#review #partofaseries Beneath Southern Stars (Magnolia Grove 12) by Andrea Johnston

LANEY

Small town life isn’t for everyone. At least that’s what I’m told. To me, it’s everything. Growing up in Magnolia Grove my neighbors are like family and every memory I have is tied to our community.

When a single dad rents the house next door, he makes my simple small town life a little more exciting.

RYAN

After a year of grieving, I vowed to give my daughter a holiday season to remember. Magnolia Grove is the epitome of holiday cheer and exactly the distraction that we need.

When my identity as a country music artist becomes town gossip, I greedily accept help from my new neighbor. What I didn’t expect was to find someone who speaks to my soul and reminds me of how much life there is left to live.

When we’re together beneath the southern stars, I believe anything is possible.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202410261-beneath-southern-stars?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=DXUiW8Ihy7&rank=39

Amazon https://amzn.to/47RJM2E

Review by Twinsie Dee

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

Small town living is much different than the crazy life of Nashville and Ryan is moving to Magnolia Grove to get a fresh start a year after his daughter’s mother passed away and they both needed a place that didn’t have a memory every time they turned around. Laney is the small-town girl grown up with a hard work in her blood and don’t take crap from no one. so, when her crazy dog finds the new neighbors moving in and the cutest little girl to be friends with, she can’t help but wonder what their story is and what brought them to Magnolia Grove. the small-town charm is working on Ryan and Pepper and hope that they can make new memories but still have Katie be a part of Pepper’s life even if just in memory she will always be the breeze in the wind, the warmth from the sun and live within her daughter’s heart. life as a single dad is the hardest thing Ryan has done but maybe the thought of opening his heart to find new love might be the hardest and worst thing ever. Such a cute story that will make you laugh, cry and fall hopelessly in a happy every after. this was such a good way to end the chapter to Magnolia Grove.

A romantic at heart, Andrea has always been a storyteller. An avid reader since a young age, she never planned to pen her own romance novel but, on a whim, and with no plan, she discovered her passion. Known for her slow burn small town romances, Andrea prides herself on writing relatable characters that the reader cheers for and secondary characters who bring the sass and laughs to each story.

Settled in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and dog, she counts down the days when her adult children come home for a visit. Even if it means more laundry!

#WOTR25 #attendingauthor #AuthorInterview – Julie Navickas

Julie Navickas

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

My name is Julie Navickas, and I write contemporary romance. I started my author journey writing the Trading Heartbeats trilogy and am just about ready to wrap up the Clumsy Little Hearts trilogy (the final book, Chasing Love, releases this November!). I am a mom of three, work at COUNTRY Financial in corporate communications, and teach writing coursework in the School of Communication at Illinois State University and at Heartland Community College.

How did you hear about this event?

I was an attending author for the first time this past year!

How many years have you attended?

1 year

What genres do you write?

Contemporary Romance

What is a book of yours you wish more people read?

I Loved You Yesterday, book one in the Trading Heartbeats trilogy

What is one fun fact about you?

I’m ambidextrous and can do most things either righty or lefty without difficulty

What are your social links?

Instagram, X & TikTok: @julienavickas

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJulieNavickas

What are you buy links?

Writersonriver.com

#Review – Ballistic: Icarus Series, Book 2 by Aria Michaels


It’s been three days since Solar Storm Icarus silenced the world…three days since the GRS virus wiped out most of humanity and started changing the few who remained. Liv and the others made it through the initial wave, but they’ve lost a lot along the way and the journey to Salvation is far from over. A rogue military organization has taken hold of the area and they possess a weapon that could change everything.

When Liv finds out her brother and the other refugees are being held captive at Camp Seco, she will risk everything to get him back. As the group embarks upon a dangerous rescue mission, a rival band of survivors threatens their safety and a new storm gathers overhead. The virus has spread and the infected are being drawn together. What’s worse, the beast that lurks inside of Liv is growing stronger and more difficult to control. But Liv has a promise to keep–and her little brother is running out of time.

Will Liv be able to harness her strength to save her brother and the hundreds of other innocents beyond the walls of Camp Seco, or will she let the monster out and put them all at risk?

Goodreads

Amazon

Review by Twinsie Kelly

I can’t say enough good things about this series and especially this book. There are so many horrible things going on but this ragtag band of misfits has made it so far and they are going to beat the system. At this point, there is on such thing as good and evil, no right and wrong. There is only death and survival. You do what you have to do to stay alive. Liv feels like everyone thinks she is something special because she has these “special powers” but she feels she is not part of the solution. She is part of the problem. Her group ends up working with a rival band of survivors and uncover a HOT MESS of stuff going on at the camp that her little brother, Beans, is at. Also, a surprise character pops back up from book 1. I couldn’t believe it, and their entrance was absolutely perfect! I am completely bummed that I waited so long to read this series because once I started turning the pages, I just couldn’t stop. Now, I don’t believe there is another past this book.

Reader beware: This is an amazing book and totally worth the read but there should be at the very least another book after this to complete it. At the time that I am writing this, there is not. I hope this changes because it truly is something special!

Aria Michaels profile image

Aria Michaels is the author of The Icarus Series, a bestselling young adult dystopian saga as well as a contributor to ATZ’s Chronology of the Apocalypse. Aria is an avid reader, die-hard zombie fan, and enthusiastic lover of bonfires and red wine. When she is not glued to her computer pouring out the voices in her head, this busy single mom can be found playing in the dirt with her boys, painting, or binge-watching The Walking Dead. Aria is currently hard at work on the next installment of the Icarus Series and reveling in her role as instigator of literary mayhem and stealth assassin of fictional characters.

“You are never more than one chapter away from a different future.” –Aria Michaels

#WOTR25 #attendingauthor #authorinterview – J Lawson

Visit J. Lawson Store on Amazon

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Jackie Lawson. I was born and raised in Davenport, Iowa. I moved to Peoria, Illinois, in 2008, live in Bartonville, Illinois, with my husband, son, and two dogs, Bailey and Ember. I graduated from Western Illinois University with a Master’s in English Literature. Originally, I wanted to teach postsecondary English, but fell into a workforce development position for a local youth-based non-profit organization and absolutely love it. Book one in The Amulets Trilogy was my debut novel. I enjoys reading almost every kind of fiction out there, but fantasy is my favorite. I also have a craft business where my partner and I take donations of damaged books and turn their pages into flowers in arrangements, wreathes, bouquets, etc.

How did you hear about this event?

This will be my third year participating! I heard about it long ago through other book enthusiasts and never felt confident I could cut it in such a large, established event. I’m so glad I eventually took the chance to apply as I absolutely love everyone I’ve met through the process from organizers, to other authors, and especially the readers!

How many years have you attended?

This will be my third year!

What genres do you write?

Modern and paranormal fantasy, LGBTQ+, and humor memoir

What is a book of yours you wish more people read?

Peculiar Lessons: Semester One

What is one fun fact about you?

I can say the alphabet backwards just as fast as I can forward

What are your social links?

Website: www.authorjlawson.com

Facebook:AuthorJ.Lawson

Instagram: authorjlawson

What are you buy links?

https://www.amazon.com/author/j.lawson

Writersonriver.com

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


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

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

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

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

Goodreads

Amazon

Review by Twinsie Kelly

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

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

Dawn Love profile image

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

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

#WOTR25 #AttendingAuthor #AuthorInterview – Deanna L. Rowley

Visit Deanna L. Rowley Store on Amazon

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Deanna L. Rowley I started writing in 2014 but didn’t know what to do, so I would copy the book, put it in an envelope, then put it on a shelf. By the time I started publishing in 2020, I had 68 books written. In the last 4 years, I’ve published roughly 40 of those 68 books. I am a widow, and have 1 adult child, and 2 grandchildren.

How did you hear about this event?

I was at an event and Rochelle Bradley told me about this event and how to apply.

How many years have you attended?

2025 will be by 4th year in attendance.

What genres do you write?

Contemporary, Military, MC, Paranormal, Romantic Suspense

What is a book of yours you wish more people read?

The Love Found Trilogy. Book 1 is Love Doesn’t Exist. It’s the first book I ever wrote, and I broke it into a trilogy.

What is one fun fact about you?

I rode my own motorcycle for a few years.

What are your social links?

E-mail: deannalrowley@yahoo.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author-Deanna-L-Rowley-106623544172360
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=Deanna+L.+Rowley&qid=1KYE0zxcp5
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/deanna-l-rowley

What are you buy links?

amazon.com/author/deannal.rowley

Writersonriver.com

#Review – Slay All The Way (Silent Frights Book 1) by Nova Kane

SLAY ALL THE WAY

Santa’s got a new suit, and it’s stained with blood.

Killer clown, killer clown,

Stalking through the snow,

Ribbons tight, silent night,

Nowhere left to go.

Killer clown, killer clown,

On his blood-red sleigh,

You can’t escape his twisted shape,

You’re all his to slay.

Blood-red bows, icy toes,

Underneath the tree,

With twisted glee, you’ll never be free,

His gift to you is he.

This is my favourite book by Nova Kane so far! I was intrigued by Johnny when we first meet him in the Cirque Du Desir books. But by the end of book 2, I had to know more about this psycho clown.

I read Slay All The Way in a single sitting and stayed up way later than I originally intended. I love a good reading session like that!

So we meet Alaska, who is trying to salvage things between her and her boyfriend Mark. He’s a tool by the way. But Alaska is getting no where. All while this is happening, she feels like she’s being watched. I wonder by who? 😉

Johnny is obsessed and is determined to make Alaska his. When they finally cross paths, it’s off the charts HAWT. While I was reading, I kept thinking, I know I probably shouldn’t like Johnny but I really truly do. Clearly there’s something wrong with me. Especially after he leaves Alaska a present.

I can’t wait to binge the rest of Nova’s books and to read every single thing she releases. 

She definitely has a new fan for life!

Read in KU – https://amzn.to/4eTZ0qE

#WOTR25 #attendingauthor #authorinterview #eventsponsor – Molly McLain

Molly McLain

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

I’m Molly McLain, and I write steamy small-town romance with those sexy blue collar heroes we love so much. I live in northern Wisconsin with my husband of 23 years, and as of this fall, we are officially empty nesters! Aside from the fur-babies, that is. 🙂

How did you hear about this event?

Oh gosh… I don’t remember! I heard about it years ago!

How many years have you attended?

2023 & 2024, 2025 to come!

What genres do you write?

Contemporary romance, mostly small town

What is a book of yours you wish more people read?

Oh boy, this is hard! I think We’re Made of Moments is my best book, so let’s go with that!

What is one fun fact about you?

Thursdays, November, 4 pm, and the color brown are the same to me. Saturdays, the number 7, and summer are also the same. Tuesday are blue, Wednesdays are orange, and Mondays are red. I said what I said. 🙂

What are your social links?

FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/mollymclainbooks;

IG: @mollymclainbooks

What are you buy links?

Writersonriver.com

#review #mmromance #twinsietenise #topfavorite Galaxies and Oceans by: N.R. Walker

Seizing his one chance to escape, Ethan Hosking leaves his violent ex-boyfriend, leaves his entire life, and walks into the path of a raging bushfire. Desperate to start over, a new man named Aubrey Hobbs walks out of the fire-ravaged forest, alive and alone. With no ID and no money, nothing but his grandfather’s telescope, he goes where the Southern Cross leads him.Patrick Carney is the resident lighthouse keeper in Hadley Cove, a small town on the remote Kangaroo Island off the coast of South Australia. After the tragic death of his lover four years ago, he lives a solitary life; just him, a tabby cat, the Indian and Southern Oceans, and a whole lot of loneliness. He’s content with his life until a stranger shows up in town and turns Patrick’s head.Patrick never expected to be interested in anyone else. Aubrey never expected to be happy. Between Aubrey’s love of the stars and Patrick’s love of the ocean, these two fragile hearts must navigate new waters. If they can weather the storm of their pasts, they could very well have a love that eclipses everything.

Goodreads

Amazon

Review by Twinsie Tenise

Because I cannot give it all of the stars in the galaxy I guess we will go with the max allowed– 5 STARS!!!

This was not an easy read. I happened upon it in a book rec group. A person was asking for something emotional. I grabbed it because I love a book that makes me FEEL although I was a bit skeptical because most emotional book recs fall flat for me in the feels department.

Ethan is trying to start over after narrowly escaping his abusive ex with his life. The last beating he gave him was the worst yet and Ethan was done being a punching bag. With a raging bush fire causing residence all around him to be forced to evacuate, Ethan did something pretty dumb but completely necessary if he wanted to live another day. Ethan walked towards instead of away from the fire and when he emerged on the other side, Ethan no longer existed. Aubrey Hobbs was now his name and it was time to try and start over.

Patrick is just trying to get trough each day. He lives a life of solitude as the lighthouse keeper and local handyman in a tiny coastal town in Australia that borders 2 oceans. There is a sadness inside of him that will never go away. It almost seemed as if he couldn’t allow himself any sort of happiness as it would be a betrayal to his partner who died at sea several years prior.

Both of these men are broken in their own way and both believe they do not deserve happiness. When the mystery man in town keeps catching the eye of single lighthouse keeper, Patrick is determined to spend more time getting to know Aubrey Hobbs. And the more time the 2 spend with one another, the harder it becomes to resist the obvious attraction. However they are both scared of the outcome should they decide to act on their emotions. Aubrey is damaged goods. No one will ever want him. And Patrick just isn’t ready to give his heart to another after what happened the last time. Little did either of them know in the beginning but they will need one another in order to heal.

My eyes were puffy by the time I finished this book. I cannot count the times I either teared up or flat out bawled. My heart physically hurt. I know what you are thinking- it was only a book. Well you can zip it because this wasn’t just any old book. This book made me feel all the things and I loved it so much. Book #44 of 2024 earned a spot on my yearly top 10 that is for sure.
Now I’m off to investigate. As if my TBR pile isnt already overflowing, I need to know if one of the side characters from this book ever got his own story.

 

N.R. Walker is an Australian author who loves her genre of LGBTQIA+ romance. First published in 2012, she now has over 70 books, many which are also audiobooks, and numerous translations done in nine different languages.

She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it but wouldn’t have it any other way.

~

N.R. Walker was voted 2019 Goodreads M/M Romance Members’ Choice Awards All-Time Favorite Author and 2020 Goodreads M/M Romance Members’ Choice Awards Hall of Fame

Read more on nrwalker.net

#WOTR25 #AttendingAuthor #AuthorInterview – Mary Warren

Mary  Warren

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

I’m Mary Warren. I started in the book world running fat girls in fiction. Then I started writing my own books and I focus on love stories with plus size bodies. 

How did you hear about this event?

It’s a local event I’ve done for a couple years and I love it!

How many years have you attended?

2 times as author 1 as an sponsor

What genres do you write?

Romance

What is a book of yours you wish more people read?

Reclaiming Kate

What is one fun fact about you?

I love to read tarot, I do a card pull every time I sit down to write.

What are your social links?

Fat Girls in Fiction

What are you buy links?

Writersonriver.com

We are THE TWINSIES… We love to read…We love to promote the authors we read… and we love to stir up TROUBLE… It's who we are and what we do