Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: The Affiliate by K.A. Line

Posted on 09/24/2015 by shellbellereads

The Affiliate Synopsis:

On the day of her Presenting, in front of the entire Byern Court, seventeen-year-old Cyrene Strohm’s lifelong plans come to fruition when she’s chosen as an Affiliate to the Queen.

Or so she thinks. When Cyrene receives a mysterious letter and an unreadable book, she finds nothing is as it seems. Thrust into a world of dangerous political intrigue and deadly magic, Cyrene’s position only grows more treacherous when she finds herself drawn to the one man she can never have…

King Edric himself.

Cyrene must decide if love is truly worth the price of freedom. Find out in this first book in USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde’s new Ascension series.

Buy Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Itunes

Exclusive Excerpt:

“I see the way you look at her, Edric. Your eyes follow her, you dance the longest dances with her, and now, you’re sending her presents. I’ve known you too long not to know that this is unlike you. You’re not Kael. You don’t fraternize with the Affiliates who parade themselves in front of you, hoping for a scrap of your time. Yet here you are with this Cyrene. What is she to you?” Daufina asked.

At her question, Edric paced the long room. She watched him through the silence and wondered what he was thinking.

“You told me once that you would inform me if you wanted to take a mistress—”

“I do not want to take a mistress,” Edric snapped.

Daufina straightened in surprise. He never raised his voice with her.

“I apologize,” he said with a sigh. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“Just talk to me.”

“Would you believe me if I said that I didn’t want anything to do with her?” His eyes were pleading.

“No,” Daufina admitted.

“No,” he agreed. “No, I wouldn’t either. I keep telling myself that I’m acting like a fool, Daufina, but then I see her again.” He stroked his chin as he tried to find the words. “She has this pull. When I’m with her, the throne slips away, and I’m just a man with a beautiful woman. It both intrigues and terrifies me.” He splayed his hands before him. “I can never be anything but the king…but when I’m with her, I want to be.”

Robin’s Review

In her acknowledgments, author K.A. Linde tells us The Affiliate was borne from her great love for reading fantasy and young adult fantasy. She explains The Affiliate has been a book that’s been “several years in the making.” Linde is the author of the Take Me Duet, and the Avoiding, The Record, and the All That Glitters series. Her typical writing falls into the new adult and contemporary romance genres. I was incredibly excited to learn Linde was writing The Affiliate! To the best of my knowledge, this is her first venture into the young adult fantasy genre. I really love seeing an author step out of his or her comfort zone, and it’s exciting when those efforts are successful!

Cyrene Strohm dreams of becoming an Affiliate. Although she was raised in a First Class family, it doesn’t guarantee her own placement in First Class. But on her seventeenth birthday, the day of her Presenting Ceremony, Cyrene catches the attention of handsome King Edric. She is named Affiliate to the Queen in First Class, just as her mother was before her. Even as the dreams for her future come to fruition, a whole world of court politics and intrigue opens up before Cyrene. She starts to notice strange occurrences and senses the presence of evil and deadly magic. King Edric and Prince Kael both vie for her attention, while she also garners the unwanted attention of Queen Kaliana. Cyrene has a long, dangerous road ahead of her as she navigates through the difficulties of her new life.

Linde plans at least four novels for her Ascension series, and much of the first novel is dedicated to world-building and the introduction of characters. She sets the Ascension series in a world named Emporia. Linde provides readers with a detailed map of Emporia to refer to while reading. This map includes locations of kingdoms, cities, mountains, lakes and rivers. Readers will also notice there is a pronunciation guide, which is important, because the names of characters and locations are unique and have unusual pronunciations. Linde explains the differences in the Class system, and she gives a very important history lesson about the Kingdom of Byern.

Linde begins The Affiliate with an intriguing prologue, sharing background information that immediately piqued my interest. Don’t cast aside what you read in the prologue. In my opinion, this information will be very important to the entire Ascension series. From the start, I was captivated by the fantasy, magic and intrigue. Royalty and court politics. The energy that flows between Edric and Cyrene. If you look beneath the surface of the story, I believe there much going on that is just beyond our reach. We are given a wealth of information to speculate about, and I have many theories. This is the type of story that I thrive upon – a story full of mystery, clues and foreshadowing, and I’m looking forward to finding out if any of my theories are correct!

While I was in the process of reading The Affiliate, thoughts of this story were in the back of my mind during my workday. I couldn’t wait to get home to pick back up in my reading. Although there are moments in the story where the pacing felt a little slow, my overall opinion of The Affiliate is very positive. The Affiliate is a strong start for the Ascension series, and I have no doubt this series will continue to strengthen with the addition of future novels. I’m giving The Affiliate a 4.5 star rating, and adding it to my list of 2015 favorites! Congratulations to author K.A. Linde!

________________________________________________

K.A. Linde Bio:

USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde is the author of The Affiliate, the first book in the Ascension Series. As a military brat, she traveled the world with her family, imaginary friends, and ever-increasing supply of books. She has spent much of her life dreaming up new worlds and characters and forcing them into uncomfortable, usually life-threatening scenarios. After graduating from the University of Georgia with a masters degree in political science, she began spending every waking hour putting those characters onto paper.

When not writing, she spends her time dancing, collecting paperbacks in the hopes of filling a Beauty and the Beast style library one day, traveling to visit her friends who live all over the country, and still reading anything she can get her hands on. She currently resides in North Carolina with her husband and two puppies, Lucy and Riker, where she is hard at work on her next novel.

Links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Enter K.A. Linde’s fantastic giveaway!
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Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Kick by Carmen Jenner – Savage Saints MC Series – Book 2

Posted on 09/24/2015 by shellbellereads

Title: TANK

Series: Savage Saints MC #2

Author: Carmen Jenner
Genre: Adult/Dark Romance

Release Date: September 24, 2015

Enter an unsettling world of volatile relationships, hot bikers, and even hotter sex that will have you on the edge of your seat and force you to keep a white-knuckled grip on your e-reader.

Blurb

Killer. Criminal.
Sociopath.

All of these words have been used to describe me,
and for the longest time I believed that that’s all I was.

I’m the man you call in to clean up your mess,
assuming your mess is a guy who needs a bullet to the head. I’m the man the MC
calls when they want their dirty work done.

I’m the man who doesn’t feel.

Until now.

Until her.

Now my mess is a woman who won’t save herself. I’ll
fight like hell to save her, but at what price to the club? And at what cost to
me?

Warning: TANK
contains graphic violence, profanity, drug use, and explicit sexual situations
that may be a trigger and cause some readers emotional discomfort. Intended for
an 18+ audience only. Not intended for pussies.

ADD TO GOODREADS

Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / AU

iBOOKS / KOBO / B&N

Michel’s Review

*** Warning***

This book has graphic violence, graphic language, substance abuse, rape, and explicit sexual situations. This book can be.. but should not be… read as a stand alone novel. It should be read in series order. This book is recommended for a mature audience of 18 or older.

Tank by Carmen Jenner is the second book in the Savage Saints MC series. Although it can be read as a stand alone novel, I highly recommend reading this book in series order because of the subject matter and content. Tank coincides with Kick. Many of the scenes and passages take place at the same time as the scenes in Kick but from a different perspective or coinciding with the club business dealt with in Kick.

Readers were introduced to Tank, the assassin for the Savage Saints in the first book. He joined the Savage Saints with his best friend Kick when they left their former MC. He’s earned his status as a killer. He’s heartless except where Ivy is concerned. She is his woman and he has made his claim.

Readers also met Ivy in the first book. Ivy is one of the club whores and fixated on Kick. She’s a junkie and will do anything to get her next hit. When she caused all kinds of trouble for Kick, she was almost banned from the Savage Saints. Tank stepped in and claimed her. He took her home. He forced her to detox. He’s forcing her to stay off the drugs and away from the club. He is forcing her to stay away from Kick, the twisted man she thinks she loves. She hates Tank. She hates that he is forcing her to become clean. She hates that he can see through her facade. She hates that he knows what drives her addictions. He doesn’t know everything though. Her past is beyond the worst nightmare. Her past could get the entire club killed.

Ivy may hate what Tank is forcing her to do but she also appreciates it. He’s the first person to show her compassion. He’s the first person that cared enough to help her. He’s the first person to truly love her. She hopes his love is not for nothing. She hopes that he won’t end up dead because of her.

I am not going to say too much more about this story because it’s something a reader must experience for themselves. What I will say is that Carmen Jenner did not pull any punches and did not sugar coat this book at all. She gave a realistic accounting of what it’s like to have addictions. She gave a vivid view of the abuse that Ivy went through. I can thoroughly sympathize with Ivy and understand her addiction. Carmen Jenner took something that was horrifically ugly and turned it into something beautiful without making it perfect. She let Tank and Ivy’s imperfections fuel their relationship and make them stronger.

Tank was well written and I commend Carmen for having the guts to portray this story with an honest delivery. It’s not a pretty story. It’s a story of second chances and personal redemption.

Tank is a solid 5 Star Book.

Also Available

AMAZON US / UK / AU
iBOOKS / B&N / KOBO

Kick Trailer

Excerpt

“So, the usual?” Louis asks.“Yeah.” Tank intervenes by knocking Louis’ arm away when he tries to hand me a menu.

I glare at the obnoxious arse. “I don’t get to decide what I want?”

“Nope.” He smirks, and it’s quite possibly the millionth one I’ve seen today. “I know exactly what you want. You just need to trust me.”

“Okay then,” Louis says. “Coffee?”

“Yes,” I practically shout. “The strongest you have.”

Tank shakes his head. “Get her a latté.”

I swear if looks could kill, Tank would be burnt to a char right about now. No one takes my coffee from me and lives to tell about it.

“Your system doesn’t need any more stimulation.”

“It’s caffeine, Tank, not cocaine,” I argue. “I’m pretty sure I’ll be okay.”

He shrugs, and Louis glances nervously between us again. He looks as though he wants to flee. Tank has that effect on a lot of people. Then again, it could be the fact that I just admitted to being a junkie and at any second he’s expecting me to break out my stash and start snorting lines off of his fancy table. Louis says, “Okay, so latté it is then.”

“No, I want—”

“I’m sorry, sweetheart, but your man is too scary to say no to.” He backs away from the table, shouting, “But don’t you worry, it’ll be the best latté you’ve ever tasted. You just sit tight.”

“He’s not my fucking man,” I shout back, drawing the attention of every patron in the room, which is really only two other people, not including Louis and Kerri. I look around sheepishly and then wrap my arms around myself, turning my attention back to Tank. “Stop fucking smirking, you arsehole, or I’m walking.”

“Try it and see how far you get, Warrior Princess.”

“I’m betting I’d at least get halfway down the street before you caught up to me.”

“You wanna test that theory?” He challenges with a grin, though his gaze warms me head to toe with its intensity. “My money says you’ll make it to the door before I drag you back to the table, put you over my fuckin’ knee and spank your arse ’til it’s red raw.”

I let out a deep, shaking breath and lick my lips. Jesus Christ do I want that. I want it so fucking bad. My nipples turn rock hard and Tank’s gaze drops to my black singlet. I’m suddenly hot, wet, and hyper aware of his lingering gaze. This man is going to be the death of me.

SAVAGE SAINTS MC
SERIES

READING ORDER

KICK

TANK

JETT

GRIM

KILLER

Visit the Savage Saints MC Official Website

Author Bio

Carmen Jenner is a thirty-something, USA TODAY and international bestselling author of the Sugartown, Savage Saints, and Taint series.Her dark romance, KICK (Savage Saints MC #1), won Best Dark Romance Read in the Reader’s Choice Awards at RWDU 2015.

A tattoo enthusiast, hardcore MAC addict and zombie fangirl, Carmen lives on the sunny north coast of New South Wales, Australia, where she spends her time indoors wrangling her two wildling children, a dog named Pikelet, and her very own man-child.

A romantic at heart, Carmen strives to give her characters the HEA they deserve, but not before ruining their lives completely first … because what’s a happily ever after without a little torture?

http://www.carmenjenner.com

Published titles to date:

Welcome to Sugartown (Sugartown Series #1)

Enjoy Your Stay (Sugartown Series #2)

Greetings from Sugartown (Sugartown Series #3)

Now Leaving Sugartown (Sugartown Series #4)

REVELRY (Taint #1)

KICK (Savage Saints MC #1)

Author Links

WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
GOODREADS

Giveaway

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Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: The Lies Between Us by M. N. Forgy – The Devil’s Dust MC Series – Book 4

Posted on 09/22/2015 by shellbellereads

The Lies Between Us

Devil’s Dust MC Series- Book 4

By M. N. Forgy

Release Date: September 22, 2015

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

Synopsis:

Cherry’s life growing up was nothing short of a nightmare. Having an abusive father forced her to fend for herself from an early age. Bruised and emotionally broken, she finally escaped, running straight into the comfort that Lip’s arms brought. In the beginning, everything seemed to fall into place perfectly. He made her forget the messed-up ways of her life. But secrets can’t stay neglected. They have a habit of revealing themselves regardless of the consequences. Terrified, Cherry can’t speak a word or she’ll lose it all.

Lip is no stranger to the criminal life. Growing up among convicts, he wanted nothing more than to show his worth. He’ll do anything for the club without question, including serving six years in prison. But nobody could have predicted life’s plan. Rugged, tattooed, and wanting nothing more than to have Cherry, Lip is no longer the man whom Cherry remembers. After his release, he came out a beast with more secrets and lies than his cage could hold.

Excerpt

After he leaves, I open his wallet, reading his name, address, weight. All of it.

“Phillip DeLuca.” I taste his name running off my lips as I trace my finger over his picture. He’s so handsome. He’s the kind of guy most people would be afraid of, but not me. I want to get to know him. Lost in a daydream, my car door is yanked open.

“Where the fuck is it, bitch?”

“What?” I shriek as I’m pulled out of the car and slammed forward onto the hot hood. “I don’t have anything!” I scream, trying to pull free. He shoves me back down on the hood. His hand tangled in my hair.

“Don’t think about moving,” he spits, his tone harsh. I roll my eyes and continue leaning over the hood. My heart slams against my chest in pure panic, and my hands shake. He pulls away and leans in to the car. Within seconds, he finds his wallet. Shit.

He peers at me with a fierce energy in his eyes. The intensity has me pulling off the hood, scared out of my mind.

“You have some balls,” he mutters, shoving his wallet back in his pocket. His tone is soft and tender suddenly. I turn my head and eye him angrily.

“Fuck you.” I cross my arms and lean my hip against the car. My choice of words more confident than I’m feeling.

He steps up to me and grabs my hips hard with both hands. My skin burns, and my mouth parts with desire. His brown eyes find mine, and his hands yank my body closer to his. I feel like all the air is sucked from my lungs as I search his dark eyes. Placing my hands on his solid chest to steady myself, my palms buzz with excitement.

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” He looks me up and down and leans in close. “You’d like it if I pushed you over the hood of this car and fucked you ‘til your legs gave out.” His words feather against my lips, he’s so close. I hold my breath, willing my body to pull away, but I don’t move. Just when I think he’s going to kiss me, he grabs my hand and pulls it upward. I furrow my brows and watch as he pulls a pen from his back pocket, pulling the cap off with his teeth. He writes his number and the word ‘Lip’ on my hand.

“Call me. Don’t make me come find you, Cherry.”

“Cherry?” I ask out loud.

“Your swimsuit,” he yells over his shoulder before starting his bike. I look down at my white shirt noticing my cherry bikini peeking out from the bust line. A smile creeps across my face. I know I shouldn’t like him, but I kind of do. Driving past me, he winks and I swear I sigh like a damn fool.

Michel’s Review

The Lies Between Us by M. N. Forgy is my favorite book in the The Devil’s Dust MC Series. I loved Cherry and Lip’s story! I could not put this book down!

Cherry is the feisty red headed, old lady that befriended Dani in the previous books. We all know that her old man Lip was serving time. Now the readers are going to get her story and witness how she became a valuable member of the Devil’s Dust family.

Cherry has not had an easy life. She grew up in a run down trailer park. She’s had an abusive father and very rough life. She has been bullied, abused, and used. She’s learned to be tough. She’s a survivor.

One drunken mistake sends her life into a tailspin. A drunken hook up with the wrong person leads to a surprise pregnancy. Things couldn’t get worse… but they do. She loses custody of her baby and witnesses the corruption of the legal system. She’s pissed off some very powerful people and now she has a mark on her head. She makes a vow that she is going to get justice and get her baby back.

She is forced into running and living on the streets. She’s living in her car and pulling scams to survive. When a sexy biker falls prey to her scams, not only is she caught, but she has also caught Phillip “Lip” DeLuca’s eye. He wants Cherry.

What starts out as a helping hand evolves into a complicated relationship. A relationship built on lies and secrets. A relationship that is nothing but a smoke screen to cover the real truths behind their passions.

Cherry is hiding her past. She is protecting her secrets until she can get vengeance. Lip’s first priority is the Devil’s Dust MC. He’s willing to do whatever needs to be done. He will go to prison for the club. He will take on an old lady for the club. He will keep Cherry under wraps. What he didn’t count on was Cherry. She is everything he could possibly want in a woman. She has a way of touching the soft side he had long lost. He could really keep her as his old lady but she doesn’t know who he really is. She hasn’t seen his true colors.

Six years of lies and deceipt. Six years of passion and heartache. Six years may not be enough for Cherry and Lip.

After so many lies can they finally open up to each other and prove that through it all they were meant for each other ?

Danger is coming at the club from all directions. Cherry’s past has caught up with her. Lip’s dangerous past is threatening the club. Someone is going to die. The club has gained too many powerful enemies.

This book was fantastic. The story kept me on the edge of my seat guessing to what would come next. There were quite a few surprises. I can honestly say that Cherry & Lip’s story has been my favorite.

M. N. Forgy has grown as a writer. Her stories have become more complex. The build up and delivery are well paced and keeps the reader glued to the pages. The passion is sizzling. The characters come to life and grab your attention.

I can’t wait to see what comes next!

The Devil’s Dust Series

What Doesn’t Destroy Us – Book One

When Dani’s sheltered life is turned upside down by her mother’s secrets, she finds protection with her estranged outlaw father. Against all warnings, she falls for bad boy biker, Shadow. He is beast and beauty sealed in a leather cut with a gun holster. Can Dani learn to live within the Club rules? Is she more like her father than she could imagine?

Shadow has grown up among drug addicts, whores and murderers. The only family he’s ever trusted has been the Devil’s Dust motorcycle club. He will do anything for a brother; even kill. In fact, killing is so easy, he’s made a career of it. His one regret is not being able to kill his own worthless mother. When Dani shows up with her provocative temper and innocent charm, Shadow begins to question his violent lifestyle. But can he trust her with his demons?
Sex.
Blood.
Betrayal.
Will Dani and Shadow let family ties destroy them?
***WARNING***
This novel contains explicit language, sex, drugs, violence, and sexual situations that some might find offensive. This book is intended for adults 18+ years of age.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

The Scars That Define Us – Book 2

The Devil’s Dust MC has a list of new threats to the club’s lifestyle. Dani, to prove her loyalty, is trying to embrace a part of herself that she never knew existed until now. A sinful beast lurking beneath her surface has been awakened and is ready to eliminate anyone that stands in its way. Looking at her stained hands, she rinses the blood from them. She resigns herself to innocence lost and welcomes her thirst for more blood.

After a breathtaking turn of events, Shadow is looking at life in a different perspective. Not knowing who he can trust or who he can forgive has left him feeling desolate and alone. As Shadow is laying behind his rifle, he wonders if he can pull the trigger to eliminate the threat. He takes a deep breath and squeezes the trigger, the rifle recoil ignites the fuel that drives him.

Retaliations will be required.

Boundaries will be shattered.

Redemption will be lost.

Betrayal so deep, yet they still yearn for one another. Can Shadow overlook Dani’s transgressions? Can Dani overlook the mistrust that Shadow has placed upon her?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

The Broken Piece Of Us – Book 2.5

***WARNING – This is not your typical happily ever after.

Babs is no stranger to the MC world. As an ol’ lady, she takes the hell that comes with it and dishes it out times two. When things take a turn for the worst, it leaves her questioning just how equipped she is for the hell she lives. She thought her marriage with Locks was it; that she had it all. But the past has a way of sneaking up and tearing life apart. Finding herself trapped as Locks’ ol’ lady, with the threat she will be his till the grave, her world spirals out of control. The only person risking it all to save her is the last person she thought would care: Bull.

The president of the Devil’s Dust MC, Bull, is good at running women off and is even better at pissing off his brothers. When he sees the way his vice-president is treating his ol’ lady, he tries to keep his thoughts to himself. The one thing Bull insists on in his club is respect and loyalty: respect for the patch, respect for your brother, and loyalty to the club. However, after finding Babs in a harsh predicament after a run in with Locks, he can’t help but step in.
Crossing lines and hurdling around life’s unpredictability, will they find refuge in each other or will they have to endure what life gives them?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Love That Defies Us – Novella

Dani has taken the role of a mother easily, and is loving the title ‘wife to be.’ But with that happiness, comes complications. Having children, and a fiancé involved in a motorcycle club, has her and Shadow becoming distant, and missing their sexy escapades. A spark that was once a vibrant flame is now a suppressing ember.

Shadow knows he has not been there for Dani, not like he should be. Doing the dirty work of the club, and taking on the responsibilities of Vice President of The Devil’s Dust, he’s had his hands full.

With violent murders unfolding around the club, it has thrown town locals into a panic. What they didn’t expect was for them to get caught up in the carnage.

Can Dani and Shadow survive the distance that has been wedged between them, or will it have them questioning their imminent marriage?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

The Fear That Divides Us – Book 3

Road Captain of the Devil’s Dust Motorcycle Club, Bobby has the scars to prove just how dangerous his life is. He gives the world he knows hell and loves every moment of it. Wearing a panty-dropping grin along the way, his fierce life has never been a problem for him, until her. Jessica is the only female who has him distracted in his game. After taking him to bed, she’s the only woman to tell him to take a hike. Waking with her gone, he can’t resist her pull. He’s seen the marks on her body, ones which tell the horrors she’s lived through. He’s also seen the fear in her eyes when she lets herself become weak to his advances. Bobby has a decision to make. Can he help Jessica, or will it mean giving up his carefree life?

Jessica, also known as Doc, lives life in fear. Years back, she ran to the Devil’s Dust for protection, seeking the demise of her abusive, dominant husband. Her mind and soul tortured by her past, she can’t allow herself to move forward. The only thing in her sight is her daughter’s safety. Even if she has the attention of one particular tattooed biker, she can’t succumb to his charm and drag her daughter back into a world of danger, no matter how much he thinks he can save her.

Mistakes will be made.

Fears will be faced.

Pain will be remembered.

Can Bobby and Jessica survive the dangers they bring upon themselves?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

_______________________________________________________

About M. N. Forgy

M.N. Forgy was raised in Missouri where she still lives with her family. She’s a soccer mom by day and a saucy writer by night. M.N. Forgy started writing at a young age but never took it seriously until years later, as a stay-at-home mom, she opened her laptop and started writing again. As a role model for her children, she felt she couldn’t live with the “what if” anymore and finally took a chance on her character’s story. So, with her glass of wine in hand and a stray Barbie sharing her seat, she continues to create and please her fans.

Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY
Swag pack, including a signed paperback of What Doesn’t Destroy Us, & $50 Amazon gift card.

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Release Blitz + Giveaway : Sinful Desire by Lauren Blakely

Posted on 09/22/2015 by shellbellereads

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Release Week Blitz for SINFUL DESIRE by Lauren Blakely, the second full-length, standalone novel from her bestselling Erotic Romance Series, Sinful Nights! This new series is a new erotic romance series written in the high-heat, high-stakes, high-glamour style of the Seductive Nights series that readers know and love, but heading in a new direction with a new family that’s full of drama, checkered pasts and dangerous life-and-death secrets.

Lauren Blakely is well known for writing sexy, heartfelt and humorous contemporary romance as well as deeply emotional new adult stories –one commonality in all her books is the scorching hot sexy times. And the Sinful Nights series is absolutely no different! First, there was SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS, and now Lauren brings you the passionate and suspenseful SINFUL DESIRE filled with sexy moments that will keep you up all night!

**Lauren Blakely does it again and brings readers more smoldering, sexy nights in her new Sinful Nights Series with her newest novel, SINFUL DESIRE.**

SINFUL DESIRE is a full-length, standalone erotic romance novel that follows the love affair of a new couple, Ryan and Sophie. It’s currently priced at $3.99 across all retailers for a limited time only.

✦ Amazon US ✦ Amazon UK ✦iBooks US ✦iBooks UK ✦ Barnes & Noble ✦ Google Play

✦ Kobo ✦ Amazon Paperback

✮✮✮TWO BOOKS FOR ONE PRICE! ✮✮✮

Buy One Get One Free This Week Only!

This week ONLY when you buy SINFUL DESIRE (or if you preordered it!) you can get a FREE copy of Lauren’s USA Today Bestseller PLAYING WITH HER HEART. Every eBook of SINFUL DESIRE includes a link in the back of the book to redeem your free copy of PLAYING WITH HER HEART! All you have to do is simply click the link in the back of the book, follow the instructions, and you will be able to download a copy of PLAYING WITH HER HEART readable on any eReader. ONE-CLICK and get two books for one price! If you already read PLAYING WITH HER HEART, there is a paperback giveaway to enter.

The link to redeem your free copy is in the back of every e-book of SINFUL DESIRE this week only…

And that’s not all!

Feeling the Desire to have a Sinful night of your own? Then you’ll want to take the Sinful Nightsquiz and answer fun trivia questions about the Sinful Nights series! To celebrate the release of SINFUL DESIRE on September 22^nd, Lauren is giving away a $500 gift card for a stay at the Ritz Carlton nearest you!*

Everything you need to turn your fantasy into reality and enter the Sinful Nights contest during release week can be found in the back of the SINFUL DESIRE eBook, including the short quiz in the book that you have to complete to enter the contest. The SINFUL DESIRE eBook is the ONLY location with the link to the quiz. The release week contest runs through Saturday, September 26, ONLY, so you’ll have to make this read a quickie to enter to win this awesome prize! In addition to the grand prize, there are several other great prizes in the giveaway!

So grab your copy of SINFUL DESIRE today! Get ready to ignite your passion and dive into SINFUL DESIRE on release day!

*Please note: If you are the winner and there is no Ritz Carlton near you, you may opt to receive a $500 gift card to any Marriott property, or Marriott-owned hotel.

** If you purchase the paperback and would like to participate in the contest, please contact me at lauren@laurenblakely.com for instructions.

ABOUT SINFUL DESIRE:

This book contains Lauren Blakely’s hottest, dirtiest, and most dominating hero ever! Panties optional when reading this sinfully sexy STANDALONE novel in the NYT Bestselling Sinful Nights series!

He gave her the most mind-blowing night of pleasure ever. He made her want to get down on her knees. He dominated her in ways she’d only dreamed of. And she didn’t even know his name…

Control.

It’s what Ryan Sloan values most. Control of his business, control of his secrets, control of his days and nights. With the way his life spiraled in the past, he needs to stay in charge of his present.

Giving up control.

It’s what Sophie Winston craves. After a wildly successful career, she’s stepped away from the business world and is now focused on her work as her city’s most noted philanthropist.

When she meets Ryan Sloan, the chemistry is scorching, and utterly undeniable. Their desire for each other runs red hot. He wants everything she’s willing to give him in bed, and she wants him to take her to new heights as only he can.

Soon, he has to have more. All of her — heart, mind and body.

The only trouble is, he hasn’t been honest about how he met her and the dangerous connection he has to her brother.

When the truth is revealed, he’ll have to give more of himself than he’s bargained for or risk losing the only woman he’s ever let into his heart.

SINFUL DESIRE is book two in SINFUL NIGHTS, a four-book series. Each full-length novel features a new couple. This high-heat, high-stakes sexy romance series follows the Sloan family as each sibling falls madly in love against the backdrop of sin, money, greed, passion, mystery and suspense…

And don’t miss the first title in the Sinful Nights Series,

SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS!

✦ Amazon US ✦ Amazon UK ✦ Amazon Paperback ✦iBooks US ✦iBooks UK ✦ Barnes & Noble ✦ Kobo ✦GooglePlay

Add it to Goodreads here!

SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS Series on Goodreads

And be sure to watch for the next titles in the Sinful Nights series!

SINFUL LONGING – November 17, 2015

Preorder SINFUL LONGING Here!

Add SINFUL LONGING on Goodreads!

SINFUL LOVE – March 2016

Preorder SINFUL LOVE Here!

Add SINFUL LOVE on Goodreads!

About Lauren Blakely:

Lauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat, heart, and humor, and she has had eight books on the New York Times Bestseller list and fourteen on the USA Today Bestseller list. Like the heroine in her novel, FAR TOO TEMPTING, she thinks life should be filled with family, laughter, and the kind of love that love songs promise. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. She loves hearing from readers! Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love, and Fighting Fire. She recently released SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS, the first novel in her new sexy romance series Sinful Nights that became an instant New York Times Bestseller. Her new adult forbidden romance, 21 Stolen Kisses, hit e-readers in May and landed on the USA Today Bestseller list. In September, she’ll release SINFUL DESIRE, her next title in the bestselling SINFUL NIGHTS series. She also writes for young adults under the name Daisy Whitney. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, text BLAKELY + your email address to 678-249-3375 (please use the actual + sign).

Website | Facebook | Twitter | SINFUL DESIRE Goodreads | Lauren Blakely Goodreads

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Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Blow by Kim Karr – The Tainted Love Duet – Book 1

Posted on 09/21/2015 by shellbellereads

One Couple…

Two New Books…

A Story of Tainted Love…

Blow – September 21, 2015 – Book 1

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK

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

Crush – November 16, 2015 – Book 2

Pre Order: Amazon

****

Blow

By Kim Karr

Release Date: September 21, 2015

Synopsis

2 fatal sides.

1 epic love.

7 days to survive.

They met in the face of danger. They weren’t looking for love. They both knew better. But they couldn’t stay away, and they fell hard.

He is heart-stopping handsome, fearless—and haunted by deadly ties.

She is breathtakingly beautiful, determined—and in harm’s way.

They should have parted. They didn’t. They never should have fucked. They did. And now time is running out. One hundred sixty eight hours. That’s all that remains. While Logan McPherson fights to save them, Elle Sterling is forced to make a choice that could change everything.

When torn between right and wrong, tainted love doesn’t have a chance…or does it? ‪#‎taintedlove ‪#‎weshouldhaveknownbetter

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK

Excerpt

Prologue

Four Months Before

Logan

Mile after mile, I ran. Faster, feet pounding against the broken asphalt, breath crystalizing in the air. I’d been fleeing along the edge of the road for what seemed like eternity. Trucks zoomed past me, taillights fading in the distance, and still there were no sirens.

The moon slipped behind a cloud and left me moving blindly. Finally, a whistle filled the darkness. It was what I’d been waiting for.

Let’s see how bad they want this.

I spun in the opposite direction and spotted the familiar red and blue lights. With a quick jump, I vaulted over the damaged guardrail and found myself tumbling down a steep ravine.

Landing on my stomach, blood dripped from my nose, and the taste of rust flooded my mouth. I didn’t take the time to wipe it away. I had to keep moving. I’d started this game and I was going to finish it.

Quickly, I leapt to my feet and began to run again. When a sharp burning and throbbing pulsated in my right ankle, I knew my speed would be impaired. I must have twisted it in the fall. With everything I had, I tried to ignore the pain.

Adrenaline pumped through my bloodstream, making my heart race and giving me the strength I needed. I was no longer on the pavement and my terrain was harder to navigate. Trees, broken branches, and the sickening smell of the stagnant river surrounded me. I pushed onward.

It could have been worse—at least there wasn’t any ice.

Still, it was fucking freezing out here. Snow fell around me. Chilled to the bone, I tugged my hat farther down over my ears.

I didn’t stop, though—I had to keep going.

When my eyes were streaming from the cold and my leg muscles began to seize up, I knew my body needed a break. I’d find cover and play the wait-and-see game.

The dilapidated abandoned warehouse a few yards away seemed like my best choice. The hinges were rusted and appeared broken, but when I yanked on the door, it wouldn’t open.

With a sigh, I stomped my salt-stained shoes in the slush I was standing in and looked around.

No sign of them, yet.

They’d be here soon enough.

My lungs burned as I bent over with my hands on my thighs in an attempt to catch my breath.

Poised to move in any direction, I thought about my decision to bait them.

Smart?

Stupid?

I couldn’t believe the game of cat and mouse I had entered into—with the Boston Police Department nonetheless.

But I’d had enough. They’d been following me around for almost a week. Their more-than-obvious tail was bordering on harassment. Pushed to the limit, today I’d decided it was time to find out what it was all about. I was going to force their move. I left my vehicle and took off. They were tracking me, but what they were waiting for to approach me, I had no idea. At this point I had two choices—approach them or keep going. Since I didn’t want to make it easy, I kept running.

Time seemed to be at a standstill as I looked around again. I knew they were close. Yet, as I searched my surroundings, there were no signs of life; everything around me was dark except for the golden glow from the cables of the Zakim Bridge.

The bridge.

I couldn’t believe I’d ended up on the West End. That was more than a slight hike from the tip of the South End, where I’d started all this.

What time was it anyway?

Before I could look at my watch—the one my grandfather had given me, the one worth more than most of the houses in the surrounding area, the pretentious Patek Philippe with an authentic enamel dial and custom-made rubber watchband, the one almost a match for his own—a yellow beam of light shined down on me.

I guess the BPD finally decided to make their move.

A heavily Boston-accented voice carried through the wind. “Put your hands in the air where we can see them.”

“Fuck me. Really? You’re going to arrest me? For what?” My gaze scoured the area until they came into sight.

There were three of them and one of me. I didn’t plan to keep running. I didn’t need to, but even if I wanted to, there was nowhere to go. The riverbank was on one side and they were on the other. The trio moved closer and drew their weapons. I responded with equanimity and raised my palms. Still, not a single one of them lowered a gun. Step by step, they moved toward me. When they were about five feet away, I decided to help them out and face them, but before I could, the tallest figure lunged for me.

He pinned me to the wall. “I just wanted to talk. I wasn’t going to arrest you until you assaulted me. But thanks for giving me a reason.”

“I was putting my hands behind my back, asshole,” I grunted.

“Right,” he snickered.

Nostrils flaring, the fatter one grabbed me by my collar and yanked me to him. “Stop resisting.”

What the fuck?

A quick punch to the gut and a kick to my leg had me belly down in a matter of seconds.

Most men would have been scared shitless, but not me. I grew up living in two very different worlds, the only similarity being power and greed. To look at me, you wouldn’t believe I was capable of doing the things I had done. Born with a silver spoon in my mouth, I was the grandson of one of the wealthiest men in New York City.

It wasn’t my trust fund background that anyone had to worry about, though. I was also the grandson of the former head of Boston’s Blue Hill Gang—a piece of me I had tried to renounce. That I wanted to escape. But my family ties kept me bound. The Irish Mob might have changed since my father’s father ran things, but there were some things that never changed.

I’d been raised in both worlds and these cops knew it. They were counting on the Blue Hill Gang part of me to greet them.

Well fuck them very much—but that’s not what they were going to get.

Michel’s Review

Wow! Blow by Kim Karr was fantastic! I could not put this new contemporary romantic suspense down. Blow is the first book in The Tainted Love Duet.

Blow is an intricately woven story that involves the Irish Mob in Boston. There is the added mystery of a missing woman, missing drugs, and the different factions- two powerful gangs in the mob playing against one another. Add the DEA and law enforcement to the mix and the story gets more intense. Caught in the middle of the mess is an innocent woman and baby. They both may end up being casualties before all is said and done.

After fifteen years of not hearing from her sister, Elle gets a call out of the blue. Her sister Elizabeth asks her to take care of her young daughter Clementine if anything should happen to her. When Elizabeth goes missing, Elle moves to Boston to help her sister’s husband Michael O’Shea, take care of the baby and help find Elizabeth. It is not just a matter of a restless housewife leaving home. There are millions of dollars and missing drugs that belong to the Irish Mob. It is believed that Elizabeth O’Shea is involved. Her husband and child are being threatened. Now that Elle is in the picture, her life is in danger as well.

Logan McPherson has been dividing his time between his families in New York and Boston. One side of the family is powerful old money. The other side of the family has powerful Irish Mob ties. Logan is not a part of the family illegal business and is an attorney in New York. But the mess in Boston has drawn him back. His family is in danger. His family may be involved. Now an innocent woman and baby are drawn into the mess.

It will be up to Logan to figure out what is going on and who is behind it. Logan is falling for Elle which could make her situation even worse. Any woman he loves is a target.

As the danger escalates to an all time high so does the passion between Logan and Elle. Just when they think they figured out how to get out of this mess alive, new players make their moves. Their situation goes from dangerous to absolutely deadly.

Blow ended on a suspenseful cliffhanger. I can’t wait for Crush to release in November.

Kim Karr has woven an intricate story that is passionate and unpredictable. I am hooked!

****

I live in Florida with my husband and four kids. I’ve always had a love for reading books and writing. Being an English major in college, I wanted to teach at the college level but that was not to be. I went on to receive an MBA and became a project manager until quitting to raise my family. I currently work part-time with my husband and full-time embracing one of my biggest passions—writing.

Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Release Day Blitz + 5 Star Review + 2015 Favorite + Giveaway: Fade To Red by Willow Aster

Posted on 09/21/2015 by shellbellereads

Fade To Red

By Willow Aster

Synopsis

Dancing in pop superstar Beckham Woods’ entourage was the last thing Roxie wanted. Her life with little Leo was blissfully ordinary; she didn’t have time for the drama that stirring up old memories would surely cause.

But when Roxie took a spot on an international tour with Woods and rock icon Ian Sterling, the lure of financial security and her passion for dance pulled her into an emotional storm that threatened to spin out of control and hurt the ones she loved most.

Just as she began to adjust to her new life, it became apparent that danger was in the shadows, waiting for a chance to move…

***Fade to Red is a standalone novel featuring characters from True Love Story.***

Buy: Amazon

Robin’s Review

Willow Aster introduces a new facet of her writing in her newest novel titled Fade to Red. She is proficient at telling a story, and although her novels aren’t many, those Aster has written are beautifully-crafted. True Love Story. In the Fields. Maybe Maby. Two of her previously written titles are contemporary romances, while the third is a coming-of-age novel. But Fade to Red is a different type of story for Willow Aster. It’s a romantic suspense novel, a genre in which Aster very obviously excels, and something I was pleasantly surprised to discover!

Roxie Taylor loves dancing. She’s absolutely incredible in her audition for a spot with the dancing entourage for superstar Beckham Woods. Roxie doesn’t think she’ll be offered a position, but when Beck sees her dance, he specifically requests that she be chosen for his upcoming tour with Ian Sterling. He doesn’t realize it, but Beck and Roxie have a history. When they dance together, their sexual chemistry is off the charts, but so is the underlying tension. Roxie carries a whole lot of anger for Beck, and he has no idea why.

Fade to Red is mysterious. Willow Aster kept me guessing about the circumstances surrounding Roxie and Beckham’s past for most of the book. Clues about their past begin early in the story and continue to be sprinkled throughout. Fade to Red drew on my interest like a moth is drawn to a flame. I couldn’t wait to get to the bottom of the truth, but I also enjoyed experiencing their story along the way.

Wow – Willow Aster writes great romantic suspense! I was excited to explore this new component of her writing, especially since I thought Fade to Red was a contemporary romance. She writes a scary villain – one who is mentally unstable, but cunning enough to evade detection – in Fade to Red. I was a nervous wreck the entire time I was reading! The suspense aspect, combined with the element of mystery, really makes Fade to Red a page-turner!

Fade to Red is a spinoff novel of True Love Story. Instead of a small guest appearance of Ian Sterling and Sparrow Fisher, fans of these beloved characters will be delighted to learn this couple plays a huge role in Fade to Red! In fact, along with Beckham and Roxie, Ian claims one of the four points-of-view in Fade to Red. I’ll leave the fourth point-of-view as a surprise.

Willow Aster has her own, unique writing voice, which seems to fit her personality. In Fade to Red, the writing flows beautifully and the pacing is continuous. The author quickly captured my attention with the mystery and clues and by steadily building the suspense element to the explosive climax. My nerves were completely wrecked by the time I finished reading Fade to Red! The back and forth, the push and pull between Roxie and Beck, and the mystery behind their past – all of this combines to create sexual tension that is scorching hot! Fade to Red is truly an outstanding romantic suspense novel, and I really hope we see more in this genre from Willow Aster in the future! Fade to Red grabs 5 stars and is one of my 2015 favorites!

Giveaway

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About Willow Aster

Willow Aster loves nothing more than writing the day away–anywhere will do. Her ideal place to write would be a remote treehouse somewhere, but not just any treehouse. It would need to be more like a fabulous cottage inside and free of bugs. Oh!–and a refrigerator full of Coca-cola, Orangina, and cheese. www.willowaster.com

Author of True L̶o̶v̶e̶ Story (USA Today Bestseller), In the Fields, Maybe Maby and the upcoming Fade to Red.

Connect with Willow

Webpage: http://www.willowaster.com/

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/willowasterauthor?fref=ts

Facebook Fan Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/870978829643191/

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6863360.Willow_Aster

Goodreads Fan Group: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/169437-fans-of-willow-aster

Instagram: https://instagram.com/willowaster1/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WillowAster

Newsletter Signup link: http://eepurl.com/bvmq9L

Release Blitz + Giveaway : Bad Wicked Twisted by Ilsa Madden-Mills – Briarcrest Academy Box Set

Posted on 09/21/2015 by shellbellereads

Ilsa Madden – Mills has revealed the cover to Bad Wicked Twisted: A Briarcrest Academy Box Set!

FOUR red-hot stories about the bad, wicked and twisted characters of Briarcrest Academy, featuring a dirty-talking gym owner, a football player, a sexy rock star, and a British bad boy.

Book Cover Designer: Sommer Stein (Perfect Pear Creative)

Release Date: September 20th

★ Pre-Order Bad Wicked Twisted Today!

Buy: Amazon / Amazon UK

Blurb

VERY BAD THINGS (Amazon Top 5 Book and #1 in New Adult and College Age Romance)

Leaving behind her mansion and Jimmy Choos, Nora Blakely becomes a girl hell-bent on pushing the limits with alcohol, drugs, and meaningless sex.

Then she meets her soulmate, but he doesn’t want her.

Sexy gym owner Leo Tate has one rule: never fall in love…until Nora shows up with her list of bad things. He resists the pull of their sizzling connection, hung up on their age difference.

Welcome to Briarcrest Academy, where the best things in life are VERY BAD THINGS.

VERY WICKED BEGINNINGS (Prequel Novella: Amazon Top 100 Book and #1 in Urban Fiction)

When wicked ballerina Dovey Beckham meets football star Cuba Hudson, she didn’t plan on having her heart shattered into a million pieces. He’s the bad boy with a dark past and when he falls for Dovey, he knows she can’t be part of his future.

Welcome to VERY WICKED BEGINNGINGS.

VERY WICKED THINGS (Amazon Top 100 Book and #1 in Urban Fiction)

Dovey Beckham is a ballerina from the wrong side of the tracks with a scholarship to prestigious Briarcrest Academy. She gives her body but never her heart. Cuba “Hollywood” Hudson is a wealthy football player with fast cars and even faster girlfriends.

Until the day he meets her, and she offers him something he’s never tasted: true love.

Their passion is electric, their connection deep, but once in a lifetime kind of love doesn’t come easy, especially when dirty money, past sins, and old flames come calling.

Welcome to Briarcrest Academy…where the best things in life are Very Wicked Things.

VERY TWISTED THINGS (Amazon Top 100 and #1 Urban Fiction)

Violet St. Johns is a talented violinist hiding out in a Hollywood mansion, struggling to forget the devastation of her parent’s sudden death.

Vital Rejects front man Sebastian Tate never imagined his music video would go viral, skyrocketing him to instant fame. Okay, maybe he did. He’s a cocky dude, and he knew his name would be in lights someday.

When he sees the elusive girl in the mansion next door playing her violin nude, they begin an erotic game of spying.

When they finally come face-to-face, sparks fly and clothes comes off. But giving his heart to a girl isn’t Sebastian’s plan; falling for a guy who craves attention isn’t Violet’s.

Welcome to Briarcrest Academy….Hollywood style….where the best things in life are VERY TWISTED THINGS.

Praise for the Briarcrest Series:

“Cuba is hot, delicious, and intoxicating…the perfect book boyfriend. Be prepared for an addictive read.” ~Tijan, NYT Bestselling Author

_______________________________________________

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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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: The Dark Ones by Rachel Van Dyken

Posted on 09/20/2015 by shellbellereads

To touch a Dark One is death.

To talk to an immortal is suicide.

Yet, I’ve been marked by both.

A Vampire.

And the King of the immortals.

My life is no longer my own.

And now I know the truth, my life was never mine to begin
with.

It was theirs.

It’s always been theirs.

Barnes & Noble

Smashword

EXCERPT

I didn’t open my eyes. “No staying in bed all day?”

“About that…” Ethan sighed. “The good news is it will feel like we’ve been in bed for days when really it could have been mere hours.”

“Hmm?” I perked up. “Well, that’s a nice trick.”

“I’m full of them.” His eyes sparkled. “Care to know more?”

“Yes,” I whispered, my mouth finding his.

With a groan, he pushed me back against the mattress and loomed over me, his naked body glorious-looking against the sunlight streaming through the window. “Perhaps we’ll stay a bit longer.”

“Yes.” I nodded my head eagerly. “I’m your mate, after all. Don’t you want me to be pleased?”

“You were pleased at least four times last night, possibly five, if we count the time I—”

“Shh.” I put my hands over his mouth.

He smirked. “Afraid the dust will hear?”

I rolled my eyes.

“Ethan!” Alex’s voice boomed on the other side of the door. “Feed her!”

“Ignore him,” Ethan hissed.

The knock got louder. “For the love of God, she’s human. Give her food.”

“He’s a siren. He knows nothing.” Ethan continued kissing me.

“Mason will break down the door if he has to.” Fighting broke out in the hall. “Ethan, I can smell the sex from here. One immortal to another, feed her before you can’t feed from her anymore.”

Ethan growled and pulled back from me. “They have no manners.”

I was half-tempted to cover my face with my hands. Had they heard us? Of course they’d heard us, and they knew, and they could… Yeah, I wanted to crawl under the bed and hide for a few days. Instead, Ethan pounced from the bed, put on a pair of jeans, and jerked open the door while I tried to hide beneath the covers.

Alex peered over Ethan’s shoulder and waved.

I had no choice but to wave back and hope that I wasn’t as red as I felt.

“She’s alive.” Alex held up his hand for a high five. “No? Not funny? Too soon?”

“Horrible joke,” Mason said next to him. “I made eggs. She’s going to need food. Make her eat everything on the plate and—”

He was still talking when Ethan slammed the door in his face and brought a giant plate of food over to me.

“Forgive them.” Ethan scowled. “There aren’t typically secrets between us, and they’re just concerned for you.”

I pointed at the eggs, ten slices of bacon, and toast. “Clearly, they don’t want me to starve.”

“Wolves.” Ethan looked heavenward. “He should be more concerned with his own diet, the ass.”

“It does smell good.” I moved up the bed so I could lean against the headboard. “Do you eat?”

Ethan’s lips curved into a predatory smile. “I ate several times last night. Care for me to refresh your memory?”

My cheeks burned.

“So tempting.” He reached for a piece of bacon and held it to his lips, taking a small bite that had my entire body clenching to keep from reaching out and attacking him. “And yes, I can eat. I typically do eat but haven’t been because when we drink, we don’t need normal food.”

“But before me…” I grabbed a piece of toast. “You were eating normal food.”

“I like you better.” He winked. “But yes, I was.”

“Good to know I’m better than bacon.”

“Your taste…” His eyes brightened. “…is unlike anything I’ve ever had.”

“Hmm…” I licked my lips.

“Stop it,” he hissed and looked away. “Damn, I can’t watch you eat. I’m going to shower while you eat your entire plate as per Mason’s orders, and then I’ll contemplate letting you leave this room so you can go to the bookstore.”

“Ah!” I almost knocked over the food. “My job! Am I late? Will I get fired?”

Ethan burst out laughing. “It’s eight in the morning. He’s expecting you when I drop you off. No sooner, no later. You won’t get fired. He wouldn’t dream of it, and you really are adorable.”

“And hot.” I sighed.

“That too.”

“No, I mean hot, as in, it’s scorching in here.”

Ethan winced. “You may be that way for a few days.”

“Hot?”

He nodded.

“Why?”

“Too much vampire blood makes you overheat a bit.” He shrugged. “It won’t turn you— You’re very much human, like I’ve said before, but sometimes the vampire blood causes a type of burn to take over in your bloodstream, not painful, just not exactly pleasant if it’s a hundred degrees outside.”

“Good thing it’s Seattle.” I bit into the toast.

“Yes, well, I imagine at this point, raindrops would simply turn to vapor if they landed on your skin.”

I smiled.

“Shower.” He nodded. “I’m going to turn around now and walk away.”

“Narrating?”

“Apparently, that’s what I do when I can think of nothing more than ripping that sheet from your body, slamming you into the nearest wall, and possessing you all over again.”

I dropped the toast.

He growled, taking two steps toward me, then swore and turned back around.

“Have a good shower!” I called.

Another growl was his answer, and then his jeans went flying. I wasn’t laughing anymore.

Michel’s Review

Rachel Van Dyken has stepped up her game. Dark Ones is the latest release and it is not what readers have come to expect from Rachel. This book is a paranormal romance that is unique in this genre. It has the combination of paranormal entities such as vampires, werewolves, and sirens. It also has angels and Dark Ones, a combination of human and angel. The Dark Ones are considered to be an abomination in the both realms. Their existence is almost extinct. It is forbidden to reproduce more of their kind.

***

The Dark One Cassius is considered to be the King of the Immortals. His touch can enslave a human. It can give them life or death. Most times it is death.

***

Humans are numbered and called upon to serve the Immortals. They are called for breeding purposes. If they can survive the mating process they may be gifted with eternal life and become immortal themselves. But somewhere in the past 150 years the process became imbalanced. The humans began dying. The immortals were not reproducing. Cassius has gotten out of control and tries to claim each human for himself. The last time he did it he crossed the lines. He stole the vampire’s mate and caused her death. He also killed their child.

***

When the human Genesis is called upon, Cassius thinks because of her name, she is the prophecy that will turn their world back to balance. He wants her for himself. She is the intended mate for Ethan, the vampire. This time around Ethan is not going to let Cassius destroy another human, let alone his mate.

***

The battle has been declared. Immortals are taking sides. The worlds are colliding. Is Genesis the beginning or the end of the world as we know it?

***

Read this book! It is fantastic!

_____________________________________

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__________________________________

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!
Want to be kept up to date on new releases? Text MAFIA to 66866!
You can connect with her on Facebook www.facebook.com/rachelvandyken or join her fan group Rachel’s New Rockin Readers. Her website is www.rachelvandykenauthor.com

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Pushing The Limits by Brooke Cumberland

Posted on 09/17/2015 by shellbellereads

He’s my art professor.

I’m his student.

With an electric connection and undeniable chemistry, I know it won’t be long until one of us cracks.

When the opportunity arises to pose naked for the entire art class, I can’t help the thrill of knowing he’ll be watching me.

While they all look past me with their eyes narrowed and concentrated, drawing only the lines and angles of my body, he sees right through me down to my vulnerability.

He sees more than just the physical aspects—he sees me.

That’s when I see the struggle in his features as he tries to stay in control.

How do we keep our distance when everything seems to be pulling us together?

What feels so right can only go wrong if we keep pushing the limits.

PROLOGUE

ASPEN

I step inside the doorway, immediately hit with the mixed aroma of mildew and lavender from all the flower arrangements. I narrow my eyes, trying to adjust to the dim lighting. It’s eerily quiet, the service not due to begin for another hour.

My mother was hysterical all night long, crying in her room. I heard her through the bedroom door, but I didn’t go to her. I couldn’t.

I know she blames me.

Mom hadn’t said a word to me all morning, so I asked my older brother, Aaron, to take me early. I want to see Ariel before everyone else starts arriving. See her one last time.

I walk down the short hallway and into the room her service is being held in. Chairs are all lined up perfectly, row by row. The room will probably fill up quickly of family and friends, all coming to give their condolences.

I swallow as I step closer, her casket already open. I notice faint music playing overhead through the speakers. It’s meant to sound soft and soothing, but I don’t know how anything can soothe away the ache burning in my chest.

I glance around and notice the walls look as if they were painted a hundred years ago. The faded beige carpet is almost nonexistent. Flowers surround her on one side and a table of vanilla scented candles on the other. Nothing in this whole room represents her except the collage board of pictures she had hanging in our room. She made it two summers ago and had been adding pictures of her friends and us ever since. It captures every part of her personality.

We lived on farmland with only fields surrounding us. No neighbors or friends to play with meant we’d learned to entertain ourselves. I remember the day she got a new camera for Christmas and immediately started taking pictures—of everything. We’d giggle and snap pictures of each other, torment Aaron and take his picture when his girlfriend was over, and take about a hundred pictures of our pets. I smile at the memories but at the same time feel like crying because now there won’t be anymore. The memories we’ve made the last fourteen years are all I have left of her.

When Pastor Jay asked us to bring in our favorite pictures of her, I knew immediately she’d want these. I step closer and examine them, even though I’ve looked at it every single day for the past two years. Somehow today, it looks different.

There’s the one of us standing in front of the middle school on our first day of seventh grade. We were assigned different homerooms and weren’t happy about being apart. Another one shows us with our dog, Fudge, the first day we brought him home from the shelter. We’ve only had him for six months now. He was a rescue and she said she knew he was the perfect fit for our family.

After tracing the lines of each picture, I slowly walk to her casket. I pleaded with my mom to let her wear her favorite purple dress, but she refused. She said it was an ‘occasion’ dress, AKA—a happy occasion. Instead, she picked out a dark, navy blue dress that she absolutely loathed wearing. My lip curls up on one side thinking how much she’d hate wearing this dress right now. She hated wearing dresses in general, but now, oh she’d be so pissed. Part of me wants to laugh at the irony and the other part wants to rip it off her and sneak the purple dress on.

I glance down at her, curling my fingers tightly around the edge of her casket. She looks flawless, almost like she’s just sleeping. Even looking at her right now, seeing that she isn’t breathing anymore, it hasn’t all sunk in.

For the first time in days, I let myself cry. I cry harder than I ever have, I’ve held the tears in, trying to remain strong for Mom, but I can’t do it anymore. I release all the pain I’ve kept inside and apologize to her over and over.

“I’m so sorry, Ari. God, I’m so, so sorry.” I blink, wiping my cheeks off. “You hated that nickname,” I say, letting out a short laugh. I exhale a deep sigh. “I’m going to miss you so much,” I whisper, reaching for her hand. “I’m going to miss you sneaking in my bed and sleeping with me every time a storm hit. I’m going to miss staying up late on weekends, gossiping about Brady Carmichael and all the guys on the basketball team. Or the girls who think purple lipstick is in.” I chuckle softly to myself. “I’m even going to miss arguing with you over who gets to use the shower first. It was like our little tradition, I guess.” My lips soften, curling up on both sides at the happy memories. “Truthfully, I’m going to miss everything about you.” I lean down and kiss the top of her forehead. “I love you.”

I hear footsteps in the hall and take that as my cue to start heading out. People will be arriving soon, and I’m not quite sure I’m strong enough to deal with everyone. Half feel sorry for me and the other half blame me.

I’m not sure which one is worse.

“Aspen…” I hear my dad’s deep voice. I turn and face him, his lips set in a firm line, his eyes as empty as I feel right now. “Your mother wants to talk to you.”

I swallow at his tense features, but nod and follow him out of the room. He’s barely speaks or looks at me now. I’m only a constant reminder of what happened—of who he’s lost—of how our lives are forever changed.

He leads me to a small room on the other side of the hall where she’s sitting with her nose buried in a handkerchief.

I stand in front of her and wait. I’m not sure what to say to my mom right now—or anyone for that matter. I’m not sure there’s anything I can say.

“I need to hear the story one more time,” she chokes out. “I need to hear why my baby girl is dead.”

Her head is low and she refuses to look at me. I’ve told her and the police the story several times already, but every day since the incident she’s demanded to hear it again.

“Mom…” I begin, my eyes filling up again. “I can’t. Not again.”

“Tell me!” She raises her voice, finally tilting her head to look up at me. Her face contorted in a mixture of grief and disgust.

I do as she says. I repeat the story the same exact way I did the first dozen times. No matter how much it hurts to talk about, I explain what happened.

“How could you let that happen?” she mumbles. “How could you be so careless? I just don’t understand!”

“Mom, it’s not Aspen’s fault…” Aaron interrupts, stepping next to me.

“Mama, I’m sorry,” I burst out through a new wave of tears. I’ve apologized to her and Daddy over and over. But I know they’ll never forgive me.

I’ll never forgive me.

Aaron wraps an arm around my shoulders and cradles me to his chest. I hear my mom huff in disapproval. I push against his chest, wiping the tears off my cheeks as I storm off.

I’ll never forget the way her eyes widened in fear as she fell to her death. The way her body lay on the ground, motionless. The way her voice begged for my help as she screamed on the way down.

I’ll never forget.

I don’t tell Mom and Dad those things though. The images already haunt me in my sleep. The sound of her screaming has woken me up the past two nights. Every time I attempt to fall asleep, her dead eyes appear in my mind. It’s no use, I tell myself. There’s barely a difference between existing and sleeping now.

Life without her is pointless.

People start arriving, so Mom, Dad, Aaron, and I all stand in the front near her casket. I swallow my emotions down and refuse to cry. I shut down. I shut everything down. I let them hug me and say how sorry they are for our loss. I let them cradle my head as they press me against their chests. I let them squeeze my hands as they tell me how much she will be missed. I let them do whatever they need to express their feelings. But I don’t cry. I quietly thank them and look down at my feet.

When the service is over, we gather at the cemetery to bury her. A large bouquet of white lilies rests on her closed casket. I step forward and pull one out for myself before they lower her in the ground. Mom and Dad do the same, but they don’t look at me. Dad wraps his arm around her shoulders, holding her close as she cries.

I grip the obituary program tightly in my hand and stare down at her picture displayed on the cover. Mom used her most recent school photo from this past year, although it hadn’t been her favorite. I don’t know why though, she looked stunning as usual—bright smile, sparkling green eyes, and flowing golden blonde hair.

Underneath it reads, Loving Daughter and Sister. Gone too soon, but never forgotten. 4-10-1995 to 4–10-2009.

She died on our birthday.

I swallow as I take it all in. April tenth was our favorite day. We’d wake up early to Mom making us our favorite breakfast—the only day of the year she’d make it—Belgian waffles with melted cream cheese frosting drizzled on top and then slathered in homemade maple syrup. She used fresh blueberries—instead of frozen—on top. She called it our special birthday breakfast and every year we looked forward to it.

After breakfast, we’d rip our presents open from our parents and later on exchange the ones we made for each other. For the last few years, we’d talk Mom into letting us skip school for the day. She wouldn’t even bother arguing with us, knowing she’d eventually cave anyway. So when we woke up on our birthday five days ago, we’d done everything the exact same.

We laughed all through breakfast. Mom was going on and on about how she couldn’t believe how grown up her baby girls were getting and how old that made her feel. Aaron was three years older than us, but apparently he was born out of wedlock and didn’t count in her aging process.

After we finished eating, Mom handed us each a card and watched as we ripped them open. We both squealed when we saw the hundred-dollar bill tucked inside.

As we wrapped our arms around her, she lectured us. “Don’t spend it all in one place, girls!” We then begged her to take us to the mall so we could of course spend it on clothes and makeup.

“You’ll have to wait until your father gets back,” she said, piling the dishes into the sink. We ran upstairs and got dressed, setting our money down on the dresser and running back outside. It was warm for April, just a slight breeze in the air.

It was perfect.

I smile at the memory of our birthday traditions. It was something we’ve always shared. Should have shared forever.

She’d always tease me about how she was older, granted it was only by three minutes, but now the day would be pointless.

A painful reminder of what happened.

Of what I lost.

Michel’s Review

Pushing The Limits by Brooke Cumberland is a fantastic sexy teacher/student romance. This romance takes on a life within itself and makes the art world explode within the readers imagination. It is well written with well a well developed plot and charismatic characters.

Aspen has lived a very heartbreaking childhood. Her teen years were ripped from her when her twin sister, Ari, dies in an accident. After Ari’s death Aspen’s life changed. She lost a part of herself. The only way to express her grief, her anger, and her despair is through her art. Her art takes on a life of itself.

Professor Morgan Hampton has had a tragic past himself. The very thing that drove him from home has forced him to return. This time he’s returning to mourn. He is also returning to raise a niece that was left behind. He has taken a job teaching advanced art. When he sees Aspen’s work he is mesmerized by her talents. He’s mesmerized by her expression of emotions in her art. He’s mesmerized by the beautiful woman creating the masterpieces. To him she is a masterpiece.

Both Aspen and Morgan have a lot of guilt, grief, and emotions that have been holding them back. They also have to deal with their forbidden relationship.

Not only do they have issues to deal with but also a vindictive professor that is determined to ruin Aspen’s chance at grad school. It could destroy Morgan’s career as well.

In the midst of this is a grieving eleven year old girl not only dealing with her father’s death but puberty as well.

Pushing The Limits kept me captivated. It was well written and displayed many emotional moments. The love scenes were emotional and sexy. The emotional moments pulled at the heartstrings. I highly recommend this book.

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Brooke Cumberland is a USA Today Bestselling author who’s a stay-at-home mom and writes full-time. She lives in the frozen tundra of Packer Nation with her husband, 4 year old wild child, and two teenage stepsons. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading love stories, listening to music that inspires her, and laughing with her family. Brooke is addicted to Starbucks coffee, leggings, and anything sweet. She found her passion for telling stories during winter break one year in grad school and she hasn’t stopped since.

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Release Day Blitz: Tattooed Emotions by Alicia Rae

Posted on 09/17/2015 by shellbellereads

It’s release day for Alicia Rae’s Tattooed Emotions! We’re having a fantastic release day celebration for this amazing new contemporary romance. Alicia is sharing an excerpt with us to celebrate the release of her first book in the Tattooed Billionaire series. Check it all out!

Buy Links:

Amazon

Tattooed Emotions Synopsis:

Raelyn Jennings has survived the unthinkable. She’s been given a second chance to live, to breathe, to feel. Her ability to overcome such a traumatic hurdle has created armor around her heart. But beyond her shield is fear, a consuming deep one, of the unknown. Raelyn vows to herself that she’ll solely focus on the one constant in her life, her career as the CEO for a prestigious accounting firm.

Damien Heathman’s unrelenting determination has made him a powerful, respected man. He’s sexy and confident and utterly breathtaking. His dominance and strength is evident in every purposeful stride, every meaningful look, and every soft caress.

Raelyn has worked with Damien’s company, Heathman Enterprises, for many years, but they’ve never crossed paths—until now.

Damien’s presence fills a room. He steals Raelyn’s breath and sparks her broken heart back to life. Once Damien sets eyes on Raelyn, there is no turning back. He wants her, and he’ll stop at nothing to have her. Not even the dark secrets hidden behind his tattoos will stand in his way.

The chemistry is undeniable. The passion is palpable.

Can Damien convince Raelyn that he is worth the risk? Or will Raelyn allow her past to control her future, feeling the chance of another heartache is too great to bear?

Goodreads

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Exclusive Excerpt

Damien lightly laid me on the bed, removed my towel, and tucked me beneath the sheets. “Do you need anything? Water, saltines, anything?” Concern filled his features once again.

“No.” I smiled. “I’m fine. Just tired.”

He nodded his acknowledgment, and then he walked to the bathroom door while pulling his soaking wet shirt from his back. He tossed it on the chair, every muscle flexing with his movements.

I might have been tired, but that didn’t stop me from being stunned into silence as my body flamed to life at the sight of his bare torso. My greedy eyes traveled from one end of his shoulder to the other, drinking in the beauty of his ink.

Without glancing at me, he sauntered over to his dresser to pull out a dark-colored shirt.

“Don’t,” I whispered, feeling my heart stop beating in my chest.

It destroyed me a little every time he concealed this part of himself from me. I knew something awful had happened to Damien and that he didn’t want to talk about it, but him hiding it from me hurt beyond any other physical pain I’d ever experienced.

His arms paused midair, and he gazed over his shoulder. From his side profile, I saw the instant his body tensed, and his jaw clenched.

“Please…” I swallowed thickly and dug for courage. “You want me to stay. And I want to lie with you…with nothing between us.” I realized I was being unfair, but I was that desperate.

A visible tremor shook through him. It felt as though an eternity had passed before he spoke, “Don’t touch them.”

My heart swelled within its confined space. He was going to trust me.

“I won’t,” I breathed in relief. “I promise.”

“Don’t ever break a promise to me, Raelyn.” He slowly lowered his arms and pivoted to face me. “So, don’t make one if you can’t keep it.”

“I keep my promises,” I vowed with the utmost sincerity.

“As do I. Always.” His voice was reverent.

For A Free Sample:

http://www.aliciaraeauthor.com/

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Alicia Rae Bio:

Alicia Rae is a Contemporary Romance Author who lives in Dekalb, Illinois, with her husband and three beautiful boys. Alicia has a passion for reading all types of romance, writing to bring a story to life, and photography.

Thank you to my dear sister, Kels, who showed me a few years ago how much I truly missed reading. And to my loving husband, for not throwing away my Nook, and planting the seed of writing in my mind. I am forever grateful. Xo

Readers, words cannot thank you enough for supporting me along this incredible journey. I hope you enjoy my novels as much as I do writing them. I thank each and every one of you.

Believe in yourself and follow your dreams…

Links:

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Author Goodreads

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Lauren Blakely does it again and brings readers more smoldering, sexy nights in her new Sinful Nights Series with her newest novel, SINFUL DESIRE.

SINFUL DESIRE is a full-length, standalone erotic romance novel that follows the love affair of a new couple, Ryan and Sophie. It’s currently priced at $3.99 across all retailers for a limited time only.

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✮✮✮TWO BOOKS FOR ONE PRICE! ✮✮✮

Buy One Get One Free This Week Only!

And that’s not all!

And don’t miss the first title in the Sinful Nights Series,

SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS!

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And be sure to watch for the next titles in the Sinful Nights series!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | SINFUL DESIRE Goodreads | Lauren Blakely Goodreads

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Fade To Red

Synopsis

Giveaway

About Willow Aster

Connect with Willow

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To touch a Dark One is death.

To talk to an immortal is suicide.

Yet, I’ve been marked by both.

A Vampire.

And the King of the immortals.

My life is no longer my own.

And now I know the truth, my life was never mine to begin with.

It was theirs.

It’s always been theirs.

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PROLOGUE

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**Lauren Blakely does it again and brings readers more smoldering, sexy nights in her new Sinful Nights Series with her newest novel, SINFUL DESIRE.**

And now I know the truth, my life was never mine to begin
with.

**AMAZON * AMAZON UK**