Monthly Archives: April 2023
#wotr #attendingauthor #seriesstarter The Sweetest Things (Starlight Harbor 1) by Bria Quinlan
Lyra Grigor is the easy going, sweet, smile-at-everyone owner of The Sweetest Things. When an annoying travel site puts Starlight Harbor on their Top Ten Tacky Tiny Towns list for the fourth year running, she knows it’s time to give the writer a bit of spicy tart instead of a teaspoon of sugar.
An outsider who just wants out…
Spence Côte has no idea what hit his site. Nearly a thousand replies on some little baker’s comment and everything has blown up. Since the site is up for sale, it couldn’t have happened at a worse time. Now he has to drive up to the middle of nowhere coast of Maine and get this resolved. ASAP.
Two worlds collide…
Between the puppies dressed as pirates, the older women masquerading as tavern wenches, and the sweetest little baker he’s ever seen, Spence knows Starlight Harbor might not just be freakishly adorable….it might be what he’d been looking for.
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61022840-the-sweetest-things
Amazon https://amzn.to/3YF0BIP
Review by Twinsie Dee
i was given this book by the author for an honest review
All it took was one comment on a blog site to set Lyra off, she didnt know what she was getting herself into but noone was going to tarnish her business or small town as long as she was around. After the comment on his site Spence thought he should drive all night to Starlight Habor and apologize to the older lady who owns the bakery there and threated to sue him if he didnt fix it. well little did he knew he was walking into the shop of a 5 foot 4 spitfire that wasnt backing down until her little town was righted. Once Spence say Lyra it was game over he was love struck and had really opened his eyes and fell in love with the small town and even more with the bakery owner. but will this riff bring them together or with Lyra listening in on a phone call Spence was having ruin them. Fall in love with this small town the spat between Lyra and Spence and even Captain Jack (you will need to read to find out) but this was such a sweet story and a fast read.
Bria Quinlan is an award-nominated bestselling author of eight Romantic Comedies and YA Issue Books (that she swears are funny…really. They are.) Her books make you snort Diet Coke out your nose or tear up and curse her name.
#Review – White Ibis (Florida Gothic) by Wendy Dalrymple
“Truly terrifying” – Jenna Dietzer, author of “The Lovebugs”
“Creepy as hell” – Sheri L. Williams, author of “Forest of Blood’
Obsession. Lies. Greed.
Chelsea is vain, self-absorbed, and driven in life only by want and her obsession with being the best. Even though she is desperate to portray an outwardly perfect image, things are far from perfect at home.
One day at yoga class, Chelsea meets a woman named Damaris who is exactly like her; beautiful, confident, and reaching high to be her best self. Damaris and Chelsea become instant best friends and bond over healthy eating, fitness, and their love of luxury items. As Chelsea’s heart hardens toward her boyfriend, her obsession with the enigmatic Damaris only blossoms.
As one bad decision turns into another, Chelsea begins to think she is being followed by a white bird. Her new best friend Damaris suggests a girls’ weekend in New Orleans to get away from it all and Chelsea readily agrees. Unfortunately for Chelsea, it soon becomes clear that she can’t run away from her problems and instead finds herself tumbling head-first into a downward spiral
Content Warning: Mentions of suicide and eating disorders.
I just want to start this out by saying that I really have no idea what I just read. But at the same time, I couldn’t stop reading because I had to know what was going on and how this story would end.
Let me preface this by saying that I’m new to reading horror – huge fan of horror movies – but reading horror, hits differently, ya know?
I’ve recently fallen down the horror side of TikTok and after a friend introduced me to horror novellas, I’m quickly becoming obsessed. They are quick little reads, perfect for a busy schedule when you don’t have time to read a ginormous book but still want to get some books added to your reading goal on Goodreads or to just get some words read.
Enough of my rambling. Let’s review:
Chelsea is a thirty-something year old woman who has a deadend job and is also in a deadend relationship. She ends up befriending Damaris, this beautiful woman, who almost seems to good to be true. I didn’t overly trust her. Too many times she hardly ever gave any insight into herself. It felt like she was holding a lot of secrets.
