Category Archives: Contemp. Romance

Contemp. Romance

#WOTR25 #twinsieforthedayYvonne – The Barter System, Book 1 by Shayne McClendon

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Research might be work…but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it.

Riya O’Connell goes straight to the source for her dissertation on male sexuality. She sets out on a journey that will take her all over the country…and deep into her own desires.

*Thirteen thousand applications.
*Eight chosen men.
*One woman’s heart.

They provide information and ensure she reaches her next destination safely. In return, Riya gives them what they want – and helps them discover what they didn’t realize they need.

*Meet the subjects.
*Push your inhibitions.
*Experience the passion.

Sean (37) Internet Entrepreneur – Florida
Victor (31) Fisherman – Georgia
Joshua (22) College Student – Texas
Lucas (42) Rancher – Montana
Ricardo (32) Police Officer – California
Bobby (27) Musician – Massachusetts
Micah & Max (34) Financiers – New York

Step inside Riya’s world right now.

A sexy contemporary romance with a unique plot that you must read to believe by Always the Good Girl, Shayne McClendon.

This is a MASSIVE book of more than 700 print pages (175,000 words). It will keep you busy with perfect breaks between subjects when you need to do something else.

The Members Only Series…
The Barter System (Book One)
Hudson (Book Two)
Backstage (Book Three)
Radiance (Book Four)
The Barter System: Prequels (Book Five)

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Review by Yvonne

I read The Barter System when it first came out. I thought it was a fantastic story then but Shayne McClendon has outdone herself! Shayne has done something with this update that just blew my mind! I loved the original concept of this story and was wondering how she would improve on it. The new depths that she takes each encounter with the subjects just amazed me. I was so impressed with the way she rounded out each subject and showed us a little more of what Riya was thinking. As the story progressed I couldn’t wait to see what she would do with the next subject. Each time I thought ”Oh, she can’t possibly top that!” SHE DID!! There were a couple of moments that I actually yelled OMG!! I don’t want to give spoilers so all I will say is this is a MUST read!! You will never be the same after reading this story!

Shayne McClendon is the author of more than fifty published books and over five hundred short stories (and counting).

She writes heart-pounding romantic fiction as Shayne McClendon, thrilling paranormal romance as Sabrina Rue, and LGBTQ+ action-packed erotica as Charlize Rojos. She spends most of her waking hours writing in one genre or another.

In the summer of 2022, Shayne abandoned her ten-year hermit lifestyle to do a 12,500-mile writing road trip visiting readers across the United States and Canada. For the moment, she’s chilling in the Pacific Northwest.

She’s not sure she’ll ever go home again…but the stories are coming faster than ever!

Coffee consumption is too high, the amount of sleep is too low, but the words always feel just right.

If you’re looking for your next great read…you need Shayne McClendon! Her dramatic and erotic romances will grab hold and not let you go until the very last page.

Please join her on Patreon for exclusive stories and incredible behind-the-scenes access. She manages a fabulous reader group on Facebook (Good Girl Readers) and a page (Always the Good Girl)! You can find her just about anywhere by name.

2nd Chance, Contemp. Romance, Military, Review, Small Town Romance

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

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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?

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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.

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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

2nd Chance, Age Gap, Audio Book, BDSM, Contemp. Romance, Dark, Dark Romance, Enemies to Lovers, forced proximity, M/M, Paranormal, secret baby, Shifters, surprise pregnancy

#WOTR24 Paranormal #TeacherStudent #AgeGap #SuprisePregnancy #SecondChance #SmallTown #Contemporary #MM – Twinse Angie top 5 from July to December 2024 – Wreckage of Timber Creek and Stone Crest both by SJ Chaynie, Marked by Measha Stone, Mated to Curves by DV Fischer, and Boyfriend with Benefits by Allison Temple

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Hey all thanks for stopping by to check out my tops reads for the last half of the year.  The first half of the year books can be found HERE. The books included were  – Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver, Devoted by AJ Renee, Shadows of Timber Creek by SJ Chaynie, Ryker by Samantha Lind, Scallywag by Sophie Stern, and Corrupted Innocents by Measha Stone

These books are in no order for this 6 months are the following….

Wreckage of Stone Creek by SJ Chaynie

One minute you’re one of LA’s top attorneys, then the next, you’re buying a bar in a small town in Colorado, finding out you’re a father, and realizing the woman that you could never get out of your head wants nothing to do with you. She’s independent. Sexy. The mother of my child, and now……my new employee. All I need is a chance to plead my case. Make her see that I’m all in. But when my past comes back to haunt me, it puts the two people who own my heart and soul in the line of fire. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep them safe, and once we make it through the wreckage, and after all the closing arguments, there’s only one thing Whitley Harper will be. Mine. M
This is the fourth and final book of the Timber Creek Series. Series contains interconnected standalones.

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My review – Wreckage of Timber Creek, Book 4 of Timber Creek Series by S.J. Chaynie
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
To say I was excited for this book…well any in the series for that fact…would be a total an understatement. Each of the men has stolen my heart completely. I THINK Grey is still my favorite but dang it, Jordan is riiiiiight next to him tapping on Grey’s NFL Shoulders.
Whit…oh Whit. She is so closed off after a bad relationship. She was all for a one-night stand with no strings, but she ended up with a lifelong parting gift by the name of Heidi. Whit runs home to the small town she grew up in and refused to admit anything about Heidi’s parentage. She was just home to raise her daughter.
Jordan was a goner the second he saw Whitley. When he persuaded her to have the one night-stand, he was done. He was ready to convince this stubborn woman how perfect they would be, but she disappeared on him. When he finds her, and with his own drama happening, he changes everything to be with her.
These two…OMG YES!! I freaking loved their story. My favorite lines is Jordan talking to Whitley
I will never not want you Whitley Harper. You’re it for me. Now if you are done. I am going to fuck you on the desk!
Oh Jordan!!! SWOON!!
As with all the books from this amazing author, she gives us a couple of great twists and this one didn’t disappoint at all.
I gotta say WTF with the 2nd epilogue!!! Ma’am you have some explaining to do!

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Stone Crest by SJ Chaynie

A chance encounter.
A blue-eyed Raven.
A single curse.
She’s not supposed to be mine. Not just because I’m her professor, or she’s my student, but because of what I am. A man with a mask. A shifter with a curse. But I can’t stay away. Not when I know the beauty of her heart, and not when her life is in danger. Truths are revealed, secrets unveiled, and when my wolf decides she’s ours, there’s no turning back. I’ve always protected Stone Crest, but now, I’ll spend the rest of my life protecting her.

Stone Crest: Rise of a Raven is a standalone professor/student shifter romance with no cheating and a HEA.

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My Review – Stone Crest, Rise of Raven book 1 by S.J. Chaynie
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
When I was told that the author was writing a paranormal story I was over the moon. Paranormal was mu jam. Knowing how great of a writer she is, I knew she would nail the story and boy was I right.
Raven is being forced to go to an college by her overbearing, rich, “important” father. He doesn’t want her to ruin the good family name after what she recently did!!
Raven meets her roomie Prestley (who I love so much and cannot wait for what is in store for her and Dec) that forces her to come out of her room to hang out. When she is hangin’ with her one night she runs into a tall drink of water. After a one night stand she strolls into her class to find he is her teacher!!! WHOOOOP.
Locke is stunned stupid when he sees the woman he met on the side of the road who has captures his heart and mind is a STUDENT!! WOOF he broke meg rules.
The story is amazing. Raven and Locke are fighting their attraction while we are also finding out all of their backstory which is amazing. Raven has secrets. Loche has secrets. Dec has something happening that I need to know forbook 2. The rest of Loche’s team are having issues as well.
This story was not long enough. The story has so much happening that I couldn’t put the story down. I am also very excited the future stories in the series because its going to be

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Marked by Measha Stone

With each passing moment, the nightmares worsen.
Tortured images of a past I cannot remember haunt me.
I know I’m in danger… I just don’t know why.

Then he comes to my town.

I can feel him watching me, studying me, always from the shadows—like a hunter stalking its prey.
The closer he circles, the more aware of him I become.
His nearness is toxic, and yet…

There’s something about the darkness within him that calls to me, that speaks to the scars of my troubled past.
Only a truly violent man could understand my demons.
He will either be my salvation or lead me to my destruction.

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My Review – Marked by Measha Stone
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
Oh man. I admit I took this ARC not really knowing much except for its dark romance. LOL I like Measha’s stories so I was ready.
This book was EVERYTHING I could have wanted in a dark romance. I mean Zack was *Chef’s kiss* dark and delicious. He sees Harley while on a job but had to get to know her. Know her he does *snickers*.
Harley’s life is awful. She has a sister who was murdered, and the town pretty much hates her for the loss of her sister and not her. Wild town but that is the small-town dynamic right? Everyone knows your business and has a say in it.
Harley finally feels free but mostly SAFE in the arms of Zack. The two tumble down the story of her kidnapping and sister’s murder. It was WILD!!! I MEAN WILD!!!! I had no idea what was going to happen next, but each scene had me saying “WHUUUUUU!!!!!!” because Measha has the way of keeping you guessing while also busting your brain wide open with twists.
I am so excited for this series. I cannot wait for book 2 based on the little bit we already know. Any dark romance lover and any Measha lover will need this book to complete their obsession with her writing.

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Mated to Curves series by DV Fischer (I only included book 1 but the stories are all novellas so grab the whole series.)

Avani is okay with being alone. Even though all shifters are packless and the world looks vastly different now that the humans are suspicious they exist, she’s handling the solitary life quite well. However, she’s thrown a curve ball when she finds out that her mate owns a shifter underground club she frequents. Once he laid eyes on her, he was determined to keep her. But, even though he’s incredibly attractive, enticing, and she wants more than anything to give in to him, she isn’t stupid. Two alphas together would start a pack and that could be disastrous. With her demanding to remain mate-less for the good of their kind, how is he going to convince her to accept him?

This is a steamy curvy girl shifter romance with two strong alpha characters.

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My Review – Mated to Curves, Book 1 by D.V. Fischer
I purchased this book.
I met this author at a book signing. When I saw I could get 5 novellas for a few bucks I jumped. I started this book when I was on the long drive home. The author has several novellas series (all on audio as well). I just grabbed this set and went. They are all standalones. The only issue I had was wondering why wolf packs dispersed. I am not sure if that is discussed in another book but otherwise, I just rolled with it. Packs can’t be packs. Got it!
Cade is an alpha who finds happiness taking care of the submissive shifters in his fighting ring. He can’t be the alpha but he gives the packless a place to be.
Avani is a scappy female alpha who is looking to make a big pay day fighting Kye in the underground club. All is good until she and Cade make eye contact then BOOM. There is a lot of hell no’s from Avani and Cade uses all his good moves to get her alone with him.
I was loving this book and then we get to see the couple for book 2, Kye and Joyce. I was thrilled because Joyce was a riot!!! She is the best best friend anyone would want.
If you love instalove, fated mates, shifters, and all that jazz then this series is a must for you!!

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Boyfriend with Benefits by Allison Temple

When Bailey’s new boss turns out to be his childhood bully, a.k.a. Jake the Jerk, it’s time to call in backup for the upcoming corporate retreat in Vegas. Too bad Bailey works too much to date. His best option is to ask his very straight roommate to play the part of temporary boyfriend, even if Gordo is better with pythons than he is with people.

Except Bailey and Gordo haven’t even checked into the hotel and Jake the Jerk is already everywhere. The pressure is on for Bailey to prove he deserves to climb the corporate ladder, but it’s hard to talk shop as Gordo goes from backup to an increasingly attractive distraction.

Bailey’s trying to keep his cool, schmooze the executives and stick to the plan, even though Gordo’s not playing by any of the rules. They’ve always been just friends, but maybe it’s time to be boyfriends…with full benefits.

Boyfriend with Benefits is a contemporary MM romance novella. It features fake boyfriends who might not be so fake, a hotel room with only one bed, and a James Bond moment in a tiny blue bathing suit. HEA guaranteed.

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My Review – Boyfriend with Benefits by Allison Temple
I purchased this audiobook.
The narration was great. He did a great job varying the voices but I LOVED how he did Gordo. It definitely hit the peace love and happiness vibe Gordo puts off well
I was looking for a quick novella and saw this book from and author who is attending a book event /I was going too. I love the whole Fake dating aspect so I was sold.
When we meet Bailey he was a bit high strung being in the corporate world and climbing the ladder of success. He gets bad news that the man who made his life hell is now going to be his boss. Oh snap! Worse of all he lied and said bully that he has a great boyfriend and they can’t wait to hang out at the corporate retreat.
Yeah uhm CRAP!
Enter the amazing Gordo. Gordo is NOT in the corporate world. He is a peace love a happiness guy that loves to rescue any animal really from dogs to dragons to snaked and spiders. He said he would love to help his roomie out as long as they can see the fountains while in Vegas.
This is when THINGS start to happen and make me look at Gordo a little more …like maybe he isn’t so peace love and happiness. Maybe is he …well, I won’t say my guesses but lets just say Gordo is the best fake boyfriend ever.
I absolutely loved this story. Gordo knows Bailey very well and knows exactly what he needs when he needs it Bailey soon realizes a lot about his fake boyfriend like he wants Gordo to be his real boyfriend through this emotional roller coaster of a weekend. Jake, well lets say he has the nickname for a reason and he deserved it his entire life. LOL

Audio Book, Contemp. Romance, Mystery, Part of a Series, Review, Witches

#Review – One Tequila (The Althea Rose Series Book 1) by Tricia O’Malley

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From a NY Times & USA Today Bestselling author comes a laugh-out-loud magical mystery set in small-town Tequila Key.

Tequila Key is just like any other small town and I’m just like any other small town psychic. Scratch that. Tequila Key is a world onto itself and some people might think that I am one crayon short of the box.

And, if we’re being totally honest, Tequila Key is just like any other small town – if that town boasts a voodoo priestess and a few white witches for flavor. Turquoise blue water and the best margaritas this side of Mexico make it hard to leave.

I’m Althea Rose, co-owner of Luna Rose Potions & Tarot Shop, and I’ve just stumbled into a love triangle while trying to save my best friend from being accused of murder.

See? Just like any other small town.

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

Fun mix of humor and magic with just the right amount of mystery and suspense and the perfect pinch of a love twist.

I listened to One Tequila via Audible while I was sick. Needless to say, I needed a pick me up. When I read the synopsis, I knew it was right up my alley.

At first, it seemed to move a tad too slow for me. But in full disclosure, I don’t do well with audiobooks as I generally prefer to read over listen. However, I was always left with just enough that I kept wondering what was going to happen next. I had to keep listening. Althea had me hooked. She had herself in the middle of quite a mess. If something could happen to her, it was going to happen to her. And her friends, witchy and the norms, made the story all the better. The ending had a twist that I did not see coming and had me literally saying OMG. I laughed at places I probably shouldn’t have and found myself fully enjoying One Tequila!

I am looking forward to seeing what other shenanigans Althea Rose and her friends can get into!

 

Tricia O'Malley profile image

A NY Times, USA Today, and WSJ bestselling author, Tricia O’Malley’s infectious joy in writing romance with an added dash of magic has touched hearts around the world. With over three million books read, O’Malley’s stories have been translated into several languages and enjoy a devoted following. Tricia lives in the Caribbean with her handsome Scotsman. An avid scuba diver, Tricia spends much of her time underwater dreaming up new stories while photographing the beautiful sea life. She discovers her inspiration on the go – and you’ll find her books set in beautiful settings with characters who deserve a happily-ever-after. To see some of her underwater or island life photos visit her on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.triciaomalley.com

 



Contemp. Romance, Fantasy Romance, Paranormal, Review, Romantic Comedy, Witches

#Review – Winning the Witch by Tori Ross

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Eliza Owl is all about helping her community. When her friend, Lily Jane, talks her into being a prize in the annual children’s hospital date raffle, she worries something will happen at the event that she can’t control. It’s not that she doesn’t like helping her community or children. The raffle is on Halloween, the one day of the year when her witch power is full and things just…happen.

Jake Salt thinks Christmas has come early on Halloween when he finds out he’s holding Eliza’s ticket. He immediately sets out to make their date a perfect night. But dating a witch on Halloween has its downfalls.

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

Modern day witches get their day too! This was such a humorous and quirky read; I couldn’t put it down! Poor Eliza has done some crazy things on Halloween! She has such a difficult time controlling her powers on Halloween and things always go wonky! Boiled Koi fish in the pond and made the ex-girlfriend’s tongue disappear, I mean, what else could go wrong? Jake is an amazing guy who just can’t get enough of Eliza but when she tries to convince him that she really is a witch, things just get weirder and weirder. However, with each outrageous obstacle that they face together, he is able to show her how much he really cares and wants to explore Eliza for who she is, not what she is.

This is a super sweet Halloween read that you will love so hard that you won’t be able quit turning the pages and put down until the very very end! You will be able to see how it feels for a witch to be on the other side of a bonfire!

 

Tori Ross profile image

Tori Ross is an Amazon bestselling and award-winning author of steamy contemporary romance and romantic comedy. Her book, The Cuffing Season Contract, won the National Indie Excellence Award for romantic comedy, and she’s written several shorts, novellas, full-length books, and serials. She lives with her family and two rescue dogs.

 



2nd Chance, Contemp. Romance, Holiday Book/Novella, sibling best friend

#WOTR25 #SecretRelease #Prequal #SiblingBestFriend #Contemporary #HolidayNovella – Secrets of Timber Creek, Book 5 by SJ Chaynie

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This wasn’t the Christmas I had in mind. I didn’t plan on having no electricity, no heat, and for the man I’d spent the majority of my life running from to find me. But here I am. Freezing, bleeding, and standing on the doorstep of Adam Harper’s cabin. The cop who happens to be my best friend’s older brother. I should be anywhere else but here. I should have taken his silence for the last two years for what it was. But I’m desperate. The one night we shared may have been a mistake, and he may be Timber Creek’s biggest playboy, but I need help. One knock on his door, one simple question, and I’m suddenly swept back into his arms. But this was just temporary, and once Christmas was over, I’d be back to my normal life.
Except it appears Adam Harper may have other plans……he wants all of my secrets. And he wants to expose ours.

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Review by Twinsie Angie

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

I was so excited when I got an email saying SUPRIZE to this novella drop.  I was so not ready to say goodbye to the gang of Timber Creek, so this gem was appreciated and needed.

We have always seen Bekka and Adam together in the series and NOW we get their book.

Bekka and Tilly have been BFFs since Bekka and her mom moved to town.  Bekka is quiet but appreciates all Tilly and family have done to accept her with open arms.  The only things Bekka doesn’t appreciate is being another notch in Tilly’s manwhore brother’s bed.    Ouch the way he ignored her.

Adam is a man who loves women and not being tied down.  When a chance encounter with Bekka one-night flips him off his kilter he is not sure what to do when he discovers who she really is.  So he does what nay man does and stalks her…LOL  but really that is what the town police officer does.  I mean he calls it duty but whatever.

I freaking loved this story.  The chemistry was amazing, and the storyline kept me turning each page of the kindle wanting to know when they would just admit it all to each other……STUBBORN people.

Since I am not ready for a goodbye can we have another surprise book…I mean a surprise baby would be great in the spring!!  LOL

Review by Twinsie Melinda

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

I absolutely love when I am having a bad day and see that S.J. Chanynie sends me a surprise book about a series I absolutely love. How can you not love the characters from Timber Creek.

This is Adam and Bekka’s book and I could not be happier to hear their story.

When Bekka and her mother came to Timber Creek she hooked up with a stranger for one night. Little did she know that he would turn out to be the big brother of her best friend. Bekka became a part of Tilly’s family. Bekka was able to hide how things were going in own family from everyone in the town even her BFF and her family. When Bekka’s past comes knocking on her face literally. With nowhere else to turn she finds herself on her one-night stands porch.

Adam is the town playboy never staying with one girl. When he realizes he had a one-night stand with her little sister’s best friend, Bekka. He knows he has to put and keep distance between him and Bekka. No way he was getting involved with his little sister’s friend.  He does a good job of ignoring and avoiding her since that night. That is until she shows up on his porch with a busted face everything changed after that night.

Like any police officer it is his job to find out what happened to Bekka and help her even if she doesn’t want him nosing around in her business. He finds out about the secrets she has been keeping from their family. He now on a mission to make things better for her.

I love these two as much as I do the other characters. These two made my heart happy they have such amazing chemistry. I loved their 10 get to know you questions. My favorite question and answer was about her Blue and white shirt. AWWW. This is one series I cannot get enough of and sure am going to miss it. I loved this Surprise book.

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.

Contemp. Romance, Review, Romantic Comedy

#Review – Cadillac Cowboy: A Standalone Runaway Bride-Cop-Roadtrip (Diamond Lake, Texas Book 2) by Cynthia D’Alba

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From NYT-USA Today Best Selling Author comes a story of a cop, an antique Cadillac, and a bride on the run from her mob fiancé. What could possibly go wrong?

Relocating from Chicago to Texas, cop Shade Gruber agrees to drive his grandmother’s prize car to his new home in Diamond Lakes. He expects some car issues. He doesn’t expect to pick up a runaway bride.

Bride Victoria Vaught dashes from the church thirty minutes before the I Dos. Stranded in her bridal attire when her car breaks down, she starts walking, desperate to get as far from Chicago as possible.

Their road to love is filled with twists, turns and bumps…and a stolen flogger! Hanging on to the one you love can be a roller coaster ride with surprising results.

This was previously published in 2016 as part of a Kindle World. This edition has been re-edited and additional material added.

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

I picked this book up on a whim while it was free, then it just sat there. I was scrolling through my kindle trying to find something that caught my eye and thought, “why not” and gave it a try. I am now kicking myself for not picking this up sooner. Holy H E double hockey sticks! The way these two meet is may have been fate or purely by chance. But whatever you believe, believe it because these two were meant to meet. She tries to hide who she really is but with Shade being a cop from Chicago, he knows exactly who she is.

These two are from two completely different worlds. Cops and Mobs just don’t mix. She is used to the finer things and he is used to working for them. He agrees to take her to Texas, however, he plans to ditch her the next morning before she wakes. She is smarter than our good friend Shade and slept in the car! Ha! They come to an agreement and she is part of the roadtrip for the long haul. There are a ton of hilarious moments throughout. The fact that she had never been in a Walmart or just a regular bar will have you literally laughing out loud. But also watching their romance bloom is absolutely swoon-worthy!  She even gets to meet the fam!

Never fear, there will be an appearance from the ex-fiance’ mob douche guy. But as this is a standalone romance, we can all figure out what happens. But the journey there, in the antique Cadillac, with a runaway bride and a cowboy, will have you feeling ALL the feels!

I couldn’t put this book down. I started it reading it and next thing I knew, it was over, like no time had passed at all!  It had all the desirable elements and ended perfectly!

This is a new to me author and I am so happy I took a chance. I look forward to reading more by this author.

Cynthia D'Alba profile image

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Cynthia D’Alba started writing on a challenge from her husband in 2006 and discovered having imaginary sex with lots of hunky men was fun. She was born and raised in a small Arkansas town. After being gone for a number of years, she’s thrilled to be making her home back in Arkansas living in a vine-covered cottage on the banks of an eight-thousand acre lake. When she’s not reading or writing or plotting, she’s doorman for her border collie, cook, housekeeper and chief bottle washer for her husband and slave to a noisy, messy parrot. She loves to chat online with friends and fans.

2nd Chance, Contemp. Romance, Over 40's Romance, Romantic Comedy, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR24 #Review – ‘Pistol Fire’ in Rocks: The Complete Series by Tori Ross

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Rocks: The Complete Series

The complete series is now available!

Deep in the sticks of Missouri is a bar called Rocks where the bartenders are only similar in the fact that they’re all unlucky in love…

Cherry Burn – Dylan Wilcox has been gone from Highlight, Missouri for ten years. Nobody has seen him or even received an email as to his location. Worse, he left his high school girlfriend, Cherry Moss, without saying goodbye when he disappeared. When Dylan shows back up in town, clearly changed in the past ten years, Cherry needs to decide if his story is worth her forgiveness and if she can get over her own demons about him leaving.

Blue Balls – Piper Peck loves her life, her friends, and her job. There’s only one problem. The local sheriff, Creed McDuffy, has it in for her over her grandma’s old hot tub that’s considered an eyesore by county enforcement. Unknown to Piper, Creed has had a crush on her since high school and will do anything to get her to look his way. When Creed goes too far and arrests Piper in a last-ditch effort to get her attention, can he ever grovel enough to get in her good graces?

Pistol Fire – Libby Dean is known for being the town pistol. Brock Carpenter is known for being the town’s hero fireman. When a fire at Rocks Tavern throws Libby for a loop, Brock wants to comfort her. Libby’s not used to comfort, though, and runs away from any affection as fast as she can. But when Brock needs his own comfort, will Libby put aside her pride and step up?

Each short is 12-14k words. HEA or HFN guaranteed!

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

Pistol Fire wraps this series up perfectly! Libby gets her time with this book. Libby is known around town as the hardass but she just about broke when her bar catches on fire. Who better to help her than the town hottie fireman, Brock! Yes girls! His description alone will make your panties wet! Well, Libby can’t think straight when he is around and I completely understand why.

Libby and Brock both have their own demons and their own reasons for not pursuing long term romantic quests. Neither will accept help and certainly not from each other. There is a lot of tit for tat with these two. A tragedy strikes, and BOY this will grab your heart strings and pull hard, but even then, they can’t quite get it together for each other. It can be difficult when you don’t know who or what hurt someone to make them so cold. However, when the ice starts to thaw, the dam will break and these two collide!

I love that these two ultimately come around to each other. And their commitment to each other, while unconventional for some, is perfect for them. Absolutely love it!

Tori Ross profile image

Tori Ross is an Amazon bestselling and award-winning author of steamy contemporary romance and romantic comedy. Her book, The Cuffing Season Contract, won the National Indie Excellence Award for romantic comedy, and she’s written several shorts, novellas, full-length books, and serials. She lives in Missouri with her family and two rescue dogs.

2nd Chance, Contemp. Romance, Review, Romantic Comedy, short story, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR24 #Review – ‘Cherry Burn’ in Rocks: The Complete Series by Tori Ross

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Deep in the sticks of Missouri is a bar called Rocks where the bartenders are only similar in the fact that they’re all unlucky in love…

Cherry Burn – Dylan Wilcox has been gone from Highlight, Missouri for ten years. Nobody has seen him or even received an email as to his location. Worse, he left his high school girlfriend, Cherry Moss, without saying goodbye when he disappeared. When Dylan shows back up in town, clearly changed in the past ten years, Cherry needs to decide if his story is worth her forgiveness and if she can get over her own demons about him leaving.

Blue Balls – Piper Peck loves her life, her friends, and her job. There’s only one problem. The local sheriff, Creed McDuffy, has it in for her over her grandma’s old hot tub that’s considered an eyesore by county enforcement. Unknown to Piper, Creed has had a crush on her since high school and will do anything to get her to look his way. When Creed goes too far and arrests Piper in a last-ditch effort to get her attention, can he ever grovel enough to get in her good graces?

Pistol Fire – Libby Dean is known for being the town pistol. Brock Carpenter is known for being the town’s hero fireman. When a fire at Rocks Tavern throws Libby for a loop, Brock wants to comfort her. Libby’s not used to comfort, though, and runs away from any affection as fast as she can. But when Brock needs his own comfort, will Libby put aside her pride and step up?

Each short is 12-14k words. HEA or HFN guaranteed!

Goodreads

Amazon

Review by Twinsie Kelly

***Review is for Cherry Burn***

Cherry and Dylan were high school sweethearts 10 years ago. Dylan did the unthinkable. He took Cherry’s virginity and then was abducted by aliens the next day! 10 years later he pops back up and wants to give Cherry an explanation. But a lot has happened to Cherry over these 10 years and she has become cold toward men. She has responsibilities and she doesn’t think Dylan deserves the time of day.

Dylan has had enough and won’t take no for an answer. He finally gets to give his explanation. While it wasn’t as explosive as I thought it would be, it was different.

Next comes the inner turmoil of these two before they can finally get through their own crap to realize they are in love. Their long lost love is super sweet and hawt!

This was a great quickie read with some laughs, witty comments, sweet and swoony, with the mouth of a sailor… this is it!

Tori Ross profile image

Tori Ross is an Amazon bestselling and award-winning author of steamy contemporary romance and romantic comedy. Her book, The Cuffing Season Contract, won the National Indie Excellence Award for romantic comedy, and she’s written several shorts, novellas, full-length books, and serials. She lives in Missouri with her family and two rescue dogs.

2nd Chance, Contemp. Romance, Family Orientated, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ, Review, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR24 #Review – Heart of Glass by Michele Shriver

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Darcy Caldwell’s world shatters when, on her deathbed, her enigmatic mother, Meredith, bequeaths her a handcrafted glass heart. With her cryptic plea to uncover its origins, Meredith leaves Darcy with more questions than answers. Driven by a desperate need to understand the woman she never truly knew, Darcy embarks on a poignant journey with her estranged husband, Mattox.Their quest takes them to a skilled glass artist in New England, unraveling a tale of intense, ill-fated love in 1970s Boston. As the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, Darcy discovers that the heart’s secrets may lie closer to home than she ever imagined—tied to Meredith’s enduring friendship back home in West Virginia.More than a quest for the truth behind the glass token, it transforms into a cathartic exploration of Meredith’s past, revealing hidden facets of her character and the choices that shaped her. In retracing her mother’s footsteps, Darcy grapples with her own vulnerabilities and untangles the complexities of love and loss.The journey not only unveils Meredith’s secrets but forces Darcy to confront her fractured marriage. Heart of Glass is a soul-stirring exploration of family, love, and self-discovery—a tale that resonates across generations and leaves readers with the enduring power of healing and redemption.

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

Death has a way of stirring up some very intense emotions but also seems to bring up secrets. Darcy and her mother, Meredith, don’t have the best of relationships. I think this occurs with a lot of families, but when Meredith is on her death bed she asks for her daughter specifically and gives her a hand blown glass heart with a cryptic message just before she passes. Darcy is drawn to find out more about her mother, in hopes of finding about what made her mom the way she was and why their relationship was so strained at time. This journey into her mother’s past also brings a lot of emotional baggage as she is accompanied by her soon to be ex. The exploration of her mother’s past, the prejudices she endured and overcame, and learning more about her mother prior to death really shows Darcy how closed off she has become, both emotionally and physically.

This story is very emotional. It shows the characters in very vulnerable situations while confronting and understanding their own emotions. There is a lot of reflection and a time of second chances. Sometimes it really is better to be late than never to show up. I will caution readers that if you have strained personal relationships, it will really touch those heartstrings. I highly recommend as this is a wonderful soul touching story.

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Michele Shriver is an International bestselling author of women’s fiction and contemporary romance. Her books feature flawed-but-likeable characters in real-life settings. She’s not afraid to break the rules, but never stops believing in happily ever after. Michele counts among her favorite things a good glass of wine, a hockey game, and a sweet and sexy book boyfriend, not necessarily in that order.