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.

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!!

BANG!
We’re shot off at the very beginning, and there’s very little slow down through the entirety of this one. I thought for sure my heart would beat right out of my chest, the way this author put me through the ringer.
Emotions were touched, one minute I was sad, the next I was on a high.

The bad guys... I can usually pinpoint where they’re coming from, but I didn’t see this twist, and I don’t think that’s all the author has in store for us. I know there’s more books to follow, but this one didn’t leave us too bad off, although I still need more.

Bailey has been kidnapped, found out her father is a billionaire and alive and must go live on his estate because she’s in danger. She has siblings she’s never met and has to navigate this new world and try to make sense of it. Bailey is kind, has a good heart and is incredibly intelligent.

Kash is Bailey’s fathers associate. He is now also her personal guard. Kash is mysterious, broody and extremely handsome. He has his own secrets and has his own trauma. He is very protective of Bailey which quickly crosses the professional line. The attraction and sexual tension is most definitely there and the romance is perfect, Kash .

The storyline is complex but very easy to follow. The Insider introduces us to amazing side characters who are important throughout the story. It kept me on the edge of my seat and kept me guessing. I couldn’t put this one down and I can’t wait to pick the next one up! Definitely recommend!



Thanks to netgalley and st. martin’s press for allowing me the opportunity to read and review.

Tijan's books are usually a hit for us but this one ended up being a little bumpy. There were things that didn't always synch up or just left me feeling like I had more questions than answers. Maybe it was me and the headspace I was in when reading and others will adore it.

This is an odd one to review. I really enjoyed the reading experience for most of the book, but I also kind of have a lot of issues with it. I’m going to go the list route on this one.

*For about the first 3/4 or so of the book, I could not read this fast enough. Tijan has a very addictive quality to her writing where I just need to keep reading. I found myself really enjoying it, even though basically NOTHING was happening, plot-wise.

*Though I do often find Tijan’s writing addictive, I always feel like it could use just a little more editing. I believe this is her first traditionally published book, so I expected things to be tightened up a little more than usual. For a little while, it felt like it was. However, as the book went on, it felt like the editing got less and less polished.

*Is it weird that I both shipped the romance while also not really believing in it? It was insta-lust. There wasn’t really any development before they jumped into an intensely physical relationship. They barely talked. There were barely any cute moments or banter. But I wanted them to be together. I liked how protective Kash was of Bailey. I just wanted them to have an actual conversation once in awhile.

*So what about the plot? It felt like there wasn’t one for most of the book. And then everything happened all at once in the final few chapters. And I wasn’t terribly impressed with the direction the story went. It seemed anti-climatic. I will say that I didn’t realize this was the beginning of a series when I read it, so now that I know that, it makes more sense that a lot of larger plot issues were just hinted at to set up for the future books. I just think the story could have been a little more balanced, though.

*Some other super random thoughts — *Kashton Collelo is a cool name.* *How was Bailey’s mom able to just leave her job and whole life to move in with her former baby daddy? And WHY? Nothing that woman did made any sense to me.* *It’s not a Tijan book without some crazy drama – enter Matt and his risque partying ways.* *Who’s that blonde girl on the cover? I can only think of one side-character that could possibly be and I barely remember anything about her. Definitely not prominent enough of a character to make the cover.*

Overall, I enjoyed The Insiders, but not as much as I was hoping to. The addictive writing couldn’t quite make up for the lack of plot for me. Still, I have no doubt Tijan fans will love it and I’ll look forward to the next book in the series.

Overall Rating (out of 5): 3 Stars

I first got hooked on tijan's books with the fallen crest series. It's an awesome series that I've read multiple times. So I thought this one would be good from the blurb. Man I wasn't wrong. I was so hooked from chapter one. I could not put it down. There are so many twists and turns, and action throughout this story. The characters are diverse and well written. I'm left with a few question. I don't want to give spoilers, so I won't air them in this review. But man, that cliff hanger. Ekk. I need book two pronto. If you like Tijan, you'll love this book. It's well rounded with mystery, romance, thills, chills, angry and giddy feelings.

My first book by this author, but not my last! A great start to a romance series, which I found to be well written and hot! I loved the characters, although some parts were missing, I still found it to be engaging and sexy! While I wouldn’t say it is a completely original storyline, I do think I could say it was definitely done in an unique manner, but likely just the authors unique take on a story you’ve probably seen done many times! With all that in mind, I would stoop Hugo I recommend this story, it was exactly what I needed (even though it still had some aspects my normal genre) to give me a break from my normal thrillers. Look forward to the next one!

Will buzz around and use low Amazon reviewer number on release!