Release Day Blitz: Stone Cold Touch- The Dark Elements Series- Book 2

Posted on 10/21/2014 by shellbellereads

We are thrilled to bring you the Release Day Launch for Jennifer L. Armentrout’s STONE COLD TOUCH! STONE COLD TOUCH is the second full-length novel in Jennifer’s The Dark Elements Series, a young adult paranormal romance being published by Harlequin Teen!!

Amazon Barnes and Noble Kobo ** iTunes

STONE COLD TOUCH Synopsis:

Every touch has its price

Layla Shaw is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life—no easy task for a seventeen-year-old who’s pretty sure things can’t get worse. Her impossibly gorgeous best friend, Zayne, is forever off-limits thanks to the mysterious powers of her soul-stealing kiss. The Warden clan that has always protected her is suddenly keeping dangerous secrets. And she can barely think about Roth, the wickedly hot demon prince who understood her in ways no one else could.

But sometimes rock bottom is only the beginning. Because suddenly Layla’s powers begin to evolve, and she’s offered a tantalizing taste of what has always been forbidden. Then, when she least expects it, Roth returns, bringing news that could change her world forever. She’s finally getting what she always wanted, but with hell literally breaking loose and the body count adding up, the price may be higher than Layla is willing to pay…

EXCERPT:

I’d remained in bed after that, trying to sort through the odd tingling in my chest. There was a slight smile on my lips, because Zayne…well, he’d made my day, but then I’d remember what Roth had said to me the night before and the smile would wash away as if it had never been there.

I probably needed to get used to the whiplash mood swings.

It wasn’t until after dinner that I decided to scrub a day’s worth of gunk off myself. Gingerly, I peeled the bandage off, happy to find that the cut in my arm was healing as expected. I didn’t need to cover it anymore. The arm was still tender, but the Warden blood in me was quickly undoing the damage from the iron.

After changing into fresh pj’s, like a total hermit, I padded over to my desk, where I’d left my cell phone. It had been on silent all day and when I tapped the screen, I wasn’t surprised to see a slew of texts from Stacey.

Where r u?

R u skipping, u ho?

A minute later: Your locker misses u. Guess u sick with the herp?

Oh my God. I laughed out loud, grinning as I thumbed through her texts. Our bio sub is still hot. U r missing this.

Bio is lonely.

My boobs miss u. How weird is that?

That was notably weird and yet not surprising.

If I get my cell taken from me, it’s ur fault.

Holy shit, Layla, where r u?!?

Air punched out of my lungs as I read the next text and the several following them.

U have no idea who just walked into bio!!!

Roth is here!

Holy Canola oil, why aren’t u here to witness this?

Ok. He says he had mono. Srlsy? Do people still get mono? And who in the duck was he kissing? A second later—Duck? I didn’t mean duck. That’s SO not what I meant, autocorrect.

Another text had come in about fifteen minutes after the last one. He asked where u were. I told him u joined a cult. I laughed. He didn’t.

Finally, the last text was to call her if I wasn’t dead.

“What in the Hell?” I tossed my cell onto the bed, mouth hanging open.

And don’t forget! The choice is yours…

Beginning today you’ll have 3 weeks to visit the series website, www.thedarkelementsseries.com, to take a poll and decide which guy Layla should ultimately choose in the final book in the trilogy, Every Last Breath.

At the end of 3 weeks, we will tally all the votes, and that’s when Jennifer L. Armentrout will start writing Every Last Breath. The guy who gets the most votes is the one Layla will pick.

To prevent early spoilers, we’re not going to reveal who won the poll in advance…you’ll have to wait until Every Last Breath goes on sale on July 28th, 2015 to find out whether Zayne or Roth wins Layla in the end. We promise the book will be epic and definitely worth the wait!

Who do you want Layla to end up with? Go to www.thedarkelementsseries.com and vote for your choice!

About Jennifer L. Armentrout:

# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV.

She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Series Website | Website | Twitter | Facebook | Jennifer L. Armentrout Goodreads | STONE COLD TOUCH Goodreads

Release Day Blitz + Giveaway: Stay by Alyssa Rose Ivy-The Empire Chronicles-Book 3

Posted on 10/20/2014 by shellbellereads

Stay

The Empire Chronicles Series- Book 3

By Alyssa Rose Ivy

Amazon Barnes & Nobles iTunes

Synopsis

Nothing could possibly get worse. Everything and everyone that could be in jeopardy already is, and Jared knows that he is The Society’s only hope. If he doesn’t find a way to escape he fails everyone including Vera, the bear shifter he can’t seem to get out of his head.

Casey and Toby are in love. Head over heels in love, but is their love strong enough to survive a magic so powerful that Casey’s mind is no longer in her control?

Vera will do anything to help her sister, and unfortunately that means she is well acquainted with Jared, the most frustrating man she has ever met. Now she has to find a way to fight her annoyance and growing attraction long enough to help save Levi and Allie.

Racing against the clock, all four must face their greatest fears to save The Society and all the people they love.

STAY Excerpt:

“Then just kiss me already. Get it over with.”

“Kiss you? Are you kidding?”

“No.”

“I already told you I’m not sleeping with you.”

“Then just shut up.” She yanked on my shirt pulling me toward her. Her lips were on mine before I could process it. My lips responded immediately, greedily sucking on her bottom lip before pushing my way into her mouth.

She moaned, eagerly letting me in. My tongue tangled with hers, as I explored every corner of her mouth. Before my hands could do their own exploration she broke the kiss. “So much better.” She hopped down from the bar.

“Excuse me?” I was still spinning from the kiss. Had she really stopped that suddenly?

“Ok, let’s talk about the plan.”

“Now?” I asked with disbelief. “After that?”

“You could say thank you.”

“Thank you?”

“For easing the tension. It was thick enough to cut with a knife, but I preferred your tongue.”

“So that’s it? You just did that to ease sexual tension?”

“What did you think I was doing?”

“Giving in to your desires.” My eyes devoured her. Her tank top had pulled up when we were kissing, exposing even more smooth skin I wanted to touch.

“You mean our desires. There’s nothing one sided here.”

I glanced down at the bulge still obvious in my pants.“You’ve got that right.”

“You’re not a bad kisser.”

“Not bad?” I raised an eyebrow.

“I’d say you’re a seven.”

“A seven? I’m a ten. I’m a ten at everything involving sex.” I had no confidence issues in that department. No matter how pissed girls got at me, they never complained about the sex.

“But that wasn’t sex. Your dick wasn’t involved. I’m sure you rely on it to earn you points.”

“I don’t just rely on my dick.”

“Oh yeah? Well your tongue seems a little bit out of practice. Not using it much?”

“I use it plenty.”

“Oh. My mistake.” She licked her lips. “Anyway back to that plan.”

Alyssa Rose Ivy Bio:

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Pinterest ** Author Goodreads

Giveaway

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Release Day Blitz: Three And Out by Meghan Quinn- Love and Sports Series- Book 3

Posted on 10/20/2014 by shellbellereads

Title: Three and Out

Love and Sports Series- Book 3

Author: Meghan Quinn

Synopsis

Piper was dead to him.

The minute she walked out the door on Mason, he was done.

D.O.N.E.

Now, three months later, he’s still trying to act like he doesn’t care. Like his heart hasn’t been torn into shreds and obliterated beyond recognition.

But it’s not working.

He’s broken and beyond repair.

Then Piper goes missing.

Mason tries to show the world he doesn’t care, but his world is flipped upside down.

A vulnerable Mason finds help in an unexpected place and it’s an offer he can’t refuse.

The knot that has been gripping Mason’s heart slowly starts to unravel and he’s starting to look into his future…

Three and Out runs through the lives of Mason and his friends while they struggle to find love and keep it in their hectic, crazy, drama twisted lives.

Not everyone is meant to be and not everyone who you think should be together, will end up together in the final installment of the Love and Sports series.

Buy: Amazon

Excerpt:

“Woah, careful there.”

“Damn, wet floor. Like mopping is going to make it any better looking.”

Jax’s ears perked up at hearing a familiar voice. He lifted them both up so they were standing. The woman was brushing off her navy blue, hip-hugging skirt, so he couldn’t tell who it was, but when she looked up, Jax instantly knew why he recognized the woman’s voice.

“Brooke?”

Her eyes widened, and then recognition fell over her features.

“Jax. Wow, never thought I would ever cross paths with you again. How’s it going?”

“Alright, and yourself?”

As Brooke talked about her new clothing line and her little apartment in downtown Denver, Jax took her all in. Her hair was short now, just below chin length, and styled to frame her face. Her body was the same rocking figure he remembered from when he met her at the bar, that awkward night his boys and Jake Taylor all hung out before a pre-season game, and for some reason, her eyes were brighter than he remembered, as if she was breathing a new life.

Tracey’s Review

Mason is done with love. He’s had his heart broken, and he’s not about to go through THAT again, so he does what any self-respecting pro football star would do: he’s leaving a trail of conquests a mile long, while having the time of his life, or so he’d like to believe.

THREE AND OUT is the final book in the Love and Sports series by Meghan Quinn. And, while it is largely Mason’s and Piper’s book, it is really an ensemble story, like the others in the series. Jax and Brooke, Ryker and Hannah, Jesse and Ashlin are all featured as well, as Meghan brings the series full-circle and gives everyone the ending that they need. Even Lexi and Jake make an appearance, and it’s nice to see the crazy kids from the first book, still happily together several years down the line.

I enjoyed this book a lot. Meghan has written characters that are so nuts that you can’t help but love them, with all their quirks, insecurities, and issues. The dialogue made me laugh out loud, and I am just a little bit in love with every one of the obnoxious guys in this book. I feel like the writing, which was not bad, but more immature in the first book, has vastly improved, and is much more polished and readable. I would very much recommend this read, as much for the zany cast of characters as the storyline that rounds out the series in a very satisfying way.

Have a look at Book 1 and 2 of the Love and Sports series.

Fair Catch (Love and Sports, #1)

Training, playing ball and studying is Lexi’s life and it never seems to bother her until her friend, Parker Hill, points out to her that sweat pants on a Friday night while watching sappy romance movies isn’t really living up her last year in college. Lexi didn’t see the need to party since she didn’t know what the hell she was doing with her life after college but her friends wouldn’t take no for an answer. Little did she know going to the first party of the season was going to flip her world upside down.

