Review: Band Together by Piper Sheldon

Band Together by Piper Sheldon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via the author and Smartypants Romance, all opinions are my own.

As with all of the books in the Smartypants universe, this reads as a complete standalone. We first meet Mari and Leo in Passing Notes, which I highly recommend, but that follows a completely different couple.

I love a good found family story and this really delves deeply into that. Sometimes the family you choose is better for you than the family your were born with, and Mari discovers that in this book. While her family isn't necessarily terrible to her, they don't respect her and often treat her as if she is an afterthought. I really loved that she had a support system in her cousin Clara and found one in Leo. No one wanted to change her, they only wanted to help her and be there for her. On the flip side Leo had some internal struggles as well, he had to deal with returning home home after being on tour with a successful rock band. Green Valley is the last place he wanted to come back to, but he has some healing and soul searching to do. When Mari asks Leo to tutor one of his students, it forces him to face alot of his feelings about his band, his music, and himself in general. There are quite a few emotional moments in the book, but they are well balanced with humorous and tender moments as well.

I hope we get more from this series. I loved so many of the side characters and I hope we get to see more of them in the future This has great banter and chemistry between the characters. When the communication between our main love interests starts to slip, they either talk about it or one of their support people is there to give them a nudge to talk to their partner about what is going on instead of jumping to conclusions and letting things fester. I loved the resolution that Mari's student Cath came to about her future, it was perfect! I thought I knew how that was going to end but I was pleasantly surprised, I also loved Leo's grand gesture at the end.

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BLOG TOUR: IT TAKES A WOMAN by Piper Sheldon & Smartypants Romance

 

It Takes a Woman, an all new modern marriage of convenience romance from Piper Sheldon, is available now in Kindle Unlimited!  

Just because she’s getting married doesn’t mean she’ll fall in love.

Unapologetic bombshell Gretchen LaRoe is happy to play matchmaker to everyone else content in knowing she once had true love. When the best friends of the Scorned Women’s Society take it upon themselves to interfere in Gretchen’s love life, they shouldn't be shocked to learn Gretchen already has a plan of her own. A jaw-dropping plan.

Part-time Green Valley resident and work-a-holic Vincent Debono has been living in a fog since the loss of his wife. With the birth of his great-niece he can’t shake the feeling that he’s ready for change. After a secret kiss with the unforgettable redhead who already plagued his thoughts, Vincent decides to leap into a new adventure.

These two have made a commitment to each other but won’t let their hearts get involved. How hard can it be?

‘It Takes a Woman’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #4 in the Scorned Women’s Society series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Grab your copy TODAY!

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Excerpt

I threw my head back and blinked at how good this felt. So good. Like unsettling good …

“Gretchen?” Roxy called with a knock at the door. “Are you in there?”

In between kisses, I managed to call out, “Hi. Yes.”

Vincent wasn’t deterred by my sudden stiffness. He pawed at me like a greedy teenager.

“It’s almost time,” she said louder.

“Uh, coming,” I shouted.

“Not yet, you’re not,” Vincent whispered in my ear as a giant shudder shook my body.

Shocked—and more than a little impressed—I shoved Vincent off me.

“Have you seen Vincent?” Roxy asked. “He told me he’d swing by but I can’t find him.”

The man in question wiped his mouth and seemed to come back to his body with a dazed shake of his head.

“I’ll, uh, help find him,” I said.

“What’re you doing in there?” Roxy’s voice grew suspicious.

“Nothing,” I called.

Vincent came close and whispered in my ear, “Fixing your dress.”

I fought another shudder as I shouted, “Fixin’ my dress. Be right out and I’ll fetch him. I think I saw him head to the kitchen.”

“Thanks. And hurry!” Her footsteps stomped away.

I let out a long breath.

Just what had she interrupted? How far was I about to go? I hadn’t lost control like that in some time.

“Go ahead. I’ll be out right behind you.” He tugged at his pants. I raised an eyebrow, again, more than a little impressed. “I need a minute.”

“Okay.” I hesitated. How did one handle a hookup like this? Did I want this to continue? Nah. There was no point. “Well, I guess I’ll see you around.”

“Yeah, see ya.” He didn’t look up but there was tension in his shoulders.

That had been weird. A little more intense than I would have liked.

I shook my head, fixing my dress and headed back toward the group.

Oh well. All’s well that ends well.

Glad I got that out of my system. No need to ever think about that kiss or Vincent Debono ever again.  

