I knew that I would love this book based on all my other reads by this author. But I was not expecting this to be one of the best I’ve read of 2021. But it’s definitely in my top two. This was such an experience-I was absolutely engrossed from the beginning, sucked into this incredibly, intricate, captivating, smart, witty, steamy, sexy, and brimming with chemistry that was off the charts, romance.

OMG!! “THE INSIDERS” captivated me from page one. I was hooked. It was everything I didn’t know I needed and I couldn’t get enough of it. Yes this is a cancel all your plans kind of book. You will instantly be sucked into this story and you will be powerless to put it down! And my first thought after finishing reading was “When can I get my hands on the next book in this trilogy????” I Need It NOW!

There is so much I want to say right now but I won’t do that to you. I want you to go into this story and for it to be as much as a mystery as it was for me. So CANCEL ALL YOUR PLANS!! Be prepared to want to devour this book in a single setting... but don’t, savor it. There will be sizzling romance, mystery, intrigue, danger and so many feels and emotion. I haven’t felt this obsessed with a group of characters in a long time. And I was totally dazzled and enamored by Bailey and Kash and their chemistry! It is just so, so...HOT! I LOVED IT!!!

I’m not sure where to start except to tell you that this has become one of my favorite Tijan books and honestly, that’s saying ALOT. She’s already one of my favorite authors but this book definitely didn’t hurt her popularity with me. When I tell you I’m the darkest headed blonde because I had no clue this was going to be a trilogy... lol. Now I’m already jonesing for book 2 and 3 and I only just finished this one. The main characters were just superb. Kash is exactly the kind of Hero I love and Bailey is the kind of heroine you pull for from beginning to end. And that ending! I was honestly scared of the cliffhanger she could’ve left it at, so the one she did wasn’t as bad in my opinion. I loved the storyline so much. The plot kept me on my toes and I kept making all these hypotheses, trying to figure out what was going on. I can’t wait for more! Let’s hope she’s typing fast and furiously because once you’ve had a taste of this world, the first bite is just not enough!

“You make me want to forget the world”

The Insiders was a whirlwind of a book! This book was full of mystery, suspense, and all the feels! Emphasis on the suspense, Tijan knows how to keep you guessing and wanting more. Bailey is the Heroine who is kidnapped in the very beginning of the book only to find out she’s the daughter of a famous tech billionaire and she’s thrust into their life.
Thrust is the best word because it’s such unfamiliar territory for her compared to how she grew up. Everyone is new, some are nice while others just aren’t. Bailey meets Kash and instantly they’re drawn to one another. They’re almost like two magnets with how fast and close they’re attracted by one another.
Of course, it’s not as simple as that, there’s always something new that pops up to either worry over or have you guessing what will happen from there. There’s danger, attraction, and relationships being formed positive and negative. Bailey is just trying to navigate it all and it’s honestly a lot, for her and the reader. I felt for Bailey and how much she goes through.
Bailey is this sassy beautiful genius who loves her mom and has the chance to add to her family. I loved how deeply Bailey cared, even just meeting some of these people for the first time she wanted to impress or make them see her and I just wanted to hug her and keep her safe. Speaking of keeping her safe, that’s all Kash wanted to do and it was swoon worthy! Kash is this Beautiful, dangerous and mysterious man who you’re instantly captured by and so is Bailey.
There’s secrets, lies, and so much more to unfold as the plot thickens! Please be warned this is a trilogy and book 1 ends on a cliffhanger. I think the only thing I wished for was the next book right after because I’m left with so many questions about what happens next and where we go from there. I need the next book and I can’t wait to continue Bailey and Kash’s story because it’s going to be a whirlwind for sure.

