Category Archives: Mafia

#WOTR24 #Review Defying her Mafioso (The Vitucci Mafiosos Book 1) by Terri Anne Browning

Ciro Donati was many things:

My father’s most valued and trusted soldier.

My brother’s best friend and second in command.

The only man I would give up everything for.

We were still kids when I fell in love with the Mafioso, knowing full well who he was to become.

A beast of a man that made people disappear—and probably enjoyed every second of it.

But with me, he was tender, protective. He treated me like I was the most precious thing in the world to him.

And then he sent me away.

Scarlett Vitucci was many things:

The daughter of the biggest Cosa Nostra boss from New York to Chicago.

The sister of the man I would gladly take a bullet for.

The only woman I would ever love.

Sending her away was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I didn’t deserve her or her love. For years I stayed away. Ignored the gnawing ache that her absence left in my chest.

Seeing her now, I know fighting what I felt for her is impossible. Letting her go had been a huge mistake.

One I would never repeat again.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

I was absolutely hooked from the very first page! I needed the story and just knew that that the cleanup of the beginning was going to be epic. I keep reading and reading and got really invested in these characters. I keep turning the pages like crazy and then bam! I know that it is really going to get good because the beginning is about to be resolved. Justice is futile! This is about the half way point of the book. This is more of the turning point for Scarlet and Ciro as they are done fighting their attraction and love for each other. Ok, so now I know it is game on and the real bad guy is gonna get his. But then the story sort of fell flat for me. We got the love story and overcoming the terrible obstacles but there was no nothing for the bad guy. He just sort of fell off and everyone was just ok with it. It was definitely not what I would have expected in a Mafia book. Terri Anne Browning is a new to me author and I can say that she can definitely get you hooked because boy, did I have it bad! I just wish there was more to the second half of the book.

Author Logo

Terri Anne Browning is a Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY bestselling author. She writes contemporary romance featuring rockers, bikers, and mafiosos–but mostly about the strong female characters who rule what has become known as the Rocker Universe.

Terri Anne lives in Virginia with her husband, their three demons–err, children–and a Frenchie named Ciri.

www.facebook.com/terriannebrowning.author

www.terriannebrowningauthor.com

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hVt269

TAB’s Rocker…Universe Group: https://bit.ly/3HnyIOB

#WOTR24 #Review SLOTH: Seven Deadly Sins Mafia Romance by J.M. Walker

He taught me everything I knew.
Drugs. Weapons. Money. More.
If it became known that we shared a history before he became the Arlo Rossi, it could cost us both of our lives.
Our destinies were quite different. Especially when I wasn’t part of the family.
After an unexpected meeting, I was reluctant to embrace everything I knew.
Everything he taught me.
When all was said and done, I realized that I may not have a choice.

Lust. Gluttony. Greed. Sloth. Wrath. Envy. Pride.
DARE TO BE SINFUL!
Seven amazing authors are bringing the sins to life! Indulge in guilty pleasure with a mafia world full of deceit, romance, betrayal, and more! All books are standalone!

Authors:
J.L. Leslie – Lust – January 2023
Crimson Syn – Gluttony – March 2023
Erin Trejo – Greed – May 2023
JM Walker – Sloth – July 2023
Delaney Foster – Wrath – September 2023
Kathy Coopmans – Envy – November 2023
Daphne Loveling – Pride – January 2024

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Knowing that the worst part of your night happened earlier and also knowing that it really wasn’t the worst part of the night yet can weigh extremely heavy on someone. Reader beware, this story flies! It is intense from the absolute beginning clear to the end. You literally cannot blink! Ginny and Arlo’s relationship is difficult because of the different people they are within the mafia. Arlo was her father’s best friend and is more than that to Ginny. However strained their relationship is, they both know they can count on each other. This entire story is wrapped up in one evening (with an epilogue) but is heavy and intense the entire way. This is a better version of Mr. & Mrs. Smith! Gritty, dirty, and exquisite!

Author Logo

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

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

https://www.facebook.com/jm.walker.author/

https://linktr.ee/authorjmwalker

#BookPromo – All I Fear by Abrianna Denae

Dark MMM Mafia, Father’s best friend, Best friend’s father, Fear play, Breath play, Knife play
http://mybook.to/AF2

Tennant Mason is the Amato Family’s Second in Command. He’s calculating and lethal, his antisocial personality disorder provides the perfect tools for the Amatos to turn him into their deadliest weapon.

Hollis Maddigan is in hiding. He’s spent years using his hacking ability to run from his past. Meeting Tennant was never in his plans, except he finds that the other man just gets him—navigating his quirks and secrets with ease.

Roman Amato is the heir to the Amato Family. He’s been training his whole life to one day take over from his father. When the next step of his training begins, tension between him and Tennant may be his undoing, but not in the way either man expected.

Tennant and Hollis are a package deal, and are able to give Roman everything he’s always wanted, but never trusted enough to search for. As the three very different men find their way together, sparks fly—both literally and figuratively.

But just when Hollis thinks he’s left his traumatic past behind, it comes back with a vengeance, threatening to destroy the life he’s built. To save the men he loves, he must crack open his broken soul and remember the person he left behind. In the end, it might not be enough…

*All I Fear is the second book in the All’s Fair series. It is advised by the author to read this series in order for better understanding of the characters and storyline. This is a dark mafia romance book please see the TW page for details.*

#Duet #AgeGap #Forbidden #OrganizedCrime – A Sinful Empire Duet by Eva Charles

Pride: A Sinful Empire Duet by [Eva Charles]

Wrath: A Sinful Empire Duet by [Eva Charles]

Pride

In our world the price of betrayal is death.
Rafael Huntsman, crown prince of a sinful empire.
Possessive.
Dangerous.
Achingly beautiful.
And consumed by a chilling past.

When I was nineteen, he laid eyes on me like it was the very first time.
From that moment, I was his.
Although it wasn’t until much later, under a moonlit sky in a vineyard awash with fairy lights, that I surrendered—and
he disappeared.
Then fate intervened.

Now we’re forced together in a treacherous criminal world.
He’s still dangerously seductive, but I’m not an innocent girl anymore.
I have a secret that puts us both in peril—and there’s no going back.

Forbidden fruit has never been sweeter…

Pride is the first book in a friends-to-enemies-to-lovers heart-stopping journey that ends with Wrath. It is set in the Huntsman world, and while it is not necessary to have read A Sinful Empire Trilogy before reading Pride, it contains spoilers.

Wrath –

From USA Today bestselling author Eva Charles comes the stunning conclusion to A Sinful Empire.

I should have seen it coming.
But I was busy drowning in her essence.
Enjoying every lush curve.
Hanging onto each duplicitous word that tumbled from her sultry lips.

Even now, with the cards on the table and the secrets exposed, I crave her.
Every traitorous inch of her delectable body.

Pride – Goodreads

Wrath – Goodreads

Pride Amazon

Wrath Amazon

Eva Charles is the USA Today Bestselling Author of steamy romantic suspense, with dangerous antiheroes and strong heroines. She lives in New England with the love of her life and two naughty pups. When she’s not writing about possessive, growly billionaires, she’s sipping cocktails, traveling, or trying to squeeze information out of her tight-lipped sons.

#WOTR23Author #Mafia #Paranormal #SmallTown #MC #Dark #AgeGap #RomCon #MeetCute #TrueCrime #Abuse #Siblings #Rockers #AgeGap #SingleDad #Addiction – Twinsie Angie’s top reads January to June – Wicked Temptation by Barbara Nolan, Whispers of Timber Creek by SJ Chaynie, Birdie’s Biker by Misty Walker, The Last Single Girl by Bria Quinlan, If You Tell Gregg Olsen, and Wilder Love by Jade C. Jamison

Bria Quinlan is the Attending Author


Get a date for the big gala in four weeks when I thought I could go solo? Challenge, accepted.

Now to find a hot, interesting guy who will dress up for a gala. Last minute. Who doesn’t already have plans on the busiest date night of the year.

But, so far the best part of the search for a great date has been the cute café I found and the geeky-hot owner who keeps rescuing me from these crazy eLove.com dates.

This should be easy-peasy. The internet is the home of all your hopes and needs, right?

Spoiler Alert: it isn’t.

Between the bromance date and the crazed single dad who needs to hire a nanny and housekeeper, not get a date, I’m running out of options.

If only a certain cutey didn’t have a phone call with “sweetheart” every day.

The weirder things get, the more I think just going solo is very I Am Woman, blah blah blah. Forget about the fact that my heart keeps bringing me back to a certain café even when I don’t need to be there…I mean, my heart doesn’t always get what it wants, does it?

My Review –

I purchased this audiobook.
I have read a few really heavy and dark books lately. I needed something fun and light hearted. I needed something sweet and fun. I also needed something to spend my audio credit on….hence this book.
Guys, this book was everything I needed. It most definitely took me out of the dark stuff I have been reading into a fun and adorable happy story.
Sarah is in need of a date. Sarah is pushed into online dating due to a “friend” who makes she feel less then because she doesn’t have a boyfriend. The dates are an absolutely horror show to say in the least. She is meeting her dates at a coffee shop when she befriends the shop owner. Slowly they build a friendship when Sarah realizes, Holy crap I love John!
The story was adorable and sweet and I will be grabbing the 2nd one asap. The story was just sweet and funny and everything you need at times.

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Second Chance Romance, Mafia Romance, Forbidden Love, Opposites Attract When sexy bad boy Samson opens Club Wicked in Vegas, he thought he left his ghosts and mob ties in New York. But when Lisbeth, his old flame, shows up to celebrate her bachelorette their steamy, uninhibited passion comes flooding back, and they realize their attraction is undeniable. Lisbeth breaks off the engagement, but her powerful, vindictive fiancé threatens to close down Club Wicked, and reveal Samson’s dark secrets and dangerous past. Samson refuses to lose Lisbeth again. He vows to protect her at all costs, but is the price too high? Lisbeth is willing to fight for what she wants since she can’t resist the addictive pull of their love. Will Samson deny his love to keep Lisbeth safe or will he be forced to seek the mob’s help—the very people he longed to escape? “An adrenaline-packed plot and star-crossed lovers you won’t want to put down this one down.” “A thrilling story of love and redemption. You’ll be captivated by Samson and Lisbeth’s epic love story.” Wicked Temptation is Book 2 in the Club Wicked Duet and although it is a standalone with an HEA and can easily be read on its own you may want to begin with Wicked Addiction.

My Review –

I received this book from the authors PR firm for an honest review.
I was super excited when I saw this was a spin off from an MC series. I am always looking for an MC series so now I want to jump back and read that entire catalog especially after meeting the characters in this series. (Serpents MC Las Vegas if you are looking for one too. But I also have my eye on Boa…just saying.)
I am also a HUGE lover of 2nd chance which this book has from jump. Samson and Lisbeth are a bomb of chemistry from the first time we see them together …at her bachelorette party no less. They are both transported in time to when he broke her heart. She has no clue why and he keeps that secret close to the chest until toward the end of the story but que the AWWWW When I read it. Yes, Samson is a swoon worthy Alpha Male who will beat the crap outta a dude, wash off the blood his hands, and then attack your lips in his office 5 minutes later. But that is why we love them. AmIRight???
Samson and Lisbeth have A LOT to get through. History, miscommunication, oh and that pesky douche bag fiancée. That is kinda a big one for Lisbeth. They also have to deal with people trying to destroy all that Samson and his partner Nick have built.
I am loving the series and the characters in it. Jax has me looking at him saying HEEY you. He might be broken on the outside with is scary scars buuuut those are the yummiest of men IMO. Nick. I don’t know about him. His heart is so broken. It is going to take a special lady to open him up. Perhaps Willow???? I mean her free spirit could be that woman. But not Daria please and thanks. #SayNoToSkanks
I am waiting for book 2 and cant wait to see who is the next alpha to fall.

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A True Story of Murder, Family Secrets, and the Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood

After more than a decade, when sisters Nikki, Sami, and Tori Knotek hear the word mom, it claws like an eagle’s talons, triggering memories that have been their secret since childhood. Until now.

For years, behind the closed doors of their farmhouse in Raymond, Washington, their sadistic mother, Shelly, subjected her girls to unimaginable abuse, degradation, torture, and psychic terrors. Through it all, Nikki, Sami, and Tori developed a defiant bond that made them far less vulnerable than Shelly imagined. Even as others were drawn into their mother’s dark and perverse web, the sisters found the strength and courage to escape an escalating nightmare that culminated in multiple murders.

My Review –

I purchased this audiobook.
This book …WOOOF…that is really all I can say. It is A LOT. I mean a lot a lot. There were days when I just couldn’t listen anymore because the story was just so much. Then I would shut it off and almost feel guilty. I could walk away from this horror but Nikki, Sami, and Tori couldn’t. What they girls lived through is unimaginable.
As a reader of true crime, when I saw this book I was very interested. I did a few google searches to see what I was going to be listening to. They did not prepare me for what horrors these kids and the adults around Shelly endured.
I just have to say listening to “The Wallowing” or when Karen was sliding down the icy hill and the after math the kids described I was completely undone. How these girls survive and endured is amazing.
I just want people to know they really need to be ready for this story. I just wish there was more about the investigation but maybe due to who told there want much. The fact that Shelly is out of jail right now is scary as heck!!

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Being relocated to a small-town PD in Colorado was the last thing I needed. Being assigned to babysit the captain’s daughter didn’t help either. She’s quirky, young, and unfortunately, the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. Cap only has one rule. Keep my hands to myself. Turns out to be harder than it looks. Now I live in her house, and at night I hear her cries. She’s haunted by her dreams just like I’m haunted by my past. She may be crazy, or she may be the only key to unlocking the dark secrets of this town. The clock is ticking, and the closer we get, the more dangerous it becomes. We both heard the captain’s warning loud and clear……too bad neither of us listened.

Book 1 of the Timber Creek Series. Series will contain interconnected standalones.

My Review-

I received this book from the authors for an honest review.
I met this author after I saw a TikTok of hers about a different series. I am so thankful she has allowed me to read that series and is giving me her new series to read as well.
This is a great series starter with some amazing characters we meet. I admit as much as I LOVED the main H/h in this book, book 2’s couple has me clawing to read their story. I mean I messaged the author to say NOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWW. She even agreed with me about their story being a great read to come.
Ok so this series starts with Jace in the shrink’s office not wanting to admit how he is feeling about the death of his partner and best friend. He is reassigned to a small town for 3 months to get his stuff together essentially. He goes to the town and immediately sees Camille. He gets the official “Hands off” by her dad…ya know…his new boss the Captain of the force. Unfortunately, circumstances will force them to be thrown together 24/7 which makes hands off near impossible.
Camille is having a hard time. She knows what people think of her and she is a broken women thanks to her ex-boyfriend, Stuart. She is attracted to the new detective until he talks. Then his mouth makes her remember what a jerk he is. LOL
This story has a LOT of chemistry. The slow burn of Jace and Camille is HAWT. LAWD, when they finally crash and combust, loooook out!!!
The side story of the missing girls is a low theme in the story until its not. Then we are running to figure out who, what, and why of what is happening. I admit I was so wrapped up in the Jace and Cami when I realized what was happening, I was like RUN FASTER!!! Get going!!!!!
But Easton and Ellie….I cannot wait!!

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Vegas is where good people go to sin. Reno is where the bad ones go.

Amidst the drugs, weapons, and trafficking, a murder-for-hire market has emerged. And my motorcycle club is right in the thick of it.

If you can pay, we have a million different ways to solve your problem. You want someone to vanish without a trace? The Great Basin Desert is almost two hundred thousand square miles of “nobody will ever find you.” You want to make a statement? We’ve been known to hang bodies from the Reno Arch.

If you’re paying, we’re killing. No witnesses, no evidence, and no questions asked.

That is until we’re hired to locate and kill a group threatening biological warfare by exposing our city to a deadly virus they stole. It’s the big payday we need. But in order to take the job, we have to also agree to protect the spoiled brat who saw everything.

Small. Frail. Innocent. Frightened. I made her my little birdie, but she always wants to fly away. Too bad for her I’ve clipped her wings and locked her in my cage.

They say free birds sing, and caged birds pray. Her cries sound the same to me.

*Birdie’s Biker is a dark romance in the second run of the Royal Bastards MC. It’s sexy as sin, thrilling, gritty, and dirty. If you love tortured heroes and a heroine who learns her strength in the most depraved way, then you’ll love Birdie’s Biker.

My Review –

I purchased this audio book.
I am a HUGE MC reader. I was needing a new series when I was recommended this one. I admit when I saw Troy was a narration, I jumped. His narration is awesome, and I knew I would love the story. Kelsey was also so great at being Bridget/Birdie. She did a great job showing the naïve girl she was and the Bad Ass she was at the end.
Loki is a bad ass. He is happy with his club girl or hang arounds for company plus a bottle of Tequilla. His life is perfect. No woman is going to lock his down and make him unhappy like he sees his dad.
Bridget/Birdie is a happy, clueless socialite. She likes her life but knows she is missing something but what she doesn’t know. When Bridget is thrust into Loki’s arms for her protection, the two clash off like crazy. However, the more she pushes him, the more he loves her fire and sass.
I absolutely fell in love with the characters in this series but I will not lie, Roch….imma need to read your book ASAP. I am so glad I have more credits to grab that audio as well!!! LOL
The story of why Bridget is with Loki was good. The crazy crash of chemistry these two have is so fun to read. She pushes him and he pushes her, but they just can’t stay away from each other. The way their relationship starts and the fear they both have about this relationship was written well. They are both so unsure and yet sure of the other.
Like I said I cant wait for more from this series!!!

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Rockstar Elijah Wilder is famous.
Married.
And a father.
Ready to turn his back on the one thing he’s good at, the talent that made him a household name.

I’m a poor nobody.
Struggling to stay in school.
Failing miserably.
Believing I’m wearing the emperor’s new clothing and not fooling anybody.

Elijah and I don’t belong together. We shouldn’t have even met. But when his wife enters rehab, he needs a nanny.

I can’t bring myself to say no.

Familiarity breeds lust, and, when his wife becomes his ex, Elijah and I wind up together. But we’re a bad combination. I’m too young for him and I don’t know what I want. And the longer I stay in the rockstar life…

I’m pretty sure that’s not it.

But Elijah and I try anyway, even with all the odds against us.

My Review –

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.
If you read Jade, then you know she can write amazing rocker stories. Bullet is by far on of my favorite books. I have got to say this book is like reading bullet all over again. The dynamic, the twists, the betrayals, the drug issues, and the LOVE!!! OMG Friends. This book I devoured. Like couldn’t put down and got mad when I had to do silly things like EAT because I was starving. I made Alexa read to me during that time!!!
Elijah is a famous rocker who, due to his wife’s drug addiction he ends up meeting Madison. When this stranger jumps in and helps in during a really awful time in his wife’s life with the care of his daughter, he hires her to help full-time.
Madison was failing out of school so the change to travel sounded amazing. The pay was anther great benefit to the job. What she didn’t expect was the love to the little girl and her sexy daddy.
The chemistry building between Elijah and Mads was so freaking thick!!! Gah when they finally crash I was screaming YES only to have Elijah be an idiot and I was cussing him. But when his jealousy flairs up and they give it a go, I was so happy.
However, when the day-to-day life on the bus, drama with band mates, and that old monkey on his back comes back, Mads is OVER it!!!
I had tears a few times in the story because we just love Madison. We want her to be happy and if that means alone then so be it!! I was fully invested in the story and characters. I absolutely loved the characters and the emotional ride we were on with Elijah and Mads.

The Last Single Girl

Wicked Temptation

If You Tell

Whispers of Timber Creek

Birdie’s Biker

Wilder Love

The Last Single Girl

Wicked Temptation

If You Tell

Whispers of Timber Creek

Birdie’s Biker

Wilder Love

#Review #Mafia #Dark – Wicked Addiction,  Dark Mafia Romance, Angsty Triangle Duet Book 1 by Barbara Nolan

Wicked Addiction: Dark Mafia Romance, Angsty Triangle Duet Book 1 (Club Wicked) by [Barbara Nolan]

Samson is torn between the woman he wants to save and the woman he wants to love. Angsty Triangle—Dark Romance—First Love—Slow Burn Romance—Coming of Age Samson hasn’t had many breaks in his young life until local mob boss, Frank Barnett puts him in charge of the Oasis, a Brooklyn strip club used to wash the mobster’s dirty money. When Lisbeth walks into the Oasis desperate for a job Samson hires the leggy beauty, then finds himself helplessly drawn to her startling blue eyes and sweet smile. Their connection is electric—something Samson never experienced with a woman. Lisbeth never dreamed of falling for the rough, brutal, drop-dead gorgeous, Samson, but she can’t deny the attraction simmering between them. She’s a hit at the club and the cash rolls in fast. Everyone’s happy except Yvette, Samson’s wildly jealous coke-addict girlfriend. Samson and Lisbeth’s steamy, dangerous obsession grows until— A vengeful Yvette and a rival Russian mobster threaten to wreck Samson’s world forcing him to decide between Yvette, the woman he wants to save, and Lisbeth, the woman he wants to love.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.

I was obsessed with the 2nd book of this duet so when I was offered book 1, I jumped.

Sampson and Lisbeth were HAWT reads, and I was so excited to see how we ended up in book 1.

If you read book 2 when it was first released, we kinda “know” what happens when Lisbeth comes looking for a bartending job but ends up as a stripper at the club.  This book takes us through the whole story with the crazy, jealous other woman and the not so amazing boss.

I loved the in-depth story that allowed us to SEE the couple when they fell in love,

Barbara is an Amazon Bestselling Author, and a native of New Jersey.
She loves her emotional, passionate alpha males and the women who tame them. Her writing is sexy, steamy and seductive, and her goal is to have fun while taking the reader away from their world and into hers.
She is proud of this second act in her life and loves meeting and getting to know her readers, fans, and all the wonderful people in the writing community.
Her passion for reading and words make this a journey of love. She considers reading a luxury and writing a necessity.

#ReleaseDay #ARC #Mafia #SeriesStarter #2ndChance – Wicked Temptation, Club Wicked Book 1 by Barbara Nolan

Wicked Temptation (Club Wicked Book 1) by [Barbara Nolan]

When Samson opens Club Wicked in Vegas, he leaves behind his New York mob ties and the ghosts that haunt his dreams, but he never expects to see his past love celebrating her bachelorette. An old flame is rekindled, and all their steamy, uninhibited passion comes flooding back, making their attraction undeniable. When Lisbeth breaks off the engagement her financially powerful and vindictive fiancé terrorizes Lisbeth then threatens to close down Club Wicked and reveal Samson’s past. Lisbeth is everything Samson wants and needs and he refuses to lose her again. He vows to protect her, but if his destructive secrets are revealed, they can undermine their lives with deadly results. Despite Samson’s dangerous past, Lisbeth is willing to fight for what she wants especially since she can’t resist falling back into bed with the sexy bad boy, or the addictive pull of their love. Will Samson deny his love to keep Lisbeth safe or will he be forced to seek out the mob’s help—the very people he longed to escape?

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I received this book from the authors PR firm for an honest review.

I was super excited when I saw this was a spin off from an MC series.  I am always looking for an MC series so now I want to jump back and read that entire catalog especially after meeting the characters in this series. (Serpents MC Las Vegas if you are looking for one too.  But I also have my eye on Boa…just saying.)

I am also a HUGE lover of 2nd chance which this book has from jump.  Samson and Lisbeth are a bomb of chemistry from the first time we see them together …at her bachelorette party no less.  They are both transported in time to when he broke her heart.  She has no clue why and he keeps that secret close to the chest until toward the end of the story but que the AWWWW  When I read it.  Yes, Samson is a swoon worthy Alpha Male who will beat the crap outta a dude, wash off the blood his hands, and then attack your lips in his office 5 minutes later.  But that is why we love them.  AmIRight???

Samson and Lisbeth have A LOT to get through.  History, miscommunication, oh and that pesky douche bag fiancée.  That is kinda a big one for Lisbeth.  They also have to deal with people trying to destroy all that Samson and his partner Nick have built.

I am loving the series and the characters in it.  Jax has me looking at him saying HEEY you.  He might be broken on the outside with is scary scars buuuut those are the yummiest of men IMO.  Nick.  I don’t know about him.  His heart is so broken.  It is going to take a special lady to open him up.  Perhaps Willow????  I mean her free spirit could be that woman.  But not Daria please and thanks.  #SayNoToSkanks

I am waiting for book 2 and cant wait to see who is the next alpha to fall.

Barbara is an Amazon Bestselling Author, and a native of New Jersey.
She loves her emotional, passionate alpha males and the women who tame them. Her writing is sexy, steamy and seductive, and her goal is to have fun while taking the reader away from their world and into hers.
She is proud of this second act in her life and loves meeting and getting to know her readers, fans, and all the wonderful people in the writing community.
Her passion for reading and words make this a journey of love. She considers reading a luxury and writing a necessity.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3dO8jus
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/barba…
Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/bnolan26/?h…

#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 #2ndChance #Mafia – Grizz, Grumpy Mountain Men Book 1 by KL Ramsey

Grizz (Grumpy Mountain Men Book 1)

Grizz knew that Brooklyn was too good for him. He had proven that every time he left her because he didn’t want to screw up her life any more than he already had. They had been through a lifetime together already, and now, she was standing on the porch to his cabin, asking him for help. He’d give it because it was Brooklyn, but then, he knew she’d walk away again, and that would gut him. Brooklyn’s life was in the city now and he knew she’d go back when the danger passed. He’d lose her again and there was no way that his heart would be able to take it.

Brooklyn was torn between two worlds—her love for NYC and her love for Grizz, her grumpy mountain man. They had been through so much together, even the loss of a baby, but she still hoped he’d find his way back to her. It felt like a lifetime ago that he had left the city to move up to his cabin in the Catskills, taking her heart with him. He’d show up in NYC now and again, to beg her to come live with him up on his mountain, but that wasn’t a move she was ready to make. She wouldn’t give up her job; she loved being a lawyer, even if it did put her in danger sometimes. When she found herself in trouble, her only thought was to get to Grizz. She knew that he’d protect her, even if it meant showing up to the one place she swore she’d never step foot again—his cabin.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie’

I purchased this book.

I am a super fan of the 2nd chance story/opposites attract.  Grizz and Brooklyn were college sweethearts who had a falling out…not a falling out of love so much as changes in life directions.

Grizz hasn’t stopped trying to win Brooklyn back but she is very driven.  She has goals for her career and that is her priority now.  When some bad stuff happens, she runs to the only man who can keep her body safe from harm…but maybe not her heart.

Grizz and Brooklyn are stuck in a confined space for awhile and start to sort out their issues because the love is so strong. They both want to make it work this time, but both need to compromise to make it happen.

I loved seeing a strong female character like Brooklyn.  She knows what she wants and has the drive to fulfill it.  But I also love her realizing she can have her career and the man she loves at the same time.  Grizz is just such a grumpy man.  LOL  I loved him. He is aggressive with his pursuit of Brooklyn which made my heart love him so much.  I think each time she said no to him, made him even the more determined to have her back!!

Romance Rebel fighting for Happily Ever After!
K. L. Ramsey currently resides in West Virginia (Go Mountaineers!). In her spare time, she likes to read romance novels, go to WVU football games and attend book club (aka-drink wine) with girlfriends.
K. L. enjoys writing Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, and Sexy Ménage! She loves to write strong, capable women and bossy, hot as hell alphas, who fall ass over tea kettle for them. And of course, her stories always have a happy ending.

#WOTR23 #Mafia #audio #RomanticSuspense – Tangled in Texas books 1-3 by Alison Bliss

Tangled in Texas

Rules of Protection, Book 1- 
It’s rule breaker Emily Foster’s birthday, and like everyone at The Jungle Room, she just wants to get some action. Unfortunately, she stumbles on the wrong kind, witnessing a mob hit. To protect her, she’s entered into the Witness Protection Program with by-the-book Special Agent Jake Ward as her chaperone.

When the location of their safe house is compromised, Jake stashes Emily deep in the Texas backwoods. The city-girl might be safe from the Mafia, but she has to contend with a psychotic rooster, a narcoleptic dog, crazy cowboys, and the danger of losing her heart to the one man she can’t have.

Jake’s as hot as he is infuriating, and she can’t help but push all his buttons to loosen him up. Their mutual, sizzling sexual attraction poses a dilemma: Jake’s determined to keep her safe and out of the wrong hands; she’s determined to get into the right ones—his.

Each book in the Tangled in Texas series is a standalone, full-length story that can be enjoyed out of order.

Playing with Fire, Book 2-

Nothing ignites a fire like the perfect match…

Anna Weber is every inch the proper librarian–old-fashioned, conservatively dressed right down to her tightly clipped flaming red hair. She’s just moved to a small Texas town, and is determined to spend time with her friend before she has to disappear. Relationships aren’t easy for her. She knows too well what it means to be burned. And the last thing she ever wants to do is fall in love…

Especially not with a fireman who’s hot enough to set the entire state of Texas on fire.

Cowboy can’t resist the fiery little librarian, and he’s determined to make her his. Beneath that prim-and-proper exterior is a woman he very much wants to know–if she’d let him. She’ll test his patience. His control. Hell, his very sanity. And for the first time, Cowboy wonders if he’s found the one fire he can’t control…

Law of Attraction, Book 3-

For single mom Bobbie Jo Weston, finding a husband is not on her to-do list. She’s focused on turning a run-down chicken farm into a Bed & Breakfast. She agrees to let a friend’s nephew stay with her in exchange for his handyman skills, but she wasn’t counting on the super sexy Seth Landry being that guy.

Seth has a special skill-set, all right, but it has nothing to do with hammering nails. As a retired member of The Resistance—an elite group of ex-military soldiers—his dark, unsettling past haunts him. He needs a place to lay low, and an out-of-the-way B&B is nothing short of perfect. The blonde beauty doesn’t trust men, and he doesn’t plan on sticking around long enough to change her mind.

The closer they get, the more they can’t seem to keep their hands off each other. And while Bobbie holds on to her fear of watching another man walk out of their lives, Seth’s mere presence has put them all in jeopardy. The only way to ever be free of his dangerous past is for him to accept one last mission…

Goodreads

Amazon

Review by Twinsie Angie

Book 1 –

I received this book from the author for an honest review.
Two author friends, who go by the name Elizabeth Hayley, tagged me on Facebook about possibly reading their friends new book. Hey, I love those ladies and their books crack me up so if THEY are in love with someone then I will love them too, Right?? I reached out to the author and asked for an advanced copy. OMG am I glad I did. I was laughing soooo hard at some many different lines in the book. I was even texting my friend/blogger/bestie Melinda with lines saying “you have gotta read this book”……
So this story begins with our main character at the bar with her besties Gina and Dale celebrating her birthday. She sees a hottie checking her out but decides against it. She strolls to the bathroom when said hottie finds her annnnd is not so hot….more slimey gross. Well she tries to shake him but he won’t take the hint so a Southern Gentleman plays the part of her “boyfriend” to make slime ball take the hint. Well another situation arises and Mr. Southern Gentleman needs her help again so she ends up lip locking him AGAIN!!!! Well Gina and Dale dare our girl to follow Mr. Southern Gentleman down the hallway to jump his bones but instead she sees slime ball getting killed. Well she runs and gets attacked by Jake, the Southern Gentleman but escapes him. She goes to the police station to report the murder but GASP Mr. Southern Gentleman appears and GASP he is a FEDERAL AGENT!!!!
SOOO Jake and our newly named Emily go into the Witness Protection to help take down Slime Balls killer. Well the chemistry between the two is awesome and she pretty much pouts and offers a no strings attached night but dang it if the bad guys don’t find them. So Jake and Emily go off radar. Jake is hiding Emily without the FBI’s approval. He takes her in to Deliverance country to hide out with his family. They are supposed to be boyfriend/girlfriend…… Which is news to Emily because they fight NONSTOP!!! Which makes the book insanely funny and fullllllll of sexual tension.
So while hiding out Emily and Jake fight over her jealousy of his ex, his jealousy of her flirting, her not being able to be domestic at all, him being overly alpha at every turn of the second hand on your watch, her only thinking about herself, him not taking her feelings into consideration, and on and on and on!! Now sometimes when I read a book like this I am like “seriously, enough already” but not once in this entire novel did I feel bored with them. I was in love with the characters and the story. I was shocked at how fast I flew through this book. I was so busy reading that when I hit 45% I was stunned and then next thing I knew I was at 88%. I mean WHERE DID IT GO!!! The story was just flying by and I wanted to know what would happened but I didn’t want the story to end.
The epilogue made me really happy and laught a lot. The epilogue had everything about the story you wanted to know…like about the boys, the ex, Junior, Henry and Floss and the rest of the town you have come to love.
The story has so many twist and turns. It is soo full of sexual innuendo and sexual chemistry. I yelled at both characters while also yelling with them at the other person. I have to tell you I CANNOT wait for more from this author and this series.

Book 2-

I received this book from the author for an honest review.
OK SO I freaking love this author. Her books crack me up. Her characters are loveable and at the same time you wanna smack them or kick them for being total jacka$$es. Now this is book 2 of the series but you don’t have to have read book 1 to understand but if you missed book 1, you will soooo wanna read it after reading this one.
We met Cowboy in book 1 when he was giving Jake a hard time about Emily. We loved his charm and flirty ways so I was really excited to finally get his book. He is suuuuch a “love ‘em and leave ‘em” guy that we can’t believe he has eyes for the uptight librarian. I mean I love Anna but she is a total shy, nerdy girl that everyone sees but doesn’t really see. Well Anna has had eyes for Cowboy for EVER but knew he never SAW her. When he does see her, she is floored and thinks he is looking for a notch on his bet. When she turns him does, he is FLOORED. Cowboy gets what he wants UNTIL Anna.
Anna is hiding in plain sight from Cowboy but also from her dark past. She won’t be in town for long but wanted to connect with her friend Bobbie Jo. Cowboy and Anna begin a dance of will they or wont they. Cowboy is all about claiming her but then freaks out about her innocents. Anna is all about keeping her guard but then Cowboy kisses her and BOOM forgets her hatred of him…..some seriously funny scenes are when she is yelling at him using “big words”…..
I loved these characters and I love the twists and turns regarding who is stalking Anna. I am really excited about who I think the next book will be abut. I really hope its Bobbie Jo because she really needs her own HEA after all that “germy” has done to her.

Book 3-

I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

GUUURL!! Bobbie Jo you know I was not your friend in Book 1 right?? You know I was plotting with Emily to have some disfiguring accident happen or that you would get run over by Flossy’s tractor?? Something bad would happen!! THEN, like Emily, I warmed to you and saw the real you…not the superficial one that everyone else sees. The more I read about you and being a single mom, the more I felt bad for being so awful to you. I have been PATIENTLY waiting for this book….for your book because if ANYONE needs an HEA, it is YOU!!

Bobbie Jo has had a DRY SPELL…..no play since her little accident with her sperm donors little gift was received. So, she has finally decided to give a one night stand a try. When she spies a tall glass of water she is hopeful he can help her out buuuut as usual Jeremy screws that up or did he???? After yet another confrontation Bobbie Jo and said tall glass of water start to get hot and heavy and he walks away?? WHU??????

Bobbie is like PFFT with men and that is when her life changes forever….ya see Mr. Tall Glass of Water happens to turn up at her door and is her new Guest Boarder at her house…yes friends que to intense sexual chemistry!! Oh yeah Mr. Tall Glass of Water just happens to be Bobbie Jo’s boss’ nephews, Seth. Seems Seth needs to settle for a few weeks and clear his head.

Seth is like WTF when he sees Bobbie. He is then super confused when he is thinking his summer of clearing BOTH his brain will include a little bed hopping with Bobbie when he little Boy, Austin, comes home. Seth kinda freaks but sees how the 2 adore each other. Plus Austin us a super cool little kid!!!

So Bobbie and Seth have come to an “understanding” of no sex because she is his boss wile he is doing repairs on her farm…friends we ALL know that is so not gonna last. THE CHEMSITRY is crazy and then when he think they WILL…cock blocked …then we think they might and again more tension. Lets just say when they finally do…its was on like Donkey Kong!!

Now as we are beginning to see hearts growing and love forming, Seth’s past comes back and causes trouble as does Bobbie Jo’s sperm donor. This causes all kinds of complications for the two. They are so confused over what to do and what to say at times that that further causes issues.
So my favorite part of the book is when Seth gives Bobbie Jo a certain code word. Now I cant tell you the code word because when they pick the code words it was hilarious as hell but when he uses it……Lump in my throat friends….huge lump.

I have got to say, I loved this story. I loved seeing everyone together again and the epilogue was THE ABSOLUTE BEST EVER!!! It ties everything together for all the characters in the series.

Alison Bliss is a best-selling, award-winning author of humorous, contemporary romances. A born and raised Texan, she currently resides in the Midwest with her husband and her two kids. The youngest of five girls, she has never turned down a challenge or been called by the right name. Alison believes the best way to know if someone is your soul mate is by canoeing with them because if you both make it back alive, it’s obviously meant to be. She enjoys writing fun, steamy love stories with heart, heat, and laughter. Something she calls, “Romance…with a sense of humor.”