Summer Reads… Five Days Until You by Monica Murphy- A One Week Girlfriend Novella

Posted on 05/24/2015 by shellbellereads

Five Days Until You

One Week Girlfriend Series- Book 4.5

By Monica Murphy

Synopsis

Unsure. That’s how I’m feeling about my entire life. Just when everything’s good and I have it all under control, my girl Chelsea decides she’s going to leave me for the summer. Despite my disappointment, I have to support her. It’s what she wants, an opportunity she can’t say no to and no way will I be the one to stop her. I love her too much to hold her back.

Opportunities are happening for me too, though. A big one that my brother-in-law Drew says I can’t pass up. I’m working extra hard. So is Chelsea. It’s like we don’t have any time to get together. We keep making the same promise–only five more days until we see each other again. But we keep breaking that promise. Is our relationship strong enough to survive all of these changes?

**FIVE DAYS UNTIL YOU continues the story of Owen & Chelsea from FOUR YEARS LATER. Plus includes a BONUS holiday story featuring Drew + Fable! Also, read chapter one of FAIR GAME, the first book in Monica’s new NA series The Rules coming May 12th!**

Buy: Amazon / B & N

Michel’s Review

The One Week Girlfriend Series is one of my all time favorite series. I fell in love with all of the characters in the series. I thought the series was finished but Monica Murphy releases these wonderful novellas that give us a snippet of the characters lives after the book is finished.

Owen and Chelsea are going strong. Summer is approaching and they are debating what to do with their time. Chelsea has been offered an internship at a university a few hours away. Owen doesn’t want to hold her back. He knows this could be a huge factor in her choosing where to go for her masters degree. He reluctantly encourages her to take the position. He plans on going up every weekend to see her. Their separation will only be 5 days at a time. But life has a way of interfering with the best laid plans.

Owen is presented with an opportunity he cannot pass up. He is a contender to be scouted for Pro Football. He will have to buckle down and get serious about his game. His brother in law Drew and his coach have placed him on a rigorous training schedule. Between the little time he has and the sheer exhaustion he is unable to keep his promises to Chelsea.

Their separation begins to wear on their relationship. Things are getting tense. Chelsea is making new friends and a life without him. Owen needs to make Chelsea understand that she is his world.

Misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and anger will get in their way. In the end Chelsea and Owen will have to choose whether their relationship has run it’s course.

Once again Monica delivered another fantastic story. This couple went through the trials that many couples face. I love both Owen and Chelsea. I am so happy that I got to experience another slice of their lives.

I write books. I have the best job ever. New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Writer of new adult contemporary romance-ish stuff. Published with Avon and Bantam. Mom and wife. Native Californian.

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Happy Release + Excerpt: Adored by Lexi Blake – A Masters and Mercenaries Novella – 1001 Dark Nights

Posted on 05/12/2015 by shellbellereads

We are so excited to bring you the Blog Tour for Lexi Blake’s ADORED! ADORED is a Contemporary Erotic Romance novella in Lexi’s Masters and Mercenaries Series! Check it out below and grab your copy today!!

Buy:

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ADORED Synopsis:

A man who gave up on love

Mitch Bradford is an intimidating man. In his professional life, he has a reputation for demolishing his opponents in the courtroom. At the exclusive BDSM club Sanctum, he prefers disciplining pretty submissives with no strings attached. In his line of work, there’s no time for a healthy relationship. After a few failed attempts, he knows he’s not good for any woman—especially not his best friend’s sister.

A woman who always gets what she wants

Laurel Daley knows what she wants, and her sights are set on Mitch. He’s smart and sexy, and it doesn’t matter that he’s a few years older and has a couple of bitter ex-wives. Watching him in action at work and at play, she knows he just needs a little polish to make some woman the perfect lover. She intends to be that woman, but first she has to show him how good it could be.

A killer lurking in the shadows

When an unexpected turn of events throws the two together, Mitch and Laurel are confronted with the perfect opportunity to explore their mutual desire. Night after night of being close breaks down Mitch’s defenses. The more he sees of Laurel, the more he knows he wants her. Unfortunately, someone else has their eyes on Laurel and they have murder in mind.

Excerpt

“Do you absolutely have to play tonight? It’s hard walking around without looking at things. I’m going to crash into someone’s scene,” a familiar voice said.

She turned and there was her brother coming up the stairs with Mitchell and Kai. Will’s eyes were firmly planted on the ground.

Kai gave her a smile. “He’s trying to avoid seeing you half naked.”

“She’s actually quite covered,” Mitch admitted.

He looked utterly delicious. No matter what kind of problems they might have, there was no denying the fact that this man got her motor running like no other. Sanctum was filled with gorgeous men, but Mitch seemed to stand above the rest. He was so masculine, with his broad shoulders and cut chest on display. She loved how petite she felt when he held her. He seemed to like to show off how strong he was by carrying her around.

Will brought his head up, his eyes opening cautiously. He seemed to relax. “All right. I suppose I can handle that. What kind of scene are you two doing tonight?”

Mitch moved to her side, his eyes going to the collar around her neck. She could practically feel the satisfaction pouring off him in waves. He might not want her as a wife, but she could tell he was enjoying keeping a submissive. “I’m doing a ropes demonstration, and no, you will not want to watch. We’re up very soon, so you and Bridget should stay on the east side of the dungeon. I hear Weston and his wife are doing an impact play scene.”

“I’m going to find a pretty little pain slut and get my freak on,” Kai promised. He looked nothing like his normal self. Kai was usually very intellectual looking. Like the professor at college every girl wanted to date. But with his hair down around his shoulders and dressed in leathers and motorcycle boots, the good psychologist looked dangerous. And definitely ready for some fun. Of course, his idea of fun had to do with pain.

About Lexi Blake:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. She began writing at a young age concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. Lexi believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome or foursome may seem.

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Hard To Be Good by Laura Kaye – Hard Ink Series- Book 3.5 – Novella

Posted on 04/14/2015 by shellbellereads

We are so, so excited to bring you guy the Release Week Blitz for Laura Kaye’s HARD TO BE GOOD!! HARD TO BE GOOD is a novella in Laura’s Hard Ink Series, published by Avon Romance. We absolutely love Laura’s Hard Ink men and are so excited to see Jeremy and Charlie get their HEA!!

Amazon | Amazon.ca | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | iTunes| Kobo

HARD TO BE GOOD on Goodreads

About HARD TO BE GOOD:

Hard Ink Tattoo owner Jeremy Rixey has taken on his brother’s stateside fight against the forces that nearly killed Nick and his Special Forces team a year before. Now, Jeremy’s whole world has been turned upside down—not the least of which by a brilliant, quiet blond man who tempts Jeremy to settle down for the first time ever.

Recent kidnapping victim Charlie Merritt has always been better with computers than people, so when he’s drawn into the SF team’s investigation of his army colonel father’s corruption, he’s surprised to find acceptance and friendship—especially since his father never accepted who Charlie was. Even more surprising is the heated tension Charlie feels with sexy, tattooed Jeremy, Charlie’s opposite in almost every way.

With tragedy and chaos all around them, temptation flashes hot, and Jeremy and Charlie can’t help but wonder why they’re trying so hard to be good…

EXCERPT:

“You should be inside celebrating,” Jeremy said, his voice a raw scrape. “You and Marz did an amazing thing this morning.” An hour ago, Marz and Charlie had cracked open a heavily encrypted microchip that contained a wealth of information that not only seemed likely to help the team clear its name, but proved that Charlie’s father hadn’t been dirty, like they’d all thought. “And I’m so happy for you about your dad.”

A wounded darkness passed through Charlie’s gaze, but he finally nodded. “Didn’t feel right without you there.” Pink filtered into his cheeks, and damn if that wasn’t as cute as it was sexy. Jeremy wasn’t sure anything had ever made him blush.

“I’m just not—” Jeremy shrugged and looked down at Charlie’s chest again. Having seen the guy dress more than once, he knew that shirt covered lean muscle that ran from strong shoulders down to his narrow hips. Jeremy fisted his hands against the urge to burrow them under the hem of the tee. After weeks of looking, and wanting, he was dying to touch. Jeremy found Charlie hard to read though, and hadn’t wanted to do anything to scare him off. “—very good company right now. I’m sorry if that—”

Charlie nudged Jeremy’s chin up with his hand, his fingers just barely touching Jer’s stubble-covered skin. But then his thumb landed softly against his lips.

Jeremy’s heartbeat kicked up and his lips fell open. Slowly, oh so tentatively, Charlie stroked the soft pad of his thumb back and forth across them.

“Charlie,” Jeremy whispered as arousal surged through his body, spiking his pulse, tensing his muscles, hardening his dick.

Uncertainty poured off Charlie as the man’s hand trembled where it touched him, but those blue eyes absolutely blazed desire. No way was Jeremy imagining that.

“You’re always good company, to me,” Charlie said in a low voice, his gaze dropping to Jeremy’s lips. Charlie leaned in closer, and closer still, and Jeremy could hardly believe the other man was the one to initiate this. But he was fucking thrilled.

Jeremy swallowed, his lips anticipating that first soft brush. Charlie was so close his shaky breath caressed Jeremy’s lips. His pace was maddening but so damn sexy Jer could barely breathe. And then Charlie’s eyelids fluttered closed and he was right there…

And don’t miss the other Hard Ink books, now available:

Hard As It Gets

Hard As You Can

Hard to Hold On To

Hard To Come By

Praise for the HARD INK SERIES:

“TOP PICK! If you’re looking for danger, gritty action, and sizzling passion, then Kaye has just the book and the series for you.” ~RT Book Reviews Magazine

Michel’s Review

Hard To Be Good by Laura Kaye is the one book that the Hard Ink Fans have been dying for. The build up throughout the series has left the readers wondering when Jeremy and Charlie would get their happily ever after. This novella gives the readers what they want and so much more. I am amazed how Laura Kaye can pack so much into a novella. The emotional depth of this story was phenomenal. The pacing wasn’t too fast or too slow. The sexual tension and chemistry between Jer and Charlie was sizzling hot.

Although the story didn’t revolve around all the suspense that has been going on at Hard Ink, it did move the overall plot closer to the final revelations. This book focused more on the relationship between these two strong men. It showed how even in today’s society it is still hard to find acceptance of gay relationships. Exposing your deepest feelings and vulnerabilities to your loved ones, family, and friends is hard enough without the added taboo. Also trying to find your footing in a committed relationship whether straight or gay is very hard. We all have insecurities about showing our true emotions. The freedom of letting these emotions out and allowing them to grow is the ultimate surrender. Jer and Charlie will take the readers on an emotional journey that will not only touch their own hearts but capture the readers as well.

Once again Laura Kaye has written a beautiful love story.

About Laura Kaye:

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

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Blog Tour + Review: Only For Her by Cristin Harber- Only Series – Book 2

Posted on 03/25/2015 by shellbellereads

Only For Her

Only Series – Book 2

Sequel To Only For Him

By Cristin Harber

Synopsis

The second installment in the Only series. Must read book one first!!

First loves never die but Grayson Ford comes close. Bleeding out in a war zone, he barters with God. Bring him back alive, and he’ll make it right with his girl.

All I want is Emma. I need her, and I fight for her memory. A story. A smile. Anything. But it’s all blank.

Emma is not his girl anymore. Time has skipped by and life’s been hard. She strips to pay the bills, waitresses to fill the hours between classes and her third job. All while working to be the best mama she can be to the little girl who will never know her daddy. Even though Grayson abandoned her, she mourned his death. Until he calls, and everything she knew was wrong.

It’s him. The him that ruined my life. That made my life. That confused my mind to the point that I can’t figure out if I’ve been destroyed or set free. The him that… is… dead.

He’s back with one objective–Emma Kingsley–and she never sees it coming.

Buy: Amazon / B & N / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Only For Her is the second novella in the Only series by Cristin Harber. The first book, Only For Him , left off with a major cliffhanger. Gray left Emma walked away from Emma without so much as a goodbye, let alone an explanation. Their one and only night together should of been the beginning of a love that lasts a lifetime. What it left instead was heartbreak and a baby. It left Emma alone to pick up the pieces of her shattered heart. She had to give up her dreams of a life with Gray and her dreams of college life.

This book fast forwards to three years later. Gray is in the middle of combat. Emma is in the middle of surviving her life as a single mother to a beautiful little girl. Neither one is in a happy place in their lives. Gray is losing his solid memories of Emma, the one thing that always kept him going. Emma is harboring anger and resentment towards Gray for leaving her.

When the unspeakable happens it will change both of their lives once again. Emma believes that Gray is dead. Gray wants to find Emma as soon as he is able to because he has finally realized he needs more than her memory to survive.

When he finally finds Emma, he finds a very different girl than he left behind. He is also a very different man. He is beyond damaged physically. He suffers from the guilt of abandoning Emma, survivors guilt, PTSD, and still carries the scars of his childhood. The one thing that he is determined to do is make things right with Emma once again. He is determined to prove that she is the only person he can ever love.

It may be too late. He is in for the shock of his life. He is father.

Is he capable of being a good father? Is he capable of loving both Emma and his daughter? Will Emma ever forgive him? Can he forgive himself? Can he overcome all of the emotional scars in his life?

The second novella moved a bit fast for all of the issues that needed to be dealt with. It was still very emotional and touching. I am deeply invested in these characters and their lives. I am looking forward to the third book, Only For Us. I am hoping it will be a bit longer and resolve their lives.

Only For Him Series

Only For Him

Only Series – Book 1

Genre – New Adult

By Cristin Harber

Synopsis

Grayson Ford and Emma Kinglsey–close since they were kids, opposites in every way. He’s the stuff high school crushes are made of, Mister Popular, and captain of every team. She’s artsy, cute, and not in his league, though fully aware of Summerland’s “I Dream of Dating Grayson Ford” support group.

I can’t say no. The girl’s had my heart since before I knew it went missing.

He hides a life of hell. His father hates him, his mother’s gone. Emma is his only savior, yet she doesn’t know her power over him. She’s the only girl he wants, the only one he could ever tell–though he won’t.

I’m stronger, bigger, more of a man than he’ll ever be, but because I ruined his life, I’ve taken his crap, his attacks, the vulgar nature of his existence.

Until she discovers Gray’s embarrassment, his humiliation. Emma fights for him and for a chance. Theirs is a Cinderella story that she believes impossible. But as the layers peel back, it’s just a guy who needs a girl in order to keep breathing.

My mind is already doodling Mrs. Grayson Ford in imaginary notebooks. He has no clue where my head is at… But, given that I didn’t see what just happened coming, maybe I have no clue where his head is at either.

Only for Him. Only series, Volume One.
All novellas will release Spring 2015.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Coming Soon – Only For Us – Book 3

Only For Us

Only Series – Book 3

Release Date: April 14, 2015

The third installment of the Only series. Must be read in order.

Grayson and Emma. First love. True love. And… they have a daughter. Abandonment is his curse. He left his woman, survived his team, and missed the moments most precious to a father. Until now.

I didn’t know you were killing yourself with work. I didn’t know you’re raising our daughter. So help me God, had I known, there is no military force on earth that would’ve kept me from you.

Love needs to heal all, or they won’t survive the collision of their separate lives. Emma must reach deep into her heart that is barely hanging on and find forgiveness. Grayson, wrecked with PTSD-filled nightmares, must prove that he’s here to stay and able to rebuild his family against all odds.

I need to say I love you. But what I mean is I love you–in a way that defies definition and exists only in a world that you and I are in.

Only for Us is the third installment in the Only series. All novellas will release Spring 2015.

ABOUT CRISTIN HARBER

Cristin Harber is a USA Today bestselling romantic suspense and military romance author. Fans voted her onto Amazon’s Top Picks for Debut Romance Authors in 2013, and her debut Titan series was #1 romantic suspense, #1 military romance, and a USA Today Top 100 bestseller.

She lives outside Washington, DC with her family and English Bulldog.

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You can become a Titan Agent for exclusive scenes, details, and more! Visit the official Titan website here!

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Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway : Changing Everything by Molly McAdams – Forgiving Lies Series – Novella – Book 2.5

Posted on 03/05/2015 by shellbellereads

Changing Everything

Forgiving Lies Series – Novella – Book 2.5

By Molly McAdams

Synopsis

Paisley Morro has been in love with Eli since she was thirteen years old. But being his best friend and wingman, while keeping her feelings under wraps, has grown more difficult with every passing year and every new woman in his life. After twelve years, Paisley is tired of the constant heartache and has finally decided it’s time to lay all her feelings on the table.

Eli Jenkins has the life: his dream job, countless beautiful women, and a best friend who’s the one he counts on for everything else. One conversation, however, threatens to not only change everything between them, but possibly cause Eli to lose the only girl who has ever meant anything to him.

When a family tragedy forces Eli to take a hard look at his life, he realizes life without Paisley isn’t a life at all. Only now, he may be too late.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Excerpt

Oh the joys of watching the man you love get ready to take another woman home … especially when she’s one bad dye job away from being an Oompa-Loompa.

Here’s a little snippet from CHANGING EVERYTHING for y’all! Enjoy!

“Pay!”

“Oh no,” I breathed, and looked at Kristen to act like I hadn’t heard Eli. “If he makes me play pool with him while he makes out with another girl again, I will lose it!”

“He’s smiling, at least he didn’t see you moping—and he’s walking over here. With her. Right now. He’s—”

“Pay, we’re gonna head out, were you ready to leave?”

I turned to look at them with a smile plastered on my face, but it was entirely possible I looked like I was grimacing. “Well … ” I began, but the girl in Eli’s arms held up her hand.

She made a sickened face as her head jerked up to look at Eli, then back at me. Long seconds passed as she looked me up and down with her lips parted in disgust. “Um … ew! I’m, like, not really into that whole threesome thing. So gross. Yano?”

I wanted to remind her that “you” and “know” were two separate words … but with the way she looked, I was surprised she knew that Eli plus her plus me equaled three and not the color burrito, so I kept that to myself.

Eli’s face pinched together like he’d eaten something sour, and before he said something that would inevitably crush me even more tonight, I tried to speak his latest pick’s language.

“Ohmigod, like, ew, right?”

Kristen’s hand flew to her mouth as beer sprayed out, and Eli’s lack-of-amused expression let me know that he knew what I was doing.

At least I didn’t feel like I was going to throw up anymore.

“Threesomes are so way gross,” I continued, not like I’d know. But the girl nodded her head and pursed her lips.

“So, like, is she gonna watch?” she asked, and it took everything in me not to shoot Eli a look that said: Really? This is what you want?

Michel’s Review

Molly McAdams delivered another emotional novella. Changing Everything had a different tone than most of her books. It did not have the heart wrenching angst and anguished characters. It was a book that is close to being a realistic situation that many have found themselves in.

Paisley Morro has been in love with her best friend, Eli Jenkins. They have done everything together, made traditions, and depended on each other. The problem is Paisley. Her unrequitted love has finally reached it’s limits. She cannot stand by and watch Eli’s many conquests. She cannot be his excuse to escape the women after he is finished with them. She has had enough of being alone and waiting for that moment when Eli will notice her love. When she finally meets a guy that could be a game changer , she decides it’s time to let go of her hopes of a relationship with Eli. She makes one last ditch effort and finally tells Eli how she feels. He is shocked. He does not feel the same way. It’s time for her to move on.

