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Tendency
Liam is trapped in the veil between heaven and the life he gave up. Post-death he is charged with the task of preventing his wife, Beth from repeating his mistake. In mourning, she isolates herself, drowning in her sorrow. Vincent, Liam's father, bans together with his surviving daughter to pull Beth from her depression. His strong Christian faith is tested when he finds himself in a whirlwind of secrets, guilt, and pleasure.
135 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 7, 2025
When you open Tendency, you’re not merely turning pages—you’re stepping into a storm of emotion, temptation, and the razor-sharp edges of grief. SM Ivins crafts a haunting tale that dances on the fine line between devotion and desire, guilt and redemption, leaving the reader utterly breathless.
Liam’s ghostly presence looms over every moment, his tragic choice becoming the catalyst for a story that is as much about the aftermath of his absence as it is about the fragile hope for healing. Trapped in the veil between life and death, Liam’s narrative brings a surreal urgency as he desperately seeks to save another from following his fate. It’s a gut-wrenching reminder of the weight of choices and their ripple effects.
Beth’s story is heartbreak wrapped in barbed wire. Ivins doesn’t hold back in exploring the suffocating reality of grief, and Beth’s isolation is palpable. But it’s her relationship with Vince—her late husband’s father—that electrifies this novel. Their connection is raw and forbidden, a tempest of comfort and guilt that feels as inevitable as it is impossible. Their chemistry sizzles with both danger and longing, pulling the reader deeper into the moral complexities of their bond.
Vince is a standout—steadfast in faith, yet deeply flawed. His struggle to reconcile his beliefs with his actions adds layers of tension, making his character profoundly human. His connection with Beth is equal parts salvation and destruction, and Ivins expertly keeps the reader suspended between rooting for them and dreading the fallout.
Ivins weaves suspense through every chapter, not with action but with emotion—the kind that feels like a ticking time bomb. Secrets unravel, desires clash with duty, and every stolen glance between Beth and Vince feels like a sin you can’t look away from. The prose is beautiful and unflinching, painting grief, lust, and guilt in shades so vivid they seep into your skin.
Tendency is a masterclass in emotional suspense—a story that grips your heart, tears it apart, and somehow stitches it back together with threads of hope and redemption. SM Ivins has delivered a novel that lingers long after the final page, leaving you questioning the boundaries of love, faith, and forgiveness. This is not just a book; it’s an experience—one you won’t soon forget.
Liam’s ghostly presence looms over every moment, his tragic choice becoming the catalyst for a story that is as much about the aftermath of his absence as it is about the fragile hope for healing. Trapped in the veil between life and death, Liam’s narrative brings a surreal urgency as he desperately seeks to save another from following his fate. It’s a gut-wrenching reminder of the weight of choices and their ripple effects.
Beth’s story is heartbreak wrapped in barbed wire. Ivins doesn’t hold back in exploring the suffocating reality of grief, and Beth’s isolation is palpable. But it’s her relationship with Vince—her late husband’s father—that electrifies this novel. Their connection is raw and forbidden, a tempest of comfort and guilt that feels as inevitable as it is impossible. Their chemistry sizzles with both danger and longing, pulling the reader deeper into the moral complexities of their bond.
Vince is a standout—steadfast in faith, yet deeply flawed. His struggle to reconcile his beliefs with his actions adds layers of tension, making his character profoundly human. His connection with Beth is equal parts salvation and destruction, and Ivins expertly keeps the reader suspended between rooting for them and dreading the fallout.
Ivins weaves suspense through every chapter, not with action but with emotion—the kind that feels like a ticking time bomb. Secrets unravel, desires clash with duty, and every stolen glance between Beth and Vince feels like a sin you can’t look away from. The prose is beautiful and unflinching, painting grief, lust, and guilt in shades so vivid they seep into your skin.
Tendency is a masterclass in emotional suspense—a story that grips your heart, tears it apart, and somehow stitches it back together with threads of hope and redemption. SM Ivins has delivered a novel that lingers long after the final page, leaving you questioning the boundaries of love, faith, and forgiveness. This is not just a book; it’s an experience—one you won’t soon forget.
December 17, 2024
This is the second book by this author I have read, and all I can say is I NEED MORE!!!!!
I couldn't put this beauty down, needing to know what was going to happen next.
Liam, is no longer left on this earth and now resides in the void after taking his life, leaving behind his wife, dad and sister. Everyone is struggling with how to live in a world without Liam, while Liam is trying to get his charge so he can move on to the next part of his transition.
Beth, Liams wife, is also a damaged soul with episodes of self-harming. She's trying to live in a world without the man she loves. She's not sure she will be able to move on without him.
Liams job is to save her. But when things start happening with his wife and someone close to him, Liams job turns into one of anger and vengeance. What will happen? Read to find out!
I loved the story and being able to see some of their past memories. Also, those spicy scenes.....phew...hot hot hot. Highly recommend this read, but please check TWs as it is heavy in the mental health department. And as always, if you're struggling with your mental health, please reach out and know you matter and are loved 🖤.
Rating: 5⭐
Spicy: 3.5🌶️
I couldn't put this beauty down, needing to know what was going to happen next.
Liam, is no longer left on this earth and now resides in the void after taking his life, leaving behind his wife, dad and sister. Everyone is struggling with how to live in a world without Liam, while Liam is trying to get his charge so he can move on to the next part of his transition.
Beth, Liams wife, is also a damaged soul with episodes of self-harming. She's trying to live in a world without the man she loves. She's not sure she will be able to move on without him.
Liams job is to save her. But when things start happening with his wife and someone close to him, Liams job turns into one of anger and vengeance. What will happen? Read to find out!
I loved the story and being able to see some of their past memories. Also, those spicy scenes.....phew...hot hot hot. Highly recommend this read, but please check TWs as it is heavy in the mental health department. And as always, if you're struggling with your mental health, please reach out and know you matter and are loved 🖤.
Rating: 5⭐
Spicy: 3.5🌶️
December 28, 2024
SM Ivins just knocks it out of the park again! This time with her novella named Tendency.
Spice: 3-3.5
Mental Health, Age Gap, Forbidden Love, Love Triangle of sorts
I loved this book. However, in all honesty, I wish the story was a bit longer. There was plenty of room for all the character's stories to be expounded upon. Nonetheless, it was right to the meat and I devoured it! Amazing and delicious!
Liam and Elizabeth's characters resonated with me because it gave perspective of both living and dead who struggle/d with mental illness. Also, Vince's character was a great depiction of the inner struggle of religion and being a man of God and a man as flesh and blood.
I enjoyed watching the relationship with Vince and Elizabeth grow. How they were able to find hope, light and love in the darkness they shared with losing Liam - even if it is a forbidden romance.
Two books in and I have to say, SM Ivins is the queen of the unexpected! Sheeeeesh!
I hope - just as I do for Wide Open - that SM Ivins writes continuations of these novellas and turns them into novels! (hint, hint)
Spice: 3-3.5
Mental Health, Age Gap, Forbidden Love, Love Triangle of sorts
I loved this book. However, in all honesty, I wish the story was a bit longer. There was plenty of room for all the character's stories to be expounded upon. Nonetheless, it was right to the meat and I devoured it! Amazing and delicious!
Liam and Elizabeth's characters resonated with me because it gave perspective of both living and dead who struggle/d with mental illness. Also, Vince's character was a great depiction of the inner struggle of religion and being a man of God and a man as flesh and blood.
I enjoyed watching the relationship with Vince and Elizabeth grow. How they were able to find hope, light and love in the darkness they shared with losing Liam - even if it is a forbidden romance.
Two books in and I have to say, SM Ivins is the queen of the unexpected! Sheeeeesh!
I hope - just as I do for Wide Open - that SM Ivins writes continuations of these novellas and turns them into novels! (hint, hint)
May 2, 2025
Mental health matters
You never know what's going on inside someone's mind. They can be the happiest on the outside but so sad on the inside. I gave this book 4.2 stars 🌟 I wish it was longer but fir a short it was great. I'd love to see these characters again
You never know what's going on inside someone's mind. They can be the happiest on the outside but so sad on the inside. I gave this book 4.2 stars 🌟 I wish it was longer but fir a short it was great. I'd love to see these characters again
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews