Tijan

Tijan once again delivers a compelling and unique story with her latest release, diving into the complex lives of Jess Montell and Tristain West (a.k.a. Trace). Jess, a dedicated parole officer by day and a sharp-witted bartender by night, navigates a world of stark contrasts, a direct reflection of her black-and-white view of right and wrong. Haunted by a brother in jail and an alcoholic mother, Jess finds solace and purpose in her work, living with her supportive best friend, Kelly.

Trace, show more on the other side of the tracks, is a successful Wall Street hedge fund manager with deep ties to the criminal underworld. His uncle Stephano, the head of a powerful mafia family and a surrogate father figure, increasingly leans on Trace for assistance. When Stephano's health declines and a rival family threatens their territory, Trace is faced with a life-altering proposition: take over the family business.

The moment Trace lays eyes on Jess, a magnetic pull ignites, despite the inconvenient truth of her profession. The knowledge that she's a parole officer initially throws a wrench in his plans, yet he finds himself irresistibly drawn to her, observing her from afar in the trendy nightclub he co-owns.

Jess, perceptive and wary, senses the danger radiating off Trace from the moment she sees his reaction to her badge. She tries to maintain her distance, but Trace's presence becomes an undeniable force in her mind. His pursuit, while undeniably intense and bordering on obsession (albeit a "high-class" version involving background checks and VIP booth surveillance), fuels the palpable chemistry that crackles between them.

What sets this book apart from some of Tijan's previous works is the maturity of its protagonists. In their late twenties and early thirties, Jess and Trace carry the weight of their pasts – difficult childhoods and complicated families – making their connection feel grounded and necessary. They aren't navigating typical youthful drama; they are two individuals who have weathered storms and find an unexpected anchor in each other.

Tijan's writing remains sharp and engaging, and as always, her supporting characters are vibrant and add significant depth to the narrative. The world-building is seamless, effortlessly blending the contrasting worlds of law enforcement, high finance, and the shadowy realm of the mafia. Jess is a fantastic lead – a rebellious spirit with a feminine edge, while Trace is the kind of compelling hero that readers will undoubtedly swoon over.

The mafia storyline adds a thrilling layer of suspense, keeping you on the edge of your seat. Just when you think you have a handle on things, Tijan throws in twists and turns that leave you wanting more. The introduction of intriguing side characters, particularly Ashton, and that unexpected ending have left me eagerly anticipating the next installment in this world.

Overall, this book is a captivating blend of steamy romance, thrilling suspense, and well-developed characters. It's a testament to Tijan's versatility as a storyteller, proving she can captivate readers with characters navigating more mature and complex landscapes. If you're looking for a book with undeniable chemistry, compelling leads, and a gripping storyline that will keep you guessing, look no further. show less

You can't lose reading a Tijan novel. Her stories are filled with broken and tenacious characters, captivating and nail-biting suspense, and heartfelt happily ever afters that are hard won and rewarding. Billie and Brett are loners with tragic pasts who are brought together in the limelight. A terrifying and dangerous situation for Billie and an unavoidable and annoying situation for Brett.

I love Billie. Her story is a whirlwind of emotions that will leave you breathless. She is a remarkable show more warrior who has proven her strength and resilience time and time again. As a survivor of a horrible life-changing event, Billie found herself thrust into the spotlight. Unfortunately, instead of receiving the support and recognition she deserved, she became the target of fanatics and media attention. Billie learned the hard way that people often talk about you rather than talk to you, leaving her feeling isolated and unheard. Until a gorgeous, broody football player stirred emotions within her that she couldn't ignore.

Texas King's defensive end Brett Broudou's rags-to-riches story is remarkable, but he keeps his past and his baggage to himself to the expense of having no close relationships. His unapologetic attitude towards life summarizes his confidence and conviction. Best of all, he brings the love and protection that Billie has always yearned for.

The connection between Brett and Billie is perfect. Brett's influence on Billie is profound as he pushes her to be her best self and supports her every step of the way. Billie in turn unleashes her own fierce protectiveness for her man when he is at his lowest and ready to blow his life to pieces. Tears were shed by this reader during that scene.

The story wouldn't be complete without Billie's foster parents, Vicky and Harold Mitchell who are incredible. Their support and love for their daughter is beyond amazing. Billie's overprotective foster sister and best friend is sometimes over the top, but she only wants her sister to be happy. Brett's brother Will and his football buddies and their wives are notable and supportive characters as well.

Tijan has a knack for crafting complex relationships that feel real and authentic. As I followed their journey, I couldn't help but be captivated by the depth of their connection. Their interactions are filled with raw emotions and genuine moments that tug at the heartstrings.

My Anti-Hero is filled with love, romance, suspense and a profound exploration of the human spirit. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys a gripping tale delving into the themes of self-discovery, healing, and the power of connection. Superb!

Thank you to Tijan for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review. show less

Have you ever read a book that left you emotionally wrecked? The kind of book that stays with you long after you've turned the final page. This book does that and more.

Reese Forster is an NBA star who is at the top of his game with baggage from his angry alcoholic brother making his life a living hell. When Reese attends a remote basketball camp in Minnesota he meets Charlie, a nutty, question-popping, down-on-her-luck, camp employee who is Reese Forster's number-one fan and number-one pain show more in his ass. Why is he drawn to this kookie chick? Maybe it's her word vomit episodes, maybe it's the sadness he sees in her eyes, maybe it's the fact that she needs someone in her corner.

Charlie has been dumped, has lost her job, and has decided to face her past by working at the summer camp she left so abruptly a few years ago without a word of goodbye. As she reconnects with her friends at the camp, the emotional trauma of trying to explain her abrupt exit is devastating until she meets Reese Forster, her favorite basketball player. Who knew they would become friends? Especially, with all of her guilt over her ex, Damian, the man she planned to marry, the man she planned to have a family with, the man she left.

Charlie is a complex and multi-dimensional character who is easy to relate to. Her struggles and triumphs throughout the book are incredibly moving, and I found myself invested in her story from the very beginning. It took me a minute to figure out her oddities, but then I realized when she panics she starts asking random, inappropriate, funny, and seriously interesting questions. Sort of like Tourettes. What I loved about Reese was that he answered her questions. Something no one has ever done before. With all of his professional obligations and personal turmoil, he listened to her and saw beneath all of her craziness to the lonely and heartbroken woman she was. The icing on the cake is when Charlie faces her demons and comes through for Reese when he needs her most.

The supporting characters are just as well-developed and nuanced, and they all add something unique and valuable to the narrative.

No one writes grief and anguish like Tijan. Her characters are beyond broken and have so much potential to become whole again that when they meet their other half, it is a passionate and haunting journey to find the everlasting love that was meant to be.

One of the things that sets Tijan apart from other writers is her willingness to tackle tough subject matter. Her portrayal of a heartbreaking disease is both poignant and unbelievably real.

So if you're looking for a book that will make you feel all the feels, look no further than Teardrop Shot. It's a masterpiece of storytelling and a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of love and connection in our lives. show less

I don't even know where to begin with this review.So many words come to mind, but trying to put them down in a way that makes any semblance of sense seems to be an elusive task. This book has been on my TBR for a long time. despite the high reviews, I wasn't sure I wanted to read a story that was entirely written during the character's senior year. I was wrong to have waited. Holy hell, I was SO wrong.

This had all the angst I think I can handle for a while. My heart hurts. I cannot even show more begin to express the maelstrom of emotions that I am feeling in regards to this story and the subject matter. The author took a very painful subject and showed the after-effects of the devastation that it causes to the people it affects. I liked how the author didn't sugarcoat how it might feel different for the people experiencing. The unanswered questions, the sadness, the grief, the coping techniques, the anger, the guilt, and haunting what ifs... And the ending... sweet lord. BRILLIANT.

This is definitely a book that I will be thinking about for a very long time. It touched me and it will be remembered for a very long time. The author deserves all the accolades from writing this truly sublime, albeit painful, story. show less