic manner, she allows sickness and death to touch their world, she shows the hardships of raising families, and she shows the heartaches that come along with life whether it be through mates or friends. On the other hand she shows the beauty life has to give us all. Finding the one person you can give your heart to, raising your children to become strong adults, sharing lifetime friendships, and living life to the fullest. I have to commend Madeline Sheehan. She has created a world in which every reader can relate to. It is not the world of the Hells Horsemen, it is the world where “real” life and very “real” characters.

Unbeloved is not a stand alone novel. The events leading up to this book have played out in every book prior to this book. It would short change the reader to start this series with this book. Relationships have been formed and some have been irrevocably damaged. Friendships have been cemented. Families have been formed. The path the three main characters is on has reached the final crossroads that will take their lives in new directions. It is a path that they need to chose wisely and with care. It is not only their lives that have been affected by their prior choices.

Dorothy Kelley was not always a club whore. She was not always a homewrecker and mistress. She was once a young woman with Cinderella dreams. Her choices and hunger for love have lead her life down a road she would never imagined taking. She loved a married man for years. The cost of that love was high. She lost her self respect, raised her only child in an environment that caused bitterness within that childs heart, and almost paid for her mistakes with her life. One man watched her destroy herself and loved her regardless. He was willing to wait for her to see all that he could give her, his heart. The other man loved her with passion, but not enough to give her an honest life and respect. Because of his selfishness she is now separated from the only family she has known, the Hells Horsemen. The family she walked away from after she almost lost her life and her child.

Dorothy has been summoned home. The club is in danger and Deuce wants all the members home so that he can protect his family. One man will bring her home. One man will give her his heart. One man will face the truth. One man will sacrifice for his family, the other will let go for his family. But at the end of it all, Dorothy will find out the true meaning of love. She will find self respect and be respected by others. She will find that she is valued by all those who love her. She will become the woman she was always meant to be.

Madeline Sheehan wrote an emotional story of one woman’s journey in life. She did a spectacular job. She made Dorothy the kind of woman we all want to be.

Author Bio

USA Today Bestseller, Madeline Sheehan, is the author of the Holy Trinity Trilogy and the Undeniable Series. Homegrown in Buffalo, New York, Madeline resides there with her husband and son.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Tag Archives: Contemporary Romance

Cover Reveal + Giveaway: Indiscretion: Vol. 1

Assumption by Aurora Rose Reynolds~Underground Kings # 1~ Cover Reveal

Serial Review: The Love Trials Vol. 1 – Vol. 3

Review: Little Black Book by Tabatha Vargo & Melissa Andrea

Review: Blonde Date by Sarina Bowen ~ The Ivy Years 2.5

Review: Rhett by J. S. Cooper

Review: The Year We Hid Away by Sarina Bowen ~ The Ivy Years Book 2

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

Review: The Year We Fell Down by Sarina Bowen ~The Ivy Years Series

Unbeloved by Madeline Sheehan- Undeniable Series #4~ Review

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