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Inspiring the Greek Billionaire #1
Sway With Me
When ex-millionaire Ryan Sullivan learns he and a sexy stranger inherited a mansion with the condition they must first live in it together for three months, he doesn’t see the downside. In ninety days, they’ll sell the house and walk away millionaires. He didn’t count on falling for the ethereal woman he’s forced to live with and vowed not to touch. Brought up by an eccentric mother who believes she and her daughters are Muses possessing the magic to inspire creativity in the right men, Portia Dubrovsky never gave credence to her mother’s delusions—until Portia meets Ryan the morning after dreaming of him. Craving the permanent home she’s never had, she’s determined to find a way to buy Ryan’s share of the house—one way or another.
As the walls of the luxurious mansion crumble around them, they can’t deny the electricity they share as they dance to the music, which only they can hear. But when the music stops playing, will they sell the home and go their separate ways, or have they have built a sturdy enough foundation to last a lifetime?
As the walls of the luxurious mansion crumble around them, they can’t deny the electricity they share as they dance to the music, which only they can hear. But when the music stops playing, will they sell the home and go their separate ways, or have they have built a sturdy enough foundation to last a lifetime?
181 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2014
36 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Shelly Bell
28 books644 followersShelly Bell is the author of the popular Shelly Bell is the author of more than a dozen romances. Her novels have collected numerous awards and have received starred reviews from both Publisher’s Weekly and Library Journal. An attorney for more than twenty-five years, Shelly lives with her family in southwest Florida. When she's not working, she enjoys teaching romance writing to aspiring authors, volunteering in her local community, and reading by the pool. To learn more about her books, visit www.ShellyBellBooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 23, 2014
*Received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Portia Dubrovsky is a dancer who had to retired because she tore a tendon in her leg. She grew up with her sister Viola and a single mom who happened to be a Shakespeare's fan. They'd been homeless, and sometimes slept on the floor because they didn't have enough beds in the shelters.
As a child, Portia never knew where she'd go to sleep at night, and never had a permanent place to hang her clothes. She'd gone without food and roof.
She left New York and bought a ticket to Detroit as soon as the lawyer George called her. Her uncle Alexander Stavros left her and Ryan his huge house, with the condition they must first live in it together for ninety days.
"He left the house to both of us?" How would that work? It wasn't as thought they could live together.
Ryan Sullivan is an ex-millionaire who lost everything because of a bad choice. He also dropped out of law school since he'd lost all his money.
He didn't believe in luck, but when he got a call from his uncle's attorney, he'd believe in everything. He sure needed some money, but he didn't expect what his uncle had in store for him. He had to share and live in his uncle's house for three months with a stranger.
"Wow. Does the idea of living with someone scare you?" - Ryan
They spent most of their time fixing up the mansion, while she cleaned the dirty kitchen, he fixed the leak and pipes. And even though they were attracted to each other, they agreed that sex would make things awkward to live together.
"He'd never seen a more beautiful woman."
"He couldn't let such a perfect woman slip through his fingers."
"Portia took the opportunity to check out his butt. No sag. Just pure, rounded muscle under those tight jeans."
Ryan and Portia have an undeniable chemistry. They are thrown together by fate, but will they end up together after twists and turns? What did Portia want? Would Ryan convince her to sell the house even though all Portia wants is to go to bed secure that she won't have to pack her belongings the next morning? Why was Ryan broken when he came from a family worth billions of dollars? Read Sway With Me and find out! Go buy it today, read it and make Shelly happy by leaving a honest review!
"Money is important, but in the end, it's nothing without love."
I was all over the place in this book. I loved the characters and their chemistry, I promise you will not regret reading it! Bravo, Shelly Bell! Can't wait to read Stirring Up Trouble.
Portia Dubrovsky is a dancer who had to retired because she tore a tendon in her leg. She grew up with her sister Viola and a single mom who happened to be a Shakespeare's fan. They'd been homeless, and sometimes slept on the floor because they didn't have enough beds in the shelters.
