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In the Nick of Time by Tiana Laveen

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This book contains adult language and content. It is for adults only. PLEASE This is a two part book. BOTH PARTS are included in this one novel, no need for any additional purchase. Tick tock… Officer Nick Vitale has worked his way up to becoming one of the most-respected and talented cops in Brooklyn, New York. Yet, for many years, he has harbored a destructive secret. When he witnesses a horrific murder-suicide that rattles him to the core, he finally realizes he has reached rock bottom. In a last ditch effort to help himself and turn his life around, he seeks professional assistance, fully aware his time is running out. A doll with a beating heart… Taryn Jones is a mystery who wastes no time with putting Nick in his place during their awkward first meeting. The world-renowned supermodel is battling her own demons, yet, in healing herself, she also finds time to be a bright ray of sunshine for others in need. She dives headfirst into her therapy, determined to succeed, and reaches deep within to find the inner strength required to start afresh and pursue her new dreams. When Beauty meets Beast, the unthinkable happens… Nick and Taryn forge a strong friendship built on respect and restraint, until their control slips and sparks fly. Through the challenges of their respective addictions and the dark shadows of their past, they find the joy of nourishing the seeds of a love they can no longer deny. Time is running out… Nick works hard to gain the trust of his colleagues, while Taryn strives to find her own way in the beginning stages of a new endeavor. This is the time of reckoning, when temptation and doubt rear their ugly heads to awaken old pain and fears. In this race toward redemption, will Nick and Taryn’s hearts and lives be saved in the nick of time?

Paperback

First published March 23, 2015

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About the author

Tiana Laveen

98 books506 followers



Tiana Laveen was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. She moved away, and now lives inside of her mind, but her heart is occupied with her husband, two children, and twisted imagination. She enjoys a fulfilling and enriching life that includes writing books, public speaking, drawing, painting, listening to music, cooking, and spending time with loved ones.

Tiana Laveen is a uniquely creative and innovative author whose romance fiction is geared towards those who not only want to temporarily escape from the daily routines of life, but also became pleasantly caught up in the twisted, well developed journeys of her unique characters. Tiana creates a painting with words as she guides her reader into the lives of each and every main character. Her dedication to detail and staying true to her characters is evident in each novel that she writes.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Karen's Bookshelf.
467 reviews
April 13, 2015
Two lost souls find their way to each other. Nick and Taryn are fighting their way back from traumatic events that they've gone through. When the two of them meet while trying to find their way, they wonder if making the journey together would be more enjoyable.
Taryn and Nick's story is a very emotional one. The author does a great job in introducing you to the hero and heroine. You can really feel the emotional upheaval they are going through and appreciate the struggles they are faced with. My favorite part of the book was the time Nick and Taryn spent together getting to know each other. I could really feel the chemistry between them. Nick is a man whose definitely not afraid to show emotion and let anyone know how he feels about his lady. I also loved the way Taryn supported Nick and had his back at all times. This is a love story about overcoming struggles and finding your purpose and strength along the way. Thank you Tiana Laveen for another well written story.
Profile Image for --karen Green-berry.
558 reviews14 followers
April 1, 2015
The Beast and his Angel- BRAB ONLINE BOOK CLUB

Being a fan of Tiana Laveen, I never know what to expect when I crack open one of her books; but I do know that it will be well written, a great story, great character development and great chemistry.

Whether it's Father Dane, Smoke, Sean or the latest hero Nick, the dialogue is going to be real. This book covered some heavy subjects such as breast cancer, addiction, murder but the underlying story is one that shows two flawed and broken individuals; finding and healing each other.

Nick Vitale grew up in a single parent household, having never met his father. He did things growing up that he was not proud of but thought he had overcome. Taryn Brown was a highly paid, popular supermodel who was sidelined by breast cancer. Their separate issues led to an addiction and rehabilitation.

The first time Nick met Taryn, he was floored. She was just as entranced and they soon realized that they needed each other. The story takes us through all their disappointments and triumphs. The length of the book allowed the author to give good insight into each character which is a plus for me. Another great story by Tiana Laveen.
Profile Image for Betty Holloway.
36 reviews4 followers
April 5, 2015
BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS

Yes, oh yes!! The turbulence of love's arrow finding it's bullseye target amongst personal and emotional strife is just the storyline Ms. Tiana Laveen has penned for our reading pleasure. There was never any doubt in my mind that this extremely talented and gifted author would not hit yet another home run. The subject matter was pitched right in her strike zone she blatantly hit it out of the park!

What a challenging task to take on. Addiction. Ms. Laveen not only took it on but along the way she managed to let us witness the inspirational light of love to infiltrate and burst forth in all it's glory to disperse and eradicate the cloak of darkness that this disease carries on it's wings of destruction.

Her writing is like the ocean and all it's various lulls. The oceans waves can be calm and soothing one minute. Swaying you with the gentleness of the waves flowing lackadaisically onto the sandy shore; leaving a little less of the sand upon the shoreline. Then, in a nanosecond we can become an audience of spectators, witnessing the roaring turbulence of its powerful instability, seemingly divesting itself of all tranquility and peace while erupting upon the sands of a shrinking shoreline. This is the type of writing we are subjected to whenever we pick up a book written by Tiana Laveen. Her writing, in this particular project, is not for the weak of heart or the narrow mindedness associated with hardcore preconceived notions. You have to be willing to have your established barriers and biases subjected to inspection and be willing to let in diverse forms of knowledge and opinions; at the very least admittance that others do exist.

You can be sure that she will open up the floodgates of our emotional tanks. Lulling us into serenity and just as quickly propelling us into the stratosphere of pain, doubt, redemption and finally the arms of salvation. Her writing compels you to become emotionally involved with the flawed characters coming forth from the creativity of her magnificent imagination.

What a journey she forged for us in this spectacular read.

We are introduced to our male protagonist, Nick Vitale, and accompany him on the path which takes him through the caverns of degradation and the rottenness of life's disappointments which led him straight into the corruptive arms of his addictions. We become eye witnesses to the culmination of events which led Nick out of the dank, dark decay of his present existence into the illumination of his bright future.

The beginning of that bright future came in the form of one Ms. Taryn Jones, Nick's first breath of fresh air while working through his addiction. But turnabout is fair play. Nick returned the favor. Nick, in turn, became Taryn's first clear breath of non-polluted, drug free air. He saw the the result of her breast cancer and loved her, not in spite of her imperfections, but because of her imperfections. He destroyed the cloak of insecurities and tortuous torment the disease had wreaked upon the emotional psyche of his newly found love. They both found mutual addictions in each others' arms. But this newly found addiction possessed them far worse than any drug ever could!! The addiction of love.

A love which erupted over troubled waters. Turbulent waters that precipitated the need of a bridge. A bridge that would allow them to meet in the middle of their mutual attraction and become a unified strength of love willing themselves into their brighter tomorrow's, having fought and conquered their personal demons; providing a mutual healing.

The conquering of which brought forth the masterpiece which life has painted upon the newly refreshed pallets of their souls. Souls reborn out of strife, and renewed, absent of restraints, constraints and bondage; souls meant to soar in complete freedom - Nick and Taryn style. I am so happy that I downloaded this book and became a part of this unfettered rebirth of love.

I loved this story even with the detour of what I am used to reading from this author, but as with all of her writing endeavors, she did a fantastic job, one which many will love and be wise to emulate. Yes, it's definitely a different read from what we are accustomed to from this very talented author, but a commendably enjoyable one just the same. Totally recognizing that this read will not appeal to everyone, even her die hard fans, because of unwarranted preconceived notions concerning wordiness. But those readers should recognize that NONE of Tiana Laveen's words are unnecessary and every word she writes is relevant to the story she is so dramatically unfolding. Ms. Laveen's impeccable writing style can never be denied. She is a master at her craft and each project magnificently displays that.

Also, Ms. Laveen has put her trademark signature all through this read. Her pen, an erotic weapon of mass destruction, has ruthlessly emasculated all contenders purporting to be writers of erotica! This book is hot, hot, hot, hot. Furnaces have not been built to contain the inferno this author creates in the bedroom, against trees, walls - well you get the picture. But picture this. Tiana Laveen is the real deal and has nothing to fear of being overtaken by anyone writing in this genre. But that's not the best of her talent in this particular project. She literally blows your mind with this read. The insertion of the heart stopping drama she unleashes upon us, in a cloak and dagger kind of way, will have your breathing suspended for unlimited periods of time. I mean edge of your seat, knee shaking tremors of the body type of suspense. I can't think of enough analogies pertaining to greatness to get the picture across which will showcase the magnitude her writing will affect all facets of your physical being. Therefore, I will endeavor to stop trying and simply say:

ALL HAIL THE QUEEN!!! SHE IS WORTHY TO BE PRAISED!!!
















Profile Image for Nelly.
333 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2017

An unconventional story with a deep and powerful message!!!


Once again ms Laveen captured me hook line and sinker. She is definitely a gem amongst the rest. I cannot stress it enough people are sleeping on this gifted author. She is talented beyond what I have seen written by some mediocre authors. And am not saying this to be harsh nor this is an insult to any author. This is just my opinion. She could school a few authors give them the 411 of writing ....


This story is deep; Taryn is a cancer survivor. Twice.. The disease took everything and almost took her soul. A once renown super model things were good when she was ontop of the world. But when that deadly killer machine took over her body, ravishing everything in its wake she couldn't cope. Being a top model didn't guarantee you that you will avoid this horrendous disease. In fact cancer sees no face.


Yes you go through the motions but it's a hard mechanism to cope with. People turn to support groups, God, and other things to find an escape. Taryn turn to the latter. Hoping to wash away every chemo, every hair loss. It wasn't a perfect solution but when your mind is lacking that control the brain cell gives off its hard to be reasonable..
Survivors of this disease or any one for that matter can relate to Taryn she was weak yes but as time tick away she had the will to fight. It's not easy when the clock is ticking and your life is minutes and hours away...


Officer nick seen it all. He arrested robbers, murderers, prostitutes and...drug dealers. But.... He had a little secret. In spite of his good reputation as a cop his stellar performance as an outstanding citizen he was a tormented soul. What turn out to be a lil bit here a sniff there turn full blown addiction. What a cop with credential such as nick's to do? Seek help or let the addiction salvage his dilapidated body. Times ticks away it waits for no one.


So these two met... Whew.. We arrived at the pinnacle where we separate the boys from men.
You see recovery is a dangerous mission. Because you have to detox and then be placed around people who are going through something similar. You get rid of the heavy shackles that bind you and your burdens become light and lighter. In these institutions you could meet someone who can either make you regress or someone who can help you progress....


When Nick and Taryn met they were attracted to one another butttt... Just like a flower you have to,pluck away the petals gently n slowly peel back the layers one at a time. And boy did he pluck and pluck away. Dammmm you will need many cold showers for these two. They were HOT HOT..

Are you there good...pay close attention we don't have much time ...tick tick..
.
These two unlikely people fell and they fell hard. He needed to purge out demons wash away his sins cleanse his souls. You see to get to know them we have to go through a microscope. We have to see what would cause two unlikely individually to choose the same path. I literally I mean literally was there in the sessions. I was taking notes dam... This book sigh I can't it's just a phenomenal work of art.
(Let Nick tell you why) hear him out
"She doesn’t make me happy; she aids in my happiness. Period. Point blank.”


Not everyone is happy for these two. Deadly and evil forces are working behind the scene trying to tear these two apart. The strong bond they formed is threatened. Would they over come and starve off these forces??? You need to read to find out....


Bravo ms Laveen you brought the thunder, lightning and then it poured into
showers of spellbinding story telling. She can do what other authors tried but failed to do ......Accurately write in a male POV and do so eloquently.
People may scoff at the way she marinates her story they may say: O she takes to long to get there.. Well I say NOPE... Ms Laveen develops her characters she introduces them to you. You will learn about them before they learn about themselves. She makes her batter diligently and bake her tales into a beautiful layered story.
I get what she is saying, her description are necessary in order for you to know them, feel them you must learn her characters first. When she writes any book she is knowledgeable enough to give facts. The subject matters are relatable. The incidents are identical to what someone may be going through. So that a reader could identified with the characters. I cannot stress this enough her books are cold hard facts there is no glossing over, no tidy up, no quick and rush story. You get the whole package. Give this book a chance it's worth it and so much more.
And side not she is comical as well "Word must’ve spread faster than the divorce rate in Hollywood that she was down on her luck"
She is the best
Profile Image for M.J..
373 reviews23 followers
October 5, 2015
As always Ms Laveen delivers a masterfully written story, with complex characters that has you hooked from page one. I loved the story of Taryn,a two breast cancer survivor and Nick a police officer with plenty of demons and a past that haunts him. These two meet in rehab of all places and the relationship that develops between them is a slow burn but it is worth the read! I love that ms Laveen tackled the challenges of addition and cancer with this love story and that is a risk a lot of other authors are not willing to take let alone in the same book! and to do it so well was amazing. Great read.
Profile Image for Genevieve Woods.
Author 12 books53 followers
April 4, 2015
Thought provoking, sensual, redeeming.

Wow I could not put this book down. I love character development and scene building. I love experiencing characters home life, friendsHips, careers, trips,thoughts. I don't like novellas and cliff notes which is why Tirana is becoming one of my favorite author's. I appreciate the two books in one. The storyline s were amazing this book is not for those who like fluff this is literature backed up with research. Well done 10 STARS
Profile Image for Kaygee.
338 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2020
Nick & Taryn

I wanted to and did read this book straight through. I wanted to know what happened next. I wanted to know about Nick and Taryn. Their story w as so awesome together. Nick was awesome always. His character was so big. I loved him I'm not necessarily a big fan of a police for a husband, but this worked.

Now about the editing issues - I was reading this book loving it and got to the part where Nick went to Taryn's parents house for brunch and their last name vacillated between Jones and Brown quite a bit, it was so distracting I even sit Tiana Laveen a direct message on Instagram. I don't know if she got it, but I hope so because someone needs go back and re-edit that because it was is not good to have such a major issue in the middle of a really good book.

My book was purchased on Amazon, so if there's a printed version...
Profile Image for LovelyLady Fox.
203 reviews4 followers
May 24, 2020
EXCELLENT!!!!

Ms. Laveen did a great job in writing a book about such a sensitive and serious topic and the situations that can lead one to addictions. We see how during the process of healing two people found friendship and love. NICK is one of those true character he is the type of person who people are drawn to, either you love him or you hate him but in the end you can’t help but love him.

NICK AND TARYN were magic. There were those that didn’t think they should be together because of their shared struggles but the pair made it work .

I see now why this is a two part book. You have to share and experience NICK’s past which lead to the situations to see and understand his journey and triumph and witness the happy ending.
20 reviews
March 22, 2021
Outstanding

I have about 20 of her books that I've bought since you can't use Kindle Unlimited and have them already to read now. I have read some starting with the "N" Word which was ANAZING. This book was off the chart with so many emotions. I was sad, on pins and needles and laughing so hard at the things coming out of Nick's mouth. People you could pay twice the price and just read the part of the book where Nick tells Freda the Counselor he isn't doing what she wants him to do. That was pure comedy and then some.

All these movies being made that are garbage the should look to do this book as a movie. IT HAS EVERYTHING.

On to the next one while watching for this mess to go away and we can go out in the World without fear of getting sick!
57 reviews
June 5, 2019
Amazing. A joy to read

This is so far the best story this author has written. The time and passion she put into it is amazing.
Please read this book. It was a work of art.
My heart is full
Profile Image for Kelly Murphy.
321 reviews
July 31, 2019
Wow

I haven't given any book 5 stars in a long time. This book was grest. So many details and vital information. The research that went controlling this story did not go unnoticed
27 reviews
March 13, 2022
Loving a Woman

This one is a true love story which depicted real love in real life. Support breast cancer research my sisters. Thx for writing this one Sister Laveen.
Profile Image for Paula.
40 reviews6 followers
April 8, 2015
Nick and His Warrior Princess

This book is a must read for anyone who has ever had or knows someone who has suffered from cancer or addictions. For those of us who judge others, this book will write the judgement right out of you. What I mean by this is that this book brings to light the true raw struggle in the life of an addict and shows that at their core they are just like you and I and perhaps a lot stronger. They just need to find their way again. I love his book for exposing a side to addiction that I have never considered. This book will have you feeling empathy for the most unlikely character. Tiana Laveen brings out the story of a perpetrator in a truthful and tactful way.
The love story of Nick and Taryn was filled with hope, loyalty and truth. Their ability to emerge from their struggles with so much clarity and hope for the future left me in awe of these characters. They seem to experience a rebirth and with that allowed their dreams and love for each other to flourish to amazing heights. It was an awesome experience to share in the journey of the hero and heroine. I found myself moved to tears and laughter at times. At other times, I was glad to have a moment or two to just think on this wonderful writing of Tiana Laveen! Again Tiana, you "ROCK"!!
18 reviews1 follower
April 14, 2015
Another winner from Ms. Laveen!

I adored the love story woven so beautifully by Ms. Laveen between Nick and Taryn! Such exquisitely developed characters who discovered each as the other's soulmate while traveling a very difficult road to self- discovery/self-love. The thing that I absolutely love about this author's books is how the characters that she creates, though consistently varied in temperament and even character, are ALWAYS interesting and (in the case of the ones who some might view as being of "questionable" character) also RELATABLE. There's always a life lesson within the pages of a Tianna Laveen book -- but NEVER do the lessons come off as preachy. I've read everything that she's written and can honestly say that I have NEVER wanted to smack any of her characters because I'm frustrated with them -- which, I'm sure, many of you can relate to! I would recommend this book, as well as any of her previous books, wholeheartedly!!
Profile Image for Kelly .
406 reviews9 followers
April 4, 2015
Blown away!

Wow......just wow! I don't know if I can coherently articulate what this book means to me.

Breast cancer has affected my life since I was 12
years old; that's the age I was when my grandmother died. I saw first-hand the devastation it wreaks on the body and soul of everyone, not just the patient.

I've also been around alcoholics and there were MANY I was surprised to find out they were addicted because they were FUNCTIONAL addicts! Tiana does such a great job with research and everything was spot on! Nick knew how to be deceptive because he's been hiding from himself and the truth since he was a kid.

This book was EVERYTHING!!! The dialogue, the rehab scenes especially, had me riveted! I felt like I was going through the program myself; that's how real this was for me!

I bow down to the greatness that is Miss Tiana Laveen!!! 10 star read!!!
Profile Image for Nicole.
491 reviews26 followers
August 7, 2015
A good romance undermined by implausibility

I really like this book. I actually had to start it twice because initially I didn't hold my interest. Still, I'm glad that I gave it another chance. The characters were really interesting, and I appreciated that they had defined personalities and then it read like stereotypes. The last third of the book was nearly ruined by A police case that advance largely through coincidence and illegality. Pity, but I would still check out other books by this author.
343 reviews
May 10, 2015
Another winner from this author. Great, flawed, complex characters. A great storyline with sex, tension and suspense. An alcoholic cop that is very good at his job and a model addicted to pain killers given to her while taking chemo following a double mastectomy find sobriety and love while in rehab.

They two see the best and the worse of the world, and each other, and do more than just survive. They thrive.
2,332 reviews3 followers
May 6, 2016
Wow, once again Tiana did not disappoint!

This story was so damn good. It's about redemption and second chances. Nick had horrible childhood which led to horrible addictions and Taryn had a wonderful childhood but due to a horrible illness which led to her addiction. Together they were able to overcome their addictions and find a forever love! Whew, this book touched my heart, like all of Ms Laveen's books. Great book!
752 reviews8 followers
April 25, 2015
Linda Christiani

What I love about this author is her way of expressing how a man feels about the love of his life always making sure not only she knows but everyone. it could be something simple or flat out crazy but the love is always expressed with no doubt of its truth! Please keep them coming.
Profile Image for Antoinette.
139 reviews3 followers
July 27, 2015
A Good Read Indeed.

An engrossing exploration of addiction and second chances. True to Laveen's longwinded, metaphor-heavy, picturesque descriptions, a narrative ode to the human experience and human spirit is created. A gritty, modern day fairy tale if you will.

Not flawless (some issues with names over the text, internal monologue, etc.), but nonetheless...

Amazing.
449 reviews2 followers
January 19, 2016
ANOTHER HIT!

Yes, another hit! Lately I've been reading Tiana Laveen's books and so far they have all been five star books. This couple had a lot of issues but still showed strength. I will definitely be recommending this book!!!
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