Eli didn’t realize what he had with Paisley. Now that she has moved on and he is no longer the most important person in her life he is struck with remorse and shame. He realizes that Paisley is part of his soul. She is the only woman he could ever truly love. He has lost her to another man. It’s time to tell her the truth about how he feels.

Eli is going to have the challenge of his life. He is going to have to win Paisley’s heart. He has to prove that she can trust her heart with him and that he will always cherish it.

Changing Everything was emotional without being overly angsty. The dynamics in Paisley and Eli’s relationship is heartwarming. It is clear that they were meant to be together.

This novella will not disappoint. It is a charming romance.

Author’s Bio

Molly McAdams grew up in California but now lives in the oh-so-amazing state of Texas with her husband and furry daughter. Her hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, traveling and long walks on the beach, which roughly translates to being a homebody with her hubby and dishing out movie quotes. When she’s not at work, she can be found hiding out in her bedroom surrounded by her laptop, cell, Kindle and fighting over the TV remote. She has a weakness for crude-humored movies, fried pickles and loves curling up in a fluffy comforter during a thunderstorm…or under one in a bathtub if there are tornados. That way she can pretend they aren’t really happening.

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Happy Release + Review : Shoulda Been A Cowboy by Maisey Yates – Copper Ridge Series – Novella

Posted on 03/02/2015 by shellbellereads

Shoulda Been A Cowboy

A Copper Ridge Novella

By Maisey Yates

Synopsis

In this sexy, sweet prequel novella to her new series, USA TODAY bestselling author Maisey Yates welcomes readers to the charming small town of Copper Ridge, Oregon, where it’s never too late for second chances.

There’s not much about his teenage years that Jake Caldwell can be proud of. Except maybe for keeping his hands off cute, kindhearted Cassie Ventimiglia. She was the only one who saw him as more than a tattooed rebel who couldn’t wait to leave the ranching life behind. Now he’s back in Copper Ridge to sell his father’s property—and staying right above Cassie’s coffee shop. And out of nowhere, the girl he’s never forgotten is offering a whole lot more than fresh-baked muffins…

Jake’s dark, smoldering appeal hasn’t changed one bit. But Cassie has. Following everyone else’s rules didn’t quite work out. Time to ask for what she’s always wanted…and what Jake’s more than happy to give: a wild, hot romance that could make a one-time bad boy realize he’s back for good.

Don’t miss Part Time Cowboy, the first in the Copper Ridge series, from HQN Books!

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Tina’s Review

Novella: 100 -120 pages. A fun, quick “second chance secret-crushes” read. She was the “good girl” that used to tutor him in high school. Then he vanished, for fifteen years. Now, after his dad’s passing, Jake’s back to settle the estate. He wants to clear out the farm and sell off the properties as quickly as possible so he can get back home to Seattle. There’s only one problem. Cassie. Her entire life is wrapped up in one of the buildings he plans to sell off. Her new business that she’s worked so hard to start up for herself and her apartment above the shop are all she has to show for herself after her divorce left her with nothing. Fifteen years of unresolved feelings for one another are once again being tested.
The lead characters are well-written and enjoyable, but there really is not a lot in the way of secondary characters. The dialogue and interaction is believable. The plot lacks the depth and dynamics a full-length novel would, but maintains a strong story line. The ease of flow is outstanding. The minor conflicts were resolved locally with little fanfare. Predictability was on par with a feel-good story of this length. The conclusion was solid enough, although nothing was stated about Jake’s house and employment back in Seattle nor the farm house and other property in town. Did he sell them all? Is he leasing/renting them? There’s a nice epilogue with a glimpse of the next book’s characters. Overall, it’s a pleasant, quick read.

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

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Review: Charade by J. S. Cooper – Prequel to Swept Away Series -Book 1.5- Novella

Posted on 02/25/2015 by shellbellereads

Charade

Swept Away Series – Book 1.5 – Prequel Novella

By J. S. Cooper

Synopsis

From New York Times bestselling author J.S. Cooper comes an e-novella prequel to the Swept Away series, best read after Illusion. Bianca is determined to avenge her father’s death, but to do that, she must get in bed with his enemies…

When Bianca’s father died, she was left with nothing but her memories—and a box full of secrets. Had her father really been squeezed out of the company he founded? And could his betrayers have something to do with the death of Bianca’s mother years before?

Bianca will do anything to find out—even pursue the heir to Bradley, Inc. But the road she’s on is a dangerous one, and if David Bradley sees through her charade, it could be deadly…

Buy : Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Michel’s Review

Charade by J. S. Cooper is the prequel novella in the Swept Away series. It can be read before book 1, Illusion or after. It is not a Stand Alone novella. It is a snippet of events in the complex plot in the Swept Away series.

Charade is an introduction to where it all began. Bianca’s father has passed away and she is left with boxes of old papers, letters, and documents that indicate that her mother’s death may not have been an accident. It also indicates that her father may have been swindled for a patent he created. It is the first time that Bianca has heard anything about her parents past.

The discoveries that she makes lead to more questions. The mystery is buried deep. Throughout her research on the information that she has obtained it is clear that the secrets have been buried deep and one family is behind it. She devises a plan to learn more about her parents past and the company that may have been responsible for their ruin.

She begins dating David Bradley, who is the son of the one of the founding members of the company in question. She is hoping to get close enough to find answers to her questions.

Bianca and David’s relationship progresses into what looks to be a very serious relationship. All seems to be going well until David starts showing his true colors. His family still remains a complete mystery. The past connections are starting to become dangerous. It is clear that his mysterious brother is the one in control.

Charade gives the reader a good insight to the story that is about to unfold in the Swept Away series. It gives the reader a sense of the mystery. It also gives the reader more of a sense of Bianca’s personality and drive.

I would recommend reading this novella along with the series. I am anxious to see where this series is going to next. New players are introduced in Illusion and the web of danger has been spun. The second book in the series, Disillusioned will release on March 17, 2015.

The Swept Away Series

Illusion – Book 1

Illusion is the book readers are calling a roller coaster ride of emotions. It’s achingly sexy, steaming hot, full of romance and has suspense that will keep you guessing until the last page.

Indie sensation and New York Times bestselling author of the Ex Games series and the Private Club series, J.S. Cooper introduces the Swept Away series–three new, dark and sexy romances about a woman marooned on a desert island with a mysterious stranger–but is he friend or foe?

The day started like every other day…

Bianca finds herself kidnapped and locked up in a van with a strange man. Ten hours later, they’re dumped on a deserted island. Bianca has no idea what’s going on and her attraction to this stranger is the only thing keeping her fear at bay.

Jakob wants only to figure out why they’ve been left on the island and how they can get off. But as the days go by, he can’t ignore his growing fascination with Bianca.

In order to survive, Bianca and Jakob must figure out how they’re connected, but as they grow closer, secrets are revealed that may destroy everything they thought they knew about each other.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Disillusioned – Book 2

Coming March 17, 2015

Following on the heels of Illusion, indie sensation and New York Times bestselling author J.S. Cooper brings us the second novel in the Swept Away series, a trilogy of dark and sexy romances about a woman marooned on a desert island with a sexy stranger—but is he friend or foe?

When Bianca and Jakob awake on a sandy shore in the middle of nowhere, their first thoughts are of survival. But as they explore their surroundings and try to discover who stranded them on the island, they can’t deny the electricity surging between them. Soon it’s more than just a campfire keeping them warm…

But just as Bianca is starting to trust Jakob, she uncovers a clue to their abduction—and he may know more than he’s letting on. Was Jakob just as surprised as she to find himself alone with her…or could the man she’s fallen for be her captor?

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About J. S. Cooper

Cooper is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She is a true romantic that is in love with love. The J. S. stands for Jaimie Suzi. She just thought J. S. sounded cooler! J. S. was born in London, England and moved to the States at age 17. She studied history in college and then went to law school and then decided to follow her writing dreams. J. S. writes ‘New Adult’ contemporary romance books because that is what she also loves to read.

Please join J. S. Cooper on her facebook page if you enjoy her books here: https://www.facebook.com/J.S.Cooperauthor. If you wish to get in contact, please email her at Jscooperauthor@gmail.com.

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ARC Review: Cowboy Delight by Cheryl Brooks- A Cowboy Heaven Novella

Posted on 02/03/2015 by shellbellereads

Cowboy Delight

A Cowboy Heaven Novella

By Cheryl Brooks

Synopsis

Getting stranded has never felt so good…
Lauren Allen is on her way to meet her future in-laws when her car breaks down on a scorching, dusty Texas highway. There’s no shortage of handsome cowboys turning up to save the day, but she puts her trust in local rancher Steve Williams. From the moment she shakes his hand, his warm, calloused grip makes her hotter than she knows what to do with…

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Michel’s Review

Cowboy Delight by Cheryl Brooks is the debut novella in her new Cowboy Heaven series. If you haven’t read any of Cheryl Brooks novels then you are in for a treat. She is a master at writing erotic romance. Her love scenes are sizzling hot, passionate, and believable. Her characters are well developed and easy to relate to. She always delivers a good story along with the sizzling sex.

Cowboy Delight was a very enjoyable read. I was surprised at how well developed this story was considering it was a novella. I never felt like the story was being rushed, I never felt the overall plot was slighted by the sex scenes, and I felt very satisfied with the ending. It was refreshing to read adult characters that are in their thirties and have a great sense of self along with maturity.

Lauren is on her way to meet her finances family when her car breaks down in the middle of Texas. Being stranded in no where Texas is not where Lauren wants to be. When one of the local town cowboys offers her a ride, she is ready to get going.