As a child, Portia never knew where she'd go to sleep at night, and never had a permanent place to hang her clothes. She'd gone without food and roof.
She left New York and bought a ticket to Detroit as soon as the lawyer George called her. Her uncle Alexander Stavros left her and Ryan his huge house, with the condition they must first live in it together for ninety days.
"He left the house to both of us?" How would that work? It wasn't as thought they could live together.
Ryan Sullivan is an ex-millionaire who lost everything because of a bad choice. He also dropped out of law school since he'd lost all his money.
He didn't believe in luck, but when he got a call from his uncle's attorney, he'd believe in everything. He sure needed some money, but he didn't expect what his uncle had in store for him. He had to share and live in his uncle's house for three months with a stranger.
"Wow. Does the idea of living with someone scare you?" - Ryan
They spent most of their time fixing up the mansion, while she cleaned the dirty kitchen, he fixed the leak and pipes. And even though they were attracted to each other, they agreed that sex would make things awkward to live together.
"He'd never seen a more beautiful woman."
"He couldn't let such a perfect woman slip through his fingers."
"Portia took the opportunity to check out his butt. No sag. Just pure, rounded muscle under those tight jeans."
Ryan and Portia have an undeniable chemistry. They are thrown together by fate, but will they end up together after twists and turns? What did Portia want? Would Ryan convince her to sell the house even though all Portia wants is to go to bed secure that she won't have to pack her belongings the next morning? Why was Ryan broken when he came from a family worth billions of dollars? Read Sway With Me and find out! Go buy it today, read it and make Shelly happy by leaving a honest review!
"Money is important, but in the end, it's nothing without love."
I was all over the place in this book. I loved the characters and their chemistry, I promise you will not regret reading it! Bravo, Shelly Bell! Can't wait to read Stirring Up Trouble.
July 24, 2017
Although I enjoyed the story, I just couldn't connect to the part about a "stranger" bequeathing Portia a house to share with his nephew, Ryan. Portia didn't even get the connection until almost the end of the story. Just too many dots to connect.
June 17, 2014
My first encounter with the intensely talented Shelly Bell was through the White Collared series. (EPIC series by the way!!!) She warned me that this book was 'Light & Fluffy' compared to the kink that filled White Collared. Needless to say, I fell in love automatically as her words flew off the page into a movie in my eyes as I read.
Ryan Sullivan, born and raised with a silver spoon in his mouth has some secrets in his closet. "He didn't believe in luck, but if Uncle Alexander came through for him, he'd believe in luck, fate, karma, and Santa Claus." While in the elevator to see if his luck was changing, he encounters Portia Dubrovsky. Portia was raised by an eccentric mother who raised her daughters to believe they were magical muses holding a magic to bring out the creativity in the right man. The two could not be more different!
In a bombshell, the two learn a lot about themselves that leads them to sharing a mansion for 90 days while abiding by a strict curfew before being able to inherit what is theirs. Immediately, they put up walls to avoid the obvious feelings they share for each other. "His presence unnerved her, woke her up better than a Grande cappuccino with an extra shot of espresso, and at the same time gave her a sense of tranquility, as if nothing could go wrong in his presence." Ryan and Portia have different endgames in mind, but they both have one thing in common - providing the other with that glimmer of hope and happiness they desperately see in one another.
During the 90 days, you see a friendship develop that is filled with such a sweet playfulness. "If I had to guess, I'd say the oven is incorrectly calibrated. Either that, or the chicken committed suicide." Both are experiencing dreams of each other that seem so familiar, that they begin to question the notion of meeting prior to the elevator.
