New Release + Review: Ladies Man by Katy Evans – Manwhore Series – Book 3

Posted on 04/26/2016 by shellbellereads

Ladies Man

Manwhore Series – Book 3

By Katy Evans

Synopsis

TAHOE ROTH.
Irreverent, cocky, playful and naughty.
He’s not the guy you date.
He’s the one night stand.
The one your mother warned you about.
The one your body craves.

You’d think the man who called me succulent would want to strip me down and spread me out on his bed—like he’s done with countless others.
But he passed on my offer….
Just like I’d once passed on his.
He’s wary, like I am.
He’s broken, like I am.
And everyone knows two broken parts can’t ever make a whole.
Tahoe and I are strictly friends.
So I distract myself with other men.
He doesn’t think my new man is good enough. This blond blue-eyed beast doesn’t think any man is—himself included.
But the more time we spend together, the more confused I feel.
I’m trying to open myself to love.
Yet I’m quickly realizing that the only man I want is Tahoe Roth.
The one man who will surely break my heart.

A sexy new standalone contemporary romance from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katy Evans. Although part of the Manwhore series, this book can be read as standalone.

Tracey’s Review

There are fears in your life that neither you nor any man on this Earth can spare you from. Fears so deeply entrenched, there is no corner in your soul to hide, no way of escaping them. They grab you, own you, squeeze the life out of you, until you wake up sweating in the middle of the night, in tears, and you’re frantic to touch the ground beneath you because you still feel like you’re falling…and falling…a never-ending drop. Until a painfully hard surface breaks your fall. That hard surface, for me, is Tahoe Roth.

In LADIES MAN, the third book in the Manwhore series, author Katy Evans has given us another of her signature alpha men with a complex and enigmatic back story. Tahoe Roth is the consummate ladies’ man. Larger than life, he works hard and plays hard, attracting women effortlessly, refusing to be tied down by any of them. Like a moth to the flame, Gina finds herself as drawn to him as the others, even while knowing that he is no good for her.

This book is rife with sexually charged scenes, and, I am telling you, they will leave you hot, bothered, and in search of a fan and a new set of panties (Two words: outdoor shower. Gah!). LADIES MAN fairly sizzles with the chemistry between Tahoe and Gina, two people that, despite their best intentions, cannot stay away from each other. Watching them find their uneasy way to each other is like a delicious unwrapping, one step at a time, something that Katy has often used in her writing, and which drives me crazy in the best possible way.

I love the evolution of the relationship between Tahoe and Gina, the way that they bring out the best in each other, even while calling what they have anything other than what it is becoming. The scenes between the two of them, even when they’re doing nothing but spending time together as friends, are palpably emotional and just plain hot.

This book is an easy 4.5 stars for me. The story grabbed me immediately, and I found myself completely invested in both Gina and Tahoe, not wanting to stop reading until I got my answers. LADIES MAN is a definite must-read, and will have you alternately wanting to cheer, yell, throw your book, and grab a cold shower. Do yourself a favor, and do not wait to snap this book up right now. I guarantee that you will not be sorry.

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

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The Manwhore Series

Manwhore

Manwhore Series – Book 1

By Katy Evans

Release Date: March 24, 2015

Synopsis

Is it possible to expose Chicago’s hottest player—without getting played?

This is the story I’ve been waiting for all my life, and its name is Malcolm Kyle Preston Logan Saint. Don’t be fooled by that last name though. There’s nothing holy about the man except the hell his parties raise. The hottest entrepreneur Chicago has ever known, he’s a man’s man with too much money to spend and too many women vying for his attention.

Mysterious. Privileged. Legendary. His entire life he’s been surrounded by the press as they dig for tidbits to see if his fairytale life is for real or all mirrors and social media lies. Since he hit the scene, his secrets have been his and his alone to keep. And that’s where I come in.

Assigned to investigate Saint and reveal his elusive personality, I’m determined to make him the story that will change my career.

But I never imagined he would change my life. Bit by bit, I start to wonder if I’m the one discovering him…or if he’s uncovering me.

What happens when the man they call Saint, makes you want to sin?

Buy : Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Google

***

Manwhore + 1

Manwhore Series- Book 2

By Katy Evans

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

The unexpected love story that began in MANWHORE continues heating up the pages in MANWHORE +1 by New York Times bestselling author Katy Evans…

Billionaire playboy? Check.

Ruthless businessman? Check.

Absolutely sinful? Check.

Malcolm Saint was an assignment. A story. A beautiful, difficult man I was supposed to uncover for a racy exposé.

I intended to reveal him, his secrets, his lifestyle–not let him reveal me. But my head was overtaken by my heart and suddenly nothing could stop me from falling. I fell for him, and I fell hard.

Malcolm Saint is absolute Sin, and I’ve become a hopeless Sinner.

Now that the assignment is over, Saint wants something from me–something unexpected–and I want this wicked playboy’s heart. But how can I prove to the man who trusts no one that I’m worthy of becoming his plus one?

