All posts by Melinda B

Contemp. Romance, Single Mom

#WOTR24 #Review – Kickstart My Heart (Burgers and Brew Crue) Book 1 – By: Lacey Black

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Walker

There’s nothing better than a packed house on a Saturday night, and co-owning the hottest restaurant and bar in town with my best friends, isn’t so bad either. We put everything into Burgers and Brew. My job is to keep the alcohol moving and the patrons coming back for more. I won’t let anyone break my focus.

That was until I saw her.

As much as I try, I can’t fight it. Mallory makes me crave a future I never wanted for my own.

Now, I want it all.

Mallory

When I started my new job at a local specialty burger restaurant, I wasn’t expecting to find a tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome distraction in the form of Walker Meyer. He’s one of the owners, which means hands off. Only problem, it’s a lot easier said than done.

Especially when he’s so good with my daughter.

I try to keep him at a distance, but he’s insistent, slowly breaking down every one of my walls. He’s fighting to convince me I can trust him with not only my heart, but my daughter’s too.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Melinda

Mallory is trying to start her and her daughter, Lizzie, life over with a new start in a new town.  Not having much she is trying to make ends meet as a single mom. Mallory lands her the day shift at the local burger restaurant, Burgers and Brew. She collides with, Walker one of the owners and sparks start to fly. But no way can she let another man into her or her daughter’s life.

Walker is happy with his life owning and working at the bar and being single.  He does not date and has one rule never date any of the people at his bar including staff.  He meets his ladies in the ice cream aisle of the grocery store.  That is until the new waitress, Mallory, begins working at Burgers and Brew. Mallory and her daughter, Lizzie, stole a piece of his heart and has him breaking his own rules.

I absolutely loved this story. Not only did Mallory, Lizzie, and Walker steal my heart but so did Walkers family and business partners.  I so want to know more about each of them.  Not only did Mallory and Lizzie make their way into Walker’s heart but they snuck into everyone of Walker’s family and friends’ heart too. Walker was so patient with Mallory and the way he doted over Lizzie was heartwarming. The way Walker gets jealous when other guys, including his partners, talk to Mallory is hilarious. I loved that by the end of the book everyone has a nickname, well ok a shortened version of their own name. After reading this and getting little glimpses of the guys I cannot wait to read more of this series.

A few of my favorite lines:

I’ve never had a man look at me the way Walker does, with such raw yearning and lust.  ~Mallory

I like the idea of having them at my house. It’s nothing special, but maybe that’s not what makes a house a home anyway. Maybe it’s not the walls or the numbers of bedrooms or the amount of living space.
Perhaps it’s the people you invite inside.  ~ Walker

No, I can’t say I’m in love with Mallory, but I’ll agree I’m intrigued and enjoying my time with her, and if that leads to something more, then so be it.
I’m not afraid of taking the next stop, whatever that is.
I’m afraid of the fall.  ~Walker

Avid reader, writer, mother, and wife! I love to read contemporary romance. Add in a little “spice” or hot guys in uniform pants, and I’m a happy woman. There’s just something about diving into a book and engrossing in the magic of your hero and heroine getting their happily ever after.

Part of a Series, Reverse Harem, Witches

#WOTR24 #Review – Simon and Trenton (An Ariel Kimber Novel Book 10)

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Trenton and Simon are brothers by blood but their connection goes a whole lot deeper than just that. They grew up knowing that they’d spend their lives searching for that one special female witch it was their job to protect. Female witches were rare and they never thought they’d actually find her. But find her they did. And while protecting her they both fell in love with her. She fell in love with them right back. The problem was, she’s a stubborn little witch who’s too afraid to face her feelings head on and embrace them. She’ll run head first into danger, but face her feelings for the brothers? No way, she’s ready to run like a scared little girl. Can the brothers convince Ariel Kimber to take a chance on them or will they have to forever remain on the sidelines, protecting but never touching, what they rightfully consider to be theirs?

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Melinda

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

Simon and Trenton are Ariel’s body guards. Always in the background watching over her. They have a protective bond with her but they are also falling hard for her. They are given the chance to bond with her when Quinton has them go with her to investigate a piece of her past. When things go crazy for her they call in her dad.

I enjoyed that this was a book entirely about Trenton, Simon and Ariel. Don’t get me wrong I love all of Ariel’s guys but these three needed this time. I also like that they called in Rain because a girl can always use her dad when things go sideways. Trenton and Simon are so connected to her they know what she needs and who is the best to help her through certain situations.

Mary Martel was born in West Michigan and spent the majority of her life there. She currently resides in North Dakota with her husband, and her two beautiful daughters. She’s an avid reader, and when not writing she can be found with her nose stuck in a book.

Insta-Love, MC, Novella

#WOTR24 #Review – A Mountain to Climb (Rebel Vipers MC #0.5) – By: Jessa Aarons

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Lana

My life has fallen apart, so I’m trying to find my sister, starting with the last place she said she was. What I find there isn’t what I was expecting – the Rebel Vipers MC clubhouse.

The hot as hell man who opens the door is none other than my sister’s baby daddy. Oh, and if I forgot to mention, she’s not here anymore. What the heck?

It doesn’t take long for our attraction to surface, but I’m not so sure that us being together is the right thing. What about my nephew, Connor?

Mountain

I almost slammed the door in her face. She said she was Roxy’s sister and I panicked. But the more I get to know her, I realize she’s nothing like her venomous sister. That’s when I start falling.

How do I convince this woman that staying in the clubhouse is the right thing for her? For us? I have some walls to knock down, starting with her being afraid that my son will hate her forever. He’s ten years old and needs a woman in his life.

All is going well until I almost lose it all. Is this the end for me, or will my blue-eyed beauty keep me grounded?

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Melinda

I met this author at Rocking Readers and I had to pick up this book. I’m so glad I did it was a quick read and great intro to the club to see how it got its start.
Mountain A/K/A Jethro is the president of Rebel Vipers CM and a single dad. His son’s mom left when Conner was little.
When Lana came looking for her sister all she found was the president of Rebel Vipers. When she knocked on the door, he tried to slam the door in her face. Lana would have none of that and told Mountain the same.
I loved this insta-love quick read. Blue had just the right amount of sass to keep Mountain on his toes. Not only could she keep him in line but also his son Conner. I liked seeing the connection Conner and Blue have. She was so patient with him when they met and he was up in a tree.
Great start to a series. It pulled me in and I immediately purchased Whiskey. I mean really, I had to find out what Conner grew up to be and how did he get the name Whiskey.

Jessa Aarons was born and raised in the frozen tundra of Wisconsin. She has had her nose buried in books for as long as she can remember. Her love of romance began when she “borrowed” her mom’s paperback Harlequin novels.
After experiencing a life changing health issue, she had to leave the working world and dove back into books to help heal her soul. She would read anything that told a love story but still had grit and drama. Then she became a beta reader and personal assistant to another author.
Jessa is the boss of her husband and their castle. He really is her prince. Thanks to his encouragement, Jessa started putting pen to paper and creating new imaginary worlds. She spends her free time reading, crafting, and cheering on her hometown football team

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#NewRelease – Pine River by: Tijan

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Pine River by Tijan is now live!

​​Pine River was supposed to be a new start for me.

And it was, especially attending school with my three overprotective cousins, who were the triplets at the top of the social hierarchy.
Except they weren’t alone there, and the first day when I came to school, I saw him.
 
Scout Raiden.
Tall. Lean. Tattooed. Mesmerizing.
He was a golden god with dark and piercing eyes—looking like he wanted to eat me up.
 
The feeling was mutual, and that was a problem.
It was lust-want-must have-loathing-hate all at once. I was affected.
And I couldn’t have that. No way.
Not after what I’d just left in Cedra Valley.
 
I didn’t care how much money his uncle had.
I didn’t care that it seemed every girl wanted him.
I didn’t care about his reputation as an up-and-coming fighter.
Or the promise of how those hands would make me feel.
 
What I did care about was staying as far away from Scout as possible.
Because the promise of his presence, the heat that was going to turn the light back on in my world wasn’t a promise at all.
It was a threat.
 
I wasn’t going to survive Scout Raiden.

  Download today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon US: https://bit.ly/3Fp6nam

Amazon UK: https://bit.ly/3Md4bGR

Amazon CA: https://bit.ly/3Q44t3P

Amazon AU: https://bit.ly/3tGd6ds

Audible: https://bit.ly/46PI1lK

Narrated by: Savannah Peachwood & Teddy Hamilton

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3QXjMNT

Meet Tijan

Tijan is a New York Times Bestselling author that writes suspenseful and unpredictable novels. Her characters are strong, intense, and gut-wrenchingly real with a little bit of sass on the side. Tijan began writing after college and once she started, she was hooked. She’s written multi-bestsellers including the Fallen Crest series, Ryan’s Bed, Enemies and others.
​She is currently writing many new books and series with an English Cocker she adores.

Connect with Tijan

Website: http://www.tijansbooks.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4851199.Tijan

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tijan/e/B00DJG52QE

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tijansbooks/

Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/tijansreadergroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tijansbooks/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/tijansbooks

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@tijan_author

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tijan

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#WOTR23 #NewRelease #Review – SLOTH: Seven Deadly Sins Mafia – By: JM Walker

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SLOTH: Seven Deadly Sins Mafia Romance by [J.M. Walker]

He taught me everything I knew.
Drugs. Weapons. Money. More.
If it became known that we shared a history before he became the Arlo Rossi, it could cost us both of our lives.
Our destinies were quite different. Especially when I wasn’t part of the family.
After an unexpected meeting, I was reluctant to embrace everything I knew.
Everything he taught me.
When all was said and done, I realized that I may not have a choice.Lust. Gluttony. Greed. Sloth. Wrath. Envy. Pride.
DARE TO BE SINFUL!
Seven amazing authors are bringing the sins to life! Indulge in guilty pleasure with a mafia world full of deceit, romance, betrayal, and more! All books are standalone!Authors:
J.L. Leslie – Lust – January 2023
Crimson Syn – Gluttony – March 2023
Erin Trejo – Greed – May 2023
JM Walker – Sloth – July 2023
Delaney Foster – Wrath – September 2023
Kathy Coopmans – Envy – November 2023
Daphne Loveling – Pride – January 2024

Goodreads


Review by Twinsie Melinda

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

When JM sends a book and says it’s something new want to read it.  UM yes is always the answer. I have to say she did a great job on writing a mafia novella.

Ginny was the only daughter in a long line of son’s in the mafia family. Her dad was the only one that wanted her. He taught her how to survive and protect herself. He also made sure she was protected and looked after by his best friend Arlo. When Ginny’s world goes spiraling around her Arlo is there to help clean up and keep her safe. Although she ends up saving him also.

This was a quick read. Although I wish there was more because I enjoyed the sass that Ginny gave to Arlo. I also loved how much Arlo loved her and even though he was there to protect her he allowed her to make mistakes. Arlo was always there when she needed him most.  They are the perfect couple and would love to know more about them.

J.M. Walker, a Canadian author, is an Amazon bestseller who also hit USA Today with Wanted: An Outlaw Anthology. She loves all things books, pigs and lip gloss. She is happily married to the man who inspires all of her Heroes and continues to make her weak in the knees every single day.

“Above all, be the HEROINE of your own life…” ~ Nora Ephron

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#Review – Wolf King: A Dark Mafia Shifter/Rejected Mate Romance (Wolfs of New York book #1) – By: Bella Jacobs

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He’s also my only hope.

As a shifter from the wrong side of the tracks who’s just been rejected by my abusive fated mate, I don’t have a lot of options in this city.

I have no choice but to make a deal with the devil.

But that doesn’t mean I’m powerless. I have an ace up my sleeve, a bargaining chip Maxim can’t resist. He wants revenge on my pack leaders for poisoning his father, and I hold the key to his enemy’s destruction.

In exchange for one month of protection from my ex and his friends, I promise to give Maxim what he wants—me.

I expect honoring the bargain to be pure hell. I don’t expect to ignite every time we touch or to develop a soft spot for this wounded wolf. His blood calls to mine, and I’m starting to think this wicked king may have a heart after all.

But is there room in his world for love? Or am I destined to become a pawn in his dark game?

*This is book one in a quartet. It ends in a cliffhanger.*

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Melinda

Another New to me author.  I purchased this book on amazon. Who can pass up shifter mobster. The description of the book had me hooked. This is book one of four and be prepared it does end on a cliffhanger.

Willows fate has been decided she was mated to an evil alpha. Not accepting this as her fate she runs right into the arms of the alpha of their enemy. She makes a deal with Maxim to buy her some time.

Maxim I’m not sure of but when he starts to open up and show Willow another side of him, I am head over heals for him. The chemistry between Willow and Maxim is explosive. Maxim knows she is hiding something and is going to find out. Can Willow handle everything that is going to come her way. So far she has lost everything, her sister, and her parents.

I enjoy the friendship that Willow and Maxim sister have. With what is coming Willows way I’m not sure she will have anything but the end. I want to know what will happen next with Willow and Maxim. To be honest I also want to know more about Maxim’s sister.

Bella Jacobs loves pulse-pounding action, fantasy, and supernaturally high stakes, mixed with swoon-worthy romance and unforgettable heroes.

She adores trips to the dark side and can’t wait to take you on her next adventure.

Visit her at www.bellajacobsbooks.com

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#Review #Paranormal #SWAT – Desired by the Dragon (SWAT Shifters, Book #6) By: Bella Drake

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He was banished for crimes against the dragon clan. She’s the daughter of a dragon elder. When these true mates meet, will his past destroy their future?

FBI SWAT leader Wyatt Carson came to terms with being an outcast long ago. Or so he thought, until he meets the one thing a banished dragon cannot have: his true mate.

Amelia Blunt went looking for freedom from oppressive clan life, but what she finds is the mate she never dreamed existed. But when he tells her they can never be together, she’s left hurt and confused…and determined to prove him wrong. There’s no risk she won’t take to be with her fated mate.

The pull of the mate bond is growing impossible for Wyatt to resist, but just being near a banished dragon puts Amelia’s life at stake. The only way to protect her is to deny their love.

Can Wyatt make the ultimate sacrifice for love, or will attempting to save his mate destroy them both?

Desired by the Dragon is the sizzling final book in the SWAT Shifters paranormal romance series. If you like fated mates, steamy scenes, and strong heroes, then you’ll love Bella Drake’s pulse-pounding new series.

Buy Desired by the Dragon to risk everything for love today!

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Melinda

I’m kinda sad to see this series end. I love these shifters and their mates. Flint was one of my favorites in my opinion saved the best for last.
My heart broke to hear Flints back story but to see him with his mate made my heart happy. Being a dragon shifter and ban from his family and all other dragons made him hesitate when he met his mate. He didn’t want he to have the same fate ass him. However, they could not deny the pull of the fated mate bond.
My heart was torn when he had to put his own life on the line to save hers. Flint would do anything to save his mate even if it means losing his own life.
This was the best ending to the series I loved Flint and Amelia. Flint tried so hard to resist the mate bond but there was not stopping it. Flint was doomed between mate bond and Amelia being so determined to make this work.

Website
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBellaDrake/
Genre
Paranormal, Romance, Suspense
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#Review #Paranormal #SWAT – Protected by the Panther (SWAT Shifters, Book #5)

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She’s an FBI agent. He made his name running with the notorious Viper gang. Now he’s their star witness …and her true mate.

FBI agent Eve Sincero has spent months hunting the ruthless Viper gang, and now one’s landed in her lap…but he’s not under arrest, he’s in witness protection. The only thing worse than having to keep him safe is discovering that he’s her fated mate—a realization that makes Eve sick to her stomach.

Liam Marshall was relieved to walk away from his life of crime, but turning on his gang mates is proving even more dangerous than living with them. The only perk? The sexy FBI agent sent to guard him—except the very sight of him makes her ill. Stuck in a safehouse together, Liam is sure he can overcome her reservations, but a heart is not an easy thing to steal.

Eve is determined to get the job done and get out, but her inner panther has other ideas about the hot bad boy. But when a secret arises from Liam’s murky past, the decision may be taken out of her hand—forever.

Can the power of fated bonds bring the unlikely couple together, or will the past destroy their future?

Protected by the Panther is the sizzling fifth book in the SWAT Shifters paranormal romance series. If you like fated mates, steamy scenes, and strong heroes, then you’ll love Bella Drake’s pulse-pounding new series.

BuyProtected by the Panther take a chance on love today!

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Melinda

This is the fifth book and about Kit the only female member of the FBI Swat team. Talk about one bada$$ panther.
Kit wants to take down the Viper gang for what they did to her best friend. Now is her chance she is assigned to protect one of the gang members that is going to testify against the leader. Upon entering the safe house she realizes the criminal she is to protect is her fated mate.
Liam never had a family always going from group home to foster home. He thought he found a family with the Vipers until he could no longer deal with what they were doing. He now finds himself in protective custody with more questions than answers.
This was my favorite book in the series so far. So many secrets were uncovered and man I didn’t see some of them coming. I loved Kit and Liam’s story but I have been waiting for Flints story since the first book. I’m so ready to learn more about him.

Website
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBellaDrake/
Genre
Paranormal, Romance, Suspense
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#Review #Paranormal #SWAT – Prized by the Polar Bear (SWAT Shifters, Book 4) By: Bella Drake

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He thinks she’s perfection. She thinks he’s a dangerous criminal. Can he prove there’s more to him than meets the eye?
FBI SWAT agent Miles Sloane has his polar bear shifter side in careful check. Or he did, until he met his fated mate. Now he’s throwing her over his shoulder, and the word ‘kidnap’ is being bandied about.

Soraya Whitiker has calculated every step of her life. Nothing happens that she doesn’t plan. Successful business? Check. Beautiful home? Check. Until she gets kidnapped by an intoxicating stranger. Sonya knows she should be terrified, but all she can think of is how hot her captor is.

Alone with his mate at least, Sloane is certain he can convince her that their love is meant to be. The only problem? Her jaded heart has heard every story going, and they’re all more believable than his.

Can Sloane overcome all odds to make her his own, or will he lose his mate forever?

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Melinda

Oh my Sloane, he does not disappoint really he finds his fated mate picks her up and carries her our of the bar away from her date because she is his. Yes that is right the FBI SWAT member kidnaps his mate. I love this big Polar Bear. Now that he has her he has to explain who and what they are to each other without her running for the hills.

Ray is the daughter of a wealthy business man. When Ray is kidnapped she knows her dad will send the best of the vest to find her but can she survive the swamp and crazy man. Imagine her surprise when she realizes Sloane is not crazy and telling her the truth. No matter what trouble Ray finds herself in Ice is there to help her.

I absolutely love Ice and his family they are fun and enjoy tormenting one another. Ray makes a great addition to their family.

Website
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBellaDrake/
Genre
Paranormal, Romance, Suspense
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#Review #Paranormal #SWAT – Held by the Hawk (SWAT Shifter, Book #3 By: Bella Drake

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He was raised to hate the lion pride. She was raised to hate the hawk flock. When the mate bond unites them, their families threaten to tear everything apart.

FBI agent Ramon Delgado is fiercely protective of his extended family. A hawk shifter, and eldest son of the flock’s leader, it’s not just his nature but his duty. When he discovers a young cousin has gatecrashed a party at the lion’s den, he can only hope to get him out before blood is spilled. The very last thing he expects to find when he enters the fray is his beautiful fated mate.

Lion shifter Seraphina Brown is fed up with her lazy brother causing trouble. When a few young hawks gatecrash her sister’s birthday, she’s intent on throwing them out before her brother discovers what they are. But when an FBI agent shows up to defuse the situation and arrests him, she has bigger problems. How is she supposed to explain to her family that her fated mate is a hawk?

Torn between family feud and their one chance at love, she faces even more danger when her belligerent brother takes it upon himself to remove the handsome hawk once and for all. With her life on the line, Seraphina must choose between family pride and a love that fate ordained.

Can love triumph over prejudice or will this romance break more than hearts?

Held by the Hawk is the sizzling third book in the SWAT Shifters paranormal romance series. If you like fated mates, steamy scenes, and strong heroes, then you’ll love Bella Drake’s pulse-pounding new series.

BuyHeld by the Hawk to choose love today!

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Melinda

I purchased this book.

I am enjoying this shapeshifter SWAT team. I love that when they find their mates these big tough alphas are brought to their knees. What do you get when a Hawk and a Lion are fated mates and family enemies? One intense mating and a not so happy family.

Hawk found his mate when he went to collect his cousins who stupidly crashed a lion shifters party. Both Saffy and Hawk were surprised to find their fated mate was from a rival shifter family. Hawk and Saffy could not be happier that they found each other. If only the families felt the same way.

Even though I had the feeling of a Romeo and Juliet vibe it didn’t end the same thankfully. I am enjoying these short reads and getting to know the shifters on the SWAT team. I am intrigued to read ICE the Polar Bear next.

Website
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBellaDrake/
Genre
Paranormal, Romance, Suspense