About Piper Sheldon

Piper Sheldon writes Contemporary Romance and Paranormal Romance. Her books are a little funny, a lotta romantic, and with just a little twist of something more. She lives with her husband, toddler, and two needy dogs at home in the desert Southwest. She finds writing bios in the third person an extreme sport of awkwardness.

Find Piper Sheldon online

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Review: It Takes a Woman by Piper Sheldon

It Takes a Woman by Piper Sheldon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book, all opinions are my own. It is hard to believe that this is the 4th and final book in the Scorned Women's Society (SWS) series. As with the other books in the series, this does read as a standalone but if you want to get to know the other ladies from the SWS then I highly recommend reading those as well. I think it will give you some background on the various characters and their partners mentioned throughout this book.

This follows the final member of the SWS, the fabulous and quirky Gretchen Laroe. Gretchen loves to help other people, she especially likes to help people find love. When it comes to her own love life, she's had her one true love who was take from her too early. Vincent has also known the loss of the love of his life much to early. Vincent is the complete opposite of Gretchen, he is a workaholic and kind of a stick in the mud. He works at the Donner Lodge with Roxy, Gretchen's best friend, and splits his time between Green Valley and his home in New York or wherever he is travelling for business. Gretchen and Vincent are drawn to each other for many reasons, but they have both known loss and grief and don't know if they are ever going to move on from their first loves. They each want a companion and a family, so they strike up a marriage of convenience of sorts. Everyone is skeptical about their arrangement, but as time goes on it is clear that there is more to their relationship than just convenience.

I really loved this! Both Gretchen and Vincent have some emotional baggage from their past relationships, which is natural considering the circumstances. They both have to do some healing before they can move forward with each other. They both have great humor between them and the character development is great. I love good banter between characters and this does not disappoint!

This was the perfect end to the series. I know I have been waiting for Gretchen's story since the first time she picked up her bat in Suzie's book. This has funny moments with the ladies of the SWS. Heartwarming moments between the two main characters, and a resolution between the ladies and Jethro.

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RELEASE BLITZ: IT TAKES A WOMAN by Piper Sheldon & Smartypants Romance

 

It Takes a Woman, an all new modern marriage of convenience romance from Piper Sheldon, is LIVE in Kindle Unlimited!  

Just because she’s getting married doesn’t mean she’ll fall in love.

Unapologetic bombshell Gretchen LaRoe is happy to play matchmaker to everyone else content in knowing she once had true love. When the best friends of the Scorned Women’s Society take it upon themselves to interfere in Gretchen’s love life, they shouldn't be shocked to learn Gretchen already has a plan of her own. A jaw-dropping plan.

Part-time Green Valley resident and work-a-holic Vincent Debono has been living in a fog since the loss of his wife. With the birth of his great-niece he can’t shake the feeling that he’s ready for change. After a secret kiss with the unforgettable redhead who already plagued his thoughts, Vincent decides to leap into a new adventure.

These two have made a commitment to each other but won’t let their hearts get involved. How hard can it be?

‘It Takes a Woman’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #4 in the Scorned Women’s Society series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Grab your copy TODAY!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3H8Vjwp

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3h6PMvz

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3sP43mk

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3rWf6Lf

About Piper Sheldon

Piper Sheldon writes Contemporary Romance and Paranormal Romance. Her books are a little funny, a lotta romantic, and with just a little twist of something more. She lives with her husband, toddler, and two needy dogs at home in the desert Southwest. She finds writing bios in the third person an extreme sport of awkwardness.

Find Piper Sheldon online

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Twitter: http://bit.ly/2kxkioK

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Release Blitz: HOPELESSLY DEVOTED by Piper Sheldon

Hopelessly Devoted, an all new forced proximity MM novella from Piper Sheldon, is LIVE in Kindle Unlimited!  

Skip has one goal: retrieve his romantically reckless best friend from Green Valley, Tennessee and get back to their normal life. Then Skip meets Jack. The handsome and caring stranger is just another distraction from his careful plans. 

Jack has dealt with more than his fair share of troubled men and is done with letting his guard down. When he meets walking red flag, Skip, he knows he should run the opposite direction and ignore their chaotic attraction.  

Only, fate seems to have other plans when they are stuck on a camping trip together. Jack and Skip are convinced they can put their attraction aside and focus on helping their friends. 

One quick trip, one shared tent, what could possibly go wrong? 