Every leak, broken stair, kiss, dance step, attempt to distance oneself, and especially the grand gestures - every little thing warmed my heart. The road to their HEA was a long one, starting long before either could remember. The 90 days was filled with more bumps then one could imagine, but the love was always they just kept trying to push it to the dark. It seemed like everyone from Lola to Braden to their parents and even the deceased Uncle Alexander knew before they did. Leaving the details for you to uncover as you read this story of love and finding yourself again, I will tell you that each turn will leave you wanting to dive deeper into the story. But, you must wait. If they aren't willing to share the details with each other, what makes you think they are ready to share with us? What I can do is leave you with some lines that will have you one-clicking this book before you realize it:
"She's been homeless."
"Fate was a fickle bitch."
"We've got to flour our noses."
"His little pussycat bared her claws on his behalf."
"And the carving of the dancer... I've never seen anything more beautiful."
He joined his hand with hers on his kness, interweaving their fingers. "I have."
He browns furrowed. "You have?"
"Yes." He brought her petite hand to his lips and kissed it. "The model for the ballerina - you. In any reincarnation, you are the most beautiful woman in the world. You are my Muse, Portia. Without you, I'm just a homeless, jobless, directionless shell."
Ryan Sullivan, born and raised with a silver spoon in his mouth has some secrets in his closet. "He didn't believe in luck, but if Uncle Alexander came through for him, he'd believe in luck, fate, karma, and Santa Claus." While in the elevator to see if his luck was changing, he encounters Portia Dubrovsky. Portia was raised by an eccentric mother who raised her daughters to believe they were magical muses holding a magic to bring out the creativity in the right man. The two could not be more different!
In a bombshell, the two learn a lot about themselves that leads them to sharing a mansion for 90 days while abiding by a strict curfew before being able to inherit what is theirs. Immediately, they put up walls to avoid the obvious feelings they share for each other. "His presence unnerved her, woke her up better than a Grande cappuccino with an extra shot of espresso, and at the same time gave her a sense of tranquility, as if nothing could go wrong in his presence." Ryan and Portia have different endgames in mind, but they both have one thing in common - providing the other with that glimmer of hope and happiness they desperately see in one another.
During the 90 days, you see a friendship develop that is filled with such a sweet playfulness. "If I had to guess, I'd say the oven is incorrectly calibrated. Either that, or the chicken committed suicide." Both are experiencing dreams of each other that seem so familiar, that they begin to question the notion of meeting prior to the elevator.
Every leak, broken stair, kiss, dance step, attempt to distance oneself, and especially the grand gestures - every little thing warmed my heart. The road to their HEA was a long one, starting long before either could remember. The 90 days was filled with more bumps then one could imagine, but the love was always they just kept trying to push it to the dark. It seemed like everyone from Lola to Braden to their parents and even the deceased Uncle Alexander knew before they did. Leaving the details for you to uncover as you read this story of love and finding yourself again, I will tell you that each turn will leave you wanting to dive deeper into the story. But, you must wait. If they aren't willing to share the details with each other, what makes you think they are ready to share with us? What I can do is leave you with some lines that will have you one-clicking this book before you realize it:
"She's been homeless."
"Fate was a fickle bitch."
"We've got to flour our noses."
"His little pussycat bared her claws on his behalf."
"And the carving of the dancer... I've never seen anything more beautiful."
He joined his hand with hers on his kness, interweaving their fingers. "I have."
He browns furrowed. "You have?"
"Yes." He brought her petite hand to his lips and kissed it. "The model for the ballerina - you. In any reincarnation, you are the most beautiful woman in the world. You are my Muse, Portia. Without you, I'm just a homeless, jobless, directionless shell."
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December 31, 2015Sway With Me is live! My contemporary romance with magical realism is available exclusively through Amazon. http://tiny.cc/swaywithme
Here's one of my favorite lines...
She smirked as she stood. “How’re you feeling now?”
He tucked himself back in and zipped his pants. “Like I ate a delicious appetizer, but I’m still hungry for the main meal.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the stairs. “Let’s go kill a couple of hours. There’s a scarf and a bar in your closet that are calling your name.”
She gasped and stumbled, her cheeks pink. “Race you there.”
Here's one of my favorite lines...
