Category Archives: Writers on the River Attending Author

#wotr #attendingauthor #audio Heartless (Room for Love 2) by Kate Hawthorne narrated by Evan Carolina

For James Motel and Levi Kadish, it’s hate at first sight.

Levi thinks James is an arrogant out-of-towner, and James thinks Levi is a smug local with an overblown opinion of himself. Together, the two of them are like oil and water, but Levi likes the way he feels when James looks at him, and James really loves the sound of Levi’s voice when he says…

When he says those heartless things.

In the middle of a baking lesson James never wanted, the unresolved tension between Levi and him boils over, and James is left with more than rug burn. Levi’s words are emblazoned in his heart, and he’s eager for more.

Levi has never had something feel as right as his unconventional relationship with James, and when he finds himself with nowhere to go, he turns to the one man he knows who won’t turn him away…even though he’s the only man who should.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52826003-heartless

Amazon https://amzn.to/3TL5xLw

Review by Twinsie Dee

i was given this audiobook by the author for an honest review

oh, where to begin when the grumpiest of the Motel Brothers, James gets put in his place by the baker who wasn’t about to deal with him being an ass to him things get interesting. Levi was just the local Jewish baker who was tired of being in his brother’s shadow, so he just helped at the bakery and made the desserts he was allowed to with the ingredients that his brother said he could. James just wanted to get this year over with so he could get his money and not work another day in his life, but when his older brother told him he needed to make a contract with the bakery to help the motel that was the last thing he wanted to deal with, but he did anyways. Will James drop his being an ass to everyone, or will Levi be the only one to be able to see the softer side of him, if there truly is a soft side. How well does business really mix with pleasure can these 2 make it work or will it blow up between these 2 smalls businesses? another amazing story by Kate and this audio is amazing once again.

With over two dozen published romances to her name, Kate Hawthorne has built a recognizable brand around telling emotional stories that pack a figurative (and sometimes literal) punch.

Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.

#WOTR23 – #Review – The Villainous Wonderland Boxset: The Complete Series by A.K. Koonce

The Villainous Wonderland Boxset: The Complete Series by [A.K. Koonce]

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

I am not sure exactly what I was expecting when I started reading this series. I knew that it was an Alice in Wonderland retelling and I have read many retellings. However, this one took me by surprise. It was not what I was expecting! I am generally not a big fan of RH but this wasn’t all about the bedroom action. There is a great story unfolding with each page that is turned. The harem of men all have their own secrets and agendas but so does Madison our MC. She is brought to Wonderland in hopes of fooling the king that she is the real Alice. However, the real Alice ends up showing up, at the most inopportune time might I add, and then the real craziness begins. It’s a great story, lots of banter, tons of epic one liners, but a heartfelt story all going on at the same time. I absolutely recommend this series! You shouldn’t even have wasted your time reading this review, you should have already one-clicked and started the series!

Author Logo

A.K. Koonce is a USA Today best selling author. She’s a mom by day and a fantasy and paranormal romance author by night. She keeps the fantastical stories in her mind on an endless loop, while she tries her best to focus on her actual life and not that of the spectacular but demanding fictional characters who always fill her thoughts.

#wotr #attendingauthor Whiskey Sweet Promise (Whiskey Sweet 1) by Kelsey Elise Sparrow

How is a person supposed to come to terms with these facts?

Fact 1: My parents aren’t upstanding citizens (kind of learned that one at an early age)
Fact 2: The same two people who gave me life are the same people I, not too long ago, watched slice up two of my high school peers. (Great! Serial killers on top of idiotic thieves.)

Oh, and that’s just the starter. What comes next makes those things seem like child’s play or having a cotton candy treat at a damn fair.

Destiny? Fate? I’d like to give those bitches a swift kick in the teeth.
Kincaid Peterson has his work cut out for him if I’m the one he wants to spend his time with.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/70431461-a-whiskey-sweet-promise

Amazon https://amzn.to/40ENkll

Review by Twinsie Dee

i bought this book and here is my honest review

Dylan just wanted to move on from her past she moved away and then was forced to come back home, she needed to deal with her parent’s legal issues. this is the last thing she wanted to do was to feel like they thought she was lying about her statement when all she did was everything the cops asked of her and gave them all the things they could need. one thing she wasn’t prepared to deal with or see was her old flame Kincaid, but oh was she in his sights and he was going to get back what was his and left all those years ago. Dylan was going to have to face her past and let a few skeletons out of her closet before she can truly move on from her past. will Dylan let her friends and Kincaid in more than she ever intended to let anyone else or is she going to build her walls even higher. this was such a great story, if the spelling errors and grammar oops were fixed it would be even better but still an amazing story.

Kelsey Elise Sparrow is an author and lover of romance novels. She writes in various genres: rom-com, MC, PNR, and historical to name a few. As a lover of great movies, music, and books, her characters express interests in each as well as so much more. The worlds she creates are based upon dreams and imaginings that will take the reader on a journey unlike any other.
Kelsey calls Georgia her home. She is mother to a wonderful son, loves playing games, Marvel, and exploring. Her most notable series is The Norton Sisters. Watch for what’s to come with The Whiskey Sweet and Inked to the Max novel series. Stories with Heart. Sass. Shock.

#WOTR23 #Review – Under the Lies (Villainous Wonderland Series Book 3) by A.K. Koonce

Under the Lies: A Reverse Harem Series (The Villainous Wonderland Series Book 3) by [A.K. Koonce]

They pushed too far. The demented Hatter and all of his minions can test me all they like, but they just crossed a line.

Alixx Stone. That’s my line. Screw with my life all you like but don’t threaten my men.

The problem is, even if I save my friends, it won’t be enough. There’s an entire Kingdom who have been hurt by one man’s selfishness. Elder Liddell’s dark secrets are endless and now he’s dragged me into his twisted past.

My own flesh and blood did this.

And I’m starting to realize, I’m just as destructive as he is.

This is a Reverse Harem series, recommended for readers 18 and over.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Whoa! This is where things get really dark but with a lot of clarity. Elder Liddell is a… Very. Bad. Man. He has messed with the wrong Alice and she is about to shut shhh down! Madison has had an awful journey with cancer and went on a crazy tour to finish her bucket list. Her bucket list never had Wonderland listed on it and now the bucket list has completely changed. Wonderland has turned out to not be a fairytale with all of its scattered happiness and permanent pain. Madison shares some really intimate moments with her men (love em all!) but these were loving… and hawt… looooong moments. Once Elder Liddell’s secrets are finally out and Madison realizes just how involved she really is, things get twisted. This is a page turner! You won’t be able to help from turning each page to see the next moment for the intimate touch, the craziness that Elder Liddell brings out in Madison, or the absolute love and adoration of a new found family. The ending of the book wrecked me! It was the perfect ending but dammit, I almost cried. I am not a crier. I repeat, I Am Not a Crier! The story was amazing! Bravo for an incredible ending!

Author Logo

A.K. Koonce is a USA Today best selling author. She’s a mom by day and a fantasy and paranormal romance author by night. She keeps the fantastical stories in her mind on an endless loop, while she tries her best to focus on her actual life and not that of the spectacular but demanding fictional characters who always fill her thoughts.

#wotr #attendingauthor #seriesstarter #audio Reckless (Room for Love 1) by Kate Hawthorne narrated by Evan Carolina

Pursuing your best friend’s dad is never a good idea, but Cameron Motel is feeling reckless. His life is about to change, and Luke is older, attractive…and he represents something Cameron has never had before.

Stability.

Luke didn’t mean to get involved with his son’s best friend, but Cameron needed a strong hand and Luke was willing to deliver on his promises.

This thing between them is supposed to be a secret, but something as big as love can’t stay hidden for long. Then a single phone call sends Cameron farther away from home than he’d ever planned to go, and Luke’s subconscious keeps him grounded in the past unable to move on.

Cameron is gone, and to get him back Luke needs to do something big, something bold, something…reckless.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56819087-reckless

Amazon https://amzn.to/3FO5oRu

Review by Twinsie Dee

i was given this audiobook by the author for an honest review

Luke was getting over dealing with a brake up with his partner, now it was just him and his son Eddie and his friend Cameron was over most of the time. Well, when Cameron had to listen to Eddie wack one out one of the nights he was staying over while Eddie was in the shower, Cameron thought he might as well jerk one out too while he was alone. Cameron didn’t time his ending very well and next thing he knew not only was Eddie back in the room, but Eddie’s dad was now looking at him and well it made him feel things he didn’t know if he wanted to feel. Luke and Cameron started hooking up behind Eddie’s back and oh did the steamy fling happen. Both were happy until Cameron’s dad died, and he was forced to move to help his brother’s run the family hotel. Will distance slip these two up, will the huge age gap be the issue, or will they make it work and be happy for the rest of their life. OMG this audio was amazing, and this story was just as great the brattiness from Cameron with Luke and the steamy chemistry between them was just woah steamy.

With over two dozen published romances to her name, Kate Hawthorne has built a recognizable brand around telling emotional stories that pack a figurative (and sometimes literal) punch.

Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.

#wotr #attendingauthor #coverreveal Too Young to Fall in Love (Burger Brews and Crews 7) by Lacey Black

Title: Too Young to Fall in Love
Series: Burgers and Brew Crüe #7
Author: Lacey Black
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Fake Relationship/Workplace Romance
Cover Design: Melissa Gill Designs
Photographer: Wander Aguiar Photography
Model: Chase Roback
Release Date: May 23, 2023
BLURB
Kellen
I love my job. Bartending is more than just serving drinks to customers at the hottest bar and restaurant in Stewart Grove. It’s the people I work with and those I meet along the way. I know how to have a good time. Just one flirty little grin and the ladies are like putty in my hands. But they know the score: I’m a one and done guy, not looking to ever fall into the trap of love.
Then, a sweet, gorgeous coworker needs help, and I find myself offering up more than I should.
With Cameron Wright temporarily living with me, pretending to be my girlfriend, the lines begin to blur fast. She’s in my space and I suddenly have free rein to hold and kiss her.
Helping her might very well be my downfall.
Cameron
I keep to myself. Despite working as a server at the popular gourmet burger joint, I make sure my eyes are always ahead, focused on the prize: make enough tips to pay off my debts. When you carry around this much guilt every day, the weight slowly starts to drag you down, but I’m determined. My past will not define me.
Until one day, that past returns and is ready to rekindle our old relationship.
Cocky playboy Kellen McGregor steps up, not only offering a place to stay, but also a way to put space between me and my ex. Problem is, in no time, I find I like being with him.
I just need to remember he’s not the forever kind of guy.
PRE-ORDER LINKS
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Only available at the following
retailers for a limited time
AVAILABLE NOW
Kickstart My Heart (Book 1)
is 99c for a limited time!
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
All free in Kindle Unlimited
AUTHOR BIO
USA Today Bestselling Author Lacey Black is a Midwestern girl with a passion for reading, writing, and shopping. She carries her e-reader with her everywhere she goes so she never misses an opportunity to read a few pages. Always looking for a happily ever after, Lacey is passionate about contemporary romance novels and enjoys it further when you mix in a little suspense. She resides in a small town in Illinois with her husband, two children, and three rowdy chickens.
AUTHOR LINKS

#wotr #attendingauthor #seriesstarter The Sweetest Things (Starlight Harbor 1) by Bria Quinlan

Lyra Grigor is the easy going, sweet, smile-at-everyone owner of The Sweetest Things.  When an annoying travel site puts Starlight Harbor on their Top Ten Tacky Tiny Towns list for the fourth year running, she knows it’s time to give the writer a bit of spicy tart instead of a teaspoon of sugar.

An outsider who just wants out…

Spence Côte has no idea what hit his site. Nearly a thousand replies on some little baker’s comment and everything has blown up. Since the site is up for sale, it couldn’t have happened at a worse time. Now he has to drive up to the middle of nowhere coast of Maine and get this resolved. ASAP.

Two worlds collide…

Between the puppies dressed as pirates, the older women masquerading as tavern wenches, and the sweetest little baker he’s ever seen, Spence knows Starlight Harbor might not just be freakishly adorable….it might be what he’d been looking for.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61022840-the-sweetest-things

Amazon https://amzn.to/3YF0BIP

Review by Twinsie Dee

i was given this book by the author for an honest review

All it took was one comment on a blog site to set Lyra off, she didnt know what she was getting herself into but noone was going to tarnish her business or small town as long as she was around. After the comment on his site Spence thought he should drive all night to Starlight Habor and apologize to the older lady who owns the bakery there and threated to sue him if he didnt fix it. well little did he knew he was walking into the shop of a 5 foot 4 spitfire that wasnt backing down until her little town was righted. Once Spence say Lyra it was game over he was love struck and had really opened his eyes and fell in love with the small town and even more with the bakery owner. but will this riff bring them together or with Lyra listening in on a phone call Spence was having ruin them. Fall in love with this small town the spat between Lyra and Spence and even Captain Jack (you will need to read to find out) but this was such a sweet story and a fast read.

Bria Quinlan is an award-nominated bestselling author of eight Romantic Comedies and YA Issue Books (that she swears are funny…really. They are.) Her books make you snort Diet Coke out your nose or tear up and curse her name.

#WOTR23 #Review – Within the Wonder (The Villainous Wonderland Series Book 2) by A.K. Koonce

Within the Wonder: A Reverse Harem Series (The Villainous Wonderland Series Book 2) by [A.K. Koonce]

What happens when the woman you’re pretending to be stares you down face to face?

Things get awkward.

And deadly.

In Wonderland, there can only be one Alice. A series of absurd trials and dangerous games are the only way to solve who is the real Alice and who is the fake.

If I win, I’ll have the power to save two kingdoms. If I lose, it’ll be more than just the Hatter who’s lethally mad.

Fake it till you make it, right?

Let the Alice Trials begin. Welcome to Wonderland, bitches.

This is a reverse harem series recommended for readers 18 and over.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

HOLD THE PHONE! Whaaat? There’s another Alice! The real Alice? Now cue the Slim Shady music! Ok, so if you made it to the second book, you will completely, without a doubt, understand where I am coming from. At this point, we know that Madison’s vagina is not broken and will not be put up on a shelf to collect dust. Whew! That would be a horror story! But now we have possibly the real Alice. The real Wonderland is even crazier than in the first story. But I really love how the villains are so easy to hate AND fall for at the same time. Everyone has secrets and boy are they surfacing! And now that the harem is really happening, these men get frustrating as all get out! They all want to protect Madison, but by protecting her they are telling her what to do or not letting her in on what should be done.

“It’s like having an agnel and a devil being your voice of reason, except the angel thinks with his fu**ink cock, and the devil…also thinks entirely with his sinful cock.”

ACCURATE!

Oh, I am not sure why I go on with this review. I am on to find out what happens next. I suggest you stop reading this review and hurry on with reading this book!

Author Logo

A.K. Koonce is a USA Today best selling author. She’s a mom by day and a fantasy and paranormal romance author by night. She keeps the fantastical stories in her mind on an endless loop, while she tries her best to focus on her actual life and not that of the spectacular but demanding fictional characters who always fill her thoughts.

#wotr #attendingauthor #standalone Novelty (Dollhouse 3) by Albany Walker

A Standalone Novel created in the Dollhouse World.

Retribution has been my only friend. The desire to make those that hurt me pay, my only solace but one act of humanity and I’m taken with my would be rescuer.

Thoughts of him fill my head until I’m as obsessed with him as I am with getting rid of those that tried to break me. Too bad for him being in my crosshairs only brings death, proving no good deed goes unpunished.

She thinks I don’t know she’s there, waiting, watching, but I see her. I don’t know what she wants, but I’m willing to let her play her game until I decide to end it.

Novelty is a MF contemporary standalone novel created in the Dollhouse World. It is intended for mature audiences and contains adult content.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/72403212-novelty

Amazon https://amzn.to/3ZEnjlF

Review by Twinsie Dee

i was given this book by the author for an honest review

A dead lawyer in the area of the Dollhouse has Winger wondering if it was meant to be a hit or a warning to his guys, either way he was on guard. Maxine was someone he never thought was a killer and when she followed him home one night, he was all about wanting to know who sent her and was he her next target. After Maxine got stabbed Winger took her to a safe apartment and got her on the road to getting better. But neither of them had any idea just how dangerous the other is or could be. and being in the same place 24/7 will they start to catch feelings for each other, or will Winger really land his name on Maxine’s hit list when or if he ever lets her leave. ugh once again Albany hits it out of the park and the bantering between these two is just hilarious, I love the dollhouse world and can’t wait for more.

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.

#WOTR23 #Review – Into the Madness (The Villainous Wonderland Series Book 1) by A.K. Koonce

Into the Madness: A Fantasy Romance Series (The Villainous Wonderland Series Book 1) by [A.K. Koonce]

I didn’t fall into a place of wonder and madness. I was taken.

This world is a perfect, enchanting wonderland. The people here are just as alluring.

But we all have our secrets.

Like the white rabbit who’s leading a rebellion right under the King’s nose. Or the sweet March Hare who’s actually an enemy spy. Or my one true ally in all of this, a killer who’s so feared they won’t even say his real name.

As for me, I have more secrets than all of them combined. Because Wonderland is waiting for the beloved Alice Liddell.

And I’m just the bitch pretending to be her.

This is a reverse harem series, recommended for readers 18 and over.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Being the queen of bad decisions can feel reckless but relaxing at the same time. When you are going to mess up, you may as well do it proper-like. And this is how we meet Madison, our pretend Alice. She has quite the past. Then, one evening after she was terribly disappointed with her choice of man in an attempt to sow some wild oats, she finds herself in a mysterious world where all things are a bit wonky. One thing that I love about Madison is, even though the hand she was dealt was crap, she ends up being a fighter. This Wonderland is definitely a darker version than we are used to and the characters are very, very different. Madison even chuckles to herself throughout the book as she is putting together which person is who from the Alice in Wonderland fairytale that we all know. I was very intrigued as the story continued and pieces came together. There is a lot of angst, snark and wit. However, “Alice” (who is really Madison) is promised to another and these men cannot go any further with her. It is tension filled, but the wait is totally worth it because once the collision occurs, fireworks explode…and nooooot with you think it will be!!!! What I am saying here is, this is a must read. Stay tuned because I am going in for the next book!

Author Logo

A.K. Koonce is a USA Today best selling author. She’s a mom by day and a fantasy and paranormal romance author by night. She keeps the fantastical stories in her mind on an endless loop, while she tries her best to focus on her actual life and not that of the spectacular but demanding fictional characters who always fill her thoughts.