Steve Williams is a widower. He is considered a safe, gentlemanly cowboy. He hasn’t dated since his wife’s death a few years earlier. When he lays eyes on Lauren his heart and sexual desires are kick started once again.

Steve and Lauren seem to thrown together by fate. Mother nature lends a helping hand. Rather than getting a ride to Houston, Lauren is getting to ride Steve.

These two are perfect for one another. Will they make the right choices that will make them happy in life?

Read Cowboy Delight.

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About Cheryl Brooks

Cheryl Brooks is a former critical care nurse turned romance writer. Previously published works in her Cat Star Chronicles series include Slave, Warrior, Rogue, Outcast, Fugitive, Hero, Virgin, Stud, and Wildcat. Look for book 10 in July 2014. Her newest series is Unlikely Lovers, including Unbridled, Uninhibited, Undeniable, and Unrivaled. Other self pubs include Midnight in Reno and Sex, Love, and a Purple Bikini and If You Could Read My Mind (writing as Samantha R. Michaels).
She also has several erotic novellas published with Siren/Bookstrand
She is a member of the RWA and lives with her husband, two sons, two horses, four cats, and one dog in rural Indiana.

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ARC Review: Wake Up Maggie (The Misadventures of Maggie Mae) by Beth Yarnall- Book 1

Posted on 01/23/2015 by shellbellereads

Wake Up Maggie Mae

The Misadventures of Maggie Mae- Book 1

By Beth Yarnall

Synopsis

Making up, making out, and tracking a murderer…

A Maggie Mae Misadventure

Rearranging your cheating boyfriend’s family jewels isn’t a crime—unless your boyfriend is an Arizona state senator. And he happens to have a bullet in his chest.

Caught at the scene of the crime, Maggie Mae Castro is the only suspect, and the only one who saw the senator’s real killer—the skank ho he was cheating on her with.

FBI Special Agent Clive Poole has been shadowing the senator’s every move for nearly a year. He’s wanted Maggie from afar and knows she didn’t kill the senator, but with temptation close enough to touch, it’s now his job to protect her from danger.

Maggie finds herself falling for a man who knows everything about her, from her juvie record to her shoe size. But when they learn the senator was not what he seemed, and Maggie becomes the target of not one, but two killers bent on hiding their secrets, keeping Maggie safe is going to be even more difficult for Clive than sticking to his “hands off” policy.

Warning: Contains inappropriate make-out sessions, flying bullets, a senator with secrets, designer shoe abuse, and a vegetarian Special Agent who’s incredibly attracted to a woman who slathers her bacon cheeseburgers with PB&J. We’re talking about Maggie Mae Castro here—you never know what’s going to go down.

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Tina’s Review

Micro Novella, under 100 pages.
She’s been framed for murdering (and desecrating) her ultra-conservative senator boyfriend. He’s been surveilling the Senator for nearly a year and knows she’s not the killer. There’s a certain Stephanie Plum-esque vibe going on here. Surprisingly, there’s a full story packed in so short a page-span! The characters are likable, the dialogue is witty and smart, the plot is complete and full, it flows smoothly. The conflicts are resolved with little predictability. There’s a satisfying conclusion to this particular “episode”, with more to come. A fun, quick read!

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Author Bio:

Best selling author, Beth Yarnall writes romantic suspense, mysteries and the occasional hilarious tweet. For a number of years, Beth made her living as a hairstylist and makeup artist and co-owned a salon. Somehow hairstylists and salons always seem to find their way into her stories. Beth lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their dog where she is hard at work on her next novel.

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Review: Sunny With A Chance Of True Love: The Ballad of Ugly Ross by Jessie Evans – Lonesome Point , Texas Novella

Posted on 01/23/2015 by shellbellereads

Sunny With A Chance Of True Love : The Ballad of Ugly Ross

Lone Point, Texas Novella

By Jessie Evans

Synopsis

A sweet and steamy Lonesome Point Novella by New York Times Bestselling author Jessie Evans

One voice can save a life; one heart can bring you home…

Ross Dyer is ready to give up on love. The sweet, sleepy-eyed cowboy has always danced to the tune of a different drummer, but after being dumped by his latest girlfriend, he’s beginning to think he’ll spend his life dancing–and sleeping–alone. Add in the impending failure of his newly opened restaurant, due to a smear campaign being waged by his childhood nemesis, and Ross doesn’t have much reason to care if the armadillo sees his shadow on Armadillo Day. Whether Lonesome Point has six more weeks of winter or not, his life forecast is looking more foul than fair.

And then she comes home and nothing is the same again.

Fourteen years ago, Elodie Prince was a scared little girl who was neglected at home and bullied at school. In her dark world, the only light was a sweet boy everyone called Ugly Ross, who, to her, was always beautiful. When she returns to Lonesome Point to find her childhood friend has grown into a man as handsome as he is kind, she can’t help falling in love.