Jake Taylor, starting quarterback for Cal U and campus heart throb spent his entire college career, partying, getting drunk and winning football games but it is all finally catching up to him. He is ready to throw in the towel of his partying days when he decides to have one more last fling. That is when he runs into the one person that could turn his life inside out.

Lexi wants nothing to do with Jake and his partying ways but after one bet gone wrong , she finds herself on a date with the annoyingly obnoxious, egotistical heart throb. Even though she wants nothing to do with him, she finds herself gravitating toward him and giving into his charm. They fall hard and fast for each other as they find love, comfort and a home. They live in their own littler world where nothing matters besides the love they share for each other.

But love isn’t enough for Lexi when she is trying to find her way after college. She slowly sinks into Jake’s shadow and finds herself clawing out of the Jake sized hole she buried herself in so she can find who she is, who she wants to be and what her future holds for her.

Fair Catch is a true love story that goes through the trials and tribulations of Jake and Lexi’s insecurities, jealousies, short comings and strong personalities. Love is one hell of a strong bond but sometimes, it’s not strong enough. Follow Jake and Lexi as they try to hold on to the love they share while they try to find themselves and find out what life is after graduation.

Goodreads // Amazon // Barnes & Noble

Lexi Knox is the golden girl at Cal U. Captain of the softball team, she’s smart, beautiful, and a fantastic athlete. She’s also sure that she doesn’t want anything to do with Jake Taylor, quarterback of the Cal U football team, and jerk with a capital ‘J’. But Jake wants Lexi, and he’s willing to do his best to persuade her that he’s a changed man.

FAIR CATCH is the first book in the Love and Sports series by Meghan Quinn. Reading this book was like watching a tennis match. The interactions between Jake and Lexi were so back-and-forth that it was sometimes hard to keep up with the way that they kept changing their minds about their relationship. Luke has a well-earned reputation as a manwhore, having slept with practically then entire women’s athletics department at the university, so he’s got his work cut out for him to convince Lexi that he’s done with all of that, and ready to be a one-woman guy. And Lexi has all sorts of family drama, and has a hard time showing her real self to Jake, opting instead to throw in the towel with little convincing reason. This is New Adult, though, so I could forgive a lot of this, if not actually appreciate it. The supporting characters, especially Parker and Margo, made this a much more enjoyable read for me.

FAIR CATCH is the first book in a trilogy, and, since I like Meghan’s writing style, I will continue to read the series, and look forward to seeing the characters grow and mature in the subsequent installments.
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Double Coverage (Love and Sports, #2)

Unfortunate inconvenience, that is the way Piper describes her encounter with Mason Dashel. From the minute the alpha male interrupts her morning after hangover on the airplane, she can’t stand to be near the egotistical maniac with a booming voice and annoying sex appeal. But to her misfortune she finds herself not only having to spend time with him at their best friends’ wedding but she also can’t seem to shake the infuriating man in her everyday life.

Psychotic Una-bomber with the constant mensies is the way Mason describes his flying companion, Piper Shores. After a horrific break up with his now ex, Brooke, he finds himself being engulfed by the temperamental red head that just so happens to be the maid of honor to one of his best friends, Lexi. Even though she grates on his every nerve, he can’t help but want a piece of her.

The two are like oil and water, a science experiment ready to explode any second but they can’t help but be drawn to each other. The only problem is… there are other people they are involved with who not only prevent Mason and Piper from being together, but interrupt any chance they have at making a relationship work.

Goodreads // Amazon

About Meghan Quinn:

When I was in high school I occasionally read books but was consumed by other teenage things so I didn’t take the time to appreciate a good book on a cloudy day, wrapped up in a blanket on the couch, besides “The Notebook” I made time to read the heartbreaking novel.

It wasn’t until I received a Kindle for Christmas one year that my world completely flipped upside down. When looking for books, I came across the Contemporary Romance genre and was sold and I haven’t turned back since.

You can either find my head buried in my Kindle, listening to inspiring heart ripping music or typing away on the computer twisting and turning the lives of my characters while driving my readers crazy with anticipation.

I am currently residing in beautiful Colorado Springs where the sun is always shining and there is a trail waiting to be hiked on every corner. I share a lovely and warm home with the love of my life and my five, four-legged children.

Website // Twitter // Facebook // Goodreads

Release Day Blitz + Giveaway: Intensity by C.C. Koen

Posted on 10/20/2014 by shellbellereads

Intensity

By C.C. Koen

Synopsis

What would you do to improve your life?

Twenty-one-year-old Serena Thomas is faced with a tough decision. Unable to get ahead of debt and loneliness since her grandmother’s death she finds a new job, placing the sheltered virgin in an underground escort business. She tells herself it’s just a temporary life choice, but destiny has a different plan. She meets a mysterious and gorgeous man, who happens to be her new boss. Will Serena fit in or will she be left all alone again?

Lincoln (aka: Linc) Jefferson has an unusual life. He established The Lounge, an exclusive escort club for very personal reasons. A place where the women say who, when, and what type of sex they’re willing to have. The escorts possess all the power and the money. It’s a business Linc guards at all costs. Trying to maintain the secrecy is a constant challenge and one that’s tested when he enters into a relationship with Serena. She tempts him unlike any woman, even though he’s surrounded by beauty on a daily basis. The more time they spend together the harder it is for him to keep his secrets. Will Serena stand by his side or will she abandon him?

Sparks and passion fly, taking these two on a journey neither could have expected.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Kobo / Smashwords

Excerpt

I turned toward the frameless picture windows lining the entire exterior wall and was presented with a breathtaking, unobstructed view of the harbor. Smack dab in the middle, behind an antique mahogany desk, stood the tallest, most impressive man I’d ever seen. The black suit he wore matched the surroundings, professional and sleek. The top three buttons on his white shirt undone, dark sprigs of hair peeked through and begged for my attention.

As I got closer, his eyes scanned me from head, to chest, to hips and up and down my long legs at least three times, resting on my ruby-red tiptoes.

Ha! Two could play at that game. Using the exact pace he did, I snapped mental pictures of every God given, Mr. Universe muscle. A wavy black ponytail, pulled tight at the nape, crested his wide shoulders and dipped to mid-chest, bringing my journey to a momentary pause. A taut dress shirt molded to his pecs became an instant favorite and preference I didn’t know I had. As I gravitated lower, the desk impeded my view, coming to rest at his waist and a nondescript silver belt buckle. My eyes drifted back up, wishing I could see more, but his tailored jacket without a hint of lint on it kept him hidden. Still, from what I could take in, the man had sin engraved all over him.

I stopped in front of his desk and realized my earlier assessment of him had been right. My six five in heels, shrunk to five feet the way he towered over me by several inches. “Linc?” The wispiness of my voice made me cringe. Way to go, Serena.

His answer, one sharp nod. In the corners around each eye, little wrinkles appeared as he took another long journey over my body. Knees locked together, I tried hard not to fidget. “I’m Serena. Mylaynee said my interview was at twelve thirty. I’m a little early. I didn’t mean to interrupt if you were in the middle of something.” Damn, there I went, rambling. Yeah, that would have him eating out of my hands.

Linc rounded the desk, coming toe to toe.

“You’re a virgin.”

Author Bio:

C.C. Koen writes contemporary romance with a twist. An avid reader who enjoys mystery and suspense, her stories will never be what you expect. Determined to find adventure in her dreams and life, she enjoys skydiving, sailing and any activity that challenges her. Teacher by day, romance writer at night produce an active imagination that comes to life in her writing. Intensity is her debut novel.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Giveaway

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Release Blitz + Giveaway: Something Like Redemption by Monica James- Something Like Normal Series-Book 2

Posted on 10/15/2014 by shellbellereads

Something Like Redemption

Something Like Normal Series- Book 2

By Monica James

Synopsis

Some secrets are best left untold…

Mia Lee escaped to the sleepy little town of South Boston, Virginia with the intent to be normal, and to find a place she could call home.

Sadly for Mia, her past has come back with a vengeance, and forced her to flee yet again.

This time, however, she’s not alone…

Mia and Quinn are on the run, fleeing for their lives, while attempting to prove their innocence for a crime they did not commit.

But with a tainted past like Mia’s, it was inevitable that one day, it was going to catch up to her in a way she never fathomed.

One ill-fated decision leads to an explosion of unimaginable events, and now Mia and Quinn are not only running for their lives, but also, for their redemption.

Buy: Amazon / Kobo

Something Like Normal- Book 1

Mia Lee has a secret…

A secret she’s kept hidden since she was eight years old, however, Mia will no longer allow that secret to define her.

An irrevocable decision has left Mia Lee a fugitive and on the run—a circumstance that should leave her weak and scared, yet Mia has never felt so alive.

Under the pseudonym of Paige Cassidy, Mia is ready to live the life she’s never had, and she’s determined not to allow her tainted past dictate her promising future.

Paige is on a Greyhound bus heading from L.A. to South Boston, Virginia, to start a new life.

A life that includes finding her mother, who abandoned her at age three. But what she finds, is four people, who will change her life forever.

Yet no one can outrun their past…

Especially one filled with bitter memories, which refuse to remain hidden.

Buy: Amazon / Kobo / Barnes and Noble

Author Bio:

Monica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare and Emily Dickinson.

When she is not writing, Monica is busy running her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two.

She enjoys writing honest, heartfelt and turbulent stories, hoping to leave an imprint on her readers, and her inspiration comes from every day life. She is an Amazon best selling author in the US, UK, Canada and Australia.

Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her wonderful family, and menagerie of animals.

She is slightly obsessed with cats, chucks and lip gloss, and secretly wishes she was a ninja on the weekends

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

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Release Day Blitz + Giveaway: Fractured Lines by Jen McLaughlin

Posted on 10/14/2014 by shellbellereads

Fractured Lines by Jen McLaughlin was released today! This is an adult, standalone novel that is part of the Out of Line series. Be sure to check out the links below and the contest for some hand-made items by Jen!

BOOK BLURB:

The lines we once crossed so easily have widened and torn us apart…

Once upon a time I thought Finn and I would live happily ever after, but real life doesn’t always have a happy ending. He’s testing my trust, and I’m losing faith in the man I thought I’d spend the rest of my life with, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it. He’s the one I trusted to keep me safe, but now he’s the source of my greatest pain…

Forgiveness is fragile, and some fractures never fully heal…

One mistake—a slip in a moment of weakness—might cost me everything I’ve worked so hard for. The thing about trust is that it’s a lot easier to lose than it is to build. Just as I’m about to give up and surrender to the demons from my past, an unexpected threat reminds me what I’m best at: protecting the woman I love. Whether or not she wants me, I will fight for Carrie and our daughter, and I will keep them safe—no matter the cost.

Even if I have to put my life and my heart on the line.

PURCHASE LINKS:

Amazon / Kobo

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Jen McLaughlin is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of sexy New Adult books. Under her pen name Diane Alberts, she is a multi-published, bestselling author of Contemporary Romance with Entangled Publishing. Her first release as Jen McLaughlin, Out of Line, released September 6 2013, and hit the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal lists. She was mentioned in Forbes alongside E. L. James as one of the breakout independent authors to dominate the bestselling lists. She is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.
Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal-clear water. Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal-clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, and a cat. Her goal is to write so many well-crafted romance books that even a non-romance reader will know her name.

Website: http://dianealberts.com/
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/DianeAlberts6
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DianeAlberts
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6921962.Jen_McLaughlin

Release Day Blitz + Giveaway: Collateral by Callie Hart- Blood & Roses Series, Book 6

Posted on 10/14/2014 by shellbellereads

Collateral

Blood & Roses Series- Book 6

By Callie Hart

Synopsis

The final instalment of Zeth & Sloane’s story is here!

With Lacey missing and everything falling apart, Sloane and Zeth will do everything they can to get her back. If that includes facing off against Charlie Holsan, the DEA, and anyone else who gets in their way, then so be it.

Faced with heartbreak, danger, and the increasing need to protect the ones he loves, Zeth Mayfair is finally realizing what it means to have a family. With her fears coming full circle, Sloane must learn that forgiveness is the only way to move forward.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Excerpt

“Pain is a strange thing, Sloane,” he says softly. “People have entirely the wrong idea about it. From birth, children are coddled and panicked over when they hurt themselves, so they grow up believing it’s a bad thing. As soon as their nerve endings start sending feedback to the brain, their fear receptors kick in. They freak the fuck out. What do they teach you in medical school about pain?”

“It’s a survival technique,” I whisper.

Zeth moves closer—I can sense him standing before me. All I need to do is reach up and touch him, but I know I shouldn’t. It’s not my role. “Right,” Zeth says. “But that doesn’t mean we should be afraid of it. We should embrace it. Relish it. Know the limits of our pain, and understand what we can tolerate.” Something hard presses against my cheek, and my hands, resting on top of my thighs, automatically curl into fists. “I know what you can tolerate, Sloane. I’ve told you that before, and you’ve trusted me. Do you trust me now?”

“Yes. I trust you.”

Deviant– Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Fracture– Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Burn– Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Fallen– Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Twisted– Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes

Author Bio:

Callie Hart is an obsessive romantic who loves throwing a dark twist into her stories. Her characters are imperfect, flawed individuals who dictate when she eats, sleeps and breathes. Callie’s Internationally Bestselling Blood & Roses series has garnered well over 1000 5 star reviews.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY

Grand Prize Winner – Kindle Paper White
Deviant paperback w/ signed book plate + a $5 Amazon or iBooks gift card
Deviant paperback w/ signed book plate + a $5 Amazon or iBooks gift card
Limited Edition signed paperback bundled set of the entire Blood & Roses series
Limited Edition signed paperback bundled set of the entire Blood & Roses series

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MDk5NjRmMDM5ZDM4YTBjYWM0YzAyYzM0NGI2ODRhOjQ4MQ==/

Release Day Blitz + Giveaway: Alex by Sawyer Bennett- Cold Fury Hockey Series- Book 1

Posted on 10/14/2014 by shellbellereads

Cold Fury Hockey Series

New Adult Contemporary

Released October 14, 2014

Published by LoveSwept (Random House)

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iBooks

Hockey star Alexander Crossman has a reputation as a cold-hearted player on and off the rink. Pushed into the sport by an alcoholic father, Alex isn’t afraid to give fans the proverbial middle finger, relishing his role as the MVP they love to hate. Management, however, isn’t so amused. Now Alex has a choice: fix his public image through community service or ride the bench. But Alex refuses to be molded into the Carolina Cold Fury poster boy . . . not even by a tempting redhead with killer curves.

As a social worker, Sutton Price is accustomed to difficult people—like Alex, who’s been assigned to help her create a drug-abuse awareness program for at-risk youth as part of the team’s effort to clean up his image. What she doesn’t expect is the arrogant smirk from his perfect lips to stir her most heated fantasies. But Sutton isn’t one to cross professional boundaries—and besides, Alex doesn’t do relationships . . . or does he? The more she sees behind Alex’s bad-boy façade, the more Sutton craves the man she uncovers.

Michel’s Review

Sawyer Bennett has a fabulous new series featuring hot hockey players. The Cold Fury series is a Stanley Cup win! I am addicted to the Cold Fury icemen.

Alex is book one in the Cold Fury series. He is a superstar player on the ice with a very nasty attitude. He is not a team player. He has anger issues that follow him outside of the rink. He is the most hated player in the league and on his team. Does he care? Hell no! He is biding his time, playing the game as long as he can, socking his money away, and looking forward to giving the sport his preverbal finger when he no longer has to play. But until that time he has to jump through the hoops and learn to play nice. Management has ordered him to fix his public image and do community service.

What starts out as a mandatory visit to help social worker Sutton Price with her anti drug project turns into more than wanting to get into her pants. She has a way of drawing people in with an understanding smile, a non judgmental attitude, and actions that speak louder than words. Not only is Sutton teaching Alex how to love himself, she is teaching him to love the game he clearly detests.

Alex is an emotional story that will take the reader by complete surprise. This book is not about your typical bad ass hockey player with an ego larger than life. This story is about a man that has been severely abused and wounded in the harshest way. It is a story of healing, acceptance, and love.

Sutton and Alex are magical together. They share a passion that is timeless. Together they find the perfect balance in life.

The secondary characters in this story will steal your heart as well. Alex by Sawyer Bennett has earned it’s name in the winner’s circle. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, Garrett, coming February 17, 2015. This man stood behind Alex when no other teammates would. He has a story that is going to steal our hearts.

I highly recommend Alex by Sawyer Bennett.

About the Author

USA Today Best-Selling author, Sawyer Bennett, is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. She is married to a mobster (well, a market researcher) and they have two big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

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Release Day Blitz + Giveaway: Love Me Later by Libby Rice-A Second Chances Novel

Posted on 10/14/2014 by shellbellereads

Scarlet Leore enjoys a glittering existence amongst society’s elite. Ethan Blake is a prizefighter knocking his way through school, counting on his winnings to bankroll the dreams that won’t fit in a boxing ring. When the two meet, neither can deny the instant attraction that wells between the hulking fighter and the heiress who is miles and millions out of his league. But a vicious attack leaves Scarlet physically and emotionally battered, and for Ethan, her allure crumbles along with the rest of his life after she accuses him of wielding the knife.

Years later, Scarlet has abandoned the high life for that of a hard-working lawyer, while Ethan has clawed his way to the pinnacle of a business empire. Drawn into his world of high-stakes tech mergers, they dance to a tune of revenge, desire, and finally, redemption. But their world won’t tolerate an attorney falling for her client. They’ll need more than lust and forgiveness. They must bridge the chasm of a tormented past to understand who they are today. Only then can they forge a future in the face of the resurging enemy who once tore them apart.

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Excerpt

Ethan’s hand slipped to Scarlet’s neck, and she inched away. Sober again, her face had lost its dreamy tranquility. “Here’s the interesting thing, Ethan. I don’t owe you or anyone else a play-by-play of my checkbook balance. Contrary to what you obviously believe, I don’t owe you anything.”

He let a slow smile spread across his face. “A pity, that.” A rush of pride at her defensive posturing swirled into the potent desire he’d stopped denying.

Mute, she blinked at him, chewing almost violently at her lower lip until he brought his fingertips to her mouth. “Don’t.” His emotions yo-yoed. One minute, he welcomed her worry. The next, he couldn’t bear to witness it.

Jerking away from his seeking fingers, she burst out, “No.” Her eyes widened in shock before she added, “I’m not for you.”

“Really?” he asked silkily. “Then who are you for?”

He didn’t think she’d answer. But after a second, a reply too raw to be fabricated slipped out. “Maybe no one.”

Her honesty stripped his defenses. “I disagree. You’re too…” Beautiful, alive, real. “You can have anyone.”

“Except Ethan Blake.”

“Especially Ethan Blake.” Or at least parts of him.

She turned away without another word, her petite form huddling under her lap blanket, curling into the seat toward the window. The posture showcased her slender neck and a few pale tendrils that had escaped her updo to curl invitingly against her flesh.

Grinding his teeth in frustration, he fought to kick-start lungs that refused to function properly. The tension inside him grew to an excruciating pitch until his breathing tripped, and he barely resisted the urge to drag her to him.

Then his willpower gave him a big “fuck you.” He shoved his laptop beneath the seat, stowed his tray table, and reached for her. “Scarlet, let me—”

“Leave it.” The words were harsh, signifying an end to his inquisition, whether he liked it or not. “I told you—”

“Hush.” He dragged a hand from the nape of her neck, down her spine, and up again. “Shh.” He kept stroking, occasionally switching to knead the tension from her slim neck and shoulders until he felt her relax into the seat. Anticipation leapt in his chest when she accepted his touch. Leaning in, he placed a lush, closed-mouth kiss against her nape, her delicious floral scent coiling in the back of his brain.

Purposefully avoiding anything threatening or overtly sexual—for now—Ethan used his hands and mouth to first relax and then to gradually arouse, saying nothing for long minutes as he continued the gentle massage. Finally, her body went lax in his arms, and he traced the shell of her delicate ear with his tongue, marveling at his first taste of her skin.

It was like he remembered. One feel, and he would do anything, forgive anything, for another.

“Can I touch you?” He prayed for a yes, doubting his ability to tame the need that steamrolled in through his fingertips.

“You are touching me,” she answered, her voice husky but uncertain as she flattened her hands over the window shade. The motion caused her to rock back into his arms as though she were unsure as to why she responded to him the way she did, but was really interested in finding out.

He arched into her, silently pleading for her to take more from him. “Scarlet? Can I make you feel good?” Use my body to pleasure yours?

Michel’s Review

Love Me Later by Libby Rice is a second chance romance. This book was a combination of romantic suspense and second chance romance. It was a story of two young people flirting with their attraction until violence stepped in a reared it’s ugly head. This violence affected both of their lives in different ways and left scars beyond healing. The anger, resentment, fear, and mixed feelings for one another have slow simmered throughout the years. They are brought back together through business transactions. They find their attraction to one another is still as hot as the first time they layer eyes on one another. They will have to let go of the past to move forward. Just as things start moving forward, their lives are once again interrupted from the true culprit from the past.

Love Me Later had an intricate plot that kept the readers at the edge of their seats. The suspense was full of high tension. The author did a fabulous job in this aspect of the story.

The characters were a bit flat. They did not come to life and jump off the pages. Their relationship and interactions with one another seemed like strangers coming together rather than two lovers burning up for one another. The love scenes did not feel intimate. They were somewhat mechanical.

I think this author has potential to become a very strong writer. Her plot and story flow was excellent. I hope that she will make her characters a little more personal in future books.

If you are looking for a good romantic suspense, Love Me Later will not disappoint.

Libby Rice Bio:

Before becoming a writer, Libby was first a mechanical engineer in the data acquisition industry (voltmeter anyone?). Preferring writing to technical design, Libby headed to law school and eventually practiced patent law for several enterprising years (patent application covering a voltmeter anyone?). Finally realizing that technology just wasn’t her bag, she traded the voltmeters for alpha heroes and the women who love them.

Today, Libby writes contemporary romances from the foot of the Rocky Mountains, where she lives with her husband, a bona fide rocket scientist (he stuck with the voltmeters!). When not writing, Libby loves good food, even better wine, and traveling the world in search of the next great story.

Libby loves hearing from readers! Join the fun at http://www.libbyrice.com, where you can sign up for Libby’s new-release e-newsletter, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram.

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Release Blitz: The Beauty Series Bundle by Georgia Cates

Posted on 10/13/2014 by shellbellereads

The New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Best-selling Beauty Series is now available in a single volume.

BEAUTY FROM PAIN: Aussie winemaker Jack McLachlan and
American musician Laurelyn Prescott agree to a three month relationship while
keeping their true identities secret.

BEAUTY FROM SURRENDER: A heartbroken Laurelyn Prescott
returns to Nashville to pursue her music career and finds the success she’s
always dreamed of. Jack Henry McLachlan spends three months searching for his
beloved but their reunion doesn’t come easy. Will she be able to see beyond the
glitz glamour and visualize a life that includes him?

BEAUTY FROM LOVE: Life for Jack Henry and Laurelyn is
beautiful until their post-wedded bliss is cut short when his dark past springs
into their present happiness. He wants to shelter Laurelyn but keeping her
untainted by his previous life proves impossible when yesterday’s sins insist
on returning to haunt him. Will it be possible for them to find happiness in
their forever with a past like his?

Beauty from Pain Excerpt

Jack McLachlan’s POV

I sit in the dark corner and scan the room like a starved predator searching for prey. I haven’t chosen her yet, but the woman who will share my bed for the next few months is in this room right now.

I watch a lovely blond approach my table. “What can I bring you?” Hmm. A waitress—not at all my usual taste.

I have a type. Attractive. Mature. Refined. This barmaid meets the attractive requirement well enough, but she’s void of refinement or maturity as displayed by her choice of apparel—a white, barely there tank top and frazzled cutoff denim shorts. She doesn’t do it for me. Plus, my last two companions were blond. I want a different flavor this time, but no redheads. I want a brunette. A beautiful one.

I remind myself I’m not in Sydney where I have an endless variety of sophisticated women from which to choose. My choices are more limited in the small town of Wagga Wagga, but that doesn’t mean I have to settle for the first attractive woman I see.

“I’ll have a Shiraz.”

I’m prepared for a more prolonged relationship this time—three whole months instead of the usual three or four weeks. I’m looking forward to keeping this one around a little longer, and that’s all the more reason to be certain I make a wise choice.

I begin my search of the club with the first table toward the front of the room. A brunette beauty sits with a group of women. I watch her for a while, but decide she’s too friendly with the woman sitting next to her. Lesbians aren’t in my repertoire.

I spend the next hour scanning the club and come up empty-handed. I’m discouraged. No one stands out as the one and this club is by far my best bet for meeting single women in this town. Maybe I should consider coming back another time when it’s not open mic night. Tonight, the place is crawling with boozed college students.

Tonight’s search has been a failure, but at least the karaoke was entertaining.

I’m finishing off the last of my wine before I leave when an announcer from the club takes the stage and asks for the next singer to step forward. A small group of people across the room nominates one of its own. My view of the poor bastard is blocked by the crowd of intoxicated kids standing between us, but I’m certain this is going to be another delightful train wreck.

The club erupts into cheer and chants. “Do. It. Do. It. Do. It.” A young woman walks onto the stage and stands with her back to the crowd as she lifts a guitar from its stand. She lifts its strap over her head and then tosses her long brown hair over one shoulder. When she’s finished settling the guitar into place, she circles around and sits on the stool in the middle of the stage.

She’s beautiful. And somehow overlooked during my search.

She’s wearing a short ivory dress and a denim jacket with brown cowgirl boots. She bares her thighs as she lifts her feet to rest on the bottom rail, but she’s careful to push her dress between her legs so she doesn’t provide a peep show to the crowd.

She strums the borrowed guitar a few times and then leans into the microphone. “Is everyone having a good time tonight?”

She’s American. I think. Her accent sounds different—not like what I’ve heard in the past.

The crowd erupts into a drunken cheer and I hear a man’s voice yell over the crowd, “It’s better now, sweet thing!”

She smiles and adjusts the mic. “I’m not from around here. It’s my first night in Australia.”

“Leave with me and I’ll make you feel right at home!” a man shouts from the back of the room.

She ignores the fat, ugly bastard yelling at her. “I don’t know what kind of music Australians like, but this has been one of my favorites for as long as I can remember.” She strums a few more chords. “This is ‘Crash Into Me’ by the Dave Matthews Band.”

She sings it slower than the original, putting her own twist on it. Her voice is raspy and sexy, her eyes closed. She oozes eroticism. She tilts her head and opens her eyes when she begins to sing the chorus. I swear it feels like she’s looking right in my direction, singing to me. “Oh, and you come craasshh … into me. And I come into … you … And I come into you … in a boy’s dream … in a boy’s dream.”

The stage lights shine in her face and common sense tells me she can’t see me sitting in the dark corner at the back of the club, but that doesn’t stop me from hoping.

She finishes the chorus and shuts her eyes again. Her long legs bounce against the rail of the stool to keep rhythm and I fall victim to her siren’s song. She has bewitched me. And I want her. She’s the one.

Georgia resides in rural Mississippi with her wonderful husband, Jeff, and their two beautiful daughters. She spent fourteen years as a
labor and delivery nurse before she decided to pursue her dream of becoming an author and hasn’t looked back yet.

When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about writing. When she’s being domestic, she’s listening to her iPod and visualizing scenes for
her current work in progress. Every story coming from her always has a song to inspire it.

Representation: All questions regarding subsidiary rights for any of my books, inquiries regarding foreign translation and film rights
should be directed to Jane Dystel of Dystel & Goderich.

We are thrilled to bring you the Release Day Launch for Jennifer L. Armentrout’s STONE COLD TOUCH! STONE COLD TOUCH is the second full-length novel in Jennifer’s The Dark Elements Series, a young adult paranormal romance being published by Harlequin Teen!!

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Series Website | Website | Twitter | Facebook | Jennifer L. Armentrout Goodreads | STONE COLD TOUCH Goodreads

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The Empire Chronicles Series- Book 3

By Alyssa Rose Ivy

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Have a look at Book 1 and 2 of the Love and Sports series.

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Fractured Lines by Jen McLaughlin was released today! This is an adult, standalone novel that is part of the Out of Line series. Be sure to check out the links below and the contest for some hand-made items by Jen!

PURCHASE LINKS:

Amazon / Kobo

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Jack McLachlan’s POV

I sit in the dark corner and scan the room like a starved predator searching for prey. I haven’t chosen her yet, but the woman who will share my bed for the next few months is in this room right now.

I watch a lovely blond approach my table. “What can I bring you?” Hmm. A waitress—not at all my usual taste.

I remind myself I’m not in Sydney where I have an endless variety of sophisticated women from which to choose. My choices are more limited in the small town of Wagga Wagga, but that doesn’t mean I have to settle for the first attractive woman I see.

“I’ll have a Shiraz.”

I’m prepared for a more prolonged relationship this time—three whole months instead of the usual three or four weeks. I’m looking forward to keeping this one around a little longer, and that’s all the more reason to be certain I make a wise choice.

I begin my search of the club with the first table toward the front of the room. A brunette beauty sits with a group of women. I watch her for a while, but decide she’s too friendly with the woman sitting next to her. Lesbians aren’t in my repertoire.

Tonight’s search has been a failure, but at least the karaoke was entertaining.

She’s beautiful. And somehow overlooked during my search.

She’s wearing a short ivory dress and a denim jacket with brown cowgirl boots. She bares her thighs as she lifts her feet to rest on the bottom rail, but she’s careful to push her dress between her legs so she doesn’t provide a peep show to the crowd.

She strums the borrowed guitar a few times and then leans into the microphone. “Is everyone having a good time tonight?”

She’s American. I think. Her accent sounds different—not like what I’ve heard in the past.

The crowd erupts into a drunken cheer and I hear a man’s voice yell over the crowd, “It’s better now, sweet thing!”

She smiles and adjusts the mic. “I’m not from around here. It’s my first night in Australia.”

“Leave with me and I’ll make you feel right at home!” a man shouts from the back of the room.

She ignores the fat, ugly bastard yelling at her. “I don’t know what kind of music Australians like, but this has been one of my favorites for as long as I can remember.” She strums a few more chords. “This is ‘Crash Into Me’ by the Dave Matthews Band.”

The stage lights shine in her face and common sense tells me she can’t see me sitting in the dark corner at the back of the club, but that doesn’t stop me from hoping.

She finishes the chorus and shuts her eyes again. Her long legs bounce against the rail of the stool to keep rhythm and I fall victim to her siren’s song. She has bewitched me. And I want her. She’s the one.

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