Category Archives: Standalone

Coming of Age, Standalone, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary

#Review – Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson

Leave a comment

An instant New York Times bestseller! “Grown exposes the underbelly of a tough conversation, providing a searing examination of misogynoir, rape culture, and the vulnerability of young black girls. Groundbreaking, heart-wrenching, and essential reading for all in the #MeToo era.” —Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of The Belles 

Award-winning author Tiffany D. Jackson delivers another riveting, ripped-from-the-headlines mystery that exposes horrific secrets hiding behind the limelight and embraces the power of a young woman’s voice.

When legendary R&B artist Korey Fields spots Enchanted Jones at an audition, her dreams of being a famous singer take flight. Until Enchanted wakes up with blood on her hands and zero memory of the previous night. Who killed Korey Fields?

Before there was a dead body, Enchanted’s dreams had turned into a nightmare. Because behind Korey’s charm and star power was a controlling dark side. Now he’s dead, the police are at the door, and all signs point to Enchanted.

“Never have I read a story that so flawlessly hits the highest high and lowest low notes of Black girlhood in pursuit of the American Dream.” —Nic Stone, New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin and Jackpot

This book was chef’s kiss in the best of ways. Now I’ll start by saying that as a white woman, I liked being educated as to what black women face when they need help from authorities. It definitely helped open my eyes, so thank you to the author for helping with that.

Now this book…first, it has several triggers. I never thought I had triggers. I read extreme horror. I should be immune right? Well, I was wrong. I told a friend who read this book at the same time I did, that it bothers me because I would have been the exact same way if I was in Enchanted’s shoes. I’m beyond thankful I met my husband when I did.

Okay now for the review. Enchanted wants to be a singer and she has the voice for it. She goes to an audition at the help of her friend and catches the eye of Korey Fields. He grooms her into being someone she isn’t and it all goes down hill from there.

From their very first interaction, my hackles rose and I instantly didn’t like him. I think I was infuriated for most of the book. So kudos to the author for bringing that out in me.

This book is fast paced, action packed, filled with drama, a strong female lead and more. I absolutely loved it and it fits right up there with my love for Allegedly.

If only people listened to the first girl. Maybe then it wouldn’t have taken over 16 to get something done.

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

Part of a Series, Review, short story, Standalone

#review #partofaseries #shortstory Lost in London (The Traveling Calvert Sisters 6) by Tori Ross

Leave a comment

Lila Calvert is tired. After the airline inadvertently sends one bag to Mumbai and “forgets” to send her backpack to her final destination, Lila is without her phone or any way to access her travel itinerary. Armed only with a hotel voucher from the airline and some basic hygiene products, Lila steps into The Totting Oaks hotel, run by the grumpy and growly David Ogden.

Without knowing what she’s doing on any given day or any way to access her planned itinerary, David soon takes her under his wing and explains that part of the fun of travel is getting lost and doing spontaneous things. Soon, Lila’s exploring off-the-beaten-path London and falling for the city.

But London isn’t the only thing she’s falling for…

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203272549-lost-in-london

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CPJSP224?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tkin_5&storeType=ebooks&qid=1740504023&sr=8-1

Review by Twinsie Dee

i bought this book here is my honest review

Lila Calvert is the next sister to find an adventure, just for her away from her hometown. This was her trip as a celebration for getting her teaching degree and a break before getting a teaching job. but now she’s in London, her luggage and backpack are lost she doesn’t have a phone either, sulking at the start of her trip isn’t what she had planned for but here she is. Will Lila ‘s luck turn around will she met her soulmate like her sisters have when they went on a trip also will she get her luggage back before she’s about to head back to the states.

Tori Ross is an international bestselling, Amazon bestselling, and Apple Top 100 author. Her book, The Cuffing Season Contract, won the National Indie Excellence Award for romantic comedy, and she’s written several shorts, novellas, full-length books, and serials. She lives with her family and two rescue dogs in the Midwest.

New Release, Part of a Series, Review, Small Town Romance, Standalone

#review #partofaseries Beneath Southern Stars (Magnolia Grove 12) by Andrea Johnston

Leave a comment

LANEY

Small town life isn’t for everyone. At least that’s what I’m told. To me, it’s everything. Growing up in Magnolia Grove my neighbors are like family and every memory I have is tied to our community.

When a single dad rents the house next door, he makes my simple small town life a little more exciting.

RYAN

After a year of grieving, I vowed to give my daughter a holiday season to remember. Magnolia Grove is the epitome of holiday cheer and exactly the distraction that we need.

When my identity as a country music artist becomes town gossip, I greedily accept help from my new neighbor. What I didn’t expect was to find someone who speaks to my soul and reminds me of how much life there is left to live.

When we’re together beneath the southern stars, I believe anything is possible.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202410261-beneath-southern-stars?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=DXUiW8Ihy7&rank=39

Amazon https://amzn.to/47RJM2E

Review by Twinsie Dee

i was given this book by the author for an honest review

Small town living is much different than the crazy life of Nashville and Ryan is moving to Magnolia Grove to get a fresh start a year after his daughter’s mother passed away and they both needed a place that didn’t have a memory every time they turned around. Laney is the small-town girl grown up with a hard work in her blood and don’t take crap from no one. so, when her crazy dog finds the new neighbors moving in and the cutest little girl to be friends with, she can’t help but wonder what their story is and what brought them to Magnolia Grove. the small-town charm is working on Ryan and Pepper and hope that they can make new memories but still have Katie be a part of Pepper’s life even if just in memory she will always be the breeze in the wind, the warmth from the sun and live within her daughter’s heart. life as a single dad is the hardest thing Ryan has done but maybe the thought of opening his heart to find new love might be the hardest and worst thing ever. Such a cute story that will make you laugh, cry and fall hopelessly in a happy every after. this was such a good way to end the chapter to Magnolia Grove.

A romantic at heart, Andrea has always been a storyteller. An avid reader since a young age, she never planned to pen her own romance novel but, on a whim, and with no plan, she discovered her passion. Known for her slow burn small town romances, Andrea prides herself on writing relatable characters that the reader cheers for and secondary characters who bring the sass and laughs to each story.

Settled in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and dog, she counts down the days when her adult children come home for a visit. Even if it means more laundry!

Dark, Dark Dark and more Dark, Dark Romance, Kindle Unlimited, Novella, Standalone

#Review – No Place To Hide: A Dark Romance Novella (Havoc’s Playground Book 1) by Harper Ashley & Wren Hawthorne 

Leave a comment

Blair
All I wanted was one night.
A simple night of fun with my friends at the carnival.
I didn’t know I’d spend it learning things I never knew about myself.
Every twist and turn of our game brings us deeper into our desires.
But what’s a little pain if it’s mixed with unimaginable pleasure?

Jackson
All I wanted was one night.
A simple night of peace doing my job.
I didn’t know I’d spend it pushing the boundaries with a girl I just met.
The stakes get higher the longer the game goes on.
For the first time in my life, will only one night be enough?

No Place To Hide contains mature and graphic content that is not suitable for all audiences. Please check the content warnings at the front of the book before proceeding.

Oh man, now this is the book I’ve been needing to pull me out of whatever this slump thing is that I have going on here.

While this was a novella, it felt like it was longer. The authors did a fantastic job of that. Sure, I want more but that’s only because I’m greedy. *cough cough* Jackson. *cough cough*

So we meet Blair who is at a carnival and is looking for some fun. She needs some changes from her regular good girl life. She no longer wants to be this picture perfect princess.

Well…in comes Jackson to save the day.

Jackson works at the carnival and is this quiet, grumpy, ex-con. When these two meet, the sparks fly instantly.

Things quickly heat up and they end up playing a game of Hide & Seek. Sounds super innocent right?

This is definitely one of the hottest novellas I’ve ever read and I really can’t wait for book 2 to this. I need to know what happens.

This novella, although it’s short, does come with some possible triggers, so please read with caution. Your mental health matters.

Also, I read this novella just before Halloween, so it fit the season perfectly.

One click here

New Release, Part of a Series, Review, Small Town Romance, Standalone

#review #newrelease #partofaseries Whispered Southern Secrets (Magnolia Grove 11) by Gail Haris

Leave a comment

Millard and Minnie own Mimi’s Gasoline Grove.
A staple in the community.
Everyone goes there for their sweet tea, full-service, and gossip. Especially now that their granddaughter has moved back.

And she’s been spotted being friendly with the new, young, and handsome preacher.

They share a secret, and in the small town of Magnolia Grove, everyone is whispering about it.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201819676-whispered-southern-secrets

Amazon https://amzn.to/3Tob906

Review by Twinsie Dee

i was given this book by the author for an honest review.

Honey found herself at the local bar to sing some karaoke and have a few drinks, she found herself thinking it was her turn to sing, and it wasn’t it was a very good-looking man, singing her song. she found herself stuck on him and drowning in his voice, they meet, and he wants her name Honey has 2 rules when she goes out 1) no names and 2) no hooks-up, but she then finds herself breaking her rules and in the sheets with this mystery military man. after 3 years of being away from home and a divorce later Honey was moving back to the small town, she always considered Honey finds herself back in Magnolia Grove for her bestie’s grandmother’s funeral and she wasn’t not going to show up for her. home. Honey still can’t get her mind off of her one night stand she never does that but with it had been 3 years it was definitely a wild night she knew she would never see the mystery man again, well she didn’t think she would until she heard his magical voice in no other place then behind the pudendum at Sunday service and he’s the preachers son. Honey is traumatized and Mr. preacher man is just as shocked, sermons, and trying to get Honey’s heart is what he’s working on being back in the small town, will he be able to pray and get into her heart or will the devil get to it first. this was a very slow start with a lot of repeating in the first few chapters but then it started picking up and was good.

Gail Haris believes in fairytales, love, and laughter as the best medicine. She has somewhat of a warped charm.

Steamy with a dash of sugar! Gail loves blending romance out of life’s everyday chaos. Stories filled with humor and steam and moments of sweetness, along with suspense and twists. Death… and then sprinkle some glitter. “Let’s make it awkward” is her motto.

Gail enjoys living in a small town in Southeast Missouri, and then taking adventures all over the world with her two fierce princesses and Boo Bear aka her ultimate real-life book boyfriend and high school sweetheart – basically the love of her life.

When she’s not getting into mischief or scheming with her two girls, she’s busy coming up with crazy scenarios for her characters.

Using coffee and her imagination, Gail writes contemporary romances that blend laughter and true love out of everyday chaos. She writes in a variety of genres including romantic comedy, romantic suspense, and new adult/coming of age romance.

Hopefully by following her dream of becoming an author, she can be an example to her daughters that their dreams can become a reality. Maybe she can encourage you, too.

Never stop believing in love, dreams, and yourself. And coffee…don’t give up on coffee and books 😉

Self-Help, Standalone

#BookPromo – The 12 Hour Walk by Colin O’Brady

Leave a comment

“A master class in athleticism, resilience, and human potential.” —Hoda Kotb, Today

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Impossible First, an inspiring blend of riveting adventure stories and life-changing wisdom that teaches us how to embark on a transformative one-day journey that will unlock our best lives.

Millions of people dream of living a more fulfilling life, yet many settle for a life of comfortable complacency, allowing excuses and negative thoughts to invade their minds. I don’t have enough time…I don’t have enough money…I’m afraid to fail…I don’t have what it takes—we allow these limiting beliefs to control us.

Now, The 12-Hour Walk provides the inspiration—and catalyst—for getting unstuck and realizing your full potential. Featuring life lessons from explorer, endurance athlete, and entrepreneur Colin O’Brady—whose adventures in such extreme places as Antarctica and the perilous Drake Passage and on the peaks of Mount Everest and K2 have seen him establish ten world records—this book’s vivid narrative and powerful insight will show you how you can embark on your own life-changing journey.

With Colin as your guide, The 12-Hour Walk asks you to invest one day in yourself. By walking alone, unplugging, listening to the voice within, and rewriting the limiting beliefs etched into your psyche, you can break free of the patterns holding you back and learn how to cultivate a “Possible Mindset”—an empowered way of thinking that unlocks a life of limitless possibilities. The reward: being the hero of your own destiny.

One Click Here – https://amzn.to/4dgrdab

I’m going to do this walk one day!! – Twinsie Jo

Horror, Psychological Thriller, Standalone

#Review – We Used To Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

Leave a comment

Get Out meets Parasite in this eerily haunting debut and Reddit hit—soon to be a Netflix original movie starring Blake Lively—about two homeowners whose lives are turned upside down when the house’s previous residents unexpectedly visit.

