Happy Release + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: After Dark by M. Pierce – The Night Owl Trilogy – Book 3

Posted on 03/25/2015 by shellbellereads

After Dark

Night Owl Trilogy – Book 3

By M. Pierce

Synopsis

In the final novel of the Night Owl Trilogy from bestselling author M. Pierce, can a passion that has withstood many ordeals become a love strong enough to last a lifetime?

Matt Sky is trying to return to normal, having faked his death and come back to life. He and Hannah move back in together, and Matt attempts to put his demons to rest as they strive to grow their relationship into something durable and honest. But as the two become more and more entangled, and the heat between them intensifies in all the best possible ways, Matt’s desire for Hannah ignites cravings he has kept at bay for a long, long time…

Hannah finally has the life she’s always wanted: she’s pursuing her career as a literary agent at Granite Wing Agency, she is writing her first novel, and she is living with her hot, passionate lover. But as Matt and Hannah explore a new intimacy, Hannah finds that there are parts of Matt–dark, wild, uncontrollable parts–that he has yet to show her…that he has yet to show anyone…Under the surface of Matt and Hannah’s domestic bliss, deeply buried secrets burn, and all of a sudden, the least foreseen obstacle threatens to shatter everything they’ve worked so hard for.

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Excerpt

We made out for a full quarter-hour before I noticed the tent in the living room.

“Matt!” I snickered. He’d moved the coffee table and couch to accommodate the tent. It was new, or new to me—a tall gray and orange dome.

“Aha, she finally sees it.” He stalked over to the tent. Yes, it was definitely new. Matt wore his distinct “Do you like my new toy?” expression, and he circled the tent and folded his arms and studied it, signaling that I should also take a moment to admire it. I did.

“Wow . . . it’s nice.” I touched one of the poles. “So big. So . . .” In our living room.

“Mm. I got it at REI. Had to throw it together, make sure nothing was missing.” He frowned at the mesh-and-polyester palace. “I thought we might take it for a spin this evening, but not in this weather.”

On cue, thunder crackled and boomed outside.

“Oh, babe.” I rubbed his back. “Lemme get into dry clothes and we’ll ‘take it for a spin’ right here, okay?” I kissed his cheek. “Happy Fourth.”

His eyes lit up like a child’s.

“Perfect,” he said, already halfway into the tent.

I peeled off my wet clothes and changed into my Shell Belle Couture chemise, an expensive little gift from Matt. I never bought such nice things for myself. The champagne silk complemented my pale skin and felt luxurious. The lace cups, well . . . I resisted the urge to grab a robe as I felt my nipples hardening. Matt liked the lace cups best of all.

In the bathroom, I untangled my hair with Moroccan oil and washed my face. On my skin, I left the scent of rainwater.

I returned to a living room devoid of pillows.

The tent flap was shut.

“Knock knock?” I said.

With a swift zinging sound, Matt unzipped the door from inside.

“Why, come in.” He was laughing. The tent was tall, but taller Matt stood stooped beneath the dome. All our pillows lay around his feet.

“Don’t mind if I do.” I took his hand and stepped inside.

He stared openly at my chest.

“Oh,” he said.

His expression grew somber. I wanted to burst out laughing.

God, his cuteness . . .

“Very swanky in here.” I sat cross-legged on a pillow and looked around. The tent was cozy, the inner flaps a vibrant orange, and adorable Matt had stocked a wall pouch with snacks and drinks: two cans of Coke and a bag of goldfish. In another flap, two books and a flashlight.

“I was just testing those pouches,” he mumbled, gesturing to the snacks. “Hi.” He shucked off his shirt—yum—and crawled to me. “Hi . . .”

“Hi,” I said, giggling. “Hello. Did I ruin storytime with lingerie?” I slid my fingers up his arms. Whisper of skin on skin. My hands curled over his shoulders.

“No.” He closed in on me, his body pressing mine back and down. He went for my neck with his teeth, like an animal. Bit the column of my throat. Licked away the hurt.

“Ah,” I gasped, arching under him. I pawed at his abs and pulled at the band of his lounge pants.

An electrical pop sounded in the condo and the room went dark.

Matt and I froze.

We laughed in unison, sitting up and holding one another.

Pure darkness. I clung to his torso.

“Well, this is a first,” I said. “Our first power outage.”

“Always be prepared.” Matt groped around until he found the flashlight. He turned it on and hung it from the top of the tent. A cone of light shone over us.

His erection tented the front of his pants. I reached for it, my hand drawn to it. I gripped his head through the fabric. God, I loved seeing him turned on.

“I’m glad that happened.” He flexed into my hand. “Slowed me down.”

“Baby, you don’t have to slow down.”

“I know. I want to.” He caressed the undersides of my breasts and my nipples. The intricate lace of the cups scratched gently at my skin. I twitched and moaned.

He reached up and turned off the flashlight.

Michel’s Review

After Dark is the conclusion to the highly addictive and somewhat disturbing Night Owl Trilogy. The Night Owl Trilogy is a different kind of romance. It is romance based upon sexual obsession, compulsive passion, and dark needs. The characters are not your normal kind of characters with your typical kind of issues. Their relationship is driven by mental illness and dysfunctional personality traits. One is somewhat normal and the other is a severe manic depressive. Their passion for one another is very real. Their love for one another is unquestionable. Their problems are based upon their perceptions of the world and their part in that world.

The Night Owl Trilogy is one of those kind of stories that you hate to love and love to hate. It is like waiting for the train wreck to happen and being one of those morbid bystanders. At the same time you are hoping that these victims are going to survive and live their life happily ever after.

This conclusion to the Night Owl Trilogy is outstanding and perfect for this couple’s journey. It will leave the readers satisfied. They will feel validated for the time they invested in the characters and their story. This review is going to be brief and spoiler free. I don’t want to ruin this reading experience for other readers.

After Dark is the final book. It picks up where Last Light left off. Matt and Hannah are facing the music for his faked death and actions while he was supposedly dead. They are dealing with the ramifications of the publication of Night Owl. They are dealing with Matt trying to integrate into normal society and become a functioning person. They are also dealing with Hannah’s marriage proposal. Are they ready to take their relationship to the ultimate kind of commitment? Can they have this kind of bond with Matt’s mental illness?

