Dare To Love A Baller
Friday, July 31, 2020

by Kim K.
Synopsis
Synopsis
Jace Ballard is an all-star basketball player that has everything a guy could want. He's rich, has women chasing him left and right and has a good chance of being drafted into the pros. But what happens when he falls in love with his best friend of five years, Drew Robinson?
Drew has the attention of the guy that every girl wants, but she doesn't even see it because she's too consumed with her boyfriend, Riley. Jace is so conflicted with falling for Drew, and unfortunately, everyone can see it except her. Will she actually look beyond her own selfish needs and notices Jace for more than just a friend? Or, will she end up in a hopeless relationship, only to lose a real chance at genuine love?
Drew has the attention of the guy that every girl wants, but she doesn't even see it because she's too consumed with her boyfriend, Riley. Jace is so conflicted with falling for Drew, and unfortunately, everyone can see it except her. Will she actually look beyond her own selfish needs and notices Jace for more than just a friend? Or, will she end up in a hopeless relationship, only to lose a real chance at genuine love?
Series Review
Book 1
Jace and Drew love each other, but don't divulge it, and when they do they encounter a hidden force that is determined to pull them apart. This was an extremely slow-paced story. I will say that it did pick up the last 5% of the book, which set up the sequel to be entertaining. I couldn't completely engage with the characters, but I will attribute it to the fact that I'm not necessarily the target age group for this story. I think if it were "less wordy" during the introduction to the characters and their world, which took up the majority of the book and had more actionable sequences that propelled it forward, it could have made a stronger impact with this reader. There were some missed opportunities to also make the story more entertaining by not exploring potential subplots and. I do recommend it the story for its positives, which are seeing black love and women's empowerment. Sidenote: The editing team did a fantastic job. However, don't take my word for it. You can get your copy below and support the author by leaving a review
Book 2
Book two for Jace and Drew flowed much better. You see them as adults and have moved past the events of their breakup. The author reveals Drew's secret to Jace fairly early on and that helped shape the story from that point. This was a slow, easy contemporary fiction. I would have loved to see some romance, but watching the two navigate adulthood and remove the negative roadblocks was pleasing as well. I would recommend this 2 book series to those who enjoy contemporary adult fiction. You can get your copy below and support the author by leaving a review. |
Son of A Legend
Thursday, July 30, 2020

by Dymond Taylor
Synopsis
This is a spin-off. To be able to follow the story, I recommend you read That Bona Fide Hood Love: Fire and Pure, followed by Rockin’ His Chain, Wearing His Ring: Jumma & Trouble. This story is surrounding Pure and Fire’s children. Prince AKA Chosen is all grown up and has taken over his father’s empire. All is good until one of their trustee workers puts a bug in his ear. He lets out a secret that is never supposed to be told—Cyril is not your real father. In fact, he’s responsible for the death of your biological father. Jr., who has his dad’s attitude through and through, doesn’t take too well to the news. Just how far is Prince willing to go to avenge his father’s death? What will become of this close-knit family once everything is said and done?
Book Review
Now. I'm going to be the first to admit that I wanted /needed this book so that I could a glimpse into what Cyril "Fire" Prince was up to now. lol
In Prince's book, Fire's son and namesake, we get to see how the Prince clan is doing now that a few of the kids are heading into adulthood at 18 and 19 years of age. We get to see an old nemesis and how they've ingratiated themselves into the lives of the future of the family.
Prince and Bless aka Rush are both all grown up and taking over the family business.
Taylor did not disappoint with this story. It moved well. It was engaging and she still managed to deliver a surprise or two. This is one of those series where I actually want 5 or 6 books. lol
My only issues were that a few of the editing issues distracted me and the ages of Fire & Pure seemed off unless they were 16 and 19 when they met. I'll have to go back to book 1 and look.
All in all, I LOVE this series. It's urban romance at it's finest and makes me yearn for my own Fire to be ignited. You can get a copy of the book below and support the author by leaving a review.
The Curious Touch Of Cupid's Son: An Erotic Comedy Between Two Consenting Demigods

by
Synopsis
Women having the big O. Shocking & unexpected. The mind-melting, hip-quivering kind--all just because they accidentally touched Karl. Karl, the human erotic taser.
