So the first reviews for my new book, Can’t Stand the Heat, are in and their pretty darn good… thankfully!

 

Starred review from Publishers Weekly

“… Sizzling chemistry ignites between the main characters, developing from a slow simmer as anticipation and plot build to a full rolling boil. The book features sparkling dialogue, delicious romance, and a masterfully constructed story with a strong, well-developed cast of characters whose varying viewpoints provide depth and layering.”
Read the full review here!

4-star review from RT Book Reviews

“Ellis starts her new Gibbons Gold Digger Series, about a family of women who seduce men for money, in fine form… Be ready to laugh and cry with these new reality stars of Chesterton, Va.”
Read the full review here! (limited to RT Book Reviews subscribers)

An "A" review from Romance in Color

 "The premise is modern and relatable; and the story is presented in clean, uncomplicated language. Comedic moments certainly added to the overall pleasure of the experience. Please don’t keep me waiting too long for the next installation. Please!"
Read the full review here!

A 5-star review from Romance Novels in Color

"As a debut novel for a series, this author has done a wonderful job. I love the author’s writing style."
Read the full review here! 

Like the reviews? You can buy a copy of Can’t Stand the Heat!

Over three generations, the Gibbons women of Chesterton, Virginia, have built their reputation as a family of shameless—but refined—gold diggers. They even have a strict set of rules by which they operate. But the rebellious, youngest Gibbons is about to break them all…

Lauren Gibbons is committing the ultimate family betrayal: abandoning the tradition of seducing men for money. Nothing is worth the abuse she’s endured from her sugar daddy. Now a sous chef, Lauren is hoping to break from the past for good. And when she meets hot former NFL player Crisanto Weaver, she even lets herself imagine a future. But the small-town rumor mill—and her own sisters—aren’t ready for a new Lauren. Between her conniving relatives, her vengeful ex, a mountain of debt, and a whole lot of haters, can she escape her old life, and create something new?

Cover Reveal for The Player and the Game!

So I got a copy of the cover for the second book in the Gibbons Gold Digger Series, The Player and the Game. I love that the designers went with the red background and dress. Looks caliente if I do say myself… just like the character, Stephanie Gibbons! The second book will be out Aug. 27th, but the first book, Can't Stand the Heat, will be in stores next month. :)

It’s business as usual for the infamous gold digging Gibbons women of Chesterton, Virginia. But this time, middle sister, Stephanie, may be the one getting played…

Stephanie Gibbons has finally hit the jackpot. Her new sugar daddy, Isaac, is loaded and treating her in high style. When he proposes, Stephanie is sure she’s set for life —- until she finds her bank account empty, Isaac gone, and a strange —- but very attractive—man following her.

Sexy P.I. Keith Hendricks has been tracking Isaac all along the eastern seaboard —- where the con man has left behind a trail of heartbroken, swindled women. But when Keith confronts Stephanie, he’s not sure if she’s Isaac’s accomplice —- or his next victim. The only thing that’s certain is his overwhelming attraction to her. And when Stephanie joins him on the hunt for Isaac, neither can ignore the sparks. Soon Stephanie is wondering whether true love is worth its weight in gold…

"Can't Stand the Heat" Book Giveaway!

The "official" release date for the first novel in the Gibbons Gold Diggers series, Can't Stand the Heat, is slated for April 30. But here's a chance to get the book a month before its available for purchase!

Until March 31, I'm holding a giveaway at Goodreads for signed advanced reading copies of the book. There's no entry fee. The contest is open to all members of Goodreads who are U.S. residents. Oh, and I'm not choosing of the winners. To make this as fair as possible, the winners are chosen randomly by a computer algorithm that the good folks at Goodreads created. (Well, aren't they smart! LOL)

Enter to win!

My Novel Can't Stand the Heat is Available for Pre-Order!

So remember when I said that I embraced a new pen name as Shelly Ellis (formerly L.S. Childers) and started a new book series about a scandalous group of four sisters? Well, the release date is finally out (April 30, 2013) and the paperback and ebook are available for preorder!

Over three generations, the Gibbons women of Chesterton, Virginia, have built their reputation as a family of shameless—but refined—gold diggers. They even have a strict set of rules by which they operate. But the rebellious, youngest Gibbons is about to break them all...
Lauren Gibbons is committing the ultimate family betrayal: abandoning the tradition of seducing men for money. Nothing is worth the abuse she’s endured from her sugar daddy. Now a sous chef, Lauren is hoping to break from the past for good. And when she meets hot former NFL player Crisanto Weaver, she even lets herself imagine a future. But the small-town rumor mill—and her own sisters—aren’t ready for a new Lauren. Between her conniving relatives, her vengeful ex, a mountain of debt, and a whole lot of haters, can she escape her old life, and create something new?

You can pre-order the book at Amazon here!

My publisher hasn't posted a preview chapter yet, but you can find it at my new site here, or just go to www.shellyellisbooks.com.

I'll be posting in tandem here and on my new web site updates about stuff I'm doing to promote this book. I should be doing free giveaways soon. Stay tuned!