I went into this title not knowing that it was the first title in a trilogy, but I was completely captivated and enthralled by the unique story line. The plot is complex, and the characters are intriguing and layered with twists and turns aplenty. With a plot full of secrets, lies, betrayal, suspense and intrigue I didn’t want to put this title down.
Whilst Tijan’s books can be angsty this one has more of an air of mystery that I would recommend to readers who enjoy young adult romance or the romantic suspense genre.
Bailey is an interesting heroine, incredibly intelligent and a talented hacker who is pulled into a world she doesn’t recognize and not knowing who to trust.
Kashton ‘Kash’ is Bailey’s protector who is mysterious, enigmatic, and charismatic alpha.
The chemistry between this pair is undeniable, and whilst I don’t want to say too much regarding the plot, I will be eagerly awaiting the next addition to the trilogy and look forward to seeing what happens next.

5 Stars for this heart-pounding romance!

I could not put this book down and I read into the wee hours of the morning to finish it. I just loved Bailey and Kash! I could just feel the electricity between them arcing off the pages. I loved how Bailey wanted to keep her distance from her siblings, but she just couldn't help inserting herself into their lives. She wanted to have more family. And Kash is just one big secret. Just when I thought "okay this is his big secret" ... no that wasn't it, there was more. The supporting characters were great ... I would love to see a story about Matt. The steamy scenes were well written and the banter was realistic. At times I thought I had the story figured out, then something would happen and take the story in a whole new direction. I can't wait for the next book!

I received an early copy courtesy of St. Martin's Press through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

The Insiders by Tijan
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Genre: Romance
Publication Date: May 4, 2021

The Insiders by Tijan is the first book in The Insiders Trilogy. This is the first book I've read by the author and I'm certain it wont' be the last!

Oh my goodness!!!! This was so good! I found this book to be so captivating that I read it in one sitting! I could not put it down (it was really difficult to help my husband make dinner & keep reading).

First off, I thought the story was was developed with interesting characters and plot line. I loved how well the characters were developed, even if some are total jerks and worthy of being hated! I thought Bailey was pretty awesome: independent, smart, and a tech genius. Kash sounds completely swoon worthy (thank you steamy romance!) I loved how this was fast paced with so many twists and turns.

I can't wait for the next two books to be released! There is so much more that I need to know! I definitely recommend this book if you enjoy romances with suspense!

I'm so grateful to Tijan, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.

This book was so amazing I will be buying the physical copy.

The writing was superb. The characters were dimensional.

The relationship between them was hot and beautiful and hot.

This author is new to me but I will be checking her backlist ASAP.

I cannot wait for the next book!

Tijan is truly the gift that keeps on giving with her books and words! Every part of this book had me captivated. I couldn’t put it down. I had to know what was going to happen and why, and just when I thought I had it figured out, Tijan threw me for a loop.

Bailey is one of my favorite Tijan heroines. She reminds me of Samantha. She’s fierce, and strong. She doesn’t take crap from anybody, and she fights for who she wants and what she loves. And she is super freaking smart, and had the biggest heart. And Kash…talk about swoony. That man is everything you could want in a hero and more. He’s an alpha male, with a sweet side too. He’s sure of himself and his choices and he’ll stop at nothing to keep Bailey safe.

Everything from the plot, to the characters, to the setting of this book was perfect. I loved that mystery and intrigue of it all. It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat and the secondary characters added another layer of awesome to this story! I’m so pumped for the next book!

The Insiders is the first book in a trilogy and starts the story of Bailey Hayes, a young woman who only recently found out that her father is actually one of her idols, tech-genius Peter Francis. The discovery comes after an attempted kidnapping and leads to Bailey completely uprooting her life and moving to be closer to a family she had no idea existed and who in turn know nothing about her. Her hero in all of this is Kashton Colello, security for and close friend of the Francis family. It's his job to protect Bailey but soon it's not just protecting her that's on his mind.

Bailey and Kash had an instant chemistry that had me sitting up and taking notice with their first interaction. It also brought a lot of questions to the book, number one being who exactly Kash was. There was a lot of mystery around his character and I found it to be one of the most intriguing parts to the story. I really liked how he was with Bailey and their romance is what kept me reading on for more.