‘Hopelessly Devoted’ is a contemporary romance novella and can be read as a standalone. Book #3.5 in the Scorned Women’s Society series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe. 

Grab your copy TODAY!

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Start the Scorned Women’s Society Series of Standalones Today!

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My Bare Lady

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The Treble With Men

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The One That I Want

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About Piper Sheldon

Piper Sheldon writes Contemporary Romance and Paranormal Romance. Her books are a little funny, a lotta romantic, and with just a little twist of something more. She lives with her husband, toddler, and two needy dogs at home in the desert Southwest. She finds writing bios in the third person an extreme sport of awkwardness.

Find Piper Sheldon online

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2lAvr8A

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2kxkioK

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2kx2RVn

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2lxxV7H 

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Review: Hopelessly Devoted by Piper Sheldon

Hopelessly Devoted by Piper Sheldon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was really cute despite being pretty angsty. While it is a standalone novella, I would highly recommend reading The One That I Want first, and maybe My Bare Lady as well. This runs concurrently with events that happen in The One That I Want, and I feel like I would be really confused had I not read that already. You should also read The Treble With Men because it is my favorite book in the series and then you will know all of the women in Scorned Women Society up to this point. There are alot of mentions of previous characters and I feel it would be helpful to have a baseline knowledge of who they are and what they are talking about going into this novella. You can read it on it's own, but I think it would be helpful to have read the other books first.

If you have been keeping up with the books in the series you will recognize Jack as Ford's best friend, and Skip aka William as Sanders' best friend and business partner. Skip has come to Green Valley to rescue Sanders from yet another bad decision and help him clean up his mess. Both Skip and Sanders are grieving over the loss of Sanders' father, who was a father figure to Skip. Sanders isn't dealing with his emotions very well, which means their business is suffering from yet another rash decision. Skip gets roped into helping out with a youth group for troubled teens and ends up going camping with Jack. Normally his wouldn't be a big deal, but Skip had a panic attack all over Jack at a bar just a few nights ago and is feeling some sort of way about it. Both Jack and Skip are attracted to each other, but neither of them are ready to jump in head first into a relationship especially when there is a ton of baggage for them to sort through.

I really enjoyed the character development in this. William/Skip kind of starts out as a shy, gruff guy but he really blossoms when he's on the camping trip with the kids. There is a bit of kinship with them as they all come from rough homes and not the best circumstances. He gives them great advice and encourages them to be better men. The consent conversation was pretty great. That needs to be on a poster! We also get to see him connect with Jack as they both came from somewhat similar backgrounds and while they have some things to work on when it comes to their relationship the had good chemistry. While this is only a novella, it packs an emotional punch and has a good amount of steam.

I was provided and ARC, all opinions are my own.
View all my reviews

Blog Tour: The One that I Want by Piper Sheldon

The One That I Want, an all-new opposites attract contemporary romance from Piper Sheldon, is available now in Kindle Unlimited!  

To see what I thought, you can read my review here.

There is no such thing as luck.

Roxy Kincaid isn’t a biker chick anymore. She’s made herself more than Jethro Winston’s castoff, and she’s never going back to her old life with the Iron Wraiths. But one summer night, a charming stranger threatens to sweep Roxy off her feet. Ignoring fate and their instant attraction, she has to get back to her real life in Green Valley. He couldn’t be the one that she wants when he’s exactly the thing that could ruin everything. If only she could stop thinking about him.

Luck is everything.

Sanders Olsson is going to fix his mistakes. He’s determined to show his best friend he’s a reliable business partner not the distracted flake he’s been lately. But he has to listen when the universe brings him a sign in the form of a guarded beauty he can’t keep his eyes off. Their instant connection is almost magical but she leaves without giving him even a last name. When fate gives Sanders a second chance in life and love, he sets out for Green Valley without a backward glance.

Their summer lovin’ happened so fast but what will it take to make it last?

‘The One That I Want’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #3 in the Scorned Women’s Society series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe. 

Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

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My Bare Lady

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The Treble With Men

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Excerpt

“Watch it,” I mumbled as I was steadied by strong hands on my shoulders. Then I remembered to be nice and tried to scoot to the side.

The arms held me gently in place. When I looked up, glaring pointedly, he dropped them. It was Mr. Eye Contact from across the room. A little thrill tickled the back of my knees. He was damn fine this close up. Not my taste, but definitely a certain appeal. Like, if I wanted to know someone with a yacht to “summer on,” he’d be my type.

His eyes were startlingly blue. His hair was this dark shade of blond, thick waves swept back with lighter tips that looked as though it had been bleached naturally by the sun. A smile quirked his mouth and my focus moved there. He had soft crinkles around the corners of his eyes and a natural tan that spoke of time outside.

He said something with the tilt of his head and a soft smile on his lips. I blinked away, wondering if my mouth had been hanging open catching flies as I took him in.

“What?” I yelled and pointed to my ear. The band had just started back up.

His smile grew to expose that two front teeth protruded just a little. It was a disarmingly charming flaw, like a puppy with just one floppy ear. His gaze moved over the exposed skin of my neck and shoulders under my tank top, seemingly studying the tattoos.

I wasn’t knocking my edgy looks, but I typically didn’t attract men who could have been plucked straight from an Ivy League fraternity mixer. At least the collar of his black button-up wasn’t popped. And he wore nice sneakers and jeans, not boat shoes and pink shorts. Okay, so he wasn’t preppy per se, but squeaky? Like he’d hurt my teeth to take a bite out of. He didn’t even have a beard, for crying out loud. Not to box this guy in, but guys like this did not go for girls like me. Then again, sometimes there were the guys who liked to “slum it” with the easy small-town girls from Green Valley.

Mr. Eye Contact leaned closer. He smelled like a shower after a hard workout. It was like the cleansing smell of a spring morning after working all night at the Dragon Bar. My jaw was clenched tight, thinking about taking a bite out of him again.

“Dance?” he asked. His voice had a rich and deep timbre that sent a tiny shudder down my spine.

His confidence was sexy without being overwhelming. He tucked his hands deep into his pockets and waited patiently as I took him in, studying him head to toe. There was no pressure in his question. I suspected if I said no, he’d walk away without another word. I told myself I wanted to dance alone but suddenly I wasn’t so sure. Wouldn’t it be nice to have hands on me? Wouldn’t it be an escape to just be a woman dancing with a man to good music?

Shocking myself, I realized I was interested. So I felt a zing for this man? It didn’t mean anything. It meant that my warning system wasn’t going off. It meant that I was a person who wanted to dance. It didn’t have to mean anything.

He extended his hand. I bit my lip. I was here to celebrate my hard work. It was one night before an early flight home tomorrow.

“What the hell?” I said unheard in the club.

I slid my hand into his. His hand was not the buttery-soft warmth of an Ivy Leaguer. His hand was calloused and hot. What might it feel like to have those rough palms gripping the tender skin of my hips?

He pulled me only long enough to let me pass, then he let me lead the way to the floor. As I made my way to the other dancers, I felt his gaze on my backside like the vibration of a motorcycle. I risked a glance over my shoulder. His focus returned to mine as he licked his bottom lip.

“Lord, help me,” I mumbled to myself.

Good thing it was just one night and just one dance. This guy would be way too easy to fall for. But what could one dance with a stranger hurt?

About Piper Sheldon

Piper Sheldon writes Contemporary Romance and Paranormal Romance. Her books are a little funny, a lotta romantic, and with just a little twist of something more. She lives with her husband, toddler, and two needy dogs at home in the desert Southwest. She finds writing bios in the third person an extreme sport of awkwardness.

Find Piper Sheldon online

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2lAvr8A

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2kxkioK

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2kx2RVn

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2lxxV7H 

Website: http://bit.ly/2kitH3H

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Review: The One That I Want by Piper Sheldon

The One That I Want by Piper Sheldon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

I loved getting to know Roxy and Saunders.  They both had such interesting back stories and were perfect for each other.  Each of them had some baggage to unpack before they could finally be together, but I really liked the way that was handled.  I actually appreciated that this turned into a slower burn romance.  I thought it was going to be a insta-love kind of thing, but I should have known that Piper Sheldon was not going to let me down and that she was going to deliver a solid, mature romance book with substance.  I was not disappointed.

This starts out with Roxy and Saunders meeting at a night club in Denver, they are instantly attracted to each other.  Things start out passionate and heavy, but Roxy has turned her chaotic life around and always likes to be in control so they opt for a nice chat over ice cream before she heads back to Green Valley.  Never expecting to see or hear from her mystery man again, Roxy goes back to her uber controlled, buttoned up life coordinating events and working at Donner Lodge.  When Saunders bursts on to the scene to work with the Lodge on some outdoor corporate team building events, she is shaken and her carefully scheduled itinerary is threatened.  If Roxy wants the promotions she has worked so hard for and deserves she will have to learn to work as a team, and if Saunders wants to win the girl he's going to have to learn to let her in and deal with his demons and feelings.  

I loved the side characters in this.  Skip, Saunders' best friend and business partner was awesome though he's got some secrets of his own that I hope we learn about in the future.  He is always cleaning up after Saunders, but he finally calls him on his crap when he's made one too many messes for himself.  I loved that he finally stood up to Saunders and made him face reality.  The same goes for Gretchen, she was such a good friend to Roxy, but she and Roxy pushed each other away because they didn't want to deal with their feelings.  When they finally talked it out, they realized they each wanted what was best for each other.  I found that so relatable.  I also love their friend group and their support for each other.

I loved the comparison of Sandy and Danny in Grease.  She's conservative where he is wild.  He's impulsive where she is controlled.  In the end they both want to be together and complement each other so well.  I also loved the grand gesture scene at the end.  If you have seen the movie, you will get the references.

I'm looking forward to seeing more from the Scorned Women's Society, especially Gretchen and maybe Skip or Jack (maybe Skip and Jack? ;))  I really enjoyed this installment and the whole series in general.  

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Release Blitz: The One That I Want by Piper Sheldon

The One That I Want, an all-new opposites attract contemporary romance from Piper Sheldon, is LIVE EARLY on AppleBooks, Nook, Kobo, and GooglePlay!

There is no such thing as luck.

Roxy Kincaid isn’t a biker chick anymore. She’s made herself more than Jethro Winston’s castoff, and she’s never going back to her old life with the Iron Wraiths. But one summer night, a charming stranger threatens to sweep Roxy off her feet. Ignoring fate and their instant attraction, she has to get back to her real life in Green Valley. He couldn’t be the one that she wants when he’s exactly the thing that could ruin everything. If only she could stop thinking about him.

Luck is everything.

Sanders Olsson is going to fix his mistakes. He’s determined to show his best friend he’s a reliable business partner not the distracted flake he’s been lately. But he has to listen when the universe brings him a sign in the form of a guarded beauty he can’t keep his eyes off. Their instant connection is almost magical but she leaves without giving him even a last name. When fate gives Sanders a second chance in life and love, he sets out for Green Valley without a backward glance.

Their summer lovin’ happened so fast but what will it take to make it last?

‘The One That I Want’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #3 in the Scorned Women’s Society series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Download your copy TODAY!

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About Piper Sheldon

Piper Sheldon writes Contemporary Romance and Paranormal Romance. Her books are a little funny, a lotta romantic, and with just a little twist of something more. She lives with her husband, toddler, and two needy dogs at home in the desert Southwest. She finds writing bios in the third person an extreme sport of awkwardness.

Find Piper Sheldon online

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2lAvr8A

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2kxkioK

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2kx2RVn

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2lxxV7H

Website: http://bit.ly/2kitH3H

Connect with Smartypants Romance

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Blog Tour: The Treble with Men by Piper Sheldon

The Treble With Men, an all-new secret identity romantic standalone from Piper Sheldon, is now available in Kindle Unlimited!

As far as Green Valley is concerned, Kim Dae disappeared into the Wraiths a decade ago. They were sort of right. Kim has spent her life since Jethro fighting her curious nature and trying to blend into the background. Unfortunately for her, a mysterious Maestro comes to town and takes quick notice of her for reasons unknown to anybody.

The masked conductor, known simply as Devlin, was already a source of much gossip thanks to his reputation for getting fired. Now, his sudden interest in the quiet fourth chair cellist has added fuel to the rumor fire. The new conductor of the symphony needs to learn to control his temper and finish his latest musical masterpiece and only the reluctant star of his symphony can help him do that. If Devlin can’t convince Kim to help to finish his latest composition he’ll lose everything.

Can Devlin and Kim compose without losing composure?

‘The Treble with Men’ is a full-length contemporary romance, can be read as a standalone, and is book #2 in the Scorned Women’s Society series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

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Excerpt

“Let’s play through. I want to hear if you’re qualified,” Devlin said.

“Yes, Maestro.”

Around me, the symphony moved into the ready position. Devlin didn’t pick up his baton.

“You’ll need to move,” he said coolly, as his gaze flicked to the empty first chair.

Amazingly, my legs supported me despite how badly my knees tingled. The neck of my cello was tightly gripped in my fist like it was the only thing keeping me from spinning off the earth.