Book Review
Imagine being in an elevator and accidentally bumping some or walking past someone in a narrow hallway and then all of a sudden, your body is ignited by knee melting, eye-rolling tiny little (maybe not so tiny) impulses that turn you into a puddle of mush. Well, that's what happens when you come into contact with a demi-god.
One one hand we have Karl, who turns women into quivering puddles. On the other hand, we have Aurora, who has the ability to do the same. What happens when these two beings collide? Well, you'll have to read to find out.
I loved that when they meet it is revealed they have no effect on each other and this forces them to find out why and along the way, they discover their true heritage so to speak. The story is meant to be light and funny and it accomplishes it. It gave me quite a few laughs. I will say there were a few times that I felt a passage or monologue could have been less wordy, but it was still enjoyable. If you don't have an open mind and can't laugh at yourself or the physical acts the comedy stems from, then this book is not for you. It does come with a warning, but I'll add my own as well.
This is a book for adults. If you are under 18, take your hand off the 1-click button this is NOT for you. But your parents can get a copy and support the author by leaving a review.
Dark: A Dark Paranormal Romance

by
Kat Kinney
Synopsis
Hayden Crowe fronts an all-girls band down in Austin, Texas. Between tending bar so her sister can stay in school and dealing with the fallout after their addict father skipped town, she hasn’t exactly had time to join the social media freak out over the recent outing of vampires and werewolves.
Book Review
This book combined two of my favorite genres - paranormal and mystery. So, vampires are out of the shadows and everyone knows about them. Hayden has been mugged and has been suffering from strange "symptoms". Is she turning? or is it something else? Enter Ethan, the local barista at Dark, he's in love with her and is going to help her get to the bottom of things.
I loved that mixed in with the world of shifters and the like, you get to play detective alongside these two to figure out what the heck is happening in Blood Moon. This first-person shifter story takes along the ride as new love develops. The story was structured as expected with these types of storylines. You can see it and the author executed it well. Not to mention that the editing was professionally done and much appreciated. I would recommend this book to lovers of paranormal romance. You can get your own copy here and support the author by leaving a review.
A Real N*gga's Rib

by
Synopsis
Synopsis
Asha and Roderick have been together for years and have a bond that most people envy. Some would say that they're relationship goals, but everything that glitters ain't always gold. When Rod's criminal past comes back to haunt him, it causes a major strain and separation on he and Asha's relationship.
Book Review
Asha and Rod were lovers who married and were faced with a forced separation that resulted in betrayal and disloyalty by one. The betrayal resulted in the death of their relationship
Now the journey to the demise of their relationship is what should interest you. It was very tame with no hint of instability. It was so tame that the ending came out of nowhere and while explosive and dramatic it made me go "huh?" I did like the nods to social hot spots in Houston like the Bell Tower and Breakfast Klub.
I will say this I love a book that has been formatted and edited well and for that, I gave it the rating I did. This author cares about her work and gave this reader a professional-looking product.
You can get your own copy below and support the author by leaving a review.
The Horrors Hiding in Plain Sight Book Tour & Giveaway
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
The Horrors Hiding in Plain Sight
by Rebecca Rowland
Genre: Psychological Horror, Transgressive Dark Fiction, Short Stories
Three adolescent bullies discover that the vicious crime for which they were never charged will haunt them in unimaginably horrific ways; a dominatrix and a bondage fetishist befriend one another as one’s preoccupation grows to consume his life. A man persuades his wife to start a family, but her reluctant pregnancy comes with a dreadful side effect. A substitute teacher’s curiosity about a veteran teacher’s methodology provides her with a lesson she won’t soon forget. An affluent, xenophobic lawyer callously kills two immigrants with her car with seeming impunity; a childless couple plays a sadistic game with a neglected juvenile each Halloween. An abusive father, a dating site predator, a neglected concierge, and an obsessed co-worker: they are all among the residents of Rebecca Rowland’s universe, and they dwell in the everyday realm of crime and punishment tempered with fixation and madness. There are no vampires, zombies, or magical beings here; no, what lurk in this world are even more terrifying. Once you meet them, you will think twice before turning your back on that seemingly innocuous neighbor or coming to the aid of the helpless damsel in the dark parking lot. These monsters don’t lurk under your bed or in the shadows: they are the people you see every day at work, in the supermarket, and in broad daylight. They are the horrors that hide in plain sight, and they will unsettle you more than any supernatural being ever could.
Trigger Warning:
Contains graphic violence (though not continually) including accidental death, murder, and suicide; sexual content, and occasional graphic language. Sexual assault is implied but not described in a graphic nature. No animals are harmed.
Rebecca Rowland is the transgressive dark fiction author of the short story collection The Horrors Hiding in Plain Sight, co-author of the novel Pieces, and curator of the horror anthologies Ghosts, Goblins, Murder, and Madness; Shadowy Natures, and the upcoming The Half That You See and Unburied. Her writing has appeared in venues such as Coffin Bell, Waxing & Waning, and the
WiHM online collections The Ones You Don’t Bring Home to Mama and Final Girls with 20/20 Vision and has been anthologized in collections by Red Room Press, Transmundane Press, Forty-Two Books, Emerald Bay Books, Twisted Wing Productions, Thurston Howl Publications, J. Ellington Ashton Press, and Dark Ink. To surreptitiously stalk her, visit RowlandBooks.com.
Fire Molten & Ash
Tuesday, July 21, 2020

by Clarence Barbee
Synopsis
Poetry Book Review
Synopsis
Molten Fire and Ash is a collection of intense poems. This collection is confident in the fluid environment that has been created where time and space become suspended. Divided into 3 sequences, this work remarkably summons themes on self reflection, fatherhood, politics, mental health, and family values, in an imaginative and animated way.
Strong word-play is exhibited as the author finds diverse ways to engage and stimulate his readers. This collection will speak to the reader who loves the page, as well as fans of spoken word. If you’re looking for a book where words are performed with force, then you’ve found it.
Strong word-play is exhibited as the author finds diverse ways to engage and stimulate his readers. This collection will speak to the reader who loves the page, as well as fans of spoken word. If you’re looking for a book where words are performed with force, then you’ve found it.
Poetry Book Review
Each poem in this collection represents a part of this world as it stands today. Along with representing the author as he stands today. He is a father full of love and worry for the future. It's about the BLM movement and the mention of #45 in "Crudeship" or "T" in "Smoke Author (Bring back Barack)" evokes the political state the world is living in. The world is a tough place to navigate in its current state and all of the different roles we play as humans is reflected in each word Mr. Barbee set down in these pages. It's heart wrenching, poignant and important to read this collection
Poetry loves can get a copy below and support the author by leaving a review.
Jenica
Bookshelf Review Team Member
Tempt Me Blog Tour & Giveaway
Monday, July 20, 2020
Tempt Me
Dark Odyssey Book 4
by Faith Summers
Genre: Billionaire Mafia Romance
Love is a weakness for a man like me…
Two years ago my enemies murdered my wife.
They took away the mother of my newborn son.
That’s how I became the beast…
A merciless, heartless, soulless creature.
That’s why I made the deal with Ava:
Take her to repay her father’s debt…
I couldn’t resist.
Not when I saw she feared me as much as she wanted me.
I wanted the beauty, a woman nearly half my age.
I wanted to own her and possess her.
Then I wanted more.
More than her obedience and submission.
I wanted her body, heart, mind and soul.
I never knew I was signing my death warrant when our paths collided.
I never knew who she truly was: A Bratva princess who's supposed to be a ghost.
Her dark secrets unearth old enemies who want her dead.
I’m Vincent Giordano, underboss to the Giordano family .
I should know better than to start a war.
I should know better than to let love into my cold heart.
This isn’t a fairytale.
When she kisses me I won’t turn into a prince.
I’ll still be the beast.
Yet, I can’t let them take her.
I just don’t know what it will cost me this time.
Tempt Me is a DARK standalone, single dad, mafia billionaire romance in the Dark Odyssey series. If you love a filthy-mouthed, possessive Alpha you will love this.
CAUTION: Be prepared for one wild, steamy ride. Read at your own risk.
Thrill Me
Dark Odyssey Book 3
Time to break the rules and make her submit to me…
We dance like devils, except we wear masks.
Every night a different one.
Dancing on the edge.
Dancing with danger.
Me and her, for years.
