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Wicked Games #1
Twist My Heart
A feisty fugitive must convince a steel-hearted warrior to help her evade a wicked enemy.
When a tornado drops Thea Gale and her not-so-little dog Titan into the arms of a steel-hearted warrior, she has no idea the trouble she’s in. Lucky for her, the battle-scarred Navy SEAL patching her up knows a few things about evading wicked enemies.
Nikolas Steele is certain the right thing to do is to turn the captivating amnesiac and her protective K9 over to the authorities. But is the filter-less fugitive really a threat or is she the one whose life is in grave danger?
Nik can’t shake the feeling that Thea’s past has come back to claim her and discovering who she really is might be more deadly than either of them are prepared for. In order to enlist Nik’s help, Thea must not only confront the trauma of her former life, but also penetrate the carefully forged armor protecting what is left of Nik’s heart.
When a tornado drops Thea Gale and her not-so-little dog Titan into the arms of a steel-hearted warrior, she has no idea the trouble she’s in. Lucky for her, the battle-scarred Navy SEAL patching her up knows a few things about evading wicked enemies.
Nikolas Steele is certain the right thing to do is to turn the captivating amnesiac and her protective K9 over to the authorities. But is the filter-less fugitive really a threat or is she the one whose life is in grave danger?
Nik can’t shake the feeling that Thea’s past has come back to claim her and discovering who she really is might be more deadly than either of them are prepared for. In order to enlist Nik’s help, Thea must not only confront the trauma of her former life, but also penetrate the carefully forged armor protecting what is left of Nik’s heart.
- GenresContemporary Romance
Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2021
9 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Brooke Taylor
4 books61 followersBrooke Taylor lives and writes from her country home in Oklahoma where her pets are a constant, but happy, distraction. When she’s not reading or writing, she enjoys horseback riding, going to the lake, and traveling. Brooke has worked extensively in the travel industry, from dude ranches to ski resorts to cruise lines. Her many overseas adventures include sky diving in New Zealand, scuba diving with sharks, sailing through hurricanes, and having her tent attacked by wild animals in the Mara game reserve in Kenya. Due to current health insurance rates, Brooke is letting her characters do most of the risk-taking from now on.
Brooke has been previously published in Young Adult. Her novel UNDONE (Bloomsbury) made the ALA's Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers, was nominated for ALA's Best Books, and was a finalist for the National Reader's Choice Award.
Brooke has been previously published in Young Adult. Her novel UNDONE (Bloomsbury) made the ALA's Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers, was nominated for ALA's Best Books, and was a finalist for the National Reader's Choice Award.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 2, 2021
I Just Couldn’t Put This Steamy, Suspenseful Story Down!
I will be honest. I didn’t want to like Brooke Taylor’s “Twist My Heart,” but I am so very happy I gave it a shot! Nik Steele is a freshly retired Navy SEAL who finds himself blindsided – first by a gorgeous blond woman with boundless energy (earning her the nickname “Tigger” in his mind) and then by the wreckage caused by a tornado…in Kansas…sounds vaguely familiar, doesn’t it? Nik is strong and handsome, a natural protector who believes he’s heartless, but we certainly get glimpses of his softer side throughout the story. Thea Gale is dealing with the aftermath of the tornado herself since a gas station convenience store essentially landed on her in the storm and caused amnesia! The beautiful, courageous young woman is frightened of who she may discover when she regains her memory, but she is absolutely certain that she has the hots for her rescuer! There was so much that I loved about this story. The humor that was skillfully woven through it – from the tongue-in-cheek references to Dorothy’s trip to Oz or the conversations Nik found himself having with a German Shepherd to the thoughts that ran through the characters’ heads – had me chuckling repeatedly and thoroughly enjoying the book. The individual development of Nik and Thea as hero and heroine, as well as the “twisted” journey toward their HEA, the suspense and drama…sigh…loved loved LOVED it! Excellent work by Taylor!