“We will start from the Andante movement,” he called out as I got situated.

Next to me Barry gave me a brief nod of encouragement. I managed a small smile back. Playing alone at night was a heck of a lot different than feeling an entire symphony watch you. I wiped my palms on my dress pants before straightening my spine.

My nerves were shredded. I did this for a living and yet I couldn’t get my bow to stop wobbling where it hovered just above the strings. My heart sputtered and cranked to a manic tempo. Carla should be here. What if something happened to her? The world began to tune out around me. Tears pricked behind my eyes. How ridiculous was that? I played with these people every day, but if I tried to speak or breathe or move, I’d start to cry.

“Hey.” Devlin’s voice was so soft I hardly noticed it at first. His biker boots appeared in front of my blurring vision. “Christine?”

I lifted my chin to find him standing in front of me with a furrowed brow. “Is she okay?” The question just slipped out, but I needed to know.

He dropped into a crouch to better hear me, causing me to pick up soft hints of cologne, fabric softener, and motorcycle exhaust. “What?”

I asked again a little louder but likely only Barry would be able to hear, if that.

His face was impassive like he was processing what I said. “Who? Carla?”

I nodded stiffly.

“Family emergency. She’ll be back on Monday,” he spoke softly.

“Oh.” A weight lifted from my shoulders.

My chest rose as I took a deep breath in. I released it slowly. Surely the entire room was waiting to see what my deal was.

“I appreciate you stepping in for her.” He lifted his chin to get me to look into his eyes. “I’m sure she would appreciate it too.”

I doubted that, but at least I wasn’t taking the performance from her. I was helping the orchestra out. I could absolutely do this. My thoughts had me worrying my bottom lip.

His focus lowered to my lips then quickly to where my hand gripped the shoulder of my cello. He cleared his throat. “Are you ready?”

I swallowed down my irrational fears. Carla was fine. It was just one show. I could do this. I got into position in answer to his question. Those dark eyes flitted around my face as though checking to see if I really was ready.

“All you need to do is watch me.” When he spoke his mask hardly moved; nobody would know he’d spoken at all. My gaze was locked on his as it smoldered with intensity. “It’s you and me.”

As though I could look anywhere else. When he gave me his focus, the rest of the room faded away. The rest of the world.

“Ready?” he asked.

I forced my shoulders down. He got back onto the podium and I lifted my bow to wait for my solo entrance as he counted the rest of the orchestra in. The notes on the page transformed into a foreign language. The music quieted, signifying my entrance. I drew my bow along the string, but my tense arm caused a noticeable wobble. A wave of heat burned up my neck, a flush likely giving me away. Just when I thought I might lose total control, I remembered his directions. I looked to him.

His arm conducted the rest of the orchestra smoothly as they played their soft accompaniment, but his head was turned to me. He was willing me to look at him. His eyes narrowed when mine finally met his. He nodded his chin subtly. I didn’t need to read the music. I knew this solo in my sleep. Instead, I kept my focus on him. I played. Everything else blurred into the background. The music came then. It flowed through me.

It was just us and the beautiful music.

About Piper Sheldon

Piper Sheldon writes Contemporary Romance and Magical Realism books that hope to be New York Times bestsellers when they grow up. For now, she works as a technical writer during the day and writes about love the rest of the time. Of course she also makes room for her husband, toddler, and two needy dogs at home in the Desert Southwest.

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Review: The Treble With Men by Piper Sheldon

The Treble With Men by Piper Sheldon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you are a fan of The Phantom of the Opera (the musical) you will love this!  I've seen the Broadway production several times and listened to the music on repeat about a zillion times.  I even played the Music of the Night as a flute solo in 8th grade.  I wanted to be Christine when I listened to the music, and I secretly kind of always wanted Christine to pick the Phantom.

This is sort of a retelling of Phantom, and I found it hard to put down.  It follows Kim Dae/Christine Day, a fourth chair cellist at the local symphony and Devlin, the iintimidating masked Maestro known for his anger management problems.  When Devlin personally asks Kim to help him with his latest composition she is utterly confused.  First, she isn't quite sure how he knows her real name, she has been going by Christine Day since she put her wild days of running around with Jethro Winston behind her.  Second, she isn't the first chair, aka the best cellist in the symphony, she could be but she lets her demons of her past hold her back.  Devlin has his own secrets and demons but he isn't ready to let Kim know them yet, what he does know is that she is better than she is and he only accepts 150% from all of his musicians.  He pushes her and all of the musicians at the SOOK to their limits.  His methods aren't exactly the most endearing, but he's extremely talented.  As he lets his guard down with Kim, she is able to let go of some of her past and let the music in.

I loved this!!!  Kim and Devlin were amazing together.  Their relationship was as slow burn as it gets.  They are both stubborn, vulnerable, and the moments between them sizzle and burn.  I also loved that both of them had great sounding boards when they needed support.  Kim had the women of the SWS to help her and Devlin had the most wonderful family.  They may not have taken their advice, but they had people who loved them as they were and not for what they could do for them, and they would call them out for being ridiculous.  I loved watching these characters develop as individuals and as a couple.  There are great side characters as well.  The pace was great, when I wasn't reading this I was trying to find ways to get back to this book. 

Piper Sheldon's writing keeps getting better and better and I can't wait to see what she has in story for the rest of the Scorned Women Society. 

I was provided and ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: My Bare Lady by Piper Sheldon

My Bare Lady by Piper Sheldon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I received an ARC in exchanged for an honest review.

This story follows Suzie, a quick tempered exotic dancer who works for the Black Demons. The Black Demons is one of two warring motorcycle gangs in Green Valley. Suzie dances at their bar after a run in with the Iron Wraiths leader. The Demons took her in and put her under their "protection". She doesn't want to live out the rest of her life as a stripper, but to become a dancer and support herself and her alcoholic father without taking off her clothes she has to get the local building inspector to sign off on the new plans for the club. Clifford Rutledge is a local professor at the University of Tennessee and the only Professional Engineer who can sign off on the designs for the club. Driven by integrity and a deep moral code, he refuses to sign off on the sketchy plans. The club's owner Occum is determined to get Clifford to sign whether by bribe or with Suzie's womanly ways. They strike up a deal, Suzie comes with Clifford for several months to help him with his research and he'll consider signing off on the plans. Clifford is working on research to prove that people can achieve their potential regardless of where they come from and what their circumstances are. He's not good at communicating what he's trying to do so he and Suzie butt heads all the time on the outcome of his experiment.

I loved the message of this book. You aren't your circumstances and you can be whatever you want to be regardless of where you are from, who you parents are, and you always have a choice if you want one. While that may be easier to read in a book than to put into practice because let's face it not everyone's circumstances are that easy, Suzie's weren't that is for sure. I really loved that Suzie developed a friend network that supported her and her choices no matter what they were. They didn't want to see her get hurt, but they wanted her choices to be her own.

That being said, Suzie and Clifford aka "Ford" didn't quite click for me. He was really awkward and she was a spitfire. He is always holding back so as not to lose control of his emotions. It is hard to believe that a hot, swoony relationship develops between the two of them because he is so closed off and she is so out of the realm of what he finds acceptable and proper. Turns out they both have more in common than you'd think, and Suzie's free spirit calls to Ford's buttoned up persona that he's built to hide his past. They work but I found the chemistry between them to be a bit lacking.

Overall I thought the story was funny, and I loved the Scorned Women Society and I can't wait to meet them in more detail as the series progresses. I'm looking forward to hearing their backstories and getting to know them and see them each get their happily ever afters. I love seeing a group of women come together to support each other. We need more of that in books and real life.

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Blog Tour: My Bare Lady by Piper Sheldon

My Bare Lady, a funny and heartwarming romantic comedy standalone from Piper Sheldon and Smartypants Romance is available now!

Suzie Samuels is the only thing standing between Clifford and his life’s work. All he has to do is change everything about her. Perception creates reality and Clifford Rutledge needs the irascible stripper to prove it.

Suzie Samuels is set to prove once and for all she’s more than Short Fuse Suze, stripper for the Black Demons and renowned motorcycle arsonist. If all it takes is hard work, then Suzie knows how to work it hard.

But Suzie’s scandalous spirit tests Clifford's resolve. And Clifford’s buttoned-up bullying is driving Suzie bonkers.

Can Clifford move past their differences long enough to pull off the impossible task of changing the bare lady into a fair lady?

More importantly, as perceptions shift and priorities change, will he want to?

'My Bare Lady' is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book #1 in the Scorned Women's Society series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2qBD1SY

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/MBLPiper

Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/2lCqPyL

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2lGNwle

Excerpt

I was transfixed. It wasn’t just the way she mastered the room. It wasn’t just how her choreography perfectly correlated with the entrancing music. It wasn’t just her sex appeal. It was that unwavering gaze and focus on her task. To the rest of the room, staring blatantly at her admirable—ahem—assets, she was an object, but I recognized the barely controlled passion roiling under her skin. What would it be like to be that strong? Not just physically, but strong in a way that allowed her to bare her soul to a group of greedy strangers. My passions were locked away safely inside me and yet she put it all out there. Such bravery and passion.

In certain moments, I swear she looked right at me—quick stolen glances that shot a bolt of adrenaline down my spine. Perhaps this was a skill she learned to earn more tips, as the money was out in droves now, peppered over the stage and her sweating skin. But I swore she saw me. Saw through me. To the things I didn’t want seen. I stepped back further into the darkness knowing my concerns were irrational but unable to tear my eyes off hers. I was stronger than this. I was thoughtful, pragmatic, and not a victim of animalistic natures and poetic fantasies.

Though she occasionally snapped the thin strips of material that made up her outfit in a playful tease she never took any clothes off. She didn’t need to. She’d managed to capture the attention of every person in that room with her movements alone.

My body reacted despite my rationale; heart pounding, skin aflame. I needed to leave. I wouldn’t be like the rest of these people.

The song crescendoed and in a show of strength, she launched herself back to the top of the pole once again. A small gasp escaped from me but the music drowned out all noise. She performed a trick that made her appear to fall down the entire length of the pole, tumbling over and sideways, limb over limb, only to catch herself at the bottom using only her thighs. She hung upside down, panting, dark hair sprawled out around her and her gaze set on me. Her eyes were a brilliant emerald, unlike any color I’d ever seen. They were luminescent in the stage lighting. Even across the hazy bar, they were transcendent. Glowing. Fixated on me.

Nobody else.

I swallowed but it wasn’t easy. The song ended and the lights went out. The crowd went wild. Several moments passed before I gained control of my faculties again. With that control came the shame of watching her. The understanding that just seeing her perform was enough to make me forget who I was. That couldn’t happen.

I got out of there as fast as I could. The entire drive back to Knoxville my chest heaved at an alarming rate; my body remained a mass of tension. Her hypnotic gaze flashed repeatedly in my vision no matter how often I tried to shake it loose.

Thankfully, I’d never see her again.

About Piper Sheldon

Piper Sheldon writes Contemporary Romance and Magical Realism books that hope to be New York Times bestsellers when they grow up. For now, she works as a technical writer during the day and writes about love the rest of the time. Of course she also makes room for her husband, toddler, and two needy dogs at home in the Desert Southwest.

Connect with Piper Sheldon

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2lAvr8A

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2kxkioK

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2kx2RVn

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2lxxV7H

Website: http://bit.ly/2kitH3H

Connect with Smartypants Romance

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Release Blitz: My Bare Lady by Piper Sheldon

My Bare Lady, the first in the all-new opposites-attract romantic comedy from Piper Sheldon and Smartypants Romance is available now!

Suzie Samuels is the only thing standing between Clifford and his life’s work. All he has to do is change everything about her. Perception creates reality and Clifford Rutledge needs the irascible stripper to prove it.

Suzie Samuels is set to prove once and for all she’s more than Short Fuse Suze, stripper for the Black Demons and renowned motorcycle arsonist. If all it takes is hard work, then Suzie knows how to work it hard.

But Suzie’s scandalous spirit tests Clifford's resolve. And Clifford’s buttoned-up bullying is driving Suzie bonkers.

Can Clifford move past their differences long enough to pull off the impossible task of changing the bare lady into a fair lady?

More importantly, as perceptions shift and priorities change, will he want to?

'My Bare Lady' is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book #1 in the Scorned Women's Society series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2qBD1SY

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/MBLPiper

Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/2lCqPyL

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2lGNwle

About Piper Sheldon

Piper Sheldon writes Contemporary Romance and Magical Realism books that hope to be New York Times bestsellers when they grow up. For now, she works as a technical writer during the day and writes about love the rest of the time. Of course she also makes room for her husband, toddler, and two needy dogs at home in the Desert Southwest.

Connect with Piper Sheldon

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2lAvr8A

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2kxkioK

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2kx2RVn

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2lxxV7H

Website: http://bit.ly/2kitH3H

Connect with Smartypants Romance

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2kvDnb4

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2lzyduO

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2lGdIMQ

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2kwKsYK

Website: https://smartypantsromance.com/