She smirked as she stood. “How’re you feeling now?”
He tucked himself back in and zipped his pants. “Like I ate a delicious appetizer, but I’m still hungry for the main meal.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the stairs. “Let’s go kill a couple of hours. There’s a scarf and a bar in your closet that are calling your name.”
She gasped and stumbled, her cheeks pink. “Race you there.”
January 24, 2014
I really enjoyed this romance. The story was believable, the characters were nicely fleshed out, and I really found myself drawn in. I also loved the glimpse at a possible romance for future books!
Portia and Ryan were a lovely couple put into a unique situation. I believed their chemistry and as their pasts were slowly unveiled, I found myself really feeling and understanding them.
Bravo, Miss Bell. I look forward to reading more of your work.
Portia and Ryan were a lovely couple put into a unique situation. I believed their chemistry and as their pasts were slowly unveiled, I found myself really feeling and understanding them.
Bravo, Miss Bell. I look forward to reading more of your work.
May 12, 2014
I received it in exchange of an honest review.... WOW!!! Just WOW!!! I read it in one night, couldn't put it down!!! Portia and Ryan just take your breath away!!! Very well written, with a creative story and some twists, you get attached to the characters and the steaming chemistry between them!!!! A red hot, devilishly addictive story!!!! Portia and Ryan welcome to my favorite couple list!!! A pure pleasure!
August 9, 2016
What a cute and clever story with just the right touch of romance and conflict to keep readers glued to the pages as they hope for a happy ever after for this couple! Shelly Bell has given us two characters, ostensibly at cross purposes, and found a way to give them a glimpse into the ‘what may be’, as they deal with what is and what it means to them individually and together.
Ryan is in the middle of a huge life change, formerly worth millions his bottom line is in single digits, and he hasn’t shared that information with anyone. When his uncle’s will is revealed, he finds that he has inherited the old mansion. Not seeing a downside, Ryan is willing to deal with the conditional bequest, for at the end the property can be sold and he can walk away with funding for a new start.
Portia is surprised by a bequest from her Aunt’s husband. Growing up in an unstable situation, her desires for a home of her own just may have been met. She is convinced that this opportunity will, after the 90 day conditional residency, provide her with the home she always wanted.
They arrive at cross purposes to share this home, and there just may be some manipulation and intervention from elsewhere. The night before they take up residency, Portia has a dream that features Ryan, a man she had never met. Yet Ryan’s uncle was maneuvering for him to find a purpose and joy that is not necessarily financial, and uses this opportunity to play matchmaker.
Brought together by chance, neither had initially considered a romantic attachment, but their chemistry is undeniable. Slowly they start to share the stories of their lives and their dreams for the future, yet they are still reluctant to explore what their feelings may mean. Both Ryan and Portia are slowly developing before our eyes, rich with emotions, desires, regrets and wounds. The ‘forced’ cohabitation as a condition of inheritance as crafted by his uncle was a clever way to get Ryan to slow down and see what truly is important. For Portia, her desire for a stable home to call her own is overwhelming, and always just out of reach. While I adored the story of the two of them together, and could actually believe in the romance as it developed, my favorite character was the Uncle, with his foresight and manipulation of these two for something more lasting and nourishing than a home.
I received an eBook copy of the title via Tasty Book Tours for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Ryan is in the middle of a huge life change, formerly worth millions his bottom line is in single digits, and he hasn’t shared that information with anyone. When his uncle’s will is revealed, he finds that he has inherited the old mansion. Not seeing a downside, Ryan is willing to deal with the conditional bequest, for at the end the property can be sold and he can walk away with funding for a new start.
Portia is surprised by a bequest from her Aunt’s husband. Growing up in an unstable situation, her desires for a home of her own just may have been met. She is convinced that this opportunity will, after the 90 day conditional residency, provide her with the home she always wanted.
They arrive at cross purposes to share this home, and there just may be some manipulation and intervention from elsewhere. The night before they take up residency, Portia has a dream that features Ryan, a man she had never met. Yet Ryan’s uncle was maneuvering for him to find a purpose and joy that is not necessarily financial, and uses this opportunity to play matchmaker.
Brought together by chance, neither had initially considered a romantic attachment, but their chemistry is undeniable. Slowly they start to share the stories of their lives and their dreams for the future, yet they are still reluctant to explore what their feelings may mean. Both Ryan and Portia are slowly developing before our eyes, rich with emotions, desires, regrets and wounds. The ‘forced’ cohabitation as a condition of inheritance as crafted by his uncle was a clever way to get Ryan to slow down and see what truly is important. For Portia, her desire for a stable home to call her own is overwhelming, and always just out of reach. While I adored the story of the two of them together, and could actually believe in the romance as it developed, my favorite character was the Uncle, with his foresight and manipulation of these two for something more lasting and nourishing than a home.
I received an eBook copy of the title via Tasty Book Tours for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
March 14, 2014
Ryan used to be a millionaire but he doesn't have any money anymore. He keeps what happened to it a secret. He is surprised to learn his uncle left his mansion to him but there is a few conditions. Portia has never had much. She has spent many nights in a homeless shelter. When she learns she has inherited a mansion from her aunt's husband she is thrilled. All her dreams of a home could come true. Only problem is Ryan and Portia must live in the mansion together for 90 days in order to inherit it. Ryan wants to sell the house when the 90 days is up but Portia wants to keep the house. They are opposites in every way but they can't deny they have chemistry. They may have found something else in the will besides the house. They may have found love.
This was a very charming story with some heat. Portia and Ryan both want different things and Portia tries to deny she wants Ryan but she can't resist him. They have family ties but they aren't related and don't remember each other. The mansion need works and they work together to fix it up. I like how the uncle knew they would be perfect for each other. Portia isn't one for finer things and Ryan isn't after his millions where gone. He is a great guy and doesn't act snotty. He also makes a few mistakes that almost cost him what he really wants. The music playing is a nice touch to the story. It gives it a magically feel. I look forward to reading about Portia's sister and what she will get into. If your looking for a read that will leave you smiling be sure to try this one.
This was a very charming story with some heat. Portia and Ryan both want different things and Portia tries to deny she wants Ryan but she can't resist him. They have family ties but they aren't related and don't remember each other. The mansion need works and they work together to fix it up. I like how the uncle knew they would be perfect for each other. Portia isn't one for finer things and Ryan isn't after his millions where gone. He is a great guy and doesn't act snotty. He also makes a few mistakes that almost cost him what he really wants. The music playing is a nice touch to the story. It gives it a magically feel. I look forward to reading about Portia's sister and what she will get into. If your looking for a read that will leave you smiling be sure to try this one.
March 20, 2014
5 star
Arc review
I love when I receive a book that I can love, and this is one of those books. Although it spans in three months its a lot more than that. I believe that you have that one person you are meant to be with and well this books does that. The main characters are not needy, they are strong with their convictions. The secondary characters are just as good and I think their books will be as good as this one. The only thing I would have liked an epilogue because I like to see down the road.
Portia and Ryan inherit a house that they have to live together for three months. In this three month time they have dreams of a past life where they fall in love. But Ryan has a secret he is hiding and it could result in losing what he an portia are feeling. There are some parts that will make you so frustrated, parts that are sexually tensed, and parts you will fall in love with.
You need to read this book. I had it done in one sitting. You won't to put this down. Must read for the year.
Arc review
I love when I receive a book that I can love, and this is one of those books. Although it spans in three months its a lot more than that. I believe that you have that one person you are meant to be with and well this books does that. The main characters are not needy, they are strong with their convictions. The secondary characters are just as good and I think their books will be as good as this one. The only thing I would have liked an epilogue because I like to see down the road.
Portia and Ryan inherit a house that they have to live together for three months. In this three month time they have dreams of a past life where they fall in love. But Ryan has a secret he is hiding and it could result in losing what he an portia are feeling. There are some parts that will make you so frustrated, parts that are sexually tensed, and parts you will fall in love with.
You need to read this book. I had it done in one sitting. You won't to put this down. Must read for the year.
January 11, 2015
This was definitely unlike anything I have ever read before. Ryan and Portia are thrown together by fate and after many twists and turns end up together. In the beginning I didn't think it would end happily but boy was I wrong, they get their happily ever after and I hope there is another book about just them because I want to know more.
This book took me on an emotional ride I wasn't expecting at all. I actually cried at the end of this book and that almost never happens as I'm not a crier at all. This book is a wild ride that I think you will all enjoy extrementally! I am still teary eyed and speechless as I write this. I look forward to reading about the friend, Braden, and sister, Lola later this year!
RATING:
5 out of 5 stars
This book took me on an emotional ride I wasn't expecting at all. I actually cried at the end of this book and that almost never happens as I'm not a crier at all. This book is a wild ride that I think you will all enjoy extrementally! I am still teary eyed and speechless as I write this. I look forward to reading about the friend, Braden, and sister, Lola later this year!
RATING:
5 out of 5 stars
March 20, 2014
Sway with me is a funny, sexy romance about two people brought together under strange conditions. Portia and Ryan meet while heading up to a lawyers office. When it turns out they are both left a very large house and have to live there...things become complicated, and interesting.
Ryan and Portia both have their own ideas of what they want from the outcome of living there. They're both attracted to each other. They both have things they are trying to deal with in their past.
This was fun to read about two strangers getting to know each other and falling in love. I LOVE the banter between the two. I love the hint with the story line between her sister and his friend. All in all, Sway With Me kept me entertained and I enjoyed it! Great job to Ms. Bell for a great read!
Ryan and Portia both have their own ideas of what they want from the outcome of living there. They're both attracted to each other. They both have things they are trying to deal with in their past.
This was fun to read about two strangers getting to know each other and falling in love. I LOVE the banter between the two. I love the hint with the story line between her sister and his friend. All in all, Sway With Me kept me entertained and I enjoyed it! Great job to Ms. Bell for a great read!
August 9, 2014
PRELIMINARY NOTES:
The Good: Shelly Bell seems like the people who write for CASTLE - she does a good job with the light, quirky and romantic stuff. Deep conspiracies and dark characters, like in her WHITE COLLARED series? Not so much.
Lots of Magical Realism - dreams both characters share of a past life together, a seemingly immortal cat named "Zeus" who can teleport into locked rooms (okay, maybe that's not SO strange!), wacky comic broken-house accidents that largely seem designed to throw the two characters into each other's arms, etc.
The Good: Shelly Bell seems like the people who write for CASTLE - she does a good job with the light, quirky and romantic stuff. Deep conspiracies and dark characters, like in her WHITE COLLARED series? Not so much.
Lots of Magical Realism - dreams both characters share of a past life together, a seemingly immortal cat named "Zeus" who can teleport into locked rooms (okay, maybe that's not SO strange!), wacky comic broken-house accidents that largely seem designed to throw the two characters into each other's arms, etc.
January 26, 2014
Once you pick up Sway With Me, you won't be able to put it down! Ryan and Portia are captivating characters and you will find yourself thinking about them long after you finish the book. They have an undeniable chemistry that jumps off of the page! All of Bell's characters are relatable, delightfully quirky, and multi-layered. You are sure to enjoy Ryan and Portia's adventure and journey into love, and you might just find yourself believing in the magic of muses.
July 7, 2014
This is the first book by Shelly Bell that I have read but it won't be the last. This is a beautifully written story. Portia and Ryan have their trials and troubles. They have their insecurities about themselves but each shows the other their worth. As the first book in the series, I can't wait to read the rest.
September 7, 2014
Sweet and light. I'm probably not going to remember it beyond tomorrow though.
May 26, 2016
better then I thought it would be. I want there house
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews