3 stars

I have a thing with this author because their books are often and hit or a total miss but here... I'm kinda in the middle.
Okay first, the characters; I didn't care enough about any of the characters to fully connect with any of them. Our heroine I find her odd for the lack of a better word. Her thoughts are all over the place so more often than not I find myself confused with her story. Our Hero, I didn't like him. I don't know what it was but I just didnt liked him.
Second, the plot. It took me around 40% of the book to find the plot and when I did, I still didn't care about it.
This ends with a cliffhanger but I'm not sure if I want to continue reading more about these characters.

I might reread this in a few months to see if my thoughts remain the same because when I picked this up I felt like this had potential and I still think it does even with its flaws .

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Great Start!
This book reminded me why I love this Authors books. The phenomenally complex family dynamics! She never fails to give readers interesting story lines and deep character development. Character relationships are always complicated. We can't forget the sexy mysterious possessive hero. Swoon! I definitely recommend this book.

Well, I have zero interest in continuing the trilogy, so that should really tell you everything that you need to know. I didn't like it. It hits the ground running from page one, and our heroine's perspective sometimes felt scattered, leaving me confused and disconnected. There's a mysterious feel to the whole book that should've worked well with the suspense, but often left me frustrated instead. I didn't care enough about any of the characters to fully connect; Kash and Bailey were just okay for me, and some of the side characters were vomit-inducing. Their romance was strangely paced and often vague, yet we got plenty of dirty details about the other guys, including one or two particularly cringey scenes that I wish I could erase from my memory. It's not my first read by this author, so I can confidently say that it's not her best work.

The story follows Bailey, a computer genius with a photographic memory. After a kidnapping attempt leaves her shaken, she's taken in by a mysterious group and told that her father is someone famous. The man in charge seems to be the mysterious yet sexy Kashton, who clashes with Bailey in a way that's both frustrating and sexually frustrating for her. As Bailey learns more about her family dynamics and gets to know Kash better, she's not entirely sure what to think. But she seems to be bonding with Kash more than anyone else, and it's not long before their relationship feels anything but platonic.

The writing quality probably sits somewhere between 3 and 4 stars, but my personal enjoyment is closer to 2. I've read several of this author's books, and her distinctive writing style always keeps me coming back for more - even when I'm not completely sold on the storyline. That won't be the case with this trilogy. While her style does lend itself well to the suspenseful nature of this series and I liked that it kept me guessing, there just wasn't enough GOOD stuff going on to keep me interested - especially in a love story that essentially ends on a CLIFFHANGER. So much of Kash and Bailey's relationship is shrouded in secrecy or glossed over that I'm not overly invested in them. And I'm certainly not interested in the other self-entitled, womanizing tools featured in the book. The depiction of women is largely unflattering here. So, while this has the foundation of an intriguing suspense novel, the details left me disappointed. I received an early copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this lackluster love story.

Totally fascinating characters by Author Tijan.
I was hooked into the storyline from beginning and could not wait to see where this story would go. A lot of characters that contribute to the buildup of this story.
Ends with a somewhat cliffy so of course I am looking forward to
the next book.

**3.75 Stars**

This is a difficult review to write. I went into this book completely blind as I do pretty much all books, so I was defiitely intrigued from the start with the story line as I had no idea where things were going to go. I did think it was a little slow to take off, but then once things got going, there was definitely enough action and drama to keep me invested in the story. In fact, it was almost like there was maybe too much going on if I am honest. It was almost like there were so many characters and so much happening that it was a bit difficult to keep track of all the happenings and the little sub-plots. I was not aware that this was part of a series going in, so when the book ended I thought there would be a conclusion, so I guess I didn't really feel like there was, not in the typical sense. There are still so many questions that need to be answered and some things that did not make sense, but maybe those things will become more clear in future books. I did like Kash and Bailey together because Kash was hugely protective of Bailey and come on, who doesn't like that, but there are still so many unanswered questions about Kash as well. I really enjoyed the scenes with Bailey and her siblings Cyclone and Seraphina, probably because those scenes seemed the most genuine. All in all this book did keep my interest but it was not my favorite of this author, but I will probably read the rest so I know how it ends.

This book made me fall in love with Tijan all over again. This book is so different from her other books and I love that. I have had this book preordered since she first posted about it and it was totally worth it. I still can not believe I received and ARC of this book.

Bailey is about to be taken away from everything she knows and move in with the father she had no idea existed. Kash has been assigned to keep Bailey safe. A relationship starts for form between the two and it is all fireworks. Until Bailey learns that the threat to her isn't over like she thought it was. Throughout the book we see Bailey form a relationship with her siblings as well as with her father. I was not expecting the ending but can not wait to read the next book!

*thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me and ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*

You need to read The Insiders!

Note to the reader, don’t plan to read just a few pages because it won’t happen since you won’t be able to put it down for a while because you are in for a very interesting ride with The Insiders!

Bailey Hayes was the only child of a single mother and had always dreamed of getting a job at Phenix Tech especially after they given her grants for most of her college. But finding out during a kidnapping attempt that she was the daughter of billionaire Peter Francis who was the owner of Phenix Tech turning her life upside down.

Bailey meets Kashton Colello who has a connection to the Francis family and that is where the story starts with all the action and you need to read it!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Series: The Insiders - Part 1 of 3
Genre: Romance, Suspense
Main Characters: Bailey & Kash
Rating: 3.5 - 4 Stars

The Insiders follows Bailey a genius level IQ girl who lives with her single mother. After Bailey is almost abducted she finds out that her mother has been lying to her regarding who her father is and she finds out that he is a tech mogul, who also happens to be Bailey's idol, and is the reason that she was almost taken. From there Bailey must decide what to do, go in hiding or go with her father and be protected like her half-siblings.

Naturally Bailey decides to go with her father but it isn't everything she dreams. She is still in danger and meeting her half-siblings is much different than she imagined. Bailey has to find her place in this new world of the rich and powerful, while still hiding the truth of who she is. The head of security Kash has taken charge of Bailey and her protection and here enters the love story. A love story that will put them both in danger because Kash isn't just the head of security, he is much more.

I really enjoyed Kash and Bailey's relationship. It was ever evolving and you never quite knew who Kash really was, what he meant to the father or what his job really was. I think Bailey and Kash's portion of the story really carried the book for me. I didn't connect with any of the side characters or enjoy hearing about them as I have in previous Tijan stories and I hope we get more development or growth of character from them in the second book. I do look forward to hearing more about her younger half brother and sister though and seeing that relationship develop further.

Overall I enjoyed the story and will keep reading this trilogy to see how the story grows and evolves.

I shouldn't have been surprised when I picked up The Insiders by Tijan that I would love this book. Bailey is the lead in this story. She is a genius who finds herself in a situation she wasn't prepared for and with a father she did not know and whom she thought was someone else. Kashton is the man who works for Bailey's father and is keeping a close eye on her. She is thrust into a family she didn't know existed and is in danger from an unknown threat. She finds out her life has been a lie. She relies on Kash to help her navigate her way through this. They become closer. I don't want to give anything away but this story was creative, suspenseful and took turns that I didn't see coming. I didn't want the book to end and I can't wait for the next book in this trilogy. I rec'd this book as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Hmm. There's a ;lot, a lot, of drama in this story of 22 year old Bailey who discovers that her bio-dad is billionaire techie Peter Francis. Now that she and others know who she really is, she's a target for kidnappers so she's got a bodyguard, Kashton who she falls for. I've not read Tijan before so thanks to Netgalley for the introduction. For her fans and those looking for a diversion with hot characters,

3.5 Caught My Interest Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
As I mentioned earlier before reading, I haven't kept up with recent Tijan releases. It had nothing against Tijan, just that I usually don't read New Age. When I saw this blurb, though, my antenna went up as it referenced a daughter not recognized by The Computer God.

Ding-Ding, ring a bell anyone...

Yes, me too, Steve Jobs and his unusual relationship with his daughter Lisa Brennan-Jobs. Long story short, Jobs and Chrisann Brennan never married but had an on-again-off-again relationship over the course of many years. Their daughter was born in 1978 and for years Jobs denied she was his. He finally did (was forced to?) and the relationship between father and daughter was rocky. Lisa Brennan-Jobs wrote her own take on it in 2018, Small Fry.

I mention all of this because while reading this book, there was this feeling that some of it could really ring true in some ways. Imagine having that type of dad, learning about it when you are 22, already pegged a genius of sorts due to your photographic memory and computer skills, and oh, he was your idol since you discovered computers.

There is a lot of Story to this, laying groundwork for more books to come about future situations we know are going to happen. There is "Young Love" and also a huge threat to everyone.

So, I bought into this tale, really enjoyed most, stopped myself from my being annoyed by this age group and the decisions they make, how they think, and all of their running from feelings. I was able to read as the author wanted and will look for the next book.

As a huge Tijan fan she really did not disappoint with The Insiders. I feel like she went back to her roots while writing this book. As phenomenal as her standalones are and the other series she has written, for me it’s always been where I go back and reread The Fallen Crest series. And as the first book in this series I found that it gave me the same vibes I had while reading The Fallen Crest Series. I literally finished this book and wanted to reread it right away. It’s that good.
This story has everything you want in a book. I laughed, I cried, I got angry, I was in suspense, and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
Kash and Bailey are what great love stories were made to be written about. Kash was the strong silent type that makes you swoon. True Alpha.
Bailey was smart and such a charismatic heroine that you couldn’t help but root for her.
Book 1
Non RH
Not really a cliff hanger but you can tell the series is gonna continue.
5 star read

I received a copy of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Tijan is usually a one-click author for me. I love all her work and was on the verge of preordering this book when I received a copy from NetGalley to review. I was so excited! But it’s a little weird for me to review this book in particular because it isn’t getting the 5 stars I would have expected when I picked it up. It isn’t that the writing was bad—because it wasn’t. Tijan can write a book well. But for a while, I felt like nothing was happening, or things were happening to fast for me to understand the importance of them plot-wise. Also, the romance between Kash and Bailey fell a little flat to me. Compared to other Tijan storylines where the relationship develops, Kash and Bailey have little conversation and banter and are suddenly in lust with each other. And while I did ship the couple, I didn’t really believe that much in it. It seemed like it needed to have foundation. The ending picked up swiftly and set up the story for future books in the trilogy. Overall, I enjoyed The Insiders, though not as much as I expected to, being a Tijan fan, but I still think many will enjoy it.

I love Tijan's book and this was no exception. This story was a page turner. I love that there will be more books in the series but am so glad this didnt end in a cliffhanger. Cannot wait till the next one!

Okay...I’m hooked and waiting for a second book! Is that happening?

What really got me is that the story line! It is suspenseful and has some HOT scenes! It was fun to have a main female character that is a computer programmer. There was suspense from multiple angles: the danger the main character was in from someone wanting her dead, the sexual tension between her and another character, the relationship with her father...there is a lot going on to keep you hooked.

I will say that there are parts of the story where wording or description felt off, cringe-y, or just felt like The wrong word was used on accident. There were parts that I felt like I had to re-read because of the flow of the sentencing, making character conversations confusing.

HOWEVER I am pretty sure the copy I read wasn’t the final edit. Obsessed with this one and I would love to see this story as a movie. If you are a fan of suspense and romance, here is your next read!

I love Tijan. She has a choppy, abrupt, addictive kind of prose that always draws me in and captures my attention. Her FMCs are always a bit odd, a bit quirky, and a bit troubled. Her MMCs are usually a bit dark, a bit mysterious, and a bit protective. While the "feel" of this book was a different vibe from her normal stories, it still had everything I loved about her romances. Based on other reviews I've seen on GR, clearly some readers either don't appreciate her writing style or they just didn't connect with this story.

I did. Oh god, did I ever. I'm more than positive this will become my favorite series from her because it was the same, but completely different.

Bailey was awesome. I loved her mind. I loved her strength. I loved her heart. That poor girl. Everything she goes through? 😭 I felt for her. Kash was an enigma at first. I saw people complaining that there wasn't a relationship development but if you know Tijan, it's all in the fine details and there was PLENTY of them. The chemistry between them was LIT. The side characters were just as complex. Their connections almost seemed pointless but again, it's all in the details.

I'm not giving away anything. This will probably be hit or miss for some because the plot wasn't that in depth. This was a foundation starter to the series and I cannot WAIT to read more. I loved every word in this book.

I enjoyed this book. It was a quick read! I loved the characters and the romance. I really enjoyed the family dynamics throughout. The story was fast paced, and I was instantly gripped from the very beginning. The ending wasn't what I was expecting. This was my first book from this author and it won't be my last. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Griffin and the author for an advanced reader’s copy of The Insiders in exchange for my honest review.

FIRST IMPRESSION:

I have never read a Tijan book, but I’ve seen many good reviews about her romances. Thus, I jumped at the first chance to review this eARC as soon as I saw it up. However, I am not a big fan of the cover because, let’s be honest, book covers with real people on them are not really on my favourites list.