Pre Order: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

***

Ladies Man

Manwhore Series – Book 3

By Katy Evans

Irreverent, cocky, playful and naughty.
He’s not the guy you date.
He’s the one night stand.
The one your mother warned you about.
The one your body craves.

A sexy new standalone contemporary romance from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katy Evans. Although part of the Manwhore series, this book can be read as standalone.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

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About Katy Evans

Katy Evans grew up with books and book-boyfriends until she found a real sexy boyfriend to love. They married and are now hard at work on their own happily ever after. Katy loves her family and friends, and she also loves reading, walking, baking, and being consumed by her characters until she reaches “The End.” Which is, hopefully, only the beginning…

Katy Evans is the NYT and USA Today bestselling author of the Real series.

To find more about her, look her up on her website, Twitter, or Facebook, she’d also love to hear from you!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Blitz + Giveaway: Priceless Treasure by Melody Anne

Posted on 10/20/2015 by shellbellereads

Priceless Treasure

By Melody Anne

Synopsis

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

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

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

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

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

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

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

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

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Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Claimed by Elle Kennedy – The Outlaws Series – Book 1

Posted on 10/08/2015 by shellbellereads

Claimed

Outlaws Series – Book 1

Genre: Dystopia / Erotica

By Elle Kennedy

Synopsis

The bestselling author of the Killer Instincts novels “knows how to write scorching sexual tension”*. Now she really sets it on fire in a new series about men and women living on the edge of violence, sex, and life and death.

After a devastating war decimated most of the world, Hudson Lane has only known the oppressive life under her own father’s tyranny. She finally escapes, branding herself an outlaw and hunted by the Enforcers. Her best chance at survival is Connor Mackenzie, an aggressively sensual fugitive who opens her eyes to the wicked possibilities of a world without rules.

As the leader of a band of outlaw fighters, Connor can’t resist the beautiful stranger who asks for his protection. Despite his reservations, he agrees to introduce her to a whole new way of life. But when Connor discovers Hudson’s connection to the enemies of liberty, he wonders how far he can trust the woman who has abandoned all inhibitions to challenge every forbidden desire.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

Elle Kennedy has done it again and proven what a talented and versatile writer she is. Elle is known to be one the hottest erotica authors in the publishing world. Not only are all of her novels sizzling hot and loaded with steamy sex, they are also intense character driven novels that have a dynamic story. Whether it is a member of a Seal team,a Special Ops team,nightclub owners,small town hero, or a member of the college hockey team; these books all have one thing in common…. they are SIZZLING HOT. These men make your panties melt off and steal your heart. Elle has added a new group of sexy men to her roster of heroes. The Outlaws are the heroes of the future in a new bleak world. Elle jumped out of her normal comfort zone and jumped into the world of Dystopia romance. Her debut in this genre is astounding!

I have to say that I am not a fan of Dystopia. I just can’t seem to connect with this type of story. I took a chance on Claimed because Elle Kennedy was the author. I knew she could write an interesting storyline and deliver a good romance. I figured Claimed would be good but not great. My expectations were low because of the genre. Holy Cow! Elle knocked it out the park in this genre. Claimed is a solid 5 Star book.

Claimed is the first book in the Outlaws series. The reader gets an introduction to the new world and a group of men defying the odds in their world. Claimed features the leader of the Outlaws, a band of fighters fighting against the oppression in their city. The Enforcers are hunting them down. They must either conform or die. They have set up their own secret compound that is relatively safe. They have to scavage and raid to keep their daily life at the compound going. It’s a daily fight for survival. The mantra for life is live the life you want because there may be no tomorrow.

Hudson Lane is living within the city. She is living on borrowed time. Her life is in danger and she is being hunted by dangerous factions. When she meets Connor and his men, she sees a means to an end. She seeks out Connor for protection.

Connor is going to introduce Hudson to their wild life. A life that has no rules. A life that is carnal. Hudson is going to get more than protection. She is going to be ravaged.

Claimed was loaded with adventure, edge of the seat suspense, rip roaring humor, intimate emotional moments, and sizzling sex. Everything about this book worked! I could not put it down and look forward to the next book in The Outlaws series.

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About Elle Kennedy

A USA Today bestselling author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a BA in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!

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Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Going Deep by Cari Quinn – Boys of Fall Series

Posted on 10/08/2015 by shellbellereads

Going Deep

By Cari Quinn

Boys of Fall Series

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Synopsis

Two is hot…three is explosive.
The last wedding former high school linebacker Colt Bennett attended was his own—to the woman his brother is now marrying. But tequila, romance and regrets make a bad combination, and the next thing he knows, he’s half passed out in his ex’s best friend’s truck.

That Paige Wilcox hates the sight of him is incidental, right?

At least until Colt calls his best friend and business partner, Drake, to give him a ride home, and somehow the three of them end up in Paige’s bedroom. There’s absolutely no reason why he should consider having a threesome…

Other than he’s been denying wanting both of them for months.

With Coach Carr on the mend and the rest of his high school football team back home, Colt’s starting to find his true place in his hometown. Except now he’s got even bigger problems than recriminations about the ex he’s long over. He’s falling for her best friend, and maybe even for his own…

Oh, and boys—and a girl—touch in this book. A lot.

Tracey’s Review

Colt Bennett is tired. Tired of being seen as just a player, of keeping up the front of the happy-go-lucky guy, of the pitying looks from folks because his ex-wife just married his brother. But what’s a guy to do? Enter Paige Wilcox, best friend of Colt’s ex-wife. When circumstances bring Paige, Colt, and Drake Mondell, Colt’s best friend and business partner, together, things get very interesting very quickly. Sometimes being in the wrong place at the right time brings the greatest, if unexpected, rewards.

Five-Alarm Hotness Alert! Oh, my goodness, folks. Having long been a fan of Cari Quinn, I was fully expecting to have my socks knocked off by GOING DEEP, her latest installment in the Boys of Fall series. And, oh, my word, she most certainly does NOT disappoint. This book starts off hot and reaches scorching in no time flat.

There is no shortage of ‘fan yourself’ moments in GOING DEEP. These three jump right into one of the hottest hook-ups that I’ve read, and it does not stop. All the sizzle aside, though, these are three people that have been looking for the one, or ones, that will help them be free to be themselves, and they’ve finally found it in each other. What starts as a purely physical journey into forbidden territory quickly becomes much more.

I really love that, while Cari has written her signature sassy and independent woman in Paige, we get to see that there is something deeper, a side of her that has just been waiting to emerge, and it takes both Colt and Drake to make that happen. And she’s the spark that the two men need to finally come into their own in every sense.

This is not your typical love story, but I could not have enjoyed it more. GOING DEEP is absolutely 5+-panty-melting, heart-melting, feel good stars for me, and needs to be on your TBR stat.

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

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USA Today bestselling author Cari Quinn wrote her first story—a bible parable—in 2nd grade, much to the delight of the nuns at her Catholic school. Once she saw the warm reception that first tale garnered, she was hooked. Now she gets to pen sexy romances for a living and routinely counts her lucky stars. When she’s not scribbling furiously, she can usually be found watching men’s college basketball, playing her music way too loud or causing trouble. Sometimes simultaneously.

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Happy Release + Review: Closet Confession by Kindle Alexander

Posted on 09/11/2015 by shellbellereads

Closet Confession

By Kindle Alexander

Synopsis

Dr. Derek Babineaux is intelligent, dedicated, and one of the best ER physicians in the fast-paced world of critical care at Tulane Medical in New Orleans. Always on top of his game, he’s thrown off balance when the newest medical staff member finally unleashes his hidden desires.
Justin Delacroix’s job at the inner city’s busiest hospital might be just what he needs to ease back into civilian life after a long stint in the military. High-performing shifts make working as a trauma nurse at TMC the perfect way to utilize his skills and quick reaction times. There’s only one problem, his attraction for one sexy ER doctor is off the charts, but he has his reasons for not returning Dr. Baby’s night shift advances. Or maybe he doesn’t.

Buy: Amazon

Tina’s Review

** Provided by Author, via Promoter, in Exchange for an Honest Review **

— MY THOUGHTS >
Judging a Book by it’s Cover:
Yet another naked torso, this one having a stethoscope draped over his shoulders and… is that a towel wrapped around his hips? Leads me to hope he’s not on duty! I opted to read this title based solely on the author and my previous enjoyment of her work.
Looking Deeper:
The main story, originally published in the Night Shift anthology, is just a steamy hot glimpse into the workday of two men that work together. At one NOLA hospital, you’ll find Derek, an ER doctor. Justin, a former soldier, now also works there. They’ve been attracted to one another since day one, but neither made a move toward the other for various reasons. Until now. Without warning, and nevermind any sort of romance of softer emotions, they hook up in one of the closets in a mostly-abandoned part of the hospital. It’s all rather grunt, hiss and caveman-speak at that point; no emotion other than primal urge. But, things aren’t always as they first seem. With a nice little quickie twist, revelations are made. Their shift at the hospital ends on a “Happily Ever After” noted milestone, but it’s the Bonus Content that Ms. Alexander has released with it that truly unfolds the shift into the couples’ lives. These endearing bonus scenes take you from the day they meet to Forever After and grant you the opportunity to see more of the emotional content missing in the original quickie short story.
Both men are very likable. Their chemistry and compatibility is more evident in the bonus content than the original part, but it all does begin to make sense in a clever way towards the last third of the short. There are very few supporting secondaries, most only providing a bit of enrichment filler. Aunt Vera is a riot. The dialogue is fun, smart, and natural. The plot – as a whole -is entertaining, enjoyable, and emotional. There’s just enough content to have some dimension and given this is a novella under 100 pages, even with the added content, it fell like a full and complete story. The overall flow is smooth and a pleasure to read. There is a wonderful twist that I did not see coming and took me a minute to “get”… (in fact, I even read back a few paragraphs to make sure I did not miss something before my brain caught up to the “aha moment) and the conflicts faced were minor and met maturely. The conclusion, with the newly added content, is sound and solid.
If you are looking for a light, fun, and fast male/male romantic read, I’d highly suggest this one.

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Author Bio:

Best Selling and award winning Author Kindle Alexander is an innovative writer who writes classic fantasy, romance, suspense, and erotica in the gay fiction genre. It’s always a surprise to see what’s coming next!

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Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Stupid Love by Cindy Miles – Stupid In Love Series – Book 3

Posted on 09/10/2015 by shellbellereads

Stupid Love

Stupid In Love Series – Book 3

By Cindy Miles

Synopsis

Bestselling new adult author Cindy Miles is set to capture the hearts of STUPID GIRL fans again with the grand finale of the Stupid in Love series, featuring Memory and Jace.

MEMORY

Casualties.

That’s how I refer to the guys who’ve had the bad fortune to fall for me. They only see long legs that they wish were wrapped around them, a cat-like smile, and the reckless abandon to take on any wild dare. It’s all a game to me. Show me a bridge, and I’ll leap over the side. Give me a car, and I’ll race it. Give me a heart, and I’ll break it. I always win. I even showed Death who was boss a long time ago.

Or so I thought.

Now, time is running out, and I’m losing fast…and big. I met someone. Jace Beaumont. He’s smart, and good, and I dream about spending days exploring the summit of his perfect lips. But, I’m a grenade. I know I should leave him be. I can’t.

JACE

Study, class, work, repeat. That’s all I have time for. At twenty-five years old, I have a bit more mileage on me than the average college freshman. But, that’s what happens when you spend your youth drinking, partying, and bagging girls like it’s a full-time job. Now, I have goals. There’s just one kink in my plans. Her name is Memory. She’s every guy’s dream girl. She’s intoxicating. She’s trouble. I want to stay away. I can’t.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

Stupid Love by Cindy Miles is the third book in the outstanding New Adult series, Stupid In Love. This book once again revisits the crew at Winston University and introduces the readers to a new group of college friends. In Stupid Love, the old cast of characters will make appearances throughout the book. It’s like homecoming in a more mature setting.

Memory Thibodeaux is the campus wild girl. She’s known for her daring antics, carefree spirit, and party girl reputation. She dates frequently but never settles with one guy. She is the equivalent of a player without being a whore. Her mantra is to live life to the fullest every day. She has this mantra for good reason. She has flirted with death in her early years and won the round. She knows death can come knocking at any time without an invitation or reason. She is determined to experience everything life has to offer before death chases her down once again. She’s not so sure she win the next round.

When she meets the sexy tow truck driver one late night after a round of wild partying, things begin to look differently. She has finally met a guy that sparks her interest on every level. As she gets to know Jace Beaumont (Olivia Beaumont’s older brother from book one), she wants more than fun and games. She wants that forever kind of love.

Jace Beaumont is older than most of the students at Winston University. He spent his early adult years living loose and carefree. His partying days are over. It’s time to buckle down and get serious about his life. He doesn’t have time for wild parties and college fun. When he meets Memory Thibodeaux, he knows she is not the girl for him. He doesn’t need her kind of wildness in his life. The more he tries to avoid her, the more persistent she becomes. When he finally lets his guard down she is going to take his heart by storm. He is falling head over heels in love.

Jace and Memory find that once in a lifetime kind of love. It’s everything that both of them never thought they needed. They couldn’t be happier but… Memory has a demon chasing her. Jace can’t be the knight in shining armor to save her. Death has come knocking at the door once again. It’s up to them how they live their lives. They will love to the fullest and live every moment like it is the last.

Cindy Miles wrote a powerful emotional story. I laughed and cried. I could not put this book down.

I highly recommend Stupid Love by Cindy Miles. It can be read as a stand alone novel and does not have to be read in series order.

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The Stupid In Love Series

Stupid Girl – Book 1

Only fools fall in love…

After her senior year of high school leaves behind nothing but heartache, Olivia Beaumont is sure of this: She’s no stupid girl. She sets out for Winston University, promising herself that she will remain focused on her first and only love – astronomy. But all it takes is cocky sophomore Brax Jenkins and an accidental collision with a football, to throw her entire year off course.

A quick-tempered Southie who escaped the inner city streets of Boston to pitch for Winston, Brax is known to play way more fields than just the baseball diamond. So, when his name is drawn to take part in his fraternity’s hazing dare, Brax eagerly accepts the mission to take Olivia’s virginity. But he doesn’t plan on falling hard for the sweet and sassy Texas girl who sees right through his bad-boy persona.

As Olivia and Brax battle their feelings for each other, echoes of the past year begin to surface. A boy who once turned Olivia’s whole world upside down reappears, and “harmless” pranks wreak havoc. Pretty soon the aspiring astronomer is on the verge of revealing her most difficult, heartbreaking secret. All the while, Brax must wrestle with the irrevocable dare, and Olivia struggles against all logic as she does the one thing only a stupid girl would do: fall in love.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Stupid Boy – Book 2

Brax Jenkins and Olivia Beaumont are the most envied couple at Winston University—but the so-called “virginity dare,” orchestrated by Brax’s old fraternity, almost tore them apart. Now, a new dare is taking shape, and it’s sure to set emotions ablaze—more than ever before.

Winston’s “It Girl” Harper Belle isn’t just president of the Deltas—she’s also a master at keeping her ugly past a secret. So, when the Kappas’ dare hits closer to home for her more than anyone realizes, she devises a competition of her own as payback. Three sorority sisters will seek out a notorious womanizer on campus and—unbeknownst their “mark”—secretly train him to be the perfect boyfriend. Always up for a challenge, Harper targets the biggest player she can find: Brax’s wickedly handsome foster brother Kane McCarthy.

But, Harper discovers there’s much more to Kane than girls, games, and partying. His easy smile belies the quiet, old soul reflected in his deep brown eyes. All it takes is one night, one secret laid bare, and one kiss from Kane to shift Harper’s world on its axis. Suddenly, the girl who’s always walked a straight and narrow path can’t think of anything else except losing control.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Stupid Love – Book 3

Bestselling new adult author Cindy Miles is set to capture the hearts of STUPID GIRL fans again with the grand finale of the Stupid in Love series, featuring Memory and Jace.

MEMORY

Casualties.

Or so I thought.

JACE

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

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Author Bio:

Cindy Miles is the best-selling author of twelve novels, one anthology and three short stories. She also writes as Elle Jasper, and grew up on the salt marshes of the Vernon River in Savannah, Georgia.

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Happy Release + Review: Darken The Stars by Amy A. Bartol – The Kricket Series – Book 3

Posted on 09/08/2015 by shellbellereads

Darken The Stars

The Kricket Series – Book 3

By Amy A. Bartol

Synopsis

Kyon Ensin finally has what he’s always wanted: possession of Kricket Hollowell, the priestess who foresees the future. Together, their combined power will be unrivaled. Kricket, however, doesn’t crave the crown of Ethar—she has an unbreakable desire to live life on her own terms, a life that she desperately wants to share with her love, Trey Allairis.

As conspiracies rage in the war for Ethar, Kricket’s so-called allies want to use her as a spy. Even those held closest cannot be trusted—including Astrid, her sister, and Giffen, a member of a mysterious order with a hidden agenda. But Kricket’s resolve will not allow her to be used as anyone’s pawn, even as the Brotherhood sharpens its plans to cut out her heart.

As the destiny prophesied by her mother approaches, Kricket will backtrack through her fiery future to reshape it. For she knows one thing above all else: the only person she can truly count on is herself.

Buy: Amazon / B & N

Robin’s Review

***Many thanks to 47North and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of Darken the Stars by Amy A. Bartol. This is my honest review. This review may contain spoilers***

The final installment of The Kricket Series by Amy A. Bartol is now upon us. Darken the Stars has been highly anticipated since readers were left hanging from a veritable cliff in the climatic ending to Sea of Stars. After finishing the final novel of this trilogy, I realize writing a spoiler-free review for Darken the Stars isn’t going to be easy to accomplish, so I am giving readers a spoiler warning. Before I begin, it’s important to mention The Kricket Series should be read in order. Darken the Stars is not meant to be read as a standalone novel.

Readers who have followed this science fiction/fantasy series will remember that our heroine, Kricket Hollowell, is a priestess who has the power to see the future. She’s also a soothsayer who can discern if someone is speaking the truth. Kricket is believed to be the priestess of the prophecy – the priestess born of two worlds and two Houses (Rafe and Alameeda) who will become the Empress of Ethar.

Darken the Stars continues where Sea of Stars ended. Just like the first two novels of The Kricket Series, Darken the Stars is full of non-stop action. The five Houses of Ethar are on the precipice of war. Kricket discovers she is a pawn, caught between two ruthless leaders who are vying for supreme rule over Ethar. She is also being held by Kyon Ensin, a member of the Alameeda Brotherhood who plans to make her his consort, on his tropical island estate. Kricket continues to have visions of the future, where she learns the machinations planned for her and the future of Ethar. With each new vision that occurs, Kricket counters to change future events. It’s a game of chess between warring factions, and Kricket is the pawn, being used by others for their own gain.

Bartol has an extremely creative imagination. But what I find equally important is her ability to express her imagination on paper. She’s an excellent author. When I look back at the content of this trilogy, it’s truly impressive. Amy Bartol created a whole new world with its own vocabulary. She even includes a glossary in the back of her novels to assist readers!

Halfway through the story, I knew Darken the Stars was going to be my favorite novel in this trilogy. Bartol slowly reveals the true nature of each player in The Kricket Series. Kricket learns who has her best interests at heart. People Kricket thought she could trust are not so trustworthy. For me, just learning these characters are not all black and white – sometimes they are gray – gives The Kricket Series more depth.

All Kricket has ever wanted is to be able to make her own choices, to live a life of her own choosing. I’m going to be honest. For me, the conclusion of The Kricket Series is bittersweet. I have a feeling Darken the Stars is going to be very controversial. Everything about this book screams 5 stars! If I knew Amy Bartol planned to write more story about these characters, I would definitely give Darken the Stars a 5-star rating. But I was left wanting more, and the series is finished. So much is left unresolved that it leaves me with no choice but to give Darken the Stars a rating of 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed reading The Kricket Series. There’s no doubt in my mind that Darken the Stars is my favorite book of The Kricket Series, and I’m adding it to my list of 2015 favorites!

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The Kricket Series

Under Different Stars

The Kricket Series- Book 1

By Amy A. Bartol

Synopsis

Kricket Hollowell never wished upon stars. She was too busy hiding in plain sight, eluding Chicago’s foster care system. As her eighteenth birthday approaches, she now eagerly anticipates the day she’ll stop running and finally find her place in the world.

That day comes when she meets a young Etharian soldier named Trey Allairis, who has been charged with coming to Earth to find Kricket and transport her to her true home. As danger draws close, he must protect her until she can wield the powers she cannot use on Earth…and he soon realizes that counting a galaxy of stars would be easier than losing this extraordinary girl.

Kyon knows the powerful depths of Kricket’s gifts—gifts he’ll control when he takes her for his tribe and leads the forces that will claim Ethar and destroy his enemies, starting with Trey Allairis. Now, Kricket faces the most difficult choice of her life: whether to wage a battle for survival or a fight for love.

Winner of four 2014 utopYA Awards, including Best Book of the Year and Best Sci-Fi Book of the Year.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Sea of Stars

The Kricket Series – Book 2

By Amy A. Bartol

Synopsis

Eighteen-year-old Kricket Hollowell was looking for her place in the world when she discovered that the universe was bigger—and more dangerous—than she had ever dreamed. Now, whisked across space to the planet Ethar, Kricket learns that her genetic ability to see the future makes her a sought-after commodity…and the catalyst for war between her star-crossed parents’ clans. According to Alameedan prophecy, one house will rise to power and the other will be completely wiped out, and Kricket’s precognition is believed to be the weapon that will tip the scales.

A target of both the Rafe and the Alameeda houses, Kricket finds protection—and a home—in the arms of Trey, her Etharian bodyguard-turned-boyfriend. But her visions of what’s to come disturb her deeply, especially since she must discover whether the gift of foresight will allow her to rewrite the future, or if her fate is as immovable as the stars.

The highly anticipated sequel to Under Different Stars, winner of four 2014 utopYA Awards.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

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Author of Inescapable: The Premonition Series (Volume 1), Intuition: The Premonition Series (Volume 2), Indebted: The Premonition Series (Volume 3) , and Incendiary: The Premonition Series (Volume 4). Currently working on a fifth novel in the Premonition Series entitled Iniquity.

Under Different Stars (Kricket Series Book 1)
Sea of Stars (The Kricket Series Book 2) – (Release date 3/31/15)

The Divided – A Science Fiction Romance short story, which is included in the Take Me To Your Reader: An Otherworld Anthology.

I live in Michigan with my husband and our two sons. My family is very supportive of my writing. When I’m writing, they often bring me the take-out menu so that I can call and order them dinner. They listen patiently when I talk about my characters like they’re real. They rarely roll their eyes when I tell them I’ll only be a second while I finish writing a chapter…and then they take off their coats. They ask me how the story is going when I surface after living for hours in a world of my own making. They have learned to accept my “writing uniform” consisting of a slightly unflattering pink fleece jacket, t-shirt, and black yoga pants. And they smile at my nerdy bookishness whenever I try to explain urban fantasy to them. In short, they get me, so they are perfect and I am blessed. Please visit me at my website: http://www.amyabartol.weebly.com

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release + Review: Making A Play by Victoria Denault – Hometown Players Series – Book 2

Posted on 09/08/2015 by shellbellereads

Making A Play

Hometown Players Series – Book 2

By Victoria Denault

Synopsis

He’ll do whatever it takes to win–on and off the ice.

Luc Richard is the hottest player in the NHL–and it has nothing to do with hockey. His racy relationship with his supermodel ex set the tabloids on fire but nearly put his career on ice. To avoid being traded, Luc agrees to take a break from the spotlight–and from women–and spend the off-season at home in Silver Bay, Maine. It’s the perfect plan… until he reconnects with Rose.

Rose Caplan is tired of being shy, sweet, and safe. She’s ready for passion, romance–and Luc. Having loved him longer than she can remember, she’s finally ready to prove she’s not the same innocent little girl he once knew. Off the ice Luc doesn’t do games, but this new Rose makes him feel like playing a little dirty. If he’s really got a shot at her heart then he’s not just playing to win. He’s playing for keeps.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

Making A Play by Victoria Denault is the second book in the Hometown Players series. This series is based on professional hockey players from Silver Bay, Maine. If you are a sport romance enthusiast, this series is perfect.

It’s summer and the hometown players are home in Maine for their summer break. While Jordan Garrison and Jessie Caplan have resolved their problems and moved onto a committed relationship, the other Caplan sisters and Luc Richard are anything but settled. The other two Garrison brothers are building their lives and everyone is home for Cole Garrison’s wedding.

Luc Richard has returned home to Maine facing some very serious problems. His professional hockey career is floundering. His contract with his team is in peril. He may be traded and right now his stats are not looking good. His past relationship with a model turned into a media monster. The team management believes that is why his ice time has been weak. They are blaming him for their poor standings in the NHL. The truth of the matter is the team as a whole has problems. His former relationship wasn’t serious in his eyes. His former girlfriend Nessa used him for more media exposure. He was okay with that until it started affecting his career. Now he’s home in Maine with a plan. He’s intensified his training and he has sworn off women. He’s got to get his game under control. What better place to prepare than home with his friends and family. His safe haven.

Rosie is the youngest of the Caplan sisters. She is the sister that believes in romance, rainbows, and unicorns. She has recently graduated college and is now ready to build her own life. For years she has had a crush on Luc Richard. He has only seen her as a friend and little sister. This summer she is going to give it her best shot to make Luc notice her as a woman.

Both Rosie and Luc’s plans go astray when they return home to Silver Bay. They can’t stay away from one another but they also can’t be together. As the summer progresses they will both have to make some life changing choices.

Meanwhile, all is not well in the Garrison family. There is unrest in Devin’s marriage. It’s about to implode… which will be the next book in the series.

I have really enjoyed the Hometown Players Series by Victoria Denault. The characters are dynamic and easy to connect with. The deep bonds of friendship and family are the root of this series. The romance is fun, sexy, and heartwarming.

Making A Play can be read as a stand alone romance or in series order. I highly recommend the Hometown Players series.

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One More Shot

Hometown Players Series – Book 1

By Victoria Denault

Synopsis

They say you only get one shot at making your dreams come true.

Jordan is determined to take two.

Drafted by the NHL at eighteen, Jordan Garrison was headed for fame, and there was only one person he wanted to share it with-Jessie Caplan. He was crazy in love with her, and had finally told her so. They shared an amazing night . . . and then everything fell apart.

Jessie tries not to think about the night she gave herself to Jordan-or how he broke her heart. She tries not to think about it, but she does. Especially now, when she’s staring into his sky-blue eyes for the first time in six years. After so much time and torment, she can’t tell if she loves him or hates him. But Jordan has learned enough to know a connection like theirs is rare. He was lucky to find Jessie once. No way will he lose her again.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Making A Play

Hometown Players Series – Book 2

By Victoria Denault

Synopsis

He’ll do whatever it takes to win–on and off the ice.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

The Final Move

Hometown Players – Book 3

Release Date: December 8, 2015

Coming Soon….

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Author Bio

Victoria Denault loves long walks on the beach, cinnamon dolce lattes and writing angst-filled romance. Before focusing exclusively on writing novels Victoria was a journalist, a stand-up comic and dabbled in acting. She has lived in many major cities across North America, spent her childhood summers in Maine and adult summers in Spain. She’s now happily settled in Los Angeles with her husband and their two chubby Chihuahuas.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release + Review : Wilde At Heart by Tonya Burrows – Wilde Security Series – Book 3

Posted on 09/07/2015 by shellbellereads

Wilde At Heart

Wilde Security Series – Book 3

By Tonya Burrows

Synopsis

He has everything under control. Except her.
Reece Wilde put everything in his life on the backburner to protect his brothers and their struggling company, Wilde Security. With a major contract on the line, Reece can’t afford any mistakes…like getting caught in a red-hot, X-rated moment with wild child Shelby Bremer, who’s more trouble than he can handle. Now he’s being blackmailed.
Shelby’s mile-long impulsive streak gets her in more trouble than she’d like to admit. Between her sister’s wedding, her coffee shop set on fire, and getting down and dirty with the groom’s brother, things are definitely coming off the rails. With both their careers and their safety on the line, Reece is determined to keep them both safe…even if it means a Vegas-style shotgun wedding.
But gambling on a wild card—and a wild soul—is risky…and sometimes, it can get a guy killed.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Tina’s Review

Judging a Book by it’s Cover:
A well-dressed man, looking as though the weight of the world rests on his shoulders. Stormy and turbulent background could be an indicator to the mood of the overall setting.
Looking Deeper:
Third-person POV. Although this is the third Wilde book in the series, it can be read on it’s own. However, it is my opinion that WILDE AT HEART would be more rewarding to read if read in order – since the characters are so tightly connected.
Reece: Second oldest Wilde brother. Computer Geek, non-athletic. Odd-man out, even in his own family. Disciplined, controlled, focused. Determined to do what it takes to make sure he and his brothers never have to struggle again.
Shelby: Labeled a trouble-maker, a jinx, irresponsible, a wild child. No one knows the dark secrets she hides. Even when she means well, things tend to run amok. She’s sacrificed more than anyone knows and she hides her soul-shattering heartache behind her aloof and colorful persona.
Each have past demons, but when the past threatens their future, wedding bells present the perfect solution. Sort of.
Both leads are perfectly flawed individuals that make an entertaining couple. The secondary characters mostly consisted of the brothers and past characters, and some minor cross-over with HORNET. The dialogue is fresh, fun, smart, sassy and believable. The plot is well-layered and dynamic, with an even and smooth blend of suspense and romance. There are a few conflicts that are met in an efficient manner, but more often than not, their ways of dealing with conflicts were less than ideal. Predictability was moderate. I pegged her bad guy early on, but a secondary bad guy facing Reece was not foreseen. The conclusion of this story is solid, but leaves plenty of openings for Vaughn and Greer to begin their books. Overall, I was pleased with the book and thought it made a great addition to the Wilde brothers’ books. I look forward to learning what’s happening with Greer and discovering what’ll happen when Vaughn finds Lark, which we all know will be inevitable.
** Side note: I love Poe and really wish he had the chance to shine more. This was truly his opportunity to prove himself to be something amazing, especially with how smart the breed is.

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Author Bio:

Tonya Burrows wrote her first romance in 8th grade and hasn’t put down her pen since. Originally from a small town in Western New York, she’s currently soaking up the sun as a Florida girl. She suffers from a bad case of wanderlust and usually ends up moving someplace new every few years. Luckily, her two dogs and ginormous cat are excellent travel buddies.

When she’s not writing about hunky military heroes, Tonya can usually be found at a bookstore or the dog park. She also enjoys painting, watching movies, and her daily barre workouts. A geek at heart, she pledges her TV fandom to Supernatural and Dr. Who.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release + Review : His Lover To Protect by Katee Robert – Out of Uniform Series – Book 3

Posted on 09/07/2015 by shellbellereads

His Lover To Protect

Out of Uniform Series – Book 3

By Katee Robert

Synopsis

He’s never met a challenge he couldn’t take…

Alexis Yeung did everything right….only to watch everything go horribly, horribly wrong. Broken and angry, Alexis high-tails it to Europe, determined to face the world on her own terms and without consequence. Which includes a mind-blowing night with a sexy, scarred stranger.

Except, embittered former pararescuer Luke Jackson isn’t exactly a stranger. He’s supposed to keep an eye on Alexis without her knowing. Ending up in bed together was definitely not the plan. Now he’s chasing her (admittedly hot) ass across Europe, a game of cat and mouse that always ends with the two of them tangled up in the sheets.

Something in their scarred, damaged souls calls to each other. And God help them, the sex is unbelievably hot. But if Alexis discovers who Luke really is, he’ll lose the one thing that makes him feel whole…

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

Tracey’s Review

Alexis Yeung hasn’t always been bitter and broken. Once upon a time, she was part of a happy family, secure in the love of her parents and sister. Then, life threw a devastating curve ball, one that affected her whole family, and her whole future, and nothing was the same. She’s held it all in for so long, but she’s ready to take back her life. Former parajumper Luke Jackson didn’t sign up to babysit a grown woman, especially one with a bad attitude and a chip on her shoulder, but here he is, trailing Alexis through Europe. And, to top it off, there are those darned sparks…

As the oldest daughter, Alexis has had to deal with a lot of expectations. Losing her mother to cancer (the same cancer that rendered Alexis unable to have children), having her fiancé leave her, and the cold judgment of her traditional grandfather were bad enough, but watching her sister get pregnant and fall in love finally pushed Alexis to step out of her comfort zone and get her old self back. Luke is damaged himself, having lost everything that made him, well, him, when an IED took him apart and left him unable to continue the career that he loved. These two are damaged, angry and at a crossroads in their lives. Neither Alexis nor Luke were counting on anything more than a good time, but their attraction is white-hot and pretty instantaneous. And, beyond the physical, they spur each other to reexamine themselves and come out stronger and more whole on the other side.

Katee Robert knows how to write one heck of a sexy read. As an author for the Entangled Brazen line, she’s has perfected the art of these books. Sassy heroines that can hold their own, heroes that are a bit flawed, but hot and all too willing to save the day, and enough heat to power a small country make reading these a decadent pleasure for me. I really enjoyed Falling For His Best Friend, Avery’s and Drew’s book, and hoped that Alexis would be getting her own story, too. I have to admit that I actually liked this book a little bit more, and was rooting for Alexis and Luke all the way through. His Lover To Protect is a steamy and positive read, one that I flew through because I was invested in the story and the characters. This is an easy 4.5 star book for me, and I highly recommend that you add it to your TBR.

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

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Tag Archives: Happy Release

New Release + Review: Ladies Man by Katy Evans – Manwhore Series – Book 3

Release Blitz + Giveaway: Priceless Treasure by Melody Anne

Priceless Treasure

Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Claimed by Elle Kennedy – The Outlaws Series – Book 1

Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Going Deep by Cari Quinn – Boys of Fall Series

Happy Release + Review: Closet Confession by Kindle Alexander

Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Stupid Love by Cindy Miles – Stupid In Love Series – Book 3

Happy Release + Review: Darken The Stars by Amy A. Bartol – The Kricket Series – Book 3

Happy Release + Review: Making A Play by Victoria Denault – Hometown Players Series – Book 2

Happy Release + Review : Wilde At Heart by Tonya Burrows – Wilde Security Series – Book 3

Happy Release + Review : His Lover To Protect by Katee Robert – Out of Uniform Series – Book 3

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