A Twisted Man

by Deanndra Hall

Shattered lives and broken hearts … BULLDOG Resilience. My life was ripped out from underneath me. Serving time for a crime I didn't commit wasn't even the worst of it. The death of my baby and the implosion of my marriage destroyed me―gutted me. But now, I'm clawing my way back out of the pit of despair and shaking off the demons to put the pieces of my life back together. Being welcomed with open arms to the Iron Oak Farms family gives me purpose, but meeting the beautiful and tenacious Tinsley changes everything for me. TINSLEY Resilience. No stranger to ridicule and judgment, I've learned to keep my head down while working toward my goals and trying to stay afloat. It's not easy escaping an abusive ex and being all alone, but I'm doing the best I can. After encountering Bulldog, my world shifts. Suddenly, I can see a future―something to look forward to. But when danger threatens to destroy that hope for something new, Bulldog may not be the fighter I thought he was. Through all the twists and turns, can he finally "man up" and show me a future I deserve? Come to the hills and hollers of eastern Kentucky and get acquainted with eight of the most determined men you’ll ever meet in the Appalachian STAR series.

Genres: Romance

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2023

About the author

Deanndra Hall is a working writer living in far western Kentucky. A free spirit and chronic jokester, she and her partner of over 30 years enjoy visiting their two adult children and their partners and playing with their three crazy little dogs. When she's not writing, Deanndra can be found kayaking, working out at the gym, cooking something healthy, or reading. After writing for business, industry, academia, and non-profits for years and having her work credited to others, she jumped into the fiction realm, particularly erotic fiction and erotica, and had so much fun she never looked back. Look for her on Twitter and Facebook and on her website and blog.

Reviews

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25stars--A TWISTED MAN is the fourth instalment in Deanndra Hall’s contemporary, adult APPALACHIAN STAR erotic , romantic suspense set in the multi-authored Special Forces: Operation Alpha series with characters first introduced in author Susan Stoker’s series. This is thirty-nine year Kevin ‘Bulldog’ Wade, and hairdresser Tinsley Hancock’s story line. A TWISTED MAN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. BULLDOG’S story has been building throughout the series.

SOME BACKGROUND: Appalachian STAR is a search and rescue operation set in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, an operation that hires former inmates form the US prison system.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Kevin and Tinsley) A TWISTED MAN follows the building but tempestuous relationship between Kevin and Tinsley. Kevin ‘Bulldog’ Wade served eight years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Upon his release Kevin was angry, obnoxious, obstinate and humiliated, so much so, that he directed his anger at everyone else including our story line heroine. Tinsley Hancock did not deserve the vitriol thrown at her by Kevin Wade, but our hero has struggled in the wake of losing everything and everyone he has loved. Making apologies and accepting his fate is only the beginning for Kevin; working for Appalachian STAR is another start but the past is about to resurface, taking aim at the woman with whom he is falling in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Kevin and Tinsley, and the potential fall-out as past demands everything, leaving our heroine unprotected from the sins of Kevin’s past.

The world building continues to focus on the men and women at Appalachian STAR. The man in charge, Patrick ‘Patch’ Scott is about to face a loss he never expected, and in doing so, bring home the family he thought he would never see again. As Kevin works at becoming a new man, the past refuses to let go, sending Kevin into a spiral from which he may never come home.

The relationship between Kevin and Tinsley begins acrimoniously. Kevin is emotionally aggressive towards our story line heroine but Tinsley refuses to back from the man with whom she will fall in love. Several attempts at reconciliation and apologies pull our couple together, a pull that is threatened, once again, by demons from the past. The $ex scenes are provocative and passionate but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word, although only used once, more for shock than value.

The secondary and supporting characters are colorful and energetic. We are reintroduced to all the previous story line couples, as well as the return of Governor Ted and his wife Evie., who have a surprise for Patch and Penny. We are introduced to Patch’s daughter Fiona, and fellow search and rescue assistant Reboot. Reboot’s story is next.

A TWISTED MAN is a story of betrayal, loss, grief and madness; greed and obsession, anger and humiliation, acceptance, forgiveness and love. The premise is haunting, exciting and twisted; the romance is emotional and heart breaking; the characters are broken, determined and healing.


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[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bulldog is filled with all kinds of hatred that spills out to the people who have his back making him very hard to be around. I mean I understood a lot of it since not only did he spend quite a bit of time in prison for a crime he didn't commit, but he lost his baby daughter as well and it left a mark of course. Tinsley is a woman who can't seem to pick a good man to save her life, and yet, she's still a pretty upbeat woman who would do anything for her friends. For whatever reason, Bulldog really likes to target her when they come face to face, and she wants nothing to do with the mean man but it comes to head finally, and he starts on the path of amends. They do have a spark, so when he finally showed her that he wasn't that mean man, they got things going & lit the sheets up. I was very entertained when everyone found out because they were busting his b*lls which had me laughing since these two were trying to stay on the downlow. As things are getting better, his past comes back to bite him in the behind which sent him running while Tinsley needed him the most but still it gets worse. His past comes back to put her squarely in the middle of serious danger so will Bulldog be able to save her before it's too late?! Obviously that means there are twists coming in hot to keep my heart racing so yeah, in my eyes, this is another perfect book by the uber talented Deanndra Hall that I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Christina Rodrigues · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Twisted Man is the fourth book in Deanndra Hall’s Appalachian STAR series. This is a romantic suspense novel with great characters and an interesting storyline. It was written in first person, from the point of view of both the hero, Kevin “Bulldog” Wade, and the heroine, Tinsley.

Both of Tinsley and Bulldog’s lives and hearts have been shattered by deception, lies and violence, so when they meet fire and anger erupt. As time passes and their relationships with the men and women at Iron Oak Farm begins to help them heal, Tinsley and Bulldog begin to explore the chemistry between and a chance at happiness together. But when Bulldog’s past comes knocking, will he be able to save Tinsley before she disappears forever? Read it and find out!
I loved the explosive chemistry between Bulldog and Tinsley. But Bulldog’s pride and anger were frustrating and I wanted to strangle him for his choices regarding Tinsley. On a side note, I was left wondering why, after eight plus years, everyone was suddenly interested in the picture.

This book, while part of a series, can be read as a standalone. The readers are also given glimpses of some of the characters from the Bluegrass Dynasty series and Susan Stoker’s Eagle Point Search and Rescue make throughout this series. I can’t wait for the next addition, Reboot’s story, in this amazing series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Twisted Man by Deanndra Hall due 9/12/23 4.5 stars
Bulldog & Tinsly

Another winner from the author for old fans and new fans.

Those who've read other books in the series will remember while he is talented, he's not the friendlyist and doesn't make it easy to include him the the team family. We heard he was in prison but actually, one of them that really was innocent. His pain is deeper than being wrongfully imprisoned. You'll find out early in the story.

Along with treating the other men in the program badly, he uses a friendly woman from town as a verbal punching bag to take out his anger. But, Tinsley doesn't take it. She's done with abusive men verbally or physically. Still, she just might be the key to his anger.

Again the author provides amazing characters, old and new to the series. There is plenty of heat, emotional situations, as well as danger. Once again the team is set to find someone close to them. Will they find the MP (missing person)? If they do will it be on time?

I really enjoyed the story. There were a few spots I would like to have flushed out a little more, however, this is a long one and I loved it. I'm anxious for book 5.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bulldog (Kevin) has been handed an incredibly raw deal in life. And he hadn't deserved it. So he's angry--at everyone, even Tinsley who owns the local hair salon. She offers a recommendation in the grocery store and is rewarded with Bulldog's rudeness. He continues verbally abusing everyone--the men he works with and Tinsley, who he keeps running into. His boss has reached the limit of his tolerance for Bulldog's abuse after he hears about his treatment of Tinsley, who everyone likes. He orders him to apologize to Tinsley, or else. His apology is just the beginning of his recovery and the beginning of his relationship with Tinsley.

The characters in this book were well-developed and interesting. My heart hurt for both Bulldog and Tinsley. The plot kept me riveted until the very end. There were twists and turns, but they were believable. The small town southern dialect was charming and not overdone.

All in all, this is a really good book. I loved it! It made me want to read more books by this author. I think anyone who likes contemporary romance would thoroughly enjoy this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melanie Marnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Twisted Man, like the three previous Appalachian Star books, is full of feelings and emotions, drama and some danger, happy times, family dynamics and of course an HEA. There's a lot to unpack before you get there though. Deanndra Hall really dug around deep and brought to the surface all the anger, bitterness and resentment that Kevin 'Bulldog' Wade has over the betrayal he's experienced from many sources in his life. Honestly, he has a complete right to feel that way but in doing so it makes him and those around him miserable. Tinsley Hancock has, in some ways, earned the right to feel the same as Bulldog but she chooses to handle it differently...most of the time. Make no mistake though she's no doormat--been there done that. These rwo don't exactly hit it off, at least at first. But a spot-on observation on her part sets him back on his heels and becomes a light bulb, watershed moment for him. These two are on their way to building something special until his past rears its head and shoves all the negativity he thought he'd dealt with back in his face.

[Brenda Hojonski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bulldog is an angry man with good reason. Imprisoned eight years for a murder he did not commit and faced with much brutality while inside, it is understandable. But his twisted mind comes out as angry, short with everyone, and downright rude. Tinsley is a local beautician who becomes an undeserving victim of Bulldog's anger and with a few angry retorts back at the rude man, her words begin the healing of Bulldog's twisted soul. He apologizes to her and then goes on a mission to prove to her that he meant his apology in spite of her resistance, because she has heard it all before and no one has ever kept those vows or shown to be remorseful for hurting her. But his kindness and change of attitude starts to melt her heart. Until Bulldog's exwife calls and he breaks again. Another amazing story by Deanndra that showcases her ability to take real life situations and weave them into tales of love, redemption, and finding your way to forgiveness, even if the one you have to forgive, is yourself.

[Just Read and Imagine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bulldog spent years in prison for a crime committed by his ex-wife, Imogen’s lover. Once he was finally exonerated, he was a broken man not trusting anyone and only wanted to be left alone. Now he is working at a ranch for ex-con’s needing a fresh start. Local hairstylist Tinsley has a good soul but it seems she is always on the receiving end of bad news when it comes to love. When she tries to be a friend to Bulldog, he basically lets her know what she can do with her friendship because he does not want it. Finally realizing what a jerk he has been to everyone, he sets out to eat crow and apologize to those around him. Eventually Tinsley forgives him when he comes to her aid in a sticky situation, and they become friends. Everything is going good until Imogen’s past comes to haunt them causing Tinsley harm. Now, Kevin and the rescue group are working against time to save her.
I received an ARC from the author. The review is my own. #DeanndraHall

[Andra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Iron Oak Farms’ bladesmith and former nurse Bulldog, a bitter and angry man after being in prison for a heinous crime he didn’t commit, and Tinsley, the spunky, flashy and sweet local hairdresser. The two fall for each other after a very rocky start and life keeps throwing more obstacles in their path. Still, it all ends well, as it is supposed to in a romance. The book is very fast-paced and with a gripping plot full of action. The only reason I cannot give it five stars is Tinsley, who at one point acts very much out of the smart, honest and insightful character portrayed that far. But I guess it was necessary for the sake of the story and to indicate the growth the characters go through. Will be looking for the next instalment in the series though because the series is definitely one I recommend.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bulldog has endured more losses than anyone should have to from the loss of his freedom to the loss of his marriage but especially the loss of his child. As a result, he has closed himself off to those around him and doesn’t hesitate to let his feelings be known to anyone and everyone and that includes Tinsley.

Tinsley hasn’t made the best choices when it comes to the men she has allowed in her life, but she isn’t about to repeat the same mistakes. When her attempts to befriend Bulldog are met with resistance, she is determined to keep her distance until he has a chance of heart however the past he is try to escape is about to impact both their lives.

This is a suspenseful story about overcoming the past as the captivating characters and what they have been through draw you and have you invested in finding the happiness they both deserve.

[Arlene M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bulldog is at Iron Oak Farms and is part of Appalachian Star Rescue Team.
He is angry , upset and protects himself and does not open up to people.

Tinsley is a hair stylist and escaped an unhappy marriage . She is an independent, smart and sexy.

Bulldog had a rough patch in life with a former wife and the death of his daughter, Paisley.
Tinsley has past issues, on how men treated her.

Tinsley and Bulldog have a hate / love relationship. Can they get past these issues and have a Happily Ever After. You will have to read the book.

This book has suspense, intrigue, twists. Turns, emotions and some drama.

Great Job Deanndra Hall !!!!!!

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a gut-wrenching past and being wrongfully imprisoned, Bulldog is given a second chance with Patch and the rest of the Iron Oaks Farm. But he can't let go of the pain and lashes out at everyone he comes in contact with, including Tinsley. But she too has been hurt in the past and is not willing to put up with disagreeable men like Bulldog again. With people forcing him to truly look at himself, Bulldog realizes he needs to make amends to everyone and especially Tinsley. This is an emotion packed romance as Bulldog examines his thoughts and feelings and tries to reclaim the part of himself that he lost with his Ex's betrayal. Loved this addition to the AppStar series.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved A Twisted Man (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) Book 4 of Appalachian STAR. Bulldog and Tinsley have both had hard lives. The anger Bulldog carry’s is ruining his relationships until he finally pushes Tinsley to far and she rips into him. It’s really the turning point for him. Now he’s determined to set things right and maybe the spark he feels with Tinsley will change both their lives. Throw in some drama and suspense with the steamy scenes and you have a great storyline. I love all the characters and how they carry through the books. I would definitely recommend this book and the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elinda Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bulldog and Tinsley

This is the 4th book in the Appalachian STAR series. Bulldog and Tinsley are my favorite couple! I know, I say that after each book. That doesn't make it any less true. Bulldog and Tinsley have more in common than they realize. They have both suffered trauma at the hands of someone they mistakenly trusted. They both have trouble trusting people. However, they are attracted to each other, even though they fight it. When trouble from the past shows up, can they overcome everything thrown at them to get the HEA they deserve? Get this book and find out. I promise you won't regret it. Sorry, no spoilers.

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final part of Special Forces: Operation Alpha. Appalachian Star Series. What was nice about this book is that you now got more background information about Bulldog, so you found out what made him the way he was. And everything changes when he meets Tinsley and wants to make her feel and fall in love with him. that would be a new beginning for him, and one he fights for. Definitely recommended to read this and also the other parts.


I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Anne Donaldson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first of Deanndra Hall’s books I’ve read, and I’m keen to explore her backlist. To start with, the encounters between Bulldog and Tinsley (book told in 1st person from each side) are explosive. Bulldog in particular has a painful past, and when it comes back to haunt him, it endangers both Tinsley and their relationship. Susan Stoker’s Edge Point Search and Rescue characters are also involved – and this is a read I was sorry to have end. It’s a great glimpse into the other series too.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bulldog and Tinsley have had to deal with major trauma in their lives, and he is being nasty to everyone until he starts to apologize and start coming back to himself. Just when things start to give the two hope, it all crashes with the return of their past tormentors, including threats, danger, greed and betrayal. There is a bright light ahead for them but it is a real fight to get there. Great characters, old and new, a roller coaster storyline line that does not let you go and an ending that gives possibilities.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Silke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Twisted Man is the 4th book in the series and just as emotional and action-packed as the previous ones. Bulldog and Tinsley have sparks flying from the beginning - first in anger, then in attraction. Deeper feelings creep up on them and are threatened again and again by his troubled past. There's a bit of suspense, quite a lot of drama and a well-deserved HEA.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle M · Rating 5 out of 5]

So angry and heartbroken

Kevin Wade was angry with everyone and everything since the tragedy of his past. Losing someone so innocent can make anyone feel worthless and angry. Tinsley calls him out in his rudeness and he finally figures out what the underlying problem is. He finds that he more than wants Tinsley to be his when the past of his evil ex comes to the forefront of their lives. Another amazing story in this series. Love these characters and how their lives evolve.

[Mg Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Twisted Man is a nice addition to this series it focuses more on the emotional journey between Bulldog and Tinsley revealing past betrayal,loss, grief and ultimately the ability to overcome and reach for happiness and love with strong dependable supportive friends and family a few little surprise's and a bunch of drama giving us a entertaining enjoyable reading experience.

I received a advance readers copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christina Standridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good story. Bulldog served time for a crime he did not commit and can't get over loosing his daughter. He is very angry and picks fights with people he knows and doesn't know. Tinsley is tired of abusive men. She tries being nice to Bulldog and he is mean to her. She ignores him after that and now he's sorry for his behavior. Will she forgive him?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Monique Mousseau Westwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story.

This is part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone. I would read the whole series though; it's that good.
Bulldog was a character that I wasn't sure I was going to like. He didn't seem to have any redeeming qualities. However, his character grew and matured. He has become a favourite. Tinsley has always been a favourite! They are so good together. This story had a little bit of everything: angst, drama, romance, humor, and bears.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth story in the "Appalachian STAR" series and can be enjoyed as a stand alone read. The story is about Kevin/Bulldog and Tinsley. Bulldog is a tough character who has been handed a rough lot and is angry because of the cards he has been dealt. Tinsley has also had it rough. These two are combustible and sparks fly. As things develop so does their attraction. This is an interesting story that is nicely developed.

[Suzie Mullins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read!

Every time I read one of the books in this series it becomes my new favorite! A Twisted Man in a no exception! It did not disappoint! I love to write but I don’t think I could ever come up with the twists this author comes up with. I could hardly put it down! I highly recommend! If this is a genre you like to read you should read it (read them in order, they just get better!

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Twisted Man by Deanndra Hall is book 4 in the Appalachian Star Series. This is the story of Tinsley and BullDog. Bulldog had a hard time with his ex wife along with the lost of his daughter Paisley. So of course this has made him bitter. Tinsley has also had a hard time with men and it has left her leery of men. Enjoyed their story.

[Leah Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bulldog's story was an emotional rollercoaster. This is the character I have been most excited for and it exceeds expectations. Tinsley is fiery and relatable. That's one of the best things about these stories, the characters are realistic. It's sexy, full of action, and has just the right dose of angst and suspense.

[Ela La1978 · Rating 5 out of 5]

We finally get to Bulldog’s Story and let me tell you what a tough one that is. Wow, never ever would I have guessed what happened to him and ultimately made him the miserable Person we found in the previous book. But good people on the Farm they are they eventually make him see reason and maybe a certain Tinsley helps too. Its beautiful, tough and emotional but so worth it.

[Laureen Loves Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this 2nd chance at life series

Finally! We get the story of why Bulldog is the way that he is, and y'all best buckle up because you are going to be absolutely livid on his behalf when you read his backstory. Thank you Deanndra Hall for giving him the story and love interest he deserved. I'm looking forward to the next installment.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in this series. I haven’t read the first two books in this series. I didn’t feel confused or that I was missing something vital to the storyline. Bulldog is an angry man. But who is he really angry with. Also is it really anger or is it embarrassment? Bulldog has been through something horrible and he can’t seem to find a way forward. Tinsley hasn’t had it easy either but she is trying. Bulldog and Tinsley seem to get running into each other and Bulldog isn’t nice to her at all. But what happens when she guesses correctly what his issue is? When Bulldog, finally takes stock of himself and then apologies to Tinsley he finds that he likes her. The pair are good together. Everyone is happy for them. But Bulldog’s past isn’t done with him. When his ex contacts him it sends him running leaving Tinsley in danger. When Bulldog finds out that Tinsley is in danger he will have to make a choice. This book was a wonderful read. I feel for Bulldog so much. What he went through left a mark on him. Tinsley has her own issues that she is trying to overcome as well. I look forward to the next book in this series as well as reading the first two in the series. Deanndra is one of my favorite authors. I can’t recommend her enough.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Both Bulldog and Tinsley had bad relationships in the past that made them wary. It was nice how they finally healed each other once they put the effort into improving themselves. However Bulldog's past came back to cause trouble which they stopped before either of them were hurt.