Happy Release: Overruled by Emma Chase – The Legal Briefs Series – Book 1

Posted on 04/28/2015 by shellbellereads

Overruled

The Legal Briefs Series – Book 1

By Emma Chase

Synopsis

Emma Chase, New York Times bestselling author of the Tangled series, returns with the first installment of the Legal Briefs series!

A Washington, DC, defense attorney, Stanton Shaw keeps his head cool, his questions sharp, and his arguments irrefutable. They don’t call him the Jury Charmer for nothing—with his southern drawl, disarming smile, and captivating green eyes, he’s a hard man to say no to. Men want to be him, and women want to be thoroughly cross examined by him.

Stanton’s a man with a plan. And for a while, life was going according to that plan.

Until the day he receives an invitation to the wedding of his high school sweetheart, the mother of his beloved ten-year-old daughter. Jenny is getting married—to someone who isn’t him.

That’s definitely not part of the plan.

***

Sofia Santos is a city-raised, no-nonsense litigator who plans to become the most revered criminal defense attorney in the country. She doesn’t have time for relationships or distractions.

But when Stanton, her “friend with mind-blowing benefits,” begs her for help, she finds herself out of her element, out of her depth, and obviously out of her mind. Because she agrees to go with him to The-Middle-Of-Nowhere, Mississippi, to do all she can to help Stanton win back the woman he loves. Her head tells her she’s crazy…and her heart says something else entirely.

What happens when you mix a one-stop-light town, two professional arguers, a homecoming queen, four big brothers, some Jimmy Dean sausage, and a gun-toting Nana?

The Bourbon flows, passions rise, and even the best-laid plans get overruled by the desires of the heart.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / Kobo / ITunes

Author Bio:

By day, Emma Chase is a devoted wife and mother who resides in a small, rural town in New Jersey. By night she toils away the hours bringing her colorful characters and their endless antics to life. She has a long standing love/hate relationship with caffeine.

Emma is an avid reader. Before her children were born she was known to consume whole books in a single day. Writing has also always been a passion and with the 2013 release of her debut romantic comedy, Tangled, the ability to now call herself an author is nothing less than a dream come true.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Wolf by Nicole James – Evil Dead MC Series – Book 4

Posted on 04/28/2015 by shellbellereads

Wolf

Evil Dead MC Series- Book 4

By Nicole James

Synopsis

The Evil Dead Motorcycle Club gave Wolf his nickname. They said it was because women stood about as much chance with him as Little Red Riding Hood stood against The Big Bad Wolf. And maybe that was true.

For Wolf, when it comes to his club, he’s all about loyalty. He loves his brothers, he loves the freedom of the road, and he loves his independence. When it comes to women, Wolf is all about the chase. He likes the hunt, he likes the challenge, and he loves women. And for the hot-as-hell badass biker, they’ve always come too easily. But they never fully satisfy him.

That is, until he met Crystal.

Buried under that hard-edged sexy-as-sin tomboy with the smartass mouth that can put any brother in the MC in his place, is a feminine side she only reveals when pushed. And Wolf is just the man to push. Problem is she’s the only woman to ever push back. Which only makes him more determined to have her.

Life in the Evil Dead MC isn’t easy, and neither is loving one of them. It’s a life that can leave a man scarred and bloody. And sometimes the fallout is far reaching and takes more than a man is willing to give.

It can be just as risky for any woman brave enough to love one of them.

The scars of life run deep, for both of them.

Sometimes life doesn’t give you a fairytale, sometimes you have to make your own.

And sometimes it takes a spitfire to tame a hell-raiser.

Buy: Amazon / B & N

Michel’s Review

I have been waiting for this book to release. The Evil Dead MC series by Nicole James is one of my all time favorite biker series as well as book series. Each book in this series is fresh, gritty, suspenseful, and loaded with testosterone driven alpha males that don’t take no for an answer. The other interesting thing about the Evil Dead MC Series is that it is not locked into a specific set of characters and ongoing plot. The Evil Dead MC is a national MC club that has chapters throughout the country. In one book it may feature some of the characters from the California chapter and in another it will feature characters from one of the Alabama chapters. We have met various characters from Mississippi, Louisiana, and the northwest. Although the characters are spread out geographically, they all blend together by their common connection to the Evil Dead MC.

We first met Wolf and Crystal in the first and second books of the Evil Dead MC series. Wolf is a member of the California chapter and Crystal is the bartender at their clubhouse. She is not a club whore. She is a valued member of the Evil Dead MC family but has no permanent ties because she is not an old lady. She has been having an ongoing affair with the Evil Dead brother, Wolf. Their relationship is not one with commitment. As far as Wolf is concerned he thinks he can sleep around, bring club whores around and that Crystal will always be there with open arms whenever he gets an itch. Crystal wants more from Wolf than he is willing to give. Their relationship has become toxic. It is affecting the peace within the clubhouse and causing all kinds of riffs between the members and whores. Mac ( the president) has laid down the law and ordered Wolf to cut Crystal loose. If he cannot abide by his decision then he is going to ban Crystal from stepping foot on any Evil Dead properties. The other members are pissed because Crystal is part of the family. Wolf is willing to abide by Mack’s order but is having trouble staying away from her. She is the only woman he has ever gone back to for more. She accepts his sexual preferences, she makes very little demands, and satisfies him completely. But when Crystal has finally had enough of his crap, she chooses to leave the Evil Dead MC world for good. She’s done. She’s finished with being a door mat and afterthought. She’s tired of explosive sex and toxic wordplay. She needs more.

That old saying “you never know what you had until you lose it” smacks Wolf in the face and in the balls. He finally realizes what he had after it’s too late. Crystal has left for good with no forwarding address. No one knows where she is.

Meanwhile back at the clubhouse there is a storm brewing. Someone is singling out the Evil Dead MC and their businesses. There is murder, arsen, and loss of income without a clue as to who is behead it. The Evil Dead MC is under attack.

Then there are the old ladies. It seems they have a mind of their own. They know where Crystal is and have been in contact with her. They meticulously plan a secret girls weekend in Vegas while their old men are trying to get to the bottom of the club’s troubles.

From here on out the book gets intense. Between a girls weekend in Vegas, a surprise wedding, some hot tattoo artists, and the rally in Sturgis : there is never a dull moment. When their final enemy makes a play it could cost some of the members their lives.

I was glued to the pages of this book. Although this book is more relationship driven than the previous books, the Evil Dead MC still plays a big part in the story. This MC club that Nicole James has created is worth their weight in gold. This series has the grit that fans of biker books want, has sensual romances, and something different in each books plot to make this series stand out.

I highly recommend Wolf and the Evil Dead MC series by Nicole James. It is guaranteed to thrill!

The Evil Dead MC Series

Outlaw- Book 1

Buy: Amazon / B & N

When outlaw biker, Cole Austin sees a young woman handcuffed and being dragged across the yard of the Dead Souls Motorcycle Club’s remote clubhouse, he’s stunned by the realization of just how dark his world has become. This scene is even more than his twisted soul can stomach. Compelled to intercede and save her, he has no idea his whole world is about to change. He believes he’s doing the right thing until a secret she’s hiding makes him question if saving her may be the biggest mistake of his life. The two strike a deal, a deal they may both come to regret. Can his soul be saved? Is there anything he won’t do for her? Are there some things he just can’t? And are there some things she can never forgive?

Crash – Book 2

Buy: Amazon / B & N

When outlaw biker Tyler “Crash” Shaw volunteers his services to his club brother, Cole Austin, VP of the Evil Dead MC, he suddenly finds himself a rich girl’s bodyguard and babysitter. Well, it’s a bitch of a job, but maybe he can have a little fun with it. He thinks he’ll get a kick out of teaching the pampered stuck-up girl a lesson or two on how the other half lives. She can cook and clean for him in exchange for his help. No free ride for her. He intends to teach her that money can’t buy her way through life.

The world saw a classy pulled-together wealthy lady. All he saw was a spoiled little rich girl. A troublemaker, that’s all she was to him. Until she revealed the shattered girl inside that tried so hard to hide her weaknesses and fears with a façade of arrogance, attitude, and sass.

He’d tear down those walls she tried so hard to build, if only she’d let him.

Could the love of a man so wrong for her be the only one to save her?

And in his darkest hour, would her love be enough to save him?

From the MC’s California charter in San Jose, to the casinos and brothels of Reno, to brother charters in the Deep South, this story will take you on a ride of highs and lows that lead ultimately to redemption.

Shades – Book 3

Buy: Amazon / B & N

Shades hadn’t seen Skylar in years, and now here she was, the love of his life, riding back into his life on the back of a brother’s bike.
For years after Shades had lost Skylar, he’d tried satisfying the emptiness of losing her with booze, pussy and the club. He’d turned his frustration at having to give her up into a determination to climb the ranks of the club, but he hadn’t counted on the fact that the pull he’d felt toward Skylar had only laid dormant in him all these years. Or that all it would take to reignite it was just one look at her. And he sure as hell hadn’t counted on her showing up on the back of a brother’s bike.
When Skylar finally comes back into his life, will his desire for earning that VP patch stand in the way of any future he could have with her?
And when a rival MC shows up looking for Skylar, things go from complicated to damn near impossible.
Does Skylar come with more baggage than Shades is willing to sign up for?

____________________________________

Author Bio:

Nicole James grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. As a child, she wrote her first book, Charlie the Firefly, at the age of eight. Her mother knew long before she did that she would someday become an author. Growing up, she spent many happy weekends and summers in Michigan at a cabin on a lake. Winters, she loved to ski. As an adult, Nicole has traveled all over the West and South. She has lived in Illinois, Arizona, Georgia and Alabama. She has a love of motorcycles, writing, reading and the beach. Her favorite city is New Orleans. She loves music of all kinds, but especially the blues. She has two wonderful sisters, two fabulous kids, one awesome son-in-law, and an adorable granddaughter.

Website ~Facebook ~Twitter ~ Goodreads– Amazon Author page

Happy Release + Review: Getting Lucky Number Seven by Cindi Madsen

Posted on 04/28/2015 by shellbellereads

Getting Lucky Number Seven

By Cindi Madsen

Synopsis

What’s your lucky number?

Lyla Wilder is done being the shy, chemistry nerd extraordinaire. While every other college student is out having fun, Lyla is studying. With her cat. Well, she’s played it “safe” quite enough, thank you. So she creates a “College Bucket List”?with item #7 being a night of uninhibited, mind-blowing sex…

But she needs some help from her man-whore best friend.

Hockey player Beck Davenport thought Lyla’s transformation would be subtle. Man, was he wrong. With every item she ticks off, Beck finds himself growing seriously hot for his sweet, brainiac best friend. And if he’s not careful, he’ll end up risking their friendship in order to convince Lyla that he might just be her lucky #7…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Tina’s Review

Judging a Book by it’s Cover:
The cover design is a nice monochromatic red/brown. Subtle and appealing. Add just a few touches of black to the font and it takes on an almost classic, old-school Hollywood vibe. The synopsis sounds like yet another college friends-to-lovers story with plenty of drama and fun antics.
Looking Deeper:
First thought: Similar plot to “She’s All That” (1999, Freddie Prinze Jr, Rachel Leigh Cook) Alternating first-person POV’s, clearly defined and easy to follow.
Short and extremely curvaceous, Lyla was taught easy on to hide her curves under layers of boho chic clothing. Studious and nerdy, she’s socially awkward. When the buddy of her roommate’s boyfriend is overheard referring to her as “fugly and boring”, she makes it a point to makes some changes – not for him, but for her. Recruiting the help of her hockey-jock and chem lab partner, Beck, is just the icing on the cake.
The lead characters are easily likable. The secondary characters add a nice filling layer. The dialogue and interaction is believable and natural. The plot has it’s moments of fun, seriousness, and emotional ups and downs all while reading with a smoothness that’s rare to find. There were enough conflicts and challenges to keep things interesting and enough humor to balance the more serious issues. There was not a whole lot of predictability, but I did feel that the conclusion was left a bit rushed and open-ended. This does not mean that there were cliffhangers, but I think it could have benefited from an Epilogue 6, 12 or even further into the future. Overall, it was a fun read, lighter on the angst, heavier on comedic drama.

_________________

Cindi Madsen is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance and young adult novels. She sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she’d be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if they’re sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release: Paradise City by C. J. Duggan – Paradise Series – Book 1

Posted on 04/28/2015 by shellbellereads

Paradise City

Paradise Series- Book 1

By C.J. Duggan

Synopsis

There’s bound to be trouble in Paradise . . .

When her parents decide a change will be good for her, seventeen-year-old Lexie Atkinson never expected they’d send her all the way to Paradise City. Coming from a predictable life of home schooling on a rural Australian property, she’s sure that Paradise will be amazing. But when she’s thrust into a public school without a friendly face in sight, and forced to share a room with her insipid, hateful cousin Amanda, Lexie’s not so sure.

Hanging out with the self-proclaimed beach bums of the city, sneaking out, late night parties and parking with boys are all things Lexie’s never experienced, but all that’s about to change. It’s new, terrifying . . . and exciting. But when she meets Luke Ballantine, exciting doesn’t even come close to describing her new life. Trouble with a capital T, Luke is impulsive, charming and answers to no one. The resident bad-boy leader of the group, he’s sexier than any boy Lexie has ever known.

Amidst the stolen moments of knowing looks and heated touches, Lexie can’t help but wonder if Luke is going to be good for her . . . or very, very bad?

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Tina’s Review

Judging a Book by it’s Cover:
Bright and bold color choices immediately catch the eye. The synopsis sounds like a typical coming-of-age, teen drama. Nothing too extra-ordinary or unique from the tons of others out there already: Naive, small-town girl moves and meets local bad boy. It’s all very cliche’ when you think about it. Hope it reads better!
Looking Deeper:
Written from Lexie’s first-person POV. How to explain this book…. Lexie’s fascination / obsession with school hottie / bad boy is akin to the Bella / Edward saga that I’m sure everyone is familiar with, except Ballantine does not sparkle (thank god for small favors). Then there’s Amanda, the estranged cousin that she idolized. My first thought on Amanda: “Mean Girls”. It’s not a loving reunion. Add in a few more characters and plenty of pop culture references and you have a rather full cast and substance.
The plot plods along steadily but sedately, chronicling the mundane life at school, mostly. Nearly a third of the way into the book, Ballantine had made one comment and asked two questions to Lexie. His friend, Boon, has interacted with her more! I think he’s fast becoming a favorite character. The dialogue and interaction is mostly realistic and natural feeling, although it really does perplex me how someone can be THAT naive and trusting of everyone. I found myself struggling with the pace and the mostly one-dimensional content. The main characters are okay, but they are awful young (Ballantine’s 18 and Lexie’s 17) and still have a LOT of growing up to do. I was a bit thrown that the boys are always referred to by their last names. There’s a lot of Australian terminology in this book, so be sure to have your translator ready if you are not familiar with words like ute, esky, doona, and bitumen.
There were many conflicts ranging in degree. Most were resolved, some were not. There were a few plot twists that were not predicted and I can only speculate on some of the other elements that are yet to reveal themselves. The conclusion is left open to continue in the next book, due out in September of 2015. I wish I had prior knowledge of a cliffhanger. I prefer not to invest my time in partial stories, but rather I wait until all parts are available to read as a whole. This story *IS* a High School drama-laden saga with a cliffhanger. You’ve been warned.

_________________

C.J Duggan is an Internationally Number One Best Selling Author who lives with her husband in a rural border town of New South Wales, Australia. When she isn’t writing books about swoony boys and 90’s pop culture you will find her renovating her hundred-year-old Victorian homestead or annoying her local travel agent for a quote to escape the chaos. The Boys of Summer is Book One in her highly successful New Adult Romance Series.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Broken Juliet by Leisa Rayven – Star Crossed Series – Book 2

Posted on 04/28/2015 by shellbellereads

Broken Juliet

Star Crossed Series – Book 2

Sequel to Bad Romeo

By Leisa Rayven

Synopsis

Some loves never let you go…
Cassie swore she’d never forgive Ethan for breaking her heart when they were in acting school years ago. He was her one great love, and when he refused to love her back, a part of her died forever…or so she thought. Now she and Ethan are sharing a Broadway stage, and he’s determined to win her back. Finally he’s able to say all the things she needed to hear years ago…but can she believe him? Has he really changed, and what makes this time different from all his other broken promises?
The answer lies somewhere in the past, and now the truth will come to light. Will Cassie rediscover what it’s like to be trusting and open again–the way she was before Ethan? Or is it too late for these star-crossed lovers?
Don’t miss this mesmerizing final chapter in the Bad Romeo duet, the unforgettable love story that captured the hearts of over two million fans online.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

The Star Crossed Series

Bad Romeo

Star Crossed Series – Book 1

By Leisa Rayven

Synopsis

While performing the greatest love story of all time, they discovered one of their own…

Cassie Taylor was just another acting student with big dreams at her prestigious performing arts college, then she met Ethan Holt. She was the good girl actress. He was the bad boy on campus. But one fated casting choice for Romeo and Juliet changed it all. Like the characters they were playing on stage, Cassie and Ethan’s epic romance seemed destined. Until it ended in tragedy when he shattered her heart.

Now they’ve made it to Broadway where they’re reunited as romantic leads once again, and their passionate scenes force them to confront the heartbreaking lows and pulse-pounding highs of their intense college affair. For Ethan, losing Cassie was his biggest regret, and he’s determined to redeem himself. But for Cassie, even though Ethan was her first and only great love, he hurt her too much to ever be trusted again. The trouble is, working with him reminds her that people who rub each other the wrong way often make the best sparks. And when it comes to love, sometimes it’s the things that aren’t good for us that are the most irresistible.

Don’t miss the intoxicating romance beloved by over two million fans online–a story that will captivate you and hold you breathless until the final page.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Robin’s Review

Leisa Rayven delighted readers with her debut novel Bad Romeo, a passionate and dysfunctional romance about Ethan Holt and Cassie Taylor. In this first novel of the Starcrossed series, Ethan and Cassie are students at The Grove, a prestigious acting school. Ethan is closed-off. Moody. Cassie is wildly attracted to Ethan’s bad boy ways. Their love is all-consuming and toxic. Their chemistry on fire. Push and pull. Flawed and real. Ethan ruins Cassie for all other men, and then he breaks her heart twice.

“He was my first true friend. My first love. First lover. The master of more pleasure than I knew existed, and the architect of more heartache than I thought I could endure.”

Broken Juliet is the conclusion to Ethan and Cassie’s tumultuous love story. Once again, chapters alternate between past and present, with the story being told from Cassie’s perspective. Rayven begins the story where she left off at the end of Bad Romeo. It’s been six years since Ethan and Cassie first met in acting school and three years since the last time they saw each other. Both of them have been cast as leads for a Broadway production. Ethan shows up at Cassie’s front door to ask for forgiveness. He admits he had trust issues. He knows he broke her heart. Ethan tells Cassie he has changed, and he hopes she will give them one more chance.

In chapters from the past, Cassie shares details about her relationship with Ethan. Our eyes are gradually opened to the truth behind Ethan’s brokenness, and why he was not able to commit to a relationship with Cassie. We begin to see the damage he inflicted on her life. Ethan reveals details about his road to recovery during the present chapters. This new and improved Ethan is endearing. Patient. Kind. Full of love. He knows what Cassie is going through because he’s experienced it himself. He broke her heart twice, but now he wants to help her put the pieces back together. There is an intense flame between Cassie and Ethan that never burned out, and both of them know it. It’s obvious they still love each other, but can Cassie trust Ethan with her heart again?

The Starcrossed series is refreshing and different. It’s apparent to me Leisa Rayven is knowledgeable about theatre and acting. She is also a very good writer. Her writing is a step up in quality from what I typically read. Dialogue between characters feels honest and real. Her written conversations capture my attention, and I’m not just referring to dialogue between the main characters. I enjoyed the lessons about acting taught by Erika to students at The Grove. Journal entries. Memories. Arguments. General discussion between characters feels natural in Bad Romeo and Broken Juliet.

Ethan and Cassie have chemistry that bleeds off the page. It was like this in Bad Romeo, and their attraction is smoking hot in Broken Juliet. Lovemaking scenes are passionate and fresh. It never felt cliché. Leisa Rayven encompasses the entire experience. Mental state. Emotions. Physical response.

Ethan and Cassie have experienced heartbreaking loss. Both of them are damaged. But these characters have evolved, and I feel their character growth is palpable in Broken Juliet. Make sure you read the fantastic conclusion to Cassie and Ethan’s story. I highly recommend 5-star Broken Juliet!

About Leisa Rayven

Writing has always been a passion for Leisa, and even though she originally intended to be an actress, it wasn’t long into her time at drama school that she began writing plays.

Those plays were bad. Very bad. Well, her friends thought they were good, but that’s because they were always cast in them and any opportunity to be on stage was met with an obnoxious amount of enthusiasm.

Since then, she’s honed her craft, and several of her plays have been produced and toured throughout Australia.

These days, playwriting has given way to fiction writing, and Leisa’s debut novel, BAD ROMEO, will be available in a worldwide release through Macmillan Publishing in December 2014.

Leisa lives in Australia with her husband, two little boys, three cats, and a kangaroo named Howard.

(Howard may or may not be her imaginary marsupial friend. Everyone should have one.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release: Twisted by Cynthia Eden – The Lost Series – Book 2

Posted on 04/28/2015 by shellbellereads

Twisted

(Lost Series, #2)
by Cynthia Eden

Blurb:

In the second seductive LOST novel from New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Eden, an obsessed Last Option Search Team agent goes looking for trouble—and finds her in the Big Easy.

Dean Bannon comes to New Orleans for one reason only: to track down a missing sixteen-year-old girl. That’s before he meets the drop-dead gorgeous con artist who makes him want to lose his legendary control.

With her past, Emma Castille doesn’t claim to be psychic. She just notices things other people don’t. Like the fear in a runaway’s eyes—or the pain in an ex-FBI agent’s heart. Her chemistry with Dean is blistering, but Emma follows her passion . . . not someone else’s orders.

Then a madman breaks into Emma’s home and leaves a twisted message: You’re next. Now Dean refuses to let her out of his sight until he pries every last secret from her full, sexy lips. And suddenly Emma’s aching to give him everything he wants.

Available for purchase at

Excerpt

“You’re not psychic.”

Were they back to that?

She put her hands in her lap. Emma didn’t believe in making nervous gestures. She didn’t believe in giving away anything at all with her body language.

“What you are …” Ah, now he did smile. Her father would have called it a shit-eating grin. The more PC term was probably a Cheshire cat smile. Whatever the name, that smile annoyed her. “What you are, Ms. Castille … is a criminal. A fraud.”

Maybe she should grab her chest and dramatically gasp. She didn’t. “Wonderful for you,” Emma said. “You pulled up a background report one me.” She let her eyes widen a bit. “It’s amazing just what one can find if a person knows how to use a search engine.”

A furrow appeared between his eyes.

“How about I say what … you are?” Emma asked him. “A washed-up FBI agent who snapped on the job. You held your control tight every single day, but the bad guys—they just didn’t stop, did they? You hunted them, you stopped them, and more appeared. While you were fighting the system, they kept coming, and the bodies kept piling up on your watch.”

He shot right back to his feet. The folding chair slammed down behind him.

“You and your father bilked desperate people,” he accused. “You told them you were psychic, that you could help find their missing children. And you—”

“We found them.” Two girls who’d vanished. They’d found them. “We just didn’t get to them in time.” And she would not go back to that place.

She motioned toward Manuel. He knew the signal meant he could take over her booth. There was no way, no way, that she was going to stay there with that prick while he slammed the most painful moments from her past in Emma’s face.

Manuel, pale, tattooed, with piercings in his lips and eyebrows, quickly claimed her spot.

Emma jumped to her feet. Muttered her thanks, and fled right past the guy she was starting to think of as Agent Jackass.

She pushed through the crowd. Wasn’t there always a crowd in Jackson Square? And that was why she loved the place. It was so easy to vanish in a crowd. To be anyone.

The crowd closed around her.

To be no one at all.

She hurried around the back of the cathedral. She knew the streets so well. Her home was close by. Emma would get inside and forget Agent Jackass.

I’m being followed.

Emma stilled at the intersection. A horse-drawn carriage rolled by her. Voices called out.

And he touched her.

Emma didn’t flinch. Didn’t scream. She looked down at the hand on her shoulder. “When a woman runs away from you, that means you need to stay the hell away from her.”

His hold tightened on her. “You and I aren’t done.”

She looked up at his face. Had she really thought the man was handsome? Annoying, that was all Dean Bannon was.

“I need to find that girl, and you’re the only lead I have so far.”

“Then you’re not a very good investigator.”

The Lost Series

Broken

Lost Series – Book 1

By Cynthia Eden

Synopsis

The first novel in New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Eden’s sizzling LOST series introduces the Last Option Search Team, an elite unit that must protect the only surviving victim of a serial killer.

Ex-SEAL and LOST founder Gabe Spencer is accustomed to the unusual in his job. But when knockout Eve Gray steps into his office, he’s rattled. For the mysterious woman is a dead ringer for the heiress thought to be the latest prey of the serial killer who goes by the name Lady Killer.

When Eve awoke in an Atlanta hospital, her past was a blank slate. Then she recognized her own face in the newspaper and vowed to learn the truth. Determined to confront the nightmares hidden in her mind, she never expects to find a partner in Gabe.

As Gabe and Eve work together, their explosive attraction becomes irresistible. Gabe knows that his desire for Eve is growing too strong, bordering on a dangerous obsession, but nothing pulls him away from her. And when another Eve lookalike disappears, Gabe vows to protect Eve at all costs. While Eve may have forgotten the killer in her past, it’s clear he hasn’t forgotten her.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

About the Author

USA Today Best-selling author Cynthia Eden has written over twenty-five novels and novellas. She was named as a 2013 RITA^® finalist for her paranormal romance, ANGEL IN CHAINS, and, in 2011, Cynthia Eden was a RITA finalist for her romantic suspense, DEADLY FEAR.

Cynthia is a southern girl who loves horror movies, chocolate, and happy endings. She has always wanted to write (don’t most authors say that?), and particularly enjoys creating stories about monsters–vampires, werewolves, and even the real-life monsters that populate her romantic suspense stories.

Cynthia’s foreign sales for her books include translations to Japan, Germany, Thailand, Greece, and Brazil.

(Back in the day…) Cynthia graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Alabama where she studied Sociology (because people interest her) and Communication (because she likes to write about said people). Cynthia has worked as a college admissions counselor, a teacher, and as an editor. But now, Cynthia is thrilled to be spending her days making up stories.

Presented By

Happy Release: The Reckoning by S. L. Scott – Hard To Resist Series – Book 2

Posted on 04/28/2015 by shellbellereads

The Reckoning

Hard To Resist – Book 2

By S. L. Scott

Synopsis

~The sequel to the New York Times and USA Today bestselling novel, The Resistance.~

Jack Dalton was charismatic.

Johnny Outlaw was irresistible.

Two sides
of the same man, passionate about two things–music and Holliday Hughes. With her intoxicating mix of strength
and vulnerability, confidence and sex appeal, he couldn’t get enough of her.

Together, love was a storm of chaos and calm. When fame became a
force to be reckoned with, could their love hold them together or would their
notoriety tear them apart?

“This isn’t how our melody goes. This
isn’t how we were supposed to play out.”

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

The Resistance

By S. L. Scott

Buy: Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ ITunes

You don’t choose when.

You don’t choose where.

And you don’t get to choose who you fall in love with.

The minute he opened his sexy mouth, Holliday Hughes should have known Jack Dalton was trouble. His smooth pickup lines, broad shoulders, and ridiculously handsome face charmed her right out of her clothes. She gave into her desires, the instant attraction blinding her to the obvious.

One night. That was all it took for Holliday’s world to be flipped on its axis. Jack Dalton was cocky. Smug. Volatile. Demanding. He ignited something deep inside her like no other, but there was something more to this brooding bad boy. There was a dark side to him she couldn’t help but be drawn to.

Torn between what she knew about him and a mysterious side he tried to hide, could she walk away or was he simply too hard to resist?

About S.L. Scott:

S.L. Scott is a former high-tech account manager with a journalism degree pursuing her passion for telling stories. She spends her days escaping into her characters and letting them lead her on their adventures.

Live music shows, harvesting jalapenos and eating homemade guacamole are her obsessions she calls hobbies.

Scott lives in the beautiful Texas hill country of Austin with her husband, two young sons, two Papillons and a bowl full of Sea Monkeys.

Her novels include Naturally, Charlie, Good Vibrations, and A Prior Engagement.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon

Happy Release + Review: Who I Am With You by Melody Anne – Unexpected Heroes Series- Book 1.5

Posted on 04/27/2015 by shellbellereads

Who I Am With You

Unexpected Heroes- Book 1.5

By Melody Anne

Synopsis

A spinoff of Melody Anne’s New York Times bestselling Billionaire Bachelors series, this entrancing e-novella features motocross racer Taylor Winchester and little sister to Hawk, the hero of “Safe in His Arms” from the romance anthology Baby, It’s Cold Outside.

As a motocross rider, Taylor Winchester has made a career out of throwing herself headfirst into danger, as fiercely as any of the guys racing against her. But after a brutal crash, she takes a little forced R&R while her injuries heal. Her mom wishes she’d settle down, find love, maybe have a baby or two…but all Taylor wants is to get back on her bike.

She heads to her brother Hawk’s cabin to get a little peace and quiet—but is shocked to discover she’s not the only inhabitant. Ex-military man Travis, her high school crush, has also borrowed the cabin, and the two of them are each too stubborn to let the other one win. Nothing left to do but share the cabin…which quickly leads to sharing a bed! As Taylor and Travis discover that the heat between them is far more than a fling, they both struggle with letting go of control. But if they learn to give a little, what they could win is worth more than any prize…

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes / Kobo

Michel’s Review

If you are looking for an entertaining, romantic quick read, Who I Am With You by Melody Anne is the perfect book. It is the second story ( a novella) to release in the Unexpected Heroes series and can be read as a stand alone or in series order.

Melody Anne created an unusual heroine. Taylor is not your typical girl. She is a strong competitor in the motorcross sport. When an injury knocks her out of the competitive field for lengthy period she is forced to stay put and heal. Escaping her parents home to her brother’s cabin seems like the ideal situation. The only problem is that her brother told someone else they could use his cabin. That someone else happens to be her first love, Travis, the guy that rejected her young heart.

Travis has just gotten out of the military and needs time to get himself together. He’s shocked when his best friend’s younger sister ends up in the same cabin he is.

Both Travis and Taylor are at crossroads in their lives. Their time in the cabin will bring self discoveries, new directions, and love. Both will find they have something better ahead of them.

This novella was the perfect quick romance that was packed with emotion, sincere characters, sizzling hot romance, and uncomplicated plot.

It was thoroughly entertaining. I look forward to more books in the Unexpected Heroes series.

Author Bio

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.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release + 5 Star Review: What Lightening Sees Part Two by Louise Bay

Posted on 04/27/2015 by shellbellereads

What Lightening Sees Part Two

Adult Contemporary Novella Series – Book 2

By Louise Bay

Synopsis

Haven had thought she was wrong about Jake, but apparently she should have trusted her instincts. He wasn’t the man she thought he was. The chink that Jake managed to put in her armor has healed over. She’s shut down and as far as she’s concerned, it’s all business between them from now on.

Thrown together on another assignment, anger, frustration and jealousy are at the forefront of Jake’s emotions. Will Jake convince Haven that he really cares or will he let her go as she insists he must?
What the Lighting Sees – Part Two – is the second part in a three part novella series.
Part Three is out on May 25th and is available for pre-order now.

Buy: Amazon / ITunes

Tracey’s Review

This second book in the What the Lightning Sees trilogy picks up immediately following the action in Part 1.

Now that she and Jake are no longer together, Haven is doing her best to get back to life as she does it best, focusing on furthering her career and spending time with her brother and best friend. Jake, missing Haven, but unable to get through to her, is prepared to throw himself into his next business venture, one that will take him away from London, and from Haven.

I have been waiting for this book since I read ‘The End’ in the first book in the series. Waiting to see how Louise would bring us back from the ‘Oh, my goodness, she didn’t!’ ending. Waiting to see where Haven and Jake could go from how things left off. Well, Louise is awesome, and has seamlessly crafted a second installment that answers all of my questions. Haven, by her own account, is no good at relationships, having learned early on not to get too attached to people. And Jake, as his sister Beth so eloquently points out, is no pro at commitment. But what is true about both Haven and Jake is that they desperately want each other, and just have no idea as to how to go about it. I loved seeing them work their way back to each other, despite all their quirks and snark, finally ending up where they want to be.

Now, the hardest part: waiting for Part 3 after another doozy of a cliffhanger, one that surpasses the ‘Are you kidding me?!’ ending in Part 1. In the meantime, I can only say again how much I am loving Haven’s and Jake’s story, and give this book 5 sexy, steamy, ‘oh, my gosh, you’re killing me’ stars.

What The Lightening Sees

Adult Contemporary Novella Series- Part One

By Louise Bay

Synopsis

Jake Harrison is everything that Haven Daniels hates about men: over-confident, born into money and too handsome for his own good. Haven finds it difficult to keep her opinions to herself and can’t help but tell Jake exactly what she thinks of him, again and again.

Haven Daniels is uptight, smart and a bit of a bitch – the perfect challenge for Jake. It doesn’t hurt that she’s movie star beautiful and has no idea.

Forced to work together, verbal sparring turns into sexual chemistry but men like Jake are trouble and Haven has had enough trouble to last her a lifetime.

Will Haven give into Jake’s charms? Can Jake peel off Haven’s prickly mask, revealing the woman he knows lies beneath?

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

What Lightening Sees Part Two

Adult Contemporary Novella Series – Book 2

By Louise Bay

Synopsis

Buy: Amazon / ITunes

What Lightening Sees Part 3

Release Date: May 25, 2015Pre Order: Amazon

Synopsis

ake Harrison is everything that Haven Daniels hates about men: over-confident, born into money and too handsome for his own good. Haven finds it difficult to keep her opinions to herself and can’t help but tell Jake exactly what she thinks of him, again and again.

Haven Daniels is uptight, smart and a bit of a bitch – the perfect challenge for Jake. It doesn’t hurt that she’s movie star beautiful and has no idea.

Forced to work together, verbal sparring turns into sexual chemistry but men like Jake are trouble and Haven has had enough trouble to last her a lifetime.

Will Haven give into Jake’s charms? Can Jake peel off Haven’s prickly mask, revealing the woman he knows lies beneath?

What the Lighting Sees – Part Three is the third part in a three part novella series.

Author Bio:

I write sexy, contemporary romance novels – the kind I like to read. My books Faithful and Hopeful are stand-alone novels although there are some overlapping characters. The Empire State Series of novellas starts with A Week in New York.

Ruined by romantic mini-series of the eighties, I love all things romantic. There’s not enough of it in real life so I’ll settle for books and films.

I love the rain, the West Wing, London, days when you don’t have to wear make-up, being alone, being with friends, elephants and champagne.

Hearing from readers is the best thing in the world so get in touch!
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Aflame by Penelope Douglas

Posted on 04/21/2015 by shellbellereads

Aflame

Fall Away Series – Book 4

By Penelope Douglas

Synopsis

From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Bully, Until You, Rival, and Falling Away comes the sizzling conclusion to the Fall Away series.

The tables have turned. Now I have the power—and it’s his turn to beg…

Everyone wants to be me.

Maybe it’s the sway of my skirt or the way I flip my hair, but I don’t care. Even though their attention is the last thing I crave, I just can’t stop. I dominate the track, the speed rattles my bones, and the wind and the crowd screams my name.

I’m her. The girl driver. The queen of the race. And I’m surviving—something he thought I’d never do.

They all talk about him. Did you see Jared Trent on T.V? What did you think of his last race, Tate? When is he coming back to town, Tate?

But I refuse to care too much. Because when Jared does come home, I won’t be here.

Tatum Brandt is gone. I’m someone new.

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

Michel’s Review

The Fall Away series by Penelope Douglas has come to an end. Although it breaks my heart to say goodbye to all of the beloved characters in this series, it also made my heart explode with happiness on how it ended. The series has come full circle and once again the readers got to experience the love/hate relationship between Jared and Tate. This time they are older and ready to handle all the hiccups that life throws at them.

In the previous book, Falling Away, at the ending Jared and Tate broke up. They were the couple that all of the characters looked up to . They were the couple that overcame a very difficult relationship that should of ended before it began. Jared was a BULLY. Tate was a VICTIM. Somehow these two found a way to put aside the animosity and find the true meaning of love. They graduated high school in a loving relationship. They spent the first two years of college building a future. Somewhere along the way something went wrong once again. It wasn’t their relationship that was wrong, it was life. Tate was growing as an individual. She had solid goals that she was working towards. She was pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor. Jared was in limbo. Although he was attending college and was successful in the ROTC, it was not his dream. He didn’t know what he wanted to do in his future. He didn’t really have goals or dreams to build upon. The only thing he was sure of was his love for Tate. He was also smart enough to recognize that if they continued on the path they were on that somewhere along the way they would end up resenting each other. His misery would cause resentments. Her ambitions would cause resentments. Rather than continue on their mapped out course, Jared chose a new road. He had to take a break in their relationship to find himself. He had to find where his passions lied, what he could do, and how to become a better man for Tate. His intentions were to only take a break until he could come back with self respect and real ambitions. But Tate saw things differently. She saw the break as a break up. She saw it as an ending rather than a beginning. She was through with Jared once and for all.

After two years of separation, Jared is forced to come home because of family. He has been avoiding his family and friends once he realized that he and Tate were over for good. Jared has built a solid career and has found his true calling. At times it seems meaningless because he no longer has Tate in his life. But now he has to prove that he has become a better man and face the music. He has to face Tate. He has to face his family. He has to show them he has become something better.

During Jared’s two year absence Tate has changed. She has become bitter, emotionless, and resentful. Their friends have stayed by her side and supported her through her heartbreak at the cost of their relationship with Jared. She has to finally face Jared and let go of all the resentments before she can move forward in life.

The push and pull between Jared and Tate is just as strong as it has always been. These two have been a very important piece of the other all their lives. Now it’s time to put the pieces together and form one unit.

Penelope Douglas wrote a very powerful ending for the Fall Away series. She allowed her characters to grow, become true adults with real adult problems, and allowed them to experience the hardships that come along with maturity. In the end they all learned the true meaning of love, respect, and hope.

The Fall Away Series will always be one of my absolute favorite series.

Bully – Book 1

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Penelope Douglas delivers an unforgettable New Adult romance that toes the fine line between love and hate….

My name is Tate.

He doesn’t call me that, though. He’ll barely refer to me at all, and he’ll hardly ever speak to me.

But he still won’t leave me alone.

We were best friends once. Then he turned on me and made it his mission to ruin my life. I’ve been humiliated, shut out, and gossiped about all through high school. His pranks and rumors got worse as time wore on. I even went to Europe for a year, just to avoid him.

But I’m done hiding from him now, and there’s no way I’ll allow him to ruin another year. He might not have changed, but I have.

It’s time to fight back.

When one brave young woman stands up to her best friend Jared, now tormenter, the consequences go beyond anything either of them ever would have imagined….

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

Until You – Book 1.5

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Penelope Douglas comes a companion novel to Bully.
This is Jared’s story.
Have you ever been so angry that hitting things felt good? Or numb to all emotions? The past few years have been like that for me. Traveling between fury and indifference with no stops in between. Some people hate me for it, while others are scared of me. But none of them can hurt me, because I don’t care about anything or anyone.

Except Tatum.

I love her so much that I hate her. I hate that I can’t let her go. We used to be friends, but I found out that I couldn’t trust her—or anyone else. So I hurt her. I pushed her away. But I still need her. She centers me. Engaging her, challenging her, pushing her—it’s the one last part of me that feels anything anymore.

But then she went and screwed everything up. She left for a year and came back a different girl. Now, when I push, she pushes back…and I’m not sure either one of us will ever be the same.

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

Rival – Book 2

Madoc and Fallon. Two estranged teenagers playing games that push the boundaries between love and war…

She’s back.

For the two years she’s been away at boarding school, there was no word from her. Back when we lived in the same house, she used to cut me down during the day and then leave her door open for me at night.

I was stupid then, but now I’m ready to beat her at her own game…

I’m back.

Two years and I can tell he still wants me, even if he acts like he’s better than me.

But I won’t be scared away. Or pushed down. I’ll call his bluff and fight back. That’s what he wants, right? As long as I keep my guard up, he’ll never know how much he affects me….

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

Falling Away – Book 3

From the New Adult sensation and New York Times bestselling author of Rival

Jaxon is the guy she’s supposed to avoid. K.C. is the girl he won’t let get away….

K. C. Carter has always followed the rules—until this year, when a mistake leaves her the talk of her college campus and her carefully arranged life comes crashing to a halt. Now she’s stuck in her small hometown for the summer to complete her court-ordered community service, and to make matters worse, trouble is living right next door.

Jaxon Trent is the worst kind of temptation and exactly what K.C. was supposed to stay away from in high school. But he never forgot her. She was the one girl who wouldn’t give him the time of day and the only one to ever say no. Fate has brought K.C. back into his life—except what he thought was a great twist of luck turns out to be too close for comfort. As they grow closer, he discovers that convincing K.C. to get out from her mother’s shadow is hard, but revealing the darkest parts of his soul is nearly impossible.…

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

Aflame – Book 4

From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Bully, Until You, Rival, and Falling Away comes the sizzling conclusion to the Fall Away series.

The tables have turned. Now I have the power—and it’s his turn to beg…

Everyone wants to be me.

I’m her. The girl driver. The queen of the race. And I’m surviving—something he thought I’d never do.

They all talk about him. Did you see Jared Trent on T.V? What did you think of his last race, Tate? When is he coming back to town, Tate?

But I refuse to care too much. Because when Jared does come home, I won’t be here.

Tatum Brandt is gone. I’m someone new.

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

____________________________________________________________

About Penelope Douglas

Penelope Douglas is a writer living in Las Vegas. Born in Dubuque, Iowa, she is the oldest of five children. Penelope attended the University of Northern Iowa, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, because her father told her to “just get the damn degree!” She then earned a Masters of Science in Education at Loyola University in New Orleans, because she HATED public administration. One night, she got tipsy and told the bouncer at the bar where she worked that his son was hot, and three years later she was married. To the son, not the bouncer. They have spawn, but just one. A daughter named Aydan. Penelope loves sweets, The Originals, and she shops at Target almost daily.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Saucy Southern Readers

professional, honest, and timely book reviews

Tag Archives: Happy Release

Happy Release: Overruled by Emma Chase – The Legal Briefs Series – Book 1

Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Wolf by Nicole James – Evil Dead MC Series – Book 4

Happy Release + Review: Getting Lucky Number Seven by Cindi Madsen

Happy Release: Paradise City by C. J. Duggan – Paradise Series – Book 1

Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Broken Juliet by Leisa Rayven – Star Crossed Series – Book 2

Happy Release: Twisted by Cynthia Eden – The Lost Series – Book 2

Happy Release: The Reckoning by S. L. Scott – Hard To Resist Series – Book 2

Happy Release + Review: Who I Am With You by Melody Anne – Unexpected Heroes Series- Book 1.5

Happy Release + 5 Star Review: What Lightening Sees Part Two by Louise Bay

Happy Release + 5 Star Review: Aflame by Penelope Douglas

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