I will be honest. I didn’t want to like Brooke Taylor’s “Twist My Heart,” but I am so very happy I gave it a shot! Nik Steele is a freshly retired Navy SEAL who finds himself blindsided – first by a gorgeous blond woman with boundless energy (earning her the nickname “Tigger” in his mind) and then by the wreckage caused by a tornado…in Kansas…sounds vaguely familiar, doesn’t it? Nik is strong and handsome, a natural protector who believes he’s heartless, but we certainly get glimpses of his softer side throughout the story. Thea Gale is dealing with the aftermath of the tornado herself since a gas station convenience store essentially landed on her in the storm and caused amnesia! The beautiful, courageous young woman is frightened of who she may discover when she regains her memory, but she is absolutely certain that she has the hots for her rescuer! There was so much that I loved about this story. The humor that was skillfully woven through it – from the tongue-in-cheek references to Dorothy’s trip to Oz or the conversations Nik found himself having with a German Shepherd to the thoughts that ran through the characters’ heads – had me chuckling repeatedly and thoroughly enjoying the book. The individual development of Nik and Thea as hero and heroine, as well as the “twisted” journey toward their HEA, the suspense and drama…sigh…loved loved LOVED it! Excellent work by Taylor!
June 27, 2021
Gah I loved this!
I dove into this book not sure what to expect but sooooo happy I gave it a read!!! Well written, great story line, and little nuggets of Oz made this so enjoyable! I’ll be reading more from Brooke!!!!
I dove into this book not sure what to expect but sooooo happy I gave it a read!!! Well written, great story line, and little nuggets of Oz made this so enjoyable! I’ll be reading more from Brooke!!!!
July 31, 2021
Sizzling and intense!!
I love Wizard of Oz, so I was drawn to this book…well, that and the amazing cover. LOVED this story from start to finish. The chemistry between the two characters was palpable. I fell in love with the alpha hero and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. It was so cool finding all of the little Wizard of Oz nuggets. I highly recommend this book!
I love Wizard of Oz, so I was drawn to this book…well, that and the amazing cover. LOVED this story from start to finish. The chemistry between the two characters was palpable. I fell in love with the alpha hero and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. It was so cool finding all of the little Wizard of Oz nuggets. I highly recommend this book!
April 8, 2022
Rating: 3.5/5.0
“Twist My Heart” has a quirky first chapter with some amusing insight into the mind of Nikolas Steele.
Read full review in the 2022 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
“Twist My Heart” has a quirky first chapter with some amusing insight into the mind of Nikolas Steele.
Read full review in the 2022 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
July 4, 2021
A sassy girl, protective guy, and an adorable german shepard...what more could you want in a book? This was an intense, yet sweet story. I loved getting to know Thea and Nik, and getting swept up in the adventure of their romance.
April 4, 2021
I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed this story about Thea and Nik. Nik is a retired Navy Seal and he's headed to his buddy Coop's place to take a guys trip, by he gets sidetracked by a tornado and a lost girl. She's been thrown through a tornado and dumped in her wrecked truck. When she comes to she had no idea who she is or any background. Nik tries to get her help but she refuses. After a news broadcast Nik finds her identity. Thea/Tigger has a nasty bump on her head and no past except for a dog Titan. She's running from something or someone. Nik wants to keep her safe and well anything to keep her that way. Adventure, kidnapping, truth revealed and several near death experiences leave for a good story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 6, 2021
This is a new to me author and I'm so happy I found her!
This story is suspenseful, sexy, has you riding on the edge of a tornado throughout the whole book.
Nickolas Steele a former SEAL was looking for a quick toss in the sheets, what he didn't expect was to find the gorgeous Thea Gale "Tigger, Tigs." He's immediately intrigued by the beauty and can't stop thinking about her. Little does he know he's going to be running into her again real quick, but unfortunately things turn deadly real quick.
Thea Gale is on the run. From who? No one knows, not even her. Nik takes Thea in and tries to help figure things out. The chemistry they share is sexy, off the charts really. Nik starts to unfold some of the details of her past and brings things to light. He also finds that Thea is being followed and tracked.
