Release Blitz + Excerpt + Giveaway: Mr. Mysterious by J.A. Huss

Posted on 10/12/2016 by shellbellereads

Mr. Mysterious
J.A. Huss
(The Mister Series, #4)
Publication date: October 12th 2016
Genres: Contemporary Romance

Paxton Vance isn’t as cryptic as he thinks. That broody nature and tough-guy exterior aren’t fooling me one bit.
I know everything about him. I listen in on his most personal phone calls. I read his mail before he does. I even know what his mother got him for Christmas last year.
You’re the man of my dreams, Paxton Vance. You just don’t know it yet.
But don’t worry, I’ll remind you. I’m here to give you everything you need, before you know you need it.
So don’t get defensive because I take a challenge seriously. You have to open up to someone, and that someone is me.
Besides, you can’t stay Mr. Mysterious forever. Why play the game if you never want to win?

The Mister Series
Mr. Perfect
Mr. Romantic
Mr. Corporate
Mr. Mysterious
Mr. Match (Final Book Releases 12-7-16)

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iTunes

mister-series5

—

EXCERPT:

“You want to go to bed?”

“With you?” I ask, a tingle running up my body at the thought. He’s so fucking handsome in this gray suit. His tie is loose around his neck, probably from the frustration of my drink demands, because it was tight before he left for the store. I bite my lip as he stares at me, that tingle turning into something more urgent as I stare back.

“Why not? We could make it fun. Turn this day around. End it on a high note.”

I have dreamed about sex with Mr. Mysterious for years. Since I was a kid, actually. And I know we’ve fucked three times already, but that was different. That was the other me. This is the real me. And now that my plans are all falling into place, it feels… fake. Like I forced this.

“I wouldn’t want to force you,” I say, that word stuck in my mind.

He laughs. Maybe a real one. “You’re the most striking girl I’ve ever dated. You’re not forcing me to do anything.”

He has no idea how well-planned this relationship was. “Are we dating?” I ask, suddenly sad.

I know he’s looking at me. And I know I’m being weird. I also know that I should make a decision right now and then never look back. Either stay here, sleep with him, and tell him the truth tomorrow—since we’ve decided not to talk about it tonight—or walk out and never look back.

I’m on the verge of option two when I feel his hand slip around my waist. “Whatever it is that’s bothering you, can it wait until tomorrow? Or is it urgent?”

I like the feel of his hand over the thin fabric of my dress. It’s large, and warm, and when he pulls me closer, I feel weak with want.

“That was a lot of information to take in. From your mother. Don’t you think?” I chance a look up at him and regret it immediately. He’s somber. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him somber.

“Are we talking about it?” he whispers. “I don’t mind talking about it. If that’s what you want.”

I lean up and kiss him. Softly. Right on the mouth. He doesn’t kiss me back and when I open my eyes, he’s looking at me. He takes the drink from my hand, sets both glasses down on a nearby table and then wraps his arms around me and holds me close. His lips are on my neck, and that urgent feeling I had turns into unquenchable desire.

He holds my face, turning me towards him, and then his lips find mine and we are kissing again, only this time it’s him leading the way. It starts slow, his hands dropping back to my waist. My hands reaching up for his shoulders. His kiss remains soft. Such a contradiction between the man on the outside I’ve come to know and the one I stalked all these years.

But I don’t know him, do I? Not one bit.

He frightens me a little. His perfectly planned childhood, his unplanned past, and his unorthodox present. Like he’s drifting through life, just waiting for something to happen as he takes bad opportunity after bad opportunity and tries to make something good out of them.

“Let’s go to bed,” Pax says again.

I don’t challenge him in any way this time. I don’t care what the meaning is behind his words.

He takes my hand, leading me back into the house and towards the stairs, taking those two at a time so my much shorter legs have to struggle to keep up. A shoe falls off my foot halfway up, the other follows a second later. The floor is cool and feels good as I follow him across a long catwalk that overlooks the living room and into a dark bedroom.

He doesn’t turn on the lights and he wastes no time touching me. His fingertips are lifting up my dress, feather-light touches across the bare skin of my outer thigh. Kissing me, fisting my hair, finding the wetness between my legs as the tingle becomes urge, becomes starvation and hunger for more.

“Take off my clothes,” he says. “Start with the tie.”

mr_mysterious_frightens_me

—

COMING UP NEXT – MR. MATCH!

Mr. Match

Mister Series – Book 4

Release Date: December 7, 2016

Pre Order: Amazon

Synopsis

Oliver Shrike thinks ahead. He likes to make lists and tick off boxes. He plans, he plots, and he’s got everything under control.
Until one day he sees my videos on his dating site. The private erotic videos I make just for him.
When I’m looking at the camera I can practically see his face. Hear the internal arguments. Feel his desire.
Because I’m that kind of woman.
You should delete my videos, Oliver Shrike. It’s your job to keep that dating site on the up and up.
But you don’t, do you?
You watch them. You get off to them. You crave them.
Every week I make a new one with you in mind. I’ve got you addicted to my body, my moans, my secrets.
I’ve hooked you now, Mr. Match. You’ve been in control for way too long and this is where it ends.

Mr. Match is the last book in the Mister Series. NOT a standalone book.
Mr. Perfect
Mr. Romantic
Mr. Corporate
Mr. Mysterious
Mr. Match

_______________________________________

Author Bio:

JA Huss is the USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty romances. She likes stories about family, loyalty, and extraordinary characters who struggle with basic human emotions while dealing with bigger than life problems. JA loves writing heroes who make you swoon, heroines who makes you jealous, and the perfect Happily Ever After ending.

You can chat with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AuthorJAHuss), Twitter (@jahuss), and her blog, New Adult Addiction (www.jahuss.com).

If you’re interested in getting your hands on an advanced release copy of her upcoming books, sneak peek teasers, or information on her upcoming personal appearances, you can join her newsletter list (http://eepurl.com/JVhAr) and get those details delivered right to your inbox.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Newsletter / Pinterest / Instagram

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New Release + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: The Bachelor Auction by Rachel Van Dyken – The Bachelors of Arizona Series – Book 1

Posted on 10/11/2016 by shellbellereads

Are you ready to Meet Brock Wellington?

*****

The Bachelor Auction

The Bachelors of Arizona Series- Book 1

By Rachel Van Dyken

Release Date: October 4, 2016

Buy: Amazon / B & N / IBooks / Kobo / Google Play

Synopsis

Jane isn’t entirely sure that Cinderella got such a raw deal. Sure, she had a rough start, but didn’t she eventually land a prince and a happily-ever-after? Meanwhile, Jane is busy waiting on her demanding, entitled sisters, running her cleaning business, and . . . yep, not a prince in sight. Until a party and a broken shoe incident leave Jane wondering if princes—or at least, a certain deliciously hunky billionaire—maybe do exist.

Except Brock Wellington isn’t anyone’s dream guy. Hell, a prince would never agree to be auctioned off in marriage to the highest bidder. Or act like an arrogant jerk—even if it was just a façade. Now, as Brock is waiting for the auction chopping block, he figures it’s karmic retribution that he’s tempted by a sexy, sassy woman he can’t have. But while they can’t have a fairy-tale ending, maybe they can indulge in a little bit of fantasy . .

Excerpt

“Bentley!” Brock barked and shook his head.

“What?” Bentley shrugged then smoothly walked over to Jane and pulled out a box of black high-heeled pumps in a size eight and a half. “Your foot, milady?”

Brock rolled his eyes. “Give it a rest, Bentley. She can put on her own damn shoes.”

Bentley completely ignored him. “I love a woman’s foot.” He grabbed Jane’s broken shoe and tossed it to the side while his hands danced along the arch of her foot. His fingertips danced along her skin. Seduction by foot rub? That was new.

“It’s sexy, the arch.” He leaned over her, his lips parting just enough to give her the impression he was thinking about kissing her. “The curve of a woman’s foot reminds me of her body…see? Sexy.” He slid the shoe on a very terrified looking Jane and stood. “Perfect fit.”

Jane’s mouth opened then closed as a rosy flush crept over her face. “Th-thank you.”

“I bought you my favorite brand.”

Her eyebrows arched. How did he know about Manolo Blahnik? “Oh.” And then she nodded and said loudly, “Ohhhh! That makes sense!”

Bentley’s eyes narrowed. “Me buying women’s shoes?”

“You wearing them,” she explained. “That’s great. I mean, good for you. I’m sorry I’m so awkward at things like this, but it’s good you’re…you know…” She bobbed her head and sputtered. “Out and…comfortable with it.”

“Out?” Bentley repeated. “I’m confused.”

“Of the closet,” she said slowly then saw the scowl on Bentley’s face. “Or maybe you just like to dress like a woman?” She straightened her shoulders and tried again. “In either case, congratulations on your choice to wear women’s clothing!”

Brock about died laughing as Bentley’s horrified expression went from stunned to genuine confusion.

“You heard her.” Brock held his laughter in check. “Congratulations, brother. I’ll take care of the press release: Bachelor Playboy Bentley Wellington and his private women’s shoe collection.”

Bentley let out a strangled laugh. “Yes, and while we’re at it why don’t we remind the press that the clock is ticking on that auction of yours? Hmm?”

“Auction?” Jane asked.

“Don’t.” Brock shook his head. “You don’t want to know.”

“But she probably already does.” Bentley pointed out. “Unless she doesn’t read the news…?”

They both stared at her, waiting for an answer.

“I, uh…” She ducked her head, blushing again. “I read books.”

“How pure.” Bentley smiled and sat down next to her. “And just so we’re clear.” He leaned in as though he was going to kiss her. “My bat only swings one way…and I can assure you, every time I get thrown a pitch, I hit it out of the park.”

Michel’s Review

Looking for a fun loving, romp roaring fun fairy tale? Do you love Cinderella? Would you like to see Prince Charming a little bit flawed with a set of younger, crazy twin brothers that make his life more difficult. Rather than having the kingdom handed to him, he has to be auctioned off the highest bidding princess. Yet when he meets his Cinderella not only does she come with two evil sisters but also an evil Cock and a magical mule.

Brock Wellington has always been the yes man in his family. His grandfather has decided that it is time for him to marry and show the board members and investors that the Wellingtons are stable businessmen. His other two grandsons are not ready to take on the responsibility. Brock is ready but doesn’t want a woman changing his life. When he’s forced to become the hottest item on a charity bachelor auction, the press is having a field day. The only thing he can do is hide out at the family ranch.

Jane was hired to get the Wellington ranch in order for the upcoming marriage of the oldest grandson. This is a golden opportunity to make some good money and get away from her spoiled, demanding sisters. It’s like a working vacation until Brock Wellington shows up and interferes with her job. The only thing she can do is work around him. She doesn’t count on him being so charming yet beautifully flawed. Nor did she count on his brothers showing up and playing cupid. Dealing with three Wellington men can make a woman crazy. Their crazy pets are much easier to deal with.

Jane and Brock find love in a hopeless situation. She is a real life Cinderella, the poor girl without a chance. He is the determined Prince Charming. He is going to find Jane her own fairy godmother to help her win him fair and square.

Jane and Brock never realized that Brock’s grandfather was the author of their fairytale romance. He has his own fairy godmother doing her what she does best, meddling in the love lives of the next upcoming generations in the Titus & Wellington families. Grandma Nadine ( from The Bet series) is on the job and working her magic.

This isn’t a Disney movie… it’s Grandpa Wellington’s and Grandma Nadine’s script. Let the fun begin. Look out Wellington twins, the fairy godparents have already waved their wands and set the world into a spin.

Rachel Van Dyken has once again made me laugh and swoon at the same time. This book may not be overly angsty or dramatic, it is a purely delightful romance to lighten your day.

_______________________________________________________

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

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*****

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Pre Release + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Bound To Submit by Laura Kaye – Blasphemy Series – Book 1

Posted on 10/07/2016 by shellbellereads

Decadent… Sensual… Forbidden…

12 Masters. 12 Desires. 12 Fantasies Come to Life.
Meet the Masters of Blasphemy…

About Bound to Submit:

From the ruins of an abandoned church comes Baltimore’s hottest and most exclusive BDSM club. Twelve Masters. Infinite fantasies. Welcome to Blasphemy…

He thinks he caused her pain, but she knows he’s the only one who can heal her…

Kenna Sloane lost her career and her arm in the Marines, and now she feels like she’s losing herself. Submission is the only thing that ever freed her from pain and made her feel secure, and Kenna needs to serve again. Bad. The only problem is the Dom she wants once refused her submission and broke her heart, but, scarred on the inside and out, she’s not looking for love this time. She’s not even sure she’s capable.

Griffin Hudson is haunted by the mistakes that cost him the only woman he ever loved. Now she’s back at his BDSM club, Blasphemy, and more beautiful than ever, and she’s asking for his help with the pain he knows he caused. Even though he’s scared to hurt her again, he can’t refuse her, because he’d give anything to earn a second chance. And this time, he’ll hold on forever.

Order Bound to Submit in ebook or paperback, releasing 10/11/16

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Excerpt

Griffin stood in front of her. “We’re practicing Sunday night’s demonstration position. I want to make sure you’re comfortable with it and that it’s not too taxing before we do it in front of an audience, especially since the demos always run a little longer.”

“Yes, Sir,” Kenna said, kneeling naked at his feet.

“I’m going to tie you up. Flog you until your skin is hot and pink. And make you come you until you’re mindless. Understand?” His voice was like gravel, and the bulge in the front of his jeans told her that he was as turned on as she was.

“Yes, Master Griffin. I’m ready.” She shivered.

“Then let’s begin. I want you to sit on your bottom, back straight, knees bent.”

Moving as quickly and gracefully as she could, Kenna got into position. He never revealed what the position would be or exactly how she would be bound, so there was always a thrill of discovery about his bondage that she loved. She took a deep breath as the twine fell against her skin. First, he wrapped a long length around her breasts, squeezing them and making them sensitive, and then he had her sit forward so that her upper body was against the fronts of her thighs.

Each brush of his fingers aroused her. Each wrap of the rope excited her. Each pressing knot pushed her into that place she loved to be.

Next, Master Griffin worked loop after loop around her lower back and the backs of her thighs, holding her in a folded position. His hands moved in what felt like intricate patterns against her spine as he connected those ropes to the ones around her breasts in what felt like some sort of erotic harness.

And then he came around the front of her. “How are you?”

“All Green, Sir.”

He nodded, and then he worked the twine in a stunning pattern down each arm before binding her arms flat against the fronts of her shins, folding her tighter over her legs. It was as he worked on her front that she noticed that he used black rope that matched her prosthetic—had he planned it that way? She wouldn’t put it past him, because the effect was absolutely beautiful against her skin. And part of the point of Shibari was the artist quality of the bondage.

She moaned at how good it felt and looked, and at the fact that Master Griffin was the one who made her feel this way—the only one who had ever made her feel this way.

“You look so fucking beautiful, Kenna,” he ground out as he secured her wrists to her ankles, and then her elbows to the soft spots behind her knees. “There.” He rose and walked around her, and just his observation made her breathe harder, faster. What did he see when he looked at her? Did he see the beauty of his work? Or did he see the damaged woman who’d come home from war?

Focus.

“Now it’s time for the suspension, little one. Once I start lifting you, just give in to the motion.”

“Yes, Sir,” she said, her voice breathy, her pussy already wet with her need.

She concentrated on her breathing and the music and the sounds Master Griffin was making. She couldn’t see what he was doing with the ropes behind her back and the pulley system he’d lowered from the ceiling, so she didn’t concern herself with it, she just gave herself over to what was about to happen, even though she didn’t know exactly what that was.

And then she rose into the air…

________________________________

Michel’s Review

Laura Kaye’s new series, Blasphemy, is more than BDSM romance. It’s a true emotional experience. Laura has created dynamic characters that touch the readers hearts. She delves into their psyche, as well as their emotional conditions and delivers an honest insight into their motivations for choosing a lifestyle in the Blasphemy series. This series is not about a BDSM sex , it’s about the members searching for completion within themselves. They are surrendering more than their bodies and controlling more than sexual needs. They are gaining control of their lives outside of their club roles.

Bound To Submit is a second chance romance for Master Griffin and Kenna Sloane. In their previous relationship mistakes were made that left them both with regrets. As they moved forward in their individual lives their personal experiences molded them into different people. Now they are in each others lives for very different reasons. For Kenna it’s gaining control in her life. Being a submissive isn’t completely about giving control to someone else with complete trust, it is a total exercise of complete control that allows the individual to completely let go and find release in the mind as well as the body. For Kenna it is therapeutic and healing.

Master Griffin had regrets when he let Kenna go. Now that Kenna is back in his life, he sees the differences in her entire being and is completely in tune with what she needs. What he realizes is that he needs her as much as she needs him.

Kenna and Griffin’s relationship is sizzling hot. I felt every moment this couple experienced together.

Although I am not a fan of BDSM romance, I felt Laura Kaye did a wonderful job writing Bound To Submit. She packed a powerful and emotional story in a BDSM club setting that showcased the characters rather than the scenes.

I can’t wait to see what’s next in the Blasphemy series.

_______________________________

“A searingly sexy story with some of the hottest scenes I’ve read in a long, long time. Laura Kaye shows her mastery of the BDSM world. I’m eagerly anticipating more in this bold new series!“

~ Cherise Sinclair, NYT Bestselling Author of the Masters of the Shadowlands Series

“Smoldering and sexy, Laura Kaye’s Blasphemy series is everything I look for in a romance. Haunted heroes and strong heroines populate this one of a kind club and I can’t wait to see the big bad Doms fall one by one.”

~ Lexi Blake, NYT Bestselling Author of the Masters and Mercenaries Series

Meet the Masters of Blasphemy in Hard to Serve, now available in paperback and ebook

About Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty-five books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense, including the Hard Ink and Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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New Release + Review + Giveaway: Bedmates by Nichole Chase – American Royalty Series – Book 1

Posted on 10/06/2016 by shellbellereads

We are thrilled to get to bring to you the Review & Excerpt Tour for New York Times Bestselling Author Nichole Chase’s BEDMATES, the first standalone novel in her new American Royalty Series! Be sure to check out all of the stops in this amazing tour and grab your copy of BEDMATES today!

From the New York Times bestselling author of Suddenly Royal comes the first in a sparkling new series about America’s favorite royal—the First Daughter.

Everyone makes mistakes, especially in college. But when you’re the daughter of the President of the United States, any little slip up is a huge embarrassment. Maddie McGuire’s latest error in judgment lands her in police custody, giving the press a field day. Agreeing to do community service as penance and to restore her tattered reputation, Maddie never dreams incredibly good looking but extremely annoying vice president’s son, Jake Simmon, will be along for the ride.

Recently returning from Afghanistan with a life-altering injury, Jake is wrestling with his own demons. He doesn’t have the time or patience to deal with the likes of Maddie. They’re like oil and water and every time they’re together, it’s combustible. But there’s a thin line between love and hate, and it’s not long before their fiery arguments give way to infinitely sexier encounters.

When Jake receives devastating news about the last remaining member of his unit, the darkness he’s resisted for so long begins to overwhelm him. Scared to let anyone close, he pushes Maddie away. But she isn’t about to give up on Jake that easily. Maddie’s fallen for him, and she’ll do anything to keep him from the edge as they both discover that love is a battlefield and there are some fights you just can’t lose.

Order BEDMATES in ebook or paperback, releasing 10/4/16

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Tracey’s Review

When you’re father is the president of the United States, people expect you to behave a certain way. Like, maybe not breaking into a lab to free test animals. Or spending all your free time helping at an animal shelter. Or walking around building sites in jeans, sassy tee-shirts, and mud. But Madeleine McGuire isn’t the typical First Daughter. She knows how to play the political game, and does it grudgingly, all while being her off-beat, big-hearted self.

Jake Simmon knows how to play the game, too. When your mother is the current VP, with sights set on becoming the next president, you have to walk the walk. As a wounded warrior, Jake is happy to give back to other veterans, but what he wasn’t counting on was Maddie. Frenemies for as long as they can remember, Jake and Maddie have an edgy sort of relationship. Except, suddenly Jake is looking at Maddie with new eyes, and Maddie is seeing him in a different way, too, and, well, chemistry.

BEDMATES by author Nichole Chase is a sweet, heartwarming, and, yes, sexy read. Although I tend to steer clear of the NA trope these days, there is something refreshing about this one. Maddie is a bit of a wild child, having inherited her free spirit from her mom. Although she tries to toe the line, well, life happens. When Maddie and Jake are forced to work together to promote a housing program for veterans, they have to make nice for the cameras, and, soon enough, find that they’re interested in spending more than just air time together.

Nichole has managed to capture the tenor of a life lived in the public eye, and what it must be like to always have to be ‘on.’ At the same time, she’s written Jake, Maddie, their famous families, and the people that make Washington, D.C., what it is, in a way that makes them more likable and approachable.

I really enjoyed that the storyline involves current events, things that will resonate with many different types of people. The animal rights issues, the wounded warrior issues, the political games, all add up to make a book that I liked very much. I would happily recommend BEDMATES, and rate it 4 stars’ worth of love, laughter, and steaminess, with the added bonus of political celebrity thrown into the mix. Definitely a nice addition to your TBR.

***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***

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About Nichole Chase:

Nichole Chase is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Suddenly Royal, The Accidental Assassin, Flukes, The Dark Betrayal Trilogy, The American Royalty Series and several short stories.

Nichole lives in Georgia with her husband, energetic daughter, two rescue dogs, Sulcata tortoise, and two cats. When not writing, you may find her reading, painting, crafting, or chasing her daughter around the house while making monster noises.

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New Release + Review + Giveaway: Thief Of Hearts by L.H. Conway

Posted on 10/06/2016 by shellbellereads

We’re celebrating the release of THIEF OF HEARTS by L.H. Cosway! Check out the excerpt and giveaway below!

Thief of Hearts

By L.H. Cosway

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense

Release Date: October 4, 2016

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Synopsis

Seduce the teacher.

Meet the cousin.

Make a deal.

Steal the painting.

Andrea Anderson has no clue of the thoughts churning around in the dark and dangerous ex-con’s head as he enters her classroom. In fact, she’s momentarily lost for words. Not in her entire teaching career has she had a student who looked quite like Stu Cross.

A widow at just twenty-eight, love is something Andie hasn’t considered a part of her life for a very long time. However, when lingering touches turn to whispered words and hot, searching stares, she begins to wonder if maybe she should take a leap of faith.

But Stu is in her class for a reason, and it has nothing to do with love. He’s there to burrow his way into her life and repay a debt, otherwise his family will suffer. Andie is the first person to show him true kindness since he left prison, and though he doesn’t want to mislead her, he doesn’t have another choice.

Before long, Stu can’t tell whether or not he’s acting anymore, and his feelings for Andie could throw all of his carefully crafted plans into complete and utter disarray.

**Can be read as a stand alone.

EXCERPT:

I organised my things and opened my laptop, pulling up the morning’s lesson plan when I heard the friendly chatter quieten down. Glancing up, I saw our new student had arrived, and I had to take a second to catch my breath.

Stuart Cross looked dangerous, in a James Dean, careless male beauty, leather jacket-wearing sort of way. He was tall, with chestnut-brown hair, hazel eyes and dark, expressive brows. He looked like he drank beer straight out of the bottle and drove a motorbike.

Mary placed a hand on her hip and smirked as she looked him up and down in a very ‘I’ve got your number, sonny Jim’ sort of fashion. I imagined she’d eat him for breakfast if he even gave her so much as a hint he was interested in becoming her boy toy.

And I, well, I couldn’t seem to take my eyes off him either. He was just so unexpected. It was like entering Alfie’s bedroom and discovering a newly finished painting. He seemed too much for our ordinary, comfortable little classroom.

He made eye contact with me just as he pulled out a chair in the third row and sat, a whoosh of air capturing my lungs. I rubbed my palms on my skirt and leaned forward, about to introduce myself when a student approached him. It was Harold, a small, bespectacled man in his early fifties, who liked everything to be done just so. In other words, he was set in his ways, and Stuart was currently occupying his usual seat.

“Pardon me, but I sit there,” he said, tapping Stuart on the shoulder.

Stuart rested an elbow on the desk, and slowly turned to look at him. “You what?”

Harold cleared his throat. “This is where I sit. I’m sorry, but you’re going to have to move.”

Stuart let out a quiet chuckle, shook his head and leaned back to spread his legs. “I don’t think so. I’ve just gotten comfortable, mate.”

I frowned and rose from my seat. Making my way past the desks, I felt the others watching as I approached our new student. I stopped just in front of him, briefly placed a reassuring hand on Harold’s shoulder and leveled Stuart with a strict look.

“We actually have a set seating plan. Come with me and I’ll show you where you can sit.

I’m Miss Anderson, by the way. Your teacher.”

Stuart took his time raising his eyes to mine, slicing his teeth across his full bottom lip for a second as he contemplated me. I rested my hands on my hips, trying not to fixate on his mouth as I felt a tiny flicker in some long-neglected part of my body.

“All right then, Miss Anderson. I wouldn’t want to cause a fuss,” said Stuart, standing to his full height and allowing Harold to take his seat. His attitude rubbed me the wrong way, but nevertheless, I led him to the only free seat in the front row. He stepped forward, his chest brushing mine before he sat. I caught my breath for a second; the contact took me by surprise.

In fact, it almost felt like he’d done it on purpose.

Yep, I was definitely going to have to keep an eye on this one.

________________________________

Robin’s Review

Author L. H. Cosway is now releasing the fifth book of the Hearts series. I’ve read and reviewed each book to date – Six of Hearts, Hearts of Fire, King of Hearts, and Hearts of Blue – all have Cosway’s unique, artistic flare that stands out in a sea of contemporary romance. Each novel of the Hearts series is loosely related to a previous novel in the series, but all can be read as standalones. This time, Cosway focuses on Stuart Cross, brother to Hearts of Blue male lead Lee Cross and the oldest of the Cross brothers.

“Seduce the teacher. Meet the cousin. Make a deal. Steal the painting.”

Andrea Anderson teaches adults who are seeking to return to college, helping them brush up on reading, writing, and other necessary skills prior to applying to a university. A widow at the age of 28, Andrea has had little interest in men since her husband passed away, but when Stuart Cross enters her classroom, she’s momentarily stunned. He’s tall and handsome with a dangerous edge. Stu appears to be exactly what he is – a criminal, just released from prison, who’s attending her class as a requirement of his parole. So when Stu begins flirting with Andrea, she’s flustered. And when he’s coming on to her hard, she rightfully feels skeptical.

Early in this novel, I struggled with the developing relationship between Stu and Andrea. Thief of Hearts is written from Andrea’s point of view, and for me, the attraction she felt for Stu wasn’t exactly jumping off of the pages. Having read Hearts of Blue, I was familiar with Stu’s background before I began reading. His gestures towards Andrea didn’t feel organic, and even when she began warming up to Stu, Andrea was still hesitant to give him her full heart.

But then we have the second half of this story; in my opinion, this is where the strength of this story lies. Cosway throws in a couple of interesting plot twists – the kind that had me sitting up at attention! Suddenly, Thief of Hearts became MUCH more interesting to me. The story became gritty, emotional, and this is where Andrea and Stu began experiencing all kinds of character growth. Growing closer under circumstances that weren’t ideal, Stu and Andrea developed real, deep feelings for each other. Now here is the magic I was expecting! The second half of Thief of Hearts REALLY packs a punch!

Thief of Hearts is a strong novel. It’s well-written, and as usual, Cosway’s writing flows nicely. I enjoyed the primary and secondary characters in this story. The Cross brothers were already on my radar from when I read Hearts of Blue, so I was pleased to read more about Lee and Karla, their family unit and to finally learn more about Stuart Cross. The plot of Thief of Hearts is unique, and it obviously required some thought and creativity to develop. Reading about the heist was very entertaining.

As I neared the climax of the novel, the author really pulled on my emotional strings. I felt empathy for Stu and Andrea as they struggled to cope with their mixed-up feelings. I just LOVE the way L. H. Cosway chose to resolve the story for these characters. I feel like I read two novels instead of one, which was a pleasant surprise! The strong second half of Stu and Andrea’s story increased my overall rating of Thief of Hearts to 4.5 stars!

_________________________________

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About the author:

L.H. Cosway lives in Dublin, Ireland. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books. She thinks that imperfect people are the most interesting kind. They tell the best stories. L.H. is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.

Social Media Links:FB: www.facebook.com/LHCosway
Twitter: www.twitter.com/LHCosway
Instagram: www.instagram.com/l.h.cosway
Website: www.lhcoswayauthor.com
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Release Blitz + Excerpt + Giveaway: Getting Dirty With The CEO by Mia Sosa

Posted on 10/04/2016 by shellbellereads

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It’s release day for Mia Sosa’s Getting Dirty with the CEO! Check out this sexy new contemporary romance, and enter Mia’s giveaway. And make sure to grab your copy today!

About Getting Dirty With the CEO:

Sometimes you have to get a little dirty to get what you want . . . Publicist Mimi Pennington is at the top of her game. She’s savvy, hard-working, and eager to move up the corporate ladder. So when her boss tells her that in order to make partner she has to land a prestigious account, Mimi meets the challenge head on. Never mind that the prospective client is Daniel Vargas, the polished and pompous player who rejected her months ago. Mimi hasn’t given Daniel the time of day since their one fateful encounter, and while business has brought them back together, pleasure is what he has in mind. She says she’s not interested in giving him a second chance, but Daniel is prepared to call her bluff. All he needs is one week. One week to test her rules and prove that he’s exactly the kind of man she needs . . .
“This debut romance sparkles.” — Library Journal (starred review) on Unbuttoning the CEO

“A fun, contemporary romance that reminds us that any attempt to predict or manage love is destined only to enhance its chaos.” — The Washington Post on One Night with the CEO

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Grab your copy today!

Exclusive Excerpt:

Everything about her turned him on. Pity she didn’t feel the same. Yet. “You never intended to win a date with me, did you?”

“Why would I buy the cow when the milk’s gone sour?”

“Because the cow has more fresh milk to produce, and it’s yours for the drinking?”

“Ew. That’s disgusting.”

“Ew. You have a dirty mind. A word to the wise, Mimi. If you screw with somebody, be prepared for them to screw you right back.”

“We tried that already, remember? Didn’t quite work out that way.”

“Oh, I definitely remember. Ready to finish what we started in Puerto Rico?”

“Hmmm. Let’s see.” She tapped her lips with two fingers. “Um. That would be a no.”

“What is it about me that you find so unpleasant? Because I have to say methinks the lady doth protest too much.”

“See there? That right there is what annoys me. You go around acting all suave and smooth and expecting everyone to fall at your feet. And I bet they do. Oh, I bet they do.”

She laughed, though he failed to see what aspect of this conversation was funny. Her reaction wasn’t just about him. Something had prompted her to feel this way about men, or about men like him. He wished he knew what.

“My guess is that you’ve gone through life flaunting your sexuality and throwing your fake-ass charm at everyone. It’s gotten you laid. It’s probably gotten you clients, too. But take away your good looks and sparkling personality, and what are you left with? I’ll tell you. Not much. And this lady doth prefer way more than not much.”

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About Mia Sosa:

Mia Sosa is an award-winning writer and 2015 Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® Finalist. She writes contemporary romances that are funny, flirty, and a little dirty. Ahem.

Although she once dreamed of being a professional singer, the pesky need to generate steady income led Mia to take the law school admissions test instead. She practiced First Amendment and media law in the nation’s capital for ten years before returning to her creative roots. Now she spends most of her days writing love stories about smart women and the complicated men who love them. Okay, let’s be real here: she wears PJs all day and watches more reality television than a network television censor—all in the name of research, of course.
About Mia Sosa:

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Release Blitz + Excerpt + Giveaway: Mine For Now by Erika Kelly – Wild Love Series – Book 1

Posted on 10/04/2016 by shellbellereads

From the award-winning author of the Rock Star Romance books comes a sizzling new series about the O’Donnell siblings. The pull of wild love is irresistible.

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She’s had enough drama in her life.

Nicole O’Donnell is more than ready for the fresh start college offers. After a lifetime of trying to help her alcoholic mom and ex-boyfriend get sober, she’s finally learned her lesson: people don’t change. They certainly don’t change for her.

He can never leave his drama behind.

Thanks to his mom’s substance abuse issues, Dylan McCaffrey’s persona non grata in his hometown of Gun Powder, Colorado. So when he scores a free ride to the top university in the country, he’s determined to make something of this fresh start. But his mom has always relied on him, and she’s not handling his absence well at all. If he can just keep up his grades, pay her bills, and come home every break, he might be able to pull off this opportunity.

True love won’t be denied.

No matter how determined they are to steer clear of each other, their combustible connection explodes, especially when Nicole offers Dylan the one thing he can’t bear—hope. Once he has a taste of it—and the irresistible force of her—there’s no going back.

But when he falls too deeply, when he loses sight of his priorities, he might just lose it all.

Order MINE FOR NOW in ebook or paperback, available today!

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EXCERPT:

He blocked her way but didn’t budge. Wet hair hung around her face, trickles of water sliding down her shoulders and disappearing into the towel. She looked so pretty, so sweet.

Caught in that magnetic force that always bound them together, neither one made a move. His hands fisted to keep from touching her. He wanted…what did it matter what he wanted?

And then she smiled, breaking the tension. She reached around him for her doorknob.

His heart pounded, his nerves vibrated. He wanted to say something to keep her, but he couldn’t keep her. He couldn’t have her at all.

Her door opened, and she stepped inside. She’d shut him out in one second, and he’d be stuck with Brittany, Todd, Joe, and Kevin for the night. For all the nights of his college life. And then he’d go home to his Colorado friends and sink back into the sameness, the ugliness of that life.

And this girl? She was like a portal to a whole different world. Fresh, clean, pure.

He could feel her warm body curving along his under the covers, smell her subtle, sweet scent, see the look in her eyes in the darkness just before they fell asleep—the soundest sleep he’d ever had in his life—and he wanted that. Wanted it so badly his body throbbed with it.

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About Erika Kelly:

Award-winning author Erika Kelly has been spinning romantic tales all her life–she just didn’t know it. Raised on the classics, she didn’t discover romantic fiction until later in life. From that moment on, she’s been devouring the genre and has found her true voice as an author. Over three decades she’s written poems, screenplays, plays, short stories, and all kinds of women’s fiction novels. Married to the love of her life and raising four children, she’s lived in two countries and seven states, but give her pen and paper, a stack of good books, and a steaming mug of vanilla chai latte and she can make her home anywhere.

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Release Blitz + Excerpt + Review + Giveaway: A Fool For You by Katee Robert – Foolproof Love Series – Book 3

Posted on 10/04/2016 by shellbellereads

It’s just a belated goodbye, right? No harm, no foul.

A FOOL FOR YOU

Foolproof Love #3

Katee Robert

Releasing Oct 3rd, 2016

Entangled: Brazen

It’s been
thirteen years since Hope Moore left Devil’s Falls, land of sexy cowboys and
bad memories. Back for the weekend, she has no intention of seeing the man she
never got over…or the two of them getting down and dirty. It’s just a belated
goodbye, right? No harm, no foul.Until six weeks later, when her pregnancy test comes back positive…Daniel Rodriguez hasn’t forgiven himself for how things went down with Hope all
those years ago. He knows she’s better off without him, but when she shows up
on his doorstep, panicking because she’s pregnant with his baby, he can’t help
seeing it as a chance to make up for the past.

Too bad Hope has no intention of going along with his plans.

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It’s just a belated goodbye, right? No harm, no foul.

<br />

A FOOL FOR YOU

Foolproof Love #3

Katee Robert

Releasing Oct 3rd, 2016

Entangled: Brazen

<br />

Until six weeks later, when her pregnancy test comes back positive…

Daniel Rodriguez hasn’t forgiven himself for how things went down with Hope all those years ago. He knows she’s better off without him, but when she shows up on his doorstep, panicking because she’s pregnant with his baby, he can’t help seeing it as a chance to make up for the past.

Too bad Hope has no intention of going along with his plans.

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Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo | Entangled

Other titles in the series

<br />

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Katee Robert learned to tell her stories at her grandpa’s knee. She found romance novels at age twelve and they changed her life. When not writing sexy contemporary and romantic suspense, she spends her time playing imaginary games with her children, driving her husband batty with what-if questions, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.

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Excerpt

He turned to find Hope standing behind him. Again. “You sure move quiet when you want to.” Especially for a woman with a bum leg. Not that he could say as much without sounding like a jackass.

“You mean since I had my knee replaced.” Of course she knew what he meant anyway. Apparently damn near reading his mind was one annoying habit she hadn’t outgrown.

“I didn’t say that.”

“You didn’t have to.” She leveraged herself down next to him, the move not quiet as smooth as it’d been when she was eighteen.

Daniel almost cursed. He had to stop doing that. Comparing her now to how she was then wasn’t fair to either of them. It was another lifetime completely, and thinking about it was just fucking depressing. “Hope—”

“Are you seeing anyone?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

He was so surprised by the question that he answered honestly, “Why the fuck would I bother?”

“Oh, I don’t know, because you don’t want to be a creepy old man who lives in the middle of nowhere and has to run off silly high school kids with his shotgun because they tell ghost stories about him?”

He looked at her, half sure that she was the one who’d lost her damn mind. “That’s not a thing.”

“It is most definitely a thing.” She leaned back on her hands and stared at the sky. The most move arched her back and pressed her breasts against the fancy tank top she wore. It was made of some kind of drapey fabric that looked soft and shiny, and it highlighted the fact that he seriously doubted she was wearing a bra. “You’re too young to just give up.”

“It’s not about giving up.” Though he didn’t expect Hope to understand that. He’d checked up on her a few times since the accident, and every single time he was amazed at the things she’d accomplished. Life had kicked her in the teeth and she’d come back swinging. She’d taken two years off and then attended the University of Texas and graduated with honors. She ran her own successful consulting business to work with companies that wanted to set up scholarships and nonprofits.

She shifted to look at him. “It looks like giving up from where I’m sitting.”

_________________________________________

Tracey’s Review

***4.5 Heartbreaking, Sexy, Redemptive Stars***

Daniel Rodriguez has never forgiven himself for his part in the accident that cost the life of one of his best friends. Years have passed, and still, as far as he is concerned, the burden is his to carry. Hope Moore lost more than a brother that night thirteen years ago. She lost the one person that could have helped her navigate the pain of her suddenly empty world when Daniel turned his back on her, too mired in his own darkness to stand by her side, and Hope’s life has never been the same.

So, finally, we have it. I’ve been waiting for Daniel’s and Hope’s story. Because Daniel Rodriguez is all sorts of angsty, troubled, in-need-of-his-HEA cowboy, and I needed to see him get his happy back. And because Hope Moore has overcome many trials, but still has this one unhealed wound in her heart. And because a second-chance romance is near and dear to my heart, and this one has been thirteen Devil’s Falls years in the making.

The Foolproof Love series by author Katee Robert is one of my favorite this year. Katee has a way of writing that draws me in and snags me from page 1 every single time. I have so enjoyed both of the first books, and could not wait to read A FOOL FOR YOU, because I’ve had my eye on Daniel all the way through this series. I like a little bit of angst in my reads more times than not, and this book delivers in spades.

Daniel is still bearing the burden of guilt that started the night of the accident that claimed John’s life and badly injured Hope, John’s sister and the love of Daniel’s life. When Hope needed Daniel to be there for her, to help her adjust to her new normal, he was too full of self-blame to reach out, and so began the break that severed Hope’s and Daniel’s relationship and kept them apart for thirteen long years. But when Hope returns to Devil’s Falls to set up a scholarship in John’s memory, it takes less than no time for the flame between her and Daniel to roar back to life. The problem, though, is that so much time has passed, and Daniel still hasn’t forgiven himself. No matter, because the heart wants what the heart wants, and things get out of hand pretty quickly, leaving Hope and Daniel is a situation where they will be forever linked.

“Do you still love me, darling?”
Her breath stilled in her lungs, and her eyes went wide. The world tilted crazily around her like had last time she had the misfortune of being on a carnival ride. She hadn’t liked the experience any more then than she did now.
“What the hell kind of question is that?”
His smile was the very definition of smug.
“I thought so.”

Oh, heck, yes, the spark is still alive, and burning as hot as ever, but Hope isn’t sure that they can go back to the way that they were before. But despite the reservations of friends and family, despite the fact that Daniel can’t get out of his own way, he knows what he wants, and he knows that it’s Hope.

“We tried. We failed. Some things just aren’t meant to be.”
“You’re right…Some things aren’t. But we aren’t some things. A love like ours doesn’t come around more than once in a lifetime, and the fact we get a second chance to do it right is miracle enough. I don’t deserve a second chance-or third or fourth or whatever number chance we’re on now-but I’m here asking for it all the same.”

THUD. And, I’m done. And so is Hope, because, how in the world is she not going to give in to that?!

I’ll say it again, I loved this book, and I loved the series. My suggestion? Add them all to your TBR and get started. You can thank me later.

***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***

______________________________________

Other titles in the series

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Katee
Robert learned to tell her stories at her grandpa’s knee. She found romance
novels at age twelve and they changed her life. When not writing sexy
contemporary and romantic suspense, she spends her time playing imaginary games
with her children, driving her husband batty with what-if questions, and
planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

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Release Blitz + Excerpt + Giveaway : Bedmates by Nichole Chase

Posted on 10/04/2016 by shellbellereads

We are thrilled to get to bring to you the Release Day Launch for New York Times Bestselling Author Nichole Chase’s BEDMATES, the first standalone novel in her new American Royalty Series! Be sure to grab your copy of BEDMATES today!

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From the New York Times bestselling author of Suddenly Royal comes the first in a sparkling new series about America’s favorite royal—the First Daughter.

Everyone makes mistakes, especially in college. But when you’re the daughter of the President of the United States, any little slip up is a huge embarrassment. Maddie McGuire’s latest error in judgment lands her in police custody, giving the press a field day. Agreeing to do community service as penance and to restore her tattered reputation, Maddie never dreams incredibly good looking but extremely annoying vice president’s son, Jake Simmon, will be along for the ride.

Recently returning from Afghanistan with a life-altering injury, Jake is wrestling with his own demons. He doesn’t have the time or patience to deal with the likes of Maddie. They’re like oil and water and every time they’re together, it’s combustible. But there’s a thin line between love and hate, and it’s not long before their fiery arguments give way to infinitely sexier encounters.

When Jake receives devastating news about the last remaining member of his unit, the darkness he’s resisted for so long begins to overwhelm him. Scared to let anyone close, he pushes Maddie away. But she isn’t about to give up on Jake that easily. Maddie’s fallen for him, and she’ll do anything to keep him from the edge as they both discover that love is a battlefield and there are some fights you just can’t lose.

Grab BEDMATES in ebook or paperback, releasing today!

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EXCERPT:

The hand on the back of my neck tilted my head so he could kiss me better and I melted against him. I’d waited for this moment most of my life and I sure as hell wasn’t disappointed.

The kiss wasn’t rushed, wasn’t abrupt. It was slow, lingering brushes of lips, as our breaths slid over each other. It was an intense, raw moment as we tested unknown waters and what we found only increased our determination. When his tongue swiped across my bottom lip in a request for entrance I opened on a sigh. His free hand caressed my hip before sliding around to the small of my back, tucking me against him.

The feel of his hard body pressed against me made my head spin. Every delectable inch of hi was hard in just the right way. As his mouth danced over mine, fire ran through my veins. Everywhere that he touched me came alive and I wrapped my arms around his neck, hungry to feel more of him pressed to me. This was what I’d been looking for all these years. I felt alive and appreciated with each stroke of his tongue and touch of his hands.

His arm tightened around my waist and my feet left the ground. I gasped as he sat me on the unfinished kitchen island. Dark brown eyes drilled into mine as his hands slid down to cup my ass before gently spreading my legs so that he could fit between them. He pressed against my center and I couldn’t help but groan as he pulled me tight. Wrapping my legs around his hips I pushed even closer, trying to relieve the building ache.

He groaned into my mouth and I took the moment to nip his bottom lip. I’d wanted to do that forever; to feel it plump between my teeth. One of his hands squeezed my ass tighter and he grinded his erection into me, causing my head to fall backward on a gasp of pleasure. Each move against me made me gasp louder, and my eyes fell shut. With one hand he pulled my hair free from the rubber band before tangling his fingers in it.

“God, you taste good.” His voice was raw, harsh, and it sent shivers down my spine. He ran his nose along the column of my throat before nipping gently below my ear. “Should have done this forever ago.”

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About Nichole Chase:

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Release Blitz + Excerpt + Review + Giveaway : In Ruins by Danielle Pearl – The Something More Series – Book 3

Posted on 10/04/2016 by shellbellereads

In Ruins

The Something More Series – Book 3

By Danielle Pearl

Genre: New Adult

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

The first New Adult spin-off novel in the bestselling YA Something More series by Danielle Pearl!

She wanted to start again. To be someone—anyone—different. . .

Freedom. When Carleigh Stanger thought of college, that was the word that came to mind. Freedom from her unhappy home life. Freedom from high school mistakes. Freedom from the memory of that terrible morning. Only instead of bringing a sweet escape, Carleigh’s first campus party traps her in the scornful gaze of the last person she wants to see, Tucker Green.

It wasn’t long ago that being close to Carleigh was everything Tucker wanted. But that was before he realized she was just another scheming girl who’d do whatever it took to get her way. Even lie to the guy she claimed to love. Unfortunately while Tucker’s brain remembers the pain Carleigh caused, his body only remembers the pleasure . . .

Excerpt

I linger half in a dream, wondering why I feel as if I’m waking up inside my past. My fingers automatically reach to the base of my throat for the white gold crown charm Tucker gave me before graduation last year, a reminder that I would always be his princess. But always didn’t last, and my fingers come up empty as I recall tearing off the necklace and stuffing it unceremoniously into my bathroom drawer minutes after he broke my heart.

The subtle scent of fresh spring soap, aftershave, and the faint musk of last night’s sweat ambushes my senses. My eyes flutter open to find dawn breaking in through the window shades. It’s still early enough that I doubt anyone else will be awake for a while, but I know that whether it’s minutes or an hour, once Tucker’s eyes open, it won’t be long before I’m asked to leave.

It takes no more than another second or two to register the pattern of his breathing, too lively to indicate sleep, and I stiffen above him. I swallow anxiously and reluctantly look up.

He’s watching me, gaze impassive, but his arms don’t move. His fingertips dance, feather-light along the small of my back, and I wonder if it’s what woke me. I clear my throat, though I have no idea what to say in this moment. But Tucker speaks first.

“This can’t happen again. You know that, right?”

I nod. Because I do know. We’ll never be friends if we blur the lines with this. Not just the sex. Not even mostly the sex. But this. This intimacy. This is what could break us. Break me.

In an instant, the haze of last night’s lust begins to lift, and anxiety settles in its place. Because I doubt I could survive his breaking my heart a second time, and that’s precisely what I’m setting myself up for. I’ve laid my own trap, and I need to free myself before it’s too late.

“We shouldn’t be laying in bed like this,” I tell him.

His smile is wistful. “I know.”

But he makes no move to disentangle himself from me. Instead, he does the opposite, his hand leisurely roving up the avenue of my spine, as if it’s going for a Sunday drive.

I shrug it from my body and sit up, startling him. “Stop doing that,” I snap.

“Touching you?” His brow furrows.

“No! Yes. Touching me, and agreeing with me but continuing this… this affection anyway.”

“Sorry,” he murmurs half-heartedly.

“No you’re not.”

He frowns as I yank the sheet out from under the bedspread and drape it around myself.

“Maybe it was wrong of me,” I admit. “Coming here last night. Maybe I was stupid to believe we could just hook up and walk away. Or that I could. But Tucker, if you wanted to fuck me, then why couldn’t you just fuck me?” My words drown in regret. “You can’t say these things—about my eyes, how you think about me… You can’t stare at me the way you do, or call me Princess. It isn’t fair.”

“Carl—”

“No, Tuck. You know how I feel about you. And you said it yourself. When you love someone more than your own life, you don’t let them go for anything.” I stare at him meaningfully. “Anything.”

Tucker shakes his head, eyes lined with exasperation. “Carl, I tried to talk to you about that last night—”

“No, Tuck. I get it now,” I assure him. “And maybe I always should have known. But you must have, right? Or at least you do now.”

“Know what?” His brow furrows deeply, vaguely bewildered.

I glare at him, trying to determine if he’s undermining my intelligence or if I’m somehow not making sense. But I know him better than that, and as easy it would be to vilify him right now, I can’t lie to myself. “Maybe you really did believe it at the time,” I admit. “That you loved me back.”

“Carl—”

“Or maybe you really did love me. Just not enough, you know?” I don’t bother fighting the tears. He’s seen them plenty of times now anyway, and if there’s ever been a time to let them flow, it’s now.

And Tuck stops his attempts to explain. He blinks at me, stunned silent, and I suspect he’s finally grasping the weight of his own words. And I realize that even though he’s the one who said them, it’s only now that he’s really understanding their implications. The truth is obvious and cruel, and with it I can stop wondering. I can stop analyzing his words and guessing at their meaning. Because now I know.

Eventually Tucker sighs, raking his fingers through his hair as he searches for words to placate me. But I don’t want his guilt, and I definitely don’t want his pity.

I avert my gaze and it lands on his overnight bag, three feet to my right. I force in a deep breath and shove my hand inside it, pulling out the first piece of clothing I can grab, grateful to discover it’s a t-shirt—fitted for him, but oversized for me. I hastily slip it on.

I look back at him, feeling utterly defeated. “You let me go.”

We both know now what that says about his love, but this isn’t about blame—this is about acceptance. It’s about moving forward. “So let me go,” I beg him, and then hurry out the door.

Michel’s Review

Carleigh Stanger wanted college to be a fresh start in her life. Her childhood was anything but good even though through in the eyes of the world she appeared to be a privileged girl that didn’t want for anything. Appearances are always deceiving. Assumptions aren’t always the truth. Secrets can be devastating.

Carleigh and Tucker were high school sweethearts. Their love for one another was pure until Carleigh’s secrets were exposed. Her secrets destroyed Tucker’s family. He was devastated by her deceptions. His heart was destroyed. His love turned to pure hate.

Carleigh and Tucker had planned on attending college together. They are still at the same university but no longer together. Carleigh is doing her best to avoid Tucker and move on in her life. Fate keeps throwing them together. Their new social groups seem to constantly cross paths.They are in one of the same classes even though both of them changed their schedules after the breakup. Now they are forced to work together on a group project that is a major portion of their grade. Being forced to work together is painful.

College life is quite different than the high school world. They are now adults having to deal with real adult situations.

The more they are around each other they begin to see each other in a completely different light. They begin to take responsibility for their previous actions. Their misconceptions, insecurities, and assumptions were based purely off of immature emotions and ideas. They are learning the world isn’t black and white. Their parents actions are not their actions.

History has a way of repeating itself. Once again Tucker and Carleigh are going to have to face the ugly truths of their past lives. This time it may end up killing one them. The one thing that hasn’t changed is their hearts. They still love one another deeply. They have to learn forgiveness and acceptance.

Danielle Pearl wrote a compelling new adult novel. It was loaded with the right amount of angst and the right amount of romance. She created the perfect college environment. I enjoyed In Ruins and would highly recommend this book.

__________________________________________

Danielle Pearl is the bestselling author of the Something More series. She lives in New Jersey with her three delicious children and ever-supportive husband, who—luckily—doesn’t mind sharing her with an array of fictional men. She did a brief stint at Boston University and worked in marketing before publishing her debut novel, Normal. She writes mature Young Adult and New Adult contemporary romance. Danielle enjoys coffee, wine, and cupcakes, and not in moderation.

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Decadent… Sensual… Forbidden…

12 Masters. 12 Desires. 12 Fantasies Come to Life. Meet the Masters of Blasphemy…

About Bound to Submit:

From the ruins of an abandoned church comes Baltimore’s hottest and most exclusive BDSM club. Twelve Masters. Infinite fantasies. Welcome to Blasphemy…

He thinks he caused her pain, but she knows he’s the only one who can heal her…

Order Bound to Submit in ebook or paperback, releasing 10/11/16

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“A searingly sexy story with some of the hottest scenes I’ve read in a long, long time. Laura Kaye shows her mastery of the BDSM world. I’m eagerly anticipating more in this bold new series!“

~ Cherise Sinclair, NYT Bestselling Author of the Masters of the Shadowlands Series

“Smoldering and sexy, Laura Kaye’s Blasphemy series is everything I look for in a romance. Haunted heroes and strong heroines populate this one of a kind club and I can’t wait to see the big bad Doms fall one by one.”

~ Lexi Blake, NYT Bestselling Author of the Masters and Mercenaries Series

Meet the Masters of Blasphemy in Hard to Serve, now available in paperback and ebook

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We are thrilled to get to bring to you the Review & Excerpt Tour for New York Times Bestselling Author Nichole Chase’s BEDMATES, the first standalone novel in her new American Royalty Series! Be sure to check out all of the stops in this amazing tour and grab your copy of BEDMATES today!

From the New York Times bestselling author of Suddenly Royal comes the first in a sparkling new series about America’s favorite royal—the First Daughter.

Order BEDMATES in ebook or paperback, releasing 10/4/16

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From the award-winning author of the Rock Star Romance books comes a sizzling new series about the O’Donnell siblings. The pull of wild love is irresistible.

She’s had enough drama in her life.

Nicole O’Donnell is more than ready for the fresh start college offers. After a lifetime of trying to help her alcoholic mom and ex-boyfriend get sober, she’s finally learned her lesson: people don’t change. They certainly don’t change for her.

He can never leave his drama behind.

True love won’t be denied.

No matter how determined they are to steer clear of each other, their combustible connection explodes, especially when Nicole offers Dylan the one thing he can’t bear—hope. Once he has a taste of it—and the irresistible force of her—there’s no going back.

But when he falls too deeply, when he loses sight of his priorities, he might just lose it all.

Order MINE FOR NOW in ebook or paperback, available today!

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We are thrilled to get to bring to you the Release Day Launch for New York Times Bestselling Author Nichole Chase’s BEDMATES, the first standalone novel in her new American Royalty Series! Be sure to grab your copy of BEDMATES today!

From the New York Times bestselling author of Suddenly Royal comes the first in a sparkling new series about America’s favorite royal—the First Daughter.

Grab BEDMATES in ebook or paperback, releasing today!

Amazon | iBooks | BAM| Barnes & Noble

Add to your Goodreads

EXCERPT:

The hand on the back of my neck tilted my head so he could kiss me better and I melted against him. I’d waited for this moment most of my life and I sure as hell wasn’t disappointed.

“God, you taste good.” His voice was raw, harsh, and it sent shivers down my spine. He ran his nose along the column of my throat before nipping gently below my ear. “Should have done this forever ago.”

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12 Masters. 12 Desires. 12 Fantasies Come to Life.
Meet the Masters of Blasphemy…

Website Facebook Twitter Newsletter Signup Erika Kelly Goodreads