Category Archives: Standalone

Contemp. Romance, Standalone

#Promo – Wanted by R.E. Hargrave

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From the author of The Divine Trilogy comes a new, standalone contemporary romance about regret, forgiveness, and learning to love yourself.

🎙WANTED is LIVE!🎙

“Hyde, the quirky reclusive bachelor narrator, and Gypsy, a free spirit wanderer guardian. Throw in a caring brother and his overwhelming family, a demanding author, and a grieving niece. This story has all the craziness to make or break them and just enough to keep you wanting more.” ~Rae, BookBub Reviewer

Hyde Johnson is an erotic audiobook performer. A ‘Read By’ byline is too plain, and ‘Narrated By’ still doesn’t capture what he does. His livelihood is his passion. Performance art, the air he breathes.
Which translates to a recluse who is a hot mess.
He’s not eating right, he’s drinking more, and his family’s meddling is making it harder to stay on task.
Being designated the guardian of her young niece Tina is the last thing Gypsy Hartford expected.
But when the State of South Carolina unceremoniously puts Tina in her care, Gypsy
accepts it’s time to grow up and stop floating from town to town. Where does she start when she has no degree, no real friends, and no family besides Tina?
A want ad could be the answer to both their conundrums. Or it might open a whole new can of
worms. Especially when you throw in a crazed author with an unhealthy obsession for her narrator.

WANTED:
Someone to run errands, cook, and handle minor cleaning. Must be quiet and self-starting as I work nights and sleep during the day. Compensation negotiable, including transportation and board. Discretion a MUST.
Only serious inquiries please.

Grab your copy of WANTED here➙ https://books2read.com/WANTEDreh

Get the audio here➙ https://www.audible.com/pd/B08PCCT5H9

Standalone

#Promo – A Vow For Tomorrow by Kiki Malone

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A week. That was all it took for Callum to say the words that were never meant to be spoken aloud.

Grace Grosso thought it was a joke, an absurd overreach made in the comfort of a quiet apartment and shared wine. She never suspected that behind Callum’s calm smile was a crown, a kingdom, and a future already planned without her.

When the truth comes out, Grace is pulled into a world of power, secrecy, and expectation she never agreed to enter. And Callum is forced to choose between the duty he was born to and the woman who made him feel human for the first time.

What begins as laughter becomes a reckoning, and the line between love and obligation is no longer easy to see.

Available on all retailers!
https://books2read.com/u/3J79pJ
https://amzn.to/3OQ8lsn

Horror, Standalone

Incidents Around The House: A Novel by Josh Malerman

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A young girl’s troubled family is haunted by an entity she calls “Other Mommy” in this chilling tale from the New York Times bestselling author of Bird Box.

“Deeply discomfiting, imaginatively ripe, yet ruthlessly efficient [with] claustrophobic terror that almost transcends articulation . . . Simply put—and I do not say this lightly—Incidents Around the House is the most purely effective horror novel I have ever read.”—Neil McRobert, Esquire

“This book is the monster that lives inside your closet.”—Grady Hendrix, New York Times bestselling author of How to Sell a Haunted House

COMING SOON AS THE MAJOR MOTION PICTURE OTHER MOMMY, STARRING JESSICA CHASTAIN • LOCUS AWARD FINALIST • BRAM STOKER AWARD NOMINEE

To eight-year-old Bela, her family is her world. There’s Mommy, Daddo, and Grandma Ruth. But there is also Other Mommy, a malevolent entity who asks her every day: “Can I go inside your heart?”

When horrifying incidents around the house signal that Other Mommy is growing tired of asking Bela the question over and over, Bela understands that unless she says yes, her family will soon pay.

Other Mommy is getting restless, stronger, bolder. Only the bonds of family can keep Bela safe, but other incidents show cracks in her parents’ marriage. The safety Bela relies on is about to unravel.

But Other Mommy needs an answer.

Incidents Around the House is a chilling, wholly unique tale of true horror about a family as haunted as their home.

This book was so good. I listened to the audio book and the narrator did a really good job. I was totally invested the whole entire time.

I’ve read a lot of books, listened to many as well but this book creeped me out. It’s one thing to watch this stuff happen in a movie but there’s just something about reading/listening to it in a book, that’s deeply unsettling in the best ways possible.

Bella has another Mommy that she refers to as “Other Mommy”. This ghosty wants to go into Bella’s heart but Bella tells her no over and over again. Other Mommy only shows herself to Bella but as time goes on, she starts getting closer and showing herself to Bella’s parents and grandma.

The family try escaping Other Mommy but that doesn’t work. Why would it?

As time progresses, Other Mommy becomes less like a friend, like Bella hoped for, and more of a monster. The author describes her perfectly and I could totally imagine what Other Mommy looked like.

Other Mommy asks Bella time and time again if she can go into her heart.

Does Bella ever say yes or stick to her guns and keep saying no?

I definitely want to read/listen to more by this author. I loved Bird Box but I unfortunately saw the movie first before I knew that it was a book.

If you like creepy haunted houses and ghosty’s who haunt children, this one may just be for you.

One-click here – https://amzn.to/4cuLn3N

2nd Chance, Athletes, baseball, short story, Standalone, Writers on the River Attending Author

#wotr #attendingauthor #shortstory Double Contact by Christy Pastore

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As a professional baseball player, women have never been a challenge.
Until I met her.
Brunette. Beautiful. Vivacious.
Just as I’m ready to take my shot, my teammate jock blocks me.
Turns out he saw her first.
That was two years ago.
As luck would have it, our paths crossed again, and this time, I don’t waste a second.
I want my chance.

Lark and Brenner’s story first appeared in the limited release anthology Playing To Win. This novella has been revised with additional chapters.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56038433-double-contact

https://www.amazon.com/Double-Contact-Christy-Pastore-ebook/dp/B08NRWMHK7/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1Z7ZS1NT5SBGF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ky_McjwxjYj8Q7VUTWDhFg3MA04JVTW011ADk8unCQpCZy1pbmWQP5ATcQl6rsgUoGv5OtIpiMBBHMoNOOd7ovpMucJJDB9a2ix3KQITAsRlMsY448Do1jdEUax7-navM6ceepXqVGeaD2Cux1ryYFj-Slze6UUFf2e4CdW7BlU6-_xbVqMbqqAiEvVZMFfxbLgEX1Rn6Kt0N41Rq39n1DMnF3x26GC5i33_Zgz-294.NoxOQwmKUnn9jd0gKbyUo8KHnJVcAvcOrLlawzUqGms&dib_tag=se&keywords=christy+pastore&qid=1772122097&sprefix=christy+pas%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-2

i bought this book here is my honest review

Brenner had a great baseball career but after an injury he had to retire. Now he covers sports for a new station and his covering his old teammates ex-girlfriend; Lark who is on her way to the Olympics for beach volleyball. Brenner always had a thing for Lark and all these years later he is finally getting his chance. All the stars have aliened for these two and it seems almost too good to be true. But does Lark feel the same way about Brenner? Also, can going for the golf mean more than one thing. follow these two athletes in two different paths come together and hit homeruns.

International Bestselling Author and self-proclaimed french fry addict, Christy Pastore writes sexy, contemporary romance books that contain no nonsense (mostly) heroines and swoony gentleman with a naughty side.

Readers so overwhelmingly embraced one Wicked Gentleman, Jackson Hart specifically, turning many of her #AuthorGoals into a reality.

When Christy’s not turning her risqué thoughts into something worth reading, you’ll find her geeking out on all things pop culture, obsessively stalking Pinterest for home interior ideas, lunching with friends, or researching her next vacation destination.

She has strong opinions about folding laundry, fruity wines, the Oxford Comma, fashion, and mixed vegetables.

Christy lives in central Indiana with her husband and their three loveable cats, Cheeto, Dorito, and Brew. But as cute as they are, please send scratching posts asap because they’re slowly destroying the furniture.

Audio Book, Comedy, gay, Review, short story, Standalone

#review #audiobook #comedy How Y’all Doing :Misadventures and Mischief from a Life Well Lived by Lesile Jordan narrated by Lesile Jordan

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Viral sensation and Emmy Award-winner Leslie Jordan regales fans with entertaining stories about the odd, funny, and unforgettable events in his life in this unmissable essay collection that echoes his droll, irreverent voice.

When actor Leslie Jordan learned he had “gone viral,” he had no idea what that meant or how much his life was about to change. On Instagram, his uproarious videos have entertained millions and have made him a global celebrity. Now, he brings his bon vivance to the page with this collection of intimate and sassy essays.

Bursting with color and life, dripping with his puckish Southern charm, How Y’all Doing? is Leslie doing what Leslie does best: telling stories that make us laugh and lift our spirits even in the darkest days. Whether he’s writing about his brush with a group of ruffians in a West Hollywood Starbucks, or an unexpected phone call from legendary Hollywood start Debbie Reynolds, Leslie infuses each story with his fresh and saucy humor and pure heart.

How Y’all Doing? is an authentic, warm, and joyful portrait of an American Sweetheart— a Southern Baptist celebutante, first-rate raconteur, and keen observer of the odd side of life whose quirky wit rivals the likes of Amy Sedaris, Jenny Lawson, David Rakoff, and Sarah Vowell.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55339007-how-y-all-doing

https://www.amazon.com/How-Yall-Doing-Misadventures-Mischief/dp/B08PL4M1LM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2OJA4EW2J8GOP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ybHGRp1G9jEuTqPhYxNxAx5W0fVm10lbDEt6YiKoIgBdXZ_8VT4vnf5fUtCQp8UZVtK47VkpNfaIWtXUWJSndTgRKEwbYClrrOyNSsnijAe2NYDa-4CmPdYPuw4Mm1FwSDdnPJ0m-M4qx9AklnJqG3ilhysTK_vbyhojQHaYd7XMrgoDvDJOw6vDJHutFhMXXaC20i-sD6_S6bry5C7njWVs_MSCIohI_EwOfRCpopk.OB5IWW_VVQQEGw5GTzeBQGBXfdgVoU42Pcz-NwYya9M&dib_tag=se&keywords=leslie+jordan+book&qid=1772121372&sprefix=leslie+jones+book%2Caps%2C369&sr=8-1

i bought this audiobook here is my honest review

Follow the wonderful, hilarious, smart, and sassy Leslie Jordan as he tells his life story in his voice. I’ve never laughed so hard, and I could listen to him talk all day. his version of somethings you never noticed on tv, from his wonderful performances in his lifetime is just a joy to listen to. especially how somehow, he became a social media superstar. The comedy world and tv world truly isn’t the same since Mr. Jordan passed suddenly. Well Shit, How Y’all Doin’ and all his other lines that made him who he is will live forever in history.

In 1982, Leslie Jordan stepped off a Greyhound bus from the hills of Tennessee, said “hello” to Hollywood and has never looked back. With hundreds of television shows, films and commercials to his credit, he has become a familiar face on the entertainment scene.

Leslie is the 2006 Emmy Award Winner for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his delicious portrayal of “Beverley Leslie” on “Will and Grace.” Television audiences will also remember him for his recurring roles on “Privileged,” “Ugly Betty,” “Boston Legal,” and “Reba.”

Feature film audiences will recognize Leslie from his performance as “Brother Boy” in Del Shores’ adaptation of his play “Sordid Lives’” with Olivia Newton-John, Delta Burke and Beau Bridges. He is reprising the role in the television series based on the play and film for the cable network Logo. Other upcoming feature film appearances include “Love Ranch” in a wonderful scene with Helen Mirren directed by Taylor Hackford.

On stage, Mr. Jordan won the Ovation Award, The Garland Award and The Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for his portrayal of “Preston Leroy,” the aging, sodden barfly in Del Shores hit play “Southern Baptist Sissies.”

Mr. Jordan has enjoyed considerable success as a writer. His book My Trip Down the Pink Carpet for Simon and Schuster is currently in bookstores. Material from the book formed the basis of a 90-minute one-man show, which had a successful 45 city book-signing/performance tour in 2008. A dvd of the show shot during performances in Atlanta will be released.

Standalone, Thriller

#Review #AudioBook – Hemlock Island by Kelley Armstrong

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A standalone horror novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong.

Laney Kilpatrick has been renting her vacation home to strangers. The invasion of privacy gives her panic attacks, but it’s the only way she can keep her beloved Hemlock Island, the only thing she owns after a pandemic-fueled divorce. But broken belongings and campfires that nearly burn down the house have escalated to bloody bones, hex circles, and now, terrified renters who’ve fled after finding blood and nail marks all over the guest room closet, as though someone tried to claw their way out…and failed.

When Laney shows up to investigate with her teenaged niece in tow, she discovers that her ex, Kit, has also been informed and is there with Jayla, his sister and her former best friend. Then Sadie, another old high school friend, charters over with her brother, who’s now a cop.

I’m a huge fan of Kelley’s supernatural universe. She’s one of the first authors that I devoured all of their books in a matter of weeks. When I came across this book, I didn’t read the description. Just saw that it’s by Kelley and that it’s a thriller, so I thought I’d give it a try.

First, the narrator for this, did a really good job. She portrayed the emotions from each character and even though she did the voices for everyone (including the guys), it wasn’t corny at all.

We meet Laney who heads back to Hemlock Island after finding out some of the renters had some issues. She discovers some witchcraft type objects and things take a turn for the worse from there.

I was invested through the whole book and then got to one of the later chapters and had to stop my run because I needed to pay attention. The twist took me off guard and I loved every second of it.

I honestly had no idea what was happening. I tried predicting and I’m so glad that I wasn’t able to.

I definitely want to read more of Kelley’s thrillers.

One-click – https://amzn.to/49OrSBn

2nd Chance, Cowboys, Part of a Series, Standalone, Writers on the River Attending Author

#wotr26 #attendingauthor #partofaseries Roaring Fork Roughstock (Roaring Fork Ranch 2) by Heather Slade

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He carries a secret that could cost him everything.
She must trust the man she swore to hate.
And the truth between them that burns hotter than the lies keeping them apart. PORTER
I came to Morris Ranch to make things right, even though Cici Morris hates me for what she thinks I did to her brother. Keeping my promise to Maverick means living with her contempt, but I can handle that. What I didn’t expect was discovering the ranch is being systematically destroyed—or falling for the fiery woman determined to save her family’s legacy. Now, someone’s threatening not just the ranch but Cici herself, and I’m trapped between the promise I made and protecting the woman I’m falling in love with. If I tell her the truth about that night, I could lose her forever. If I don’t, I might lose her anyway.

CICI
I’ve spent two years rebuilding my life after losing my parents and nearly losing my brother in an accident. The last person I want help from is Porter Wheaton—the man responsible for almost destroying what’s left of my family. But with mysterious accidents plaguing the ranch and our finances in shambles, I’m running out of options. Working beside him daily is torture, especially when I start seeing glimpses of a man nothing like the monster I imagined. As we uncover a web of threats surrounding the ranch, I find myself drawn to his quiet strength and unwavering support. But just when I start to trust him, I discover what I believed ended up being wrong—and the truth could change everything I thought I knew about family, loyalty, and love.

While each book in this series features one couple and a guaranteed HEA, the titles may be more enjoyable read in order.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218015713-roaring-fork-roughstock

https://www.amazon.com/Roaring-Fork-Roughstock-Ranch-Book-ebook/dp/B0D9TRQ28Z/ref=sr_1_26?crid=24MQ6E2GNZLCC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.JY5NTfM2RvsKhqv1QePkPRv_W470RzWlzJOdRDPDQRzsswFqb-dYOVb166owXGP_FFd9XMixMC9A6OLRndN9m5sDtuV5BWXBWHqEmKS6uOdyoISQm5Kgpqa2GRZM3rVSOsqa837eoouHGRzTQINegrDLhXZHB03s95d-bUUuEnF8txkxPj3tWYdcfqU_tvAhKl8FdVC6C71gh2e5MKqFxJ46am7KhWKcJgYswoe1IyeN2iXnCVGfPWGqHoxF6DJbKtIDYYyKeLEDXWiMPvBntzzgIls1pfY-Tyg2s9Y5oMs.kMneQFigrX1d0xxe86OIbWYnFxKGDoHgM9zyrcBrG5M&dib_tag=se&keywords=heather+slade&qid=1770047754&sprefix=heather+slade%2Caps%2C191&sr=8-26

i bought this book and here is my honest review

a dark past is always following Porter around his trouble with drinking and about killing his ex’s little brother in a car accident. but now due to the trust rules his father his in place, Porter now has to stay at his ex’s ranch and help get the ranch back up and running, and he had a year to do so. he’s not wanted at the ranch pain and hurt so all that Cici sees when she looks at Porter, they both hold secrets and with someone close to the ranch is doing everything they can to end Morris Ranch forever.

USA Today best-selling author of shamelessly sexy, edge-of-your seat suspense.

Age Gap, Cowboys, Mystery, Part of a Series, Standalone, Writers on the River Attending Author

#wotr26 #attendingauthor #seriesstarter Roaring Fork Wrangler (Roaring Fork Ranch 1) by Heather Slade

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He’s a Colorado wrangler forced to leave his ranch. She’s a small town girl who knows his family’s secrets. Will the truth put more distance between them than ever before?

CORD
I’m a Colorado man born and raised. The last thing I want is to head to a rural town in New York where there are farms–not ranches. And don’t try to tell me they’re the same. In order to save my birthright, I’m stuck here for a year. Problem is, I have no idea why and the one person who could tell me just died. When I meet Juniper, the voice inside my head says she can help me find what I’m looking for. And probably so much more. I know I shouldn’t get too close, but she’s irresistible. When all is said and done, and I pack up my gear and head home, will she just be a distant memory?

JUNI
I’m a New York girl born and raised. The last thing I want is to stay in this small town for the rest of my life. I’ve got my ticket to ride. When the cowboy from Colorado shows up, seeking answers to secrets I can help him find, I forgo my life in the big city. To put my dreams on hold for some sexy rancher may be the dumbest thing I’ve ever done. But in the end, will he just be a distant memory?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201494316-roaring-fork-wrangler

https://www.amazon.com/Roaring-Fork-Wrangler-Ranch-Book-ebook/dp/B0CMJSQN4H/ref=sr_1_35?crid=24MQ6E2GNZLCC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.JY5NTfM2RvsKhqv1QePkPRv_W470RzWlzJOdRDPDQRzsswFqb-dYOVb166owXGP_FFd9XMixMC9A6OLRndN9m5sDtuV5BWXBWHqEmKS6uOdyoISQm5Kgpqa2GRZM3rVSOsqa837eoouHGRzTQINegrDLhXZHB03s95d-bUUuEnF8txkxPj3tWYdcfqU_tvAhKl8FdVC6C71gh2e5MKqFxJ46am7KhWKcJgYswoe1IyeN2iXnCVGfPWGqHoxF6DJbKtIDYYyKeLEDXWiMPvBntzzgIls1pfY-Tyg2s9Y5oMs.kMneQFigrX1d0xxe86OIbWYnFxKGDoHgM9zyrcBrG5M&dib_tag=se&keywords=heather+slade&qid=1770047754&sprefix=heather+slade%2Caps%2C191&sr=8-35

i bought this book and here is my honest review

Cord Wheaton and his siblings were back in their family lawyer’s office for phase 2 of their father’s will. this time its Cord’s turn he’s told he needs to move to East Auora New York for a year and can’t leave the stated property for linger then 48 hours or his siblings and him lose all inheritance. His brother just had his year done, but what was in New York. after arriving, meeting the crew at the ranch and he met a local girl that had him thinking he had known her forever and she thought the same. But when someone tried to kill Cord a bunch of secrets from the past are getting unburied, can Cord handle it all with only being in town for a year.

USA Today best-selling author of shamelessly sexy, edge-of-your seat suspense

Horror, Kindle Unlimited, Standalone, True Crime

#Review – The Girl Next Door by Jack Ketchum

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A teenage girl is held captive and brutally tortured by neighborhood children. Based on a true story, this shocking novel reveals the depravity of which we are all capable.

This novel contains graphic content and is recommended for regular readers of horror novels.

This book. Wow this book. I saw the movie years ago, read up on it once I found out it was based off true events and haven’t had the courage to read the book until now. I have to say that I absolutely devoured this book. I couldn’t put it down and even lost sleep over it. Even though I knew what was going to happen, reading it was a whole other experience.

This book shattered my heart and soul and I was left feeling numb after. Please heed the warnings as while there are books out there that are way more graphic, there is just something about the way this one was written, that made it so much worse. Maybe it’s because it’s based off a true crime. I don’t know. But man. This book now officially owns my entire being.

The book is loosely based off the real murder of Sylvia Likens but Sylvia’s story was so much worse. But this review isn’t about that but I would love to read more about her, as a way to pay homage to her memory. Since she had no one looking out for her like Meg did in this book.

Meg and her sister Susan end up staying with their aunt and cousins after their parents die. Aunt Ruth seems cool at first but after a while, things take a drastic turn for the worse. Meg stands up for herself a little too well and ends up in the basement. Man this basement. When I got to the chapter that says something like and I’m not quoting “They ended up in the basement”. I got chills.

If you’ve seen the movie, you know what happens and I have to say that this is one of the best book to movie adaptations I’ve read since Silence of the Lambs.

Hands down this is by far my favourite book of 2025. Not because the story is great. Because it’s not. Not in the least. But the details, the story telling, hearing the story from the eyes of David, the atmosphere, everything about this book, made for an epic, depraved ride and it’s one I’ll never forget.

But I promise you, I will never read this book again.

Can be read in KU – https://amzn.to/4jjX9PP

Kindle Unlimited, Psychological Thriller, Standalone, Thriller

#Review – The Final Scene: A Thriller by Steph Nelson

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***A 2025 IngramSpark editorial selection in Mystery and Thriller***

The cabin is unlocked, but there’s no escape.

When Brooke was kidnapped on her way home from work, she thought her life was over.

That was ten years ago.

She’s been held captive in an isolated cabin on the Oregon coast ever since, scrambling to follow her kidnappers’ twisted instructions to the letter. Because the price of a mistake is death.

But when a new victim shows up, everything changes. Including the rules. And this time, the only way to survive is to break them.

This book was SO good. Like super super good.

We meet Brooke and find out that she’s been kidnapped and has been staying at a cabin against her will, for ten years. She’s the longest survivor and follows the rules, which is probably how she lived for so long. Other victims come and go, which only seems to harden her. I can’t blame her for that really.

Brooke and the other characters, play a part in a twisted type of play for this old lady. She’s filthy rich and has these victims recreating her past life for her own little sick and twisted reasons.

There’s a few twists and turns as learn more about each character and what’s actually happening. I truly didn’t know what was going on when I first started the book as I didn’t read the blurb. It’s way more fun that way.

If you like thrillers, scenes that keep you guessing, twisted psychopaths, then check this book out. I had a whole lot of fun reading and I can’t wait to read more by this author.

Can be read in KU – https://amzn.to/3KOproU