Category Archives: Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR20 – #Review – Control Us (The Next Generation Series #1) by J.M. Walker

Control Us (Next Generation, #1)

Zach

She was innocent.
Passionate.
Fierce.
After Luna Stone and I went from friends to lovers, my only purpose was showing her how worthy I was. But how could I convince her when I didn’t believe it myself?
I craved her touch and her smiles but most of all, her heart.
I vowed to protect her and show her father that I could be the man for his daughter.
I pushed.
She pulled.
And when all was said and done, I’d have to go through an even higher power to prove that I deserved her…
Myself.
~
Luna

He was quiet.
Withdrawn.
Intense.
Zach Porter and I had been friends since we were kids, but it had never amounted to anything more than that. Until now.
But as close as we were getting, he was still closed off.
He protected his heart and put up walls, even though he had no reason to.
He shoved.
I grabbed hold and never let go.
If I didn’t fight for what was ours, he’d succumb to his demons and believe their vicious words telling him that he’s not good enough. To give up.
On us.


Goodreads


Amazon

BookBub

Reader beware, once you start this incredible story, you will not put it down until the end. This is the next generation after King’s Harlots. You won’t need to read King’s Harlots before The Next Generation but I highly recommend it. King’s Harlots is an intensely amazing series and I believe The Next Generation will be just as powerful. 

First things first… Zach F’n Porter! *ahhhhh* Even though Coby and Brogan adopted Zach, he reminds me so much of Coby. Zach had a dark childhood and has some really significant demons that he fights daily. It really warms my heart to see how his parents continue to help him through these issues to overcome them. But like most of us, Zach is his own worst enemy. Now to get to Luna. She may just be the most innocent of the bunch. She is sweet but can bring on the sass with the best of them. She has such a kind heart and wants to help anyone she can. Zach and Luna have always been great friends growing up, but now that they are adults, things start to change. They have a passionate connection where the heat continues to build and many times is close to combustion. There is a delicate push and pull between the two as they try to figure out their feelings for each other. There are many things that can go wrong and a lot of outside forces trying to keep them from each other. However, the one thing that can make or break this is Zach. He has to get past himself or this can go all wrong. 

This is a powerful story full of love and compassion with a few personal demons thrown in the mix. Bravo, JM! Can’t wait for more!

J.M. Walker

#WOTR #AttendingAuthor #SeriesStarter Brothers of the Flames (Ariel Kimber Novel 1) by Mary Martel


Ariel Kimber is a 17-year-old girl who, thanks to her mother, has had a life full of unpleasantness and abuse. And it’s about to get a whole lot worse.

After her mother meets a man online, Ariel is forced to move to a different state, leaving all that she has ever known behind. Any teenager’s nightmare. But Ariel isn’t like most teenagers, she’s different, and she has literally nothing to leave behind. No friends, no nothing. They move next door to a house that remains empty all summer long until the day before the first day of school. A school where the other kids treat Ariel like garbage because of who her mother is and the fact that she’s different from them, save for a few – her neighbors. Tyson, his mysterious Uncle, Quinton, and twins, Abel and Addison. They quickly become her only friends, but Ariel soon finds out they are hiding things from her, keeping secrets from her. And she wants answers. Surprisingly, they give them to her. What do you do when you find out you’re not who you always thought you were and your whole world gets flipped upside down?

Ariel Kimber stumbles into a world she didn’t know existed, a world of magic and nothing is as it seems. Thankfully, she has the guys to guide her, to hold her hand along the way and she is going to need a whole lot of hand holding.

-This is a Reverse Harem series.

– There is adult langue and some mature content so be warned of that.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35615161-brothers-of-the-flame?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=sAE2DP7DIl&rank=1

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Brothers-Flame-Ariel-Kimber-Novel-ebook/dp/B073RSN7Y1/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3T450TOO4CEW9&keywords=mary+martel&qid=1580956276&sprefix=Mary+mar%2Caps%2C207&sr=8-4

I bought this book and this is my honest opinion

Holy moley was this a great book I’ve had a hard time trying to put into word how much i loved this book while not giving important information away. Ariel was just your average girl well as average as she could be she was just moved from her high school that she loved because she could blend in with the crowd and no one noticed her. Her mom was a whore and went from one rich man to the next and didn’t care how she ruined Ariels life in the process. So at a new school with everyone is staring and talking about her Ariel definitely didn’t like it one bit. Then things started to change the boy next door never talked to anyone but everyone noticed that he treated Ariel differently, and when he paired up with her for a class project she wasn’t too sure how to handle that i mean after all he was very good looking but he did snarl at her. Well there is more between these two then just looks and class projects they definitely had some magic flowing between them. This book will get you hook line and sinker, feeling for Ariel and her mothers relationship, curiously wondering about the next door neighbors and why they are all so sexy with their good looks, and wondering what is up with this new man candy her mom has claimed this time.
Review by Twinsie Dee

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.

#WOTR #AttendingAuthor #SeriesStarter Control Us by JM Walker


Zach She was innocent. Passionate.Fierce.After Luna Stone and I went from friends to lovers, my only purpose was showing her how worthy I was. But how could I convince her when I didn’t believe it myself? I craved her touch and her smiles but most of all, her heart.I vowed to protect her and show her father that I could be the man for his daughter. I pushed.She pulled.And when all was said and done, I’d have to go through an even higher power to prove that I deserved her…Myself.*LunaHe was quiet.Withdrawn.Intense.Zach Porter and I had been friends since we were kids, but it had never amounted to anything more than that. Until now.But as close as we were getting, he was still closed off. He protected his heart and put up walls, even though he had no reason to. He shoved.I grabbed hold and never let go.If I didn’t fight for what was ours, he’d succumb to his demons and believe their vicious words telling him that he’s not good enough. To give up.On us.

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44422339-control-us

Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/Control-Next-Generation-J-M-Walker/dp/1989782019/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3Q5X5BBUQRDFJ&keywords=jm+walker&qid=1583245231&sprefix=Jm+w%2Caps%2C185&sr=8-3

I received this book from the author for my honest opinion

Wow wow wow, Luna wanted it all a family, career and her best friend since they were kids. Zach was a troubled kid then was adopted into a loving house, but that didn’t stop the torture he went through as a child from creeping into his mind. Once these two let their feelings be known nothing could stand in their way well except for Luna’s dad that is no one was good enough for his daughter. But Zach and Luna didn’t care they wanted what they wanted but his past might just get in the way of their happiness. This book was amazing there aren’t enough words to use to describe how wonderful it is with some twist and turns and shocking surprises it’s gonna get you hook line and sinker.

Review by Twinsie Dee

J.M. Walker is an Amazon bestselling author who recently 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.

#WOTR #AttendingAuthor #SeriesStarter Vampire Mate (The Guardians Series) Book #1 by Valerie Twombly


Vampire Guardian, Marcus Dagotto is sworn to safeguard humanity. With the death of his mate, and a curse that will soon catapult him into bloodlust, he focuses on protecting his king and surviving each day. When the gods interfere, it’s never a good thing and this time they destine him a new mate. He tries to resist the woman fated to be his, but when she ends up in trouble, instinct demands he protect her.

In the darkness, she may be the sliver of light that will save his soul.

After the love of Cassandra Jensen’s life ditches her at the altar, she swears off men forever. But when a sexy stranger visits her nightly dreams and seduction plays a starring role, she reconsiders her current situation. Problem is, he’s a figment of her wild imagination, at least until he steps into her life for real. His world is full of things that go bump in the night, and something evil is coming to claim him. To protect herself means losing him. To save him will mean the ultimate sacrifice.

A single kiss will change her life forever.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41043773-vampire-s-mate

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Vampires-Mate-Guardians-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07GFRLXGY/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=Valerie+Twombly&qid=1580924182&sr=8-5

I bought this book and this is my honest opinion


When a vampire has to kill his mate over 300 ears ago he doesn’t want another he work fine on his own and when the gods tell him, he is going to be mated again and with a human none the less Marcus refused to let it happen. Cassie was afraid she would never find love again after her last break up, one night about with friends she feels this strange pull and when she looks over her shoulder this tall and mysterious man was heading her way. Neither Marcus or Cassie could explain this feeling they just knew something wasn’t right and at this point she also didn’t know that he was a vampire. Strange things will happen Marcus’s secret will be exposed and hot sweaty love will be made. This book is fu of ups, downs and loyalty that only vampires and guardians can do when it comes to fighting demons and protecting humans and immortals alike. This books did take me a while to get into but one i did wow it was hard to put it down.

Review by Twinsie Dee

Award winning and bestselling author Valerie Twombly grew up watching Dark Shadows over her mother’s shoulder, and from there her love of the fanged creatures blossomed. Today, Valerie has decided to take her darker, sensual side and put it to paper.

When she is not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles her time between a full-time job, hubby and her two German Shepherd dogs, in Northern IL.

Valerie is a member of Romance Writers of America and Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Romance Writers. She is also the founder of Sexy Scribblers, a group of romance writers who bring readers new and fresh stories every month.

#WOTR #AttendingAuthor #SeriesStarter Welterweight (Hallow Brothers book 1)by Tricia Andersen


Caleb Hallow doesn’t need anyone. All he needs is to dominate in the MMA cage and become world champion. His plans are derailed when he wakes up with a mysterious tattoo of his ancestors after a one-night stand with his opponent’s ex-girlfriend, Meg Riley. Sharing the mark with her joins them as mates for eternity. Can Caleb deal with Meg for the rest of his life? Can he keep her safe from his past as he falls deeply in love with her? And will she stay by him when she finds out he is actually a werewolf?

It was just a fling, a chance to get revenge on her cheating ex. At least that’s what Meg Riley tries to convince herself. But the indescribable pull that draws her to the dark, dangerous Caleb Hallow tells her differently. Although she is furious when she finds the strange tattoo on her back after their night together, and even though he tells her some convoluted story about him being a werewolf, she can’t stay away from him. She can’t stop herself from falling for him. When her ex threatens Caleb’s life, how far will Meg go to save him? Will she be willing to sacrifice her life for his?

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34888638-welterweight

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Welterweight-Hallow-Brothers-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07DWP113Z/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Tricia+Andersen&qid=1581392140&sr=8-1

I bought this book and this is my honest opinion

Holy hot werewolf shifter love making. Meg was dating the champion of the welterweight title Austin Graves and all Austin cared about was getting whatever he wanted and stopping at no cost to do so, even if it meant losing his girlfriend to his enemy and the man he hated the most Caleb Hallow. Meg caught Austin getting a blow job right in front of her by some groupie she was done with him for good. While sitting at the bar Meg felt a weird pulling sensation and when she turned around there was Caleb Hallow what better way to get back at her ex then getting under the one person he hates the most. Caleb was after the title he worked hard for years to get it and he wanted it but he had one secret he and his family had to be careful of on the full moon well they became werewolf’s and its a secret he kept to himself. After Meg and Caleb hooked up and had the best time either of them have had do they make it a normal thing or is it a hit it and quit it type hookup just to piss Austin off. Holy crap this book had me hook from the very beginning it will probably get you all hot and bothered and will definitely leave you wanting more. You will not be disappointed with this book at all.

Review by Twinsie Dee

Tricia Andersen lives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with her husband, Brian and her three children – her sons, Jake and Jon, and her daughter, Alex. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in English and from Kirkwood Community College with an Associate of Arts degree in Communications Media/Public Relations. Along with writing, Tricia enjoys coaching and competing in track and field and traveling to cheer on her children in their various activities.

#WOTR #AttendingAuthor #SeriesStarter Angel’s Collar (Love Strictly Tested 1) by Anna Hague


I have it all…until he shows me more.

I didn’t intentionally spill wine all over the most beautiful guy in the room, and one look at those icy-blue eyes brings on a major lapse in coherent speech. Jordan Caldera tells me his secret and wants me to join him. This is where my journey into submission begins.

So much about BDSM freaks me out, but at the same time, I can’t help but be intrigued. When I imagine Jordan doing those things to me, I can’t resist the adventure. Mind-blowing sex aside, my life is changing at an alarming rate and getting very complicated. Between balancing my career and my best friend’s concerns, the secrets I’m keeping are killing me.

What am I willing to risk for the new lifestyle I’ve embraced…and the man I love?

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40672932-angel-s-collar?from_search=true&qid=yny2MR0TdA&rank=2

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Angels-Collar-Love-Strictly-Tested-ebook/dp/B07DYZXR9C/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Anna+Hague&qid=1580956784&sr=8-2

I bought this book and this is my honest opinion

Well when i first even this book was about BDSM i was t hinking crazy see scenes whips, chains and floggers but even though this book has that its actually a very beautiful story about finding yourself and trusting your partner in your relationship. Emma ‘Angel’ found herself in a a hotel suite in a wig colored contacts, and sitting in front of a reporter telling her life story about how she ended up in the BDSM lifestyle and why she lets her husband put a collar on her. Emma and Jordan met at a gala and it was basically love at first site, next thing you know they are engaged and next thing Emma knows Jordan is telling her that he use to belong in a BDSM group and  wanted to get back into the lifestyle with her and that it would be her choice. After much research and crazy things that Jordan didn’t approve of Emma agreed to give this life style a try. Well with tons of ups, downs and being tied up these two have gone through a lot as a couple. This was such a good story of how these two feel in love with a different type of bedroom games they played.

Review by Twinsie Dee

For 25 years, I’ve worked as a sports writer. I decided now was the time to pursue romance fiction as an author. I found a great group of RWA author friends who have helped me tremendously.

I get great support from my husband, and although they don’t know it, my three parrots and dog give me a huge boost everyday.

#WOTR #AttendingAuthor #SeriesStarter Damon (The Protectors Series) Book #1 by Teresa Gableman


Damon DeMasters is a vampire warrior who has taken an oath to protect his own kind as well as humans.

As a social worker, Nicole Callahan fights for the right of every child placed in her care.

Damon has been ordered to train Nicole and her colleagues against the dangers they now face.

Even as sparks fly, Nicole and Damon depend on each other to protect the children of both races.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36411984-damon

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Damon-Protectors-Book-Teresa-Gabelman-ebook/dp/B006FOEDMG/ref=sr_1_15?crid=1R923KMFZPFKY&keywords=teresa+gabelman+protector+series&qid=1580431136&sprefix=Teres%2Caps%2C195&sr=8-15

I bought this book and this is my honest opinion

Nicole is a social worker helping kids find the loving homes they deserve. Well after vampires have been revealed to the human world its been making her job a little extra stressful making sure that human parents aren’t getting a vampire child for the wrong reason and trying to harvest their blood to sell, or that vampire parents aren’t using human kids just for their blood to feed off of. So at the office her boss is having the vampire warrior coming in to help them all learn some defense moves to help them if they ever are in serious trouble. In walks in the ledger of the warriors Damon and all his delicious glory and he caught the eye of Nicole but she would never let anyone know that. So in the beginning of the book it took me a while to get into it, not sure if I wasn’t in a vampire mood but oh I’m so glad that i stuck with it and didn’t wait to be in the mood to read it.  This book was amazing and you will love Damon and Nicole don’t forget to put a dollar in the f-word jar and in my opinion we need justice for Ren and Stimpy.

Review by Twinsie Dee

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!

#WOTR #AttendingAuthor #PartofaSeries What the Hex Happened (Unfortunate Spells Book 3) by Jennifer Laslie


Mortality might kill him if the crazy witch that hexed him doesn’t.

When Ashton finds himself at the wrong end of a powerful witch’s hex, gone is his comfortable life as a bartender at Hallow’s End. With his gift of thrall, he never wanted for beautiful women — human or supernatural — to warm his bed and satiate his hunger. But plagued with mortality, he’s lost his coordination, strength, and the one power that helped him catch a meal.

Gray hairs and body aches are only the first warning signs of a bigger problem. If Ashton can’t break the spell, he’s not sure he’ll make it to next week. Faced with the choice to either relive a mistake or let the hex do him in, he enlists the help of his best friend, Tensley.

Together, they embark on a trip from Texas to New York in search of the one thing they believe can cure Ashton. Only, Ashton can’t tell what’s in more danger, his immortality or the walls he’s put up around his heart. Will he be able to endure the dangers ahead without losing himself to the nightmares of his past?

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49973025-what-the-hex-happened

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/What-Happened-Unfortunate-Spells-Book-ebook/dp/B082YS6QW5/ref=sr_1_10?crid=NCKYZTNEH34K&keywords=jennifer+laslie&qid=1579565195&sprefix=Jennifer+las%2Caps%2C189&sr=8-10

Woah wow more please,. Ashton is this sexy bartender who not only knows how to flip a bottle , serve a great drink and swoon the panties off a lady but he is also a vampire so what more could you ask for. Ashton could charm any woman he wanted so when he gets a weird feeling leaving work one night but cant see anything he just shakes it off, once he got his eye set of this gorgeous girl to take home and snack on back to his place. Once they arrive he already has a visitor his ex who only wants one thing and that’s for him to turn her into a vampire too which he has refused to do.  So she puts a hex on him making him human. So Ashton and his friend Tensley (who has had a thing for him forever) set off for New York in the cover of darkness to get this stone and turn him back into a vampire. But there are twist and turns that are following them on their journey and some wrenches get tossed into it as well. Will Ashton get turned back into a vampire before its too late or will he give in and turn his ex so get turned back. Oh my goodness this book was so good it keeps you handling on til the very end Ashton is just ahh I totally fell in love with him

Review by Twinsie Dee

Jennifer Laslie is a crazy cat lady who lives in Utah with her wonderful husband and two children. Her office affords her a mountain view that she loves! When she’s not thinking about cheesecake or cats, she can be found in the bookstore in the Young Adult section, coffee in hand.

#WOTR20 – #Review – Because the Night (The Night Songs Collection, #1) by Kristen Strassel

Because the Night (Night Songs Book 1)

Meet the vampire hellbent on destruction and the girl who will do anything to save him, set to a hard rock soundtrack in the hot Las Vegas night…
Sex, blood, and rock n’ roll.

Immortal Dilemma is the hottest show in Vegas and Tristan Trevosier is their biggest star. But to me, he’s the guy who broke my heart and then showed up on stage claiming to be a vampire.

Tristan says I won’t understand his new life. He won’t let me in. That’s how I met Blade, a human with a mysterious connection to Immortal Dilemma. Blade is willing to give me everything Tristan won’t.
But I can’t let him go.

The true darkness of Tristan’s world terrifies me, and I fear for his life. Now Blade’s gone missing and I have to choose—save my mortal friend or abandon my immortal love.

This book is full of twists and turns you won’t see coming, and characters you won’t soon forget.–Tam, Amazon reviewer
As I read the last page GASPING shaking the book thinking to myself if I shake it more words would magically appear but note to self NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. I REALLY LOVED THIS BOOK.–Karina, Amazon reviewer
Leave yourself some time when you begin this story. It will draw you in, and you must find out how it ends before you can put it down again.–KSon, Amazon reviewer


Goodreads


Amazon

Vampire rock scene, in VEGAS! Callie goes to Vegas with her cousin to see her ex-boyfriend who has become famous from a reality tv show and is also the star of the band, Immortal Dilemma. She thinks she needs to save him as he is spiraling out of control with addictions. What she doesn’t realize is that he is a vampire and there are other circumstances that keep him from leaving. In the midst of this she meets Blade. He is into music too and seems to be a pretty great guy. She spontaneously decides to stay in Vegas instead of going home. This is the first part of where I start to lose Callie. She is 18 and decides to stay in Vegas. But ok, she gets a job and things are going ok. The story keeps going and she is falling in love with Blade but can’t stay away from Tristan, her ex and vampire star. I got back into the story with the push and pull that she had to deal with between Tristan and Blade. At this point since she is spending more time with Tristan we start to understand his situation better. Things go from weird to crazy and to just plain terrible for Callie. As Callie tries to fight for her life, and the others she cares about, she gets into some super bad situations. I listened to this in an audiobook. The narrator was ok, I wanted to like her but sometimes I think that the narrator made Callie sound even more whiny and undecided with what she wanted to do. The story is good but sometimes it seemed like it took a long time to get to where it needed to be. I plan to continue the series because there was a huge twist at the end of the book and I have to find out what happens! 

Kristen Strassel

Kristen Strassel writes heroes you want to spend the night with. Spend the night reading…what did you think she meant? She started reading paranormal and romance when her mom realized the spookier and spicier the book, the more likely she was to devour it. Now she creates the characters and worlds she always wanted to read about.

#WOTR20 – #Review – The Heartbreaker by Tricia Andersen

The Heartbreaker

Can town librarian Lily Dixon and MMA bad boy Reese Cooper keep their love affair a secret in small town Iowa? Braden, Iowa is the last place on earth Reese Cooper wanted to be but a devastating injury in the octagon forces the MMA fighter back to the small town he once called home. He barely steps foot on Main Street before he is reunited with Lily Dixon, the town librarian and the girl who possessed his heart since they were in kindergarten. Every day in Braden is the same for Lily Dixon. That is until Reese Cooper walks back into her life. With his chiseled, perfect body and dreamy blue eyes, he steals her heart just like he did when they were kids. His kisses, his touch are far better than any fantasy she’s ever had about him. Is she willing to risk everything when her preacher father finds out about her love affair with the town bad boy? And what will happen when Reese goes back to Vegas, leaving her alone in Braden without him?


Goodreads


Amazon

Extremely sweet with a helluva happy ending! I listened to this in audiobook. The narrator was good and kept the story moving with a great flow. So this sounds sort of cliche’. Sweet and meek librarian and the bad boy MMA fighter falls in love. Reese returns home from Vegas for therapy and runs into Lily, the town librarian. Right from jump the tension between these two is high. The problem is, her father is the pastor and has forbidden her to see Reese. Naturally they can’t stay away from each other and this makes the angst go through the roof. Reese has so much potential to stay in Braden and has all but promised Lily he will stay when one day, BOOM! He has to go back to Vegas for an unexpected fight. He isn’t able to talk, let alone explain why he has to leave to Lily before he has to go. Well, Lily has something she needs to tell him too but can’t bring herself to talk to him because she is heartbroken. So now we have some really big secrets being held back. So, I know I already said there is a HEA, and it is a beautiful HEA, but I had a little bit of a hard time with the way Lily acted when Reese took off. She seemed to be a stronger girl, or I was hoping for that, but I was a little turned off by her near the end of the book. However, if you are looking for a sweet, small town romance with a gorgeous HEA, this is a great book for that and I highly recommend it!

Tricia Andersen