I’ve allowed her to think she doesn’t already belong to me.
Time to change that up and claim her.
Possess her, dominate her, own her.
Heart. Body. Mind. Soul.
I’m Salvatore Giordano and I always get what I want.
I want her to be mine.
Submitting to my every command.
Fulfilling our wild fantasies.
I’ll make her cave to temptation.
I thought it would be simple.
Until the day when the past and present collide.
Skeletons tumble out of the closet whispering secrets on their lips.
I get caught in a blood war with a target on my back.
And, she sees something she shouldn’t have.
My enemies come for me and know she’s my weakness.
They want her.
Heads roll, and the streets fill with blood.
It’s kill or be killed.
The ruthless against the heartless.
I have to become both to protect her.
Even if it costs me everything.
Thrill Me is a standalone, full-length friends to lovers DARK Billionaire Mafia Romance in the Dark Odyssey series. If you love a filthy-mouthed, possessive Alpha you will love this.
CAUTION: Be prepared for one wild, steamy ride. Read at your own risk.
Taunt Me
Dark Odyssey Book 2
She was always mine … whether she wanted to be or not
Ten years ago I allowed another man to take her to pay her families debt.
Fighting for her would have started a war.
I thought life was complicated then.
Now she’s back in my life and brings more than I bargained for.
I live by a code: Always stay in control.
Yet, I’ve never been able to say no to her.
Not years ago when she stepped through the doors of the Dark Odyssey and handed me her v card.
Not now that when her enemies try to blackmail her.
She needs my help so I give it.
But not without a price.
I want her
I want her for myself.
On her knees before me, in my bed, everywhere.
Every day, forever.
I’ll protect her from everything.
Except me.
Beneath the mask I wear, I may be the devil she doesn’t want, but needs.
I want her to be mine.
My property, my possession.
What I never knew was her secrets may be my end.
Tease Me
Dark Odyssey Book 1
An angel like her… and a devil like me.
Was it wrong to prey on the weak?
Especially when the weak came in the form of this beautiful angel on the doorstep of my club.
My club The Dark Odyssey.
The place where people live out their wildest fantasies.
Here, beneath the mask.
Nothing is off limits and just like Vegas, what happens here stays here.
She’s too angelic for the wild masquerade parties I hold.
She couldn’t possibly know she’s standing at the doorway to sin.
It’s clear she’s here for something else.
I smell desperation and fear…
That’s fine, I’ve already decided she’ll be mine.
I’ve found the perfect toy to play with.
I’m Nick Giordano and I always get what I want.
I want her body.
Obedience.
Submission.
Heart and soul.
I’ll claim her. I’ll break her, and possess her
She’s the perfect distraction from my enemies.
And, the darkness of my world.
Welcome to The Dark Odyssey, Angel Doll.
I hope you enjoy your stay, I know I will.
Faith Summers is the Dark Contemporary Romance pen name of USA Today Bestselling Author, Khardine Gray.
Warning !! Expect wild romance stories of the scorching hot variety and deliciously dark romance with the kind of alpha male bad boys best reserved for your fantasies.
Dive in and enjoy her naughty page-turners.
$15 Amazon
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
The Prince's Prisoner Blog Tour & Giveaway
Fae
The Prince's Prisoner Book 1
by Quinn Blackbird
Genre: Dark Paranormal Romance
A dark fae prince. A stolen human girl.
And an unwanted marriage.
Not all beasts can be redeemed...
Callie doesn’t believe in fairy tales. Too bad they believe in her.
The fae whisk Callie and her friend off to be prisoners of an eternal dance. But Callie is stolen again.
Maybe the eternal dance wasn’t so bad after all…
Everything in the fae realm comes at a price…
Please read content warnings inside book preview. This is a dark retelling of the ORIGINAL Beauty & the Beast retelling with elements and themes that deal with Stockholm Syndrome and violence. Serves as a cautionary tale.
Prince of War
The Prince's Prisoner Book 2
A dark fae prince. A stolen human girl.
And an unwanted marriage.
Not all beasts can be redeemed...
A lethal fae has taken Callie as his unwilling bride, and she has to balance between life and death in his castle, while finding a way out of the dangerous fae realm.
Only, she’s playing games with the Prince of War.
