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Twisted Cross Ranch #1
Sinner's Secret
I might be a cowboy, but I’m no gentleman.
Ten years ago I crossed the line with my younger brother’s best friend. I knew she was in love with me, and I couldn’t resist her. River Adams gave me her heart on her eighteenth birthday. I broke her in return and made her hate me. I thought walking away from her would be easy, but I never expected to come face to face with everything I gave up.
Thanks to a stipulation in my dad’s will, she’s back and we have to live together.
Me.
Her.
My brother Walker, who has carried a torch for her since they were kids.
And, how could I forget, Bishop? The ranch hand who can’t keep his eyes off her.
The years between us may not matter anymore, but the secrets and lies always will. My family has blood on its hands, no one more so than me. If she finds out the truth about Twisted Cross Ranch she’ll never forgive me.
I was born to be the villain, but when she looks at me, I wish I could be her hero.
For fans of Yellowstone, USA Today Bestselling Authors K. Loraine & Meg Anne bring you a new dark cowboy mafia series. Red-hot, gritty, suspenseful, and loaded with angst, Twisted Cross Ranch is the escape you didn’t know you needed. Hang on tight, darlin’, these ain’t your mama’s cowboys.
Please check the authors’ website for a full list of content and trigger warnings.
Ten years ago I crossed the line with my younger brother’s best friend. I knew she was in love with me, and I couldn’t resist her. River Adams gave me her heart on her eighteenth birthday. I broke her in return and made her hate me. I thought walking away from her would be easy, but I never expected to come face to face with everything I gave up.
Thanks to a stipulation in my dad’s will, she’s back and we have to live together.
Me.
Her.
My brother Walker, who has carried a torch for her since they were kids.
And, how could I forget, Bishop? The ranch hand who can’t keep his eyes off her.
The years between us may not matter anymore, but the secrets and lies always will. My family has blood on its hands, no one more so than me. If she finds out the truth about Twisted Cross Ranch she’ll never forgive me.
I was born to be the villain, but when she looks at me, I wish I could be her hero.
For fans of Yellowstone, USA Today Bestselling Authors K. Loraine & Meg Anne bring you a new dark cowboy mafia series. Red-hot, gritty, suspenseful, and loaded with angst, Twisted Cross Ranch is the escape you didn’t know you needed. Hang on tight, darlin’, these ain’t your mama’s cowboys.
Please check the authors’ website for a full list of content and trigger warnings.
248 pages, Paperback
Published August 12, 2023
389 people are currently reading
1804 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 386 reviews
September 2, 2025
Audio:
5 stars for Jason Clarke (Cross)
5 stars for Aaron Shedlock (Walker)
5 stars for JF Harding (Bishop aka Sterling)
5 stars for Stella Hunter (River)
Audio is narrated as a Duet.
Book: 4 stars
What a ride and I enjoyed every part of it, the narration was amazing and all the narrators are some of my favorites!
I was hooked from the start and I am interested in seeing how all three men plan on sharing haha since none of them seem like the sharing type 😂
I loved how strong River was and she took no shit, sometimes what she did was questionable, but overall I liked her as a FMC!
I think there were some parts that I didn’t love, like the type jumps that happened between chapters, or how they are all to stubborn to communicate! Haha
Can’t wait to see how River takes the news that was dropped on us at the end!
5 stars for Jason Clarke (Cross)
5 stars for Aaron Shedlock (Walker)
5 stars for JF Harding (Bishop aka Sterling)
5 stars for Stella Hunter (River)
Audio is narrated as a Duet.
Book: 4 stars
What a ride and I enjoyed every part of it, the narration was amazing and all the narrators are some of my favorites!
I was hooked from the start and I am interested in seeing how all three men plan on sharing haha since none of them seem like the sharing type 😂
I loved how strong River was and she took no shit, sometimes what she did was questionable, but overall I liked her as a FMC!
I think there were some parts that I didn’t love, like the type jumps that happened between chapters, or how they are all to stubborn to communicate! Haha
Can’t wait to see how River takes the news that was dropped on us at the end!
August 21, 2023
First off, can we talk about this dedication please?
"To Wrangler jeans. You know what you did, and we sure appreciate you for it. Thank you for decades of eye candy."
I CONCUR.
So, I was a teensy bit scared going into this book, knowing I'm picky with my contemporaries and especially with RH ones, but I needn't have worried, these authors always know what they're doing and they blew me away yet again.
Every time I start a new series by the two of them, I think it can't get better because it's already amazing, but then the next series is even better? TEACH ME YOUR WAYS.
Before you go any further, I need you to stop whatever it is you're doing, and GET THE AUDIOBOOK!!! It's life changing, a one of a kind experience, I promise, your world will never be the same. Just trust me.
You'll still have lots of fun if you read by yourself, but OH MY GOD, THE AUDIOBOOK...One of the best audios I've listened to, hands down. It really made the whole experience for me, with the accents and emotions coming through perfectly.
I am sooo tempted to just reread/relisten to this immediately, it's THAT GOOD. Is there crack inside? Likely my friends, very very likely. I'm addicted now.
Which makes dealing with the length even harder, because how did you pack so much awesomeness into such a small package? And how are you expecting me to wait to get my next fix???
Well no, I got the arc of the next book so I'm safe, be jealous!! But if I read that one immediately I'll have to wait for real which is so unfair when this is such a good story.
I haven't read about a cowboy mafia before, but it works. Don't ask me why or how, it just does.
And I love all of the characters, I will NOT be picking favourites this time around. I can't, I won't, I refuse. I love them all equally ok? Ok.
Walker gave me huge Wade Kinsella (from Hart of Dixie) vibes, it's crazy. He and River are giving the same amount of angst as Wade and Zoe from that show and I'm here for it.
I even like mr Volkov (typical of me, I know), who may or may not turn out to be the villain. Do I care though? Nope.
I've seen some reviews wondering if Bear will be added to the harem, which is what I wonder too, but I see him more as a father figure than potential lover? I guess we'll see.
I'm really excited to see where the story goes from here, especially after that cliffhanger ending.
*Thank you to the authors for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
"To Wrangler jeans. You know what you did, and we sure appreciate you for it. Thank you for decades of eye candy."
I CONCUR.
So, I was a teensy bit scared going into this book, knowing I'm picky with my contemporaries and especially with RH ones, but I needn't have worried, these authors always know what they're doing and they blew me away yet again.
Every time I start a new series by the two of them, I think it can't get better because it's already amazing, but then the next series is even better? TEACH ME YOUR WAYS.
Before you go any further, I need you to stop whatever it is you're doing, and GET THE AUDIOBOOK!!! It's life changing, a one of a kind experience, I promise, your world will never be the same. Just trust me.
You'll still have lots of fun if you read by yourself, but OH MY GOD, THE AUDIOBOOK...One of the best audios I've listened to, hands down. It really made the whole experience for me, with the accents and emotions coming through perfectly.
I am sooo tempted to just reread/relisten to this immediately, it's THAT GOOD. Is there crack inside? Likely my friends, very very likely. I'm addicted now.
Which makes dealing with the length even harder, because how did you pack so much awesomeness into such a small package? And how are you expecting me to wait to get my next fix???
Well no, I got the arc of the next book so I'm safe, be jealous!! But if I read that one immediately I'll have to wait for real which is so unfair when this is such a good story.
I haven't read about a cowboy mafia before, but it works. Don't ask me why or how, it just does.
And I love all of the characters, I will NOT be picking favourites this time around. I can't, I won't, I refuse. I love them all equally ok? Ok.
Walker gave me huge Wade Kinsella (from Hart of Dixie) vibes, it's crazy. He and River are giving the same amount of angst as Wade and Zoe from that show and I'm here for it.
I even like mr Volkov (typical of me, I know), who may or may not turn out to be the villain. Do I care though? Nope.
I've seen some reviews wondering if Bear will be added to the harem, which is what I wonder too, but I see him more as a father figure than potential lover? I guess we'll see.
I'm really excited to see where the story goes from here, especially after that cliffhanger ending.
*Thank you to the authors for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
September 21, 2023
Twisted Cross Ranch is immersed in secrets and River is back home for the first time in a decade. Will she lose her heart to the first man that ever broke it, her best friend, or the ranch hand with eyes of silver? And what happens when she can't choose?
"Who do you ache for when you make yourself come at night Sparrow?"
If you've experienced the sheer pleasure of The Mate Games by K. Loraine and Meg Anne then you have some kind of idea of what you are getting into when you dive into Sinner's Secret. A world unlike anything you've read before with hot alpha males and the one woman who consumes them all. That is where the similarities end though.
River might be the new queen of my heart with her sass and that southern accent that would pop in when she would get particularly ticked off. Usually at Cross, but I can't say I blame her for that one. Stella Hunter as always brought this character to life in a way only she can not to mention carrying the entire female cast on her back.
And then those damn cowboys!! Hell, I remember why Mamma always told me to stay away from cowboys. Might be worth it though for Cross, Bishop, or Walker to call me "darlin"....
Jason Clarke made the curtness that was Cross so frustrating! Yeah, I get it that was the entire point, but I wanted to ring his neck way too often. I still adored him though, especially with that ending because excuse me?! WHAT?!
Bishop, he knocked me on my butt honestly. I wasn't expecting all of that. My fault maybe because I underestimated him when I shouldn't have. J.F. Harding gave the cowboy who is not a real cowboy an entire personality that I became obsessed with.
But with all that said it was Aaron Shedlock as Walker that had me completely wrecked. I didn't know Aaron could do that, like where have I been? I need Aaron Shedlock as a cowboy in my ears at least a couple of times a week now. He brought Walker to life in such a way I swear I could hear the damn smirk in his voice when he was giving his brother or River a rough go at things.
As usual, I've made this review entirely too long but COME ON! It wasn't just one cowboy it was three and I had to do them all justice. This is just book one in the Twisted Cross Ranch series and I have a feeling the secrets the ranch is hiding are far darker than even I am thinking. Hold onto your saddles babes because we have just barely begun our journey in Devil's Grove Texas!!
*ALC received from Audibly Addicted in exchange for my honest review. *
"Who do you ache for when you make yourself come at night Sparrow?"
If you've experienced the sheer pleasure of The Mate Games by K. Loraine and Meg Anne then you have some kind of idea of what you are getting into when you dive into Sinner's Secret. A world unlike anything you've read before with hot alpha males and the one woman who consumes them all. That is where the similarities end though.
River might be the new queen of my heart with her sass and that southern accent that would pop in when she would get particularly ticked off. Usually at Cross, but I can't say I blame her for that one. Stella Hunter as always brought this character to life in a way only she can not to mention carrying the entire female cast on her back.
And then those damn cowboys!! Hell, I remember why Mamma always told me to stay away from cowboys. Might be worth it though for Cross, Bishop, or Walker to call me "darlin"....
Jason Clarke made the curtness that was Cross so frustrating! Yeah, I get it that was the entire point, but I wanted to ring his neck way too often. I still adored him though, especially with that ending because excuse me?! WHAT?!
Bishop, he knocked me on my butt honestly. I wasn't expecting all of that. My fault maybe because I underestimated him when I shouldn't have. J.F. Harding gave the cowboy who is not a real cowboy an entire personality that I became obsessed with.
But with all that said it was Aaron Shedlock as Walker that had me completely wrecked. I didn't know Aaron could do that, like where have I been? I need Aaron Shedlock as a cowboy in my ears at least a couple of times a week now. He brought Walker to life in such a way I swear I could hear the damn smirk in his voice when he was giving his brother or River a rough go at things.
As usual, I've made this review entirely too long but COME ON! It wasn't just one cowboy it was three and I had to do them all justice. This is just book one in the Twisted Cross Ranch series and I have a feeling the secrets the ranch is hiding are far darker than even I am thinking. Hold onto your saddles babes because we have just barely begun our journey in Devil's Grove Texas!!
*ALC received from Audibly Addicted in exchange for my honest review. *
April 16, 2024
4-4.5 stars
Book 1 of 3
💜Cowboy/Mafia RH MFMM
💜First person/Multi POV
💜Audible, multiple cast members
💜No MM
💜No OW drama/cheating**
💜Friends to lovers
💜Lovers to enemies
💜Age Gap (Cross is 8 years older)
💜Forced proximity
💜Torture/Death (kind of off page) of side character
💜One guy gets stabbed badly but ends up ok
💜Talks of safe sex/being tested
💜Two guys are brothers (Cross & Walker)
💜One guy doesn’t like to be touched
💜Cliffhanger ending
FMC- River
MLs- Bishop, Walker and Cross (Daniel Jr)
Voice Actors-
Stella Hunter- River and all OW
Jason Clarke- Cross, Bear and Dominic
Aaron Shedlock- Walker and Sr
JF Harding- Bishop, McCreedy, Casey and Ransom
**So River loses her virginity to Cross when she turns 18. He is 26 at the time. We aren’t too sure what happens right after though as it skips 10 years. Walker is her best friend who has been in love with her for forever. They are all with other people during this separation as she has been out of their lives for 10 years. We don’t see them with others at all though, it’s just mentioned. Closest OW drama scene is through email. River gets an email inviting Cross to this Gala. It’s from a secretary asking for confirmation and hoping she will see him there as she ‘can’t wait to dance with him again’. Only instance of OW drama and it’s nothing at all.
I will say I’m not the biggest fan of the friends to lover trope or the ‘I’ve been in love with you forever but first let me stick my dick in everything that moves before I tell you trope’. That sums up Walker right there lol And honestly, kind of Cross as well. Cross, Walker and River have all been with other people during the separation. Only Bishop hasn’t, but that’s because he first meets her when the book actually starts.
River is forced back into town after 10 years when the brothers father, Daniel Sr, passes away and she has to be at his Will reading. But she also has her own reasons for coming. She learns before even getting there that her parents were murdered and she wants to know who did it. We don’t get to know yet why Cross and River ‘hate’ eachother right now, or at least the real reason. When she walks into that room he is so unnecessarily rude to her. All we know so far is that she asks him to take her virginity. He complies very willingly and does so with care. Right after it happens, she tells him she loves him and that’s when the time jump happens. I can only assume he blows up on her and is a total dick. Not sure why he’s so butthurt though around her.
Turns out, Daniel Sr left River half the ranch and businesses. She has to stay there for a year or things will happen(too much to explain lol) Of course this doesn’t go over well with Cross and he throws a temper tantrum. There’s a lot of back and forth with them through the whole book, but other then that night 10 years ago and some heavy stares and comments, their relationship doesn’t go anywhere as he can’t keep his mouth shut.
Walker makes moves on River intending not to let her go this time around. We get a sex scene with them before he fucks up and has to start groveling. To me flowers and candy is not a good grovel so I hope he picks up his game in the second book.
Bishop is one of the Ranch hands. He is ex Navy and has a really bad past. He doesn’t like to be touched at all and has mentioned he hasn’t had sex in a while as he doesn’t want to risk his PTSD from flaring up. He has tried it a few times after coming home by having no attachments, no repeats and no letting them touch him. but he grew tired of it and was done trying to risk it. It was definitely instant attraction for them both but he has things that are holding him back other then his inability to be touched. Other than their first meeting, he has been kind to her.
Book ends on a cliffhanger, did not see that coming at all lol
Book 1 of 3
💜Cowboy/Mafia RH MFMM
💜First person/Multi POV
💜Audible, multiple cast members
💜No MM
💜No OW drama/cheating**
💜Friends to lovers
💜Lovers to enemies
💜Age Gap (Cross is 8 years older)
💜Forced proximity
💜Torture/Death (kind of off page) of side character
💜One guy gets stabbed badly but ends up ok
💜Talks of safe sex/being tested
💜Two guys are brothers (Cross & Walker)
💜One guy doesn’t like to be touched
💜Cliffhanger ending
FMC- River
MLs- Bishop, Walker and Cross (Daniel Jr)
Voice Actors-
Stella Hunter- River and all OW
Jason Clarke- Cross, Bear and Dominic
Aaron Shedlock- Walker and Sr
JF Harding- Bishop, McCreedy, Casey and Ransom
**So River loses her virginity to Cross when she turns 18. He is 26 at the time. We aren’t too sure what happens right after though as it skips 10 years. Walker is her best friend who has been in love with her for forever. They are all with other people during this separation as she has been out of their lives for 10 years. We don’t see them with others at all though, it’s just mentioned. Closest OW drama scene is through email. River gets an email inviting Cross to this Gala. It’s from a secretary asking for confirmation and hoping she will see him there as she ‘can’t wait to dance with him again’. Only instance of OW drama and it’s nothing at all.
I will say I’m not the biggest fan of the friends to lover trope or the ‘I’ve been in love with you forever but first let me stick my dick in everything that moves before I tell you trope’. That sums up Walker right there lol And honestly, kind of Cross as well. Cross, Walker and River have all been with other people during the separation. Only Bishop hasn’t, but that’s because he first meets her when the book actually starts.
River is forced back into town after 10 years when the brothers father, Daniel Sr, passes away and she has to be at his Will reading. But she also has her own reasons for coming. She learns before even getting there that her parents were murdered and she wants to know who did it. We don’t get to know yet why Cross and River ‘hate’ eachother right now, or at least the real reason. When she walks into that room he is so unnecessarily rude to her. All we know so far is that she asks him to take her virginity. He complies very willingly and does so with care. Right after it happens, she tells him she loves him and that’s when the time jump happens. I can only assume he blows up on her and is a total dick. Not sure why he’s so butthurt though around her.
Turns out, Daniel Sr left River half the ranch and businesses. She has to stay there for a year or things will happen(too much to explain lol) Of course this doesn’t go over well with Cross and he throws a temper tantrum. There’s a lot of back and forth with them through the whole book, but other then that night 10 years ago and some heavy stares and comments, their relationship doesn’t go anywhere as he can’t keep his mouth shut.
Walker makes moves on River intending not to let her go this time around. We get a sex scene with them before he fucks up and has to start groveling. To me flowers and candy is not a good grovel so I hope he picks up his game in the second book.
Bishop is one of the Ranch hands. He is ex Navy and has a really bad past. He doesn’t like to be touched at all and has mentioned he hasn’t had sex in a while as he doesn’t want to risk his PTSD from flaring up. He has tried it a few times after coming home by having no attachments, no repeats and no letting them touch him. but he grew tired of it and was done trying to risk it. It was definitely instant attraction for them both but he has things that are holding him back other then his inability to be touched. Other than their first meeting, he has been kind to her.
Book ends on a cliffhanger, did not see that coming at all lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2023
This book is incredibly intense, twisty and oh, so yummy! The promise of all the fiery sparks and steamy sizzle may be what entices you in but, Holy Moly, once this book has its hooks in you, you are simply done for. Be prepared to be left obsessed, addicted and feverishly craving more of this sinfully seductive and wickedly wonderful series. This is my freely posted, frank review.
November 16, 2023
4.5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5🎧
All kinds of twists!
I kind of loved that. honestly, it was fun to see how River was going to handle herself.
Cross is a gruff, no-nonsense kind of dude. Walker feels like the laid-back cowboy. Bishop, well, he is all kinds of mistrious.
I am leaning toward Bishop right now, but I am sure that will change. I mean, she can totally handle herself with them all, but I want to see how she can help heal this broken man.
Cross, I think, has a lot riding on his shoulders, and Walker, I feel, is trying to prove himself to his brother. I think time is going to tell if they can ever mend fences.
I love the narration, the fact that it is a full cast and doesn't feel crowded impresses me.
All kinds of twists!
I kind of loved that. honestly, it was fun to see how River was going to handle herself.
Cross is a gruff, no-nonsense kind of dude. Walker feels like the laid-back cowboy. Bishop, well, he is all kinds of mistrious.
I am leaning toward Bishop right now, but I am sure that will change. I mean, she can totally handle herself with them all, but I want to see how she can help heal this broken man.
Cross, I think, has a lot riding on his shoulders, and Walker, I feel, is trying to prove himself to his brother. I think time is going to tell if they can ever mend fences.
I love the narration, the fact that it is a full cast and doesn't feel crowded impresses me.
August 20, 2023
(audiobook) That was an interesting introduction to a new series and a new world. A dark world. You get sexy cowboys and ex-military, a sexy setting–River is forced to live in her former friend’s ranch, where’s she’s attracted to her former best friend, his older brother, and their help/bodyguard–and a lot of tension in forced proximity. But you also get all the elements of a romantic suspense, with trafficking, secrets, and mafia enemies. Let’s not forget the male characters’ proclivities, which aren’t yet on paper, but that you can guess pretty well.
The story plays in two time frames really, with one mostly suggested through memories and a few flashbacks. The crux of it is that what happened in the past, which forged the characters’ personality, hangups and traumas, isn’t what it looked like. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say that River’s parents’ death is mysterious, and the Cross brothers didn’t admit their true feelings at the time. And today’s time frame is here to reveal the truth.
We also get a hard look at the Cross family. They’re at the center of the story–their activities, their enemies, their dark past, their dead patriarch… River is the cog threatening to destroy everything.
The Why choose? aspect was okay, mostly because River is the one expressing her interest in each guy and engaging with them. Sure, they aren’t indifferent, and maybe feelings are involved, but she’s far from just the object of their lust: she’s the instigator. It reverses once they get it on, as the men take control, but she isn’t passive either. She knows what–or whom–she wants.
The suspense part was interesting. There were clues about what’s going on behind the scenes–and what went on years before��but it’s still mostly mysterious. Violence, torture and death are on the page. Remember, it’s a dark world. Not for the faint of heart.
The audiobook is duet narration, which is perfect for the tension built between the characters. The narrators really interact and play together, which brings some real emotions. They’re also perfectly cast: Cross junior is adequately grumpy, Walker is the charmer, and Bishop’s inner struggles transpire in his voice. As for the female narrator, she conveys River’s strength pretty well. A great first installment that hooked me, I can’t wait for the rest of the series.
Quickie
- Series: Twisted Cross ranch #1 (ends on a cliffhanger)
- Hashtags: #cowboy romance #mafia romance #reverse harem #dark romance #enemies to lovers #friends to lovers #forced proximity
- Triggers: violence and death, torture, drug trafficking, PTSD
- Main “couple”: River Adams & (Daniel Cross junior/Walker Cross/Sterling Bishop)
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 2/5
- + the little clues about what’s happening at the ranch were interesting
- – not a lot of romance here, mostly old infatuation and lust
The story plays in two time frames really, with one mostly suggested through memories and a few flashbacks. The crux of it is that what happened in the past, which forged the characters’ personality, hangups and traumas, isn’t what it looked like. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say that River’s parents’ death is mysterious, and the Cross brothers didn’t admit their true feelings at the time. And today’s time frame is here to reveal the truth.
We also get a hard look at the Cross family. They’re at the center of the story–their activities, their enemies, their dark past, their dead patriarch… River is the cog threatening to destroy everything.
The Why choose? aspect was okay, mostly because River is the one expressing her interest in each guy and engaging with them. Sure, they aren’t indifferent, and maybe feelings are involved, but she’s far from just the object of their lust: she’s the instigator. It reverses once they get it on, as the men take control, but she isn’t passive either. She knows what–or whom–she wants.
The suspense part was interesting. There were clues about what’s going on behind the scenes–and what went on years before��but it’s still mostly mysterious. Violence, torture and death are on the page. Remember, it’s a dark world. Not for the faint of heart.
The audiobook is duet narration, which is perfect for the tension built between the characters. The narrators really interact and play together, which brings some real emotions. They’re also perfectly cast: Cross junior is adequately grumpy, Walker is the charmer, and Bishop’s inner struggles transpire in his voice. As for the female narrator, she conveys River’s strength pretty well. A great first installment that hooked me, I can’t wait for the rest of the series.
Quickie
- Series: Twisted Cross ranch #1 (ends on a cliffhanger)
- Hashtags: #cowboy romance #mafia romance #reverse harem #dark romance #enemies to lovers #friends to lovers #forced proximity
- Triggers: violence and death, torture, drug trafficking, PTSD
- Main “couple”: River Adams & (Daniel Cross junior/Walker Cross/Sterling Bishop)
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 2/5
- + the little clues about what’s happening at the ranch were interesting
- – not a lot of romance here, mostly old infatuation and lust
June 9, 2023
Who needs sleep when you have an ARC of the new Meg Anne & Kim Loraine novel burning’ a hole in your kindle, and your heart??
Holy heck this cowboy mafia is divine. The banter? Perfection. The heroine? A badass. The cowboys? The swooniest, grumpiest, and most mysterious. I can’t wait to hear this on audio, it’s going to be so dang good.
If you loved The Mate Games by this same writing duo it has all the fun, spice, chaos, and enjoyable writing but with a contemporary spin. I’m absolutely devouring it so far, and I cannot wait to see where it goes from here!
Holy heck this cowboy mafia is divine. The banter? Perfection. The heroine? A badass. The cowboys? The swooniest, grumpiest, and most mysterious. I can’t wait to hear this on audio, it’s going to be so dang good.
If you loved The Mate Games by this same writing duo it has all the fun, spice, chaos, and enjoyable writing but with a contemporary spin. I’m absolutely devouring it so far, and I cannot wait to see where it goes from here!
April 26, 2025
Quick Stats:
Buddy read with Tayla.
Format: eBook and Audiobook.
Narrators: 🎙️ Stella Hunter, Jason Clarke, Aaron Shedlock, J.F. Harding.
Narration Style: 🎧 Full cast.
Whispersync For Voice Ready? ✅ Yes.
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The Plot: 💬
Small town secrets, ranch-side heartbreak, and three emotionally complex men who are all bad ideas, but like… really hot ones.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Narrator Chemistry: 🎙️
Stella Hunter as River: River is tough, scarred, and tired of running. Stella gives her this perfect edge of grit and heart.
Jason Clarke as Cross: Cross is an intense alpha character, and he is constantly wrestling with control. Jason’s deep, commanding tone was chef’s kiss and the perfect fit for Cross.
Aaron Shedlock as Walker: Walker is the quiet one with a heart of gold and years of repressed feelings, especially for River. Aaron nailed the emotional nuance of Walker, and he absolutely hit the nail on the head with the Texan accent.
J.F. Harding as Bishop: Bishop is the wildcard. He’s broody, silent, and dangerous. J.F. brings a smoky, dangerous vibe to Bishop that made every line feel like a warning and a promise.
The combo of voice acting and character tension makes this audiobook chef’s kiss. It’s fully immersive and emotionally loaded.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Feels:
Laughter: 😂 2/5 - Not a romcom, but there are a few dry, sarcastic lines that cut through the tension nicely.
Swooniness: 🫠 5/5 - So much yearning. The chemistry simmers the entire book—it’s the “almost touch” moments for me.
Suspense: 🕵️♂️ 4/5 - There’s a deeper mystery here and it keeps creeping in—had me side-eyeing literally everyone.
Plot Twists: 🔀 4/5 - Some twists hit you out of nowhere, some build slowly, but all of them together added layers I didn’t see coming.
Tear Flow Rate: 😭 3/5 - Not a sobfest, but I definitely felt that lump in my throat more than once, especially with Walker.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sizzle Scale:
Scorching: 🔥 4.5/5 - It’s messy, intense, and full of emotion. This story is not just spice for spice’s sake. You feel every second of it.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Book Bite:
This one’s for the readers who love their cowboys dark, their tension deliciously thick, and their heroines complicated as hell. If you’re into messy family secrets, protective-but-broken men, and a heroine who stops running and starts owning her pain, then this is it. Sinner’s Secret is pure small-town drama with a dangerous edge, and I am fully obsessed.
Tropes:
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Enemies-Lovers
✔️ Cowboy Mafia
✔️ Ex-Military
✔️ Small-Town Western Ranch
✔️ Why Choose?
✔️ Found Family (But It’s Very Broken)
✔️ Second Chance
✔️ Love Quadrangle (yes, it’s messy... and yes, I loved it)
Buddy read with Tayla.
Format: eBook and Audiobook.
Narrators: 🎙️ Stella Hunter, Jason Clarke, Aaron Shedlock, J.F. Harding.
Narration Style: 🎧 Full cast.