With that being said, I do wish there were other parts to the book that were a little more interesting. As it was I felt like the entire middle hit this plateau where nothing was happening and yet too much was going on. Scene's seemed to become jumbled together and some scenes just felt pointless and made the story drag. While other scenes had me wanting a lot more information or a bigger explanation on things.

I'm not a huge fan of cliffhangers but I do like Tijan and the premise of this book seemed very interesting. But where I stand now I'm just not sure if I'll continue with the next book. I'm interesting in finding out what will happen with where we were left off but at the same time it wasn't a very exciting cliffhanger. And it worries me that this book already dragged some and I just don't' see where another two books will be necessary for us to get our ending.

WOW! This book was a whirlwind, I absolutely loved how the author created this story. From Baileys obsession with her dad and being a genius like him. It is similar to Tijan's books in the romance section, but different in the plot. I definitely can NOT wait for the second book, especially with the way the first one ended.

I would definitely recommend this book. It was a wonderful story, this author really knows how to draw you into her books. I was hooked start to finish, can't wait for more.

What can I say, Tijan does it again! We have Kashton and Bailey as of H and H. Bailey is a genius and a hacker. Kashton is a mysterious alpha bad boy and security. Someone attempts to kidnaper Bailey and finds out her father is Peter Francis. Now the story turns it in to a mystery novel but in Tijan spin and boy does it stay good through the whole story. Kashton brings her to the family estate not as Peters daughter but as a friend of the family. Bailey has a huge heart and just wants to be apart of the family. Kash is a mystery but a protector. The chemistry between Kashton and Bailey is steaming hot. I feel like I can't tell to many details, it will give the mystery away. This is filled with drama, mystery, quirkiness, love, and laughter. Tijan is always a one click buy for me and never disappoints. Another top read for me and can't wait for the next book!


***I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.***

I was instantly hooked on this story. Characters who have intelligence and special skills, plus a storyline filled with secrets and suspense always appeal to me and I thought the opening scenes of this book were fantastic to read.

I do feel that although I desperately wanted to know how the story was going to play out, that it lost the momentum that initially had me hooked. For me, there was too much time focused on dealing with Matt’s antics. I also found Bailey and Kash’s instant-attraction relationship at times fell a little flat. I am gutted that the excitement and tension of the situation they originally found themselves in dwindled. Yes, I wanted to know everything that was being hidden from Bailey and that kept me turning the pages, but for me I wish that some parts of the book had been at a faster pace to get to those exciting scenes which reappeared throughout the last quarter of the book. I also got a little lost and confused at times.

I did enjoy getting to know Bailey. She’s strong, independent and I loved seeing her with Ser and Cyclone. Her relationship with Chrissy was fabulous throughout and I’m left wondering if things are about to change for Chrissy. In future books I would love to see Bailey putting her incredible skills into action more and also showing us that strength that she possesses.

I’m assuming that Kash will play a leading part in the next book in this series. He is certainly one hot alpha male who oozes power and status. We discovered many things about him, and I envisage that everything he’s been expecting and planning for will take centre stage in the next book. I may be wrong of course; the author may have other plans for the next instalment – time will tell.

I may have some grumbles about this story but overall, I have enjoyed reading it. The Insiders has set the scene and introduced us to characters that are likely to feature throughout this series and there are a few I’d be delighted in being in the company of again as they added to the story nicely. I loved that I questioned whether or not I felt they were trustworthy, I think I suspected a number of innocent people whilst pondering over the plot. I’m certain that the few questions I have will be answered in future releases too.

I award The Insiders 3 or maybe 3.5 stars.

Ugh, I hate to do this but I did not love The Insiders. I always love any book that Tijan releases. It's always the best romance book to read. Yet The Insiders, I find myself struggling to finish the book. I could not connect to the storyline or the character. It felt a bit too rushed. It was one thing after another. Like how am I supposed to follow along and connect with the characters.

I absolutely love Tijan. She's an amazing person and storyteller. The Insiders, however, did not hold my attention. I know many of her readers are chomping at the bit to hold a copy of it in their hands. The stars left do not reflect the overall rating of the book. Other readers will love it I'm sure.

<b>Promises broken but a family found</b>

I'm still fairly new to Tijan's books. But each one I have picked up has been absolutely amazing.
As soon as I dived into this book I was hooked. A completely new world she is introducing us to, with all new characters and crazy dynamics I can't wait to find out all about.

Bailey Hayes has a gift that so few do and it's inherited from a father she knows nothing about. Kashton Colello is a hot, tingle-inducing mystery. They meet because there is someone trying to kidnap Bailey and Kash is the one tasked with keeping her safe. But the chemistry between the two had me taking breaks to fan myself. I often find that this author has fewer steamy scenes than I prefer in my books, but this book delivers in spades. Having an intelligent female who is still a bit socially awkward fall under the spell of such a strong alpha who is probably less socially inclined than she is, makes for an interesting read. This book has twists and turns, all the drama and angst I have come to love from this author. There are so many secrets hiding behind each character, I'm absolutely addicted and can't wait to get more, it can't come soon enough.

The Insiders
By: Tijan

📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚

Drama from the beginning!!

Well first off we get a kidnapping and the drama just keeps coming. Talk about having your entire truth be wrong.

For me the book was a bit slow at the beginning as the author does an amazing job introducing all the intricate details of the core group. This is book one in a trilogy and it was absolutely worth the introductions. The writing is flawless, and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shocking moments. I really enjoyed this book and it kept me engrossed throughout. I really loved the characters and the way they interacted with each other. This is a fun, hot, romantic must read book and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.

Authors Blurb: Bailey is as normal as could be, with a genius IQ and a photographic memory. But still, normal for her. Then, things happen—a guy breaks into her house in the middle of the night to take her hostage. She finds out her father is actually billionaire tech genius Peter Francis, the same guy she’s idolized all her life. She learns all this when she meets dark, mysterious, and electrifying Kashton Colello. He’s an associate of her father’s, and he gives Bailey two choices—go with him and meet her father or survive on her own because those kidnappers are going to try again. It’s a no-brainer.

After this, three things become clear for Bailey:

1. She’s living at her father’s sprawling estate, complete with bodyguards and the best security that money can buy.

2. She’s no longer an only child. She has three siblings and has no idea what to do with them and vice versa.

3. She is being guarded by Kash himself. Personally guarded. And there is a lot of guarding going on there and some of it is going to drive her crazy.

A complete outsider in a world of wealth and decadence, Bailey has to find her way within a family that has more secrets than she could have imagined. One of these secrets could be deadly…

This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV my personal favorite this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.

Thanks Netgally for letting me read and review.📚💕

"And with that reassurance in my head, I trusted that all would be fine as long as Kash was next to me."

Oh how I loved this book! I was hooked from the very start as the book kicked off with an attempted kidnapping and left me on the edge of my seat. This story centers around Bailey who is the target of the kidnapping and Kash who is helping to protect her from her attackers. Bailey ends up finding herself in the midst of a brand new family and goes through a range of emotions while she is trying to figure out where she fits in. And Kash, he was broody, protective and sexy, all the things I love in my heroes! Both of the leads just pulled at my heartstrings as they both had to let their walls come down. I loved the build up of their relationship and how immediate their connection was. I also enjoyed the Francis family although I was questioning their motives throughout. This book definitely combine intrigue and romance and I loved every minute! Tijan is a one click author for me and I can't wait to read more of this trilogy!

Tijan starts off with a girl being kidnapped right from her room...OMG...this book starts off with a bang! 

Through Bailey, we go through the ups and down of a girl who is uprooted from a normal life, while yes, she has a photographic memory, she was just a normal girl. In one night she learns she has a billionaire father and family, her life is on the line, and the rich life is nothing like TMZ makes it out to be. 

There is a lot to unpack within this first book of a new trilogy by Tijan, but with that said, it's also a slower paced book, most likely because of the three book overall span.  There is mystery, romance, and drama all contained within this new adventure and I'm really excited to see where the storyline is headed.

After Bailey is kidnapped which then forces a myriad of events to unfold in her life, ones she's dreamed about since she was a little girl; meeting her father (whom she thought was an entirely different man and deceased), her half siblings (ones she didn't know she was related to, but due to their fame she actually knew existed), and then ultimately her stepmother (who is supremely cold to her for a multitude of reasons).

The only man she finds strange comfort in is Kash who is mysterious through most of the book in his protective, broody, and over the top ways. Bailey can't place why she feels the need to turn to him, even when he's being so secretive all the time. Bailey is surrounded by all of these new family members, guards, and staff, but Kash is the one who continually comes to her rescue time and again, so if nothing else he does seem to care, but there is also this underlying wonder if he's really doing it for her own welfare, could there be another purpose?

Bailey's siblings, especially the oldest, Matt, is a swinging pendulum of tugging emotions. It's hard to say where on the spectrum to place his loyalty or his true feelings throughout the book. You definitely get the feeling that he's had a tough time as not only the eldest child, but that he too has a tough time with the stepmother, Quinn. That's right, Matt is also a half sibling of the younger siblings living under the roof, so why was he raised in alongside his father and Bailey wasn't?

There are a lot of mysteries surrounding Bailey's upbringing, her genius and memory, and the man she's falling in love with. We only begin to uncover a portion of what's happening at the Francis estate in this first book.

Tijan's one of my favourites in the New Adult Romance genre. Unfortunately, this one fell flat for me and I am so disappointed.

When I first started reading the book, I was pulled in by the mystery. The story begins with an action-packed scene of Bailey about to be taken hostage by some people. Later she is told that she was targeted because of her father. A whole new can of worms opens up for her. Kashton Colello gives her an option to go with him, meet her father and her siblings, and go into hiding for a while in order to protect herself and her mom.

I loved Kash's entry. He is the typical Tijan hero who I am a sucker for. Dark, Enigmatic, Powerful - the complete alpha package. Bailey is instantly attracted to him at first sight. They kinda are antagonistic towards each other in the beginning - and I couldn't wait to see them explode.

Although, from the start, the plot felt disjointed. Everything happens in the story way too quick and it felt more like a 'telling' than 'showing'. I pushed through, hoping it would improve - but some parts of the story are just repetitive and dragged out. As The Insiders is the first book in this trilogy, it is more focused on establishing the world, the players in the field, and the dynamics than the plot.

The premise was interesting in the beginning, but Bailey's character did not improve or develop. Even Kash and other characters felt two dimensional every time they showed up throughout the book. For a Romantic Suspense, I feel this book lacked that depth or intensity.

Even the insta-lust, romantic development was jarring. Kash and Bailey don't really spend time together. There's just this intense attraction that they deny. He is constantly disappearing and they text a lot. Somewhere down the story, he comes back and they just get together. I had to backtrack a bit to see when exactly that happened.

I was so lost while reading; I skimmed through half of it. Kash and Bailey spend half the time rescuing Matt from some stupid parties. Bailey, despite all the setbacks, never developed as a strong character at all. She bumbles her way through, despite being a smart chick. While I initially could connect with her, felt bad for what she was going through, I just didn't find her relatable. The disjointed plot also leaves no room for the character development of others.

There are some points that I found unbelievable - the guards have started to care for her, how and when? Not really sure because I didn't see Bailey interact with them (Not sure if I missed anything), even the handler Marie who started caring for her too?

Now the characters I loved - Bailey's siblings that always made me smile, and her mom Chrissy - such an amazing mom.

The plot turns intense after like 75% but by then I was over this book and the characters. I am not sure if I am going to read the second book but the plot is interesting, and the book ends on a cliffhanger.

My rating - 2.5 stars
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Social Butterfly PR, and the author - Tijan for the ARC.