THE STORY:

The blurb pretty much covers the whole story minus the grand finale. Bailey Hayes is this great kid with a genius IQ and photographic memory. She ends up being almost kidnapped and comes to learn that the kidnappers are after her because she is the illegitimate daughter of tech tycoon, Peter Francis. Soon she comes face-to-face with Kashton Colello, the hot, enigmatic associate of her birth father who also seems to be head of security.

Within 24 hours, Bailey gets uprooted into the sprawling Francis estate, where she ends up housemates with Kashton. Along with getting familiar with her “new” siblings and trying to gain her father’s attention, she shares an instant connection with Kash.

However, there are bad guys hellbent on kidnapping Bailey for some reason and it’s up to Kash to keep her safe and out of their hands. But Bailey starts to realise that there are many secrets in the Francis household, including the identity of the object of her attraction, Kash.

THE GOOD BITS:

- The plot twists that I never saw coming. There were a few twists that Tijan properly built the suspense up to and I thoroughly enjoyed when those final reveals came along. I can’t say too much without spoiling the plot much so you’re gonna have to make do with that very vague descriptions!

- I think Kashton is possibly my favourite character here. His mysterious aura and dark looks are totally my jam when it comes to male leads. Honestly, the mystery around Kash is possibly why I’m drawn to his character.

- The suspense can actually get nerve-wracking but, in retrospect, that feels like a good thing. The story is through Bailey’s POV so there is a lot we don’t know. I thought the mystery was very well done. Nothing is that obvious and I’m kept guessing.

- I found the side characters way more interesting than the main characters. I wish they had more screen time, especially Matt.

- That ending really set the scene for Book Two. It was not shocking really but it really got me curious about the sequel even though I’m not impressed by the book as a whole. I liked that.

THE NOT-SO-GOOD BITS:

- I came across multiple reviewers saying that this book is Tijan’s usual style. Now this is my first Tijan book but even I felt that the characters and the direction of the plot were a bit predictable. I even sort of guessed the main reveal at the end of the book, and that just takes the fun out of all that suspense.

- I didn’t find Bailey that relatable or likeable. I literally didn’t care about her other than the bits of the plot that I couldn’t figure out.

- The romance between Bailey and Kashton was just textbook insta-love with no substance! I was legit confused as to why they ended up together. I am pretty disappointed at how great the roommates turned lovers trope could have been done here but wasn’t.

- The steam level was lower than what I generally like in books. I found that surprising since the author got pretty explicit describing Matt’s party scenes. It’s so disappointing when you’ve got a character as hot as Kash and half the steamy scenes fade into black.

- Tijan’s writing felt a bit haphazard and messy. I am aware that this is an advanced copy but it still felt too messy for an advanced copy either way. If anyone read this, let me know if this is her normal style?

FINAL VERDICT:

I really wanted to like this book more, but I just couldn’t get along with the story. I found the plot a little predictable and the romance was only okay. And those points disappointed me the most. The addictive pace and mystery of the book were its strongest points for me.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

So... I really tried with this one. I haven't always jived with Tijan's writing in the past, but I wanted to give this one a fair chance. I made it to 50% before deciding I just couldn't get into it.

There is so much happening, and yet I had no idea what was going on. I just don't get the motivation of the father or the family. I don't feel the chemistry with the love interest, and I just didn't want to keep picking it up. S it was time to throw in the towel.

Also, since this is only the beginning of a series, I had no interest in getting sucked into that.

3/5 stars, because I have to rate it, so I will go right down the middle.

Better luck with the next one for me.

After a failed kidnapping attempt Bailey finds out she is the daughter of tech mogul and is brought to his palatial estate to be watched. The man who saved her and is currently on her detail Kash is not only extremely attractive, she is living in his house! No one except him and her father know the real reason she is at the estate. She has to hide her true identity all the while knowing the people she is interacting with are actually her siblings. Can she stay safe inside her fathers estate or is there a breach from within? You'll have to read to find out!

Woooooooow this book was AMAZING! I've wanted to read a Tijan book for so long and when I saw this pop up on Netgalley I had to get it! They categorized this as a romance but I'd also be pressed to mark it thriller/mystery. There was so many twists and turns and in the best way possible! I couldn't put the book down. I finished it in under 24 hours. Bailey is so funny and relatable. Kash is so sexy and mysterious. The secondary characters are also interesting and quirky in their own unique way. The chemistry in this book is great and the writing is fantastic. I could totally see this becoming a CW series or a popular movie. I CANNOT WAIT for the next 2 books!!