Whispersync For Voice Ready? ✅ Yes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Plot: 💬
Small town secrets, ranch-side heartbreak, and three emotionally complex men who are all bad ideas, but like… really hot ones.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Narrator Chemistry: 🎙️
Stella Hunter as River: River is tough, scarred, and tired of running. Stella gives her this perfect edge of grit and heart.
Jason Clarke as Cross: Cross is an intense alpha character, and he is constantly wrestling with control. Jason’s deep, commanding tone was chef’s kiss and the perfect fit for Cross.
Aaron Shedlock as Walker: Walker is the quiet one with a heart of gold and years of repressed feelings, especially for River. Aaron nailed the emotional nuance of Walker, and he absolutely hit the nail on the head with the Texan accent.
J.F. Harding as Bishop: Bishop is the wildcard. He’s broody, silent, and dangerous. J.F. brings a smoky, dangerous vibe to Bishop that made every line feel like a warning and a promise.
The combo of voice acting and character tension makes this audiobook chef’s kiss. It’s fully immersive and emotionally loaded.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Feels:
Laughter: 😂 2/5 - Not a romcom, but there are a few dry, sarcastic lines that cut through the tension nicely.
Swooniness: 🫠 5/5 - So much yearning. The chemistry simmers the entire book—it’s the “almost touch” moments for me.
Suspense: 🕵️♂️ 4/5 - There’s a deeper mystery here and it keeps creeping in—had me side-eyeing literally everyone.
Plot Twists: 🔀 4/5 - Some twists hit you out of nowhere, some build slowly, but all of them together added layers I didn’t see coming.
Tear Flow Rate: 😭 3/5 - Not a sobfest, but I definitely felt that lump in my throat more than once, especially with Walker.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sizzle Scale:
Scorching: 🔥 4.5/5 - It’s messy, intense, and full of emotion. This story is not just spice for spice’s sake. You feel every second of it.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Book Bite:
This one’s for the readers who love their cowboys dark, their tension deliciously thick, and their heroines complicated as hell. If you’re into messy family secrets, protective-but-broken men, and a heroine who stops running and starts owning her pain, then this is it. Sinner’s Secret is pure small-town drama with a dangerous edge, and I am fully obsessed.
Tropes:
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Enemies-Lovers
✔️ Cowboy Mafia
✔️ Ex-Military
✔️ Small-Town Western Ranch
✔️ Why Choose?
✔️ Found Family (But It’s Very Broken)
✔️ Second Chance
✔️ Love Quadrangle (yes, it’s messy... and yes, I loved it)
August 31, 2025
this was extremely fast paced but a short timeline which is what i NEEDED right now 🤣 it helped me get out of the slump i’ve been in and who doesn’t love a bad boy dressed like a cowboy 🤠
October 20, 2025
Version: Audiobook
Umm a why choose dark cowboy mafia romance with forced proximity, age gap, friends to lovers, best friend’s brother, broody, mysterious, and golden retriever MMCs, suspense, and cliffhangers that’s narrated in duet style by a full cast? This had me hooked. 😂
Umm a why choose dark cowboy mafia romance with forced proximity, age gap, friends to lovers, best friend’s brother, broody, mysterious, and golden retriever MMCs, suspense, and cliffhangers that’s narrated in duet style by a full cast? This had me hooked. 😂
September 1, 2023
I recently dove into the captivating world of Sinner's Secret by the dynamic duo of K. Loraine and Meg Anne, and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised! This marks my first foray into their collaborative writing, and it did not disappoint.
The story they've crafted is a rollercoaster of emotions, brimming with twists, secrets, and undeniable heat that keeps you turning the pages with bated breath. From the very beginning, I found myself caught up in a web of intrigue and suspense, as the characters navigated a world filled with unsuspecting surprises and spicy encounters.
I knew this would end with a cliffhanger, but I was in no way prepared for the jaw-dropping twist they delivered. It left me both shocked and craving more, eagerly anticipating what's to come.
With Sinner's Secret being the first instalment in a trilogy, I am already counting down the days until I can get my hands on the next two books. Loraine and Anne have masterfully woven a tale that has left me hooked and invested in the lives of their characters. If you're a fan of gripping romantic suspense with a dash of sizzling chemistry, then this book is an absolute must-read. Four stars and eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this thrilling trilogy!
The story they've crafted is a rollercoaster of emotions, brimming with twists, secrets, and undeniable heat that keeps you turning the pages with bated breath. From the very beginning, I found myself caught up in a web of intrigue and suspense, as the characters navigated a world filled with unsuspecting surprises and spicy encounters.
I knew this would end with a cliffhanger, but I was in no way prepared for the jaw-dropping twist they delivered. It left me both shocked and craving more, eagerly anticipating what's to come.
With Sinner's Secret being the first instalment in a trilogy, I am already counting down the days until I can get my hands on the next two books. Loraine and Anne have masterfully woven a tale that has left me hooked and invested in the lives of their characters. If you're a fan of gripping romantic suspense with a dash of sizzling chemistry, then this book is an absolute must-read. Four stars and eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this thrilling trilogy!
September 15, 2023
Cowboys? Ex-military? Why Choose? Dark Romance?? Sign me up!
YES. YES. YES. Everything about this book was absolutely top notch. It honestly felt like I’ve never read a book like this one. I absolutely adored all four main characters. They have such great chemistry. I don’t think there was anything that I didn’t love about this book. This book was intense, twisty, dark, unsuspecting, and spicy as hell! Let me point out that I listened to this book on audio and it was absolutely amazing. And can I also tell you how much I absolutely love duet narration?! When you have a cast like this one, it is 100% worth it!! And that ending? I knew it was gonna be a cliffhanger, but I didn’t expect anything like that. I can’t wait to read the next two books in the series and I wish they were already out because I’d already be reading book number two!
This book is hands-down another top read for 2023!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
YES. YES. YES. Everything about this book was absolutely top notch. It honestly felt like I’ve never read a book like this one. I absolutely adored all four main characters. They have such great chemistry. I don’t think there was anything that I didn’t love about this book. This book was intense, twisty, dark, unsuspecting, and spicy as hell! Let me point out that I listened to this book on audio and it was absolutely amazing. And can I also tell you how much I absolutely love duet narration?! When you have a cast like this one, it is 100% worth it!! And that ending? I knew it was gonna be a cliffhanger, but I didn’t expect anything like that. I can’t wait to read the next two books in the series and I wish they were already out because I’d already be reading book number two!
This book is hands-down another top read for 2023!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 25, 2023
** ALC Audiobook Review **
Cowboys! Cowboys! Cowboys Swoon F**king Worthy
Yellowstone meets Twisted Cross Ranch in full audio !! Kim and Meg the dynamic duo have done it again! This is one hell of a start to their new series and I devoured it.
Daniel Cross aka Danny the eldest son of the Cross brothers, is easy on the eyes but ruthless when it comes to his family or anyone who stands in his way! He is one angry, grumpy brute of a man that has one hell of a secret he is keeping.
Walker- a lover not much of a fighter unless you come between him and the only woman he has ever loved. He is smooth as the finest whiskey that has ever touched your lips. This cowboy is all Southern charm but is just as ruthless as his older brother.
Bishop - the Ranch hand with a past, he doesn't; like to be touched until he sets his eyes on the new boss and he will do any and everything to stake his claim.
River -the one that got away or did she? She is not the same girl as either of the Cross men remembered, she is all grown and very headstrong, she gave away her heart once but it will not be so easy this time around. River will stop at nothing to get to the bottom of the truth.
This story is so full of twists and secrets that everyone is harboring, who is honest, who is the liar, and can River gamble with her heart and trust amongst three men? The cliffhanger will leave you breathless. Kim and Meg have written this first installment, so buckle up as you are in for one hell of a ride.
Jason Clarke - Cross
Aaron Shedlock - Walker
JF Harding - Bishop
River - Stella Hunter
This cast has some much chemistry you feel whenever they come together on any project!
Sinner's Secret - Aug 21
Corruptor's Claim - Sept 18
Deadly Debt - Oct 9th
Pre-orders available
Don't be the one hearing about it, be the one talking about it !!!
This is my honest and free review of Kim Loraine and Meg Anne's books.
Cowboys! Cowboys! Cowboys Swoon F**king Worthy
Yellowstone meets Twisted Cross Ranch in full audio !! Kim and Meg the dynamic duo have done it again! This is one hell of a start to their new series and I devoured it.
Daniel Cross aka Danny the eldest son of the Cross brothers, is easy on the eyes but ruthless when it comes to his family or anyone who stands in his way! He is one angry, grumpy brute of a man that has one hell of a secret he is keeping.
Walker- a lover not much of a fighter unless you come between him and the only woman he has ever loved. He is smooth as the finest whiskey that has ever touched your lips. This cowboy is all Southern charm but is just as ruthless as his older brother.
Bishop - the Ranch hand with a past, he doesn't; like to be touched until he sets his eyes on the new boss and he will do any and everything to stake his claim.
River -the one that got away or did she? She is not the same girl as either of the Cross men remembered, she is all grown and very headstrong, she gave away her heart once but it will not be so easy this time around. River will stop at nothing to get to the bottom of the truth.
This story is so full of twists and secrets that everyone is harboring, who is honest, who is the liar, and can River gamble with her heart and trust amongst three men? The cliffhanger will leave you breathless. Kim and Meg have written this first installment, so buckle up as you are in for one hell of a ride.
Jason Clarke - Cross
Aaron Shedlock - Walker
JF Harding - Bishop
River - Stella Hunter
This cast has some much chemistry you feel whenever they come together on any project!
Sinner's Secret - Aug 21
Corruptor's Claim - Sept 18
Deadly Debt - Oct 9th
Pre-orders available
Don't be the one hearing about it, be the one talking about it !!!
This is my honest and free review of Kim Loraine and Meg Anne's books.
October 10, 2023
Take a cowboy romance but make it dark and why choose. That’s basically SINNER’S SECRET, the first instalment of a new series – and their first joined contemporary one at that – by K. Loraine and Meg Anne in a nutshell. And boy, it worked! I was hooked from start to finish and am anxious to dive into the next book of this series. These books are short – too short if you ask me, I need more goodness, lol –, but heck dis this one already pack a punch!
Have you ever read cowboy mafia before? Yeah, me neither. But it works. Perfectly. Darkly. Beautifully. It’s addicting! And the characters? The way they are brought to life by a high-quality cast in duet? Outstanding! An experience all of its own and most definitely not to be missed:
Brusque, closed off Cross, narrated by the ever-talented Jason Clarke, bringing his grumbly grumpiness to life just perfectly. Next, charming, kind Walker – the sunshine of the bunch –, portrayed by the amazing Aaron Shedlock. I don’t know, there’s just something about this narrator voicing southern accents that I’m a total sucker for. Then there is Bishop, brought to life by another favorite of mine, J.F. Harding. He’s the kind of character you tend to underestimate and who in turn turns to blindside you as the story progresses – which is exactly what this bad boy did. And Mr. Harding enhanced this enigma of a man just perfectly. And finally, River, with her sass and southern charm, given voice by the incredible Stella Hunter, who is another favorite of mine.
So, yeah, this book is mystery, suspense, dark elements and romance, all woven into a unique tale not to be missed. And I have just the feeling that the secrets may run far deeper, be much darker than I anticipated in the beginning. I’m ready!
Have you ever read cowboy mafia before? Yeah, me neither. But it works. Perfectly. Darkly. Beautifully. It’s addicting! And the characters? The way they are brought to life by a high-quality cast in duet? Outstanding! An experience all of its own and most definitely not to be missed:
Brusque, closed off Cross, narrated by the ever-talented Jason Clarke, bringing his grumbly grumpiness to life just perfectly. Next, charming, kind Walker – the sunshine of the bunch –, portrayed by the amazing Aaron Shedlock. I don’t know, there’s just something about this narrator voicing southern accents that I’m a total sucker for. Then there is Bishop, brought to life by another favorite of mine, J.F. Harding. He’s the kind of character you tend to underestimate and who in turn turns to blindside you as the story progresses – which is exactly what this bad boy did. And Mr. Harding enhanced this enigma of a man just perfectly. And finally, River, with her sass and southern charm, given voice by the incredible Stella Hunter, who is another favorite of mine.
So, yeah, this book is mystery, suspense, dark elements and romance, all woven into a unique tale not to be missed. And I have just the feeling that the secrets may run far deeper, be much darker than I anticipated in the beginning. I’m ready!
August 21, 2023
Sinner's Secret is the first book in the new Twisted Cross Ranch series. It is a dark cowboy mafia, why choose romance by Authors K. Loraine and Meg Anne. Set in the aptly named Devil’s Grove,Texas, we meet River Adams, Daniel Cross Junior, Walker Cross and Sterling Bishop. A romantic suspense revolving around family drama and sizzling chemistry between River and the three men. It’s going to be fun working out who are the true villains in this story. Packed full of intrigue, secrets galore and mysteries to be solved. Have the authors given us good men doing bad things or bad men pretending to be good?It’s going to be one hell of a ride as these men are definitely not conventional cowboys!!
“This family had more skeletons in their closet than a damm cemetery.”
River Adams and Walker were best friends but she suddenly left ten years ago. Haunted by the memories of Cross breaking her heart on her eighteenth birthday, she’s always wondered if she had chosen the wrong brother. She is shocked when her presence is requested at the reading of their father’s will. She’d vowed never to return but reluctantly agrees so she can investigate the death of her parents after receiving an anonymous tip-off about their accident and a warning that the Cross family aren’t who she thinks they are.
The will stipulates she must stay at Twisted Cross Ranch. Unfortunately for the brothers she isn’t the sweet tomboy she was growing up but is now a sassy and feisty independent woman. Her feelings for both the Cross brothers come back with a vengeance then throw in a handsome ranch hand and she is torn between her feelings for all three men. She feels a pull to each of them and some serious sexual tension is ignited.
How is a girl meant to choose between the three complicated cowboys?
Cross is a grumpy, cold and ruthless. He refuses to admit she still affects him because he thinks she will never be his and he can’t let her into his world. Enemies to lovers.
Walker is charming, kind and caring. He has loved her for years and was hurt when she left so is hoping to get the girl this time. Friends to lovers with a ‘magic’ surprise!
Bishop is the mysterious, brooding ranch hand. Ex military with severe PTSD, living a life filled with secrets. A strong, silent giant with a filthy mouth and smouldering stares. He is shocked by his feelings towards her as she makes him feel less broken. Insta-lovers.
Things get interesting when she uncovers information that the ranch is involved in unlawful businesses and then the brothers have to deal with the after effects of their dad’s death.
Can they stop their empire from falling apart when others want their downfall. I enjoyed the spicy and good banter, she can really put those men in their place and I loved how she wound Cross up by calling him Danny!! River has her hands full - literally at times!!
There are going to be lots of twists and turns before any revelations because the authors have left us with so many questions we need answers to. I can’t wait for Bear to arrive into this cauldron of sexual chemistry especially as things are getting dangerous for River. Mixing cowboys with a MC and the Mafia is definitely proving interesting. A bit confused over who the sinner is as it could apply to all three men. This ends on a secret being revealed and some shocking news but luckily Corruptor’s Claim #2 is coming next month to continue the story of the lies and deceit involving the Cross family.
“This family had more skeletons in their closet than a damm cemetery.”
River Adams and Walker were best friends but she suddenly left ten years ago. Haunted by the memories of Cross breaking her heart on her eighteenth birthday, she’s always wondered if she had chosen the wrong brother. She is shocked when her presence is requested at the reading of their father’s will. She’d vowed never to return but reluctantly agrees so she can investigate the death of her parents after receiving an anonymous tip-off about their accident and a warning that the Cross family aren’t who she thinks they are.
The will stipulates she must stay at Twisted Cross Ranch. Unfortunately for the brothers she isn’t the sweet tomboy she was growing up but is now a sassy and feisty independent woman. Her feelings for both the Cross brothers come back with a vengeance then throw in a handsome ranch hand and she is torn between her feelings for all three men. She feels a pull to each of them and some serious sexual tension is ignited.
How is a girl meant to choose between the three complicated cowboys?
Cross is a grumpy, cold and ruthless. He refuses to admit she still affects him because he thinks she will never be his and he can’t let her into his world. Enemies to lovers.
Walker is charming, kind and caring. He has loved her for years and was hurt when she left so is hoping to get the girl this time. Friends to lovers with a ‘magic’ surprise!
Bishop is the mysterious, brooding ranch hand. Ex military with severe PTSD, living a life filled with secrets. A strong, silent giant with a filthy mouth and smouldering stares. He is shocked by his feelings towards her as she makes him feel less broken. Insta-lovers.
Things get interesting when she uncovers information that the ranch is involved in unlawful businesses and then the brothers have to deal with the after effects of their dad’s death.
Can they stop their empire from falling apart when others want their downfall. I enjoyed the spicy and good banter, she can really put those men in their place and I loved how she wound Cross up by calling him Danny!! River has her hands full - literally at times!!
There are going to be lots of twists and turns before any revelations because the authors have left us with so many questions we need answers to. I can’t wait for Bear to arrive into this cauldron of sexual chemistry especially as things are getting dangerous for River. Mixing cowboys with a MC and the Mafia is definitely proving interesting. A bit confused over who the sinner is as it could apply to all three men. This ends on a secret being revealed and some shocking news but luckily Corruptor’s Claim #2 is coming next month to continue the story of the lies and deceit involving the Cross family.
October 23, 2025
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️.5
Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥
Narrator Performance: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
It took me a few tries but once I gave this book a chance it sucked me right in. Unfortunately I didn’t realize it ended in a cliffhanger. I’m not a big fan of those. This one left me wondering all sorts of things. And although I don’t like cliffhangers I must say that this one was written in an excellent way.
There’s a lot going on in this story. It has a sorta soap opera feel to it. I’m interested in learning how it all works out. Some of the tropes included in this series are second chance romance and friends to lovers. The history between River and the Cross brothers is twisty and full of angst. There’s plenty of anger and hurt too. Add in Bishop to the mix and there’s a lot more questions that need answering. And although this is advertised as a Reverse Harem read it’s the Twisted Cross Ranch series as a whole that’s RH, not this book in particular. In this book the attraction between River and the three guys is apparent but it’s clear from River’s thoughts that she’s not seriously thinking of having a full fledged relationship with all three of them. Be that as it may it wasn’t a “love triangle” thing either.
The narration of this story was superb. The four narrators embodied the characters in a ways few can. You could hear the personalities of the characters in their voices. Plus the characters’ emotions were easily understood from their performances. The lot of them are fantastic voice actors.
Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥
Narrator Performance: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
It took me a few tries but once I gave this book a chance it sucked me right in. Unfortunately I didn’t realize it ended in a cliffhanger. I’m not a big fan of those. This one left me wondering all sorts of things. And although I don’t like cliffhangers I must say that this one was written in an excellent way.
There’s a lot going on in this story. It has a sorta soap opera feel to it. I’m interested in learning how it all works out. Some of the tropes included in this series are second chance romance and friends to lovers. The history between River and the Cross brothers is twisty and full of angst. There’s plenty of anger and hurt too. Add in Bishop to the mix and there’s a lot more questions that need answering. And although this is advertised as a Reverse Harem read it’s the Twisted Cross Ranch series as a whole that’s RH, not this book in particular. In this book the attraction between River and the three guys is apparent but it’s clear from River’s thoughts that she’s not seriously thinking of having a full fledged relationship with all three of them. Be that as it may it wasn’t a “love triangle” thing either.
The narration of this story was superb. The four narrators embodied the characters in a ways few can. You could hear the personalities of the characters in their voices. Plus the characters’ emotions were easily understood from their performances. The lot of them are fantastic voice actors.
August 14, 2023
Sinner's Secret by K. Loraine and Meg Anne is a dark cowboy mafia why-choose romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Stella Hunter, Jason Clarke, Aaron Shedlock, and J.F. Harding. This is the first book in the Twisted Cross Ranch series.
I absolutely love Kim and Meg's books and when you make them into an audiobook with the cast, they get you can't help but become obsessed with them. I was pulled in from the first chapter and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I am loving the chemistry between River, Walker, Daniel, and Bishop. I loved getting all of their points of views throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.
The book ended with a great cliffhanger that left me begging for more. I can't wait for the next book in the series Corruptor's Claim to be released on September 18, 2023, so I can get more of their story.
Stella, Jason, Aaron, and J.F. did an amazing job on the narration. They really know how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.
I would highly recommend this book if you like dark romances, cowboy romances, mafia romances, or why choose romances.
I absolutely love Kim and Meg's books and when you make them into an audiobook with the cast, they get you can't help but become obsessed with them. I was pulled in from the first chapter and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I am loving the chemistry between River, Walker, Daniel, and Bishop. I loved getting all of their points of views throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.
The book ended with a great cliffhanger that left me begging for more. I can't wait for the next book in the series Corruptor's Claim to be released on September 18, 2023, so I can get more of their story.
Stella, Jason, Aaron, and J.F. did an amazing job on the narration. They really know how to bring a story to life. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.
I would highly recommend this book if you like dark romances, cowboy romances, mafia romances, or why choose romances.
August 21, 2023
4.5 stars
What a story full of twists, secrets, and heat, with us set for some more stories to come. While I am not usually attracted to dark worlds, the cowboy mafia world seems to have my attention. I had a hard time putting the book down.
River has no intention of returning home until a decade later, she is called home for the reading of Senior’s will. Now she could just play nice with her new situation, but no, she has to dig. See, she and Junior have a past. Her dialog, banter, sass, and determination have me hooked. I did not want the book to end, and I anxiously await the next book.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
What a story full of twists, secrets, and heat, with us set for some more stories to come. While I am not usually attracted to dark worlds, the cowboy mafia world seems to have my attention. I had a hard time putting the book down.
River has no intention of returning home until a decade later, she is called home for the reading of Senior’s will. Now she could just play nice with her new situation, but no, she has to dig. See, she and Junior have a past. Her dialog, banter, sass, and determination have me hooked. I did not want the book to end, and I anxiously await the next book.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
February 19, 2024
K. Loraine and Meg Anne knock it outta the park again. I am not a fan of contemporary romances. But these dark, angst, crass, dirty, mafia cowboys? winner. AND THEN YOU MAKE IT WHY CHOOSE? come on. I'm sold. I don't have a favorite yet. I love Cross the asshole. I love Walker the Rake. I love Bishop and his mysteriousness. I love River and her feisty retorts and her complete inability to keep her hormones in check. If you loved the mate games, continue with this! My favorite is that we get right down to it in chapter 1. Let's not waste time! I'm binging this for sure.
August 20, 2023
Overall: 4.25/5
Spice level: 2.5/5
Tropes: why choose, childhood best friends, cowboy, Mafia elements, forced proximity, second chance
CW: murder, torture, assault
Cowboys and Mafia, definitely a new one for me. Add to that some why choose, and I'm a bit out of my normal element. This was an interesting read featuring 2 brothers, their ranch hand, and the girl they grew up with and now have to live with.
River is really strong and smart heroine. She's had to be after trauma she's endured but also to put up with the eldest of the 2 brothers. He's the alphahole, broody type but the one she was in love with when she was younger.
One thing about why choose stories is keeping straight all the different male characters and the authors did a really great job of carefully crafting distinct personalities for all 3 men. Cross Jr is the alphahole, Walker is the charming younger brother, River's childhood best friend, and Bishop, the quiet, protective ranch hand. And River has definite chemistry with all of them that is palpable.
What we find out, though, is that everyone has secrets. I really can't wait for book 2, having wished book 1 was longer!
Spice level: 2.5/5
Tropes: why choose, childhood best friends, cowboy, Mafia elements, forced proximity, second chance
CW: murder, torture, assault
Cowboys and Mafia, definitely a new one for me. Add to that some why choose, and I'm a bit out of my normal element. This was an interesting read featuring 2 brothers, their ranch hand, and the girl they grew up with and now have to live with.
River is really strong and smart heroine. She's had to be after trauma she's endured but also to put up with the eldest of the 2 brothers. He's the alphahole, broody type but the one she was in love with when she was younger.
One thing about why choose stories is keeping straight all the different male characters and the authors did a really great job of carefully crafting distinct personalities for all 3 men. Cross Jr is the alphahole, Walker is the charming younger brother, River's childhood best friend, and Bishop, the quiet, protective ranch hand. And River has definite chemistry with all of them that is palpable.
What we find out, though, is that everyone has secrets. I really can't wait for book 2, having wished book 1 was longer!
August 15, 2023
I could not stop reading this book once I started. It has suspense, heat and mystery. Cross makes me want to strangle him most of the time but I have a feeling there is more to him that I hope will be revealed in later books along with Walker and Bishop too. I can't wait to read the rest of this series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2023
Sinner's Secret by K. Loraine & Meg Anne is the First book in the Twisted Cross Ranch Series. This is the story of River Adams who has returned to her home town. There she is back in the world of her best friend Walker, his brother Cross and Bishop the rand hand. Cross took her innocents when she turned 18 but them broke her heart. But this could be their second chance but it seem two other men are after her too. Enjoyed this book. I can't wait to read more from this series and these two authors.
May 2, 2025
4.5
Rating just based on enjoyment.
I ate this up it was so addictive and drama filled. I really liked River except for this one part when she was 18 if you know you know. That was embarrassing and stupid. As for the guys I like them all in different ways and I’m excited to read the next one because that cliffhanger?
Rating just based on enjoyment.
I ate this up it was so addictive and drama filled. I really liked River except for this one part when she was 18 if you know you know. That was embarrassing and stupid. As for the guys I like them all in different ways and I’m excited to read the next one because that cliffhanger?
August 12, 2023
Sinner’s Secret is the the first book in the Twisted Cross Ranch series, K. Loraine and Meg Anne do it again bringing a story that will pull you in and leave you wanting more with their cliffhangers. This time they are bringing you hot gritty cowboys and a sassy determined woman. I am already hooked on this story and impatiently waiting for the second book.
This story is narrated in duet and the cast is absolutely brilliant at bringing these characters and this story to life. Stella is great at bringing out River’s sass and determination. Jason Clarke does great at brings out the grumpiness and ruthlessness. Aaron Shedlock brings the swoon and emotions in his portrayal of Walker. J.F. Harding is amazing as the tortured Bishop and really does a great job at showing the way Bishop cares for River. If you love why choose, cowboys, suspense and an amazing cast of narrators pick up this one.
This story is narrated in duet and the cast is absolutely brilliant at bringing these characters and this story to life. Stella is great at bringing out River’s sass and determination. Jason Clarke does great at brings out the grumpiness and ruthlessness. Aaron Shedlock brings the swoon and emotions in his portrayal of Walker. J.F. Harding is amazing as the tortured Bishop and really does a great job at showing the way Bishop cares for River. If you love why choose, cowboys, suspense and an amazing cast of narrators pick up this one.
May 22, 2024
Did you say dark cowboy mafia? What?! Plus it’s also why choose. This book is definitely something. It was really interesting. There’s a lot of suspense. I wasn’t expecting that ending! It’s a great start to a new series. I can’t wait to see how the other books are. I need to know more that’s for sure!
October 12, 2025
Écouté sur Audible, j’ai aimé la narration et l’histoire avait beaucoup de potentiel, mais on dirait que ça a jamais abouti qq part? Ou c’est moi qui a manqué des bouts? Bref ahaha et j’ai moins aimé le Why choose aussi.
February 20, 2024
3.5 rounded up to a 4
Probably would not have read this if not for Maggie and Friends reading it on Discord. WhyChoose still probably is not my thing but I enjoyed this nonetheless.
Probably would not have read this if not for Maggie and Friends reading it on Discord. WhyChoose still probably is not my thing but I enjoyed this nonetheless.
April 8, 2024
Sexy cowboy mafia and it’s why choose!! Yes freaking please!!
Loving this so far! Can’t wait to see what’s next!!!
Loving this so far! Can’t wait to see what’s next!!!
May 22, 2024
4.5⭐️ this book was addicting! Why choose, suspense, drama, tension and a cliffhanger! I have so many questions!
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