Monthly Archives: October 2023

Contemp. Romance, Single Mom

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

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Walker

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

That was until I saw her.

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

Now, I want it all.

Mallory

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

Especially when he’s so good with my daughter.

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

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Melinda

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

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

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

A few of my favorite lines:

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

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

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

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

Paranormal

#WOTR24 #Paranormal #Novella – Wicked Stranger : Magic and Mayhem Universe, Wicked Series book 10 by Teresa Gabelman

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Raina Rayne has never had luck with men. Trusting someone she thought she could trust, she ended up losing her business, her confidence, and possibly ten years of her life. Not knowing where to turn, she heads to the only person she can trust. She hopes trouble doesn’t follow her.

Zane, a panther Shifter, is in Assjacket helping an old friend. Not a guy who makes friends quickly, he finds himself drawn to a human female. Living with the fact he would never find his mate, Zane is shocked at the intense feelings this woman elicits from him.

Two strangers, one running and one searching, meet in the most unlikely way. Welcome back to the town of Assjacket for more wickedly hilarious mixtures of paranormal personalities.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

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

If you are a fan of this series, you know what to expect?  Hijinks and comedy. This book doesn’t et you down.

Raine is running.  She runs to Assjacket to see her old friend Wicked.  Wicked is excited to see her friend but not so excited for her to share stories of their past.  LOL

Zane is watching a rogue shifter when he sees Raine.  He is intrigued by this human and wonder about the secrets she is holding.

This is a short and quick read with lots of Bruce because these stories need lots of Bruce in them.  Its another great addition to the series.

Review by: Twinsie Melinda

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

I enjoy reading this series.  It is a quick read with a bit of humor.

Raina Rayne is running from her past so she runs to the one person she knows she can trust Wicked. She finds herself in a bit of trouble while on her way to Wicket where she runs in to Bruce of all cats and one sexy panther shifter, Zane.

Zane is not sure what to think of this little human but he sure is drawn to her.  The need to protect her is strong.

I enjoyed seeing the chemistry between Zane and Raina. I was great to see Willow and her family along with all the other characters in Assjacket. This book would not be complete without the talking cat Bruce I just love him and his funny commentary. The dream Bruce has and how Raina alters it was quite comical.

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 an MMA event, or spending a fun evening with family.

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

Website: www.teresagabelman.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Teresa…
Email: tgabelman@live.com

Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Part of a Series

#Review – Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, 1) by Rebecca Yarros

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An Instant New York Times Bestseller
A Goodreads Most Anticipated Book

“Suspenseful, sexy, and with incredibly entertaining storytelling, the first in Yarros’ Empyrean series will delight fans of romantic, adventure-filled fantasy.” —Booklist, starred review

“Fourth Wing will have your heart pounding from beginning to end… A fantasy like you’ve never read before.” ―#1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout


Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders from New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away…because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.

With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter—like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.

She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom’s protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.

Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda—because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.

The Empyrean series is best enjoyed in order.
Reading Order:
Book #1 Fourth Wing
Book #2 Iron Flame

I had seen posts about this book for weeks before I purchased it. When one of my friends said that she loved it and I knew that this wasn’t her normal genre, I had to drop everything to read it and boy, man, gosh, am I ever glad I did.

This book was on a whole other level. I haven’t read something like this in years. The world building, the characters, the friendships, the love, the fighting, the grumpy dragons, the sizzling chemistry…man…seriously, I truly have no words.

I couldn’t read this book fast enough. I had to know what all the hype was and I knew that the book ended in some sort of way but I still wasn’t expecting that.

I haven’t felt this way about a book and world since I read The Black Dagger Brotherhood for the very first time.

The world building in this book was top notch, the originality, the heroine…I could keep gushing but trust me when I say this, read this book! I didn’t even read the blurb and went in completely blind and boy am I glad I did. I can’t say it enough but I truly loved this book and it’s now in my top 5 of favourite books I’ve ever read. I don’t re-read books often either but I’m about to jump into re-reading this to get ready for book 2 that comes out on November 7th.

Thank you, Rebecca, for sharing your world with us and I can’t wait for the rest of this series.

baseball, Part of a Series, Standalone, Writers on the River Attending Author, YA

#wotr #attendingauthor #partofaseries #YA Dear Marley (Love Notes 7) by Danielle Keil

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Everyone at Ryder High knows what it means to have a teal envelope taped to their locker on the first day of the month.

For Marley “Sunny” Sorenshine, a Secret Admirer might be just what she needs to put her recent, very public, break up behind her.

Her optimism is dimmed when she reads the first note—her admirer was tricked into participating. He didn’t choose Marley, a dart did. And he wants her to quit.

But if Marley is good at anything, it’s seeing the silver lining and standing up for herself. She decides to throw her Sunny disposition into the game to challenge her Admirer’s grumpiness.

The guy can’t be all that bad—he carefully crafted a crossword puzzle just for her. And as the month goes on, he shares more personal details that intrigue her.

Will Marley stick it out until the end, or will her Admirers morose attitude get the best of her?

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62214072-dear-marley

Amazon https://amzn.to/3taaFzo

Review by Twinsie Dee

i bought this book and this is my honest opinion
Marley is miss sunshine at Ryder High, so her nickname Sunny is a perfect fit. She is so thoughtful and generous that she brings Mr. Thompson a retired teacher his blueberry muffin top that reminds him of his late wife. So, when she was giving her first teal envelope, she thought it was a complete joke. After finding out it wasn’t she was starting to get excited then for first clue came and it was a total let down, for Marley now she was thinking her admirer, was forced into the game. will she make it the whole month, will it get better or is this the cloud that brings downs the schools sunshine.

Danielle Keil grew up and spent the majority of her life in the Chicagoland area. A recent transplant, she is enjoying the Mississippi life, especially the pool in her backyard.
Danielle is happily married for over 10 years, and has two young children, a daughter and a son, who are exact replicas of her and her husband.
She also is a fur mom to their Corgi, Cozmo, who loves barking, mud, and peanut butter.
Danielle’s love language is gifts, her Ennegram is a 9w1, and she loves everything purple.
The way to her heart is through coffee, chocolate and tacos (extra guac).

Part of a Series, Standalone, Writers on the River Attending Author, YA

#wotr #attendingauthor #partofaseries #YA Dear Calista (Love Notes 6) by Danielle Keil

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Everyone at Ryder High knows what it means to have a teal envelope taped to their locker on the first day of the month.
The first day of August is Calista Forrester’s seventeenth birthday. Her teal envelope showed up among the gifts at a surprise party.
A party she didn’t want. Just like how she doesn’t want a Secret Admirer.
Panged with guilt, and stuck with a dead phone battery, she accepts the challenge by default.
Her clues come in the form of tickets to different places, each with a task to complete while she’s there. It’s an introvert’s worst nightmare, but at least she’s allowed to bring a friend along.
When school starts, Calista is shoved into the spotlight as the chosen girl. That’s when she decides enough is enough.
Will Calista’s decision impact more than just her?
And will her secret admirer let her give up that easily?

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61802510-dear-calista

Amazon https://amzn.to/3PU1xYJ

Review by Twinsie Dee

i bought this book and here is my honest review
Calista doesn’t like to be the center of attention all of her friends know this but that doesn’t stop them from throwing her a surprise birthday party. after the party ends and Calista is able to fall back in the shadows she never expected to be in the spotlight once again because hiding under all her gifts is the famous teal envelope, the last thing Calista thought she would ever see and now her worst fear has been unlocked being in the spotlight for a whole month. her secret admirer is making her go way out of her comfort zone and in situations that will make her uncomfortable and hopefully getting her out of her shell. will all this anxiety help Calista or have her ending this game faster than it takes for the light to turn on.

Danielle Keil grew up and spent the majority of her life in the Chicagoland area. A recent transplant, she is enjoying the Mississippi life, especially the pool in her backyard.
Danielle is happily married for over 10 years, and has two young children, a daughter and a son, who are exact replicas of her and her husband.
She also is a fur mom to their Corgi, Cozmo, who loves barking, mud, and peanut butter.
Danielle’s love language is gifts, her Ennegram is a 9w1, and she loves everything purple.
The way to her heart is through coffee, chocolate and tacos (extra guac).

Cliffhanger, Mystery, Part of a Series, Reverse Harem, Review

#review #partofaseries Created in Chaos (Corrupt Credence 2) by Albany Walker

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I thought I’d already lost everything, but life has a way of proving you wrong

The moment I set my scuffed sneaker on Cadieux Island for College, my fate was sealed, but there’s no way I could have prepared for what was coming.

I should have run when I attracted the Morningstar’s attention, ruthless twins that lord over the elite school and everyone in it. I thought I could handle them, or at least survive them, but now it seems I might not live without them.

They demand my allegiance, loyalty and devotion, but I’m afraid I’ll lose so much more to them.

Four founding families, entrenched in secrets and deep-rooted history, are locked in a never-ending cycle for power and domination, and I just became the pawn everyone wants to use, or get rid of.

Welcome to Cadieux Island where the weak get slaughtered and only the strong survive.

Created in Chaos is the second book in the Corrupt Credence series. A dark college MFM romance told on duel POV with mature content for adult readers.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/175223592-created-in-chaos

Amazon https://amzn.to/45eyzHb

Review by Twinsie Dee

i was given this book by the author for an honest review.
I have waited long enough to dive back into this world with these sexy devil’s twins ugh they are perfect. Anyways our story left off with Lucian and Nox seeing Nova being but, in an ambulance, heading to the hospital. But once things are calmed down and life is back to as normal as possible. Lucian and Nox refuse to let Nova out of their sights, they need to find out who did this to their girl and why they targeted her, also what or if her grandparents played a part in the attack and what their ultimate goal is. Will Nova pick her family side or stay with the Morningstar’s’ and who is really telling her the truth about her parents and new life. ugh these characters and this world omg I just can’t get enough of them Lucian and Nox are swoon and I need book 3 asap.

Albany lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her high school sweetheart. She spends most of her time juggling her four children’s extracurricular activities, with her nose stuck in a book. When not reading you can find her writing her very own book boyfriends. Albany’s passion is writing romance with real characters that are far from perfect, but always seem to find their own happily ever afters

Part of a Series, Reverse Harem, Witches

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

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

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Melinda

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

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

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

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

Insta-Love, MC, Novella

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

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Lana

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

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

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

Mountain

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

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

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

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Melinda

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

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

Uncategorized

#NewRelease – Pine River by: Tijan

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Pine River by Tijan is now live!

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

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

  Download today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

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

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

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

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

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

Narrated by: Savannah Peachwood & Teddy Hamilton

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

Meet Tijan

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

Connect with Tijan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Twitter: www.twitter.com/tijansbooks

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@tijan_author

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

MC, Opposites Attract

#WOTR24 #MC #oppositesattract – Pardon, Knights of Paradise MC Book 3 by S.J. Chaynie

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Pardon: Knights of Paradise MC by [S.J. Chaynie ]

I know the risks of being undercover in an Outlaw Motorcycle Club. I know that being a woman means I have to work twice as hard. I expected violence. I expected drugs. What I didn’t expect was him. The man is a mystery. Gorgeous, perceptive, and alluring. I’m here for one reason, and one reason only. To take them down. But why is the solid line between right and wrong starting to blur? I prepared for this. Trained my mind, my body, and perfected my story. But the one thing I didn’t prepare was my heart, and it’s leading me into a dangerous direction. Directly to the enforcer.
This is an adult novel intended for mature readers. Book 3 of the Knights of Paradise MC Series. The final book.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I was given this book for an honest review.

I am such a fan of this series.  I loved the love story of the first two books.  I would recommend reading the first two due to the mega twists the author threw in.  I would say this is not really a standalone.  You could read it but the over arching ARC of the backstory might leave you confused.  Just trust me, read the books.  They are so good!! Mav and Tanner but Dom and Dani!!!  I am not sure which I love more before Widow and Lexi.

In book 2, Dani finds out that one of the original founding members isn’t as dead as they all assumed.  It was up to club enforcer Widow to find things out.  He also is dealing with the fact Viper escaped them in the last book. Viper better keep hiding out because he has some revenge coming his way.

Lexi is an FBI Agent.  She is looking to take down the bad guys.  She lost her sister to drugs and wants to clean up the streets and anyone who s dealing.  Her slimy boss sends her undercover to watch the Knights MC. Her first day she sees Widow and he sees her.  The chemistry is crazy from jump!!

Widow is a hook up kinda guy.  He keeps his bed business quiet.  He really only has one friend with benefits, but Lexi makes him feel and want more.  Lexi and Widow dance around each other at the club until….wellllll Lexi hears something she should not have seen.

The chemistry of Lexi and Widow at that point becomes even crazier!!  WOOF.  He takes her because he needs to know if she is an enemy or a friend to the club. The more time they spend together the blurrier the lines come, especially for Lexi being an undercover agent.

The story is amazing.  The club and the mystery of who was backstabbing them, Lexi as an FBI agent, and the dead but not dead member of the club. The epilogue made my heart so happy because I cant wait to see what happens to all the kids.

S.J. Chaynie is a small-town Texas girl who has found a love for writing. She enjoys writing romance, with a sprinkle of suspense, and a little humor. If she is not busy writing her newest ideas, she is spending time with her husband and two beautiful daughters. She believes a good book and a lot of laughs is the best medicine. She brings suspense, love, angst, and sometimes the occasional heartbreak to her stories. Always a HEA, but every character and story she holds close to her heart and hopes they touch yours as well.