As their friendship grows, which is more like obsession on Chelsea’s part, they decide to take a trip to New Orleans and that’s when the crazy starts. Something is up about the women Chelsea hangs out with that weekend. When she gets home, I read the rest of the book with wide eyes and was like “OMG”.
Something happens to both Chelsea and her boyfriend and obviously I don’t want to give it away but it does leave room for questions. A lot of questions. A part of me wished we could have gotten more answers BUT the horror loving part of me, absolutely loved the open ended ending.
All in all, this was a perfect little read by a new to me author.
#releaseday #ARC #BDSM #Saga #SeriesFinale #DoubleReview- Craving His Touch, Brie’s Submission Book #26 by Red Phoenix
“I will never stop craving your touch…”
I am deeper in love with Thane than I was in the beginning when I bowed at his feet. We have created a beautiful family and I’m in the midst of preparing for the premiere of my second documentary. A film I’ve fought for with my life—literally.
My joy is doubled now that Rytsar Durov has returned where he belongs. A cowboy wedding, a trip to the cabin, and adventures on the Isle await me.
With the premiere of my second documentary fast approaching, I find myself on the precipice of triumph or disaster. But I am ready to face my destiny the same way I did on my first day at the Training Center…without fear.
This epic conclusion will have your heart soaring and your soul forever changed.
Review by Twinsie Angie
I received this book from the authors for an honest review.
The finale book. What a ride we have been on through the years with this series. We have seen so many heart flutters and many heart breaks. We have seen lots of OHHHH HEY and OHHH NOOOO scenes. LOL.
We have seen so much with our favorite group from the training center. So many characters have grown into outstanding characters who I adore, and I never thought I would say that about The Wolf. Trust me. He has grown into an amazing character. Tono is just as he was when he met him, humble and kind. Lea is Lea. The best side kick you could ever want to have on your side. Master Anderson…OMG the pranks were flowing in the novels with him. Mary…..even though you could be a mega BISH you did love our girl Brie beyond even the limits I thought you had.
Sir, Rytsar and Brie. These 3 have made my heart happy and whole the more they explored together. I love his character and seeing him be an Uncle was truly memorable.
Sir. From the man who never wanted to collar anyone and now seeing the amazing husband, partner, and daddy.
Brie. Her character development has grown as she has grown from the young girl selling cigarettes to the successful movie director.
The series finale has everything you the fan of the series will want. It had funny Lea jokes, Mary being Mary, Rytsar/Sir/Brie fun, Master Anderson pranks and of course the love of this family of friends. I really don’t know what to say because the journey is a great ride for all of the fans. It is the perfect icing on our favorite flavor cake. I will miss this group but I look forward to what new stories Red will be writing for us.
Review by Twinsie Melinda
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
This is the ending of the series. I have been on this wonderful journey throughout the years with Brie. To see her grow from a newbie trainee to the woman she has become was an amazing experience.
I loved all the family that Brie and Sir have surrounded themselves with. Some of these characters may not have the best of families growing up but they have made an amazing family with their friends. I am sad that we will not have more of Master Anderson, Rytsar, Wallace, Tono, Mary, Lea and the others from the training center. They all had their struggles over the years but they always come together and support each other no matter what.
I enjoyed seeing Master Anderson’s wedding and the shenanigans leading up to it. We all know there was going to be something when it came to him. I will miss all the pranks from our Mater Anderson. Just as we got to see Brie grow into the woman she is we also saw Lea and Mary grow and evolve into the woman they are today. Lea always had a joke to lighten any situation. Mary and Wallace were the two that I wasn’t sure about in the beginning of the series but they both surprised me in the end. Rytsar has always been my favorite from the beginning. I absolutely loved the bond he has with Hope and Antony and how he dotes over them. Getting glimpse into all the characters’ lives. There were so many amazing scenes in this book.
I have mixed emotions about this series ending. Thank you, Red Phoenix, for allowing me to join Brie on her amazing journey. Although I am going to miss everyone it was a fun ride over the years.
USA Today Bestselling Author
Red Phoenix is an award-winning romance author who gained popularity with her BDSM 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…
✤Join my Newsletter: http://redphoenixauthor.com/newslette…
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✤Goodreads Group: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/…
✤Twitter: https://twitter.com/redphoenix69
#Review – It’s Me, Charlie by C.M. Guidroz
I know everything about her, I’ve been her “book bestie” for over a year now. I’ve read every book she has ever published. The books that tell me every fantasy she has, the books that tell me exactly what she wants. She doesn’t know who I am behind the screen, but I don’t’ think she will care much once I show her that I am the perfect man for her. Women have rejected me in the past, but I’ve studied Jessie so much there is no way I could get it wrong this time.
What happens when the person you thought was just an online friend turns out to be an obsessive monster. You never know who is truly behind the screen when you are engaging with people online. Especially, things like “bookstagram” where the community is so welcoming. What happens when your “book bestie” falls in love with you and will stop at nothing to show you just how deep that love is.
Charlie has been posing as a woman in the book community to gain the trust and friendship of the woman he has been obsessing over, Jessie. Jessie is a self-published author of smutty or erotic, books who is just trying to get her books out there in a massive genre. What Jessie doesn’t know is that her biggest fan has been waiting for the perfect time to meet her and make all of her fantasies come true.
Are you ready to meet Charlie?
Author Note: 18+ WARNING! This short story is considered EXTREME HORROR, there are GRAPHIC SITUATIONS! This book is disgusting, and you probably shouldn’t read it. But if you are still interested in meeting Charlie, please be aware that you were warned. YOU WERE WARNED.
Um…what the heck did I just read?
When Angie shared the link for this book with me, I checked it out and saw a throwing up emoji in a review and instantly one-clicked. I hadn’t even read the blurb at that point, so I went into this story completely blind and boy, am I glad I ever did.
This short story takes the book/movie “Misery” to a whole other level.
It’s depraved, sick and twisted.
Charlie is obsessed with an author and does everything he can to make her his. He “loves” her. Wants to spend the rest of his life with her and wants to show her that they are perfect for each other. When he captures her and brings her back to his place, a place they’re supposed to share together and in his mind, she’ll be happy about it, the…um…icky things start happening.
I have a strong stomach but when it comes to mucus and anything slimey…that’s a huge hard limit for me. Spit I can handle but…in this case…not so much. That’s all I’m going to say on that…
If you have triggers, please be warned: THIS IS NOT A ROMANCE BOOK.
As a romance author myself, it was easy to put myself in Jessie’s shoes and I think that’s what makes this book even more terrifying. Because you wonder, what if?
This story, although short, is quite the ride and leaves you wondering, what would you do?
#WOTR23 #Prequel #rockers #Free – Rock Me: Meet the Bad Boys of Rock by Jenna Jacob
The rock gods from Licks of Leather wow the world with their raw lyrics and electrifying tunes. But nothing about the rock-star life—especially whirlwind tours, banging parties, and eager groupies—can mute the demons that put each on their personal highway to hell.
Review by Twinsie Angie
I purchased this book.
Well now isn’t this some sexy chemistry I read!! This is the best prequel I have read in a long time. Honestly, Jenna gives us a taste of each of the band members. We see how wild and out of control they are so it makes me wanna meet the woman who will tame each of them.
Burke and Sofia were absolute FIRE!! Their chemistry was sooo palpable in this novella. Man, I am buying book 1 ASAP to see them finally crash and combust together!!!
But dudes the condom story made me gag a little. They are nasty dudes!!!
USA Today Bestselling author Jenna Jacob paints a canvas of passion, romance, and humor as her Alpha men and the feisty women who love them unravel their souls, heal their scars, and find a happy-ever-after kind of love. Heart-tugging, captivating, and steamy, Jenna’s books will surely leave you breathless and craving more.
A mom of four grown children, Jenna and her Alpha-hunk husband live in Kansas. She loves books, Harleys, music, and camping. Her zany sense of humor and lack of filter exemplify her motto: Live. Laugh. Love.
Meet her wild and wicked family in her sultry series: The Doms of Genesis. Or become spellbound by the searing love connection between Raine, Hammer, and Liam in her continuing saga: The Doms of Her Life (co-written with the amazing Shayla Black and Isabella La Pearl). Journey with couples struggling to resolve their pasts and heal their scars to discover unbridled love and devotion in Jenna’s contemporary series: Passionate Hearts.
#WOTR23 #Review – Within the Wonder (The Villainous Wonderland Series Book 2) by A.K. Koonce
What happens when the woman you’re pretending to be stares you down face to face?
Things get awkward.
And deadly.
In Wonderland, there can only be one Alice. A series of absurd trials and dangerous games are the only way to solve who is the real Alice and who is the fake.
If I win, I’ll have the power to save two kingdoms. If I lose, it’ll be more than just the Hatter who’s lethally mad.
Fake it till you make it, right?
Let the Alice Trials begin. Welcome to Wonderland, bitches.
This is a reverse harem series recommended for readers 18 and over.
Review by Twinsie Kelly
HOLD THE PHONE! Whaaat? There’s another Alice! The real Alice? Now cue the Slim Shady music! Ok, so if you made it to the second book, you will completely, without a doubt, understand where I am coming from. At this point, we know that Madison’s vagina is not broken and will not be put up on a shelf to collect dust. Whew! That would be a horror story! But now we have possibly the real Alice. The real Wonderland is even crazier than in the first story. But I really love how the villains are so easy to hate AND fall for at the same time. Everyone has secrets and boy are they surfacing! And now that the harem is really happening, these men get frustrating as all get out! They all want to protect Madison, but by protecting her they are telling her what to do or not letting her in on what should be done.
“It’s like having an agnel and a devil being your voice of reason, except the angel thinks with his fu**ink cock, and the devil…also thinks entirely with his sinful cock.”
ACCURATE!
Oh, I am not sure why I go on with this review. I am on to find out what happens next. I suggest you stop reading this review and hurry on with reading this book!
A.K. Koonce is a USA Today best selling author. She’s a mom by day and a fantasy and paranormal romance author by night. She keeps the fantastical stories in her mind on an endless loop, while she tries her best to focus on her actual life and not that of the spectacular but demanding fictional characters who always fill her thoughts.
#wotr #attendingauthor #standalone Novelty (Dollhouse 3) by Albany Walker
A Standalone Novel created in the Dollhouse World.
Retribution has been my only friend. The desire to make those that hurt me pay, my only solace but one act of humanity and I’m taken with my would be rescuer.
Thoughts of him fill my head until I’m as obsessed with him as I am with getting rid of those that tried to break me. Too bad for him being in my crosshairs only brings death, proving no good deed goes unpunished.
She thinks I don’t know she’s there, waiting, watching, but I see her. I don’t know what she wants, but I’m willing to let her play her game until I decide to end it.
Novelty is a MF contemporary standalone novel created in the Dollhouse World. It is intended for mature audiences and contains adult content.
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/72403212-novelty
Amazon https://amzn.to/3ZEnjlF
Review by Twinsie Dee
i was given this book by the author for an honest review
A dead lawyer in the area of the Dollhouse has Winger wondering if it was meant to be a hit or a warning to his guys, either way he was on guard. Maxine was someone he never thought was a killer and when she followed him home one night, he was all about wanting to know who sent her and was he her next target. After Maxine got stabbed Winger took her to a safe apartment and got her on the road to getting better. But neither of them had any idea just how dangerous the other is or could be. and being in the same place 24/7 will they start to catch feelings for each other, or will Winger really land his name on Maxine’s hit list when or if he ever lets her leave. ugh once again Albany hits it out of the park and the bantering between these two is just hilarious, I love the dollhouse world and can’t wait for more.
Albany lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her high school sweetheart. She spends most of her time juggling her four children’s extracurricular activities, with her nose stuck in a book. When not reading you can find her writing her very own book boyfriends. Albany’s passion is writing romance with real characters that are far from perfect, but always seem to find their own happily ever afters.
#WOTR23 #attendingauthor – AJ Renee
Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.
Hi, I’m AJ Renee. I’m a mom, air force wife, WoW nerd, and a goofball in general.
When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?
The first book in the series is always the hardest. By the time you finish it you’ve fallen in love with the secondary characters and become eager to learn more about them.
