Title: ShameLess
Author: Mel Ballew
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Hosted By: Love Between The Sheets
"If all you can do is crawl,
start crawling. Soon, you’ll be able to stand."
S’renaty James lives a privileged
life most her age only dream of living. She is beautiful and popular with her
entire life ahead of her. Life could not get any better.
Until her entire life shifts,
crashing around her...
Bound by devastation, persecuted
by the ones she used to call ‘friends’, haunted by disturbing nightmares, and
filled with self-blame, she vows to overcome.
Stefan is everything S’renaty
swears to avoid. He is carefree and charismatic. He is primitive, complicated
and a total badass. He makes her melt like fine chocolate under a hot summer’s
sun the first time their eyes meet. There is something about him, and she makes
it her mission to find out.
When he meets S’renaty James, he
is not prepared for what comes over him because for the first time ever, a girl
leaves him breathless. Now, his primary responsibility is to keep her safe.
He will do anything to protect
her. Even lie...
Stefan is the one person she has
trusted with her heart. After keeping an unforgivable secret, he could be the
one to shatter it to pieces. In fact, he may even destroy her beyond repair.
Will she overcome and forgive, letting go of the pain, guilt and shame? Or this
time, will she be stronger than the hardest lesson of her life — and, become
totally ShameLess?
S'renaty or Ren James's life was perfect, until one night, when an accident crumbled her perfect life into ashes. She lost her best friend in a freak accident without apologizing or offering an explanation. Her so-called friends turned her back on her, her boyfriend left her, she's having nightmares and her heart is drowning with guilt feelings.
But she tried to get help, and overcome all of it. Ready to start anew, she headed off to another school to start her college year. There she met, Stefan - everything she wished to avoid. He's arrogant, a bit of cocky, carefree and a total bad boy. How can she avoid him when everywhere she turn he's present? His determination to be a part of her life paves way when she gave him a chance. Despite the fact, something was off with him. It was a mystery she wanted to know.
As for hot Stefan (love the name by the way), Ren was something he didn't expect. She was indeed beautiful, and for the first time in his life - a girl knock off the air from his lungs. It was his responsibility to keep her safe.
Choosing Stefan was a gamble. She trusted him with her heart, she bared her soul, her secret to him. But Stefan too has secrets - secrets that may cost not just her trust, but their relationship and most especially her safety.
Shameless is a book about sad endings and great beginnings! I love this book, especially the quotes that precedes each chapter. It's inspiring, and enlightening. With Tucker present, I thought these two were going to have some problem. But I guess, Ms. Mel has other ideas about him. (Yes, the sequel is all about Tucker - Hurray!!!). But she chose Stefan, they were happy. Stefan took good care of Ren and treated her like a princess. I love the surprises he plans for her.
I didn't see the twist coming my way, so I must say it was definitely a surprise. The story doesn't only center on love - but it deals well with family issues, trust and most especially, moving on. Her father was the best father in the world, what he did may be quite disturbing, but like all fathers, they only want their daughters safe. It was a great read, and I am looking forward for FearLess. :)
I didn't see the twist coming my way, so I must say it was definitely a surprise. The story doesn't only center on love - but it deals well with family issues, trust and most especially, moving on. Her father was the best father in the world, what he did may be quite disturbing, but like all fathers, they only want their daughters safe. It was a great read, and I am looking forward for FearLess. :)
RATING:
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On the heels of the truth surfacing in my head, my body reacts. Rapidly, I do a half-turn, lunging down and digging my right foot into the sand, and spin. I push off, hard with my foot, and take off darting back down the sand heading in the direction we just came from. I don’t wait for a response or a reaction from Stefan. I just run fast and hard. I allow my body to dictate its speed. I sprint, running parallel with the raging tides inspiring my motivation. It’s absolutely fucking freeing. Emotional tension blends with the sexual tension surging, pushing me, and giving me additional grit to push on.
“Who needs a rest now?” I cry out into the air now blowing at my back. Dazed, Stefan didn’t see that one coming, and I chuckle as I continue racing down the beach.
In no time, he catches up to me as we near the house. He grabs my hand, halting me, pulling me to his side. Both of us are covered in sweat, and sex oozes off him. I just want to scream. Instead, I lean forward, placing my hands on each of my knees, gasping through huffing breaths. Damn that felt great!
Before I know what is happening, he whisks my entire body up slinging me over his shoulder, and takes off running. We both plunge straight into the ocean. The frigid water bitch slaps me; no cold shower needed. Together, we come up for air. Freezing water runs down our faces.
“What the hell, Stefan?” I stutter out through chattering teeth as shivers possess me. Between the cool breeze off the ocean, and the frigid water, I can’t get warm.
He pulls me to him, wrapping me in his arms, “I told you, you would be in my arms, Star. And, cheaters always get due punishment. I don’t play.” His words, playful, and firm, offer heated softness. I allow myself to welcome the warmth. How is there any possible way to respond to that? I can’t.
Time halts.
In the next instant, Stefan takes both of his hands to each side of my face, saying, “You will always be in my arms,” then leans in closer introducing his lips to mine in a more passionate kiss than any I have had with him or by anyone else.
In this moment, it feels like the first one. I’m dying inside. This icy water holds no refuge to the fervor his body offers mine. He attempts to pull away, but I bring him to me this time, and take all of him, seizing his lips with my own. I bite his bottom lip, sucking it in, nibbling a little harder, and letting him know I want all of him, not just his lips. I want all of him!
Time has a way of transcending. It surpasses more than the grandest of any of our unanswered prayers. It offers us gifts every single day. Pap is right. Each day is truly a gift. Our past is a gift for our present to open. I’m in the present with the most amazing guy. Right now, nothing else matters except for opening my gift, and accepting my present. God knows exactly what we need exactly when we need it. I thank God for giving me the strength to be here, in this moment.
Tomorrow may still be a mystery, but today is unraveling, slowly. It’s like opening a gift, and one I have every intention of treating with care…unwrapping it gently to savor its blessing. Here is to the present; to us!
“Who needs a rest now?” I cry out into the air now blowing at my back. Dazed, Stefan didn’t see that one coming, and I chuckle as I continue racing down the beach.
In no time, he catches up to me as we near the house. He grabs my hand, halting me, pulling me to his side. Both of us are covered in sweat, and sex oozes off him. I just want to scream. Instead, I lean forward, placing my hands on each of my knees, gasping through huffing breaths. Damn that felt great!
Before I know what is happening, he whisks my entire body up slinging me over his shoulder, and takes off running. We both plunge straight into the ocean. The frigid water bitch slaps me; no cold shower needed. Together, we come up for air. Freezing water runs down our faces.
“What the hell, Stefan?” I stutter out through chattering teeth as shivers possess me. Between the cool breeze off the ocean, and the frigid water, I can’t get warm.
He pulls me to him, wrapping me in his arms, “I told you, you would be in my arms, Star. And, cheaters always get due punishment. I don’t play.” His words, playful, and firm, offer heated softness. I allow myself to welcome the warmth. How is there any possible way to respond to that? I can’t.
Time halts.
In the next instant, Stefan takes both of his hands to each side of my face, saying, “You will always be in my arms,” then leans in closer introducing his lips to mine in a more passionate kiss than any I have had with him or by anyone else.
In this moment, it feels like the first one. I’m dying inside. This icy water holds no refuge to the fervor his body offers mine. He attempts to pull away, but I bring him to me this time, and take all of him, seizing his lips with my own. I bite his bottom lip, sucking it in, nibbling a little harder, and letting him know I want all of him, not just his lips. I want all of him!
Time has a way of transcending. It surpasses more than the grandest of any of our unanswered prayers. It offers us gifts every single day. Pap is right. Each day is truly a gift. Our past is a gift for our present to open. I’m in the present with the most amazing guy. Right now, nothing else matters except for opening my gift, and accepting my present. God knows exactly what we need exactly when we need it. I thank God for giving me the strength to be here, in this moment.
Tomorrow may still be a mystery, but today is unraveling, slowly. It’s like opening a gift, and one I have every intention of treating with care…unwrapping it gently to savor its blessing. Here is to the present; to us!
It’s
My Life - Bon Jovi
Beaches
- Bette Midler
Live
Like You Are Dying - Tim McGraw
One
Step At A Time - Jordin Sparks
Show
Me What I’m Looking For - Carolina Liar
Acceptance
In The Waves - Ice Nine Kills
Let’s
Get It Started - The Black Eyed Peas
Party
Rock Anthem - LMFAO
Walk
Of Shame - P!nk
Wild
Boy - MGK
Purple
Rain - Prince
When
It Rains - Paramore
Get
Lucky – Daft Punk
Crazy
Train - Ozzy Osbourne
Between
the Raindrops - Lifehouse
Sun
Doesn’t Rise - Mushroomhead
Crazy
Bitch - L.A. Guns
Welcome
to My House Party - Mill Creek
Losing
My Mind - Daughtry
I’m
That Chick - Mariah Carey
Cassanova
- Frankie Paul
Because
Of You - Kelly Clarkson
Lost
In You - Three Days Grace
Touch
My Body - Mariah Carey
Just
A Fool - Christina Aguilera
Umbrella
- Boyce Avenue
Home
- Phillip Phillips
Rise
Above This - Seether
Whatever
It Takes - Lifehouse
Shout
At The Devil - Motley Crue
Before
I Met You - Usher
I
Won’t Give Up - Jason Mraz
Who
Knew - P!nk
Light
Up The Sky - Christina Aguilera
Neon
Lights - Demi Lovato
Shameless
- All Time Low
Shooting
Star - Owl City
The
Kill - Thirty Seconds To Mars
Stronger
- Kelly Clarkson
Try
Sleeping With A Broken Heart - Alicia Keys
Fix
You - Cold Play
Hit
Me With Your Best Shot - Pat Benatar
I
Swear - All-4-One
More
Than Words Can Say - Alias
What
About Now - Bruno Mars
Just
The Way You Are - Rachael Yamagata
Just
Give Me A Reason - P!nk, Nate Ruess
Listen
to the ShameLess Playlist on Spotify
Mel Ballew resides in rural Pennsylvania with her husband and daughter, son, daughter-in-law, and grand kids, along with their two spoiled cats.
An avid reader, she has always had an equal passion for writing and has written her entire life, to date. Her mother initially birthed, inspired and encouraged these loves. The two often discussed writing together but unfortunately, that dream never came to fruition.
Years later, this happened, that happened¬—life happened.
She stepped away from writing to place more focus on being wife and a full-time mom. Today, she would not have changed a thing. The day her daughter was born became the first day she realized a significant rhythm to her heart was also born. Her daughter, now preparing to go off to college, has grown into a beautiful and responsible young adult.
A twisted turn of events in September 2009 left Mel unable to work outside of the home. Forced to consider other options, and while embracing a therapeutic approach of transcribing all of the challenges facing her, post-accident, she returned to journaling. Once again, the writer within her has been rebirthed—awakened from slumber.
Mel is a hopeless romantic. Blessed, she has her very own soul mate, which she calls husband, best friend and lover.
She is a simple country gal, with a profound love of true simplicity. She is just as hopeless in her love of nature and regards many of her writing aspirations to appreciating its beauty, although every single story is birthed from her dreams. Sometimes, in life, simply enjoying a chilled glass of sangria on a warm summer’s eve or indulging in her love of chocolate and peanut butter is an expression of enjoying such simplicity. For her, these moments are simply D’vine.
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