Steamy: 5/5
Suspense: 5/5
This story is suspenseful, sexy, has you riding on the edge of a tornado throughout the whole book.
Nickolas Steele a former SEAL was looking for a quick toss in the sheets, what he didn't expect was to find the gorgeous Thea Gale "Tigger, Tigs." He's immediately intrigued by the beauty and can't stop thinking about her. Little does he know he's going to be running into her again real quick, but unfortunately things turn deadly real quick.
Thea Gale is on the run. From who? No one knows, not even her. Nik takes Thea in and tries to help figure things out. The chemistry they share is sexy, off the charts really. Nik starts to unfold some of the details of her past and brings things to light. He also finds that Thea is being followed and tracked.
Steamy: 5/5
Suspense: 5/5
April 1, 2021
This was first time in reading anything from this author. It just intrigued me and as I proceeded in it was not long I was in for the duration. Tornadoes can do alot of damage and odd things in its path. Thea gets dropped along with her dog into the arms that were strong enough to catch. He also happened to be a ex Navy Seal with battle scars. Nik thinks she is running as a fugitive but then things begin to change his thinking. What is really going on and what are the secrets? We the reader want to know and so does Nik. If she wants his help she too will have some things to do. Turn the pages I did to find out what the answers were in this one.
April 4, 2021
The first book in the Wicked Games series a well written story that kept me turning pages. Thea Gale and her not-so-little dog Titan, and Nickolas Steele's story of suspense, drama, danger, a villain, and romance. A story that was well worth reading. This is a new Author to me and it looks like this is her debut book. I want to read the next book. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 28, 2021
Such a great book! The story of a recently retired Navy SEAL helping out and falling for an amnesiac fugitive and her German Shepherd already had me intrigued. But then the author adds all these ties and allusions to the Wizard of Oz, and there's no way I could not love this book. I can't wait to see how the rest of the Wicked Games books play out (fingers crossed Coop and Leo both get their time in the spotlight!). I will be buying book 2 the very second it's available.
April 2, 2021
A new Author to me, I’m so glad I discovered Brooke. I loved this book, it was funny, feisty and unique.
The characters had depth and the plot was exciting, I cannot wait for the series to continue with the more fun banter, adding new characters to this exciting series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters had depth and the plot was exciting, I cannot wait for the series to continue with the more fun banter, adding new characters to this exciting series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 4, 2021
Nik and Thea’s story was absolutely amazing!!! I found myself sucked into their world from the first chapter! Hot alpha hero with hidden soft heart and a heroine literally thrown into a foreign world, but never loses her will to survive and flourish. Such an outstanding story!!!! Highly recommend!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 18, 2021
Brooke Taylor takes readers on a wild ride! "Tigger" and Nik are well-rounded characters, the food porn was hilarious, and I’m definitely curious what they find on the island. I hope Nik's friends get exactly who they deserve in the rest of the Wicked Games.
February 19, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️BEYOND EXCELLENT!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Twist My Heart is quite an original & uniquely crafted novel with an excellent plot. I loved the fact that the FMC is a strong knowledgeable character without having to constantly tell everyone how strong she is. This is mainly due to the fact that her love interest, a recently retired SEAL is calm, smart, and very observant without the tedious trope of being overbearing and annoying. He was created to be aware of both her and his surroundings in a practiced and professional manner. If I had to guess if this author has actually been around SF personnel, I would say, “yes.” She seems to get them without having to overwhelm the reader with “trying too hard” details. The author’s knowledge of weapons and SEAL procedures was very realistic. I am a HUGE fan of this author’s writing style because it flows so well while giving the reader the necessary details with no off putting devices or contrived measures to take you out of the story. The characters were described so well that I could see them and the plot kept me reading to the point that I began to worry that it was almost over. I rarely find such a well put together story with likable characters that don’t do something that cause me to roll my eyes. I can’t wait to read more from this author because she’s just that good. Thea and Nik are a well matched power couple that I hope to see more of. Nik’s pals Cooper (also a SEAL,) and LEO are exciting characters that I’m hoping get their own books. Twist My Heart had no shortage of sexy scenes, so readers will definitely not lack for spice. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Twist My Heart is quite an original & uniquely crafted novel with an excellent plot. I loved the fact that the FMC is a strong knowledgeable character without having to constantly tell everyone how strong she is. This is mainly due to the fact that her love interest, a recently retired SEAL is calm, smart, and very observant without the tedious trope of being overbearing and annoying. He was created to be aware of both her and his surroundings in a practiced and professional manner. If I had to guess if this author has actually been around SF personnel, I would say, “yes.” She seems to get them without having to overwhelm the reader with “trying too hard” details. The author’s knowledge of weapons and SEAL procedures was very realistic. I am a HUGE fan of this author’s writing style because it flows so well while giving the reader the necessary details with no off putting devices or contrived measures to take you out of the story. The characters were described so well that I could see them and the plot kept me reading to the point that I began to worry that it was almost over. I rarely find such a well put together story with likable characters that don’t do something that cause me to roll my eyes. I can’t wait to read more from this author because she’s just that good. Thea and Nik are a well matched power couple that I hope to see more of. Nik’s pals Cooper (also a SEAL,) and LEO are exciting characters that I’m hoping get their own books. Twist My Heart had no shortage of sexy scenes, so readers will definitely not lack for spice. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 9, 2021
New to me author - I enjoyed this spin on The Wizard of Oz! Intriguing, original storyline, great characters with plenty of steam and humor thrown in.
December 17, 2021
Wow. What can I say about this book except....wow. Nik and Thea were the perfect hero and heroine. He's tough yet caring and she's vulnerable yet strong and caring as well. The author did a fantastic job conveying Thea's memory loss and the struggles involved. It was interesting to watch her discover the simplest things we take for granted. The romance and passoin between the two was off the charts and the suspense was gripping. I enjoyed discovering the cleverly intertwined Wizard of Oz easter eggs. I can't wait for the next book in the trilogy. What a ride!
June 28, 2021
I didn't like Nik at first, since he viewed females only as vessels for his physical needs. Thea brings out his protective urges along with making him so physically uncomfortable it's surprising he can wear pants around her at all!
Full Review - http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...
Full Review - http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...
May 13, 2021
Tough heroine in a tight spot and hot hero - what more do you need? Throw in sweet and protective dog, a tornado, mistaken identities, loyal and equally hot friends - and you have a great story! The Wizard of Oz references were so cool and fun to look for. Can't wait for the next in the series!
April 25, 2022
Twist My Heart by author Brooke Taylor is the first book of the wicked games series. It narrates the story of a feisty fugitive trying her best to convince a retired Navy SEAL to help her and her dog.
Thea, or as Nik calls her, Tigger, suffers from amnesia, and the only thing she knows is that she’s on the run and must keep her dog Titan by her side. At first, the retired Navy SEAL is reluctant to help her, but he gives in. So they are on the run, trying to find out more about Thea’s past life and who’s looking for her. All the while, the sexual attraction between the two keeps on growing every minute they spend together.
Taylor’s descriptive writing style draws readers into the story and gives them the feeling they are on the run with Nik and Thea. Additionally, by incorporating both first and third-person points of view for the characters, readers will get a full view of the thoughts and actions that are occurring in this action-filled drama.
The book’s pacing is superb. There is never a dull moment between the on-the-run action and the building romance of Nik and Thea. In addition, the mystery of Thea’s identity as it unfolds is intertwined into the action and romance seamlessly. Altogether, this makes the novel engaging and fast-paced.
Character building is a strong element of Taylor’s writing. Thea is portrayed as a strong woman. However, I felt there were some scenes showing her as a damsel in distress that needed saving by strong warrior Nick. The instances where Thea did fight for herself were refreshing and exciting and more in line with the character that is built up by Taylor.
An interesting aspect of the story is Thea’s approach to amnesia, everything’s new to her, and she’s watching the world as if through a child’s eyes, giving the reader a unique point of view on everyday details that we usually don’t think about as we do them daily.
Twist My Heart is filled with heart-racing action scenes and steamy romance that will catch the attention of action and adventure readers and romance lovers. Watching the mystery of Thea’s identity and why she is on the run unfold will keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
Thea, or as Nik calls her, Tigger, suffers from amnesia, and the only thing she knows is that she’s on the run and must keep her dog Titan by her side. At first, the retired Navy SEAL is reluctant to help her, but he gives in. So they are on the run, trying to find out more about Thea’s past life and who’s looking for her. All the while, the sexual attraction between the two keeps on growing every minute they spend together.
Taylor’s descriptive writing style draws readers into the story and gives them the feeling they are on the run with Nik and Thea. Additionally, by incorporating both first and third-person points of view for the characters, readers will get a full view of the thoughts and actions that are occurring in this action-filled drama.
The book’s pacing is superb. There is never a dull moment between the on-the-run action and the building romance of Nik and Thea. In addition, the mystery of Thea’s identity as it unfolds is intertwined into the action and romance seamlessly. Altogether, this makes the novel engaging and fast-paced.
Character building is a strong element of Taylor’s writing. Thea is portrayed as a strong woman. However, I felt there were some scenes showing her as a damsel in distress that needed saving by strong warrior Nick. The instances where Thea did fight for herself were refreshing and exciting and more in line with the character that is built up by Taylor.
An interesting aspect of the story is Thea’s approach to amnesia, everything’s new to her, and she’s watching the world as if through a child’s eyes, giving the reader a unique point of view on everyday details that we usually don’t think about as we do them daily.
Twist My Heart is filled with heart-racing action scenes and steamy romance that will catch the attention of action and adventure readers and romance lovers. Watching the mystery of Thea’s identity and why she is on the run unfold will keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
May 16, 2023
Twist My Heart is a retelling of The Wizard of Oz, and it's done perfectly! In the book, we follow Thea Gale and her dog Titan, as they get caught up in a tornado, and end up meeting a man named Nikolas Steele. He's a Battle-scarred Navy SEAL and he patches up Thea. Thea finds herself trying to evade wicked enemies with Nikolas's help. Nikolas knows that turning Thea and Titan in to the authorities is the right thing to do, but he realizes that she may not be the dangerous one, he realizes she may be the one whose life is in danger. Nik can't get over the feeling that Thea's past is coming back to bite her, and he feels that discovering who she really is could potentially be deadly to both of them. In order for Nik to help her out, she needs to confront the trauma of her past, and break down Nik's walls that surround his heart! This book was a wild ride! Nik and Thea have a beautiful relationship and seeing them learn to trust each other while falling in love was perfect! If you love retellings, especially of the Wizard of Oz, I HIGHLY recommend this book! ❤
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 31, 2023
This book has a great balance of suspense and humor. The buildup between Thea and Nik is fabulous, and I enjoyed seeing him fall for her. Thea's whole life is up in the air, but I admire her ability to roll with the punches. The Wizard of Oz references are fun and add to the story nicely. I still wasn't sold on Coop by the end, but he gets a chance to win me over with his tale in the next book. This was a fantastic start from a debut author!
February 21, 2022
Was a bit too long 🙈
February 26, 2022
3.5-3.7
January 20, 2025
2.1 it had the potential to be so good but honestly it just fell flat
June 29, 2021
Nickolas Steele has just left the brotherhood of being a SEAL...Thea Gale is a woman on a mission. Unfortunately, there is a tornado headed their way, and once she drives away from the gas station, she gets caught in it. Half of the station lands on her, and she's knocked unconscious...
The story has a satisfying ending, and definitely hints at sequels that will involve Nik's sexy ex-SEAL bro, as well as that guy's equally sexy brother.
Read my whole review at:
http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...
The story has a satisfying ending, and definitely hints at sequels that will involve Nik's sexy ex-SEAL bro, as well as that guy's equally sexy brother.
Read my whole review at:
http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews