I cannot believe it’s already July and time for us Twinsie’s to pick our top 5 reads so far this year. This was a pretty difficult task for me, which is why my top 5 reads are actually 6. I just couldn’t boot one of these 6 off my list to make it 5. They were all THAT GOOD! Below you will find my top 6 reads for the first half of 2020, in no particular order. I hope you check them out and enjoy them as much as I did. 

~Twinsie Tenise~

Throughout history, The Lady, Goddess of the Lycan world, has gifted werewolf packs with humans who carry her mark. Theodora Morrissey’s plans to return to college for her graduate degree are ended when she is awakened by an otherworldly voice on a rarely used airstrip in Nebraska. Injured and disoriented, she has no idea the discoloration on her back has marked her as a Seer, and that she is now a possession—and the prisoner—of the Novus Pack of Lycans.

To the Novus pack, the word of their leader, their Laird, is the law. With compelling gray eyes and long dark hair, Raider Black rules his pack with intelligence and ruthlessness. To cement the security of his pack, Black has committed to mate another Packleader’s daughter. But he’s finding it impossible to fight his attraction to the pack’s alluring new Seer, claiming her as his own.

Sweet, fearless, and unintentionally funny, Theo upends Black’s world and pushes the boundaries of his rules. How far is Black willing to go, and what will he sacrifice, to save both his pack and the human Seer who’s found a way not only into his bed, but his heart?

From #1 Amazon Bestseller L.J. Shen comes a new, star-crossed lovers romance about loss, love, and meeting The One when you are too young to know how to keep them.

Sometimes you meet people who are out of this world, so you make them a part of yours.

A one-night stand born from vengeance in a foreign land.
An explosive chemistry neither of us could deny.
We signed a contract on the back of a Boar’s Head Pub napkin that said if we ever met again, we would drop everything and be together.
Eight years and thousands of miles later, he’s here.
In New York.
And he’s America’s music obsession.
The intangible Irish poet who brings record executives to their knees.
The blizzard in my perfect, unshaken snow globe.
Last time we spoke, he was a beggar with no intention of becoming a king.
But a king he became, and now I’m his servant.
I’m not the same broken princess Malachy Doherty put back together with his callused hands.
I have a career I love.
A boyfriend I adore.
An apartment, a roommate, a life.
I changed. He changed, too.
But Mal kept the napkin.
Question is, will I keep my word?

For years Grant Kessler has smuggled goods from one end of the world to the next. When business turns in a direction Grant isn’t willing to follow he decides to retire and by all appearances he settles down in a nowhere town called Durstrand. But his real plan is to wait a few years and let the FBI lose interest, then move on to the distant coastal life he’s always dreamed of.

Severely autistic, Morgan cannot look people in the eye, tell left from right, and has uncontrolled tics. Yet he’s beaten every obstacle life has thrown his way. And when Grant Kessler moves into town Morgan isn’t a bit shy in letting the man know how much he wants him.

While the attraction is mutual, Grant pushes Morgan away. Like the rest of the world he can’t see past Morgan’s odd behaviors

Then Morgan shows Grant how light lets you see but it also leaves you blind. And once Grant opens his eyes, he loses his heart to the beautiful enigma of a man who changes the course of his life.

Ran Walker can’t outrun his demons. After watching the woman he loved marry another man, he’s given up on finding that happiness for himself. Until a chance encounter with a fiery redhead challenges everything he thought he knew…

Elle Sullivan is done bending to the expectations of others. Now, she’s determined to live life by her own terms. Even if that means taking a chance on the burly biker that helped her fix a flat tire. He’s the exact opposite of any man she’s ever dated—yet the heat between them is undeniable.

Can Ran and Elle shrug off the shackles of his haunting past and her constricting family name to find the freedom of a blissful life together? Or will the ill-fitting facades of who they are supposed to be force them apart?

-Shade-

She was young.
Sweet.
Feisty.
But then there was him.
We had been best friends for years. We lived together. Rode together. Shared women. Together. And it still wasn’t enough. Not for him and especially not for me.

-Sunny-

He was mine.
I was his.
She was ours.
Meadow Rodriguez strutted into our lives and looked at us like we were all that mattered.
While I wanted to dominate her, he wanted to submit, and she wanted both.
I took control, giving her everything she needed and at the same time, grew closer with Shade. My best friend. My partner. My life. Although we were close, there was still a wedge between us.
I was terrified to give him what he needed.
My heart.

-Meadow-

Sunny was intense.
Shade hid.
I was new.
They were in love but wouldn’t admit it.
Guilt resonated on Sunny’s shoulders.
The weight of Shade’s feelings rested on his.
And I was the glue that would bring them together.
But little did I know, that I would end up falling in love.
With both of them.

I would love you forever, if I only had the chance…

Kacey Dawson has always lived life on the edge–impulsively, sometimes recklessly. And now, as lead guitarist for a hot up-and-coming band, she is poised at the brink of fame and fortune. But she is torn between wanting to be a serious musician, and the demons that lure her down the glittering, but alcohol-soaked path of rock stardom. A wrecked concert in Las Vegas threatens to ruin her career entirely. She wakes up with the hangover from hell and no memory of the night before, or how she ended up on her limo driver’s couch…

Jonah Fletcher is running out of time. He knows his situation is hopeless, and he’s vowed to make the most of the handful of months he has left to him. His plans include seeing the opening of his glass installation at a prestigious art gallery…they do not include falling in love with a wild, tempestuous rock musician who wound up passed out on his couch.

Jonah sees that Kacey is on a path to self-destruction. He lets her crash with him for a few days to dry out and get her head on straight. But neither of them expected the deep connection they felt, or how that connection could grow so fast from friendship into something more. Something deep and pure and life-changing…something as fragile as glass, that they both know will shatter in the end no matter how hard they try to hold on to it.

Full Tilt is a story about what it means to love with your whole heart, to sacrifice, to experience terrible grief and soaring joy. To live life with all its beauty, and all its pain, and in the end to be able to smile through tears and know you wouldn’t have changed a thing.

***FIRST BOOK IN A TWO PART DUET***
All In (Full Tilt #2) available here: http://amzn.to/2cBvM26

Goodreads:

See Me by: M Jayne- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40601376-see-me?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=5bMZcP1G4O&rank=1

In the Unlikely Event by: LJ Shen https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48847096-in-the-unlikely-event?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=hbbWmXbtVl&rank=1

In the Absence of Light by: Adrienne Wilder-  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25221242-in-the-absence-of-light?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=k6pKVjlE6g&rank=4

Mine for Now by: Cindy Tanner- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53938897-mine-for-now?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=WSEBr5ahy4&rank=1

With Us by: JM Walker- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49232974-with-us?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=X4CtcmlcLX&rank=1

Full Tilt by: Emma Scott- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30372977-full-tilt?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=D5rI7LUMUk&rank=1

Amazon:

See Me by: M Jayne- https://www.amazon.com/See-Me-Novus-Pack-Book-ebook/dp/B07DRP6PLB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1AMVHX0LUHU56&dchild=1&keywords=see+me+m+jayne&qid=1593985737&sprefix=See+me+by+m+jay%2Caps%2C244&sr=8-1

In the Unlikely Event by: LJ Shen- https://www.amazon.com/Unlikely-Event-L-J-Shen-ebook/dp/B081MXH4MQ/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2N2JYGTVIYBWG&dchild=1&keywords=in+the+unlikely+event&qid=1593985842&sprefix=In+the+unlike%2Caps%2C433&sr=8-2

In the Absence of Light by: Adrienne Wilder- https://www.amazon.com/Absence-Light-Adrienne-Wilder-ebook/dp/B00V7MU406/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=in+the+absence+of+light&qid=1593989834&sr=8-1

Mine for Now by: Cindy Tanner https://www.amazon.com/Mine-Now-Cindy-Tanner-ebook/dp/B082XFMWXH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2A1DUVOMAA8MN&dchild=1&keywords=mine+for+now+by+cindy+tanner&qid=1593990092&sprefix=Mine+for+now+by+Cindy+%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-1

With Us by: JM Walker https://www.amazon.com/Us-Next-Generation-Book-ebook/dp/B08BY1SLF2/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1JRB7EGY0T3YH&dchild=1&keywords=with+us+by+jm+walker&qid=1593990271&sprefix=With+us+by+%2Caps%2C223&sr=8-2

Full Tilt by: Emma Scott- https://www.amazon.com/Full-Tilt-Emma-Scott-ebook/dp/B01GQFEF0S/ref=sr_1_1?crid=XDNAYLRDSK9F&dchild=1&keywords=full+tilt+by+emma+scott&qid=1593990423&sprefix=Full+tilt+by+%2Caps%2C217&sr=8-1

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I gave all 6 books 5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
See Me by: M Jayne

I received a copy of See Me from the author and this is my honest review.

Wolf shifters…if you would have asked me a week ago what I thought about them, I probably would have passed. Said nope- never read them- never will, they just aren’t my thing. A week ago I was oh so very wrong. A week ago I didn’t realize what I was missing.

Theodora Morrissey wakes in the cold hearing a voice, she thinks its a dream. Little does she know, when she wakes, her life will forever be changed.

Raider Black, leader of the Novus Pack is promised to another. Problem is, he is finding it quite impossible to stay away from The Human, Theodora Morrissey, The Packs new Seer.

The Novus Pack is full of SMOKING HOT werewolves. The Alpha and Beta in particular were VERY YUMMY. And don’t even get me started on the sexy as sin females in the pack. GAH! I started See Me and was addicted to the story and the characters from page 1. M. Jayne definitely changed my way of thinking. Thanks to her, I tried a new genre and fell in love with it. I’m now hooked. I will be starting the next book in this series immediately.

In the Unlikely Event by: LJ Shen

Aurora is 1000 miles from home, trying to get answers to questions she has about her father. These questions lead her to a man named Malachy, which then leads to a day she will NEVER forget.

Their encounter ends with a contract written on the back of a napkin, that states, should they meet again- no matter what- they will drop everything and be together.

Fast forward 8 years and their paths cross again. Is it just a coincidence? Or is it kismet like Mal said all those years ago? And the biggest question- will they drop everything for a silly little pact wrote on the back of a napkin?

Oh my! This book was full of angst and comedy, which aren’t really things often thought of together but it definitely worked in the telling of this story. There were many hilarious one liners- I was highlighting passages like crazy!

I had lots of questions (that were answered in time.) I laughed. I cried. I even laughed until I cried. I loved this book so freaking hard! It has been my favorite book of 2020 this far.
I give it 5 stars plus 2!

In the Absence of Light by: Adrienne Wilder

In the Absence of Light came highly recommended from a friend. I read the synopsis, was very intrigued, so I borrowed it from Kindle Unlimited.

Grant moved to the little town of Durstrand, in the middle of nowhere, to try and hide out for a while. To kill a few years before moving on to the beach life he has always dreamed of. It seems the little town of Durstrand had more to offer than just a place to lay low for a while.

Morgan is severely autistic. He has many in town who love him and would do anything to protect him. It didn’t take long at all for Grant to notice there was something special about Morgan, something he couldn’t ignore no matter how hard he tried.

I just want to say; this book was not just a book, it was a work of art. It was beautiful, heartbreaking, and spellbinding. I was addicted to the words, the characters, the unique storyline. Everything! Every once in a while, you read something so profound- you want to tell everyone who will listen to READ THIS BOOK! At the same time you also want to complain to anyone who will listen about the 5 star rating system. Because for some books, that is not a proper rating system. In the Absence of Light is one of those books. I wanted to give it ALL THE STARS!!!

Mine for Now by: Cindy Tanner

As the book starts, Elle is on a date from hell. Things just can’t seem to go right for this poor woman in the love and dating department. Everything happens for a reason though and it won’t be long before she forgets all about her date with what’s his name.

Ran has basically been mad at the world and wallowing in pity since the woman he loved married another man. Well that is until he has an unforgettable encounter with a gorgeous redhead. He just can’t seem to get her off his mind.

I read this book in less than a day. I was addicted to the words and the characters. I HAD to know what was going to happen with these two. When the book ended, I was sad. I just wasn’t ready to leave the world that Cindy created between the pages of this book. I am impatiently waiting for her next release.

I received a copy of the book from the author and this is my honest review.

With Us by: JM Walker
I received a copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.

Honestly, I’m not even sure how to write this review. It took me 2 days after finishing this beautiful story to even collect my thoughts enough to try and write them down.

Meadow has always felt like things were lacking as far as her sex life was concerned. Plain old vanilla just wasn’t enough to satisfy her needs. One night while out with friends she meets not one but two bikers, Sunny and Shade, who are twice her age. The mutual attraction between the 3 of them is instantaneous.

This book was so freaking H-O-T!!! I mean, like you are going to need a cold shower to cool down kinda hot. There were plenty of hot moments, but lots of oh-so-sweet moments, too. The way these two men took care of Meadow was heartwarming. The three of them were perfect for each other.

With Us is one of those rare books that consumed me. It touched my soul. I will never EVER forget Sunny, Shade, and Meadow. Their story will stay with me. I may even be able to read it again. Someday.
I’m throwing out the normal rating system and giving it 5×3 stars!

Full Tilt by: Emma Scott

My heart hurts. It has been quite a while since I’ve read a book this thought provoking. Soul crushing. All consuming. No review I write can do this beautifully written masterpiece justice. Masterpiece. That’s definitely not a word I throw around. Full Tilt definitely earned its spot in that category in my book.

This story is about doing what’s right for you and not worrying about what others think. Living life to its fullest. And finding love when you definitely weren’t looking, even if that deviates from the plan.

Jonah was THE PERFECT Hero. I loved him from the first page. He is one of those characters I will NEVER forget. His time is limited but he is making the most of it. He has his routines and does not stray from them. That is, until he crosses paths with a beautiful guitarist from an all girls rock band.

Kasey was lost and troubled. She needed to find her way in life. She was a hot mess and longed for, I guess you could say, a normal life. Never could she have known how much her life would change after waking up one morning on a strangers couch.

I will say no more. Full Tilt is one of those books that you need to experience for yourself and I would hate to ruin that experience for anyone. I’m throwing the usual rating system out the window and giving this book 5 stars times 2! If you haven’t read this one yet, I HIGHLY recommend it. Just make sure you have plenty of tissues handy.

Reviews by Tenise

About M. Jayne

I am a simple man. I love fine vodka, whips, and beautiful women.

And I have a secret.

At twenty-one, I’ve just inherited my family’s entire fortune.

Young, rich, and powerful, I am a force to be reckoned with –

in and out of the bedroom.

But the streets of Russia are dangerous.

When innocence is threatened, I risk my life to save a girl.

Now the Bratva have their sights set on me.

I did not ask to be a hero, but I refuse to back down.

I will fight to the end to protect the honor of the woman I love.

I am Rytsar Durov.

They have no idea what they have unleashed!

Goodreads

Amazon

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

I was so happy to be able to read more about Rytsar. He is by far my favorite not that I would want those cat o’nines near me I still like him. He has so many sides to him besides his sadist side. Rytsar is an amazing humanitarian not that he wants everyone to know this.

Family is everything to him even if he had to go out and find his family. Your family is not always the family you were born into but is the family you make and find on your journey of life. Rytsar is an expert at this by surrounding himself with incredible people.

Anytime we get a glimpse into Rytsar’s life I am surprised at how much he has overcome and how mature he is for his age. He is truly a man of integrity and compassion. Do not get me wrong he will do what ever it takes to hand out punishment to whoever needs them and they are always fitting of the crime.

I love Rytsar and with every book I was always sad he never got a happy ending by falling in love with someone special. I am beginning to see he doesn’t need that one person to make him happy he has the memory and spirit of Tatianna with him always. If not for Tatianna he would not have all the amazing family he has around him now.

I enjoyed seeing more of Rytsar and learning about what makes him the man he is today.

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

Rytsar…oh Rytsar!!  Lawd do we love him!!

This book is a great look into our favorite Sadists life after college and before the Brie books.

We get to see more of the man and what made him who we love today.  I always love to see the brotherly love bond between him and Thane.  They are such amazing brothers from different mothers yet they both learn to lean on the other though trying times all their life. Even though I love Thane with Brie, its fun to see him single and what he was life Pre-Brie.

Rytsar is dealing with so much family drama in this book.  We see when he comes into his inheritance and the further strain it puts on him and his blood brothers.  We see him embracing Thane as his only brother more in this book as well.  The family bonds a person has can be very complex for a person.  Rytsar definitely shows that in each and every chapter of this book.

Tatianna…how I wish things had been different for her and him.  But she is what makes him the man we love today.  She is what gives him is lifelong mission.  The result of what happens to her made him grow more than anyone his age and that also makes a big imprint on the man he becomes later in life.  I really and truly hope in the Brie series he is able to open his heart to another because fans of the series want him to be as happy as his best friend.  Plus can’t you just see him as a daddy??  OMG YESSSSSS!!!!!!

I loved reading this snippet into his life so we, the readers, can see more of the man we already love but we can see all he has over come to be the strong and loyal friend he is today.

USA Today Bestselling Author

Red Phoenix is an award-winning romance author who gained popularity with her series, Brie’s Submission.
To join in the Brie experience begin with the 1st Boxed Set (Books 1-3) and start your journey into a sensual world…
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“I believe, based on personal experience, that love conquers all. It is a running theme in all of my writing. ” ~Red

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