Category Archives: Military

#Review – Secret Maneuvers (Ex Ops Series Book 1) by Jessie Lane

From Best Selling Author Jessie Lane…

Some mistakes from the past haunt us forever… unless fate steps in with a second chance.

One ‘Dear John’ letter haunted Bobby Baker’s every living moment. It was the letter he’d stupidly written to his high school sweetheart, Belle, right after he had left to join the Army. The letter in which he’d told her that he wasn’t so sure they were ready for forever yet. Before he could let her know that the letter, and his second thoughts, were nothing more than a mistake, she disappeared from the small Georgia town they had both been raised in.
Fifteen years after the letter, Belle unknowingly walked back into Bobby’s life when her job as an ATF Agent forced her to work with a group of men secretly headed by the CIA to help her track down whoever was involved in funneling black market weapons to a drug cartel in Mexico.

Bobby planned to use this mission to try to soothe Belle’s hurt feelings while proving to her that their love was meant to be forever. He would use every dirty trick he’d learned since he had joined the Army to maneuver her back into his life for the long haul. Belle was not making it easy, though, as she continued to keep him at arm’s length in the hopes that mistakes of her own would never come to light.

Warning: Mature themes, second chance romance and a secret baby! <- You’ve been warned.

Ex Ops Series:
Secret Maneuvers #1 – Available Now
Stripping Her Defenses #2 – Available Now
Sweet Agony #3 – Available Now
Sweet Recovery #4 – Available Now
Sweet Eternity #5 – Coming Soon

“This is another one of those stories that I find it hard to convey the emotions I had without discussing the reasons for those emotions – hurt, sad, angry, hopeful, anxious, scared, nauseous, relieved – any book that can put me through the ringer as thoroughly as Secret Maneuvers did is one I will recommend to EVERYONE. Even if you don’t think you like Contemporary Romance, you will like this.” Laura, Little Read Riding Hood

Goodreads

Amazon

Twinsie Kelly’s Review

AHHHHHHHHH! Ok, now that I got that out, I have to say that I wanted to shake both of the MCs on numerous occasions. I, as the reader, am able to see things from both perspectives. On the other hand, I am stubborn and completely understand things from their viewpoint when Belle didn’t want to see things from Bobby’s viewpoint and when Bobby didn’t want to see things from Belle’s viewpoint. The road to hell was paved in good intention. When they essentially “lost contact” and then ran into each other again after 15 years, they both have very different thoughts about how things should go. Every single person around them knew that they just needed to sit and hash things out but it just never happened. And this is one of the many times that I wanted to shake them. Seriously, just sit and yell at each other and get it over with! They clearly love each other and had some serious baggage to get out in the open, along with a huge secret. But the two of them have a great support system behind them.

I had a very, VERY difficult time putting this book down. The banter between all of the characters was great, there was an actual mission to go along with the BS between the MCs, when they did explode and get steamy it didn’t get crazy, and the feelings were messy like they should be!  It was a solid story with an HEA that wasn’t perfect, which is perfect.

Jessie Lane profile image

Jessie Lane is an Amazon, Barnes & Noble and iBooks Top 100 best-selling author. She writes Paranormal and Contemporary Romance that might make you laugh, cry or do both at the same time! A sometimes shy, sometimes hyper, but often snarky chick who’s addicted to books, caffeine & hot fictional men. She lives in Kentucky with her two crazy ass grown kids, her dad and her overprotective alpha husband that she’s pretty sure is a latent grizzly bear shifter. Jessie has a passionate love for reading and writing romance, cliff hanging suspense, and out-of-this-world characters that demand your attention or threaten to slap you around until you pay attention to them. So, you’re going to pay attention now, right? *winks*

#WOTR25 #NewRelease #Review – Guarded from Havoc (Blade and Arrow Security Bravo Team #6) By: Gia Cobie


I knew it was a risk venturing over to my new neighbor’s cabin during the storm.

After all, I barely knew him. All I’d learned from our chance meeting in the woods was that he was visiting the Adirondacks on a well-deserved vacation, he used to serve in the Army, and he was the most handsome man I’d ever seen.

The last part definitely made the whole knocking on a near-stranger’s door offering food and flashlights idea more appealing.

When he invited me inside, I nearly said no. But there was just something about Erik that told me I could trust him. That if I didn’t accept his offer, I’d end up regretting it.

Then four masked intruders stormed the cabin, with both of us in it. And nothing could have prepared me for what would come next.

I should have been able to defend myself from anything.

I used to be Special Forces, after all. Now, I work for one of the top private security companies in the country. But when Tatum’s life was threatened, I had no choice but to concede. To accept whatever was waiting for me after.

Waking up in the middle of the woods with an unconscious Tatum nearby wasn’t a promising start.

Finding out we’ve been dumped into the middle of a sinister game is even worse. A deadly game it’s clear we’re not supposed to survive.

But there’s no way I’m letting anything else happen to Tatum. I’m getting her out of here, no matter what it takes. And once we escape, I’m going to see her again. Because I’m not losing the first woman I could see a future with.

Guarded from Havoc has a wounded warrior hero, a brave and intelligent heroine, a team of former Green Berets, lots of action and danger, thrilling twists, forced proximity, and plenty of sweet and steamy moments. No cliffhangers and a happily-ever-after guaranteed! (Can be read as a standalone!)

Goodreads

Amazon

Review by Twinsie Melinda

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review. I am enjoying reading the Blade & Aarow series and learning so much about the teams. This one is about Erik he is taking a needed break from everything in a remote cabin. Tatum is looking for a new start isolated area taking care of cabins. Tatum decides to introduce herself to the new renter next door when all heck broke loose when there was an invasion and both woke up in the woods. Erik and Tatum are now in a fight for their lives. The team was able to rescue Erik and Tatum now the question is who took them and why. Tatum showed how strong she was while in the woods with Erik. Erik was determined to keep her safe making sure she was protected at all times. I absolutely love this team and Erik and Tatum. They all work together well and the team make Tatum feel like part of the family. I enjoyed seeing Erik and Tatum grow from strangers into their relationship. Both are stubborn and so independent but the way their relationship evolves is incredible. Erik was amazing the way he was with Tatum protecting her, understanding what she was dealing with in her mind after seeing everything she did. I loved seeing Tatum open herself up to Erik and the others. This book had me hooked from the moment the intruders came into the cabin until the end. There was so much action, intensity, and suspense. I was turning these pages wanting to know what was going to happen next, why things were happening, and who was behind everything all at the same time seeing this love story play out. Well done Gia Cobie Well done.

Gia Cobie is an award winning author living in upstate New York with her husband and small zoo of animals. She loves writing about protective heroes and the strong women they fall in love with.

In her spare time (when she has any!), Gia enjoys reading and spending time in the Adirondacks, and also has a weakness for reality romance shows, wine, and buying way too many books!

Follow Gia for updates on her latest releases!

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#Review #Mafia #Military- American Novela by Marcus Amaro


When Filipino-American U.S. Marine Angelo Marquez receives orders to work in Spain from an old friend, the assumption of a laid-back workcation in Europe disappears when his eyes catch the attention of fiery fashion editor Elena Sanchez Vicario. Quickly, the line between military discipline and succumbing to the urgings of his heart becomes blurred when remnants of Angelo’s past are discovered, and his mid-summer romance quickly turns into a fight for survival in the streets of Seville.

Goodreads

Amazon

Review by Twinsie Kelly

I picked this book up on a whim while looking for something different to read. The cover grabbed attention, the blurb piqued my curiosity, and the writing kept my attention right to the very last page.

What is the essence of war? After reading this book, to me, it can mean so many different things.

Angelo is a Marine that has been in some crazy scary situations in warzones. The writing for these situations, even though I am not well versed in this lingo or situations, felt very real causing my heart to race and the hairs on my arms to rise as if I were right in the middle of the action. Angelo’s character is so easy to like that you will feel like “one of the guys”, even though you are only the reader.

Elena, what do I say about her. I have to say that I wanted to hate her. Especially at the beginning with their first encounter. I honestly wanted to strangle her and sort of got irritated because I thought I had the plot all figured out. She was this ice princess that Angelo was going to thaw out. Well, my friends, I had it all wrong!!! Give Elena a chance because she will change your mind!

Now, we have a budding romance forming, while demons from the past come forward, all while working with multiple agencies. It sort of ends up having a Jason Bourne vibe without the amnesia (and I love me some Jason Bourne!). Seriously, this book has a lot of a lot! The story hits on so many points with suspense, thriller, action, romance, hidden identities, kidnapping, military….I mean the list goes on and on and on. I highly recommend this book!

This is the first book I have read by this author and I look forward to reading many more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

 

Marcus Amaro’s life is a dynamic story of resilience and adaptability. After a 21-year career in the US military, he discovered a hidden creative spirit and took on various roles that showcased his adventurous fire. From becoming a hibachi chef to a U.S. Marine to racing sports cars, designing clothes, and writing. Amaro has explored different paths with childlike curiosity and unending enthusiasm. Now living in San Diego, he enjoys taking on challenges and learning new things, even if he has no idea where they might lead. For him, the joy is in the journey, and he embraces each experience, hoping to surpass his own expectations as the ultimate reward. 

 



#WOTR25 #Audio #Military #2ndChance – Rescuing Katherine, Bravo RISC Team #2 by Anna Blakely

HE GAVE HER HIS HEART—AND SHE SHATTERED IT.

Bravo Team operative Matthew Turner used to believe in happily ever after, but that was years ago, before the only woman he’s ever loved betrayed him and shredded his heart. Since then, he’s worked hard and played even harder, determined he’ll never be vulnerable again.

NOT EVERYTHING IS AS IT SEEMS.

Katherine Marsh has only ever loved one man, but she was forced to cut Matt loose a decade ago to protect him. Since then, she’s focused on her research as a biomedical engineer…and tried not to regret losing the man who still haunts her dreams. Even from afar, she’s tried to continue protecting him by creating a military-commissioned formula that will save thousands of American operatives’ lives. But someone’s out there, determined to use Kat and her work as a weapon against the United States.

HE’LL FIGHT TO THE DEATH TO SAVE HER.

When Katherine unknowingly hires Matt’s private security team to protect her from recent threats, they’re forced to confront their tumultuous past. Just when their passion is rekindled and it seems they could find happiness together, the evil hunting Kat strikes.

With help from his Bravo teammates and Ghost’s Delta Team, Matt finds himself on the most important mission of his life: to save the only woman he’s ever loved. Will he reach her before this nemesis destroys Matt and Katherine’s second chance at love forever?

Goodreads

Amazon

Review by Twinsie Angie

I purchased this audiobook.

I will start by saying the narration in this audio book was amazing.  Both narrators did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life for me.

I will say I was excited for Matt’s book after reading book 1.  But I gotta tell ya, he was a major diiiiiiiiiiiiiiick.  Like I really didn’t like him.  OK Lemme say that the prologue broke my heart yes buuuuut he was such an awful guy to Kat when he sees her 10 years later.  I was like WOW Kat kick him right in the dick.  He was hateful and YES, I understand I have had my heart broken BUT at the same time he just didn’t listen.

Kat was a nice girl. She was put in hard positions her whole life by her dad.  Yes, I get why she broke Matt’s heart BUT when she says she still loved him 10 years later even when he was so douche, I was like GIRL NO!

Now the first part of the book I was not a fan of with them reconnecting and him being such as asshole. HOWEVER, once the story of why she needed protection took off I really did enjoy the story.  I liked the who and why of so many aspects.  Was I ok with the 2nd chance when it happened? Yes but at the same time I wish she made Matt grovel for like maybe 10 minutes LOL

So if you can get past the first few chapters with a mega asshat and get into the story I think you will enjoy the book.

Author of the exciting R.I.S.C. Series, Anna Blakely brings you stories of love, action, and edge of your seat suspense. As an avid reader herself, Anna writes what she loves…strong, Alpha heroes and the intelligent, independent heroines they love.

Anna’s dream is to create stories her readers will enjoy, and characters they’ll fall in love with as much as she has. She believes in true love and Happily Ever After, which is what she will bring to you.

Anna lives in rural Missouri with her husband and children, as well as several rescued animals. When she’s not writing, Anna enjoys reading, watching action and horror movies (the scarier the better), and spending time with her amazing family.

#Review – Mountain Storm (Mountain Mayhem Book 2) by Dawn Love


They say you must weather the storms to find a rainbow.

Michael “Blaze” Blaisure and Lexi Lane have endured some of life’s hardest trials and are finally beginning to see clear skies. Now, they’re ready for the next phase of their lives to begin. A new career path and a new venture may be just what they need to move forward.

As they take those steps together, they are unaware of the danger lurking around the next corner. When the past rears its ugly head, they must face some of the most turbulent storms of their lives.

Will they survive the landslide headed their way? Or will fate rip them apart?

Goodreads

Amazon

Review by Twinsie Kelly

I must start by saying that the first book, Mountain Haven, is one of my favorite books EVER! I stumbled across it and when I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. When I realized I could continue Lexi and Blaze’s story, I was ecstatic! Now, for Mountain Storm, Lexi and Blaze have started to settle into a sort of routine. Music is coming back to Lexi and Blaze has found a purpose with the police department. Ok everyone, the hotness level is turned up, waaay up! And waaaay fast! What I didn’t see coming was the twistedness that is twisted up within the guy that is all twisted. Gah, I just can’t with some people and the reasoning behind the things they do! The first book was a raging rollercoaster, and this book is more of a twisted pathway through a haunted forest. We are left with quite a cliffhanger at the end so I am desperately waiting for book 3 so I can figure out how I will attempt to describe that book, LOL! Dawn Love, you have a new stalker, er, um…I mean fan!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Dawn Love profile image

Dawn Love was born in Mayfield, Kentucky, and spent the first twenty-six years of her life there. Always a creative person and an avid reader, she began writing stories for her own entertainment as a teen, and her love of writing continued to grow into adulthood. She now resides on her 50-acre farm on the Delmarva peninsula. A mother of two, she spends her free time creating the characters and stories of her fantasies. She also writes an internationally read Blog where she shares stories, thoughts, and craziness.

Writing romance is her passion and it feeds her soul. She loves to tell a good, heartfelt story. Her motto is, “Steamy Romance and Heart Smiles.” You will always find a happy ever after or happy for now in her books

#WOTR24 #military #bravoteam #Review #Audio #RomanticSuspense #Drama #MilitaryFiction #Contemporary #ContemporaryRomance – Rescuing Gracelynn, Special Forces Operation Alpha, Bravo Team Book 1 by Anna Blakely, Narration by Virginia Rose

Rescuing Gracelynn (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) (Bravo Series Book 1) by [Anna Blakely, Operation Alpha]

Bravo Team’s technical analyst and confirmed bachelor, Nathan Carter, is happy being single and has no intention of falling under the spell of a woman. Ever. Then, he meets Gracelynn. Before he knows it, the sweet, tenacious woman has Nate questioning his long-standing doubts about love, soul mates, and happily ever after.

Gracie McDaniels is happy with her new life and loves her new job. Working closely with the hunky guys on R.I.S.C.’s Bravo Team, including her future brother-in-law’s best friend, doesn’t seem as if it’ll be an issue…until she meets him.

Nate’s smart, funny, and handsome…everything she’s ever wanted in a partner. But just as they start to grow close, an innocent friendship from Gracie’s past comes back to haunt her. When her life is threatened, Gracie instinctively turns too Nate for protection and soon he and the other members of Bravo step up to keep Gracie safe.

With help from Ghost and his friends, the Delta Force and Bravo teams find themselves racing against the clock to save the only woman Nate has ever loved…before it’s too late.

Goodreads

Amazon

I purchased this audio book.

The narration provided by Virginia Rose was great.  She did a wonderful job varying the voices and giving emotion to the characters.  A bad audio voice can ruin a book so fast, but she did a fantastic job!!  I was totally engaged and hooked by how she told the story.

Here we go with my long-winded story…lol…if you read my reviews you are used to this.  I met Anna at a book signing but she was also lined up to attend my signing.  I like to read something from each author, and this was the perfect time to grab her plus get her opinion.  Now I like military but my bestie LOVES military so I knew buying her a book would be a great gift idea.  After talking to Anna and hearing her say Audio…my dog ears perked up at that comment….this was the series I picked for me.  LOL

This is the spin off series from the alpha series but I didn’t feel lost or like I missed anything at all.  The characters are all introduced, and I would have thought this was just a regular series had Anna not told me it was series two.  So anyone who likes to stay in “True order” you are ok to start here.

Nate and his fellow RISC team at hanging out having a beer and razzing each other like single dudes do.  When Gracelynn steps out on the patio his whole body is on high alert.  He must meet her.  He ends up scoring a secret date with her on the guise of planning a bachelor/bachelorette party together.  The chemistry between the two is off the charts but his military buddy and her sister are like NOPE.  You are a dirty dawg!!  Stay the EFF AWAY from Gracie!!  Of course, he listens…bahahha nope.  Gracie, of course listens BAHAHAHA nope. The couple begin a slow dance and the steam is off the charts.  When things change and Gracie has to go undercover with Nate as her “Handler” everything gets blurred REAL quick for the two.

The story of why and who is after Gracie was a good one.  I enjoyed all the god guy/bad guy stuff and how the team was working together to stop the terrorist.  I will say I giggled at the villains voice in the audio because it totally is the perfect villain voice!!

Now I will say there were a couple times I did eye roll at the “women are helpless” but then just let it go because hey its not my book.  But yeah, once or twice I was like REALLY Girl???  All in all, I loved the book and can’t wait to download book two audio.

Author of the exciting R.I.S.C. Series, Anna Blakely brings you stories of love, action, and edge of your seat suspense. As an avid reader herself, Anna writes what she loves…strong, Alpha heroes and the intelligent, independent heroines they love.

Anna’s dream is to create stories her readers will enjoy, and characters they’ll fall in love with as much as she has. She believes in true love and Happily Ever After, which is what she will bring to you.

Anna lives in rural Missouri with her husband and children, as well as several rescued animals. When she’s not writing, Anna enjoys reading, watching action and horror movies (the scarier the better), and spending time with her amazing family.

#Audio #Military #SecretBaby #2ndChance – Fallen Comrade, Project Morpheus Book 1 by Jillian David, Narration by Tiffany Morgan

Fallen Comrade (Project Morpheus Book 1) by [Jillian David]

Ex-Green Beret Jake Zimmerman’s Georgia mountain seclusion is shattered when the one woman he should never have left, pregnant Kiera McNeill, shows up on his doorstep. Her life is in danger, thanks to a botched Morpheus Squad mission. If the nature of her baby is discovered, evil forces will stop at nothing to capture Kiera. When Kiera learns of Jake’s top-secret Morpheus Virus running through his veins, she realizes that her protector is the deadlier threat.

Kiera knows the secrets of Fallen Comrades, a billion-dollar “charity” which siphons donations away from wounded veterans and into the pockets of power-hungry CFO Beau Lequire. Now her sadistic ex-boss, Lequire, wants revenge. Her only chance of escape rests in the lethal hands of the man who once rejected her: Jake. All she needs to do is suppress her feelings for Jake long enough to destroy Fallen Comrades, stay alive, and save her baby.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I won this audiobook.

I have been watching this book for a couple years.  The first time I saw it was when it was a preorder.  Then last year I saw it but there wasn’t an audio.  This year I won an audio copy from the author at a book event.  I was sooooo excited.  I mean the blurb was totally ME!!

I downloaded it and jumped in.  The story is about Jake and Kiera.  They have a history to put it mildly.  He must save her since she found out some bad things about some bad guys.  We meet Jake’s military team who are all infected with the virus that makes them kinda “hulk” out in a way.  LOL   I mean they don’t turn green but they get BIG MAD.  LOL

The audio for the book was good.  It wasn’t the best, but it was far from the worst.  The narrator did a fine job reading the story but a couple times when she was “Jake” the voice was Kiera and vice versa.  Nothing terrible and it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story.

Now the story.  I understand this is the first book in a series, so I give it time to explain people, situations, etc. However, I felt like this book was REALLY slow to develop with a lot of repeating information from different POV’s in the same scenes.  SO that did become a bit tedious for me, but I did stick it out and continue to read.

Jake has so many issues he needs to pull a city bus behind him.  The man was infuriating with his push and pull to Kiera.  I was like DUUUUUDE.  But Kiera was too soft hearted to me.  I was like GIRL!!!  They have history with having dated in high school, being her brother’s best friend, and then a little oppps that created the “little bit” in her belly.

I did enjoy the story but it was very slow to go and I felt like it stayed pretty slow going. There were a few days I set the book down and walked away for a day or two.  The love story has intense scenes that were great when Kiera and Jake weren’t fighting.

The concept was interesting, and it did make me push through to continue the story.

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Award-winning and bestselling author Jillian David quickly writes then slowly edits paranormal, suspense and adventure romances. She loves to use medical situations and characters to drive drama in her books. Her favorite cell is the platelet and her least-favorite organ is the pancreas. She fully believes that curse words, when appropriately deployed during surgery, are hemostatic. Which also explains why no book of hers will ever bleed out…

According to multiple starred reviews, Jillian’s books cause sleep deprivation and a drop in productivity, as well as visceral responses from her vivid descriptions — side effects which might qualify as a breach of her Hippocratic Oath to ‘do no harm.’

Here’s what readers are saying:
– “You will not want to start this book right before bed like I did because you won’t want to go to sleep.”
– “…a highly original, paranormal, second chance, romantic suspense novel on steroids, and it kept me turning pages until dawn, and it gets 5 bleary-eyed stars from this reader.”
– “I started this incredible paranormal suspense filled love story and couldn’t put it down. I stayed up the entire night reading it.”
– “Such an awesome read. As soon as I started it, I couldn’t put it down. I even stayed home from the gym just to be able to finish this in the same day.”
– “(T)his author sure knows how to write torture scenes and make you feel the physical abuse the characters are going through!”
– “(T)his (writer) can make you twist around in your seat in an effort to not pee yourself from fear.”
– “Jillian writes incredibly interesting characters in situations that keep you reading late into the night, even if you have to work the next morning.”
– “Just read the 4-book story (The Cowboys of Copper River series) to the end, started yesterday afternoon! Couldn’t put it down, except for 3 hours when I fell asleep early this morning.”

HELL TO PAY (paranormal romance)
1) Immortal Flame
2) Relentless Flame
3) Flame Unleashed
4) Flame’s Dawn

HELL’S VALLEY (paranormal western romance)
1) Legacy of Lies
2) Legacy Lost
3) Legacy of Danger
4) Legacy Found

PROJECT MORPHEUS (military romantic suspense)
1) Fallen Comrade
2) Hidden Comrade
3) Silent Comrade

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Find out more about Jillian and where to follow her on social media here: https://linktr.ee/JillianDavid

#WOTR23 – #Review – Echoes of a Dream (Echoes #1) by BT Urruela

Echoes of a Dream (Echoes Trilogy Book 1) by [BT Urruela, Kim  BookJunkie]

Dylan Correia has always had a special gift. At first he thought he was having a bad trip, hallucinations. By eighteen, he realized it was something different. Something powerful. It began as a wave of prickly heat sweeping over his body, causing the hairs on the back of his neck to stand on end and his eyes to slam shut. He’d see things—terrible things—in his head, and like the echoes of a lucid dream, the thoughts would stay with him for days, torturing him.

He continued ignoring the power, lying to himself, until the day he saw it on the news—a Chevy Malibu flipped upside down and burning. The same one he’d seen in his visions the night before.

After a few years away at college, unburdened by these visions through frequent alcohol abuse, Dylan reaches graduation having already started a successful vinyl and comic book store with his best friend. Everything runs smoothly until a mysterious run-in with a stranger from a top-secret government agency threatens to flip his world on its end.

There’s a new program and Dylan’s a perfect fit.

Will Dylan take the stranger up on his generous, but vaguely described, offer? Does he have what it takes to pass the rigorous training if he does choose to join the program? And at what cost to him?

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

The cover and the blurb drew me in immediately. I was definitely intrigued. You go on this journey with Dylan, present day, talking about his past and the trouble he had with his first run in with drugs and the “hallucinations” and further continues on to how he was approached for a top secret opportunity clear through his training. Imagine that? Top secret opportunity that will leave a lot of conspiracy theories in your brain as you continue on Dylan’s journey. That’s what! Other people in the program would, very literally, just disappear. Others were beat down to become very obedient soldiers. But what more would you expect when you accept a very vague job offer? There were times that I forgot that Dylan was basically narrating the story, but he would pop back in at the perfect times with just enough clarification of how he wished things were different before you dove right back into the story again with another twist and turn. There is an M/M romance happening however, it does not overshadow the story at all. If M/M is not your jam, you will still enjoy the story. This is definitely a conspiracy theorists’ wet dream! Full of suspense and will leave you with more questions than answers. A huge cliffhanger! I am anxiously awaiting the next in the trilogy and hoping to get to some much needed answers. Great start to what is sure to be an excellent series!

Author Logo

BT Urruela is a combat wounded amputee, purple heart recipient, contemporary author who has written both independent and traditionally published books. He is a RARE under 40 award recipient, Rockwood Summit High School and Rockwood School District Hall of Fame inductee, Co-founder and Brand Ambassador for VETSports, Ambassador for Tampa Sports Academy, People Magazine Tribute for Heroes winner, Cover Model, Motivational Speaker and Philanthropist.

At an early age he began writing short stories having been inspired by reading books authored by RL Stein. His maternal grandmother’s bookshelf was filled with literature that inspired his young mind and cultivated his vivid imagination.

Upon graduation from high school his desire to have a 20-year military career was cut drastically short by an improvised explosive device. Taking the life of his commander, and leaving the remaining four team members badly wounded.

After careful consideration and multiple surgeries, he along with the guidance of his doctors made the decision to amputate. It was the only surgery he ever left with a smile on his face, as if a weight had been lifted. He struggled for two more years through 4-5 hours of physical therapy a day, five days a week to get adapted to his new prosthetic. He medically retired from the Army with high hopes. His focus on restoring his physical shape being the most eminent battle caused him to neglect his psychological state.

Meeting people was difficult and there were very few options for veterans to utilize that would stimulate friendship, and ultimately, allow communication barriers to be breached. After moving to Tampa, Florida, he co-founded the veteran community sports nonprofit, VETSports, with two other combat wounded veterans. It was their mission to change the way veterans transitioned back to civilian life through organized team sports, community involvement, and leadership opportunities.

After being invited to attend a photoshoot with acclaimed photographer Michael Stokes, he flew to California in December of 2014, with incredible excitement. His photos were so widely publicized that he soon gained exposure to the literary world like he’d always dreamed of. That opportunity launched him into his present writing career. He co-wrote the novel ‘A Lover’s Lament with author KL Grayson. The following year he released first solo novel, ‘Into the Nothing’ and will be releasing Wicked Little Words with author Stevie J. Cole. He is now writing full-time.

#WOTR23 #Review #Audio – Stitched Up Heart: Combat Hearts Series, Book 1 – By: Tarina Deaton Narrator: Hayden Bishop

Stitched Up Heart (Combat Hearts Book 1) by [Tarina Deaton]

As an Air Force medic, Bree Marks saw the worst the War on Terror had to dish out. Now a physical therapist, she uses her experience to help other veterans heal from their physical wounds; while she battles her own emotional damage.

Blaming himself for his best friend’s suicide, former Army Ranger Jase Larken, retreated from life. To honor his best friend’s memory and assuage his guilt, he started an outdoor adventure company to help veterans with PTSD.

Bree had better things to do than catch her cheating fiance in bed with another woman. Jase is something better – for a night at least. For the first time in years, Jase wanted more. When he finds her again, he doesn’t give her another chance to run.

Jase’s protectiveness grates on Bree’s independent nature. She’s dealt with her fair share of alpha-male, door kickers and doesn’t need one telling her what to do now. But as a new danger emerges, Bree and Jase must face their pasts, before someone’s obsession with Bree destroys any chance they have of a future.

Can be read as a stand alone. No cliffhangers within the story.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Melinda

I purchased this audio book.

When your BFF reads a book and tells you that you have to read it because she knows you will like it. You do not ask questions you pick it up and listen to it.  She was so right I did enjoy this one not only was it a good story but the narrator took it to another level.  Hayden did a great job.

Bree just had a crappy day. Found her fiancé in bed with another woman so she decided to hit the bars with her BFF. I loved Denise and seeing her and Bree’s friendship. Bree ran into Jase at the bar and decides to have a one-night fling. The next night she is out the door and never plans on seeing him again.  When Jase wakes up and she is gone ticked him off. He thought they had something. When the stars line up Bree is brought back to Jase and he is going to hang on to her and not let her run again.

These two are amazing together. They both have their demons they are trying to forget but they keep working their way back. They each understand what the other is going through and knows what the other needs. I loved that Bree was just as tough as Jase. She is no weak female that needs Jase but strong enough to stand up to him.

I enjoyed this story so much I have to say the narration set this one apart from other audio books. I am excited to read more of this series.

Tarina has spent her entire life in and around the military – first as a dependent and then as an enlisted Air Force member.

She writes contemporary and military romance about strong women and the men strong enough to love them. She draws heavily from her own military experience to create authentic characters who face real personal challenges.

Tarina is still active duty and a single mom of six-year-old twins. Her favorite hobby is sleep. She has delusions of retiring from the military and being a stay-at-home mom and full-time writer.

#WOTR23 #audio #Neighbors #Military #2ndChance #Police – Imperfect Heart, Combat Hearts book 4 by Tarina Deaton, narration by Hayden Bishop

Imperfect Heart (Combat Hearts Book 4) by [Tarina Deaton, Jessica Snyder]

It’s not a mid-life crisis if you’re finally doing something you love, right?

Separating from the Air Force after thirteen years may seem drastic to some, but Zoe Acevedo is finally doing something for herself. Opening an independent bookstore in Haven Springs, North Carolina is a major undertaking, but Zoe has a plan and a list. What she doesn’t have is time for distractions like her interfering family, her cheating ex, or the sexy neighbor who always manages to find her in the most awkward situations.

As a Haven Springs police officer, Tim Larken has dedicated his life to protecting and serving. He learned the hard way that the damsel in distress doesn’t always want to be saved, but somehow he manages to help his curvy new neighbor out of one tight spot after another.

Their attraction is undeniable, but when true disaster strikes will that be enough for two Imperfect Hearts to heal together?

Imperfect Heart is the final book in the Combat Hearts series. It can be read as a stand-alone. Guaranteed HEA and no cliffhangers.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I purchased this book and audio.

Again, I have to say the narration is A-MAZ-ING!!  I mean Hayden just blows me away with each book.  I absolutely love love love her ability to tell the story.

I am going to start by saying this series was absolute perfection.  I have called all the guys as mine to my blogging sister.  I can’t decide who I love most. I can’t decide which woman I want to be best friends with.  I can say that I most definitely will be relistening to this series time and time again.

Oh Tim.  What a character he has been.  The police officer who has a heart of gold.  He loves his brother and now Bree.  We have seen him through the entire series, so I was pumped to see him get his HEA.  He is just the fun-loving guy and I always wondered WHY??  Why hasn’t he been snatched up?  ANNND Then we learn his story.  Poor dude.  Again, he has the purest heart of all and he has his heart destroyed by love.

Zoe is something.  She is a firecracker for sure.  I fell in love with her the first scene where she is so stubborn and tried to climb (unsuccessfully) through a window.  She is starting her life over after a divorce and career change.

When Tim sees Zoe stuck in the window the chemistry was born.  They both are attracted to the other but he is afraid to try and she is not making space for anyone right now.  The more time they spend together the more their chemistry is undeniable.

I was so happy listening to the story of her overcoming and learning to trust/lean on people while we see Tim learning to love/trust again.

I have to say I am broken hearted this is the last book in the series because it was just such a great series and I will definitely be reading more from the author in the future.

Tarina has spent her entire life in and around the military – first as a dependent and then as an enlisted Air Force member.

She writes contemporary and military romance about strong women and the men strong enough to love them. She draws heavily from her own military experience to create authentic characters who face real personal challenges.

Tarina is still active duty and a single mom of six-year-old twins. Her favorite hobby is sleep. She has delusions of retiring from the military and being a stay-at-home mom and full-time writer.