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Ozark Magic #1
Double Down
Izzy Craig might live in a town called Magic, but her life is anything but. After nursing her beloved grandfather, he has passed away, leaving her to manage a busy lake resort and an unrequited crush on the town’s sheriff, Graham Nolan. Things start to look up when Graham’s estranged brother Chris comes to town. If she can’t have one handsome Nolan man, maybe his twin will do.
Graham’s feelings for Izzy have always been complicated . . . and intense. When he realizes that his brother has encroached on his territory, he’s not sure if he can deal. They’ve tried sharing a woman before, and that ended in heartache for everyone. But when Izzy’s sketchy uncle enters the picture, Graham’s cop senses go on high alert. He may very well have to trust his brother, Izzy, and himself, if he wants to keep the woman he loves safe.
Graham’s feelings for Izzy have always been complicated . . . and intense. When he realizes that his brother has encroached on his territory, he’s not sure if he can deal. They’ve tried sharing a woman before, and that ended in heartache for everyone. But when Izzy’s sketchy uncle enters the picture, Graham’s cop senses go on high alert. He may very well have to trust his brother, Izzy, and himself, if he wants to keep the woman he loves safe.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2015
2 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
N.J. Young
7 books24 followersN.J. Young has been a writer since she was old enough to hold a pencil. After realizing the trials of corporate America weren’t for her, she decided to leave that world behind and pursue her true dream of writing.
Instead of spending her days writing sexy texts to her husband and engaging in “that’s what she said” jokes, she took that energy and poured it into her books. Sprinkle in a couple of hot guys, a little suspense, and a few sexual fantasies, and her first book was born. She now spends her days drinking coffee at her computer, while diving into the adventures of the imaginary friends who live in her novels.
N.J. Young was born and raised in the Midwest, and currently resides in the Kansas City area with her husband, two children, and a menagerie of animals. When she’s not writing, she enjoys horror movies, live music, cooking, and telling her kids why they can’t read mommy’s books.
Instead of spending her days writing sexy texts to her husband and engaging in “that’s what she said” jokes, she took that energy and poured it into her books. Sprinkle in a couple of hot guys, a little suspense, and a few sexual fantasies, and her first book was born. She now spends her days drinking coffee at her computer, while diving into the adventures of the imaginary friends who live in her novels.
N.J. Young was born and raised in the Midwest, and currently resides in the Kansas City area with her husband, two children, and a menagerie of animals. When she’s not writing, she enjoys horror movies, live music, cooking, and telling her kids why they can’t read mommy’s books.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 2, 2016
2.5 Stars
N.J. Young is a new-to-me author; so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going into this one. I liked the blurb, though. I mean, come on. Estranged brothers going after the same woman all while her life is in jeopardy? Count me in!
I loved how the book started. Our introduction to both Izzy and Graham made me sympathetic to both characters. Their feelings for each other were tangible; the long history of their relationship made it believable. Graham, in particular, was my favorite character. He had both grit and emotion, which is what drew me to him. Chris, however, was a bit of a mixed bag for me. In the beginning, I couldn’t stand him. His willingness to use someone else to spite his brother was an ugly side to his personality. It took me until the end of the book to even slightly warm up to him. His actions in the beginning of the book were too much for me to fully overcome. When both Chris and Izzy start talking about their “feelings” for each other, it was only after their first meeting and spending 3 - 4 hours together. Chris and Izzy’s insta-love was far too quick for me. Especially when you can’t help but compare it to the long standing history Izzy and Graham have.
All that aside, the sex scenes throughout were smokin’. With light use of bondage, spanking and bedroom only dominance, the BDSM is light enough for a newbie to the genre. It gave the sex scenes a gentle edge to them. All partners had a place in those scenes; it felt natural. The menage scenes are where the author really found her groove.
As Izzy’s relationship with the men progresses, so too does the threat on her life. While this subplot felt a little predictable, I did like all of the secondary characters that it brought into the book. In particular, I’m really interested in finding out what happens to Andi and Tessa.
Overall, this book had something that, as a reader, I’m not fond of and held me back from rating this higher: lack of communication as a plot device. If these characters would have communicated more, there would have been a lot less repetitive angst. That said, the author has a great voice and I’m interested in where she is going to take the secondary characters from this book.
I received a copy of this book from the author, through the BDSM group TPE bar, in exchange for an honest review.
N.J. Young is a new-to-me author; so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going into this one. I liked the blurb, though. I mean, come on. Estranged brothers going after the same woman all while her life is in jeopardy? Count me in!
I loved how the book started. Our introduction to both Izzy and Graham made me sympathetic to both characters. Their feelings for each other were tangible; the long history of their relationship made it believable. Graham, in particular, was my favorite character. He had both grit and emotion, which is what drew me to him. Chris, however, was a bit of a mixed bag for me. In the beginning, I couldn’t stand him. His willingness to use someone else to spite his brother was an ugly side to his personality. It took me until the end of the book to even slightly warm up to him. His actions in the beginning of the book were too much for me to fully overcome. When both Chris and Izzy start talking about their “feelings” for each other, it was only after their first meeting and spending 3 - 4 hours together. Chris and Izzy’s insta-love was far too quick for me. Especially when you can’t help but compare it to the long standing history Izzy and Graham have.
All that aside, the sex scenes throughout were smokin’. With light use of bondage, spanking and bedroom only dominance, the BDSM is light enough for a newbie to the genre. It gave the sex scenes a gentle edge to them. All partners had a place in those scenes; it felt natural. The menage scenes are where the author really found her groove.
As Izzy’s relationship with the men progresses, so too does the threat on her life. While this subplot felt a little predictable, I did like all of the secondary characters that it brought into the book. In particular, I’m really interested in finding out what happens to Andi and Tessa.
Overall, this book had something that, as a reader, I’m not fond of and held me back from rating this higher: lack of communication as a plot device. If these characters would have communicated more, there would have been a lot less repetitive angst. That said, the author has a great voice and I’m interested in where she is going to take the secondary characters from this book.
I received a copy of this book from the author, through the BDSM group TPE bar, in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2015
WOW! What a book! Once I started reading, I could not stop. From a debut author, this is some of the best writing I've read in a very long time. The characters were believable, the pace was fast, and the ending... not a chance, but it was unexpected. And, holy sex scenes! Can I say that here? Unlike other books, the sex scenes in Double Down were not over before they got started. The scenes are vivid, detailed moment-to-moment accounts that come to life (so don't read while at work or on public transportation).This is not porn, this is prose with a temperature gauge set to hot! Author N.J. Young has managed to produce a compelling story that builds to something more than just sex. Highly recommended!
January 8, 2016
I received a copy from the author through the BDSM group TPE bar, in exchange for an honest review
2.5 Stars
Isabel has just lost her grandfather, the only remaining family she had, and is trying to hold it together while she manages the Lakeside resort he left to her.
Graham, the towns Sheriff, is the object of Izzy's desire, but doesn't appear to return the feelings.
A night of mistaken identity finds Izzy in bed with Graham's twin brother Chris, who shows up in town after five years away, to buy the land from the Resort owner, on behalf of his client.
Graham shows his true feelings in a jealous rage, and thus the love triangle is born.
After the dust settles on the revelation that Izzy slept with Chris, not Graham, gentle inquiries by Chris about Izzy's intentions with the land quickly show him that there is nothing that can be offered for Izzy to sell the land her grandpa gave her. Relieved to be able to spend the time he has wooing Izzy, he sets about falling in love with her quickly...... I mean trying to get her to fall in love with him.
But the owner of a development company has other plans to acquire the land, and things become dangerous for Izzy.
I'd have to say this was very mild in terms of sexual content. The triad relationship takes a long time to develop, and there is a lot of angsty drama to go along with it. I found some of the story repetitive and unnecessary. This reduced my enjoyment of the story. I don't do well with fabricated angst, and it felt that way in places where they should have sorted it out by then. Some of the drama was not believable, and could have been left out for some more character development.
The suspense plot was ok. It was basic, and entertaining. I could have done without it, but I see how it was introduced to trip up the characters. Some work in this area in future stories would create something a little more engaging.
I was actually more interested in Milo and Tessa, as well as Flynn, Theo, and Andi, than the main characters in this story. If this is to become a series, I see how these pairings have been set up, and I think Tessa will be an especially entertaining MC. I think the author should focus more on character development in the next story.
There were some grammatical issues, and some missing words. With some polishing and tightening up of the plot this would see the writing improve.
Recommended for those who enjoy light kink, including spanking, and light restraints, MFM triads and some added suspense thrown into the mix.
Thank you to the Author and the BDSM group TPE for the opportunity to review this story.
2.5 Stars
Isabel has just lost her grandfather, the only remaining family she had, and is trying to hold it together while she manages the Lakeside resort he left to her.
Graham, the towns Sheriff, is the object of Izzy's desire, but doesn't appear to return the feelings.
A night of mistaken identity finds Izzy in bed with Graham's twin brother Chris, who shows up in town after five years away, to buy the land from the Resort owner, on behalf of his client.
Graham shows his true feelings in a jealous rage, and thus the love triangle is born.
After the dust settles on the revelation that Izzy slept with Chris, not Graham, gentle inquiries by Chris about Izzy's intentions with the land quickly show him that there is nothing that can be offered for Izzy to sell the land her grandpa gave her. Relieved to be able to spend the time he has wooing Izzy, he sets about falling in love with her quickly...... I mean trying to get her to fall in love with him.
But the owner of a development company has other plans to acquire the land, and things become dangerous for Izzy.
I'd have to say this was very mild in terms of sexual content. The triad relationship takes a long time to develop, and there is a lot of angsty drama to go along with it. I found some of the story repetitive and unnecessary. This reduced my enjoyment of the story. I don't do well with fabricated angst, and it felt that way in places where they should have sorted it out by then. Some of the drama was not believable, and could have been left out for some more character development.
The suspense plot was ok. It was basic, and entertaining. I could have done without it, but I see how it was introduced to trip up the characters. Some work in this area in future stories would create something a little more engaging.
I was actually more interested in Milo and Tessa, as well as Flynn, Theo, and Andi, than the main characters in this story. If this is to become a series, I see how these pairings have been set up, and I think Tessa will be an especially entertaining MC. I think the author should focus more on character development in the next story.
There were some grammatical issues, and some missing words. With some polishing and tightening up of the plot this would see the writing improve.
Recommended for those who enjoy light kink, including spanking, and light restraints, MFM triads and some added suspense thrown into the mix.
Thank you to the Author and the BDSM group TPE for the opportunity to review this story.
December 25, 2015
Izzy has inherited her grandfather's lodge but there is someone wants and will go to now bounds to get it... But who and why?
Just when you think things are going in one direction be prepared to be taken in another direction...
This one had me wanting to jump in smack the one character for his YO-YO up and down rollercoaster idiocy & antics... Other than that this was a well written and enjoyable good story to read with alternating POVs and the HEA end that was great. There was a few spots here there that seemed to be overly drawn out...
Just when you think things are going in one direction be prepared to be taken in another direction...
This one had me wanting to jump in smack the one character for his YO-YO up and down rollercoaster idiocy & antics... Other than that this was a well written and enjoyable good story to read with alternating POVs and the HEA end that was great. There was a few spots here there that seemed to be overly drawn out...
January 11, 2016
**This book was provided by the Author through the BDSM Group TPR BAR for an honest review**
This is by a new Author, & you would never know it! The setup is great, flows right along, has different POV's (which I love), menage sex with some light BDSM, & enough intrigue to keep you reading. I thought all the characters fit perfectly. (I'm already excited for the next books) :-) There's a beautiful love story that everything is built around in this small town of Magic. You're rooting for them the whole book & a few others too. There's someone out to get the Resort from her by using any means necessary. There are a couple of mistakes but it didn't take from my enjoyment. If you enjoy all that in a story then this is definitely the read for you!
Magic, is just that, a small lakeside resort area in the Ozark Mountains that is very magical. Isabel comes to Magic to care for her Grampa & run the Lakewood Resort. When he passes Isabel inherits the Lakewood & it becomes her life as a way to work through her grief. Many of the employees have become her friends & they keep watch so she doesn't wear herself down. One person she wants closer is Sheriff Graham Nolan or Sheriff Hottie as a few girls call him. Izzy has been in love with him for the three years she's been in Magic. But he pushes her away, she's not sure why. When his twin Chris comes to town & sets his sights on Izzy, Graham isn't very happy. Especially after a mistaken identity has Izzy sleeping with Chris. Did I say that they are identical twins? Graham can't decide if he can put aside heartache from the past & pursue a relationship with them. Afterall, they've shared women before.
Many have tried to buy the Resort but Izzy won't sell, it was her Grampa's love & she's also come to love it. The story flows from here beautifully, giving you the need to keep reading. Kept me up a couple of late nights. :-)
Oh yes I almost forgot, there is a HEA!
Enjoy!! I did!
This is by a new Author, & you would never know it! The setup is great, flows right along, has different POV's (which I love), menage sex with some light BDSM, & enough intrigue to keep you reading. I thought all the characters fit perfectly. (I'm already excited for the next books) :-) There's a beautiful love story that everything is built around in this small town of Magic. You're rooting for them the whole book & a few others too. There's someone out to get the Resort from her by using any means necessary. There are a couple of mistakes but it didn't take from my enjoyment. If you enjoy all that in a story then this is definitely the read for you!
Magic, is just that, a small lakeside resort area in the Ozark Mountains that is very magical. Isabel comes to Magic to care for her Grampa & run the Lakewood Resort. When he passes Isabel inherits the Lakewood & it becomes her life as a way to work through her grief. Many of the employees have become her friends & they keep watch so she doesn't wear herself down. One person she wants closer is Sheriff Graham Nolan or Sheriff Hottie as a few girls call him. Izzy has been in love with him for the three years she's been in Magic. But he pushes her away, she's not sure why. When his twin Chris comes to town & sets his sights on Izzy, Graham isn't very happy. Especially after a mistaken identity has Izzy sleeping with Chris. Did I say that they are identical twins? Graham can't decide if he can put aside heartache from the past & pursue a relationship with them. Afterall, they've shared women before.
Many have tried to buy the Resort but Izzy won't sell, it was her Grampa's love & she's also come to love it. The story flows from here beautifully, giving you the need to keep reading. Kept me up a couple of late nights. :-)
Oh yes I almost forgot, there is a HEA!
Enjoy!! I did!
January 27, 2016
With identical twins who have identical tastes in women, Izzy is set up for more passion than she could ever dream of. Graham’s character is tough on the outside, yet his feelings run deep and strong. Chris, however, is more open and easy going, which makes him the perfect compliment to his brother. Izzy certainly has her work cut out for her. But the rewards, if she succeeds, are off the charts!
Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
November 21, 2015
I absolutely love the twist with the identical twins, Graham and Chris. The suspense aspect of the story is really well done. There is even some humor thrown in there that made me laugh. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I’m looking forward to reading more from NJ Young. FULL REVIEW: http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...
February 9, 2016
I love books that I can sink into and devour in less than a day and not because they're these little 64 page novellas, but because they're so good - I just cannot put them down until I have finished each and every chapter. It is like a reading frenzy that takes place - and I simply give in and allow it to be.
This book is very much in that category that swoops in - takes my breath away - and blamo - I am on the path with the characters, walking with them, watching them, getting the tangible draw from the words alone.
This book offers two hero's and one delightful heroine that make sense together. I loved the push and pull between Graham and Izzy and the sense that they were fighting a battle that just didn't need to happen. It is that delirious kind of frustrating walk where you're not sure if you want to smack them both - or throw them together in a doorless room and make them see the error of their ways.
I guess that is where hero two comes in, the identical twin factor that leads us on the heart palpitating journey that says, 'Ah... boy is this going to make things interesting' in the back of your mind. In this particular story, it simply does just that - takes you to another heightened sense and then starts laying the love mines that everyone walks into and has to deal with.
This book had a sense of overall realism for me that worked. I love the dialogue, the feisty exchanges, the love, the angst, the fear, the frustration, this book just had all of what I needed neatly wrapped in several different colored bows.
This book is very much in that category that swoops in - takes my breath away - and blamo - I am on the path with the characters, walking with them, watching them, getting the tangible draw from the words alone.
This book offers two hero's and one delightful heroine that make sense together. I loved the push and pull between Graham and Izzy and the sense that they were fighting a battle that just didn't need to happen. It is that delirious kind of frustrating walk where you're not sure if you want to smack them both - or throw them together in a doorless room and make them see the error of their ways.
I guess that is where hero two comes in, the identical twin factor that leads us on the heart palpitating journey that says, 'Ah... boy is this going to make things interesting' in the back of your mind. In this particular story, it simply does just that - takes you to another heightened sense and then starts laying the love mines that everyone walks into and has to deal with.
This book had a sense of overall realism for me that worked. I love the dialogue, the feisty exchanges, the love, the angst, the fear, the frustration, this book just had all of what I needed neatly wrapped in several different colored bows.
August 5, 2016
Double Down is a very hot and sexy erotica ménage with a really wonderful suspense story thrown in. I absolutely adored Izzy and the brothers Graham and Chris. I will admit, there were several times I wanted to smack Graham in the head for being an idiot but I did love the idiot.
The mystery was action packed with an ending that revealed some interesting stuff. Overall, it was a well written, fasted paced story, with characters that kept me turning the pages.
I would highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
This book is number 1 in N.J's Ozark Magic series but can be read as a standalone.
Book 2 - Fierce Temper - Tess and Milo's story is available now.
I received a copy of this book directly for the publisher.
Check out my other reviews on my blog: www.bookreviewsjanisf.com
The mystery was action packed with an ending that revealed some interesting stuff. Overall, it was a well written, fasted paced story, with characters that kept me turning the pages.
I would highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
This book is number 1 in N.J's Ozark Magic series but can be read as a standalone.
Book 2 - Fierce Temper - Tess and Milo's story is available now.
I received a copy of this book directly for the publisher.
Check out my other reviews on my blog: www.bookreviewsjanisf.com
March 9, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
The identical twins drama and the suspense aspect of the story is really well done. There is some humor thrown in there that made me laugh and it all, for the most part, felt very real. One aspect of the who-done-it had me surprised and intrigued through the entire story.
I definitely look forward to what else will come from Ozark Magic, there is a certain secondary character that I would like to know more about!
The identical twins drama and the suspense aspect of the story is really well done. There is some humor thrown in there that made me laugh and it all, for the most part, felt very real. One aspect of the who-done-it had me surprised and intrigued through the entire story.
I definitely look forward to what else will come from Ozark Magic, there is a certain secondary character that I would like to know more about!
January 16, 2016
I received a copy from the author through the BDSM group TPE bar, in exchange for an honest review
This book is set in a town called Magic in the Ozark Mountains. Isabels grandfather has just dyed in the beginning and she has inherited the Lakewood resort which her grandfather left to her because he could see she would love the place as he did.
Isabel is in love with Graham Nolan who is the town's sheriff but he has always pushed her away. When his twin brother Chris arrives in town he feels an instant attraction to her and she believes it is Graham at first so they have a night of passion and then Graham turns up. Graham throughout the book is dealing with issues from his pass and is afraid to try again.
I found this book a bit hard to read I found that the story had an interesting plot and some of the twist and turns it takes are really good but throughout the story there is this drama and repeated dialogue which makes it hard to read because the characters kind of feel weak and you don't get to like the characters so it becomes difficult to get along with the story.
The sex scenes for me were good they were plotted well and they didn't just finish before they'd begun.
Some of the secondary characters seem rather interesting and it would be nice to hear some of their story as long as there was more focus on character building.
This book had light elements of kink so if you do not like light BDSM in your stories this is not a book you should read
This book is set in a town called Magic in the Ozark Mountains. Isabels grandfather has just dyed in the beginning and she has inherited the Lakewood resort which her grandfather left to her because he could see she would love the place as he did.
Isabel is in love with Graham Nolan who is the town's sheriff but he has always pushed her away. When his twin brother Chris arrives in town he feels an instant attraction to her and she believes it is Graham at first so they have a night of passion and then Graham turns up. Graham throughout the book is dealing with issues from his pass and is afraid to try again.
I found this book a bit hard to read I found that the story had an interesting plot and some of the twist and turns it takes are really good but throughout the story there is this drama and repeated dialogue which makes it hard to read because the characters kind of feel weak and you don't get to like the characters so it becomes difficult to get along with the story.
The sex scenes for me were good they were plotted well and they didn't just finish before they'd begun.
Some of the secondary characters seem rather interesting and it would be nice to hear some of their story as long as there was more focus on character building.
This book had light elements of kink so if you do not like light BDSM in your stories this is not a book you should read
January 8, 2016
"Double Down", by NJ Young, was a surprise, not because of the ménage content, but because while reading I repeatedly got stuck. The why of this bogged feeling rested with the emotional turmoil of the main characters, the number of conflicts and how much they were repeated in dialogue. At first it was fine, but repeated instances were bothersome when they took me out of the story. The distraction took away from a really nice plot and otherwise well written story. Fortunately, there are plot lines that were incomplete and seem to setup the sequel(s). I'm looking forward to hearing more from this author.
***I received a copy from the author through the bdsm group TPE bar, in exchange for an honest review***
***I received a copy from the author through the bdsm group TPE bar, in exchange for an honest review***
February 11, 2016
Izzy Craig’s life is anything but magical, her grandfather passed away leaving her to manage a busy lake resort and an unrequited crush on the town’s sheriff but things start are starting to look up when Chris comes to town in this riveting romantic suspense. Double Down held me spellbound while Graham, Izzy and Chris captured my heart a little more with every turn of the page. The story had a great mix of suspense and personal conflict along with the erotic side of the romance and there were quite a few characters that has caught my attention so I can’t wait to read the next book.
“Copyright Night Owl Reviews”©
See my full review at:
https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
“Copyright Night Owl Reviews”©
See my full review at:
https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews