5 Star Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Slave To Love by Julie A. Richman

Posted on 01/18/2016 by shellbellereads

Slave To Love

By Julie A. Richman

Buy : Amazon / Amazon UK / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

There are risks to mixing business with pleasure…

IF A MAN HAS AN AFFAIR AT WORK, HE’S A STUD.

He was a royal prick.

The night we met, he ignored me.

Then Mr. Big Shot CEO grabbed my ass in a business meeting.

My boss just loaned me out to this guy.

Now, we’re working on a major project together.

And our chemistry is dangerous.

Combustible.

If I allow it to ignite, I’ll risk losing that promotion.

Worse, what if I lose myself in him?

IF A WOMAN HAS AN AFFAIR AT WORK, SHE’S A SLUT.

From the moment I saw her I knew she was trouble.

It was the combination of her fresh face, smart mouth and nipples that seemed to know my name.

This woman could satisfy my needs both in the boardroom and the bedroom.

But there was more to it than that.

I wanted her.

Really wanted her.

And I was in the position to change the course of her life.

But I’ve got secrets, secrets that could destroy her.

And either make her mine or drive her away forever.

Slave to Love: Chapter One

By Julie A. Richman

I am a slave. Seriously, I am. My shackles may not be what you’re envisioning, as unfortunately, they are not crafted from leather with a hot, sexy dominant on the other end, flogger in hand. But they are trendy and cool and golden. Yes, my handcuffs are golden and they come with stock options, a 401(k), oodles of frequent flyer miles and hotel points and an Admiral’s Club membership at the airport. I wear my handcuffs 24/7.

And I have no freaking idea where the key is.

*****

Eight-twenty A.M. and I already need an effing shower. Ugh. Running late for an eight-thirty A.M. meeting. I thought a cab ride would be the answer and certainly cooler and quicker than walking, or God forbid, taking the dreaded subway on a sweltering Manhattan morning. But no. I emerge from the cab, with my now translucent white silk blouse pretending it’s a soggy second skin gearing up for our fabulous win in today’s “Who’s Got the Perkiest Nipples” contest. Shoot me. Just shoot me.

As I slide sideways into an elevator, the doors already half closed, I have the distinct honor of joining two techy nerd boys returning from their eight-fifteen A.M. smoke. Lucky me. The unkempt duo reek of cigarettes, yet I can’t decide which is worse, that, or the stench of their general shoddy hygiene and filthy jeans. Nerd Boy #1 is enjoying my transparent, wet tank blouse and my not-shy nipples. I catch him and he pretends to look at my necklace, a gold mermaid, just grazing my cleavage.

The door opens on my floor. Eight twenty-six. I’m not late yet. On my way out of the elevator, I lean over and whisper to Nerd Boy #1, “Great necklace, isn’t it. Would be better if it were pearl.”

I hear him choke as I exit. Schwing.

Michel’s Review

Julie A. Richman has once again wielded her magical pen and delivered an enchanting romance that readers are going to adore. Slave To Love is the perfect contemporary romance that has the perfect balance of contemporary issues that readers can relate to and the passion readers want to experience in their own lives. It is a witty and passionate story of finding love in the cut throat world known as the high stakes business world. A mermaid swimming in a sea infested with sharks. Only one shark will come out on top and the mermaid has to bring all of her survival skills to the table in order to survive the feeding frenzy. She may sink or swim but she’s not the only one drowning in the sea.

Does this sound kind of crazy talking about mermaids and sharks? Once you read Slave To Love, you will understand the mermaid and shark references. This is not a fairy tale story about a naive girl being swallowed in the business world. It’s a story of a strong, capable, intelligent woman that can hold her own in the world of business and gain the attention and respect of the high stake players she deals with on a daily basis. The outcome may not come out as she worked so diligently for but the rewards are far greater than the next promotion she hoped she would get.

Midwest Sales Director Sierra Stone has worked her butt off for her company. Her sales team has been on top for the past three years. When her company lands the SpaceCloud account, one of the fastest growing tech companies, it looks like her future promotion has gone down the toilet. The account has been given to her direct competition, the East Coast sales division. This account could put their division on top and it was handed to them wrapped in a shiny bow. Not only is this a blow to her ego, it is a slap in the face to her career. Sierra is a big girl and rolls with the punches. She is playing in the world with the “big boys” of business and she will just have to play harder.

Hale Lundstrom is the sexy CEO of SpaceCloud. His company is growing too fast. He’s always one step ahead of the game. His company has special needs that the new east coast sales director can’t handle. After meeting Sierra Stone he knows that she will be able to handle his company’s special needs and more importantly, she can handle his own personal special needs. He needs to get her on board. He knows her career is at a dead end with her own company and he can provide the perfect future position. What he doesn’t count on is Sierra Stone captivating him completely and making him a Slave To Love.

Julie A. Richman wrote a captivating mature romance that kept me glued to the pages. Both Sierra and Hale came to life and jumped off the pages. Their passion was captivating. Their relationship was mature, intelligent, playful, and emotional. These two strong, determined people found each other in a world where love doesn’t exist. It was truly a beautiful romance.

_______________________________________

USA Today Bestseller Julie A. Richman is the author of the highly acclaimed NEEDING MOORE SERIES trilogy (SEARCHING FOR MOORE, MOORE TO LOSE & MOORE THAN FOREVER), BAD SON RISING & HENRY’S END. Saddled with the affliction of serious wanderlust, Julie can often be found behind a camera lens in locales from Paris to Alaska.

STALK HER: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

***

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Release Blast + Giveaway: The Virgin Auction by Jessa Fox

Posted on 01/15/2016 by shellbellereads

Enter to Win a

$10.00 Amazon eGift Card

THE VIRGIN AUCTION

Jessa Fox

Releasing on January 15, 2016

Self-Published

She’s selling her virginity. He’s been secretly obsessed with her for years. They’ve only got one night together, better make it count.

She’s the last virgin on earth, at least that’s what it feels like to Kyle. Now she’s auctioning her virginity online in order to pay for medical school and give money to charity. She has no idea what she’s getting herself into, but she’s committed, and now there’s no turning back.

Caspian has been secretly obsessed with Kyle since the day they met years ago. He’s kept tabs on her for all of these years, and when he sees she’s auctioning her virginity, he knows there’s no way he’s going to let anyone else touch her. Ever.

The rules state that he gets one night with her, but rules are made to be broken.

BUY NOW
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Excerpt

“I want you to feel comfortable with me and with everything that we do. I need you to know that I would never do anything to hurt you.”

“Ok, I think I’m beginning to see that.”

“Good, I want you to trust that everything we do will be for your pleasure, and mine too, but mine will be second to yours.”

His words had me mesmerized as I tried to envision what exactly he was talking about.

“I want to introduce you to things that are beyond your expectations.”

“I would like that too. I hope that I’m able to satisfy you as well. I’m not completely inexperienced, I’ve done a…”

He stopped me just then, and put his finger over my lips.

“It doesn’t matter to me what you’ve done or haven’t done before, all that I care about is right now, being here with you. Everything from this moment on is all that matters.”

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Hi, my name is Jessa Fox. I’m a professional by day and an erotica writer by night. There’s nothing I love more than writing all of the smutty stories that are in my head and bringing them to life. I specialize in writing down all the taboo, sexy scenarios that we all wish we could experience, at least once.

But maybe that’s just me.

I’m also a wife and mom, and dutiful member of the Parent’s Association. Shh, don’t tell.

Jessa Fox is my pseudonym, because no one knows about all of the kinky stories and characters I love to create. They would never imagine all of the dirty thoughts running through my mind.

I hope you enjoy my stories as much as I love writing them. If you’re looking for a quick smutty treat, you came to the right place.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Pre Release Blitz + Review: Ready To Rock by Cara Connelly

Posted on 11/30/2015 by shellbellereads

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Ready To Rock

By Cara Connelly

Release Date: December 1, 2015

Buy: Amazon

Synopsis

His name is on everyone’s lips–sexy rock star Jack McCabe

Jack’s gritty New York City band is red hot, almost as hot as his fiery romance with college student Lil Marchone, the girl from his past, now the woman he loves.

The problem is, Lil’s controlling ex wants her back. Rich, powerful, and ruthless, he’ll stop at nothing–including murder–to get Jack out of her life.

But Jack’s a badass himself, always up for a fight. And with the stakes this high, he’ll risk everything for Lil, even his band. Even his life.

ReadytoRock1

Excerpt

“Honey, you have to get help.” Mama’s tone was calm but urgent.

“Me? How?” I was frozen in place. I needed her to tell me what to do.

“Just open the door,” she said quietly, “and climb up to the road. Wave at the first car you see and tell them to call an ambulance.”

It sounded simple, but I was trapped in one of those dreams where you desperately want to run but your legs won’t move.

