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#NewRelease #Review – The Damaged By: Tijan

“I can always count on Tijan to write an action-packed, intense, emotional story that will have me invested until the very last page.”—Helena Hunting, New York Times bestselling author

The Damaged, the next highly-addictive romantic suspense story in The Insiders Series from New York Times bestselling author Tijan, is now available!

No longer an outsider, Bailey has a family and love that she never could’ve imagined.

Used to living in the shadows, Kash will now do anything to protect his family and his woman.

They will take on the world together…

In the meantime, stunning motives, lies, and explosive secrets continue to unfold.

1. Quinn is in jail, awaiting trial.

2. Friends might actually be enemies.

3. And what is Calhoun plotting? More importantly, will Kash discover it before it’s too late?

Everything will come to a head as passion and danger ignite in The Damaged.

Review by Twinsie Melinda

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.

I absolutely loved Bailey and Kash in The Insiders.  I was so excited to see that I received a copy of The Damaged to find out what was going on in their life. I was flying through the pages trying to figure out what was going to happen next and where in the work this was going to end up.  I can say I had no idea this was going to end the way it did. I was on the edge of my seat who is a friend, who is an enemy pretending to be a friend, who is lying, who is betraying them.

Bailey Hayes was always the one on the sidelines or in the back ground, never one to stand out or be noticed. Now that the world knows who her father and boyfriend is she cannot get out of the spotlight.  She is trying to navigate graduate school all whiling dealing with things that are going on in her head, her past, and just around her in general. Kash helps to ground her and protects her.

Kash is still full of secrets and keeps part of his life away from Bailey to protect her. Kash Grandfather is out to get him. They are both constantly trying to stay one step ahead of the other. Only problem is Kash’s Grandfather knows his Achilles heel.  We get a small glimpse into what all Kash does for his family and Bailey.

I still have so many questions regarding Kash and his family. I enjoyed seeing Bailey get a “normal” day out. I love that the chemistry between Kash and Bailey is still intense. I enjoy seeing the playful side of Kash when he would let that side show.  Even though we got to see more of Kash and the Francis family there are still so many secrets and things that need to be explained. As with The Insider the plot is still amazing, I’m not sure who all the players are in this story good or bad.  One minute you think someone is a good person and then your like wow didn’t see that coming. The ending of this one had me on the edge of my seat and now I need to know more of this family and how things are going to end.

Become an Insider today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3hSWG9C
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3fOdZpF
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/thedamaged
Nook: https://bit.ly/3fkewk9
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3vy9UfG
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3wza5HM
Amazon Print: http://mybook.to/thedamagedpb
Audible: http://mybook.to/damagedaudio
Amazon Audible: https://bit.ly/3vZGQxa

Add THE DAMAGED to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3wB5VPA

Start the series now with THE INSIDERS!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ddgG2e
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/TheInsiders
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/34Xbz2H
Nook: https://bit.ly/33Ix9s5
Apple Books: https://apple.co/30Ugtfw
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3dkxBzV
Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/3guRTJv
Audible: https://adbl.co/3uy95Gk
Amazon Audible: https://amzn.to/3gvgJsK

Add THE INSIDERS to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2GJn59t

About 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 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 the Broken and Screwed Series among others. She is currently writing a new series from north Minnesota where she lives with an English Cocker she adores.

Connect with Tijan
Amazon: https://amzn.to/30oxe0f
Facebook:http://bit.ly/2vreAub
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2Vx4DpD
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2PyLhwy
Reader Group: http://bit.ly/38bz8nQ
Audiomen Group: https://bit.ly/3bFFKgB
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2EcGBqB

#WOTR22 #Zombie #Audio #horror #dystopian #Apocalyptic #ReverseHarem – Zombie Queen by Mary Martel and Brandy Slaven. Narration by Jeffery Kafer and Kelley Huston

The beginning…
The beginning is always the best place to start when reflecting on what has been.
Thinking back on it, my life had been perfect.
Middle class girl in high school with a happy home life.
My life had been full of nothing but promise.
Life was good.
Everything was great.
And then my whole world went to shit. In one day.
The disease came first.
Then the dead.
It was a fight for my life every single day from the start. But I was different from all the rest.
I had heard my mother’s screams while watching my sister become one with the undead. All the while feeling like there was absolutely nothing I could do to help them.
It killed me.
What’s more, it changed me.
I did everything I possibly could to survive on my own.
And then I learned how to survive with others.
By being their Queen.
Their Zombie Queen.
And by being the most feared woman they ever came in contact with.

This is a WhyChoose novel full of zombies, a sword wielding badass chick, and an army of dudes.
Recommended age 17+ due to content and language.


Amazon

Audible

I received this audio book from the author for an honest review.

I have to say when I saw Jeffrey was a narrator, My heart SANG!! he narrates The Protectors by Teresa Gabelman and he MAKES IT!!! Kelley was a new voice for me. I enjoyed her voicing our heroine and thought she did a better job as the story moved along…maybe became more comfortable in the “voice” of Emerald??

I can’t even begin to tell you how amazing and crazy good this story is.  The first chapter will have you on the edge of your seat.  My heart was in my throat listening to Emerald tell you about the day everything changed for her.  If that chapter does not keep you totally enthralled, then when you hear the description of the life and surroundings Emerald has…I felt my skin crawling because it was so tense and so claustrophobic.  I was dying but in heaven dying!!  It was totally a good thing!

This book is so fast paced at times with so much action and then other times we are feeling the despair and fear of Emerald.  We know its been 16 months and we know she is sad, lonely and scared.  When the Sam appears I admin I was scared outta my mind because women aren’t treated the best in these worlds and Emerald knows this first-hand.  As the other guys start to show Emerald they are not the bad guys and can be trusted, we see her open up and hope beyond hope she had a safe place.  A Family to call her own.  Complete with a crazy Granny!!

The story is a lot of interpersonal relationships and dealing with the all the men and one Emerald.  But when Emerald makes some proclamations, I was like GET IT GIRL!!!  When our family is starting to come together and starting to find a rhythm, chaos finds them and its not even the crazy girl or the wild man who bring it home.

I loved the action and loyalty this family shows one another.  But sweet Baby Jesus if you ladies don’t write another book, Imma be broken.  I need some more time with some of the guys and Emerald.

Mary Martel –

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.

Brandy Slaven – 

Brandy Slaven lives in Tennessee with her husband and two wild children. If you can’t find her creating worlds with her words, you will find her with her nose in a book at the beach or hiking at a state park.

Find her online at
www.authorbrandyslaven.com

#WOTR22 #attendingauthor #Spotlight – T.M. Cromer

T.M. Cromer

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

T.M. Cromer – award-winning author of kickass heroines and the men who adore them.

When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?

The others after. I always have fresh, fun ideas, but then I have to follow them up to keep a series going.

When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I go with the unexpected. I hate repetition, so if I can come up with original or unique plots ideas, I’m at my happiest. Each character is an actual different person in my mind; they are going to act and respond differently than the others. I embrace that and run with it.

Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

Start drinking early. Seriously, no tips. Each author has to find the routine that works for them. The biggest thing: sit down and write! Shut off the TV and shut out the outside world for ONE HOUR a day, and by the end of the month, you’ll have half a novel. By the end of two months, you’ll have it completed and ready for edits.

On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?

2-3 hours if I can manage it. That puts me at about 2,000-3,000 words a day. My goal is 2K, and if I achieve more, I’m happy as a pig in dirt.

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

Alastair Thorne from my Thorne Witches series. He started out as a villain in my mind, but I liked his dry humor so much, I had to change his character to someone who was just misunderstood. He crosses the line between right and wrong, but it’s all to keep his family safe. You have to love a man who would move mountains for you, right? He’s not only MY most beloved character, but my fans love him above all others, too.

If any of your books were to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it? What book and who?

Well, it would have to be the entire Thorne Witches series, and we’ll go with Alastair Thorne to start. I see him played by someone suave and good looking. Someone who could pull off the snark without blinking an eye. Maybe someone in their 40s because my witches don’t age like normal mortals. Maybe Leonardo DiCaprio as he was in The Great Gatsby, or an actor like that. I can see Kate Blanchett as his wife, Rorie.

What is your definition of success?

Happiness. The ability to live life relatively stress free by doing what I love – writing!

What are your social links?

Newsletter: tmcromer.com/newsletter
Facebook: Facebook.com/tmcromer
Insta: Instagram.com/tmcromer
Twitter: twitter.com/tmcromer
TikTok: tiktok.com/@tmcromer

What are your buy links?

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3pToiiJ
Apple Books: https://bit.ly/tmcromer-apple
BN: https://bit.ly/tmcromer-bn
Kobo: http://bit.ly/tmcromer-kobo
Google Play: https://bit.ly/tmcromer-gplay
Website: www.tmcromer.com

Want to buy tickets to Writers on the River?

go to www.WritersontheRiver.com

VIP is $45. 12-1 VIP signing Time, Swag bag and 1-4 general signing time.  Plus includes After Party.

Early Access is $25. 12-1 VIP signing time, Swag bag, and 1-4 general signing time.  No After Party.

General Admission is $10. 1-4 General Signing Time ONLY

After Party is $35. After Party 7:30-11:30 ONLY

#WOTR22 #MC #series #Family #DualReview – Original Ride by Chelsea Camaron

 
Originals Ride: Hellions Motorcycle Club (The Hellions Ride Series Book 8) by [Chelsea Camaron]
Four men, four families, four originals, one club. 
 
Go back to where it all began so long ago for Roundman, Danza, Frisco, and the late Rocky Fowler. A life choice, a road less traveled, all coming together in the name of brotherhood. 
 
Some found love, some faced loss, and others learned real loyalty. This is the story before the chaos. This is how the originals ride. 
*This is a full length novel. Each book in the Hellions Ride series can be read as a stand-alone story with NO cliffhanger endings. Contains adult language, situations, and violence not recommended for readers under the age of 18. This is not an exact depiction of life in a motorcycle club but rather a work of fiction meant to entertain.

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

The tears from this book.  I cant even begin to tell you.  I am sitting at my lap top after finishing this book and I am so sad.  UGH!  Chelsea killed it with this book and the emotional stories of the original guys.

This book is taking up back in time to the day that the Hellions MC was formed.  It introduced us to the guys and how they got to be Roundman, Danza, Rocky and Frisco.  I loved it and giggled as each man’s name was pronounced.

We get to see each of the guys and their woman/wives starting life and families.  We get to see Baine/Roundman and Dia.  We get to feel the love that they have.  We got to experience the birth of baby Doll and then we get to see the death of Dia.  We get to see each of the men opening their eyes to the family that they have created out of necessity but now continues out of loyalty.

This book is just amazing for any reader of the series.  It is a must read for sure because you need to see the beginning to enjoy the final rides that we have in the series comes to an end!!!  I am saddened at that last line because I have been a huge fan of this series and these characters!

I received this book for an honest review.

What a great addition to the series. This tells us how the Hellions came to be and why. How each of the original brothers became friends and how they got their names. Let me tell you you will need tissues. Their stories are touching and heart breaking. Each one is different but each one has loved hard, hurt deep , and is loyal to the end it is what makes them brothers an d a family. They became the Hellions out of necessity but stayed Hellions because they are family and loyal. They over come tragedy and loss they also protect and see to revenge when needed.

The love and respect Roundman has for Dia from the moment he falls for her is amazing and every woman’s dream.  She is truly his one and only Love. I was heartbroken when I watched what she went through and her letters to Roundman and Doll absolutely tore me apart! I was a mess over Rocky and Marie. To see the ups and downs of Danza and Mary Alice and wondering if they were going to be able to make it last or not was heart wrenching. What can I say about Frisco all he wanted was what the others had, someone to love and someone to love him but he never quite found it. My heart ached for him and everything he went through.

This truly was the best story it added so much to this series. We have so much more back story on each of the original brothers and ol’ ladies now. It also set up a little for the next and final book in the series. I’m going to be so sad to see this series end. I so love these guys and these families.

Originals Ride by Chelsea Camaron
EXCERPT
 
ROUNDMAN
“Hush, little baby, don’t say a word,” Dia sings softly to our baby girl. “Daddy’s gonna buy you a Harley shirt.”
I can’t stop the laugh that escapes as I lean against the doorjamb.
Little noises come from our baby, and Dia looks up at me with sharp eyes.
“Well then, Mister Chuckles, you come put her to sleep.” She stands from the rocking chair and brings me the baby all wrapped in red.
Claudia was adamant that our nursery and baby not look like someone vomited Pepto pink in her room and her wardrobe. Can’t say that I’m sad she feels that way, either.
With her hair all wild around her face, her eyes tired from lack of sleep these last few days, and baby spit-up on her shirt, my wife has never looked more disheveled nor more beautiful.
Taking Delilah from her arms, I kiss my wife on her forehead. “Go shower and take a nap, love.”
“Gladly,” she says with an exhausted smile. With a quick kiss to our daughter’s head and one to my lips, she heads off to her sanctuary—our bedroom.
Sitting in the rocker that faces my daughter’s crib all decked out in hot air balloons with teddy bears, I have to smile at how life has changed from the moment they placed Delilah in my arms.
With the face of a doll, eyes of an angel, and a head of blonde hair to match her mother’s, my baby girl is absolutely perfect.
Bright eyes look up at me as she opens and closes her mouth like a fish. “Never known love so deep, dollface.” My voice is raspy as I try not to be loud, but I want to talk to my little girl. “Loved your momma before, but watching her with you, holding you, having you … Well, Doll, I’ve never know anything purer in my life.”
My daughter smiles. Dia says it’s gas, but I don’t care. My baby girl smiles before her eyes close, and she snuggles closer to me.
“Leather, oil, and man,” I explain happily. “One day, you’re gonna grow up, and when you find a man, he should smell like a hardworking man, Doll.” The thought of my baby girl growing up has me twitching to shoot something. “Never mind that, precious. I promise you, as your dad, I’ll be the man you look up to. I’ll be the man who makes you proud. I’ll be rock solid for you and your momma. I’ll give you my all and my love.” I rock her, thinking of what it’s going to be like to watch her grow. “When the time comes to let you go, I’m going to fight like hell to keep you with me. I’ll give my life before I’ll let anyone touch you.” Kissing her head as she soundly sleeps, I hold my daughter in my arms.
USA Today bestselling author Chelsea Camaron is a small town Carolina girl with a big imagination. She’s a wife and mom, chasing her dreams. She writes contemporary romance, erotic suspense, and psychological thrillers. She loves to write about blue-collar men who have real problems with a fictional twist. From mechanics to bikers to oil riggers to smokejumpers, bar owners, and beyond she loves a strong hero who works hard and plays harder.



#AudioReview – Bennett Mafia (Bennett Mafia #1) – By: Tijan — Narrator: Natalie Eaton

Bennett Mafia

There were always whispers about my roommate at Hillcrest Academy.

The wealthiest of the wealthy sent their kids to our boarding school, and Brooke Bennett had been at the top, though I never quite knew why. She was fun and outgoing, but she kept quiet about her family. The only things she showed me were photographs of her brothers.

I became fascinated with her second-oldest brother. Kai Bennett.

He was the most of them all. Smoldering. Hypnotic. Alluring.
Kai had eyes that pulled me in and a face that haunted my dreams.

Then I met him.

He came to our school with their father, and that’s when I learned what kind of family Brooke came from. They were mafia, and Brooke’s oldest brother was dead. Her father said accident, but Brooke said murder.

Three months later, her father died, and Kai became the head of the Bennett Family. Brooke left Hillcrest for good, and that was the last time I saw her.

Fourteen years later, I’m staring at her face on the television. Brooke is missing.

Two days later, Kai Bennett kidnaps me.

** This is a 120k complete standalone.
** There is a bonus chapter from another book at the end.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Melinda

I purchased the audio book from Audible.

I am addicted to Tijan mafia books. This audio was good. I enjoyed listening to this story.  The narrator did a good job keeping me engaged in the story. There was twist, turns and unpredictable thing in this one that had me wanting more.

Riley knew how to hold her own she is a strong character. Riley became friends with Brooke Bennett when she was placed as her roommate in school.  After years later Brooke came up missing and Riley found herself being kidnapped by the Bennett family. All because Kai wanted Riley to help find his sister.

Kai Bennett is the head of the Bennett Mafia family. He will do what ever he has to do to protect his family. Kai took Riley when his sister ran off thinking she had assisted in his sister’s disappearance. Kai’s family may not have known his plan and why he did things but he loved them and would do anything to protect them. Riley has to figure out if she can handle being in the Bennett Mafia family.

I had no idea where this story was headed the twist and turns had me all over the place. I enjoyed the tension and attraction between Kai and Riley. I enjoyed this book and would love to get more of this family.

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

Twinsie Tenise’s Top 5 from July-December #MMRomance #BDSM #NewAdult #PsychologicalThrillers

Twinsie Tenise’s Top 5 

Wow! I read so many amazing books in 2021. Now comes the hard part. Picking a top 5 from everything I’ve read since July. As any reader knows, narrowing down your top favorites is a rather difficult task. 
These 5 stood out to me. They all had me engaged from start to finish. They are all books that I have and will continue to recommend to others. In no particular order, I give you my Top 5 reads from July-December 2021.

Both men had pretty much given up on finding their forever, but fate was just waiting for the right time.
Charlie moves to small-town Briarton with plans to live his quiet life as a writer. He’s resigned himself to being alone and isn’t expecting anything different from his new home. But a coffee mix-up brings him face-to-face with a man Charlie had decided didn’t really exist.
Nixon is grateful for a new job in a new town. He’s ready to leave the past in the past and settle down. He’s not actively looking for a relationship—that’s never worked out for him before—but he can’t deny the instant connection he has with his newest patient’s nephew.
Is it too late for Charlie and Nix to find their happily ever after? Or will they accept fate’s gift and allow themselves a love they thought they’d never find?
**Perfect Timing is a steamy, M/M romance with an introverted, demisexual writer and a big, soft teddy bear of a nurse trying to navigate a love they’ve always dreamed of but most definitely weren’t expecting.**

Warning: This book is not for the faint of heart. If you deal with triggers, please read this book with caution.
Material consists of adult content and BDSM.

I was sent away for protection.
Pulled from a world and forced into another, I lost myself on the way.
No emotion. Only walls to hide feelings that were now masked behind a barrier.
Matteo Santos opened my eyes. He helped me see through the darkness that consumed my soul. He breathed life into my lungs, gripping my heart until it beat again.
With a darkness of his own, it haunted him, turning him into a beautiful Master of seduction and pain.
Through trust and love, we would battle our pasts together.
Before they took control…completely.

“Not everything is as it seems.” ~ Beautiful Pain

She needed peace, not murder. He wanted love but found danger. Will a talented pair of investigators live to see their romance bloom?

Forensic photographer Faith Day can’t forget her tortured past. And returning to her hometown to help care for her nephew means rebuilding all she’s lost. But her brave plans shatter when her best friend is suspected of her own husband’s brutal slaying…

FBI Special Agent Luke Justice never rests until the culprits are caught. But when a violent case touches the life of the woman he loves, he can’t help but make it personal. And with a second investigation into a vicious prison gang diverting all his attention, he fears he’ll struggle to protect her from the killer’s disturbing taunts.

Discovering an ominous photo of herself at the crime scene, Faith is terrified the murderer is someone she knows. And when Luke uncovers a sinister connection to Faith, he suspects they’re all being lured into a lethal trap.

Can Luke and Faith stop the slaughter before they join the body count?

Secret is in the Bones is the beguiling third tale in the Paynes Creek Thriller romantic suspense series. If you like deadly twists, devious psychopaths, and against-all-odds chemistry, then you’ll adore Heather Sunseri’s fast-paced story.

Buy Secret is in the Bones to free the innocent today!

Life and a dismal last name are the only two things Beyah Grim’s parents ever gave her. After carving her path all on her own, Beyah is well on her way to bigger and better things, thanks to no one but herself.

With only two short months separating her from the future she’s built and the past she desperately wants to leave behind, an unexpected death leaves Beyah with no place to go during the interim. Forced to reach out to her last resort, Beyah has to spend the remainder of her summer on a peninsula in Texas with a father she barely knows. Beyah’s plan is to keep her head down and let the summer slip by seamlessly, but her new neighbor Samson throws a wrench in that plan.

Samson and Beyah have nothing in common on the surface.

She comes from a life of poverty and neglect; he comes from a family of wealth and privilege. But one thing they do have in common is that they’re both drawn to sad things. Which means they’re drawn to each other. With an almost immediate connection too intense for them to continue denying, Beyah and Samson agree to stay in the shallow end of a summer fling. What Beyah doesn’t realize is that a rip current is coming, and it’s about to drag her heart out to sea.

Seeing isn’t always believing.
Trapped by her past trauma, Macy McCall worked with a variety of therapists and medications- most yielding minimal results. Her newest doctor, Daniel Yates, helps bring forth her biggest breakthroughs and she believes she can see the light at the end of a very dark and scary tunnel. With a boyfriend and a good job, she enjoys her blooming independence.
Then she sees her.
The woman that looks exactly like her.
This mirror image plagues her life in a way that she would never have expected. And when it all unravels, she won’t be the only one left wondering what is real and what is imagined.

Trigger Warning: This book deals with the topic of mental illness & trauma with mentions of abuse and self-harm/suicide.

Perfect Timing- Goodreads

Beautiful Pain- Goodreads

Secret is in the Bones- Goodreads

Heart Bones- Goodreads

Neurosis- Goodreads

Perfect Timing- Amazon

Beautiful Pain- Amazon

Secret in the Bones- Amazon

Heart Bones- Amazon

Neurosis- Amazon

Reviews by Twinsie Tenise

Perfect Timing by: A.D. Ellis

Charlie moves to Briarton to write. He has deadlines to meet and the small town is the perfect place for peace and quiet. Charlie is single and not looking to mingle. He is caring for his elderly uncle and writing and is content with that.

Nixon just bought a house in Briarton. He is working as a nurse for the local Dr’s office. Just like Charlie, he’s not exactly looking for a relationship.

You know the saying- The One for you will show up when you least expect it?
Well let’s just say both of these men are blindsided by the instant connection they feel for one another and they aren’t sure how to deal with this revelation.

I read the first book in this series, thinking it was a standalone. I will just say I’m so happy it wasn’t. I love the little town of Briarton and these 2 men were great additions. And don’t even get me started on Charlie’s Uncle Otto. That man and his meddling added the perfect amount of humor to the story.

Beautiful Pain by: JM Walker

Normally, when reading a book from an Authors backlist, I would be mad at myself for not reading said book sooner. Not this time. I’m not going to feel bad, because experiencing this book for the first time is something special. I’m just glad to experience it now. Better late than never.
It took me about a week to read Beautiful Pain. It did not take so long because I wasn’t into the book– actually its the complete opposite– I wanted to take my time with this one. Slowly savoring all of the delicious words. Trying to make the book last just a little bit longer because I wasn’t ready to let them go.
I’m so in love with this book, the plot, the characters. I just wanted to reach into the book and squeeze both of the main characters and be there for them to vent their problems. To tell them that everything will be alright. Matteo and Mae both had lots of deep seated issues. Two severely broken people who needed one another to breathe. To live. To heal. My heart is so full of love for this book. I can honestly say, without a doubt, it is THE BEST book I’ve read this year and will be hard for any book to top it.

Secret in the Bones (Paynes Creek book 3) by: Heather Sunsuri

Bad things are happening in Paynes Creek and half the town seems to be blaming one person. But things aren’t always as they seem and they are pointing fingers in the wrong direction.

Luke has felt something for Faith since the first time he laid eyes on her. But will those feelings ever be reciprocated?

Faith left town a year ago but something horrible has brought her back to Paynes Creek and to Luke. Will Faith give Luke a chance this time? Or will she leave and never look back?

Just like with all of the other books in this series, the author kept me guessing. Secret is in the Bones was a fast paced, page turner that had me engaged from the very first page. It is a love story wrapped in a murder mystery and I loved every minute of it. This is book 3 in the series and it’s very important you start with book 1, Death is in the Details, or you will not understand what is going on in this book.

Heart Bones by: Colleen Hoover

A story about true love and soul mates that is both beautiful and ugly. I really felt like I connected with Beyah. I felt her pain.

 

From a young age, Beyah refuses to become a victim of circumstance. She is only 19 years old and brave af! I loved everything about her character.

Samson was quite the conundrum. Just when I thought I had him figured out. BAM! Another layer.
I could not get enough of the 2 of them together. They may be opposites on the surface but Beyah and Samson’s attraction was immediate and only intensified as the days of summer passed. A summer both of them wish would never end. The end of summer means goodbye and neither of them are quite ready to utter that word.

I loved every single page of this book. I wanted to read fast, yet I never wanted the book to end. It was absolutely flipping phenomenal!

 
Neurosis by: Amy Hale
I had to take a second to collect my thoughts after finishing Neurosis before trying to compose a review. I have been on a major psychological thriller kick lately so when I was given a copy of this book, I started it immediately and finished it quickly.  And let me tell you– it’s definitely in my top 3 for psychological thrillers and I’ve read a TON of them lately.

 

Macy has had a rough life and suffers from severe PTSD. Things are going as good as they can in her life at the moment. But that is all about to change and it will have an effect of every person in Macy’s life. I will say no more because this is a book that you should go into with minimal information so you can experience all the twist and turns for yourself.

I had many what the what moments while reading this book. It had me constantly guessing. Then just when I thought I had things figured out, I would turn the page and find out I was way off! Neurosis is a bingeworthy read. I loved every single page and I look forward to reading what Amy comes up with next.

Continue reading Twinsie Tenise’s Top 5 from July-December #MMRomance #BDSM #NewAdult #PsychologicalThrillers

#AudioReview – Jonah Bennett: A Bennett Mafia Novella (1001 Dark Nights) By: Tijan –Narrators Benjamin Charles and Holly Warren

Jonah Bennett: A Bennett Mafia Novella (1001 Dark Nights)

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Tijan comes a new story in her Bennett Mafia universe…

Jonah Bennett wasn’t like his family. The mafia business was firmly what his brothers did, not him.

That changed the day a rival family killed his fiancée.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Melinda

I purchased the audio book from Audible.

I enjoyed this Mafia story of Tijan as much as her other books. Benjamin Charles and Holly Warren did a great job of narrating this story.  They both kept the story moving and flowing well.

Jonah Bennett was in the business of saving lives not his family business but that changed the day he watched his fiancée get gunned down right in front of him. Since someone targeted Jonah he has to decide if he is going to keep avoiding the protection of his family or accept who he is and embrace the family. This one had my emotions all over with the suspense and ups and downs.

If you like suspense and action-packed story this is a great one.  The connection and chemistry between Jonah and Carson were great. I also liked reading about the Bennett family especially Kai and Brooke. I will be going back and reading about Kai. I truly need more of this family.

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

Twinsie Melinda favorite reads from 2021

Writers on the River Attending Authors: Mary Martel, Michel Prince and JM Walker

Its that time again we closed the door on 2021 and starting 2022.  My 2021 was a little crazy and I didn’t get as much reading in as I would have liked. It is hard to escape into books when things in real life are crashing around you. So instead of giving you my top 5 for June through December I decided to post a few of my favorites that I read this year.

For Amazon Buy links click on book covers.

Steel MC Montana Series by: Michel Prince and Wren McCabe

Steel MC Montana Charter: Books 1-5 by [Michel Prince, Wren McCabe]  Cream: Book 6 of the Steel MC Montana Charter  Dreamer: Book 7 of The Steel MC Montana Charter  Topaz: Book 8 of the Steel MC Montana Charter  Nightingale (Steel MC Montana Charter Book 9)

My Review

RoadKill -Book #1 Review

Lil’ Mama – Book #2 Review

Preacher Girl – Book #3 Review

Lil’ Bit – Book #4 Review

Free – Book #5 Review

Cream – Book #6 Review

Dreamer – Book #7 Review

Topaz – Book #8 Review

Nightingale – Book #9 Review

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Finally Us (Next Generation #5) by: JM Walker

Finally Us (Next Generation, #5)

Melinda’s Review

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Dirty Crown by: Mary Martel

Dirty Crown

Melinda’s Review

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The Ties that Bind (Brie’s Submission, #22) by: Red Phoenix

The Ties That Bind (Brie's Submission, #22)

Melinda’s Review

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Canary (A mafia/cartel enemies-to-lovers standalone) by: Tijan

Canary

Melinda’s Review

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Fallen Royal (Mafia Royals, #4) by: Rachel VanDyken

Fallen Royal (Mafia Royals, #4)

Melinda’s Review

Wishing everyone happy readings in 2022.

#WOTR21 – #AudioReview – Damon, The Protectors Series, Book 1 – By: Teresa Gabelman – Narrator: Jeffrey Kafer

Damon DeMasters is a vampire warrior who has taken an oath to not only protect his own kind, but humans as well. Crimson Rush is the new drug on the streets, and it’s their duty to find who is behind the selling of vampire blood and stop it.

A social worker, Nicole Callahan, fights for the right of every child placed in her care. There’s a war now, as vampires have stepped out into the spotlight taking their place in society, and the children are at the heart of it all.

Damon and his fellow warriors have been ordered by the Vampire Council to train Nicole and her colleagues against the dangers they now face in their new world. Even as sparks fly and tensions mount, Nicole and Damon depend on each other to protect the children of both races.

Goodreads

I read this book back in March 2014. Teresa has just released the audios and I am so enjoying going back and listening to them.  I could not believe how much of the minor things I forgotten over the years. I have to say I still love these warriors today as much as I did 5 years ago.

Nicole is a social worker that takes her job seriously. She is determined to keep the kids safe and it doesn’t matter if they are human or vampire.
Damon, one of the Vampire Council Warriors, was sent to train the social workers on how to protect themselves while doing their jobs. The sparks start to fly as soon as Nicole and Damon first see each other. However, Damon does not want to get involved and attached so Nicole comes up with a “friends with benefits” option.

I love that Nicole is tough and stands up to these big tough Vampires, never backing down never giving up and has no issues getting in their faces. Things start to go bad when Nicole and the others realize there are some pretty mean people out to get her because she is doing her job so well. Damon pulls the “I’m getting too close so I’ll push her away” routine and right after she lays her feelings out on the table.

I also enjoyed the close friendship almost sisterly like relationship that Nicole and Pam have. Seeing Nicole, Pam, and Jared interacting was great. Pam and Jared always made me smile or laugh. I would get aggravated with Damon he would be so sweet and nice and then go all Alpha male thinking he was protecting Nicole but only end up hurting her feelings. Here again Nicole always called him out on it and stood up to anyone she felt was doing wrong by her. I loved that she had pet turtles, Ren and Stimpy, and not the typical cat or dog. The way Nicole collects the money for the kids Christmas party was a gag.

Like i said enjoyed this book today as much as I did when I read it. I am so ready for Jared. The narrator did a wonderful job his voice changes were enough that you realized it was a different character.  I am so ready to listen to all these warriors stories and catch up on all of them.

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Teresa Gabelman, writes paranormal romance and contemporary romance with a side of humor in each story. Her heroines are strong and independent keeping the sexy alpha heroes on their toes.

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

Website: www.teresagabelman.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teresagabelman/
Email: warriors@teresagabelman.com

Paranormal

The Protectors (Vampire Romance Series)
Damon
Jared
Duncan
Sid
Adam
Slade
A Warrior Wedding
Jax
Sloan
Blaze
The Invisible Warrior
Ronan
Viktor
Bishop ‘COMING SOON’

Lee County Wolves (Shifter Romance Series)
Forbidden Hunger
Forbidden Seduction
Forbidden Desire
Forbidden Temptation
Forbidden Secrets

Stone’s Wolf Sanctuary (Wolf Shifter Romance)
Sanctuary
Refuge

Magic & Mayhem Universe (Reading Order)
Wicked *itch
Sinfully Wicked
Blissfully Wicked

Single Paranormal Titles
The Enforcer (Vampire Romance)
Karma’s Revenge (A Bad Girls Novel)
Claiming Jade (Shifter Paranormal)

Contemporary Titles
Rodeo Romance
Blind Faith