As a young, queer couple who flip houses, Charlie and Eve can’t believe the killer deal they’ve just gotten on an old house in a picturesque neighborhood. As they’re working in the house one day, there’s a knock on the door. A man stands there with his family, claiming to have lived there years before and asking if it would be alright if he showed his kids around. People pleaser to a fault, Eve lets them in.

As soon as the strangers enter their home, uncanny and inexplicable things start happening, including the family’s youngest child going missing and a ghostly presence materializing in the basement. Even more weird, the family can’t seem to take the hint that their visit should be over. And when Charlie suddenly vanishes, Eve slowly loses her grip on reality. Something is terribly wrong with the house and with the visiting family—or is Eve just imagining things?

My favourite horror author, Mique Watson, posted about this book and said how it was the scariest thing he’s ever read. So I dropped everything and grabbed this book. I’ve gone in completely blind, so I have no idea what’s going on and I’ll write my review as I read this book.

10% in – I have no idea what’s going on but I feel like something really bad is going to happen. Eve is home alone and is waiting for her girlfriend, Charlie, to get home but this random family shows up. Thomas, the father, said he used to live there. Something is off about this whole situation.

20% in – What is even going on? Charlie is finally home and is acting like nothing is strange about this family showing up. She’s the type to give people the benefit of the doubt instead of assuming right away that they’re horrible or evil. Jenny, the youngest child in the random family, decided to play hide and seek in the basement and is hiding out there. Apparently, just letting her come out on her own is a thing.

30% in – Ok this is getting creepier. Also, something happened and I kept thinking that there’s no way my husband would tell me that he would deal with it in the morning and for me to go to sleep. Like, no way at all.

40% in – I still have no idea what’s going on. I have so many questions. Like what does this family want and why the heck won’t they leave?

50% – I think I’m going to be saying that I have no idea what’s going on until the end of this book. Something is definitely off. With the family. With the neighbor. With the random man living in a rundown shack in the middle of the woods. Everything is off.

60% in – I’m wondering if it’s something having to do with the house.

70% in – I have theories but they’re probably all wrong.

80% – 100% in – Yup, my theories were all wrong.

This book was so good. Like beyond good. My mind is reeling and I have no words, so thankfully I wrote this as I read. I didn’t now what was true or not by the end of the book and it was so well written. I think this is the author’s debut as well? Either way, it was chef’s kiss and I’ll definitely be checking out more by this author.

One click here

Extreme Horror, Horror, Standalone

#Review #ExtremeHorror – Call Me Son by Mique Watson

Leave a comment

George Marley has it all: the loving wife, the perfect family, and the job that pays all the bills.

It starts with an innocent chat. What harm could come from entertaining a longing he’d had for years?

He never expected to encounter someone like Chasten. The perfect specimen; the embodiment of all his fantasies come to life. Maybe just one meet-up wouldn’t hurt. After all, what his wife doesn’t know can’ hurt her.

But how far is he willing to go? How will he keep his fantasy a secret? What will he do when he finds out just how dangerous a game he is playing?

Oh boy. Okay so this was a delicious slow burn and something I was not expecting. Mique wrote in the beginning of the book how he hopes this story ruins your day. Lol! I didn’t ruin mine. Nice try. Better luck next time. Challenge accepted, Mique? 😉

Anyway. We meet George, who I instantly didn’t like by the way. He has a good life, a loving wife, a family, two beautiful kids, a successful job but of course, something is missing and he wants more.

George ends up on this app and meets Chasten. We find out that George is into some things that involve someone younger. Did I say how much I did not like him?

One thing leads to another and George and Chasten meet. Things take a turn for the worse and George makes a decision that doesn’t just affect him.

We learn that Chasten isn’t such a sweet kid after all.

Like I said in the beginning, this book was more of a slow burn horror for me and once the “stuff” started happening, it happened fast. It involved a lot of blood, gore, fluids, gore and so on. It was extreme.

I did predict one part and was wondering why George was so surprised when this certain thing was revealed. He clearly didn’t understand who he was dealing with and I was like, “Do you know nothing about the people on the dark web?”

This was another perfect extreme horror by Mique. He compared it to Broken Dolls but I think this one is completely different. Still gruesome with plenty of triggers but definitely a horror masterpiece all on its own!

Purchase here.

New Release, Part of a Series, Review, Small Town Romance, Standalone

#review #newrelease #partofaseries Sweet Southern Heat (Magnolia Grove 9) by Ashley Cade

Leave a comment

Kissing your enemy is never a good idea, especially when he’s your ex’s surly older brother. But in my defense, he kissed me first.

Landon Crawford has hated me for six long years. He blames me for the car wreck that stole his brother’s future. It doesn’t help that I ran away from our hometown after the accident, but there’s a lot he doesn’t know about that night. I’ve kept what really happened a secret from everyone, but the truth always finds a way of revealing itself.

I never planned to return to Magnolia Grove, but when my grandmother passes unexpectedly, I’m tasked with sorting out her estate and the bakery she left to me in her will. Sugar & Sage is in disrepair and desperately needs a facelift. Hiring our town’s only contractor is a no-brainer, but when he sends Landon to complete the renovations, not even the sweetest of treats can counteract his bitterness.

I try my best to avoid Landon, but fate is determined to keep throwing us together. And the more time we spend in each other’s presence, the more that line between love and hate begins to blur. The moment we give into our feelings, tragedy strikes again, leaving Landon with an impossible choice: fully give his heart to me or cling to what’s left of his crumbling family.

*Sweet Southern Heat is a complete standalone set in the Magnolia Grove Series. It’s a small town, enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine romance with plenty of steam and lots of tension and swoon

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202618032-sweet-southern-heat?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Kk2khanxkT&rank=16

Amazon https://amzn.to/48f3Agh

Review by Twinsie Dee

i was given this book by the author for an honest review

Olivia wanted to never return to Magnolia Grove after what happened in high school and losing her boyfriend in front of her eyes. She only returned to see her grandmother on special occasions and today was one she never wanted to deal with the fact that she was coming home for her grandmother’s funeral, her best friend was gone and she didn’t know what she would do except now she never would have to return to home where everyone still hated that i was the reason Lyle died. She isn’t the reason but the town already hates Olivia, so she just deals with it. Lyles family will never forget or forgive her and when Olivia comes face to face with his brother Landon shit was about to hit the fan. he wanted nothing more than for her to leave town again, his family had fallen apart, and Landon will never forgive her for that. life in Magnolia Grove was going to get crazy when Landon finds out that Olivia’s grandmother left everything to her and can these two set the past in the past or will the town really be too small for the both of them. Memories never fade, and traditions and legacies don’t die. this was the one that got me in my feels reading it, but oh so good.

Ashley is a USA Today Bestselling author who likes her small town romance extra spicy with a touch of angst, and a splash of humor. Her swoon worthy heroes will melt your kindles (along with your undergarments). She resides in Ohio with her husband and two sons where she pens emotionally gripping love stories about imperfect people who find their happily ever after.

New Release, Part of a Series, Review, Small Town Romance, Standalone

#review #newrelease #partofaseries Endless Southern Love (Magnolia Grove 8) by Heidi McLaughlin

Leave a comment

Wade Jenkins struggles with the challenges of running his thriving landscaping company and raising his spirited 8-year-old daughter Mari.

Lemon Walsh has just moved to Magnolia Grove as the new elementary principal. She’s leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the city in search of a more peaceful and fulfilling life.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199905008-endless-southern-love

Amazon https://amzn.to/3RDrrki

Review by Twinsie Dee

i was given this book by the author for an honest review

Wade Jenkins had one drunk night after a breakup with his one true love high school sweetheart, ended up making him a dad. having his daughter randomly during the summer and school and co- parenting great with her mom he can’t even imagine what happened when he gets a random phone call from the emergency room regarding his daughters’ mother. so now Wade has his daughter full time while her mother figures things out with her husband who isn’t the nice guy Wade thought he was. So now he is having to add bathtime, a school routine and everything else to make his daughter more of his number 1 then when she was only around when she was visiting, but his parents are wonderful to help. One thing Wade didn’t think about is the love of his life was now the principal at the school his daughter now attends, and he is having to face her daily. its Lemon’s worst nightmare having to face Wade after 8 years of pain and avoiding him in their small town. Will these two find the love they once had for each other again, or will Lemon let the fact that someone else had his baby before she did get in the way of her happiness. omg this was such a fun cute, typical small town high school sweetheart story.

Heidi McLaughlin is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers.

In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.

Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018.