They are also dealing with the issues that hurt their relationship during Matt’s disappearance from the world. There are issues with his brother Seth. They are dealing with Matt and Hannah’s family. Matt is having to face the reality of how he broke Hannah’s ultimate trust in their relationship. Plus they will have to face issues that most normal couples face when embarking on marriage. Can Hannah deal with Matt’s mental issues for a lifetime? Can Matt get the help he needs to be a better partner to Hannah?

Matt’s brother Seth and Hannah’s sister will play major roles in this segment of the story. Matt’s older brother Nate , bless his heart, will once again be the pillar the Sky family needs.

I have to commend Hannah for her strength. Her strong sense of dedication and understanding are beyond expectations. Her fortitude helped her hang onto herself in the mad world that Matt creates.

I have to commend Matt for reaching deep within himself to seek the help he needs. He will never be well. He will never be normal. He has to learn to find his inner peace. He has to learn to manage his emotions. He has to learn to share himself. He has to learn to put others first. This is not easy for a self absorbed and mentally ill man.

I was quite satisfied with how this story ended. There was only one thing in the book that bothered me beyond exception. As we all know, Seth has issues, he has that middle child syndrome. The one time he needed to be the center of attention, he was denied. Matt once again took that away from Seth. The one time that Nate should of put Seth first he chose Matt.

I highly recommend the Night Owl Trilogy. The books have to be read in order. They cannot be read as a stand alone books. It is a dark and unpredictable journey that will take readers down the rabbit hole.

The Night Owl Trilogy

Night Owl – Book 1

“Tautly written, complex, and vibrating with a dark sensuality that will have you at once blushing and anxious. You’ll think you have this book pegged . . . but you’ll be wrong.”–Christina Lauren, New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling authors of The Beautiful Bastard series

From bestselling ebook author M. Pierce comes Night Owl, the first novel in a provocative erotic trilogy where an anonymous online writing partnership turns into an uncontrollable, passionate obsession

At twenty-eight, Matt Sky has the perfect life. He has a beautiful girlfriend, a massive inheritance, and four national bestsellers — all penned under his airtight alias, M. Pierce.

At twenty-seven, Hannah Catalano is a train wreck. Her boyfriend is a deadbeat and her job is abysmal.

Matt and Hannah meet online as writing partners. Their relationship is safe, anonymous, and innocent…

Until Matt sees a picture of Hannah. Hannah’s picture sparks an attraction Matt is powerless to ignore. When circumstance brings Matt and Hannah together, the strangers begin a love story that’s passionate, poignant, unforgettable, and unstoppable.

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Last Light – Book 2

Tensions rise, secrets grow bigger, and passions run deeper—and hotter—in Last Light, the second novel of the Night Owl Trilogy from bestselling author M. Pierce.

Matt Sky is missing. After a solo ascent of Longs Peak that left only a large blood stain, tatters of climbing clothing, and the tracks of an animal in the snow, he is presumed dead.

Hannah Catalano is guarding a secret: she knows Matt is alive. After Matt’s memorial service, she lingers on the East Coast with his family, but it soon becomes clear that his brothers’ motives are less than gracious. Nate Sky is bent on tracking down the author of Night Owl, a book that charts the last days of Matt’s life with uncanny and scandalous accuracy, and which appeared only after his death. Seth Sky is bent on getting Hannah into his bed.

Hidden away in the woods, Matt and Hannah strive desperately to maintain their ruse and their relationship—but their web of lies only tightens as Matt struggles with the consequences of his decision, and Hannah tries to escape Nate’s libel suit and fend off Seth’s advances…until Hannah is put in danger, and Matt must make a life or death choice.

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After Dark – Book 3

In the final novel of the Night Owl Trilogy from bestselling author M. Pierce, can a passion that has withstood many ordeals become a love strong enough to last a lifetime?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Kobo

About M. Pierc

Pierce is the bestselling author of Night Owl, book one in the erotic Night Owl Trilogy. The author lives in Colorado and owns a rabbit named Laurence.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

M. has a great giveaway going on for the release – twelve total prizes including:

Two SIGNED Paperback Sets (Night Owl, Last Light, After Dark)
6 Sets of Signed Bookmarks (3 bookmarks per set – one from each book)
Alex and Ani Ode to the Owl Charm Bangle (Silver or Gold Finish – winners choice – picture attached)
Owl Campfire Tshirt (Color and size – winners choice – picture attached)
Two $15 Amazon Gift Card

Happy Release + Giveaway: Awakening You by Jessica Sorensen – The Unraveling Series – Book 3

Posted on 03/24/2015 by shellbellereads

Happy Release Day to Jessica Sorensen and her new book AWAKENING YOU, book 3 in the Unraveling Series. Check out a teaser from the book and make sure to enter the giveaway below for a chance to win an ebook copy of this book!

Awakening You

Unraveling Series – Book 3

By Jessica Sorensen

Lately, life has been going well for Ayden. His relationship with Lyric is starting to heat up and his career in music is taking off. But the disappearance of his sister still weighs heavily on his mind.

Desperate to find out where his sister is, Ayden decides to take drastic measures. But his dangerous risk leads to the unraveling of secrets, and he’s left facing a darker past then he ever could have imagined.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes /Kobo

“And don’t ever forget that, my friend.” I remove the dipstick, glance at the oil level, then put the stick back in. Wiping my hand off with a rag, I step back from the car. “It looks like it might—” My back bumps into Ayden.
He hardly ever instigates contact first, expect on rare, amazing, wonder-filled occasions, so I allow myself to enjoy the earth-shattering moment and breathe in the feel of his body heat.
I smile stupidly when he doesn’t move away. “Whatcha doing?”
“Nothing.” His voice is uneven, revealing his nerves. “I was just…” He releases a breath then places his hands on my hips. Surprisingly, his fingers are steady. “I just wanted to touch you.” He rests his forehead against the back of my head and inhales deeply. “And to make sure you’re okay.”
“Okay about what?” My eyelids drift shut as I lean into his touch.
His simple touches are better than light.
They awaken my body and bring it to life.
More. More. More, my body is craving.
The addiction is potent, consuming, aching.
Leaves my body wanting, pleading, shaking.
Sometimes I feel like I’m withering, fading.
Fading. Fading. Fading.
Into him.
“About … about what happened the other day … when I sleepwalked.” His fingers grasp onto me, and his chest crashes against my back as his shallow breaths turn ragged. “I know I probably freaked you out. I’ve been meaning to ask you about it, but I didn’t want to upset you, so I decide to wait until stuff cooled off.”
“I’m not upset about what happened.” And not surprised one little bit that my theory about him was right. I turn around and loop my arms around him. “I’m just worried about you and how you’re handling it.”
“I’m fine,” he swears, searching my eyes for my true feelings. He forgets, though, that I’m like an open book.

Michel’s Review

Awakening You is the third book in the Unraveling You series. This is a mature YA / New Adult series that is intwined with mystery and romance.

Ayden is finally starting to settle into his new life. He loves his new family and he loves Lyric. They are easing into a new kind of relationship. They are falling in love. The one thing that bothers Ayden is his issues with intimacy and being touched. He can touch others but still has problems with others touching him. He is hoping that his therapy will help him overcome these issues. He wants to have a healthy and loving relationship with Lyric. She is the reason his heart beats.

His hypnotic therapy is another issue. He is remembering bits and pieces of his past but when it comes to seeing actual faces, the memories have not surfaced. The therapy sessions are elevating his levels of stress and anxiety.

The pressure is on. His sister has been kidnapped and the clock is ticking. The police are pressuring Ayden for more. His parents and psychologist want him to ease up on his hypnotic sessions. He wants to try the experimental therapy because he is fearful for his sister’s life.

The group, which is now looking to be an occult, is desperately trying to get Ayden back. They are leaving ominous notes, following him, and haunting his dreams. The terror and danger has escalated. Both the police and his parents are fearful for his life.

Ayden can’t move forward until he can remember his past. His past may not let him move forward. Cliffhanger……

This book really escalated the terror and suspense that is looming over Ayden’s life. It also gave the reader visions of his captors and the torture he endured. It also moved his relationship with Lyric forward into a full blown romantic relationship.

Jessica Sorensen is doing an excellent job with this series. I am dying to get my hands on the next book. Inspiring You is the fourth book in the series. Release date and cover will be revealed soon.

Jessica Sorensen is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author from the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.

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♥SERIES READING ORDER♥

Book 1 – Unraveling You

Lyric Scott has always had a good life. Outgoing, spunky, and musically talented, she’s constantly surrounded by family and friends, yet she still feels there’s something missing.

Then she meets her new next-door neighbor Ayden Gregory. Mysterious, sweet, and sad, Ayden is the exact opposite of Lyric and exactly what she needs to fill the void in her life.

Ayden has been through more than most people and believes his life is always going to be rocky, so when he’s suddenly adopted by the Gregorys, he’s thrown for a turn. But even with a new, loving family, he still finds himself haunted by the memories of his old life. The only true breath of fresh air is when he’s with his best friend, Lyric Scott.

As Lyric and Ayden grow closer, the lines of their friendship start to blur. But when Ayden’s past unexpectedly pushes its way into his new life, their friendship and newfound attraction will be tested.

**A book about Ella and Micha’s daughter and Lila and Ethan’s son from The Secret Series. However, this series can be read on its own.**

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Book 2 – Raveling You

Ayden Gregory may want to keep running from his nightmares, but he no longer has a choice. His past is catching up with him. And fast. He relies on one person to keep him from crumbling. His best friend Lyric Scott.

Lyric feels helpless watching her best friend’s world turn upside down. But she does her best to remain positive and upbeat. Her band gets their very first gig and even with everything going on, her relationship with Ayden starts to heat up.

But when danger enters Ayden’s life again, even Lyric might not be able to help him.

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Book 3 – Awakening You

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Happy Release + Giveaway: Revved by Samantha Towle

Posted on 03/24/2015 by shellbellereads

Race car mechanic Andressa “Andi” Amaro has one rule—no dating drivers. With a good reason behind the rule, she has no plans on breaking it.

Carrick Ryan is the bad boy of Formula One. With a face and body that melts panties on sight, and an Irish lilt that leaves women on their knees, begging for more. He races hard and parties harder. The youngest driver to ever sign with F1, he’s still at the top of his game five years later, breaking hearts on and off the tracks.

When Andi is offered her dream job working in the glamorous world of F1, she leaves her home in Brazil, positive she can handle working for Carrick. But she’s not prepared for the off-the-chart sparks that fly the moment they meet.

Now, Andi has a crush on the one man she can’t have, and her resolve is about to be put to the test, because Carrick has decided he wants Andi, and he plans on testing her to the very limit…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

“Deny it all you want, but you know it’s true. You want me to fuck you.”
“And you want to fuck me,” I fire back.
“Sure I do. I’m not the one denying it here.” He lifts his hand from my waist to cup my cheek, his thumb touching dangerously close to my lips. “So what do you say?”
“To what?”
“Fucking.”
“I’d say you’re seriously overconfident about it.”
He throws his head back on a deep laugh. It makes me glow inside.
A smile is still touching his eyes, when he says, “You say that now. It’ll be a different story afterwards.”

New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal and international bestselling author Samantha Towle began her first novel in 2008 while on maternity leave. She completed the manuscript five months later and hasn’t stopped writing since.

She has written contemporary romances, THE MIGHTY STORM, WETHERING THE STORM, TAMING THE STORM and TROUBLE.

She has also written paranormal romances, THE BRINGER and the ALEXANDRA JONES SERIES, all penned to tunes of The Killers, Kings of Leon, Adele, The Doors, Oasis, Fleetwood Mac, and more of her favourite musicians.

A native of Hull and a graduate of Salford University, she lives with her husband, Craig, in East Yorkshire with their son and daughter.

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Giveaway

The author is giving away

1 – $50 Amazon Gift Card (US)
1 – $50 £ (pound) Amazon Gift Card (UK)
3 signed paperbacks of REVVED (open international)

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Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: Scoring His Heart by Suzan Butler -Texas Highlanders Ice Hockey Series- Book 3

Posted on 03/24/2015 by shellbellereads

Scoring His Heart

Texas Highlanders Ice Hockey Series – Book 3

By Suzan Butler

Synopsis

Zoe Logan has always believed that those she loves will always leave her. It’s why she fights so hard against anyone getting close, but when sexy defense Gavin Ferrara zeroes in on her, she finds herself falling hard and exploring the hidden parts of herself that he brings out in her.

Gavin’s always trusted that playing hockey is the most important thing to him. But when a strange encounter from months ago leads to more between him and the local bar owner’s daughter, he’s torn between what he wants and what’s best.

WARNING: This book contains a threesome hot enough to scorch the sheets, a dirty talking Russian, a bisexual Italian, the college virgin who brings both of them to their knees, and the best anatomy and physiology study session ever.

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Michel’s Review

Scoring His Heart by Suzan Butler is the third book in the Texas Highlanders Ice Hockey series. I love hockey romance books. I was anticipating a sports romance that was on the racier side. What this book delivered was definitely racier, it was an erotica romance. As for a sports romance, not so much, which was a great disappointment.

I have read many ménage themed books. These type of erotica romance books can either be over the top, based strictly on the sexual interactions without a solid story plot, or they can be below the par with a solid plot that overwhelms the erotic scenes. Scoring His Heart falls somewhere in middle range. It had a solid plot, somewhat solid characters, and sizzling hot sex scenes. The characters were a bit flat at times and I had a hard time grasping their connections to one another.

Zoe is supposed to be this innocent and naive nineteen year old girl that has had a somewhat hard life after her mother abandoned her. She comes across as hard and a bit stingy with her emotions. At other times she comes across as a heartbroken, naïve girl. I never felt she was mature enough to handle the sex scenes she encountered in the book.

As for Gavin and Misha, they were very easy to like. They are best friends, roommates, and horny hockey players. They have had quite a few sexual escapades that have led to threesomes. It was always them interacting with the woman and not each other. In this book, they discover that they have a sexual attraction and bond for one another that goes a little beyond their escapades. At the same time, because of their friendship, they accept that this aspect of their relationship is only for the bedroom. There is no romantic type of relationship in the works.

Scoring His Heart is about two people, Zoe and Gavin, finding love when their worlds are in chaos. They both learn to give and take. Somewhere Misha entangles himself into the mix to make some interesting sheet burners.

I just felt that the characters were not developed enough to pull this story completely off.

I think fans of ménage themed books will enjoy the overall story. For me, I want to get into the characters heads, I want complex plots, and realistic emotions portrayed in all the scenes, including the ménage scenes. And finally when I read a sports themed romance, whether it be erotica or contemporary romance, I want to feel the characters are involved in their sport. Other than a few mentions of practice or games, the sports theme was not really presented.

The Texas Highlanders Ice Hockey Series

Off Her Game – Book 1

Penalty Number One: Men

Making time for men and relationships doesn’t fit into Valerie Chase’s game plan. This crisis-counselor-turned-cocktail-waitress knows the score–Men are a distraction. But when a certain hockey player tempts her wild side, part of her wants to indulge in a little harmless fun.

Penalty Number Two: Desire

As the star center for the Texas Highlanders, Darren Moran’s good looks and deadly determination make him a fan favorite. But after the previous season’s disaster, the last thing he needs is to let some woman crawl under his skin. But… Valerie is different. She brings out the best in him–both on and off the ice–and he’s not about to lose her.

Penalty Number Three: Passion

When the game moves to the next level, Darren and Val have got to call timeout. An unplanned romance is a game-thrower, a sinful temptation that neither of them can afford. After all, there’s no way to have order in matters of the heart when the penalties tally up to an ejection from the game.

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Heart And Snow – Book 2

From the author of OFF HER GAME and O CHRISTMAS THREE…

Star goalie Cody Baker has the life he’s always dreamed of since he was a child. Not only does he get to play hockey in the national league, he managed to marry the perfect woman to support his dream. But now his wife is pregnant, his long-absent father wants to reconnect, and just like that, Cody loses control of the game.

Babies are the furthest thing from Josephina Baker’s mind. Thanks to failed birth control, Jo’s perfect life is in tatters. Bye-bye overseas vacations. So long, wild, sheet-scorching nights after road trips. Adieu lovely evenings out with the girls. Hello, morning sickness, long sleepless nights, and dirty diapers.

Spending the holidays with family only strains their already stressed relationship. Their red-hot marriage is as cold as snow lately and only the fire in their hearts can thaw it out.

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About Suzan Butler

Suzan Butler writes adult contemporary romance and has a penchant for Dr. Pepper, ice hockey, and world domination. She lives in Texas under a not-so-secret identity with two monsters, writing naughty books and planning the next step in her evil plans into the twilight hours of the night because that’s when it’s quiet in the house. She loves to hear from readers.

Suzan also has a monthly newsletter she shares with her alter ego, New York Times and USA Today bestseller, S.M. Butler, who writes new adult romantic suspense and military romance. In the newsletter, you’ll find information about new releases, updates on future books, contests, giveaways, get first peek at new covers, and find out where she’ll be visiting through books signings and conventions throughout the year.

Giveaway

Grand Prize: $25 Amazon or B&N gift card

Runner-up Prizes: Digital copies of any one (1) book by Suzan Butler

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Blog Tour + Giveaway: That Time With Sugar by Tess Oliver

Posted on 03/24/2015 by shellbellereads

“Sugar, Jules and I had run for our lives. Only our shadows had followed us. And no matter how hard we tried, we couldn’t outpace them.”

All-around bad boy, and twenty-five-year-old heir to the Jameson fortune, Tommy Jameson, knows three things:
– His family is disappointed in him.
– Overcoming his addictions won’t necessarily crush his vices.
– He is wildly in love with Sugar Scarborough, a girl who is dealing with her own addictions and an insatiable need to please.
Danger sends Tommy, Sugar and their friend, Julian Fitzpatrick, a heavily medicated, socially dysfunctional genius, fleeing from Green Willow Recovery Center. Now, together, they will face the outside world and uncover a horrifying mystery while being forced to confront their inner demons

** READ THE FIRST TWO CHAPTERS OF THAT TIME WITH SUGAR HERE **

* $50 AMAZON GIFTCARD*

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AMAZON USA * AMAZON UK * iBOOKS * BARNES & NOBLE * KOBO

Tess Oliver is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Freefall.
She is a former teacher, who now dedicates her morning caffeine rush to writing romance instead of teaching math and reading. Tess lives in California, the land of perpetual sunshine and traffic, with her husband, kids and five dogs. She is a longtime romance junkie, who likes her hero to be an alpha with a twist of compassion and if he has long hair and rides a horse or a motorcycle all the better. She writes young adult, new adult and adult romance in both contemporary and historical settings. When she’s not reading or writing romance, she can be found hiking, vacuuming up dog hair or baking goodies for her family.

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Blog Tour + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Part Time Cowboy by Maisey Yates – Copper Ridge Series – Book 1

Posted on 03/20/2015 by shellbellereads

Part Time Cowboy

Copper Ridge Series – Book 1

By Maisey Yates

Synopsis

A onetime bad girl comes home to small-town Oregon in the first in a sexy, heartfelt new series from USA TODAY bestselling author Maisey Yates

Sadie Miller isn’t expecting any welcome-home parades on her return to Copper Ridge. Least of all from part-time rancher, full-time lawman Eli Garrett. The straitlaced, impossibly hot deputy sheriff glares at her as if she’s the same teenage hoodlum who fled town ten years ago. But running from her demons has brought Sadie full circle, ready to make a commitment at last. Not to a man, but to a bed-and-breakfast. On Garrett land. Okay, so her plan has a tiny flaw…

Eli works too hard to let a blonde ball of trouble mess up his town. But keeping an eye on Sadie makes it tough to keep his hands off her. And if she’s so wrong for him, why does being with her feel so right?

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Tracey’s Review

Sadie Miller has come home to Copper Ridge, Oregon, to put a past of running away far behind her. A decade of moving from one place to the next has left her rootless and without any real sense of self. By coming back to the place that she’s always seen as the start of all of her problems, she hopes that she will finally be able to lay old ghosts to rest. Eli Garrett is the poster boy for stability. As both deputy sheriff and part owner of the family ranch, he’s been the glue that holds his family together, following one tragedy after another. He likes order and rules, and is not ready for the changes that Sadie brings with her.

I am a big fan of the Copper Ridge series by Maisey Yates. The small-town community, the richly drawn characters, and the absolutely wonderful dialogue all come together to make these books immensely readable. I fell in love with Eli from the minute he stepped into the story, with his stoicism and order. It was just a matter of time before Sadie, with her quirkiness and her ideas for change snapped him right out of any sense of complacency and rocked his world. These two could not be more different, and have little in common other than a white-hot desire for each other. Until, that is, they begin to spend time together, and to reveal pieces of themselves that show that they are more than they appear to be. Both have very real shadows coloring their pasts, things that have molded them into the people that they are. It is being with each other that allows them to face their demons and evolve into stronger people, both separately and together.

While Maisey covers some serious subject matter, there are also plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Maisey has a real gift for writing dialogue, both internal and between her characters, and I spent much of the book giggling to myself. And sexy time, Maisey has that down. The heat between Eli and Sadie is palpable, and their growing emotional connection heartfelt. And Connor, Kate, Liss, Jack, and all of the citizens of Copper Ridge make this a cast of folks worth getting to know. 5 stars for Part Time Cowboy, a book that shows that you really can go home again.

Author Bio:
USA Today Bestselling romance writer with a penchant for coffee, sugared cereal, and alpha males. Three children, one husband, and too many dresses for my closet.

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Blog Tour + Review + Givaway: Hearts of Fire by L. H. Cosway

Posted on 03/19/2015 by shellbellereads

Hearts of Fire

A Spinoff of Six of Hearts

By L. H. Cosway

Synopsis

***A contemporary romance***

The Circus Spektakulär is proud to present Jack McCabe: Fire-breather, knife-thrower, risk-taker.

My house burned down when I was just a boy, robbing me of both my parents.

Now I breathe fire, eat the poison that almost killed me.

Crowds come to see me night after night. Men for the spectacle, women for the thrill. I’m an oddity to be stared at and desired. With each flame I spit, I risk my life.

I wear scars on my body that will never go away, but the scars inside my head are far more difficult to overlook.

My brother doesn’t know me, and if I have it my way he never will.

Life was going exactly the way I’d planned until Lille came along. She wanted to run away with the circus, have an adventure, but this world was never meant for her.

I try to keep her safe, because she doesn’t know the dangers that are out here on the road. She doesn’t know the monsters that lurk behind the bright lights of the ring. In truth, I could be considered one of them.

We were fashioned from different cloths, never intended to mix. So I watch her. I try not to touch, even when her eyes invite me.

Join us in the Spiegeltent and let us give you a show. Allow my Lille to draw a picture for you in paint and sweat and skin.

The truest love is always the hardest to let in.

**This is a standalone romance that tells the story of Jack McCabe, Jay Fields’ long lost, presumed dead brother. It is not necessary to have read Six of Hearts in order to enjoy Hearts of Fire.**

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https://vimeo.com/121182628

Excerpt

“Oh,” I said and tightened the towel around me again. When I turned, Jack’s gaze wandered from my wet temples, along the side of my cheek, and down my neck before finally settling in the region of my chest. I felt touched. Hot and flushed. I looked up at him from under my lashes and he met my eyes then. There was something intense about the way he looked at me, but again, it could have all been my active and fatally hopeful imagination.

“Got a nice little look at you earlier,” he said and I seriously thought I might die of mortification. My skin prickled with awareness.

“What?” I replied, my voice so, so quiet.

He didn’t say anything for a second, just hummed low in his throat and it was the sexiest sound I’d heard, possibly ever. Then he took my hand into his. I’d taken the bandage off, but I still had a red burn mark down the centre of my palm. Holding it up, he seemed fascinated as he ran a finger down it gently. It only stung a tiny bit, and the combination of him touching me and the sting caused a strange tingling between my legs. Yep, my vagina was definitely on Team McCabe, even if my brain was waving around big red BEWARE signs like a maniac.

His mouth moved and there was something intrigued in his expression, like he just figured out he’d aroused me and it both interested and surprised him. He moved closer, eating up my space…and just stared at me.

And man, could he stare. I felt like he was telling me a silent story and it was captivating.

“Could I get by you, please? I need to go get dressed,” I said, breaking the quiet. It could have been minutes or hours that I was standing there, but I’d never know. Time moved in strange patterns when I was around this man.

Robin’s Review

Author L. H. Cosway thrilled me with magical illusions performed by Jay Fields in her novel Six of Hearts. Jay is charismatic. Descriptions of his performances are colorful and energetic. Full of electricity. The writing in Six of Hearts was so realistic that I felt like I was sitting in the audience during his performances. It was such a unique novel, and I enjoyed the chemistry between Jay Fields and Mathilda Brandon. When I wrote my review for Six of Hearts, I was completely unaware it was the first novel of a series. I was pleasantly surprised to learn Cosway has now written a novel about the brother of Jay Fields. Although it may be read as a standalone novel, Hearts of Fire is the second contemporary romance in the Hearts series.

Jack McCabe is just as charismatic as his older brother. He lost his family to a house fire when he was a child. Jack was abandoned by his uncle because he was so badly burned. He grew up in foster care. Now he throws knives and breathes fire for a circus that travels across Europe. He is handsome. Dark. Mysterious. And Jack is the exact opposite of Lille Baker. Lille is twenty-one-years-old. She’s kind. Craves adventure. She has a bucket list of things she would love to do. But more than anything, Lille is desperate to get away from her controlling and abusive mother who dictates her life with rules.

Marina is the owner of Circus Spektakulӓr. She and Jack visit the small diner where Lille works as a waitress. On the last day the circus is in town, Marina invites Lille to come see their show. She notices just how much Lille enjoys painting faces on children who come to eat at the diner, and she makes Lille an offer she can’t refuse – “come to France with us.” Marina offers Lille a job to paint the faces of the children who visit the circus.

How often have you read a novel where the characters never truly grab your attention? Or the characters are dull or lifeless? Cosway gives her characters plenty of personality – they practically leap off the page! Jack McCabe is intriguing. Mysterious. Broody. He’s full of energy. Darkness. He loves fire. I was definitely drawn to Jack, and I couldn’t wait to find out more about him. Lille is finally experiencing adventure. She is quirky and so easy to love. It didn’t take long for me to connect emotionally with her character. I thought Marina and Lola were full of vitality, and they each added to the quality of the story. Even King, the circus alcoholic, was intriguing.

Hearts of Fire has an artistic feel to it. It’s suspenseful. Sexy. Romantic. It’s a story about forgiveness and healing. Reconciliation. You will find darkness in Hearts of Fire. Crime. I love mysteries, and my favorite scene in Hearts of Fire is how the crime is solved. I feel the writing is solid throughout the entire story. It flows extremely well, which makes Hearts of Fire a quick and entertaining read. And if you loved Jay Fields and Mathilda Brandon in Six of Hearts, you will be excited to learn they are guest stars in Hearts of Fire! I am delighted to give L. H. Cosway a 4.5 star rating!

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. 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.

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

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The author is giving away (open internatonally):

1st prize: Hearts of Fire tote bag

Signed copy of Six of Hearts

Signed copy of Hearts of Fire

Hearts of Fire pocket mirror

2nd prize: Signed copy of Hearts of Fire

Hearts of Fire pocket mirror

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Happy Release + Review + Giveaway: Famous by Kahlen Aymes- The Famous Novels – Book 1

Posted on 03/18/2015 by shellbellereads

Famous

The Famous Novels – Book 1

By Kahlen Aymes

Synopsis

Caden Carlisle is a world-renowned superstar with good looks, million dollar movie deals and women throwing themselves at him wherever he goes. He has it all… but wants nothing more than a normal life without the paparazzi and glitz.

Brooklyn Holloway is an up and coming starlet with a solid head on her shoulders and her eyes wide open. It’s all about art for her and she isn’t looking to star in blockbuster films. She’s perfectly happy keeping a low profile and doing indie projects with a message.

When fate throws the two of them together on set; both are unprepared for their undeniable connection. Cade is drawn to Brook’s down-to-earth wholesomeness and she can’t help the irresistible pull of his good looks, sense of humor and chivalrous ways… So, when he begins to think he’s in love with her, resisting is next to impossible, despite being committed to someone else.

Only when filming ends and the world’s fascination with celebrity invades their bubble, can they decide if the emotions they felt on set were scripted, or forever.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Smashwords

Excerpt

I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Cade.

I’d risen, and he was trying to rush through the crowd toward me, but was having a hard time making his way around all of the people. Part of me was thankful for that. I felt trapped, like I’d die an absolute death if I didn’t make an immediate escape.

I needed to get out of there fast, or soon, I was going to be a sobbing mess. I could feel the misery welling up and threatening to overflow.

I pushed my way through the crowd toward the other end of the bar, toward the entrance and away from Cade.

“Brook!” he called. “Brook, wait, please!”

I kept going, my eyes on Nathan a few yards in front of me. My vision blurred with tears, but I stumbled through the crowd, pushing my way toward him.

“Brook! Bloody hell! Stop!” Cade was beside me, and grabbed my arm. “Stop… Just wait a second, please.” His voice lowered as he looked at the tears running down my face, his scent enveloped me. Finally, I had the courage to meet his eyes but my face crumpled, and I cried hard.

“Cade, just please, let me go. It’s obvious that coming here tonight was a big mistake.” My voice broke, and more tears slipped from my lashes. I bowed my head when my shoulders began to shake. I couldn’t stop them from doing that, and it felt humiliating to be standing here, in the middle of a bar, in a place I’d never been, with a couple of hundred eyes boring into me… and worse, to witness what I’d just seen.

“Tell me why you’re here,” he commanded softly, his finger lifting my chin so I had to look him in the eyes. He looked sad and anxious. “When I saw you, I couldn’t believe my eyes.” His eyes searched my face, trying to read my mind. “I felt like the earth opened up to swallow me alive.”

I tried to speak, but nothing came out. I opened my mouth, closed it, and then shook my head. “It just… It doesn’t matter now.” I tried again to pull my arm free.

“Goddamn it, Brooklyn! Tell me why you’re here!” he pleaded, and grabbed my other arm, which completely prevented me from looking away from his face. We were both breathing hard; standing motionless; as if there was no one else in the room.

Finally, I looked away as I struggled for strength to control the tears in my voice.

Maybe if I tell him the truth, he’ll let me go.

I turned back to him. “I came here to tell you that what you saw in those photos wasn’t real, and that I was ending things with David. That you are who I want to be with.” I started to shake, my face crumpled. Cade took me by the shoulders, and pulled me tightly to his chest.

“But from the looks of things, you’re doing just fine. It didn’t take you long, did it?” A small sob escaped, as I resumed in earnest. “I thought I was going to surprise you for your birthday, but it looks like I’m the one getting the big surprise.” I was angry and hurt; my heart shattered into a million shards that ripped through my flesh and left me bleeding. I renewed my struggles to get free of him, but he was too strong. He moved me away a little to look in my eyes, his brow low over his eyes and his mouth tense.

“Brook, what was I supposed to think? You never said you were mine. How was I to know? Those pictures were like reliving the entire last year as I watched you with him when I wanted you for myself!”

“After the way it was between us… the way it felt! You saw how my heart was breaking when you left. After that, how could you doubt me? You don’t trust me at all.”

Michel’s Review

Famous by Kahlen Aymes is an emotional and angsty beginning for the new series.

The book starts out on the set for the movie featuring the Remembrance Trilogy. Brooklyn Holloway is playing Julia and Caden Carlisle is playing Ryan. Both of the actors are caught up in the powerful love story of the characters they are portraying. They are also realizing that they have an undeniable attraction to one another off the set. They are drawn together in so many ways. But their realities keep them from coming together.

Brooklyn Holloway has a boyfriend. She is also very young. It is her first motion picture. Caden Carlisle is a seasoned actor, he is a superstar, and he is from England.

Not only does their vast differences play against their relationship, their geographical dwellings do too. Add in Hollywood politics, iron tight contracts, and manipulating agents, and it seems this couple is doomed.

Brooklyn and Caden will do anything to be together. They were meant for one another.

Just as things are looking positive, life will rear it’s ugly head. They will have to fight for their love.

Famous was a good start for the new series. At first I was a bit concerned because the first few chapters seem to focus on the Remembrance Trilogy. After that the book takes on a whole new direction. At times the book seemed a bit repetitious and a bit slow. The overall story had good balance and interesting characters.

I am looking forward to the next book with hopes that Brooklyn and Caden will find the happily ever after they are striving for.

Author Bio:

I’m a single mother of one daughter, Olivia. She’s amazing in every way.

I was born in the Midwestern United States and educated at a private university where I received a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Business Administration.

I’ve always been creative with art, music, theater and writing. I decided to write a story as a way to build a network for a business venture. The reader support of my stories and my overwhelming desire to find out where my characters would take me, soon had the writing morphing the business. No one was more shocked than I. When readers began nominating my work for online awards, it took my breath away and only made me love it more. It soon became clear that writing was, and should be, my focus.

Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Book Tour + Review + Giveaway : The Fear That Divides Us by M. N. Forgy – The Devil’s Dust Series – Book 3

Posted on 03/18/2015 by shellbellereads

The Fear That Divides Us

The Devil’s Dust Series – Book 3

By M. N. Forgy

Synopsis

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

Excerpt

Do I fight my fear? Triumph the terror wracking my mind and soul and gamble on the chance that Bobby can reset it all, make me forget my past and actually restart and build a life without being afraid? Or do I do what I know best, resisting, and run home behind my door with the security of three deadbolts and wonder what if?

Michel’s Review

The Fear That Divides Us by M. N. Forgy is the third full length novel in the Devil’s Dust series. This book can be read as a stand alone or in series order.

The Devil’s Dust MC has had it’s share of violence, betrayal, and trouble. It has also had it’s fair share of good times. They are a strong brotherhood and family unit. They protect their own at all costs.

Bobby has been a member of the Devil’s Dust MC for quite a few years. He has seen it all. The one thing that made a lasting impression on his soul is Jessica, also known as Doc. She captured his attention when he was a recruit. She kept his attention as she healed from her ordeal and became a strong independent woman. Her beauty is more than what the eye sees. Her strength is beyond measure. But she is still holding Bobby at arms length.

Bobby has and will do anything for Jessica. He has killed for her. He has cried for her. He will protect her at all costs. Although they hook up occasionally, he wants more. He wants her to be his old lady. Her past and fears are holding her back. It will be up to him to show her how strong she really is. It will be up to her to let the past go.

This is the first book I have read in this series. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am planning to read the previous books. This book doesn’t particularly revolve around the Devil’s Dust MC and their club business. This book focuses on the couple itself and the problems they are facing behind the closed doors. It was well written with very strong charismatic characters. The backdrop of the MC added an interesting dimension in their relationship.

I am looking forward to reading more books in this series. M. N. Forgy has created an MC world readers will love. I highly recommend The Fear That Divides Us.Boo

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.

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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?

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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?

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The Fear That Divides Us – Book 3

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

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Happy Release + Giveaway: Love, Exes, and Ohs by Violet Duke – Cactus Creek Series- Book 4

Posted on 03/17/2015 by shellbellereads

Love, Exes, and Ohs

Catcus Creek Series – Book 4

ByViolet Duke

Synopsis

He may very well be the perfect ex…

Isaac McKnight has had enough loss in his life to know never to take anything for granted. So when the perfectly-imperfect-woman-for-him puts an end to their relationship out of the blue, it’s Isaac that makes sure they remain friends. Now a year later, whether it’s at his gym or her brewpub, or the dog park they visit every weekend–though neither of them own a dog–he and Xoey are steadily getting sucked deeper into buddy-zone galaxy, with its dangerous proximity to watch-me-settle-down-with-someone-else abyss. It’s a reality he’s resigned himself to. That is…until one drunken confession changes everything.

But she’s looking for the perfect ‘oh’…

For Xoey Montenegro, history has taught her that sometimes, it’s Prince Charming who vanishes without a trace. And fairytale love? Highly overrated. Heck, give her a real and perfect ‘oh’ over that fantasy any day. So as far as rock-solid tequila-fueled plans for her love life go, coming up with a match-finding formula based on the qualities of the men responsible for her three most epic ohs seems brilliant. Except for the fact that one-third of her genius little man-quation is all about her friend Isaac. Actually, more than a third if Xoey were being honest with herself–which she’s not. Because full honesty would require thinking not just about how perfect Isaac really is, but also about how perfect the fourth epic oh she’s kept buried deep in her past once was.

An easy enough thing to keep ignoring…until her past isn’t past tense anymore.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

Excerpt

Isaac plopped down beside her on the bench. “Hey, that’s a cute puppy. I’m adding him to my list,” he declared, planting a warm kiss on her cheek, along with an icy cold cup of frozen coffee goodness in her hands.

Xoey wasn’t sure which was making her shiver.

“You have over two dozen dogs on that list of yours. Unless your future wife is Mrs. Doolittle, you’re going to have to start making some cuts to your future white picket fence pet,” she replied in an impressively steady tone. It had taken awhile after their break-up, but with time, Isaac’s lips on her skin no longer made her punch-drunk with lust.

Not outwardly, at least.

Sipping his piping hot black coffee, he nodded over at the fancy iced mocha drink he’d brought for her—or as he liked to call it, the milk and sugar with a splash of caffeine—and gave her a smug smile as he reached for the bag of doughnuts she’d brought for their breakfast.

The man knew her frighteningly well.

It had begun as a game a while back. He’d guess what she was selecting for their little weekly breakfast picnic, and bring the drinks he knew would pair with it. In the last few months, he’d only been wrong once.

Isaac munched on a doughnut thoughtfully and watched the puppy in question flopping along next to the engaged couple. “Nope, that one’s too cute. He’s staying on the list.” With a half shrug, he concluded, “I guess that means I’ll have to marry Mrs. Doolittle.”

Xoey was just plain shocked at the sharp bolt of pain she felt tearing through her chest over the joke.

“Hey, you okay, sweetie?”

Isaac squeezed her knee, a worried gaze running over her face and then lower.

To where her hand was pressed against her heart.

“Heartburn,” she fibbed, rubbing her chest the way she saw folks on antacid commercials do it.

Instantly, her bag of bacon doughnuts were yanked off her lap. “I knew these things were bad for you. You’re calling your doctor in the morning to get a check-up. Sometimes, heartburn is a symptom of something dangerous. In the meantime, I’m going to set you up with one of my trainers to get you on a cardio plan.” Reaching into her pocket, he pulled out her phone and entered her password to unlock it.

She peered over and saw him googling something. “What are you doing?”

“Checking to see if these cups of liquid sugar and caffeine over ice you drink can cause heart problems.” He read through the results for a minute and shook his head. “Apparently not, but better to switch to tea or just plain water to be safe.”

Intense hazel eyes proceeded to x-ray every inch of her body, while gentle, utterly masculine hands that every inch of her body still remembered stroked her back.

She released a jagged breath.

Which of course, he interpreted as her final descent toward the big, bright light at the end of the tunnel.

He gripped her hand. “Do you want me to take you to urgent care or the ER?”

“I’m fine, Isaac. Calm down.”

He did not look convinced.

He then proceeded to slide his fingers over to her wrist to check her pulse.

Oh God, the man was just too lovable sometimes.

“I lied, I don’t have heartburn,” she admitted, to stop what was clearly going to be a call to 911 in a bit.

A puzzled frown crossed his features, along with marked relief. “What’s going on, Xo?”

“I just…I was holding my heart because I was jealous. Of Mrs. Doolittle.” She snatched back her precious bacon doughnuts. “If you go off and have a few dozen puppies with Mrs. Doolittle, who’s going to come to the dog park with me every morning?” she threw in to make this less of a declaration of the heart. “I’m too old and set in my ways to break in a new weird friend who’ll get me the way you do.”

Silence.

Until warm, calloused fingers reached over and broke a piece of doughnut off.

After a few quiet moments of chewing, Isaac put his arm around her. “Can you imagine the industrial sized pooper scooper I’d have to buy to pick up after a few dozen dogs?” He shook his head. “I think Mrs. Doolittle and I would be doomed within the first week,” he lamented gravely. “Looks like you’ll be stuck with me for a bit longer, babe.”

Improbable promise coming from a catch like Isaac or not, Xoey held on to it tight like a security blanket.

The Cactus Creek Series

Love, Chocolate, and Beer

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Love, Diamonds, and Spades

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Love, Tussles, and Takedowns

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About Violet Duke

NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Violet Duke is a former professor of English Education who is ecstatic to now be on the other side of the page writing wickedly fun contemporary romance novels. Her NYT and USA Today bestselling books have been Top 10 bestsellers across the major eretailers both in the US and internationally. When she’s not writing or feeding her book-a-day reading addiction, Violet enjoys tackling reno projects with her power tools, trying pretty much anything without reading the directions first, and cooking ‘special edition’ dishes that laugh in the face of recipes. A born and raised island girl, she spends her days getting into creatively fun trouble in Hawai’i alongside her two cute kids (daughter Violet & son Duke) and similarly adorable husband.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Tag Archives: Giveaway

Happy Release + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: After Dark by M. Pierce – The Night Owl Trilogy – Book 3

Happy Release + Giveaway: Awakening You by Jessica Sorensen – The Unraveling Series – Book 3

Happy Release + Giveaway: Revved by Samantha Towle

Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: Scoring His Heart by Suzan Butler -Texas Highlanders Ice Hockey Series- Book 3

Blog Tour + Giveaway: That Time With Sugar by Tess Oliver

Blog Tour + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Part Time Cowboy by Maisey Yates – Copper Ridge Series – Book 1

Blog Tour + Review + Givaway: Hearts of Fire by L. H. Cosway

Happy Release + Review + Giveaway: Famous by Kahlen Aymes- The Famous Novels – Book 1

Book Tour + Review + Giveaway : The Fear That Divides Us by M. N. Forgy – The Devil’s Dust Series – Book 3

Happy Release + Giveaway: Love, Exes, and Ohs by Violet Duke – Cactus Creek Series- Book 4

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