Then flames licked out from under the hood. Mama quit feigning calm. “Get out of the car!”

Galvanized, I yanked on the door handle. But the frame had bent. The door wouldn’t budge. “Mama, help me!”

“I can’t!” she shouted. And that’s when I noticed the dashboard sitting in her lap. Her legs were crushed, she was pinned to her seat. It was up to me to help her.

Unlocking my seatbelt, I leaned across to the other door. The car was tilted that way, so the door swung open when I touched the handle. But before I could bring my legs around, fire belched up from underneath. I leapt back, singed. Flames curled into the car. Mama was yelling. “Get out the back! Go! Go!” I yanked down the seat. The trunk was jammed with suitcases. I clawed at them. But Daddy had loaded the largest first, wedging it tight against the seat, braced by the smaller bags.

“I can’t,” I wailed. “I can’t move them!” And it was too late anyway. The flames were all around the car, the air inside so hot it seared my lungs. Reaching forward, I wrapped my arms around Mama’s neck; she clawed at my shoulders, trying to pull me between the seats, into her lap, to shield me with her body.

And then my door flew open, and a man thrust his shoulders right into that furnace. Mama saw him, and with all the strength she’d been using to pull me forward, she pushed me back toward him. “Take her! Take my daughter!” His arms locked around my waist and he hauled me backwards. Insanely, I clung to Mama, trying to bring her with me. She batted at my grasping hands. “Go with him!” And though I struggled at first, I had no choice. He was big and strong. He threw me over his shoulder and ran.

At the roadside, he set me down in the grass. The car was a fireball, the cottonwood jutting above it, burning like a torch against the dusky sky. “Mama!” I screamed, trying to get up.

The man pushed me down. Holding my face between his hands, he forced me to look into his eyes. “I’ll get them out, but you have to wait here. Promise me.” He seemed so steady and sure. I didn’t know what else to do, so I nodded. And without another word, he stood up and ran straight toward the car.

ReadytoRock2

5Star

Tracey’s Review

The last person that Liliane Marchone expects to see in the middle of New York City is the guardian angel that saved her life years ago. But when she and Jack McCabe meet up again, neither one could have known that they were meeting their other half.

Jack is not your typical rock god. Drawn to sing as an artistic escape, he’d rather do a hard day’s work at his day job than go ‘big’ with his band, the Devils. He’s a very complex character, and it doesn’t take Lil long to see that there is much more to him than meets the eye. For her part, Lil has suffered a lot of loss in her life, so finding Jack, who understands what she’s been through, answers a need that she didn’t realize she had. They truly are like two halves of a whole, and it isn’t long before these two are everything to each other. But their growing relationship doesn’t please everyone, and the road to happiness is not without its detours.

I love it when a book becomes one of those happy surprises, giving me more than I was expecting. READY TO ROCK by author Cara Connelly is one of these reads. I went in expecting a hot rocker story, and it is, but it’s much more, as well. Cara has crafted a story around the hot relationship between Jack and Lil, and woven in intrigue, jealousy, and a healthy dose of political drama to round things out. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and raced through, because it was just that engrossing.

Creative plot line aside, the characters really make READY TO ROCK the read that it is. Family plays a big part in this book, and the supporting characters add so much to the story, especially Isabelle and Ty, and I really look forward to seeing more of them. 4.5 compelling, easy to read, totally sucked me in stars for this one. Add it to your TBR, and enjoy.

***ARC generously provided by the publisher for an honest review.***

___________________________________

Cara Connelly is the author of the Save the Date series of contemporary romances published by Avon Romance. The latest book in the series, The Wedding Gift, was released in May 2015. Cara’s smart and sexy stories have won several awards, including the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart, the Valley Forge Romance Writers’ Sheila, and the Music City Romance Writers’ Melody of Love. A former attorney and law professor, she lives with her husband Billy in the woods of upstate New York.

Connect with Cara at: Website | Facebook | Twitter| GoodReads |

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Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review : The Game Plan by Kristen Callahan – Game On Series – Book 3

Posted on 11/02/2015 by shellbellereads

The Game Plan

Game On Series – Book 3

By Kristen Callihan

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

Synopsis

A beard-related dare and one hot-as-hell kiss changes everything.

NFL center Ethan Dexter’s focus has always been on playing football and little else. Except when it comes to one particular woman. The lovely Fiona Mackenzie might not care about his fame, but she’s also never looked at him as anything more than one of her brother-in-law’s best friends. That ends now.

Fi doesn’t know what to make of Dex. The bearded, tattooed, mountain of man-muscle looks more like a biker than a football player. Rumor has it he’s a virgin, but she finds that hard to believe. Because from the moment he decides to turn his quiet intensity on her she’s left weak at the knees and aching to see his famous control fully unleashed.

Fi ought to guard her heart and walk away; they live vastly different lives in separate cities. And Dex is looking for a forever girl. But Dex has upped his game and is using all his considerable charm to convince Fi he’s her forever man.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

Muscular man with tattos undressing. Isolated on white

Excerpt

I grin up at him. “You know, before this, I’d have taken you for a hard rock, or maybe even a bluegrass fan.”
“It’s the beard, isn’t it,” he asks.
“And the man-bun.”
He laughs, a short rumble of sound. “Want me to let it down?”
Yes. Maybe.
“Not necessary. Man-buns are hot. I blame Jason Momoa. There was only so much watching him bang Khaleesi the female population could take before they wanted their own Khal Drogo.”
Shit. I really don’t know what the hell I’m doing. Because it sounds a lot like flirting to me. Instinct tells me flirting with Ethan Dexter isn’t something to do lightly. And there’s the fact that I don’t go for athletes. At all. I don’t care how fit they are. Or how confident. I don’t like sports. Football bores me. Oh, I know tons about the sport—kind of impossible not to in my family—but I don’t want to pretend that I care when I’d rather talk about other things.
Dex’s eyes crinkle again, and he turns toward me, leaning an elbow on the table. “Doesn’t Momoa have a beard?”
I wave my hand. “Who has time to look at his beard when his muscles are on display?”
I most certainly do not look at Dex’s phenomenal arms.
“So your stance on beards is?” His gaze so strong I feel it in my toes.
My breathing picks up. “Don’t particularly like them.”
It’s the truth. And yet I can’t help but look at his. It’s dark, framing his mouth, which should be a turnoff for me. Only it draws all my attention there. To the shape of his mouth—the upper lip a gentle curve, the lower lip fuller, almost a pout. There’s something slightly illicit about the whole effect.
I clear my throat, glance up, and find him watching me through lowered lids. He doesn’t seem particularly put out by my frankness.
“What don’t you like about them?”
Is he serious?
He stares at me.
I guess he is.
Taking a quick sip of my drink, I search for an answer. “They’re just so…fuzzy. Prickly.”
He moves in, not crowding me, but putting himself at arms’ reach. He smells faintly of cloves and oranges. It must be his aftershave or cologne, but it works for me.
I’m distracted by it and almost jump when he speaks again. “Do you know this based on experience, or are you making an assumption?”
My gaze narrows. “Aren’t you the philosopher.”
“You didn’t answer the question.”
“Fine. Assumption.”
His lips quirk. “You should find out if your assumption is true before you condemn the beard.”
“Is this some sort of creepy way to get me to touch your beard?”
A challenge flashes in his eyes. “There are a few guys at the bar sporting beards. You could go ask them. But I figure since we know each other…”
“Not that well.”
“You’d rather ask a stranger?”
“You’re assuming I care enough to ask, Slick.”
His teeth shine white in the shadows of the club. “I know you’re curious. You’re fairly twitching with wanting to know.”
I flatten my hands against the table and glare. Is it just me, or is he closer? Close enough that I can see his eyes are hazel, lighter around his cornea with a starburst pattern. I wish I could see the colors, but he’s painted in shades of blue and gray right now.
And he’s watching me. Patient. Calculating. Tempting.
“It’s always the quiet ones,” I mutter before taking a breath. “Okay, I’ll pet your fuzzy face.”
“Hold up.” Without hesitation, he reaches for my drink and takes a sip. “Liquid courage.”
A strangled laugh leaves me. “Because I’m sooo scary.”
“You have no idea, Cherry.”
I think I growl at him. I definitely want to give his precious beard a good, hard tug. But he simply lifts his brows at me. “Get on with it, then.”
This cheeky bastard is totally playing me. And here I am falling into his trap. Because I cannot look away from his beard now. More specifically, his lips, which are parted just slightly. An invitation. A dare.
Shit. I’ve never been very good at ignoring a dare.
I hate that my hand trembles as I reach up to touch him. He stays perfectly still, his arm casually slung on the edge of the booth behind me, his body turned toward mine. But I don’t miss the way his breathing has kicked up just slightly.
I hesitate, shy almost. Hells bells, I’m only going to touch a bit of facial hair. Why does it feel like we’re two kids tucked in a dark corner, playing a game of “I’ll show you mine”?
Annoyed with myself, I close the distance between us.

____________________________________________________

Michel’s Review

The Game Plan by Kristen Callihan is the third book in the Game On Series. This latest addition to the series is a winner.

The Game Plan can be read as a stand alone novel or in series order.

Readers previously met Ethan Dexter and Fiona MacKenzie in the previous books. The old saying that opposites attract definitely applies to these two characters. Dex is the strong, steady, silent type of man. He may be a quiet man, his sex appeal and charisma are bold and dynamic. The beard , man bun, and athletic body will have the readers swooning, but what had me swooning was the man himself. This quiet self assured man that is compassionate, patient, sensitive, and romantic stole my heart. When he picked up the new baby and knew exactly what to do, I was a goner. When he went after Fiona and showed her the man behind the surface, I was hopelessly in love.

Fiona and Dex have been casual acquaintances through family and friends. Fiona is Ivy’s younger sister and wants nothing to do with athletes. She has pursued her career in an artistic field rather than following in her family’s footsteps. When she takes a trip to visit her sister in San Francisco, she is once again reacquainted with Gray’s quiet friend, Ethan Dexter.

On the surface Fiona and Dex do not fit. But once the layers are pealed away and their eyes are opened, they are each other’s yin and yang. Dex has wanted Fiona for years and now he’s ready to go after what he wants. It doesn’t matter that he is a virgin and inexperienced where women are concerned. He has intelligence, imagination, and creativity and he is going to show Fiona it all.

Dex and Fiona are very good together. They will have to learn to handle a long distance relationship. Fiona will have to deal with some very ugly issues where her career is concerned. They will have to learn to handle the notoriety, fame, and paparazzi that goes along with Dex’s career as a pro football player.

They will hit some bumps in the road but together they will figure out how to keep their happily ever after.

Kristen Callihan once again delivered an emotional heartwarming romance that will keep the readers glued to the pages.

____________________________________________

Game On Series

The Hook Up – Book 1

The rules: no kissing on the mouth, no staying the night, no telling anyone, and above all… No falling in love

Anna Jones just wants to finish college and figure out her life. Falling for star quarterback Drew Baylor is certainly not on her to do list. Confident and charming, he lives in the limelight and is way too gorgeous for his own good. If only she could ignore his heated stares and stop thinking about doing hot and dirty things with him. Easy right?

Too bad he’s committed to making her break every rule…

Football has been good to Drew. It’s given him recognition, two National Championships, and the Heisman. But what he really craves is sexy yet prickly Anna Jones. Her cutting humor and blatant disregard for his fame turns him on like nothing else. But there’s one problem: she’s shut him down. Completely.
That is until a chance encounter leads to the hottest sex of their lives, along with the possibility of something great. Unfortunately, Anna wants it to remain a hook up. Now it’s up to Drew to tempt her with more: more sex, more satisfaction, more time with him. Until she’s truly hooked. It’s a good thing Drew knows all about winning.

All’s fair in love and football…Game on

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

The Friend Zone – Book 2

Gray doesn’t make friends with women. He has sex with them. Until Ivy.

The last thing star tight-end Gray Grayson wants to do is drive his agent’s daughter’s bubblegum pink car. But he needs the wheels and she’s studying abroad. Something he explains when she sends him an irate text to let him know exactly how much pain she’ll put him in if he crashes her beloved ride. Before he knows it, Ivy Mackenzie has become his best texting bud. But then Ivy comes home and everything goes haywire. Because the only thing Gray can think of is being with Ivy.

Ivy doesn’t have sex with friends. Especially not with a certain football player. No matter how hot he makes her…

Gray drives Ivy crazy. He’s irreverent, sex on a stick, and completely off limits. Because, Ivy has one golden rule: never get involved with one of her father’s clients. A rule that’s proving harder to keep now that Gray is doing his best to seduce her. Her best friend is fast becoming the most irresistible guy she’s ever met.

Which means Gray is going to have to use all his skills to win Ivy’s heart. Game on.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

The Game Plan – Book 3

A beard-related dare and one hot-as-hell kiss changes everything.

Game On

Contemporary Romance with a HEA – Recommended for readers 18 and older.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

_______________________________________________

Author Bio:

Kristen Callihan is an author because there is nothing else she’d rather be. She is a three-time RITA nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer’s Choice awards. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly and the Library Journal, as well as being awarded top picks by many reviewers. Her debut book FIRELIGHT received RT Magazine’s Seal of Excellence, was named a best book of the year by Library Journal, best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher’s Weekly, and was named the best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she is not writing, she is reading.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Book Blast + Excerpt from Reckless River (Book – 3) : Men of Mercy by Lindsay Cross

Posted on 10/23/2015 by shellbellereads

Enter to Win a

Gifted Ebook Copy of

RECKLESS RIVER (Book Three)

REDEMPTION RIVER

Men of Mercy #1

Lindsay Cross

Releasing Oct 21st, 2015

Cypress
Bend Publishing

Hunter James didn’t want or need
redemption.

Until one mission turns his world
upside down.

He left Mercy to fight for his
country and escape a broken heart. Years later, he is hard. Cold. A man without
mercy. Part of an elite Task Force, he tracks a brutal terrorist to his
home town. And runs into the woman who betrayed him…

Evangeline Videl was destroyed
when Hunter left. Determined to move on, she finds another man, but discovers
too late the monster hidden beneath his smooth smile. Struggling to find the
conviction to live, Evie finds her life spinning out of control.

Then Hunter returns…

Forced to band together to find the
terrorist before its too late, Hunter and Evie must learn to forgive or risk
losing the promise of redemption and their lives…

RESURRECTION RIVER

Men of Mercy #2

Lindsay Cross

Releasing Oct 21st, 2015

Cypress Bend Publishing

Ranger James accepted his best
friend’s death like a good soldier. With guilt. Regret. Vengeance. But a
forbidden desire keeps pulling him from his mission…

Desire for his best friend’s widow.

Killed in Action. That’s why Rachel
Carter’s husband wasn’t coming home.

A war widow, alone and broke, Rachel
struggles to revive her family’s crop dusting service to survive. Now she takes
to the skies to find escape. Escape from the pain. From the guilt. From the
earth-shattering desire for her husband’s best friend.

Rachel and Ranger can’t fight the
attraction between them any longer. But one fateful night cleaves their new
found love in two…

Can they find the will to fight for
true love? Or will an evil so shocking destroy their lives for good?

RECKLESS RIVER

Men of Mercy #3

Lindsay Cross

Releasing Oct 21st, 2015

Cypress Bend Publishing

They
say you can’t go home again. Jared Crowe never wanted to.Home meant facing memories of abuse and neglect.
Of dark closets and evil nightmares. Of his own relatives intent on killing
him. But now his brother’s kidnapping forces him to face those demons. Only
this time, Jared isn’t a scared little boy. He’s a full-grown Special Forces
operative bent on revenge.As a little girl, Sparrow Pickney risked her
life to free two abused boys. As a grown woman Sparrow needs to earn a place in
her adopted family’s business or be forced into a life of degradation. The
chance to prove her family loyalty comes when she catches Jared spying on the
compound and captures him.When Jared sees his captor, he realizes she’s
the girl of his dreams and vows to rescue her from a life of poverty. What
Jared doesn’t know is Sparrow may not be the savior he remembers…but the one
responsible for abducting and torturing his brother.

Jared is determined to find the truth. But that
truth may be more than his heart can take.

Find Lindsay’s Books Here

Amazon | B&N

It had been nearly twenty years since he’d seen her, but Jared could never forget those golden eyes. Eyes that had haunted his dreams ever since. Had she joined up with Kay? Or was she simply one of those poor souls struggling to survive?

The thought of Sparrow slowly starving filled him with a sense of guilt. He should have made her leave with them. Even though they’d been children when she’d freed them, Jared had been big enough to drag her out, whether she’d wanted to go or not.

She leaned over him, reaching for his hands. Her floppy hat fell down, blinding her, and she ripped it off and tossed it across the room. Long caramel-colored hair, full of sun-kissed highlights, waterfalled down the sides of her face and tickled his nose. Her scent surrounded him now, flooding his senses. Honeysuckle and wildflowers. His cock swelled in an instant. Jared gnashed his teeth together, trying to quell his intense reaction to her nearness.

Sparrow leaned down further and her loose tank top gaped open, treating him to a glorious view of surprisingly plump breasts cupped in a plain sports bra. His gaze locked onto her beaded nipples through the cotton. Fuck he wanted to rip that bra down and reveal what was hidden beneath. The loose manly clothes she wore made her look stick thin, but womanly curves were concealed beneath them.

Sparrow sighed and sat up straight, leaving rope dangling uselessly on his wrists. Jared gripped the metal headboard with his hands, waiting for her next move. She stood there for a moment and studied him, trying to decide what to do. Well, he wasn’t going to help her out one little bit.

“Keep your hands right there, got it?” Her voice was stern.

“Yes ma’am.” He had no intention of acting up. Yet.

She placed a knee on the mattress, and in one swift movement straddled him, settling on his belly. Jared groaned and closed his eyes thankful she hadn’t sat down lower on his body; otherwise, she would have gotten her own surprise. She leaned over him spreading her knees wider up his chest. His eyes popped open, unable to resist another view of her bare skin.

“You can stop with the theatrics right now, I know I’m not big enough to crush you.”

If only that were his problem. Her shirt dipped down even more and he fixated on the pale mounds of her breasts straining against the material of her sports bra. It was a crime to lock those beauties up in serviceable cotton.

She should wear nothing but pure silk and lace, perfect for him to rip off her body.

Her hair curtained around him again, and her soft lips parted in concentration as she worked. He was aware of every inch of exposed skin—from the graceful hollow of her neck to her supple forearms peeking out from the rolled up sleeves of her checkered work shirt. Even more aware of the intense heat radiating from her core, pressed so intimately to his chest.

“There. All done.” She sat back, a satisfied smile on her lips.

Jared tugged on the rope. He’d completely zoned out on anything other than her straddling him. It didn’t give an inch—the knot she’d tied was worthy of a professional. A small ounce of foreboding seeped into him. “Where did you learn to tie knots?”

“Trapping. Working snares. Been doing it since I was a kid.” Her words were so matter-of-fact, he had no doubt she spoke the truth. Holy shit. He yanked on the ropes, but they didn’t move.

“Impressive.” Jared wriggled his fingers and wrists, testing for any weakness. He found none.

“Might as well stop struggling. Nobody’s ever been able to get out of one of my knots. And I used my new rope too, so it wouldn’t snap easy.” She made a snapping motion with her fingers, the emphasis driving in just how stupid his plan had been. He should have used that easy opening she’d given him with the gun.

His foreboding turned to real worry. He had to get out of here to rescue his brother. Hoyt’s life depended on him. If he couldn’t get free… “Nice, now what?”

“Now you tell me who you are and why you’re here.” Sparrow sat back on her heels, the curve of her ass grazing the tip of his cock. He clenched his muscles, fighting to free himself from the pull of lust.

Remember, you’re the soldier trained in interrogation techniques. Now he just had to stop thinking with his dick for long enough to find out where Hoyt was being held. “My name is Jake.”

She tapped her chin, staring down at him. Once again he was enthralled by the intense color of her eyes. They were golden, almost like a cat’s, with a darker brown ring around the edges. “Jake. You don’t look like a Jake.”

He enjoyed hearing the name on her lips. Would enjoy hearing his real name even better. Her soft accent and long vowels stretched it out slow. Sensual. “And what do I look like?”

“I don’t know. Killer? Tiger?”

“That’s what people name their cats.”

“True. Why are you here?”
“Why did you take me hostage?” he countered.

“You were spying on my family. Only our enemies do that.” She shifted, brushing against his tip again. Fuck he wanted to rip free of these bonds and throw her down beneath him. Where was his detached logic now? Something about her was making him lose control.

“I have no interest in you. I was looking for a family member who went missing, know anything about that?” He studied her reaction intently, watching for any flash of awareness, but she didn’t give away anything.

“Haven’t seen anybody new around here in a long time, and I would know. Sorry, but you plopped down on the wrong piece of land.”

“He told me he was coming here.” Not really, but Jared knew without the slightest shred of doubt that Hoyt had been taken by the Crowes. Miss Kay wanted to finish what she had started all those years ago, even if Jared didn’t know why. It was bad enough his parents had died when Jared was only nine, Hoyt six, but to have his aunt try to murder them….

Jared yanked on the bonds again, testing the bed frame. It screeched but held firm. Shit.

“What does he look like?” Every time Sparrow moved or shifted he felt her. Desire was holding him hostage as much as the damn ropes. Got to get free. Got to find Hoyt.

“What do I get if I tell you?”

“What do you get? You get to live.” Her brows shot down as if confused.

“You won’t kill me.”

“Try me.”

“How about we make a little trade—you give me something, I give you something.”

“Give? What do you want?” She laid her palms on her thighs, kneeling over his body, the position incredibly erotic.

Blushing aside, maybe she wasn’t so innocent after all. He had a plan and she was part of it. He knew he could get more information out of Sparrow than her giant ass brother. And he’d find it a hell of a lot more enjoyable too. “Kiss me.”

She stopped moving all together and her eyes narrowed in on his mouth.

“Give me a kiss and I’ll sing like a bird.”

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Lindsay
Cross is the award-winning author of the Men of Mercy series. She is the fun
loving mom of two beautiful daughters and one precocious Great Dane. Lindsay is
happily married to the man of her dreams – a soldier and veteran. During one of
her husband’s deployments from home, writing became her escape and motivation.

An
avid reader since childhood, reading and writing is in her blood. After years
of reading, she discovered her true passion – writing. Her alpha military men
are damaged, drop-dead gorgeous and determined to win the heart of the woman of
their dreams.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Teaser Excerpt…Prologue and Chapter One… Priceless Treasure by Melody Anne

Posted on 10/16/2015 by shellbellereads

Priceless Treasure

By Melody Anne

Synopsis

Ashton Storm had always possessed a sense of humor, but he tended to be more thoughtless and self-absorbed than his other siblings. He skated along through life, enjoying the finer things. That was until one day his father had enough and gave him an ultimatum. He either did his father’s bidding, or his ride on easy street came to an instant stop.

Though Ashton fought against doing what his father demanded, he finally caved in and took the small boating company his father gave him and made it a multi-billion dollar corporation. Now, he’s back on easy street and he’s alone – but for how long?

Richard Storm was disappointed when his matchmaking plans for his son Ashton and the very sexy, smart, somewhat clumsy, Savannah Mills didn’t work out. But no other woman seemed to be catching his son’s eyes.

Fate has a funny way of working out though, and maybe, just maybe, Richard hadn’t been wrong about Ashton and Savannah being the perfect couple. Because they’re about to finally meet.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

_______________________________________________________

Excerpt

Prologue

“Have we pushed Ashton too far?” Richard Storm took a large gulp of good scotch and looked toward the ceiling as he thought about his words.

“What do you mean?” Joseph asked.

“He’s not the same man he was a few years ago,” Richard said, a heavy sigh showing the even heavier heart inside.

“But the goal was for him to grow up,” George pointed out.

“Yes, to grow up, but not to turn into this hard-nosed robot he’s become. I barely even recognize him anymore,” Richard pointed out.

“I hate to admit it, but I agree. I feel like we all have pushed him too hard,” Joseph said.

“He’s been busting his ass for four years now trying to prove that he’s not just another trust fund baby, that he is worthy of the Storm — and of course Anderson — name. But in that battle he’s been waging, a piece of his soul has been chipped away,” Richard said.

“I love that he wants to make you proud, Richard,” George said.

“He wants to make all of us proud, but this isn’t what I want. Yes, I want him to marry and produce kids, but above all, I want him to be happy,” Richard said, then realized his glass was empty. The stress was almost more than he could bear.

Richard’s two brothers stared at him in concern. The two Anderson patriarchs had been separated from him at birth, and they’d only met decades later, but his pain was their pain. After all, their DNA was almost identical.

“You should look on the bright side, though,” George said. “He used to be a devil- may-care bartender, but now he’s running a wildly successful business.”

Joseph piped in. “And didn’t you tell us that he used to be Mr. Playboy, just tomcatting all around both coasts? And now he’s engaged to be married. That’s another step in the right direction.”

“You’ve met his fiancée,” Richard snorted. “Yes, she has a fancy-schmancy name, and makes regular appearances in the society column. But she’s really nothing but a gold- digger out for alimony. Wouldn’t give him the time of day until she found out about his net worth. Sure, she bats her tinted eyelashes, but she’s no prize — unless you want to call her a prize bitch. … Excuse my French.”

“But what can we do?” George asked.

“I did what I could. I found the perfect match for Ashton. I gave a card to that lovely woman I mentioned before, Savannah Mills, but she never applied for the job I set up. That was two years ago, and now she has a master’s in oceanography. I can’t see her taking a job down at the docks after that.”

“Oh, yes, I remember that now,” Joseph said. “We’ve been so busy with the other kids, I’d temporarily forgotten. I’m not getting any younger, I’m afraid.”

“Do you think we move on from this Savannah?” Richard asked. “She really seemed to be The One, so I hate to give up.”

“No,” Joseph boomed — that’s what he always did. BOOM. “When love is meant to be, it’s meant to be. If she just finished her master’s and she’s set her sights on a PhD, you still have three months before the fall semester starts. Maybe now is the perfect time for her and Ashton to finally meet up.”

“But he’s still got that fiancée of his,” Richard growled.

“She won’t last,” George said. “Think about it. If Ashton sees Savannah, he’ll have to make comparisons, and the gold-digger will flame out. Your son isn’t that stupid, is he?”

“I wish I could be sure,” Richard replied, and a frown took over his face. “As I said, Ashton’s track record with women isn’t the best. And now, with him trying to prove something to himself or to us, he’s making bigger mistakes. Some young men never learn until it’s too late.”

“Ah, those boys, all of them, know how to put on a mask. I know Ashton has a heck of a lot more soul and a lot more character than he’s letting on. Somewhere inside, the real Ashton still resides,” Joseph assured them.

“I hope so, brother, because I’m beginning to think that son of mine won’t figure it out until it’s far too late,” Richard said.

Joseph threw him a determined look. “We never give up on the people we love. Sometimes we just have to bring out the electric cattle prod.”

Richard finally had a ghost of a smile. “Then let’s start planning. I happen to know that Savannah is more intrigued than ever before over sunken treasures. If she can get some free boat rides out to a site where a ship full of treasure is rumored to have sunk, I can see her finally taking that job down at the docks.”

“Hmm. Good thing Ashton does private cruises, isn’t it?” George said with a laugh. The three men bent their heads together.

Chapter One

A breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean glimmered before her as Savannah Mills stood at the top of the private docks and gazed at another spectacular sunset.

The scent, sounds, and sights of the West Coast had always filled her with joy. It was unlike any anything she’d ever experienced in the whole United States — heck, the entire world, for that matter. Okay, dammit, she’d never traveled beyond these stupid western states, but who was counting? Completely beside the point. She’d looked at the photos on the Internet, and that had to count for something.

When she began moving, she stumbled on the dock, nearly face-planting before she managed to get her balance back. Being a first-class klutz wasn’t what she prided herself on, but nobody’s perfect.

When she reached the gates barring the way down to the docks on the beautiful Orcas Island outside of Seattle — one of the San Juan Islands — Savanna pressed in the code she’d been given. The gates opened without a hitch.

Maybe Savannah loved the ocean because it was endless. If you were on it, you could run away from the rest of the world, never to be found again — unless you wanted to be. That freedom was priceless to her.

She’d been in school for what felt like forever, so this summer was her break. She was going to resist cracking a single book … nah. She knew herself better, and she wouldn’t last two weeks on that mission. But still, she was going to make it at least a week. Plus, she was about to begin a dream job for the summer before she was locked away again in the classroom, the lab, and the library.

Yes, she loved school, obviously, or she wouldn’t have a bachelor’s in biology and a master’s in oceanography, and she wouldn’t be pursuing a doctorate once three short months had passed. But in the summer all she wanted to feel was fresh wind on her cheeks and seawater lapping over her feet. Did that make her a bad person?

Nope. It made her free. Free of classes, free of homework, free of late night studying. Free!

She made her way down until she was standing before the boats. Some were smaller than others, but they all were well taken care of, and they all had Sea Storms Enterprise in bold letters across them.

This was a business that catered to those who wanted anything from private boating adventures to a smaller cruise line experience. And she was now going to be a part of that world for the next three months. She reached out to caress one of the boats when she was nearly startled into face-planting again.

“Care to tell me what you’re doing on these docks?”

A shiver rushed down Savannah’s spine at the sound of a deep, dark voice behind her. But immediately after nearly jumping out of her skin, she wanted to kick herself for her fear. Emotions would no longer hold her back, not in this lifetime. She’d had enough of all that.

When she turned, she faced a muscled chest barely hidden from her view underneath a tight button-down white oxford shirt. It took her a little while to lift her head and look into this man’s bright blue eyes. Along the way, she hadn’t missed his lips, still compelling even if they were pressed together in a scowl.

“Are you mute?” he had the effrontery to ask.

She was instantly ticked off.

“Whoa. That was rude,” Savannah said, finding her voice. One hand on her hip, she sent this man a look that had made other males cower before her. No man would speak to her this way again, not as long as she was breathing.

“I’m generally rude to anyone who trespasses on private property — even a woman who obviously thinks that because she’s pretty, she can go wherever she damn well pleases.”

“I was invited here,” she said. “I don’t think your boss will be too happy with you when he finds out how you’re treating his other employees,” she told him with a mocking grin. There was the attitude she’d been searching for.

She refused to let this man belittle or intimidate her. No freaking way. Yeah, he had shoulders that seemed to go on and on, plus a chiseled jawline, and she was more than sure he was aware of all that. Why was it that great-looking men thought they owned the whole damned world and could treat other people like dirt? Whatever. His attitude was greatly reducing his attractiveness in her eyes.

His lips turned up as he took a step toward her, and Savannah felt her heart slam against her rib cage. She stumbled backward a few inches, but she was able to stop herself. Dammit. She wasn’t going to retreat.

“And please tell me who hired you. I’d like to pass the information along,” he said, stepping even closer, way too far into her personal space.

“Mr. Storm,” she said. In your face, asshole!
“Oh, really? You spoke to Mr. Storm in person?” the man asked. What a strange thing to say.

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I did. He approached me at my university and said I was a perfect fit.” She felt good in her righteousness. This man was obviously a disgruntled worker.

“What did Mr. Storm look like?”

“Why all these questions? I’m sure you know what the boss looks like,” she told him.

“I assure you that I do know what the boss looks like. But I’m not so sure you know how to speak the truth.”

Ugh! “Are you accusing me of something?”

“Isn’t that clear?” he said, and he didn’t even try to hide the arrogant smile spreading across his lips. “I think you’re a liar. I don’t think you’ve talked to Mr. Storm.” He took another step closer. “I also can’t figure out what you’re doing on the private docks.”

“I told you I was hired. Why else would I be here?”
“Because you’re after something,” he said.
“Do you think I plan on taking off with one of the boats?” she asked him. “Maybe. Wouldn’t be the first time someone tried.”
Damn he was an arrogant ass.
“I’ve never been so insulted in my life,” she snapped.
“I find that hard to believe.”

His smirk was insufferable. Savannah decided that working on the ocean, as much as she loved the idea, wasn’t worth dealing with this monstrous man. She glared at him before taking a calming breath. She wouldn’t yell. That would give him too much satisfaction.

“I assure you,” she said, “that Mr. Storm is going to have words with you.” The man she’d met would never want men like this to be the first face a new employee saw. No way. Mr. Storm had been kind and enthusiastic.

There was also no use in continuing this conversation. The man was obviously convinced he was king of the docks. Something he would be assured soon he was not.

“I somehow doubt that Mr. Storm will be quite pleased I’m escorting you from here,” he almost purred. He then reached for her. Hell, no!

Savannah panicked. She didn’t want this man to touch her. Taking a step backward, she pressed down. She quickly realized her mistake but it was already too late.

It was funny how she noticed the man’s eyes widen. There was no more dock behind her. She was going down — and it was going to be cold.

________________________________________________

About Melody Anne: Melody Anne is the author of the popular series, Billionaire Bachelors, and Baby for the Billionaire. She also has a Young Adult Series out; Midnight Fire and Midnight Moon – Rise of the Dark Angel. She’s been writing for years and published in 2011. She hold a bachelors degree in business, so she loves to write about strong, powerful, businessmen.

When Melody isn’t writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and pets. She lives in a small town that she loves, and is involved in many community projects.

See Melody‘s Website at: www.melodyanne.com. She makes it a point to respond to all her fans. You can also join her on facebook at: www.facebook.com/authormelodyanne, or at twitter: @authmelodyanne.

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Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Dirty English by Ilsa Madden-Mills

Posted on 10/14/2015 by shellbellereads

Meet Declan and Elizabeth in Ilsa Madden-Mills

new fighter romance!

Dirty English

By Ilsa Madden- Mills

Release Date: October 12, 2015

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK

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

Synopsis

A scarred fighter.

A girl with rules.

One night of unbridled passion.

There are three things you need to know about Elizabeth Bennett: she’s smart as a whip, always in control, and lives by a set of carefully crafted rules. She’s learned the hard way that people you love the most always hurt you in the end.

But then she meets Declan Blay, the new neighbor at her apartment complex.

A tattooed British street fighter, he’s the campus bad boy she’s supposed to avoid, but when he saves her from a frat party gone bad, all her rules about sex and love fly out the window.

She gives him one night of unbridled passion, but he longs for more.

With only a cardboard-thin wall separating their bedrooms, he dreams of possessing the vulnerable girl next door forever.

One night. Two damaged hearts. The passion of a lifetime.

Excerpt

“Come to my apartment and spend the night with me.” I touched his face, my fingers stroking the softness of his sensuous lips. “Just one night and we can make this shitty world disappear.”

He exhaled. “A one-night stand?”

“Yeah.”

He cupped my chin. “Someone hurt you, didn’t they?”

My lips tightened. No one at Whitman knew about Colby except for Shelley and Blake, and I sure as hell wasn’t telling him. He’d judge me like everyone else had in Petal, North Carolina. “That’s none of your business.”

“I see.” His eyes searched mine until I felt like a bug under a microscope. “What if I wanted more than just one night?”

“Then your hands can let go of my hips now.”

He removed his hands slowly, the tips of his fingers grazing mine. “This may surprise you, but I don’t sleep with every girl I kiss.”

I’d been rejected. Again. “Blake said you got around, that you used—”

“And you believed him?” His voice was incredulous. “Dude is in love with you and he saw exactly how we looked at each other tonight—”

“Looked at each other? What are you talking about? You refused to dance with me and then you ran off with your girlfriend. Not to mention I just kissed you and you didn’t even care.” I threw my hands up.

“I wanted to fuck you the minute you walked in that party,” he snapped.

“Then why don’t you,” I bit out, tossing back my shoulders.

“You think you want me?” he said tightly. “You can’t handle me, Elizabeth. I can see it in your eyes. You’re scared of something, maybe not me, but something.”

My eyes went to his black eye.

He let out a harsh laugh. “Ah, that’s what you’re afraid of. You want the real truth? You told me tonight you didn’t like violence, but I’m an arsehole who uses his fists. That’s who I am.”

“What do you mean?”

His gaze was intense, dark and low, his face struggling as he fought to find the right words. “I’m in a fight club for money. I show up at warehouses and fight other blokes. Sometimes I beat them so bad they need medical attention. A few times, I’ve been beat to unconsciousness. I’m everything you need to stay away from.”

I inhaled, anger and lust and excitement all riding me. Anger that he was pushing me away, lust for the alpha male in him, and God help me, the fighting thing repelled me and excited me at the same time. “I don’t want to stay away from you. I want you to fuck me and stop making excuses for why you can’t.”

My words seemed to snap his taut restraint.

He pulled me back in his arms, his lips fusing with mine unerringly. His tongue plundered me in a sensual way my body had craved for years. I wrapped my arms around his neck, my anger morphing into all-out desire as he turned us and pressed me against the wall.

Yes, yes, this is what I craved.

A passion to remind me that I was real, not just some sad excuse of a girl who chose to exist on scraps of love.

Before I knew it, he’d shoved my robe off, his hands sculpting my shoulders, massaging them as he ravaged my mouth. I reveled in the warmth of his hand on my neck as his mouth skated down, kissing the hollows of my throat, sucking on my collarbone.

“Like this?” he asked, his voice dark and gravelly. “You want me to take you up against this wall?”

“Yes,” I moaned. Gone. Past caring as long as he kept his hands on me.

Out of control, my brain whispered, but I beat back the dark warnings as his warm hand found my breast and squeezed, his fingers rolling my nipple between his thumb and forefinger.

I gasped in pleasure and arched my back to get closer to his body, ignoring the fear that pricked at the surface.

The rules girl in my head stamped her foot and yelled at me. I ignored her.

But even if I wanted to stop right now, I couldn’t. My tongue tangled wildly with his, my hands pulled at his hair, spurring him on, his hand palming my breast and then tugging. Sharp sensations of need went straight to my core.

“Is this what you want? Something quick where we just take what we want and forget each other the next day?”

No. Not that. Not like the way he said it, like it was something dirty.

“Yes, like that,” I whispered against his shoulder, my mouth on his skin, tasting him as my teeth bit down.

Michel’s Review

How can you not like a book that references Pride and Prejudice as a guide to a modern day love story? Ilsa Madden-Mills brought out the big guns while writing Dirty English. Everything about this story held me captive to the very last word.

Elizabeth Bennett is not your ordinary college girl. Rather than experiencing the carefree college life she has chosen to concentrate on the academics. She doesn’t date, she doesn’t do relationships, and she does sex on her own terms with carefully selected partners. There’s are reason for her choices. She has been violated, damaged, and broken beyond repair. Or so she thinks until she meets Declan Blay, the sexy British fighter. This man is beautifully broken in his own way. Together they make perfect sense like Mr. Darcy and Miss Bennett.

Elizabeth has finally met a man that has the potential to break down her walls. Although she is thoroughly intrigued with Declan, she is also afraid of him. He has all the qualities that can make her break her own rules and make her have hope once again.

Declan is a fighter. He has had his own share of troubles in life. He has had to fight his upbringing and break the mold. He is doing illegal underground fights trying to raise enough money to open his gym. He wants to pursue a career as a UFC fighter. He is also a sentimentalist , he loves poetry and literature. He strives for excellence in every aspect of his life. When he meets Elizabeth Bennett, he has found another fight worth winning.

Elizabeth’s past comes back to haunt her in the most dangerous way. Declan is ready to be her hero and save her. First she must save herself and open up her heart.

Ilsa Madden Mills once again delivered a powerful story with dynamic characters. Declan is one of the sexiest English men I have encountered in fiction. He sure does give Mr. Darcy competition when it comes to leading men. The great thing about this book is that Dirty English is going to get his happily ever after. His Miss Bennett is going to fall for his charm and cherish his heart.

Dirty English was fantastic. I hope that Ilsa Madden- Mills will give her other English gent, Dax Blay (Declan’s twin), his own epic love story.

________________________________________________________

Briarcrest Academy Series

Very Bad Things – Book 1

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Very Wicked Beginnings – Book 1.5

Buy: Amazon

Very Wicked Things – Book 2

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Very Twisted Things – Book 3

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

_____________________________________________________________________

Author Bio

New York Times and USA Today best selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills writes about strong heroines and sexy alpha males that sometimes you just want to slap.

She spends her days with two small kids, one neurotic cat, and one husband. She collects magnets and rarely cooks except to bake her own pretzels.

When she’s not crafting a story, you can find her drinking too much Diet Coke, jamming out to Pink, or checking on her carefully maintained chocolate stash.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Instagram ~ Amazon Author Page

★ Sign up for her newsletter★

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GIVEAWAY
SIGNED PAPERBACK OF DIRTY ENGLISH

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Release Blitz + Excerpt + Review + Giveaway: Major Misconduct by Kelly Jamieson – Aces Hockey Series – Book 1

Posted on 10/12/2015 by shellbellereads

Enter to Win a

Select Ebook Bundle from Loveswept

MAJOR MISCONDUCT

Aces Hockey #1

Kelly Jamieson

Releasing Oct 13th, 2015

Loveswept

In Kelly Jamieson’s seductive new Chicago Aces romance—perfect for readers of Sawyer Bennett and Toni Aleo—a fun-loving free spirit tempts an uptight hockey star into opening himself up to love.

As the captain of the Chicago Aces, Marc Dupuis is all business. The apartment he shares with his teammate and best friend, Duncan, is a refuge from the pressures of fame. But when the sexiest woman he’s ever seen interrupts his early morning coffee wearing only a skimpy cami and matching panties, Marc can’t exactly say he minds. Their chemistry is off the charts. Unfortunately, this girl’s no random puck bunny. She’s Duncan’s little sister—and she’s moving in.

Lovey Armstrong could stare at Marc’s chiseled abs and listen to his French-Canadian accent all day. She just has no idea what’s going on inside his head: When he’s not charming her pants off, Marc makes a Zamboni machine seem warm and cuddly. Lovey knows the team’s bro code says no messing with sisters, but all these mixed messages are hard on a girl’s self-esteem—especially since she’s finally getting her new life together in Chicago. She decides he’s worth another shot . . . because if anyone can melt the ice around Marc’s heart, it’s Lovey.

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“Okay, back to the topic at hand,” Duncan said. “You can’t stay here.”

Still watching Marc, Lovey saw his head snap up.

“I have to stay here, Dunc. Where else am I going to go?”

He cursed under his breath. “But I told you, there’s nowhere for you to sleep.”

“Uh . . . she can have my bed,” Marc offered.

Lovey beamed at him. “That’s so sweet of you.”

“She can’t have your fucking bed,” Duncan snapped. “Where the hell are you going to sleep?”

Marc shrugged. “Couch?”

“I’ll sleep on the couch.” Duncan gave a gusty sigh. “One night. One night only. After that, you have to stay in a hotel or something, Lovey.”

“I can’t afford a hotel!” She gaped at him. “D’you think my last job paid me multi-millions of dollars like yours does?”

“Quit throwing my money in my face.” He slumped into the couch with a scowl.

“I’m not throwing it in your face.” She blinked. “I’m just pointing out what should be obvious . . . my marketing job for Kleinheinz Cheese did not pay enough for me to be able to afford to stay in a pricey Chicago hotel indefinitely.”

“You have enough to rent an apartment, don’t you?” He narrowed his eyes at her.

“Um . . . I have a little money. I sold my car.”

“Lovey . . .”

“Duncan.”

They glared at each other in one of their famous sibling standoffs. She lifted her chin.

As usual, she won.

“Fine,” he muttered. “Stay here until you get on your feet. But it better not be long. And you better not be in our way.”

“Thanks, Dunc.” She smiled. “I promise I won’t be. You won’t even know I’m here.”

“Why do I doubt that?” Duncan shook his head.

She looked over at Marc and saw he was grinning at the counter he was wiping.

Cheese whiz, he was gorgeous! Even more so when he smiled. Earlier he’d been so straight-faced and serious. A little curl of lust warmed her inside.

“We need to get going.” Marc looked at her brother, the grin now absent. “Gotta get to the dealership.”

“Yeah. Okay.” Duncan gave her a narrow-eyed look as he rose from the couch. “I’m buying a new vehicle. Gotta go sign the papers and pick it up.”

“Oooh. What kind?”

“Land Rover.”

“Duncan! You can’t drive a truck in Chicago!”

“It’s not a truck, for fuck’s sake.”

She made a face. “If you say so. I’ll unpack and get settled in. Hey, could you pick me up a bed on your way home?” He bugged his eyes out at her and she laughed. “Kidding! We can do that tomorrow.”

“What about the stuff from your apartment in Madison? Where’s that?”

“Storage. I’ll get it shipped here when I find my own place.”

“You mean you actually do intend to find your own place?”

“Uh . . . yeah.” She gave him a “duh” look. “I can’t stay with you forever. Although, I could get some of the stuff shipped here . . . my bedroom set. And . . .” She glanced at his dining room full of weights. “You could use a dining table and chairs.”

“Fuck no. I mean . . . I’ll help you find a nice apartment.”

“Sure. As long as you don’t mind sleeping on the couch until I do.”

He groaned and she heard a laugh from the kitchen. She looked back at Marc and their eyes met. His gleamed with mirth and she felt that little kick of lust again.

He grinned. “Don’t think I’ve ever seen Army taken out so easily. This is hilarious.”

Duncan scowled. “Shut the fuck up, Duper.”

Her eyes met Marc’s and held again and she grinned back at him, trying (but failing) to ignore the flip of lust and attraction low in her belly. He looked at her long enough that she knew he felt it too.

Well, she certainly hadn’t anticipated something like this. She’d come to Chicago to move on with her life. Things with Richard had gotten serious enough that she’d been scared spitless; scared enough to break up with him, quit her job, pack up all her belongings, and run. She had a plan, figured there’d be lots of opportunities in Chicago, and was going to get right on that, first thing Monday morning. She hadn’t planned on living with a hot hockey player with a body that could turn a girl to a puddle of lust . . . but this was going to be fun!

Michel’s Review

Major Misconduct by Kelly Jamieson is the first book in her new Aces Hockey series. This dynamic new series is going to grab the attention of the die hard sports romance readers. Hockey romances seem to be the most popular sport romances. I think it’s the rough and tough, brutal bad boys that have more than a heart of ice. Readers love witnessing their hearts melting down and going up in flames.

Marc Dupuis is not your typical bad boy hockey player. He is an athlete dedicated to his sport, his team, and his fans. He has a very serious nature and maintains a solid straight forward image. He lives his life with order, rules, and a realistic moral code. That is until he meets his roommate’s (also teammate) sister, Lovey Armstrong. She is going to make him bend every rule and code that he has lived by all his life.

The heat is on and Marc is about to go up in flames. Lovey is not your typical girl. She’s fiercely independent and overloaded with whimsical positivity. She wants to make her way in the world on her own. What she didn’t count on was a sexy french hockey player to make some new rules for her life.

Talk about opposites attracting. This one takes the cake!

Major Misconduct was fun and sexy. I enjoyed the book but at times Lovey’s character drove me nuts. Her use of the word cheese just made her character too “cheesy”. I am sure most readers will find it charming but it was just too much for me. Marc on the other hand was downright swoon worthy. The man could melt the ice.

I look forward to reading the next book in the Aces Hockey series.

Kelly Jamieson is
the author of more than thirty contemporary romance novels. She’s a married
mother of two who lives a very ordinary life outside of her imagination. She
likes coffee (black), wine (mostly white), and shoes (high!). She also loves
watching hockey.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Pre-Order OFF LIMITS (Aces #2)

Releasing Nov 17th, 2015

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Indie Bound

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review: Desperate Chances by A. Meredith Walters – Bad Rep Series – Book 4

Posted on 09/30/2015 by shellbellereads

Sex changes everything.

And love can turn into an enemy…

Mitch Abrams, the bassist for the popular rock band
Generation Rejects, has been in love with Gracie Cook for years. But Gracie, a
complicated girl with a lot of baggage, was too blind to see how she felt about
the man who had always stood by her.

Until one night of passion brought them closer than they had
ever been before.

Feeling off balance and out of control, Gracie does the only
thing a girl with self-destructive tendencies can do: end things with Mitch
before they can really begin.

So Mitch moves on. With his band, his friends, and a new
girlfriend.

Yet he can’t seem to forget about the girl who threw his
heart away.

Gracie, who is still struggling to build a life after
crashing to the bottom, finds it hard to forget about her one night with Mitch.
And even as she tries to convince herself it was only sex, her heart knows
differently.

But life is full of chances and desperate moments. And when
Mitch and Gracie are thrown back into each other’s lives, will they seize at
the opportunity to do things right?

Or will the rock star and the less than ordinary girl crash
and burn?

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

It’s been a wonderful journey reading the Bad Rep series by A. Meredith Walters. Readers have embraced the band members of Generation Rejects. From the beginnings as a local hometown bar/ college band to professional recording artists. Along the way they have met some dynamic women, fallen in love, and found there is more to life than their music careers.

Desperate Chances is the final book in the Bad Rep series. Mitch Abrams and Gracie Cook are finally going to get their happily ever after. It has been a hard road and a lot of heartache. Gracie had problems with alcoholism and anorexia. She had to crash and burn before she could give her love. She had to learn to lover herself. The one person that always had her back was Mitch. His friendship was the only solid truth in her life. Shortly after she became clean and sober she slept with Mitch. The morning after she panicked because of all of her issues. She wasn’t ready to take their relationship to the next level. She hadn’t healed enough to love Mitch completely. She broke his heart into a million pieces.

Mitch was devastated by Gracie’s rejection. He finally moved on and became involved with someone else. Someone that would always be there for him. In his head it felt right but in his heart it felt wrong.

One year later Gracie has finally come to terms with herself and her past mistakes. Her biggest regret was losing Mitch. She misses their deep abiding friendship. She misses Mitch. She has realized that she has always been deeply in love with Mitch. Now it’s too late. He has someone else.

The heart wants what the heart wants. Both Gracie and Mitch are going to realize they were meant for each other. They will have to learn forgiveness and compassion towards one another. They will have to completely surrender their hearts and souls to one another. They will have to take desperate chances.

Desperate Chances is my favorite book in the series. Not only do Gracie and Mitch get their happily ever after, the other members of the band will get theirs too. This series comes full circle. They are all going to move on to the next phases in their lives. It’s been a great journey and their final show is a standing ovation.

BAD REP

PERFECT REGRET

SEDUCTIVE CHAOS

The New
York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Contemporary and Paranormal
romance including The Find You in the Dark and Bad Rep series as well as the
upcoming stand alone romance, Reclaiming the Sand, and a dark new adult series
for Gallery Books.

A.
Meredith spent ten years as a counselor for at risk teens and children. First
working at a Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault program and then later a program
for children with severe emotional and mental health issues. Her former clients
and their stories continue to influence every aspect of her writing.

When not
writing (or being tortured with all manner of beauty products at the hand of
her very imaginative and extremely girly daughter), she is eating chocolate,
watching reality television that could rot your brain and reading a smutty
novel or two.

A.
Meredith is represented by Michelle Johnson with the Inklings Literary Agency.

FACEBOOK GOODREADS AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE WEBSITE TWITTER

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review: Crazy About Cameron by Katy Regnery – The Blueberry Lane Series – The Winslow Brothers – Book 3

Posted on 09/25/2015 by shellbellereads

Crazy About Cameron

The Blueberry Lane Series – The Winslow Brothers – Book 3

By Katy Regnery

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

Crazy about Cameron is the third of four books about the Philadelphia-based, wildly-handsome Winslow brothers who are all on the look-out for love.

(Say what? Not so much…Brooks and Pres are OFF. THE. MARKET, and Chris is so distracted with his campaign, he can’t see what – or who – is right under his nose.)

With her stiff posture, black-rimmed glasses and chestnut waves in a tight bun, Cameron Winslow’s downstairs neighbor, Margaret Story, has long been the unaware star of his filthiest dirty-librarian fantasies. But with a floundering business eating up all his time, Cam doesn’t have the open road he’d need to date a lady like Margaret.

Margaret, who grew up down the lane from Cameron, has always thought of him as a cross between a bully and a tease, as likely to pull her braids as pull her leg. But he’s grown up to be a smokin’ hot businessman, and Margaret can’t help daydreaming about what it would feel like to be under, um, with someone like him.

When hot-headed Cameron and buttoned-up Margaret start using the same shady contractor for apartment renovations, Margaret may find herself in some unexpected trouble, which forces long-concealed feelings to come out of hiding…and might just make way for two unlikely fantasies to finally come true.

Return to the world created in the English Brothers books with this fresh foursome of scorching hot Winslow Brothers!

*****

*All books in The Blueberry Lane Series can be enjoyed as standalone novels.*

Excerpt

Frankly, Cameron wasn’t sure if he was talking about the wine or about her.

She seemed so different tonight: less stiff, more soft. Less cautious, younger and, Christ, sexier, too. Was it just being in her own space that had wrought such a change in her? It made him wonder what space she inhabited on a daily basis that made her seem so tense and sharp all the time.

From the moment he walked through the door, he’d known that maintaining his thin veneer of disregard was going to be impossible. The way her huge brown eyes had widened, doelike and soft, as she gazed up at him? He was a goner. He’d gladly stand in her doorway forever if she’d look up at him like that for the rest of his life.

And of course he had to torture himself by wondering if those eyes went all wide and soft as she climaxed . . . or did she close them as her lips parted in ecstacy? Likely goddamned fucking Olson knew the answers to both questions, and it made Cameron’s blood boil.

He glanced over at her as she lifted the wineglass to her face, bending her head just a little, her eyes closing slowly as she inhaled the smell of the wine. She was a fucking work of art, this woman, and—Holy Christ!—the way she’d just purred “Ahhh, this one”? He was glad the denim of his jeans was still thick and new. Hopefully it would keep the fabric from tenting.

He watched, mesmerized, as she righted her head. Her eyes were still closed, but her voice was warm as honey, slow and smooth, as she murmured, “Candied black fruit. Spice.” She dipped her head again, and his mind went to filthy places watching it bob beside him. “Mmm. Fresh herbs. Kirsch. Oak. Mmm,” she sighed. “Heaven.”

And, oh fuck, even the hardest of hard denim wasn’t going to be able to combat the rush of blood that swelled his cock, pumping it longer and harder in his jeans with every word she whispered.

Cameron thought he was worldly. He thought he knew what sexy was. Five seconds ago, he would have answered it was a naked woman, spread eagled and willing on his bed, her skin flushed, her pupils dilated, her pussy hot and tight, ready to suck him forward and beg him to finish inside. But he’d known fuckall about sexy until Right. This. Minute.

Because Margaret Story—perched on the edge of her couch in a sweater dress that covered most of her body, her doe eyes closed, her pillowed lips making love to a glass of wine—had just officially blown Cameron’s mind.

Whoever he’d always thought she was? He was wrong. She wasn’t some sheltered librarian who needed him to come along and unleash her wild side. She wasn’t some helpless field mouse whom he’d swoop down on and catch in his teeth. Though she was self-contained, she was also passionate. She was sensuous and sexy as fuck without even trying, without even knowing, just because she was sitting there breathing, smelling like lilacs, and telling him what made a good wine great.

Michel’s Review

Crazy About Cameron by Katy Regnery is a delightful contemporary romance. I enjoyed every word. Although this story might be considered a fluff romance or a “cookie cutter” romance, it was delivered well and the characters were dynamic. With all of the dark romances and cutting edge subject matters, it is nice to come across a good classic romance that is easy to escape with. Crazy For Cameron is one of those “feel good” romances.

Cameron Winslow and Margaret Story have known each other since childhood. They both come from prestigious families in the Philadelphia area known as Blueberry Lane. The Winslow family is known for being wild and daring. The Story family, which is predominantly female, is known for their steady sedate presence. Each Story sister has their own distinct personality, as does the Winslow siblings. Cameron Winslow has always tormented the quiet bookworm, Margaret Story. He has teased her mercilessly. As teens each family lost contact with one another while the children were pursuing their educations. Now Margaret and Cameron are both adults, pursing their careers, and living in the same apartment building.

What starts out as a cordial relationship turns into a neighborly friendship between Margaret and Cameron. When they decide to share a contractor for some remodels on their apartments it brings them closer together.

Margaret has been working for her father’s corporation but her real passion is her winery that she has been building. When Cameron gets a glimpse of Margaret’s passion not only is he impressed but also intrigued. He realizes that he needs to have something other than his father’s legacy as a career. The opportunity arises when Cameron’s sister’s wedding is cancelled due to the venue booking clause. This opens new doors for Cameron and Margaret. They are going to venture together to build her winery into a thriving showplace and venue center. Along the way they will fall in love, find their true passion, face some danger, and bring all the families of Blueberry Lane together once again.

Katy Regnery has a gift of bringing her stories to life. The characters are as real as the people we meet on a daily basis. Their passions and motivations are realistic which makes it easy for the reader to identify with. Everything about this book and the overall Blueberry Lane series is romantic and charming. Each book can be read as a stand alone romance. Each story is wonderful.

I highly recommend Crazy For Cameron by Katy Regnery.

__________________________________

THE BLUEBERRY LANE SERIES:

THE ENGLISH BROTHERS
(Blueberry Lane Books #1-6 & 11)

Breaking Up with Barrett
Falling for Fitz
Anyone but Alex
Seduced by Stratton
Wild about Weston
Kiss Me Kate
Marrying Mr. English – available December 2015

THE WINSLOW BROTHERS
(Blueberry Lane Books #7-10)

Bidding on Brooks
Proposing to Preston
Crazy about Cameron – available 9.25.15
Campaigning for Christopher – available 11.17.15

**************
Other Series by Katy Regnery

Modern Fairytale Series

“The Vixen and the Vet” (Beauty & the Beast) – available now
“Never Let You Go” (Hansel & Gretel) – available June 2015
“Ginger’s Heart” (Little Red Riding Hood) – available TBD
“Don’t Speak” (The Little Mermaid) – available TBD (less)

__________________________________________

Author Bio

Katy Regnery, award-winning and Amazon bestselling author, started her writing career by enrolling in a short story class in January 2012. One year later, she signed her first contract for a winter romance entitled By Proxy.

Now a hybrid author who publishes both independently and traditionally, Katy claims authorship of the six-book Heart of Montana series, the six-book English Brothers series, and a Kindle Worlds novella entitled “Four Weddings and a Fiasco: The Wedding Date,” in addition to the standalone novels, Playing for Love at Deep Haven and Amazon bestseller, The Vixen and the Vet.

The Vixen and the Vet is included in the charity anthology Hometown Heroes: Hotter Ever After, and Katy’s novella “Frosted” will appear in the upcoming (Jan ’15) anthology, Snowy Days Steamy Nights. Additionally, Katy’s short story, “The Long Way Home” will appear in the first RWA anthology (Feb ’15), Premiere.

Katy lives in the relative wilds of northern Fairfield County, Connecticut, where her writing room looks out at the woods, and her husband, two young children, and two dogs create just enough cheerful chaos to remind her that the very best love stories begin at home.

Connect with Katy:

Katy LOVES connecting with her readers and answers every e-mail, message, tweet and post personally!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

________________________________________________

Facebook Release Party:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1618577991739028/

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Tag Archives: Excerpt

5 Star Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Slave To Love by Julie A. Richman

Release Blast + Giveaway: The Virgin Auction by Jessa Fox

Pre Release Blitz + Review: Ready To Rock by Cara Connelly

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review : The Game Plan by Kristen Callahan – Game On Series – Book 3

Teaser Excerpt…Prologue and Chapter One… Priceless Treasure by Melody Anne

Priceless Treasure

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Dirty English by Ilsa Madden-Mills

Release Blitz + Excerpt + Review + Giveaway: Major Misconduct by Kelly Jamieson – Aces Hockey Series – Book 1

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review: Desperate Chances by A. Meredith Walters – Bad Rep Series – Book 4

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review: Crazy About Cameron by Katy Regnery – The Blueberry Lane Series – The Winslow Brothers – Book 3

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Priceless Treasure

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