All posts by Melinda B

#Review #Paranormal #SWAT – Guarded by the Grizzley (SWAT Shifters Book #2) By: Bella Drake

He’d do anything for her. She’s trapped in a loveless marriage. When duty and destiny are pitted against each other, will desire lead to disaster?

Bear shifter Nash Barnes is a relentless agent of justice. Sworn to his FBI SWAT team, nothing comes between him and protecting his community. Until he meets Aria. But when he discovers his fated mate is already married to another man, his distress puts his teammates’ lives at risk.

Aria Morgan is desperately unhappy. Trapped in a marriage of convenience to a mean, abusive cartel member, she’s long since given up on love. But when a handsome stranger defends her from her aggressive husband, she can’t quite convince herself to send him away.

When Nash offers to kick her husband out of her house, she’s torn. She longs to finally be free of him and explore the explosive chemistry brewing between her and the sexy agent, but taking her shot at love could cost Aria her life.

With a target on her back, there’s nothing Nash won’t do to protect his true mate.

Guarded by the Grizzly is the seductive second 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 Guarded by the Grizzly to fight for love today!

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Melinda

I purchased this book.

After reading Wanted by the Wolf I downloaded the second book I had to know more about Nash and the others. Nash the Grizzley is brought to his knees when he smells his mate in Maya’s Bakery. Nash is crushed when Maya tells him his mate is married.

Aria married a man not out of love but as an arrangement. When Nash realizes her husband is abusive and a downright awful husband, he decides there is no holding him back from her. The chemistry between Nash and Aria was instantaneous. Nash was ready to remove Aria’s husband from her life after he knew how awful he was to her. No one would harm or treat his mate poorly.

I enjoyed seeing how these two work things out and how her husband plays a part in this book. I cannot wait to read Hawk next. I’ve already downloaded Hawk and ready to read.

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#Review #Shifters #SWAT- Wanted by the Wolf (SWAT Shifters, book #1) by: Bella Drake

He’ll do anything to defend her. She can’t stay away from him. With sexual tension high and danger even higher, will desire lead to disaster?

Shapeshifter Cole Masters ferociously protects his community. Sent in to defuse an escalating hostage situation, he and his fellow SWAT members pull out all the stops to save the innocent victim from his brutal captors. But he’s shocked to scent his fated mate at the crime scene… standing on the side of the kidnappers.

Maya Danvers is desperate to talk some sense into her brother. After her attempt to right his wrongs lands her in an interrogation, she struggles to bury her attraction for the handsome operative demanding answers. Shouldn’t she have bigger concerns than the sexy agent?

Trying to keep his supernatural identity a secret, Cole fears that when they both come under fire, their explosive chemistry will shatter. But when Maya attracts the wrong kind of attention, there’s more at stake than hiding his nature.

There’s nothing he won’t do to protect his true mate.

Wanted by the Wolf is the seductive first novella in the SWAT Shifters paranormal romance series. If you like steamy scenes, heart-pounding action, and hot heroes, then you’ll love Bella Drake’s passionate tale.

Buy Wanted by the Wolf to unleash a dangerous yearning today!

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Melinda

I saw this on amazon as a free to buy.  I could not pass it up when I saw it was a shapeshifter SWAT Team. Plus I love finding new to me authors.

This was a quick read but I was not able to put it down. Cole had my attention from jump as well as the other SWAT Team members. To see Cole be brought to his knees when he realized Maya was his mate was amusing.

I enjoyed Maya just as much as Cole. She is a perfect match for him. I loved that Maya could hold her own when she needed to but would let Cole take over when she was in over her head. I cannot wait to see their relationship grow and see the other SWAT members find their mates.

I enjoyed this on so much I had to immediately down load Nash. I have a feeling Nash is going to fall all over himself when he meets his mate.

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#WOTR23 #NewRelease #Review – With Every Breath: Book 1 in the Brave Enough duet – By: Heather D’Agostino

When we’re children, we never believe bad stuff can happen to us. I’m here to say that it does, that it did to me, but I came out on top. I won when everyone said I couldn’t.

I’ve learned over the years to live my life one day at a time. You never know what tomorrow will bring, how it can change you, or if it might be your last.

Take the chances you’ve been afraid to take.

Do the things you’ve always wanted to do.

And live life with no regrets.

I found love when I thought I wouldn’t. I’ve found faith when I thought I couldn’t, and now I’m fighting a battle I’m not sure I can win.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Melinda

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

This is a tug at your heart story. Bailey has been through so much when she was younger. I was not a big fan of Bailey but I understand why she is the way she is. When Dex finds her he helps her open up an learn to live life to the fullest.

I enjoyed watching this relationship grow and see Bailey open up. I think Dex was perfect for Bailey. Even with everything Bailey went though sometime bad things come back and change your life forever. Bailey knows it could happen but still makes choice to live life.

As in most Duets, this leaves us wondering what will happen next. I hope it goes the way I think it should but we will see if I get my wish or if this goes in a totally different way.  I am so ready for the second book to see how it all ends.

Heather D’Agostino is an avid reader turned Bestselling Author of the Contemporary Romance Series The Broken Series, The Shattered Series, The Second Chances Series, The Cook Brothers Series, and Romantic Suspense series The Witness Series.

She attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics.

She currently lives in Central New York with her husband, two children, two dogs, and three cats. When she’s not writing she can usually be found at the dance studio, soccer field, or one of the many other places that she plays ‘Supermom’.


Facebook: www.facebook.com/H.DAgostino.Author

Twitter: @hdagostino001

Website: http://hdagostinobooks.weebly.com

Reader Group/ Street Team on Facebook:
Heather’s Hotties: https://www.facebook.com/groups/87786…

#AudioReview – Downshift: Skid Row Kings Series Book 1 – By: Winter Travers Narrator: Jessica Eastwick

Downshift: Skid Row Kings Series, Book 1

Luke Jensen lived on the wrong side of the tracks all his life, but that never stopped him from realizing his dream and making it a reality. Now, the King of the Street Racing scene, he finally has everything he wants and he won’t let anyone take it away from him.
Violet Barnes lived a sheltered life growing up, never fitting in except in the books that she loved. After losing her parents, she forges forward, creating her own little world, content in being alone.
When Violet stumbles into Luke’s shop, sparks fly but neither can let go of the hard lessons they learned growing up.
Will Violet give Luke a chance to prove he’s not just another gear head? Or will Luke write Violet off before they even have a chance to see that they both need to let go of their past, and focus on the future?

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Melinda

I listen to this book in one day. It drew me in and I didn’t want to hit pause. I was looking for something different I am a shifter and MC gal I’m usually not a sports type girl but this one may have changed my mind.

Luke came from the wrong side of town but was able to rise above it and made something of his life. After his parents died he finds himself responsible for his 14 year old sister. A big change from what he was use to in his life. He is use to fast cars and easy women. He finds himself face to face with a feisty librarian when he forgets his sister at the library.

Violet is getting by day by day and paycheck to paycheck but she is doing well for herself. She befriends a 14 year old girl, Frankie, which comes by the library daily that she finds she has a lot in common with between books, music, and the loss of both their parents. Violet finds Luck is there to bail her out of trouble when her car breaks down and forced to spend time with him.

I loved the back and forth Violet had regarding the relationship with Luke. It felt real and could see this occur in life. Quite book girl finds herself in the fast and the furious world of a man and his car. You could not have two more opposites than Luke and Violet….Luke lives life by the seat of his pants and the faster the better….Violet likes quite time and to be alone. The side characters were great too. I want to find out so much more about them. My heart went out to Frankie for having to deal with her aunt and everything that her aunt put her through. I cannot wait to read Mitch’s story but the one I am really interested in is Kurt and Leelee. I loved Leelee from the moment she arrived at the races. I want a friend like her. I cannot wait to see how things go when these two go head to head.

Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Winter Travers is a devoted wife, mother, and aunt turned author who was born and raised in Wisconsin.
After a brief stint in South Carolina following her heart to chase the man who is now her hubby, they retreated back up North to the changing seasons, and to the place they now call home.
Winter spends her days writing happily ever afters, and her nights being a karate mom hauling her son to practices and tournaments. She also has an addiction to anything MC related, puppies, and baking.

#NewRelease – A Cruel Arrangement By: Tijan

A Cruel Arrangement by Tijan is now live! 

This was my place. My business. Easter Lanes.

Then a guy comes in, trying to rob me, daring to take it away from me.

My home. My life.

Hell no. I won’t let my livelihood be threatened.

No one knows what I’ve done to build this life for myself.

Except he might.

Ashton Walden, a man I remember from when we were kids.

Even back then I could tell how dangerous he would be one day.

He’s now the head of the Walden mafia family, and my father is so in debt to them that they practically own him.

My dad and I are estranged and I want nothing to do with him or his debt, but the day after the attempted robbery, I don’t wake up in the hospital.

I wake up in Ashton Walden’s home. And he drops a bomb on me.

If I want my livelihood back, I need to earn it back.

And thus begins our cruel arrangement.

  Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3D8g10k

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/CruelArrangement

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3wp933c

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

   

#WOTR23 #AudioReview – A Warrior Christmas (The Protectors #14) by Teresa Gabelman


A Warrior Christmas (The Protectors, #14)

Jingle bells! Jingle bells! Warriors are on their way. Oh, what fun it is to slay a rogue vampire today. Hey!

To have more Christmas fun dive into A Warrior Christmas to see which mate gets the perfect gift and which Warrior Grinch finds his holiday cheer.


Goodreads



I purchased the audio book. (combined with Bishop’s book)

What a great addition to this series.  This short read doesn’t focus on one couple but instead the entire cast. This does move the series forward and give us some additional insight into the Protectors, Mates and their families. 

I love how the Mates try to get the guys in the Christmas spirit. As always the guys may think they run things but we all know it is the mates that run the show. This was a fun little quick read that lead into Bishop and Bonnie. 

Teresa Gabelman is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the ‘Protectors Series’. When not writing about sexy alpha vampires and the women who drive them crazy she can be found on a lake with a fishing pole/Kindle, at a MMA event or spending a fun evening with family.

Being a full-time writer has allowed Teresa to connect more with readers which is what she loves most about writing. If you find the time she would love to hear from you!

#AudioReview – A Dirty Business: Kings of New York by: Tijan – Narrators CJ Bloom and Joe Arden

From New York Times bestselling author Tijan comes a raw, tempestuous romance between the criminal underworld and a parole officer that paints a thin line between right and wrong.

When Jess Montell meets Trace West at a hockey game, she doesn’t know his name or occupation. What she does know is there’s an instant attraction that’s impossible to ignore—or forget. And forgetting is exactly what she wants to do when she learns he’s not just a successful Wall Street suit but the heir to one of New York’s biggest Mafia families.

The last thing Trace needs is a romantic anything with law enforcement, and parole officer Jess has trouble written all over her. Too bad he likes trouble. Especially when it’s a brunette bombshell with attitude and legs for days.

She’s an absolute spitfire, and he wants to stoke that flame.

Trace didn’t ask for the Mafia life. Jess doesn’t want any part of it. They both know it’s safer to stay away, but the temptation is too hard to resist—no matter how great the danger.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Melinda

I purchased this audio book.

I have to say I enjoy reading Tijans books and don’t pass up the chance to read her stories. You never know were the twist and turns are going to lead you and this book was no different. I enjoyed all the characters and cannot wait to read about the rest of them. Narrators CJ Bloom and Joe Arden did a great job I did not want to press pause at any point during this book. They truly gave life to Jess Montell and Trace West.

Jess is a parole officer and does not let parolees get away with anything even if they are not her parolees. Jess meets Trace who she later finds out is in the mafia…not only in the mafia but is the mafia. She tries to stay out of his business because of her job but she cannot stay away from him.

I loved Trace from the first sighting of him in the stairway. He was amazing with Jess. Trace knew she believes in upholding the law and he gave her space. He found a way to be there when needed. These two had explosive chemistry.

I fell in love with all the Characters of course they all have their good characteristics and sometimes I wanted to slap them over the head. Decisions and sacrifices will be made.  I was left hanging on that ending and I need to know what happens next.

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 later in life and once she started, she was hooked. She’s written multi-bestsellers including the Carter Reed Series, the Fallen Crest Series, and Ryan’s Bed among others. She is currently writing to her heart’s content in north Minnesota with an English Cocker Spaniel she adores.

To find what to read next of hers, go to www.tijansbooks.com

WALLSTREET JOURNAL, NEW YORK TIMES, AND USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

#WOTR23 #Audio #Review – Making the Cut, Sons of Templar book 1 by Anne Malcom, Narration by Emma Wilder

Making the Cut: Sons of Templar MC Series, Book 1

Gwen Alexandra does not need a man in her life. Especially not a man who looks like Chris Hemsworth and Joe Manganiello’s love child. One wearing leather, riding a Harley, and covered in tattoos.

Gwen can bet every pair of her Manolos that Cade Fletcher is trouble. From the moment she meets him, the attraction sizzles between them. Gwen has a problem when it comes to attractive men in motorcycle clubs. The last one she got involved with almost killed her.

After healing physically, Gwen decides to get a new start in a small town, half a country away from the man who nearly cost her her life. She isn’t in town five minutes when she runs into Cade, a man that is too sexy and dangerous for his own good.

She tries to keep away from him, to ignore the attraction between them. But the biker has other ideas, soon she is in way over her head. Her heart, and her life are in danger once again.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Melinda

I purchased this audiobook. 

Anne is a new to me author and so was the narrator Emma Wilder.  I enjoyed the narration that Emma did on this one. All of the accents and voices she used for each character was great and she was consistent throughout the book.

Gwen moved to NY, found a guy she thought was good and had a vibe of “bad boy”. Only she realized a bit too late that the guy was a horrible man. She decided to go to California to start fresh. Her best friend, Amy, decided to join her. Once they are in California Gwen runs into Cade, a sexy biker. 

Cade Fletcher knows Gwen will be his. He has a lot of work ahead of him for every brick he manages to take down on her wall she puts up more. Cade had his wonderful moments but other times I was ready to throttle him. He did make a great alpha male that loved Gwen to a fault. Cade did what he could to keep Gwen safe but danger still seemed to find Gwen. 

There was so much drama, suspense and angst in this book.  It made it a page turner and Emma did a wonderful job capturing the characters and keeping me turned into the story. I am so ready to read Amy’s story and even Bull’s book.  I am so intrigued by these characters and need to know more about them.

Anne Malcom has been an avid reader since before she can remember, her mother responsible for her book addiction. It started with magical journeys into the world of Hogwarts and Middle Earth, then as she grew up her reading tastes grew with her. Her obsession with books and romance novels in particular gave Anne the opportunity to find another passion, writing. Finding writing about alpha males and happily ever afters more fun than reading about them, Anne is not about to stop any time soon.

#Reread #Review – Reaper’s Fire: Reaper’s MC Series, Book 6 – By: Joanna Wylde- Narrator: Sean Crisden and Tatiana Sokolov

Reaper's Fire: Reaper's MC Series, Book 6

The club comes first.

I’ve lived by those words my whole life – assumed I’d die by them, too, and I never had a problem with that. My Reaper brothers took my back and I took theirs, and it was enough. Then I met her. Tinker Garrett. She’s beautiful, she’s loyal, and she works so damned hard it scares me sometimes. She deserves a good man – one better than me. I can’t take of her yet, because the club still needs me. There’s another woman, another job, another fight just ahead.

Now she’ll learn I’ve been lying to her all along. None of it’s real. Not my name, not my job, not even the clothes I wear. She thinks I’m nice. She pretends we’re just friends, that I’ve still got a soul. Mine’s been dead for years. Now I’m on fire for this woman, and a man can only burn for so long before he destroys everything around him.

I’m coming for you, Tinker. Soon.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Melinda

I purchased the audible for this series just so I could enjoy the Reaper’s once again. Below is my original review from 2016.

Oh Holly Crap where to begin this story had it all. I was all over the place with my emotions with everything they were all dealing with from situations they were in to the natural disasters going on around them. Not only did I have emotions for Gage and Tinker but for the side characters too. WOW did Joanna Wylde tell a great story and make me feel like I was smack dab in the middle of it all.

Gage was sent to find out what was going down with the Nighthawk Raiders MC and as part of his cover he had to make Talia, who was the MC’s President Sister, his girlfriend. WOW was this chic a piece of work no scratch that she was psycho seriously she needed serious meds! I felt bad that Gage had to be with the crazy one. Anyway he had to secure a job and a place to stay and was able to do this by becoming Tinkers handyman and living in her building. Man oh man were the sparks flying between these two but no way Gage could cross that line and blow his cover.

Tinker left her ex moved home to take care of her Dad after her mom died. I loved her determination and she was dedicated to her dad and her business. The way she stood up to her ex I was cheering her on at that point. Loved her BFF and the moments they had on the porch drinking wine ‘man watching’.

This was an amazing book so many twist and turns I had my heart in my throat so many times wondering what was going to happen was there going to be a town, who was going to make it through everything. Oh to see the Reapers were great and the hard time Pic gave Gage each time he talked to him was priceless. This book has something going from jump and will not let me go until the last word was read. I so love these men and Joanna does a great job drawing me into the story and not letting me go. I cannot wait for the next one.

Joanna Wylde is the New York Times bestselling author of the Reapers MC series. She started her writing career in journalism, working in two daily newspapers as both a reporter and editor. Her career has taken different paths, from managing a homeless shelter to running her own freelance writing business, where she took on projects ranging from fundraising to ghostwriting for academics. During 2012 she got her first Kindle reader as a gift and discovered the indie writing revolution taking place online. Shortly afterward she published her breakout book, Reaper’s Property, and started writing fiction full time.

Joanna lives in the mountains of northern Idaho with her family.

#Reread #Review – Reaper’s Fall: Reapers Motorcycle Club, Book 5 – By: Joanne Wylde – Narrator: Nelson Hobbs and Saffron Martindale

Reaper's Fall: Reapers Motorcycle Club, Book 5

He never meant to hurt her.

Levi “Painter” Brooks was nothing before he joined the Reapers motorcycle club. The day he patched in, they became his brothers and his life. All they asked in return was a strong arm and unconditional loyalty—a loyalty that’s tested when he’s caught and sentenced to prison for a crime committed on their behalf.

Melanie Tucker may have had a rough start, but along the way she’s learned to fight for her future. She’s escaped from hell and started a new life, yet every night she dreams of a biker whose touch she can’t forget. It all started out so innocently—just a series of letters to a lonely man in prison. Friendly. Harmless. Safe.

Now Painter Brooks is coming home… and Melanie’s about to learn that there’s no room for innocence in the Reapers MC.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Melinda

I purchased the audible for this series just so I could enjoy the Reaper’s once again. Below is my original review from 2015.

I have been waiting on this book because Painter did not set well with me in the past and I wanted to give him a chance to redeem himself after everything he put Em through.

Melanie has not had an easy life. After her mother up and left her Loni took her in well she was Jess best friend. Melanie met Painter after she blew up Loni houseon accident. To Melanie he seemed nice after all he let her borrow his car for the day and that turned into a year when he got tossed in prison. So what’s a girl do she writes him letters. That’s right at this point I am yelling someone tell this girl he is not good for her. He does not do relationships she will only get hurt like Em.

OK anyway painter gets out and tries to stay away from Melanie but something is always pulling them together. Everytime I think Painter has changed and he does something good he makes a poor decision and I’m like yeap there’s the Painter I remember.

The finger painting scene was one of the best. Then to see him when he finally determined to be in Melanie’s life was great but was it a little too late for Melanie. When it came down to Standing by to watch things happen and standing up and doing something about really showed how much she changed throughout the book. No matter how hard things got or what was thrown her way she picked herself up dusted herself off and kept moving.

I did like this story it was hard to watch all of the poor decisions Painter made time and time again was glad to see Melanie get some closure regarding her mother. I did enjoy the Bonus Epilogue. Oh I hope things are able to work out between these two.

Joanna Wylde is the New York Times bestselling author of the Reapers MC series. She started her writing career in journalism, working in two daily newspapers as both a reporter and editor. Her career has taken different paths, from managing a homeless shelter to running her own freelance writing business, where she took on projects ranging from fundraising to ghostwriting for academics. During 2012 she got her first Kindle reader as a gift and discovered the indie writing revolution taking place online. Shortly afterward she published her breakout book, Reaper’s Property, and started writing fiction full time.

Joanna lives in the mountains of northern Idaho with her family.