Elodie and Ross dive head first into Happily Ever After, but find their future threatened by a vicious blast from the past. Because some bullies never grow up, they only grow meaner, and more determined to snuff out the lights of the things that shine.

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Tracey’s Review

“Because heroes come in all sizes and shapes, love is as real at twelve as it is at fifty-two, and love makes even the most timid hearts brave.”

Ross Dyer and Elodie Prince have always been there for each other. Even way back when they were kids, they each saw something special in the other, and were there to be the other’s safe place. But life, as life will, took Elodie away from Lonesome Point, leaving the both of them with only the memory of a love that had just started to blossom. When life intervenes once again, bringing Elodie back to town some fourteen years later, it’s as though the tiny seed never really died, but was just waiting for the perfect moment to bloom.

This book may be little, but, oh my goodness, it is like finding an unexpected treasure. Jessie Evans continues to delight me with her stories of regular folks that are not regular at all. Ross and Elodie are so special, having seen that spark in each other that no one else could glimpse. Their feelings for each other allow them to grow, to become stronger and unafraid to stand up to the bullies that made their childhoods miserable, and it is a joy to behold.

“Sometimes you have to to take a risk, no matter how slim your chances of success. Some things – like beautiful girls with magical smiles – are worth it.”

In all of her Lonesome Point, TX, books, Jessie creates an atmosphere of love, of community, of a place and people that take care of their own. I love this series and the characters so much that I sped through Sunny With A Chance of True Love in just a couple of hours, happily revisiting characters from previous books, like Tulsi’s daughter Clementine, who is a firecracker, and had me laughing out loud with her snarky comments. And, like all of Jessie’s men, I am in love with Ross, who, despite his childhood nickname is the opposite of ugly. His dedication to Elodie, and his willingness to stand his moral ground for her, and for himself, against bullies and thugs, shows that, truly, beauty is as beauty does. As ever, five heartwarming and romantic stars for Ross, Elodie, and Lonesome Point, TX.

_______________________________
About Jessie Evans

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Jessie Evans, gave up a career as an international woman of mystery to write the sexy, contemporary Southern romances she loves to read.

She’s married to the man of her dreams, and together they’re raising a few adorable, mischievous children in a cottage in the jungle. She grew up in rural Arkansas, spending summers running wild, being chewed by chiggers, and now appreciates her home in a chigger-free part of the world even more.

When she’s not writing, Jessie enjoys playing her dulcimer (badly), sewing the worlds ugliest quilts to give to her friends, going for bike rides with her house full of boys, and drifting in and out on the waves, feeling thankful for sun, surf, and lovely people to share them with.

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Saucy Southern Readers

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Tag Archives: Novella

Summer Reads… Five Days Until You by Monica Murphy- A One Week Girlfriend Novella

Happy Release + Excerpt: Adored by Lexi Blake – A Masters and Mercenaries Novella – 1001 Dark Nights

We are so excited to bring you the Blog Tour for Lexi Blake’s ADORED! ADORED is a Contemporary Erotic Romance novella in Lexi’s Masters and Mercenaries Series! Check it out below and grab your copy today!!

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Release Blitz + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: Hard To Be Good by Laura Kaye – Hard Ink Series- Book 3.5 – Novella

We are so, so excited to bring you guy the Release Week Blitz for Laura Kaye’s HARD TO BE GOOD!! HARD TO BE GOOD is a novella in Laura’s Hard Ink Series, published by Avon Romance. We absolutely love Laura’s Hard Ink men and are so excited to see Jeremy and Charlie get their HEA!!

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HARD TO BE GOOD on Goodreads

Hard As It Gets

Hard As You Can

Hard to Hold On To

Hard To Come By

Blog Tour + Review: Only For Her by Cristin Harber- Only Series – Book 2

Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway : Changing Everything by Molly McAdams – Forgiving Lies Series – Novella – Book 2.5

Happy Release + Review : Shoulda Been A Cowboy by Maisey Yates – Copper Ridge Series – Novella

Review: Charade by J. S. Cooper – Prequel to Swept Away Series -Book 1.5- Novella

ARC Review: Cowboy Delight by Cheryl Brooks- A Cowboy Heaven Novella

ARC Review: Wake Up Maggie (The Misadventures of Maggie Mae) by Beth Yarnall- Book 1

Review: Sunny With A Chance Of True Love: The Ballad of Ugly Ross by Jessie Evans – Lonesome Point , Texas Novella

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We are so excited to bring you the Blog Tour for Lexi Blake’s ADORED! ADORED is a Contemporary Erotic Romance novella in Lexi’s Masters and Mercenaries Series! Check it out below and grab your copy today!!

Buy:

ADORED Synopsis:

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We are so, so excited to bring you guy the Release Week Blitz for Laura Kaye’s HARD TO BE GOOD!! HARD TO BE GOOD is a novella in Laura’s Hard Ink Series, published by Avon Romance. We absolutely love Laura’s Hard Ink men and are so excited to see Jeremy and Charlie get their HEA!!

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