Category Archives: Standalone

#Review My Dark Vanessa by Katie Elizabeth Russell

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER 

“[An] exceedingly complex, inventive, resourceful examination of harm and power.” —The New York Times Book Review, Editors’ Choice

“A lightning rod . . . brilliantly crafted.”—The Washington Post

A most anticipated book by The New York Times • USA Today • Entertainment Weekly • Marie Claire • Elle • Harper’s Bazaar • Bustle • Newsweek • New York Post • Esquire •  Real Simple • The Sunday Times • The Guardian 

Exploring the psychological dynamics of the relationship between a precocious yet naïve teenage girl and her magnetic and manipulative teacher, a brilliant, all-consuming read that marks the explosive debut of an extraordinary new writer.

2000. Bright, ambitious, and yearning for adulthood, fifteen-year-old Vanessa Wye becomes entangled in an affair with Jacob Strane, her magnetic and guileful forty-two-year-old English teacher.

2017. Amid the rising wave of allegations against powerful men, a reckoning is coming due. Strane has been accused of sexual abuse by a former student, who reaches out to Vanessa, and now Vanessa suddenly finds herself facing an impossible choice: remain silent, firm in the belief that her teenage self willingly engaged in this relationship, or redefine herself and the events of her past. But how can Vanessa reject her first love, the man who fundamentally transformed her and has been a persistent presence in her life? Is it possible that the man she loved as a teenager—and who professed to worship only her—may be far different from what she has always believed?

Alternating between Vanessa’s present and her past, My Dark Vanessa juxtaposes memory and trauma with the breathless excitement of a teenage girl discovering the power her own body can wield. Thought-provoking and impossible to put down, this is a masterful portrayal of troubled adolescence and its repercussions that raises vital questions about agency, consent, complicity, and victimhood. Written with the haunting intimacy of The Girls and the creeping intensity of Room, My Dark Vanessa is an era-defining novel that brilliantly captures and reflects the shifting cultural mores transforming our relationships and society itself.

I found this book because of BookTok and a new account that I just started following and man, am I ever glad I did. I told Twinsie Tenise that this account was made for us and I really can’t wait to read more books that this TikTok account recommends.

I haven’t devoured a book like I did with this one in such a long time, it was a nice change. Before I start with my review, please read the blurb if you have triggers. I don’t have any that I know of, so I went into this blind and holy crap, what a ride it was. So please please please read with caution.

This is not a romance. The author made sure to not label it as such either. I’ll also note that as of right now from what I can find anyway, that this is the first and only book this author has written. I really hope she plans on writing other books because there’s something about her writing style that I’m seriously in love with. It reached a deeper part of me that not many authors have been able to reach. I’m also an emotional reader but it takes a lot of work on the author’s part to bring out those emotions in me. This author did just that.

The book travels through past and present. We learn about Vanessa as a 15 year old girl and then again about her as a thirty-something year old woman. It takes us through her life with and without Strane. I don’t want to give away too much but if you like disturbing but beautifully written books and don’t care if it’s a romance or not, I highly recommend this book!

#wotr #newrelease #mm #standalone Rebound by Kate Hawthorne 

They say the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else… 
 
At least that’s what Ben is trying to convince himself. Ready to put his ex-boyfriend in the rear view for good, he connects with a handsome older man who’s only interested in something quick and casual. Their rules are simple—no strings, no feelings, and absolutely no kissing. 
 
Thomas has never been with a man before, but in the midst of divorcing his estranged wife, he knows it’s something he is ready to act on. He’s wondered for years if his attraction to men is something real, so hooking up with an experienced and gorgeous younger man seems like a surefire way to find out. Better yet, it’ll kill two birds with one stone: exploring the depths of his midlife awakening and moving forward into a brand kind of new life. 
 
One time together turns into two times, and two turns into something regular, but the rules still apply… until they don’t. Late night phone calls lead to early evening dinner dates, and one by one the rules are all out the window. 
 
Ben was supposed to be Thomas’s first time, and Thomas was supposed to be Ben’s rebound…but what if the best way to get over someone is also the best way to fall in love? 

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61755118-rebound?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=2lvevTnI6s&rank=37

Amazon https://amzn.to/3qeHiHy

Review by Twinsie Dee

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

What better way to get over your ex-wife then sleeping with a man right? Well Thomas did that very thing he always had a curious side of him of what it would be like to be with a man, and after he finally got divorced from his wife who was actually cheating on him, he thought what better time than now he was alone in his new apartment he got on an app he had so hidden no one would find it. Ben was dealing with a narcissist boyfriend who just abused his body, mind and spirit, but a good romp in the sheets seemed to fix it for that moment. Well he finally had enough and finally ended it with him, Ben found himself on the same app, not looking for anything serious just a good lay from time to time. Well Ben and Thomas end up talking and next thing Thomas knew he was at Ben’s door for the first time and his first time being with a man. It was everything Thomas ever though it would be and he was glad he finally did it and Ben was just as impressed with Thomas’s performance even though he didn’t know it was his first time with a man. Will Thomas be able to keep his past in the past and just be able to hook up with Ben without catching feelings and same for Ben who was fine with a no strings attached hookup or will everything come out of the closet and go up in flames. Wow this story was so spicey and crazy but oh so good.  

With over two dozen published romances to her name, Kate Hawthorne has built a recognizable brand around telling emotional stories that pack a figurative (and sometimes literal) punch. 
 
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity. 

#WOTR23 – #Review – Megan Slays Vampires by Sophie Stern


If monsters aren’t real, why do I kill so many of them?

I’ve spent the last five years training as a vampire hunter. My goal is to hunt, maim, and kill as many of the bastards as I can. They’re infecting our city and each time I manage to kill one, five more spring up in its place. The vampire hunter’s council is breathing down my neck, but I’m already working 25 hours a day, eight days a week.

Then one night, everything changes.

I make a mistake and a vampire catches me. He doesn’t kill me, though. Instead, he brings me into his lair and he makes me question…everything.

What if everything I’ve ever been taught has been a lie?

What if the vampires aren’t the real monsters?

What if it’s me?

Megan Slays Vampires is a standalone steamy paranormal romance by Sophie Stern, author of Honeypot Darlings and Shifters of Rawr County. If you enjoy this story, check out her other vampire books: Vampire Kiss, Eternity, and Chaotic Wild.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

I have no clue how to explain how much you NEED to read this book, but you NEED to read Megan Slays Vampires! Alright! I said it…now that I have that out of my system, I must start by saying this is my first Sophie Stern book and I CANNOT WAIT for more!!!! Megan is quite the badass! But once Donal enters her life, everything turns upside down. She realizes then that she is not chasing the monsters, she is working for the monsters. Once that realization hits home, she really has some things to think about. Megan is an orphan and has trained and slayed many a monster. This is her job, her life But Donal throws a wrench in everything that she knows. Let me tell you about these two. Donal and Megan have this perfect push/pull relationship. They are both witty and their banter is hilarious but can be as sweet as strawberry wine. The intensity between them is palpable. Once these two really open up to each other and start to work together, things really start to go crazy!

“A shapeshifter who can’t shift. A vampire with a vendetta. What an unlikely duo we make.”

This story has everything! There is angst, wit, sexy time (wags eyebrows), and action, but all the same it will pull at your heartstrings. I cannot recommend this book enough!

Sophie Stern

Learn more at:

www.sexysophiestern.com

Join Sophie’s mailing list for freebies & new releases:

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#review #standalone #partofaseries Perfect Date( Mason Creek 26) by Jennifer Miller  


Mason Creek’s newest single resident, Charlotte Knight is looking for love in all the wrong places apparently. Desperate to find “the one” and get her happily ever after, she gives online dating a try. Not wanting to get the small-town gossip wheels turning, she meets all her dates at a bar in the next town over. And sexy bartender, Justin Gray has a front-row seat to the disaster that has become her love life. When he offers to fake date her in order to show her what a perfect date is supposed to be like things get real complicated, real fast.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59735370-perfect-date

Amazon https://amzn.to/3JVNqMi

Review by Twinsie Dee

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

Charlie just wanted a fresh start, new relationship in a new place, after her boyfriend of 2 years pulled the ultimate Legally Blonde move and took her to a fancy dinner where she hoped he was going to pop the question only to be broken up with. So Charlie’s uncle offered her a job at his dentist office in Mason Creek and she took it 6 months later her bestie told her she needed to try some dating apps and well 3 failed dates later and a good laugh for the good looking bartender and she was done sating until the good looking bartender came into her office and offered to show her what a real date is supposed to be like. But with that will these two catch feelings or will it be another fail.

Author Jennifer Miller was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois but now calls Arizona home. After winning a school writing contest at the young age of nine, when she wrote a book about a girl and her pet unicorn (her spirit animal), she dreamed of writing a book of her own. The important lesson she learned about dreams is that they don’t simply fall into your lap – you have to chase them yourself. Her greatest role however is that of a wife and mother. When she’s not writing you’ll likely find her loudly cheering on her daughters at their basketball games, spending time with those she loves, or up to shenanigans with her bestie.

#WOTR23 #Review – Ask Me to Stay by H. D’Agostino

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The Bradshaws have owned a beach house down the coast from ours for as long as I can remember. Every summer since I was six, we’ve vacationed there.

Russell, their youngest son, was my best friend growing up. He taught me how to spit and punch like a boy. He gave me my first beer and first kiss, which was terrible by the way. We spent many days and nights commiserating together about how our parents knew nothing and were so uncool.

Casey Bradshaw, Russ’s older brother, was everything I thought I wanted in a boyfriend. He was cool, mature, and very hot. Each summer I tried and failed, to get him to notice me as more than Russ’s friend and the girl from down the beach. The last summer I was there, he broke my heart.

It’s been six years, and my best friend Aimee has decided we need a vacation. The last thing I expected was to be back at the beach. Sometimes we don’t realize what we need has been right under our nose all along, and sometimes it takes a little push and some alcohol to admit we were wrong.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Melinda

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

When I set out to read this one, I was ready for the angst, drama filled, leaves you hanging books she usually writes.  I was shocked to see this was not one of those books this was a comedy and oh boy did she have me laughing.

Willow spent her time as a kid at the beach house with her family.  Her best friend was Russ the neighbor boy but she spent her summers drooling over his older brother Casey.  After 6 years she and her friend return to the beach house to relax and have fun.  With the help of an energetic dog, she is reunited with the last per she ever expected.  Her best friend that she lost contact with over the years, Russ.

These two had me in stitches their antics were too funny.  Just saying when alcohol gets involved these two come up with the craziest things. The personal memories that Willow and Russ brought back from my younger years watching their crazy antics were great. This was such a fun read. I have to say I think I loved Taco the most he even got in on the action.  HAHAHHAHAHA

Heather D’Agostino is an avid reader turned Bestselling Author of the Contemporary Romance Series The Broken Series, The Shattered Series, The Second Chances Series, The Cook Brothers Series, and Romantic Suspense series The Witness Series.

She attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics.

She currently lives in Central New York with her husband, two children, dog, and two cats. When she’s not writing she can usually be found at the track, soccer field, or one of the many other places that she plays ‘Supermom’

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/H.DAgostino.Author

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/877863252256341

Website: http://hdagostinobooks.weebly.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7034328.Heather_D_Agostino

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/h.dagostino

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/h-d-agostino

#WOTR22 #Review – Aggravated Circumstances by Michele Shriver

Aggravated Circumstances by [Michele Shriver]

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

I need to start by saying that this is a really great, but intense story. I don’t think there is anything crazy that would be a trigger for someone but there are some areas that will really make you feel some things. I have experienced “the system” and I must say that this story is very accurate but not all cases turn out the same way. This is full of hope and love but with a lot of struggles.

This author took a very difficult situation and wove it into a beautiful story. You see several points of view including the judge, social worker, the lawyer, and the addict. You really get a full sense of how one decision changes everything. One small decision, every moment of every day can make huge shifts or transitions in a short amount of time. Depending on whether that decision is for a good change or a bad change can cause a lot of sacrifices for yourself and others. Sort of like the butterfly effect and you have no idea how far it reaches until sometimes it’s too late.

Aggravated Circumstances is one of those stories that I had to sit and process at times because it gives you a crazy amount of feels. It will make you really think about all the little things that affect everything. This is a very intriguing and compelling story that I highly recommend!

Michele Shriver

#review #newrelease #standalone#partofaseries Perfect Attraction ( Mason Creek 29) by Terri E. Laine 

 

Mitch Bowmen didn’t have plans to be an instant father. But fate decided for him. Hiring Sunshine to help him navigate his new family situation was the right move. Acting on his deep attraction for Sunshine isn’t. Especially since her life is more complicated than his.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59962918-perfect-attraction

Amazon https://amzn.to/3843k9S

Review by Twinsie Dee

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

Ok so we are back in the Bowmen house and Sunshine is helping with James and Zoe the newest family members that no one really knew about and shes 5. Well now shes here and her mom is missing so Nate called his brother Mitchell to tell him he has a daughter and he needs to get back to Mason Creek immediately. Mitchell obviously had no idea he had a daughter he was always so careful so he thought, well once he gets home, and meets his daughter for the first time, he gets to see how much his childhood home has changed since he was last there when his mother was alive. Then he sees Sunshine for the first time and he has no idea what he has gotten into, and Sunshine has butterflies in her stomach and feels her face getting warmer when she see him.  Will these two keep it professional and be just boss and employee or will they give into their attraction for each other becoming a little family. Also will Mitchell keep his promise to his daughter and bring her mom home. This was such a cute story and i loved getting more of Sunshine and being back in the Bowmen’s house.

Terri E. Laine, USA Today bestselling author, left a lucrative career as a CPA to pursue her love for writing. Outside of her roles as a wife and mother of three, she’s always been a dreamer and as such became an avid reader at a young age. 

Many years later, she got a crazy idea to write a novel and set out to try to publish it. With over a dozen titles published under various pen names, the rest is history. Her journey has been a blessing, and a dream realized. She looks forward to many more memories to come.

#review #standalone #partofaseries Perfect Someday ( Mason Creek 28) by Lauren Runow 

Matthew Simms has two goals in life, marry his high school sweetheart, Hannah, and play in the MLB some day. Coming from Mason Creek, he always assumed he’d be his and Hannah’s ticket out of the small town, but when Hannah shows off her talents that she held hidden for so many years some plans change. Will love or following your dreams win over everything else when decisions have to be made?

Lauren Runow is the author of multiple Adult Contemporary Romance novels, some more dirty than others. When Lauren isn’t writing, you’ll find her listening to music, at her local CrossFit, reading, or at the baseball field with her boys. Her only vice is coffee, and she swears it makes her a better mom!

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59936745-perfect-melody

Amazon https://amzn.to/3JRSst5

Review by Twinsie Dee

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

They say nothing last forever especially when your young, but that doesn’t seem to be the case for Hannah and Matthew. Until they have to face the reality that Matthew is going to college and Hannah isnt sure what she wants to do after she graduates, til one day shes caught singing at Matthew’s dads house and her amazing voice is discovered. Next thing she knows Tucker (Matthew’s dad) is asking her to do a duet with him on stage and that’s when Hannah figures out she wants to become a singer. A band is formed and gigs are books and Hannah is spending more time with the guys in her band then she is her boyfriend and he’s leaving for college and Hannah is moving to Nashville and she makes the hard decision to end their relationship and figuring out that their someday may never happen. Years fly by and Hannah finds herself back in mason creek to help with her mom and then comes face to face with Matthew, will these two rekindle their old flame or keep on their separate paths and never have the someday they always dreamed of.

Lauren is a graduate from the Academy of Art in San Francisco and is the founder and co-owner of the community magazine she and her husband publish. She is a proud Rotarian, helps run a local non-profit kids science museum, and was awarded Woman of the Year from Congressman Garamendi. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons.

#releaseblitz #partofaseries Perfect Date ( Mason Creek 26) by Jennifer Miller

Perfect Date, Mason Creek Book #26 (standalone) by Jennifer Miller is available on Kindle Unlimited! 

 

One-Click: https://amzn.to/3R7nEcC

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3uvf8KR

Start the Mason Creek Series on #KU and pre-order the upcoming titles: https://amzn.to/3hBpC4j

Mason Creek’s newest single resident, Charlotte Knight is looking for love in all the wrong places apparently. Desperate to find “the one” and get her happily ever after, she gives online dating a try. Not wanting to get the small-town gossip wheels turning, she meets all her dates at a bar in the next town over. And sexy bartender, Justin Gray has a front-row seat to the disaster that has become her love life. When he offers to fake date her in order to show her what a perfect date is supposed to be like things get real complicated, real fast.

One-Click: https://amzn.to/3R7nEcC

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3uvf8KR

About The Author:

Author Jennifer Miller was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois but now calls Arizona home. After winning a school writing contest at the young age of nine, when she wrote a book about a girl and her pet unicorn (her spirit animal), she dreamed of writing a book of her own. The important lesson she learned about dreams is that they don’t simply fall into your lap – you have to chase them yourself. Her greatest role however is that of a wife and mother. When she’s not writing you’ll likely find her loudly cheering on her daughters at their basketball games, spending time with those she loves, or up to shenanigans with her bestie. For more information about Jennifer Miller, please visit www.jennifermillerwrites.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/jennifermillerwrites/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jenmillerwrites

Author page – https://www.facebook.com/JenMillerWrites 

Website – www.jennifermillerwrites.com

Bookbub – https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jennifer-miller 

TOUR HOSTED BY: HEA PR More

#review #partofaseries More Than a Memory ( Cole Creek 2) by Molly McLain 

More Than A Memory is a small town, brother’s best friend, second chance romance!

We were more than we pretended to be.

Or maybe we were never anything at all.

-Olivia-

I loved him when I shouldn’t have. And I left him to save us both.

Now my life is in danger and he’s the only one who can offer the protection I need.

I hate being so vulnerable, so weak…

But if I’m going to bare my secrets to anyone, it’s him. Even if he hates me for them.

-Aiden-

I would have risked it all for her, but she quit before she ever gave us a chance.

o

I don’t hate her like she thinks I do, but this is more than a job for me.

This is my chance to prove that Olivia and I…

We’re more than a memory.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57593823-more-than-a-memory?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=6Pn24iPU6R&rank=20

Amazon https://amzn.to/3oa24qy

Review by Twinsie Dee

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

Olivia had her life turned upside down after her husband was killed by the mob and left her in a dangerous spot o much so she was handed a picture with a target on it. So now shes under 24 hour surveillance, and they want to put her with a bodyguard/fake boyfriend who else is she gonna trust with her life but the first guy she ever loved. Aiden will never forget what Liv did and how she broke his heart. So when he finds out he’s picked to be her fake boyfriend he puts the brakes on as fast as he can. Will Aiden put his feelings aside to keep Liv safe or will he say your on your own and let her deal with this issue without him. Secrets from their past will come to the surface rather they are ready or not.

Author of sexy, small town romance. Lover of banana Laffy Taffy, 80’s ballads, 90’s rock, and road trips. Location: Wisconsin. Sign: Sagittarius. Religion: Coffee and naps.