When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
In the case of my St. Fleur series I had to make sure each of their conflicts was unique to the characters. If it’s not I lose not only the readers interest by my own. No one wants to read a boring, repetitive book let alone write it.
Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?
Take your time. Sometimes walking away is the best thing you can do until the fog clears.
On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?
Three to four hours on a normal writing day, sometimes more.
Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.
Picking a favorite character is like picking a favorite child! All of my characters are special to me.
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?
Hmmm… I always have a hard time with this question. What about Not Playing fair and Henry Cavill and Jessica Mas.
What is your definition of success?
I’ll let you know when I finally define it for myself. Ha!
What are your social links?
Facebook: https://bit.ly/faceajr
Instagram: https://bit.ly/instaajr
Twitter: https://bit.ly/twajr
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/2bdqx9f
Bookbub: https://bit.ly/BBajr
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/GRajr
St. Fleur Belles Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2bmtFmI
What are your buy links? (Provide links to your Amazon/iBook’s/Koko/etc Author Home Page if you have quite a few. Also include audible links if applicable.)
Amazon: https://bit.ly/ajrenee
Nook: https://bit.ly/nookajr
iBooks: https://bit.ly/ibooksajr
Kobo: https://bit.ly/koboajr
Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?
They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com
$45 VIP sell out quickly – 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included.
$25 Early Access – 12-1 VIP house, 1-4 General Admission time. You also get a filled VIP bag but NO admission to the after party.
$10 General Admission – 1-4 General Admission time. You can purchase a bag but it is not filled with VIP swag. There is no admission to the after party included.
$35 After party – 7-11 After Party with food and cash bar. Dj with a photobooth is also included in the fun.
#Review – The Immutable Pact – Clara & Damien (Book 3): Delta Underground Operatives by Sarah Noffke
Who knew that it would be voodoo that saved the world?
Clara and Damien know exactly how to take down the most sadistic man—Taz Kiera.
But that doesn’t mean it will be easy.
Actually, it will involve solving a series of complex riddles, hunting down magical items and risking their lives.
Oh, and employing a dark magic that could burn out their souls.
Luckily, Damien doesn’t have one as a vampire.
However, he is quickly learning he will do anything to protect the soul and heart of his partner, Clara Jordan.
Who knew that fighting evil would make two people fall in love?
But love also complicates everything!
Can this duo do what it takes to take down a power so fierce it could destroy humanity?
If they do, they win.
If they don’t, then everyone loses.
Review by Twinsie Kelly
Voodoo, love, and….poltergeist? YUP!! And so much more! This might be my favorite of the series, just saying! This entire series has been quite fun, especially the banter between Clara and Damien. Opposites do attract! There is a rollercoaster of events that takes both of these through a series of “side-quests” in order to get to the big boss at the end. The best part is that these side-quests take each of them through a learning experience. It takes both of them out of the comfort zones to a point that they get super uncomfortable, but get some really great, and somewhat strange, takeaways. The shenanigans that they find themselves in will keep you turning the page to try and figure out what could possibly happen next. While I love Clara and Damien’s story and would enjoy continuing to follow them, I feel that this was the perfect ending to this part of their journey. I truly hope that Ms. Noffke finds some other story to insert these two in because a cameo would be amazing! And to the author, Sarah, THANK YOU for keeping me entertained!! You rock!
Sarah Noffke is a prolific USA Today Best-Selling Author, who writes YA and NA science fiction, fantasy, paranormal and urban fantasy. Most of her stories draw on her experiences living on the West Coast, growing up in Texas or traveling the world.
Her passion for art, culture and literature drives her to create stories that are full of whimsey, humor and philosophy. Her books appeal to readers who enjoy an escape, a bit of magic mixed with science and the unexpected–like a dragon who tells bad jokes and has a video game addiction, but fights for justice.
Noffke’s books are top rated and best-sellers on Amazon. Her books are available in paperback, audio and in Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch and Italian.
To stay up to date with Sarah, please visit her website and subscribe to her newsletter: www.sarahnoffke.com
For a complete list of books by Sarah and a suggested reading order, please see: www.sarahnoffke.com/reading-guide