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Tina Hogan Grant
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Reckless Beginnings (Tammy Mellows Trilogy book 1: Can be read as a stand-alone Kindle Edition

by Tina Hogan Grant (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 306 ratings

BOOK ONE OF THE TAMMY MELLOWS TRILOGY

She wanted the American dream.

What she got was a nightmare, betrayal, and the fight of her life.

When Tammy Mellows leaves England to join her estranged father in California, she's hopeful for a fresh start—and desperate to find her missing sister. But dreams fade fast when Tammy's forbidden relationship leads to heartbreak and her life takes a dangerous turn.

Falling for Steven, a charming man hiding an addiction, Tammy is soon trapped in a spiral of fear, manipulation, and violence. As the mother of his child, she becomes the silent one—the one who stays, who endures, who forgets what it means to choose for herself.

How far will she go to protect her son?

Can she break free from a life she never chose?

And will she ever uncover the truth about her sister's disappearance?

Based on true events, Reckless Beginnings is a gripping, emotional journey through the wreckage of addiction and control—and a powerful reminder that it's never too late to fight for your future.

Fans of true-life fiction, women's survival stories, and emotional family dramas will be drawn to this raw and inspiring novel of resilience, redemption, and the strength it takes to start over.

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  1. Book 1 of 3
    Tammy Mellows Trilogy
  2. Print length
    320 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    June 13, 2021
  6. File size
    1.1 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Reckless Beginnings by Tina Hogan Grant is engaging and riveting, a well-written story injected with a lot of realism and pathos. Told in a strong and mellifluous tone, this is a story about family and a woman's search to make sense out of the chaos of her life. The theme of family stands out in the narrative and the author does an incredible job in exploring the conflict within the family context. The characters are well-imagined and developed with skill. Tammy is young and naïve when we meet her, but as she evolves through the story, some of her fantasies begin to fall away as she faces the crude reality of life. Reckless Beginnings demonstrates a great character development curve and readers will be pulled in by the emotional intensity of the story. Tina Hogan Grant has a great sense of storytelling and she succeeds in keeping readers engaged through each page of her gripping story. - Readers' Favorites.

"This story is so real and there are so many people who can relate to the story.. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to start book 2." - GR Reader

"I Truly have Enjoyed this wonderful Story. Happy to have the next Books sitting here.
Definitely check these out.
Tina Hogan Grant Does some wonderful books that hold you till the End"- Amz Reader

'Tina Hogan Grant's brilliant writing ability shines through in unexpected ways within this book.' - GR Reader

'It was so raw and the writing style was so beautifully written! Reading about her struggles made me feel her pain and heartbreak. It also made her human.
It is an inspirational story and she is a survivor!' - Tattered Page Reviews

"This is a wonderful book which has true to life characters. The story moves with great ease and there is never a dull moment throughout the story. The book teaches us about strength and survival. A wonderful read which I will highly recommend" - GR Reader

"I really enjoyed this book! More so because it is based on actual events. I am the former spouse of an addict, so the story hit home for me. I found the characters to be real and Tammy's story pulled me in. I started reading the book and finished it in a few hours. Immediately ordered the 2nd book and started that the following day." - Amz Reader

"I loved this book. The main character displays the kind of strength and resiliency that all women will find impressive. It is well-written and inspirational." - Amz Reader

 "I loved this story, it was amazing!! It totally captured me from page 1 . After reading the first few chapters I was addicted and couldn't put the book down. I did nothing for the rest of the day" - Stewart Book Reviews

 "I really cannot express how much I enjoyed reading this book. I am definitely looking forward to reading her second book, Better Endings." - Amz Reader

"Reckless Beginnings is the story of a young girl, Tammy, as she struggles through a difficult beginning - the characters are well developed and the story is intense. You won't be able to put it down" Amz Reader

"A great book that you can't put down. Well written and I look forward to more from this author. This is the best trilogy I have read to date." Amz Reader

From the Author

Written from the author's own experience, Grant says, I wanted the white picket fence and the perfect American family lifestyle and ignored any signs that would disrupt that dream. I allowed my life to be dictated by a heroin addict, the father of my child. Believing, his needs were more important than mine.

While writing the story, I gave myself the title; The Silent and Forgotten One and soon realized, anyone who is involved with an addict becomes such a person. You may ask, Why? It's because over time we allow our lives to be consumed by the addiction. We become a shadow, afraid to speak, stand up for ourselves or make any kind of decisions to better our lives. It's a lonely place and we only feel safe with ourselves and our own thoughts. We lead a double life, letting those on the outside believe everything in our lives is a bed of roses and yet in reality, behind closed doors we are living a nightmare, hiding our tears from the rest of the world.

When I couldn't find, any books written by others living such a life, I felt they should be heard and one should be written. I wanted to show the flip side of addiction. How the significant other of an addict is affected. Back then I was a victim, I now call myself a survivor. But it didn't happen right away. I tucked the idea away and continued with my battles in life.

Grant explains; even though these events took place decades ago, today drug and opioid addiction continues to spiral out of control and is at an all-time high. Heroin usage has hit a record high because it's much cheaper than prescription drugs and can be easily bought on the streets.

We hear about these numbers all the time, but we never hear about the loved ones of addicts. Every day is a fight for survival. Normality doesn't exist. As the addiction intensifies, so does the abuse and violence.

Grant's novel, RECKLESS BEGINNINGS is one woman's story, (Tammy Mellows) trying to make sense of the chaos surrounding her life and fighting to gain it back. Her journey shows that anyone in these situations has choices and that they don't have to settle. Their lives are important too.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0976SBT18
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tina Hogan Grant Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 13, 2021
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 2nd
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1737042228
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ Tammy Mellows Trilogy
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 306 ratings

About the author

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Tina Hogan Grant

Tina Hogan Grant

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Author Bio:

Award-winning author Tina Hogan Grant was born in England and moved to the States in 1979. After moving to California, she became a commercial fisherwoman and spent ten years fishing off the southern coast of California with her husband Gordon. After retiring from fishing, they moved to a small mountain community in CA and spent the next ten years building their dream home, doing most of the work themselves.

Grant enjoys writing suspense romances, stories with strong female characters who know what they want and aren't afraid to chase their dreams.

Favorite quote: "There's no such word as can't "

When Grant is not lost in her world of writing she enjoys riding ATVs, hiking and discovering new trails, and going on long road trips.

Grant's book Better Endings won a gold medal award for Best Fiction Adventure 2020

And The Reunions won a Gold medal award for Best Fiction Adventure 2021

Grant has had appearances on FOX NEWS Bakersfield, Bakersfield NOW NEWS, HOMETOWN -KVPA Radio Santa Clarita, Voyage LA Magazine, and The Mountain Enterprise Newspaper.

Keep in the loop with Tina and receive Davin The Sabela Series Prequel for FREE by signing up for her newsletter https://dl.bookfunnel.com/l3t4mpfrvn

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
306 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book insightful and well-written. They appreciate the story's realism, with one customer describing it as a page-turner.

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8 customers mention "Readability"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and insightful, with one customer noting it is well written about teens, and another recommending it for mature readers.

"...A satisfying and insightful read that kept my attention throughout." Read more

"...This is a well written book about teens, parents divorcing, and actions that have lasting results. I truly recommend this book." Read more

"I just finished Reckless Beginnings by Tina Hogan Grant. This is a great book, based on real-life events...." Read more

"...I recommend this book for mature readers, especially those who have been in a relationship with a drug- or alcohol-addicted partner...." Read more

8 customers mention "Story quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, finding it real and engaging, with one customer describing it as a page-turner.

"...Having been in an abusive relationship myself, this story is honest and gives a straightforward look at what life is like for a woman living with a..." Read more

"...Tina writes with a strong voice, and the story flows. I definitely had all the feels! I recommend this book, and this author." Read more

"RECKLESS BEGINNINGS is a page-turning story about a young woman’s roller coaster ride through her late teens and very early twenties...." Read more

"...and to catch their own oversites Except for that, it was a good story line." Read more

3 customers mention "Writing quality"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book, with one noting that the author writes with a strong voice.

"...I’m glad I persevered and finished this story. Tina writes with a strong voice, and the story flows. I definitely had all the feels!..." Read more

"It was well written. I can honestly say this is not a book I would pick on my own, but I after a few chapters, I was hooked...." Read more

"...While reading, you can feel her fear, her rage and her relief. Superbly written and highly recommended." Read more

Reckless beginnings
5 out of 5 stars
Reckless beginnings
So this was my First Book to read by this Author. Totally amazing Story. Tammy is the youngest of her Siblings. Older Siblings Being Twins. This is Tammy's Story. Sister Donna has gone missing in the US. After moving with Dad. Moving to the US is the one thing Tammy wants most. Finally getting the Break. Dads taking her to his home.. although needing a Green Card before being able to start her search for Donna, get a job drive a car... so much to do. Finally getting the Green Card a wonderful job .. and well that guy you think is special.. But He's definitely not what he seems. love isn't always what it appears to be. Tammy Goes through so much but she's such a strong woman. So Reckless Beginnings is book 1 in this series. Better Endings Book 2. And Finally Book 3. The Reunion. I Truly have Enjoyed this wonderful Story. Happy to have the next Books sitting here. Definitely check these out. Tina Hogan Grant 🧡 Does some wonderful books that hold you till the End.... So I'm Ready for Better Endings.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Belinda Mann
    5.0 out of 5 stars Coming into her own
    Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Tammy is a teenager when her parents' divorce, her father and one of her sisters move to America. Her sister goes missing and Tammy moves in with her father and stepmother hoping to find her sister. Tammy gets involved with an older man Raymond whom her father would never approve of and without spoilers Tammy goes through a devastating relationship before it ends. She begins to start over with her life and gets into another relationship with Steven, a guy she works with unaware he is a drug addict. Tammy has a son, Matt. Steven becomes abusive, steals and lies to her. They move from place-to-place losing all their personal belongings Tammy has worked hard to get every time they move. Steven gets completely out of control and Tammy is determined to make a life for her and her son and escape her abusive boyfriend, Steven. This story is about a woman's struggle regaining her life back after being manipulated by a drug addict. She gets good news from her past and with the help of good friends, Tammy perseveres in spite of one obstacle after another. Reckless Beginnings is based on true life and is unfiltered and does not hide anything about its subject. Having been in an abusive relationship myself, this story is honest and gives a straightforward look at what life is like for a woman living with a drug addict. A must read.
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  • Linn Aspen
    4.0 out of 5 stars A satisfying and insightful read
    Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    A rare view into life with a drug addict and how our sense of shame and guilt alienates us from from those around us, keeping us from being honest and asking for help. As our young protagonist, Tammy, grow and mature, we watch her find her voice and the effect this has on those around her. A satisfying and insightful read that kept my attention throughout.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Deb Kronenberg
    3.0 out of 5 stars Teenagers, mistakes will happen
    Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Tammy grew up with older twin sisters. She always felt a little left out.
    When her parents divorce, the family slowly falls apart.
    Mom isn't able to cope with the loss of the life she envisioned.
    When twin Donna moves in with dad she suddenly feels replaced by dad's new love. Grades fall, she begins acting out and going against all rules. Dad males the decision to send her to a home for troubled teens. Donna sees it as another abandonment and runs away.
    Tammy makes multiple bad decisions regarding her love life.
    This is a well written book about teens, parents divorcing, and actions that have lasting results.
    I truly recommend this book.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Bonnie J Weinman
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great story with all the feels
    Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I just finished Reckless Beginnings by Tina Hogan Grant. This is a great book, based on real-life events. It’s about a young woman facing trials and some bad decisions, yet finding her voice and good friends along the way. I took a long time to read this, as I was afraid about what would happen to Tammy Mellows next. I’m glad I persevered and finished this story. Tina writes with a strong voice, and the story flows. I definitely had all the feels! I recommend this book, and this author.
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  • Courtnee Turner Hoyle
    5.0 out of 5 stars Page-Turning Raw Truth
    Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    RECKLESS BEGINNINGS is a page-turning story about a young woman’s roller coaster ride through her late teens and very early twenties. Tina Hogan Grant shows the reader the raw truth of living with a drug addict, and the uncertainties each day brings. I found myself livid over the abuse her character suffered, and I was inspired by her strength.
    Tammy Mellows comes to the United States in search of her missing sister. She intends to begin her search immediately, but she is swallowed by life. Dealing with every day ups and downs consumes her time, and her decisions, and the choices of others, put her in unexpected places. Will she find her sister and be strong enough to move past her reckless beginnings?
    I recommend this book for mature readers, especially those who have been in a relationship with a drug- or alcohol-addicted partner. This books speaks to the person who has been kept in the dark and/or threatened when they try to leave a partner who is spiraling out of control. I truly enjoyed the book, and I can’t wait to read more about Tammy Mellows in the sequel!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Claudia Reed
    4.0 out of 5 stars A read about unfortunate decisions
    Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This book by Tina Hogan Grant takes us into the sad world of heroin addiction. Tammy is trying to transition into being an adult and makes several unfortunate decisions. The family dynamics are rather strange. The book did hold my attention.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Mary R. Woldering
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mistakes made on the journey to adulthood.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Tammy Mellows comes from a fractured family. Her parents are divorced. She lives with her mother in England but longs to go live in the US with her father and to look for her sister who was living with him but ran away. When the opportunity arises she goes to the US but becomes entangled in a forbidden romance. I could say more but that would spoil the story in my opinion. One sees Tammy go from this situation, quite naively to another that involves a partner’s addiction and eventual abuse. Will she begin to make better decisions and extricate herself from her problems? Will she find her sister? Will she save herself? It’s a cautionary New Adult saga well worth the read, but is for mature readers as there are a sensitive scenes.
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  • Janet L Petry
    3.0 out of 5 stars Where is the editor
    Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Perhaps with our texting and poor grammar and spelling of today..the eye for a missing Word, wrong form of a word, and just gemerL proofreading lessens the enjoyment of this novel Spellcheck and grammar check are useful tools, but do not substitute for a few human proofreaders..to catch the writers oversites and to catch their own oversites Except for that, it was a good story line.
    2 people found this helpful
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