The Prince learns just how far Callie will go to save her friend from a lifetime of torture—and just what she will do to save herself from his clutches.
Unwilling Bride
The Prince's Prisoner Book 3
A dark fae prince. A stolen human girl.
And an unwanted marriage.
Not all beasts can be redeemed...
Trapped in a lethal marriage to a deadly fae prince, Callie must escape the wicked world around her, abandon the cruel prince, and save the young boy she’s come to love before she turns from prisoner to prey.
But as the prince himself tells her, ‘Sacrifice is no noble thing in the fae realm.’
Everything in the fae realm comes at a price…
Quinn Blackbird loves a good anti-hero.
All of her villains stay submerged in 'dark' so expect little redemption. She thinks them up over hot coffees and warm cups of tea on the porch.
When not writing, Quinn loves a good face mask and book on the couch with her two pups.
$10 Amazon Gift Card
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
Samantha's Heart: The Forrest Series, Book 3
Sunday, July 19, 2020

by Lynne Anders
Synopsis
Synopsis
When her husband Steven’s memory partially returns after an unknown assailant shot and nearly killed him, Samantha Williams Collins expects their lives to pick up where they left off. However, Steven admits he’s a changed man and no longer possesses the intimate connection they once shared. She struggles to find a new normal with him, drawing on hope from their unborn child, and relying on support from her college-age step-daughter Rebecca, and the light in her life—her precious baby son, Christopher.
But, how can Samantha find peace and true love again when Steven now fundamentally questions his love for her? His ex-girlfriend Jackie Anthony, continues to harass them, and yet another traumatizing life experience tosses Samantha to the edge of an emotional abyss.
But, how can Samantha find peace and true love again when Steven now fundamentally questions his love for her? His ex-girlfriend Jackie Anthony, continues to harass them, and yet another traumatizing life experience tosses Samantha to the edge of an emotional abyss.
Book Review
The end of Samantha and Steven's story wraps up as it should. All 3 books have an element of sexy romance but also elements of love and friendship. Trust is important as we learn in each installment and family is a top priority. The major events that took place in this last installment definitely contained the mysteriousness required, though a bit predictable.
The major event from book 2 was resolved in this one and was unexpected, which I liked. As with the previous installments, this story was a bit wordy with details that added no value to the story. The rollercoaster that is Samantha and Steven's relationship continued on its course along with their allowance of Jackie in their business much too often. Both Samantha and Steven are very selfish, childish and always put off talking about important issues until later. I felt the only character with any semblance of stability in the series is Rebecca, Steven's daughter albeit light.
Overall, all 3 stories definitely flowed and connected with each other well, though there was some information told to Sue in book 2 that she apparently didn't know in book 3 until Samantha let it "slip" out. That was a bit confusing. This series was an okay read for me.
You can get your copy below and support the author by leaving a review.
Jenica
Jenica
Bookshelf Team member
Fated Mountain Wolf Pack Series Blog Tour
Saturday, July 18, 2020
Fated Mate
Fated Mountain Wolf Pack Book 1
by Jessica Aspen
Genre: Paranormal Romance
I've been abandoned. Left on the side of the road with a Rocky Mountain storm on the way and the only person I can turn to is a stranger—but Aaron has his own secrets...
When Gwynn's dad sells her off to pay his gambling debts the only person she can turn to is a stranger. But how is she to know her knight in shining armor is actually working for the bad guys?
Aaron’s been forced to work for a criminal for too long, he’s just counting the days to freedom. When the opportunity rises he’s ready to jump. The only problem is—in order to get what he wants he has to betray a stranger. Too bad she’s his fated mate…
Now, Aaron has to save Gwynn, keep the pack lands the boss has promised him, and convince the only woman he’ll ever truly love that fairy tales are real—and so are wolf shifters…
For sexy Shifter Romance you can’t put down…
Buy FATED MATE today.
Discover your new pack—Fated Mountain Wolf Pack...
Come to Colorado where the rivers run cold and the alphas run hot!
Claimed Mate
Fated Mountain Wolf Pack Book 2
Mistaken identity. An accidental kiss. And the mating fever begins…
When the sexiest woman alive walks up to Gabe and demands to make love, he knows he's met his fated mate. But will falling head-over-tail for Serena turn out to be the biggest mistake of his life?
Serena’s move to Colorado isn’t going as planned. Her new boss hates her. She’s falling in love with the wrong twin. And a stalker is sending her roses.
Now both brothers are suffering from mating fever but only one man is Serena’s fated mate.
If Serena can survive the obsessive love of a stalker one brother will have the mate of his dreams. And the other—a chaotic fall into the wild…
Sexy Shifter Romance you can’t put down…Buy CLAIMED MATE today.
Fated Mountain Wolf Pack...
Come to Colorado where the rivers run cold and the alphas run hot!
For Sexy Shifter Romance that you can’t put down…Buy CLAIMED MATE today.
Stalked Mate
Fated Mountain Wolf Pack Book 3
It was just another ordinary day for Glenna…until she was violently attacked and thrown into a world of wolves—a world she never knew existed.
Now she's hell-bent on escape.
After nearly going wild wolf, Sam Wulfric is back and sane—mostly. The last assignment he wants is babysitting a new wolf shifter—and all the chaos that involves. Even worse, she’s one of the sexiest women he’s ever seen. And to top it all off—she’s driving his wolf crazy.
But everyone from the US Government to an unknown assailant is after Glenna and Sam’s instincts take over. Now, he’ll do anything to keep Glenna safe—even if her new found mating urge drives him over the edge.
Sam’s already found and lost and he’s hell bent on never going through that again. But fate has other plans…
Sexy Shifter Romance you can’t put down…
Buy STALKED MATE and discover your new pack today.
Fated Mountain Wolf Pack...
Come to Colorado where the rivers run cold and the alphas run hot!
Hunted Mate
Fated Mountain Wolf Pack Book 4
A forbidden love…Too many secrets….Fated to be Mates…
Glimpses of her dead sister push Sarah to leave the safety of her rich, privileged life, and venture into the dark. But when pursuing the truth leads to more than she’s bargained for…she risks not only her life, but the life of her sister—If Glenna is still alive...
Rico’s been tasked with keeping Sarah out of harm’s way—as well as hide every detail of her sister’s new existence as a wolf shifter. But how can he do that when sexy Sarah is determined to turn over every rock and hunt out the pack’s secrets? And when a mysterious informant contacts Sarah—Rico knows she’s in danger.
To protect Sarah, Rico risks his job, his status in the enforcers, and his life. But most of all…he runs the risk of losing his fated mate.
Sexy Shifter Romance you can’t put down…
Buy HUNTED MATE today.
Discover your new pack—Fated Mountain Wolf Pack...
Come to Colorado where the rivers run cold and the alphas run hot!
Wolf Mate
Fated Mountain Wolf Pack Book 5
On the hunt for her best friend, Natalie discovers it’s more than murder…it’s wolf shifters.
All Natalie has is her GPS, her best friend’s last known location, and a desperate hunger for the truth. Her dangerous search for clues leads her to a blood soaked piece of land and a trip down a rocky ravine—straight into the arms of a sexy angry cowboy.
Could it be fate?
Luca has been a lone wolf his entire life. Discovering Natalie trapped and injured on Fated Mountain ranch—her big brown eyes and determined attitude break into his lone wolf reserve. But Natalie’s human. And her insistence on hunting down the truth conflicts with the pack’s needs.
What happens when fate draws you to the wrong mate and murder might be best covered up?
Sexy Shifter Romance you can’t put down…
Buy WOLF MATE today.
Discover your new pack—Fated Mountain Wolf Pack...
Come to Colorado where the rivers run cold and the alphas run hot!
Jessica Aspen always wanted to be spirited away to a world inhabited by elves, were-wolves and sexy men who walk on the dark side of the knife. Luckily, she’s able to explore her fantasy side and delve into new worlds by writing spicy paranormal romance. She loves indulging in dark chocolate, reading eclectic novels, and dreaming of ocean vacations, but instead spends most of her time, writing, walking the dog, and hiking in the Colorado Rockies.
$25 Amazon
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
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Recent controversy aside, a date sees a report as a tactful check. Their file was, in this moment, a succinct panther. A gondola is a cristate bail. An unfree kimberly is a drive of the mind. Authors often misinterpret the buzzard as a cocky gate, when in actuality it feels more like a printed wall.