The Tex Hex

Bitches With Stitches #3

by Raquel Riley

The whole world is burning around me, and the only man who can put out the fire has me friend-zoned.

Tex

Twink. Flirt. Pushover. Shallow.

That’s what they see—a pretty face, a carefree smile.

Behind the crop tops and glitter lies a battered soul.

And there’s only one man whose touch can heal me.

But first, he has to heal himself.

Mandy

Pain is my constant companion—etched into my skin, buried in my heart, haunting my every breath. I survived the fire, but the scars run deeper than flesh.

Yet nothing hurts more than loving a man who only thinks of me as a friend.

Tex swears he doesn’t see my scars, but if that’s true… Why won’t he let me love him?

The Tex Hex is a hurt comfort MM romance between friends with a heavy dose of trauma, healing, and greasy chicken wings. A Hooters boy and an Army vet learn the only thing standing in the way of love is learning to love yourself. Book three in the Bitches with Stitches series. A continuation of the Scars and Stripes Trilogy.

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Military Fiction, M M Romance, Found Family, Mental Health, Abuse, Gay

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2025

Reviews

[patrícia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tex Hex “Bitches With Stitches #3” by Raquel Riley
MC:Mandy&Tex 5⭐

You think you want to disappear, but all you really want is to be found

Tropes & tags
Hurt/Comfort & Healing from Trauma
Friends-to-Lovers
Army Vet × Hooters Boy
Self-Worth / Learning to Love Yourself
Found Family & Supportive Crew
Pining overload
Super slow burn ( worth it ❤️‍🔥)
Continuation of Scars & Stripes storyline


Mirco TRopes
Greasy chicken-wings comfort
“You deserve better than me” energy that makes me want to kill both of them!
Emotional scars + physical scars
Quiet moments of caregiving
Protective softness
Late-night honesty
Gentle masculinity
Letting someone hold your pain for a moment
Realising the friend has always been the safe place

I've been waiting for Mandy’s story since Proof of Life, and I’m so happy we finally got it. He’s always been the gentle one, the soft heart, the loyal support for every Bitch—and my heart cracked a little more with each book, watching him quietly pine for Tex while everyone around him found their guy. I wanted this book like air.
But wow… this one hurts. The self-loathing in both of them is basically a third character. These stubborn idiots! I just wanted to smash them together and fix everything with glitter.

Tex
I want to be patient. Give him time. But I also want him to fight for himself the way he fought for me. Because if he ever lets himself love me… really love me… I’ll never stop showing him that he’s worth it.
All of it. Even the scary parts.
Assuming I can be just as brave and allow myself to be loved.

Mandy
The truth is… I’m scared of what I might do if I let him in. If I let myself believe he could love me back. That I could have something soft and good and glittery and infuriating and Tex in my life, and not lose it.

This book is about two broken babies who are completely wrecked in their own ways and honestly don’t think they deserve anything good. Tex is the loud, flirty one who pretends he’s fine, with so much trauma and abuse in his past, but uses hookups just to feel wanted for a second… and it never actually helps. And then we have Mandy, an Army vet, quiet and heavy with trauma, convinced he’s too damaged, too scared and too much of a burden for anyone to love safely. They’re both hurting, both lost, both carrying way more than they ever admit.

At the beginning, watching Tex almost use Mandy—keeping him on crumbs—hurts a lot. Poor Mandy is already so broken, and falling for someone who builds his armour out of casual sex has to be the worst place to land emotionally. But then I got to Tex’s first POV and… wow. My heart cracked. They’re both in these painfully lonely places, constantly doubting their own worth. And Mandy was a bit of a struggle at times, so goddamn stubborn Jesus.

This is exactly the kind of book that makes me want to rush to the end just to see them finally get their happiness. It was easy to make judgments on Tex, but when hurt we find and give in to anything that makes us feel better, even if for a short time…

I have to say I’ve read some incredible found families, but never like this, The Bitches with Stitches are the most incredible family you can imagine, no limits, no filters, no barriers, they know each so well that the support comes from a single lack of punctuation in a text. They just show and hug you better. Amazing group, amazing people full of physical and emotional scars, but always but always there for each other . Beautiful ❤️‍❤️🧶

This is a delicious slow burn, but their intimacy is beyond rewarding. I love seeing Mandy making Tex feel safe and worshipped, and Mandy allowing himself to be loved and seen without shame. Absolutely perfect end of the series 🥹🧶❤️

Because that’s what love is. Not a cure. Not a rescue. A partnership. A promise to try.
Healing isn’t a straight line, and it never really ends. But now, I’ve got someone who walks the path with me, steady and stubborn and shining like he refuses to dim, no matter what he’s been through.
And for the first time, I’m not just surviving anymore.
I thought my body made me unlovable. Thought my silence made me strong. But it’s Tex's voice that brought me back to life. And I want him. All of him. Hidden scars, relapses, glitter, tears—I want the whole damn thing.
His mess is his strength. His defects make both of us stronger.
Love didn’t fix me, but it gave me something to live for, and that’s more than I ever dared to ask for.

⚠️Author Content Warnings
This book deals with heavy sensitive topics like mental health and depression, low self-esteem, and healing after trauma.
Death of side characters on page, vulgar language, disfigurement and amputation, anger, and self-hatred, burn victim, and sexual abuse.
Mention of drug and alcohol addiction and a twelve step recovery program.
A main character spends time in the hospital recovering from surgery.


❣️Book Safety & Content
Cheating: No
Sharing: No
Other Person Drama: We do see Tex hooking up on-page, but it isn’t graphic( happens 1 time). He uses sex as a way to feel wanted and to self-soothe, but it backfires emotionally. Mandy is fully aware.
Third-Act Breakup: No
Role Dynamics: Strict roles
POV: 1st person (dual)
Format:Series
Ending: HFN
Angst Level: Medium
Spice Level: Medium
Communication: Some miscommunication
Pining: Mutual

[Kelsey’s Kindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandy & Tex 😍

I have been dying for Mandy & Tex’s story for several books now. I had a feeling they were going to be a top contender for first place in this series. And they definitely are ( sorry everyone else 🫣) This one is sweet and funny but emotional, it’s got the perfect mixture. My guy Mandy is such a sweetheart, he feels like he doesn’t deserve happiness because of his trauma. He would literally give the shirt off his back to help someone in need, he’s got the biggest heart and deserves someone who sees him, really and truly sees him, past all of the scares, all of the trauma. He has so much love to give If only he could let himself. Tex is this bright light ray of sunshine, I just love him to pieces. People gravitate to him, he loves being front in center, his sassy little self thrives on it. But that’s the Tex he wants people to see. It’s the facade he’s created to protect himself from his past. He so desperately wants to be loved for just him, not what he can do for someone or his looks. He wants to be loved whole with all his broken pieces. When these to come together 🤌. I could not have asked for a more fitting ending for them, it was perfect! I loved seeing all the rest of the guys as well! I absolutely love the two cover options for this one, definitely going to be grabbing a paperback! I want to thank Raquel for the opportunity to read and review this one!

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tex Hex is the third book in the Bitches With Stitches series. This book can be read as a standalone but why not enjoy the whole series. This is the story of Tex and Mandy. This book just like the others in this series and the Scars and Stripes Trilogy pulled at my heart. Both Tex and Mandy have scars and pain. Mandy's are visible because of his burns. Tex's are the kind you don't see on the surface. Raquel Riley does such an amazing job writing this kind of hurt/comfort story. I can't wait for the next book in the series. Any book that can make me laugh and cry is one I would recommend and this one did both so I would definitely recommend it and the rest of the series.
received a free review copy

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one hits differently from its predecessors is a beautifully poignant sort of way. From the previous installments we knew Manny had his self doubt from the scars he sustained serving. Tex for me was an enigma where you wondered what was beneath is sunshiney outside. Together when they take the next step you see both of the men grown in different and yet similar ways. Raquel did a beautiful job in showing not all scars are on the outside but hurt all the same. She has done another beautiful combination of humor, pain and heat when needed for the characters growth. These moments were added at the right time to enhance this story to be the best possible outcome.

I received an early copy of this story for my honest review.

[Kate Laycoax · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, but Raquel Riley amazes me every single time with the way she captures life after the military. As a veteran, I tend to be a harsh critic when it comes to books that touch on military culture, lingo, or the aftermath of service. Too often it’s done poorly or feels performative. But Raquel? She gets it. She writes with a level of detail and authenticity that makes me feel truly seen, and The Tex Hex was no exception.

I have been waiting for Tex’s story for what feels like forever (going all the way back to the Scars and Stripes trilogy), and let me just say, it was worth every second of that wait. On the surface, Tex has always been the jokester, the flirt, the one with the easy smile. But I knew there had to be so much more hiding under all that sparkle. Raquel finally let us see behind the glitter, and what we got was a character carrying invisible scars, pain that doesn’t always show but still cuts deep.

Then there’s Mandy, my poor, sweet, big hearted Mandy. He wears his scars on the outside, and my heart broke for him every time he thought his burns made him unworthy of love. Especially when he assumed Tex could never see him as anything but a friend. The beauty of this story is how both men, who are each broken in different ways, learned to see each other for who they truly are. Not the scars. Not the pain. But the real people underneath. And the way they fit together was just perfect.

I also loved the cameos from the rest of the Bitches with Stitches crew and B.A.L.L.S., especially Brewer, who played a big role in this book for our lovesick boys. Raquel has created a world of characters who feel like family, and every time one pops up it’s like a little reunion. They add so much to every book and I miss them, so seeing them featured once again makes me so happy.

Something else that really stood out was Raquel’s decision to write Tex as someone who never deployed, but still suffered abuse in the Army. That representation matters so much. People sometimes forget that trauma and battles aren’t limited to combat zones. Tex’s story shows how valid and real those struggles are, and I respect Raquel deeply for shining a light on that.

Overall, The Tex Hex is a raw, emotional, beautifully written hurt/comfort MM romance that left me feeling full of hope. It’s about trauma, healing, friendship, greasy chicken wings, and ultimately, love, the kind that sees every scar, visible or not, and loves anyway. I adored this book and cannot wait to see what Raquel gives us next.

Thank you to Raquel Riley for the eARC of this book.

[Amanda Large · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't picked up any of Raquel Riley's books yet, what are you doing with your life?! If you ask me to name my top 10 favorite authors, she would be one of them. There hasn't been a book that I haven't absolutely loved. Her books are phenomenal and now I can include this one on that list.

The Tex Hex starts you out with a dedication that will bring tears to your eyes before you even make it to chapter 1. Then you continue into heartbreak and gut wrenching trauma. But when you get to the healing? When Tex and Mandy heal, not each other but heal themselves for each other? You heal right along with them. You find yourself smiling every time one of them does. And by the end, you sit there with a closed book and a bittersweet feeling because you don’t want it to end.

I have a soft spot for the strong and silent type. So Mandy had my heart from the beginning. He could have given up on Tex. Moved on and hoped he found someone who loved him for everything he is. But some things or someones, are worth fighting for.

I'm so glad the author continues to put the characters from the other books into each new one. I love the found family and support system they bring to each other. Plus the antics they get up to brings humor to the story that makes it lighthearted and evens out the heavy.

Raquel Riley gives us characters that we can relate to on every level. These aren't perfect, stable characters. They have baggage and trauma and scars both mentally and physically. It makes them more relatable and loveable. I will be forever grateful for these characters.

Thank you Raquel for bringing these flawed and loveable characters to life and building a universe I never want to leave.

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

An ex-military, friends to lovers MM romance with hurt/comfort, healing, moving forward from trauma, learning to let oneself be loved the way they deserve ❤️ & found family who sticks throughout it all.
I'd been SO EXCITED for this book, to see what was brewing in the background! Loved Mandy, Tex & it was fun seeing everyone again. Is it the last time?! 🥺 I read this in around 9hrs, over 2days.

Mandy's ex-demolitions tech. M's a quiet storm, a sweetheart & "badass" but with visible burn scars & wears his trauma for all to see.
Tex was also in army. T's a sassy sunshine, gorgeous flirt; an (ex-)addict with scars within. It hurt that T got abused in army (TW: SA), but it's rep that it does happen 😭. T'd been such an enigma to us!

2 men with high walls, low self-esteem who feel ugly... For opening their hearts to eachother, 1st they must love themselves...
“...Love doesn’t need you perfect. It needs you present.”

M's unrequited love for T is famous 😆. Duh, it's obvious. But there's comfort in it... I loved their care for eachother. Took chances yet hard to be loved back 😭. That hurt. There's fun, feels, angsty scenes, tension but it's complex too! I liked M never gave up on T 🥺, I'm glad T realised his worth... Hookups that leave u empty AREN'T IT!

They needed to understand themselves better & trust with vulnerability, that growth was wonderful to see. I didn't think they'll guess traumas 😳 (details a surprise, phew 😩). They def needed that long talk lol. When they finally got together, so hot 😉. T's such a power bottom 😂, M did it good too 🥵.

There were many ch left which made me anxious but it's cozy & I'm so glad! I liked we see their relationship deepen & develop. Plus we gets lots of Bitches cameos, amazing! Sweet epilogue(s, yes multi!!).

Story Ratings:

POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Enjoyed? —> Yes! 5/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 😯🥺😅😂😔🤗😩😳😭🥰🙁😤✨😭😍❤️
4) Steamy scenes: 3/5 (later chaps)
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4.5/5
Angst: 2.75/5
Dark: 2.5/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.6/5
7) Plot arc: (Friends to lovers, Hurt & Healing) 4.25/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.7/5

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been anxiously awaiting the release of this book since the characters were first introduced. Raquel Riley does a fantastic job with her military romance books and the entire Stitches crew are phenomenal. The bond these men have is incredible to witness. I felt a lot of emotions reading Mandy and Tex's story. I laughed out loud at the shenanigans from the Stitches crew, cried for both Mandy and Tex's pain, and grinned from ear to ear with how absolutely perfect this couple is 😍. Out of all of the books in this interconnected world, I think this book was my favorite. As always, I adore seeing how close these men are and how they never hesitate to show up for each other. I would highly recommend this series. This author is incredible.

[Jeanette Buck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad to finally read Mandy and Tex's story. we have met them before in the other Bitches stories and I knew this was going to be an emotional one but it was really beautiful and heartwarming too. Both Mandy and Tex have both been through a lot from their military days. They have had feelings for each other for a while but Mandy is very self conscious of his scars and Tex doesn't feel like he can give control to someone else, however they have a deep connection which helps them act on their feelings and their special relationship helps them deal with their past trauma and make themselves stronger. And the story was made even better with the cameos of the other Bitches. Loved reading this.

[Betty Loves Books Galore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a friends to more romance, featuring Tex and Mandy, and is book three in the Bitches With Stitches series.

Tex and Mandy are two men scarred by past pain, clinging to each other in the aftermath of tragedy. Tex hides behind glitter and charm, while Mandy hides behind his wounds.

This was such a sweet read. Tex and Mandy are both carrying so much pain, one buried under glitter and sass, the other behind the walls of his own scars. What starts as unrequited love slowly moves into a beautiful journey of healing, forgiveness, and finally seeing yourself through someone else’s love.

I adored how real their vulnerability felt, it was raw but hopeful - and every glance, every almost-touch, carried so much emotion. I’m sad to reach the end of this series.

Things to expect in this book are:
Book 3 in series
MM romance
Friends to more
Size difference
Hurt / Comfort
Past trauma & abuse
Scars & survival
Mutual pining
Unrequited love
Healing each other
Slow burn
Spicy times
Calls him Big Guy
Found family
HEA

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I've been waiting for Mandy’s story since he was introduced in the Scars and Stripes Trilogy and The Tex Hex did not disappoint! What an emotional journey this book was. I cried so much, sad and happy tears, and you know there were laughs too! How could there not be with the B*tches, they're just hysterical! These two broken men healing together was just everything! They both suffered so much physical and mental pain and to experience them learning to love and accept themselves and each other and getting their much deserved HEA was so heart warming! I loved this book, another fantastic addition to this series!

[camms.bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tex Hex

Get your tissues ready for this one! These two characters are just lovable to their core. Mandy has been in my heart since book one of the Scars and Stripes series. What an ending to epic characters through these books!

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved loved loved, Mandy’s romance was worth the wait for.
My Full Blog Review Link

[Caitlin ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author just does it for me every time! She writes beautifully raw stories with the perfect mix of sweet, funny and emotional moments. I also love the found family feels we always get.

I’ve been looking forward to Tex’s book and I loved his relationship with Mandy, their dynamic was perfect. They love each other for all of their broken pieces and together they help the other heal. It was an emotional but beautiful journey to witness!

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been patiently waiting for Mandy and Tex's story ever since their characters were mentioned in the previous books. Mandy has always been portrayed as this quiet guy who always shows up for his friends while also pining for a guy he hasn't gotten anywhere with... And while that portrayal in the previous books of him is technically true there is so much more to him that just that.

He IS quiet, supportive, and steadfast, but he's also struggling, he's worried about not being enough, about what people think of his scars, and some days he doesn't feel strong enough to keep going. He's been broken and wounded but with the help of his found family he's able to gain the strength to not only keep going but to thrive as well.

Tex in contrast is loud, bubbly, and full of lewd humor, he also has a killer fashion sense. He's also been through a lot just in different ways then what Mandy has been through. It hurt my heart reading about how much Tex has struggled and all of the demons he's trying to fight against. Even on the days when he feels like giving up he keeps pushing and trying. Both for himself, and for his family.

These two men make such a great couple together, they are different personality wise but they are also similar in some ways too. The differences and the similarities are what makes them work so well together, these two men just fit together. Their journey isn't an easy one by no means; it's hard work, trial and error, and its messing up but learning how to do better next time. Even through their hardships and their mistakes they continue to choose to keep fighting for each other, which I thought was quite beautiful.

My only critique is about the flow of the story, at times it felt as though there was quite a bit of back and forth. In one chapter there would be discussion on them focusing on their own mental health first before pursuing a relationship but then in the next chapter it was like that previous chapter never happened, And that occurrence didn't just happen once but several times. I'm not sure if that was an error? Maybe the chapters got mixed up somehow, I'm not sure, but those moments threw me out of the story.

All in all though I liked reading about Mandy and Tex's love story, and I loved seeing all of the last characters making appearances. My favorite part of this story is when Mandy and Tex go out to prank a certain couple... That scene just made me smile the whole time reading it and their mischievous nature was hilarious!

***I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.~~

[❀ Jess ( Semi hiatus )]

I try to avoid books that include the MCs being intimate with others, especially when it's on page. While I didn't know any better for this one, I found that it was tolerable enough to keep going, given the circumstances.

I didn't like that Mandy and Tex have been circling eachother for a long time while Tex continues to hook up with others. Mandy is aware and Tex is aware it hurts Mandy.

Tex has an on-page hook up, there's grinding, groping and he gives the guy a handjob. We're in his POV and I hated it but it makes sense for his character introduction on how he's trying to handle his trauma...

I surprised myself by continuing to read, I guess I was hoping to get to the comforting parts but this book just didn't click with me.

There were parts that were repeated as if it hadn't already been addressed, just didn't make sense. (Tex talking about relapsing with sex instead of substance abuse.) It was like the scene was written in twice to later be decided where it fit better but both scenes still made it in. 🤷‍♀️

Then there's the talk about how Tex doesn't want to hurt Mandy by passing anything to him, he's gotten tested regularly and hasn't had any bad results but he hasn't had a safe sex life, he's had A LOT of unsafe sexual encounters ( not always consensual) but then there's a different scene where he says he's always used condoms after his rape, which contradicts him saying he was almost never safe with his sex ???????????

. . . . .

It was hard to keep track of how many days had passed. (Espscially when Tex tried to kiss Mandy and he freaked out..how many days did they not speak? How many days until Mandy had his surgery?)

Then there's Mandy's surgery. He's thinking Tex might not want to kiss him since he got a graft on his lip(s) and it was cheek/lip surgery?! But it was going to help him have an easier time eating and pronouncing words/better feeling but uh- they're fully kissing before the surgery fully heals?!? 😵‍💫

The humor in the story also didn't work for me considering the heavy themes, it felt a bit too thick.

So overall, this just didn't work for me so i'm leaving it without a rating since it's my fault for going in even tho I already knew I didn't like the humor from this series. 😵‍💫

[Michelle Strachan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every since I met Mandy in Brandt and West’s book, I’ve been waiting for his story. I knew it would be heartbreaking because of his injuries and how self conscious he was. It was worth the wait. We get to dive into his head and how he thinks about and sees himself. He is one of the most kindest and sensitive guy in this universe. When I met Tex in Nash and Brewer’s book I knew his story would also be heartbreaking but covered in glitter ✨. When Mandy and Tex met, I believe it was also in Nash and Brewer’s book, I’ve been patiently waiting for them to get their act together and stop dancing around each other. Both Tex and Mandy have traumatic pasts, but they had to learn to love and accept themselves so they could fully come together. They had to accept that they were worthy of love in spite of what happened to them. Ever since I started the scars and stripes series and went on to the bitches with stitches, I’ve been in awe of each soldier and couple story. Mandy and Tex are no exception. The way how Raquel writes these stories makes them so vivid and real; I wish I knew these guys in real life! The only thing I’m sad about is that this is the last book in this series 🥹. I will truly miss these guys and I wish that we could get more with them. I really don’t have enough words to describe how much I love escaping into this world in Black Mountain NC with the BALLS organization and the bitches. You’ve done it again Raquel, left me a little speechless and a lot sad that this is the end of this series. I have all the books in both series and I will visit them always 💜.
I like to think that there are a group of vets who belong to an organization like BALLS and who are brothers supporting each other irl.

[Taylin Clavelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for Love Bytes – 4.5 hearts.
Armando, aka Mandy, was a military demolitions expert before being blown up. Also ex-military, Tex is a recovering addict whose carefree attitude masks vulnerability and a world of hurt. Both believe that the person under the mask is unlovable.
The Tex Hex is the third book in the Bitches With Stitches series. It is hard-hitting, graphic, and sometimes repetitive because it is human nature that, when we know something isn't right, we revisit it repeatedly, allowing little revelations to occur until we're ready to act or come to terms with what has happened.
The story is told in the first person from the viewpoints of Tex and Mandy. The prologue depicts Mandy being blown up and the accompanying sensations. These were traumatic to read, which immediately pulls the reader into the realm of reality over fantasy. Throughout, dry, sarcastic, and sassy humor is used to great effect, adding an element of levity that helps both the reader and characters navigate the journey. Cookouts and other social occasions are used to help the characters realize that they are not alone.
Compared to many, Tex had a very different experience of the army. His trauma isn’t as visual, yet no less real than Mandy’s or any of the other characters. However, his masks are less easily seen by others, while inside he falls to pieces. Just because people can’t see his damage doesn’t mean it’s not there.
Tex and Mandy love one another, but invisible obstacles block their path. Therapy and a sound support system help show them a way to deal with their individual trauma while finding their way to each other. Still, it is up to them to take the steps.
The Tex Hex is an emotional and raw experience. Tex and Mandy are afraid to love and be loved. The words felt very real to read, and I couldn’t help feeling for these men. The journey helps everyone within the sphere of this story come to terms with the fact that you don’t have to succeed; simply trying can be enough.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.

[Wendy Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written with a poetic touch, this book shines through its unforgettable characters and the tender, emotional relationship. Not a lot happens plot-wise, but this story isn't about action—it's about connection.
While the inner monologues about self-doubt, self-hatred and fear occasionally dragged and felt a bit repetitive, the depth of emotion and connection more than made up for the slower pace.

The second epilogue was a highlight for me. It fel like coming home ☺️. A beautiful close to a quiet, emotionally rich story.

Favorite quotes:

❤️ “I survived the war, and so far, I’ve survived my recovery,” I say. “But loving him might kill me.”

🧡 His bubblegum scent drifts in ahead of him, and I catch something softer underneath, floral and warm, like cherry blossoms. It hits me all at once: comfort and danger, innocence and seduction. Tex, in every sense.

💛 “You’ve been fighting every day I’ve known you. For your sobriety. For your life. For your goddamn light, even when the world keeps trying to snuff it out.”

💚 “I think we’ve reached the end of our little two-step we’ve been dancing around each other. It’s time to either hold on tighter… or let go before we trip over our own damn feet. It’s time to stop pretending we don’t know the steps.”

💙 about safewords:
"I was thinking something cooler. Like ‘unicorn stampede’ or ‘tactical glitter.’” My eyebrow arches way high. “Tactical glitter?” Tex nods solemnly. “It blinds your enemies and makes a statement. It has strong syllables and emotional resonance.”

💜 “I’m trying to let someone love me,” I admit, voice tight. “And it feels like I’m trying to sew silk with barbed wire. I keep poking holes in something beautiful.”

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about Tex and Mandy, two emotionally wounded men who are deeply in love with each other but are stuck in the "friend zone." Tex, who hides his "battered soul" behind a flirtatious, carefree exterior, believes the only man who can heal him is Mandy. Mandy is living with deep physical and emotional scars from a past trauma. He is in love with Tex, but Tex only sees him as a friend. The story sets up a conflict where both men need healing and love, but they are blocking each other: Tex won't let Mandy love him until Mandy heals himself, and Mandy is hurting because Tex won't see him as anything more than a friend.

I loved these two men who were damaged in their own way but able to see past it to love fiercely. So many emotions and feelings in this story which are guaranteed to capture you and cause tears. I loved the superhero comparison which I totally agree with. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

[Marsha Salmans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been obsessed with the Bitches since Proof of Life but one character has caught my heart from the beginning. This is Mandy’s story, a badly burned demolitions expert, who seems to have completely lost himself in the aftermath. Feeling ugly and unlovable, he pines for the beautiful Tex who is dealing with his own emotional trauma. This book is a beautiful journey of learning to love oneself enough to let another in, handled with grace and sensitivity by this very gifted writer. We see their struggles and their pain offset by hope and healing as they slowly learn to trust their new feelings. I highly recommend this book as well as the whole series. You will come away with a new understanding of what our military vets face after discharge. It is a story that needs to be told and it will change you.

[Debra (Dragon Nanny) Phiri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our men both have scars and with one they are outside and inside and the other are all inside! The hurt for both of our men is soul deep but because of each other they each learn to in some ways not let the shadows win and bring them into the light.

Seeing things from someone else’s perspective can wake you up and bring some peace to the war inside!

These men are beautiful and honest and their story was amazing and just really inspiring on many levels!

It may have been fiction but it made me see real life a little differently!

Brilliant! I loved it!



I received an advanced reader copy of this book- however it didn’t change my honest review!

[b00ks_in_nature · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, this was perfect. Tex and Mandy are broken, hurting boys. There has been attraction between them for some time, but both struggle to trust they can have or deserve more. Each has to learn some difficult lessons, to grow and heal on his own before he is ready to truly be a partner. There are bumps on the way, but of course they find their way to each other. I cannot overstate how much I loved reading this, and seeing these two guys finally get their HEA after seeing them in the previous books. Of course, there is plenty of hijinx and support from the other Bitches, as well. I found myself snort laughing almost as much as I teared up. The overall vibe is one of hope and love.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the latest book of the B's with Stitches series, it's Mandy's turn. Riggs got him into the program with the other Ball Buddies. He meets Tex at Serenity House for recovering addicts and vets. Tex, the sexy, beautiful angel with a southern accent and his "Big Guy" Mandy, the burn scarred Army vet. Both men scarred- one inside, one outside. Both loving each other but thinking themselves unworthy. This series makes you cry for these men, their agony and pain, their losses of physical and mental values and needing so much to try to rebuild their lives and move on. They are so deserving of comfort, peace of mind and love. I received a copy of this and this is my voluntary opinion.

[Crisana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I waited for this story for such a long time but in the end it did not hit the right spot for me. I think it's mainly because I wanted it to be more about Mandy but it ended up being the Tex show. I get that both have major issues and trauma but I found it hard to connect with Tex. I did like the healing aspect and ongoing battle and that no one was suddenly 'cured' because they have a partner in their life. Having said that, I think this is on me, so kudos to the author for putting so much of them out there. I have a feeling that writing these books was a healing process for them as well, so massive respect.

[Sue Milkovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

DOLLY DEFINITELY APPROVES!!

BITCHES WITH STITCHES Book 3. This is a great wrap up to our guys. Tex and Mandy needed THIS so much. RAQUEL RILEY dives deep into the healing process. We all have life scars and emotional baggage. Military can't be matched on so many of these levels. The Military is a thank less job but so many brave men and women sign up. My Dad and Brother were Army. My Best Friend of 40 years was a Marine. These Books touched my heart in so many ways. I enjoyed them all. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS BITCHES WITH STITCHES SERIES!!!!!!!!!!

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mandy was a part of both the original series and this spin-off, and now gets a chance at his own HEA. He and Tex are really different characters - one quiet and in the background, the other loud and sparkly. Both are hiding immense hurt and struggle to let anyone in. The usual support group are doing their best while knitting away at amusing products and being surprisingly wise while playing pranks and messing around at the same time. A strong double hurt/comfort with some slow and painful but beautiful healing moments.

[Gracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting for this book like Hachiko at the train station ever since I read Proof of Life and it did not dissapoint. You kinda have to get the little bits and glimpses from the other 5 books to feel the feels and the tension between these two.

I kinda wish Tex would’ve left his job at Hooters and started working at a Senior’s home or something like that, I bet he’d be great at that kind of job, but oh well.

Mandy and Tex are so good for each other, it’s sad that this is the final book but I’m glad they had their HEA.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hurt/comfort

I've been waiting for these two, and it was so worth the wait.
Tex's humor and carefree facade hides a world of hurt.
Mandy's burns and scars have led him to believe that he's unworthy of love.
These two have suffered so much, but they need to learn how to heal themselves before they can heal together.
Of course, the rest of the group helped with plenty of sage advice and lots of comedic humor as well.

[Dea · Rating 5 out of 5]

HEA for Mandy!!

I really enjoyed this one, and am sad this series is now finished. Seeing so many of the other characters was so great and felt like great closure.

The overarching healing and journey of their relationship was top notch.

Seeing Mandy get his HEA is so amazing and I recommend ready this whole series