Category Archives: short story

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.

Cartel/Mafia, Cliffhanger, Part of a Series, short story, Suspense, Writers on the River Attending Author

#wotr26 #attendingauthor #partofaseries Blood from a Stone (the Stone Chronicles 2) by Maverick Montgomery

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When justice is on the line…leave no Stone unturned.

Bloody and armed with the answers he was willing to die for, Jack Stone is sent spiraling into the city’s seedy underbelly to find the enigmatic Drac. His search comes to a screeching halt when unforeseen events force him to rely on questionable strangers. Now with a price on his head, and his loved ones in the crosshairs as collateral damage, Jack must race to find the man who wants him dead.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204233778-blood-from-a-stone

https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Stone-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B0CQS46FWV?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1

i bought this book here is my honest review 

With the bullet removed from his shoulder Jack is now back to work and flirting with his assistant Abigail. but when a guy comes into his office with a shot gun looking for him, he finds out that he has a bounty out for him dead or alive the drug boss Drac isn’t playing around but he also doesn’t know who he’s messing with. so, while trying to get Drac, Jack now also has to try and not get himself killed in the process. will they all make it out alive or will they all end up with a bullet in their heads. also, the cliffhanger is brutal.
 
 

Maverick Montgomery lives in the Midwest with his wife of nine years and their three partners-in-crime, his two dogs, Austen and Ava, and cat, Jude. Considered a self-proclaimed gamer nerd who was holding a game controller long before he picked up a pen. a gear head at heart who can’t resist drooling over any vehicle whether it be classic or modern, Maverick grew up immersed in classic Alfred Hitchcock films, fueling his lifelong fascination with suspense and crime thrillers.

When he’s not writing, Maverick can be found tinkering with cars or dreaming of his next project, usually no more five in his mind at once or he can be hiding out in his man cave surrounded by comic books, stacks of video games, and story ideas waiting to be unleashed. Equal parts snark and grit, he pulls his inspiration from Dick Tracy and Punisher comics, or indulging his wife’s latest project antics while figuring out ways to avoid admitting she’s right.

Cartel/Mafia, Mafia, Part of a Series, short story, Suspense, Writers on the River Attending Author

#wotr26 #attendingauthor Stone’s Edge (the Stone Chronicles 1) by Maverick Montgomery

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When justice is on the line… leave no stone unturned.

Private Investigator, Jack Stone, is closing in on his rival when an unexpected twist throws his investigation – and his life – onto a different course. Going head-to-head with a demon from his past in his quest for vengeance puts Jack’s family and friends in the line of fire, and he must use every resource in his arsenal to bring an end to the tyrant threatening his future.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123064857-stone-s-edge

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX4RSX2F?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_digi_asin_title_351

i bought this book and here is my honest review

Jack Stone private investigator is working hard to make sure one drug lord is going to stay behind bar. once he gets that wish he was also threatened that it wasn’t the last time Jack was going to hear from Gino. while Gino is behind bars for the time being his boss is still free and Jack wants nothing more than to bring them down and put a bullet in their heads. Will jack get his wish, especially when the ones he loves are put in the line of fire.

Maverick Montgomery lives in the Midwest with his wife of nine years and their three partners-in-crime, his two dogs, Austen and Ava, and cat, Jude. Considered a self-proclaimed gamer nerd who was holding a game controller long before he picked up a pen. a gear head at heart who can’t resist drooling over any vehicle whether it be classic or modern, Maverick grew up immersed in classic Alfred Hitchcock films, fueling his lifelong fascination with suspense and crime thrillers.

When he’s not writing, Maverick can be found tinkering with cars or dreaming of his next project, usually no more five in his mind at once or he can be hiding out in his man cave surrounded by comic books, stacks of video games, and story ideas waiting to be unleashed. Equal parts snark and grit, he pulls his inspiration from Dick Tracy and Punisher comics, or indulging his wife’s latest project antics while figuring out ways to avoid admitting she’s right.

 

Horror, Kindle Unlimited, short story

#Promo – Dolly Did It:A Horror Story (Short Horror Fiction Book 1) by William Cook

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When dreams become nightmares and the past refuses to die . . .

Members of Cynthia’s family are dying one by one and she doesn’t know how to stop it from happening. Cynthia records the macabre events in her journal as they occur and tries to come to terms with the fact that her old dolly, Samantha, has begun to haunt her dreams.

Cynthia is on the cusp of becoming a young woman as her thirteenth birthday looms, but her past refuses to let her go as she battles her nightmares that foreshadow the death of her family members. Her old dolly, that her mother stored in the attic, has come out of the shadows and now inhabits Cynthia’s frightening and prophetic dream-world. But are her nightmares merely products of her imagination, or are they something more than that? Something more real, more frightening, and more dangerous than any dream could ever be?

From the author of Blood Related and Dreams of Thanatos

*Bonus Features: includes an additional short story – ‘The Reader’ from Dreams of Thanatos

Warning: contains adult content + themes of supernatural and psychological horror.

“William Cook tells a gruesome story with a sense of authenticity, that makes you question with considerable unease if it really is fiction after all.” – Graham Masterton, author of The Manitou and Descendant

“This man is simply scary. There is both a clinical thoroughness and a heartfelt emotional thoroughness to his writing. He manages to shock as well as empathize, to scare as well as acclimatize, yet beneath it all is a well read intelligence that demands to be engaged. I loved Blood Related. Ordinarily I hate serial killer stories, but William Cook won me over. He is a unique and innovative talent.” – Joe McKinney, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Flesh Eaters and Dog Days

About King Billy Publications

King Billy Publications exclusively publish the dark literary fiction and psychological horror stories of William Cook. We love publishing stories, both for kindle and print, that appeal to adult readers of Horror, Supernatural, Thriller, Occult and most types of Dark Fiction. KBP strive to bring you fresh, new kindle stories throughout the year. Our high standards of editing, formatting, lay-out and quality content, ensure that Cook’s frightening tales of serial killers, ghosts, haunted entities, vampires, villains, monsters, demons and other Gothic grotesquery, are presented to you in such a way that you’ll want to read more. KBP are also the publishers of Fresh Fear: An Anthology of Macabre Horror featuring stories by Ramsey Campbell, JF Gonzales, Jack Dann, Charlee Jacob, Robert Dunbar, Adam Millard, Christine Morgan and BillieSue Mosiman to name a few.

One click – https://amzn.to/4qh3c9M

Horror, Kindle Unlimited, short story

#Promo – The Things in the Woods: A Tiny Terrible Tale by Sarah Jules

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As with all urban legends, the story of Everclear House evolved depending on who was telling it.

Two things always remained consistent:
1. There were Things in the woods.
2. The Things in the woods fed on the almost dead.

“Masterfully chilling with a gut-wrenching kick. Sarah Jules knows how to take your fears and use them against you.” – Elizabeth J. Brown, author of The Laughing Policeman.

“Sarah Jules has already established herself as one of the top authors for all things creepy! Yet another fantastic story from the Tiny Terrible Tales series, this time involving a nursing home, something nasty outside in the woods, and a dark past. How the author manages to fit so much dread and horror into such a short story is truly amazing!” – Justin Boote, author of Soul Searchers.

The Things in the Woods is the second standalone, one-sitting horror short from Sarah Jules.

Can be read in KU – https://amzn.to/4tb1vgt

Horror, short story

Promo – Creepy Little Bastards: A Tiny Terrible Tale by Sarah Jules

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“Creepy little bastards indeed! You’ll never want to follow a trend again.” – Leigh Kenny, author of Cursed, and Hush, My Darling.

“In Creepy Little Bastards, Jules asks us to consider where overnight crazes really come from, and where they might end. A fast and engaging horror short that warns of the dangers that can come when the world NEEDS the next “in” thing. Did you ever stop to ask yourself why? After reading this cautionary tale, you’ll never follow the crowd again…” – MJ Mars, author of The Suffering, and The Fovea Experiments.

Creepy Little Bastards promises to sink its claws into you.

You can’t remember when they first appeared.
Nobody can.
But now they’re here.
Solid. Real. Everywhere.
They’re creepy little bastards. Don’t you think?

‘Creepy Little Bastards’ is the first installment in the Tiny Terrible Tales short horror stories collection by Sarah Jules.

This was a fun little read! As someone who doesn’t understand the obsession with delulu’s, I really enjoyed this one.

One clicked here

Part of a Series, short story, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary, Writers on the River Attending Author, YA

#wotr26 #attendingauthor #partofaseries #YA Dear Harper (Love Notes Season 2 book 7) by Danielle Keil

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Everyone at Ryder High knows what it means to have a teal envelope taped to their locker on the first day of the month.

Harper Kennedy is used to being around boys. Her father is the coach of the lacrosse team, and she grew up on the sidelines. So when she finds out she has a secret admirer, she’s shocked, but excited.

After getting the envelope, more boys appear in her life and decide to be her new bodyguards— a few lacrosse players and Ryder High’s ‘bad boys.’

But in order to do that, they have to learn a new skill—American Sign Language. It’s necessary to communicate with Harper, who is Deaf.

Harper starts getting letters from her admirer with hints of his identity, and a wordsearch to solve with each letter. The only problem? There’s no word bank to choose from…

Can Harper find the words she needs in order to solve the clues, or will she be left searching for more?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/243427353-dear-harper

https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Harper-Love-Notes-Season-ebook/dp/B0FYSSR92V/ref=sr_1_10?crid=TVM6XRL7DOZ9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kjWWt-ujmcaab7RHgfyGtcDSM2DdqbIoSxu2RE6VJjL1ZMkzBsxzF-9boIZ-YJGYI8MkUy1eKe-aVpE5PPxgqMsgSC9xktVWOu4eSoNyPDxKtmN-70F7L8tBRUHElm6gyg1TNrhF7alQmIWxBkMwbDRRXXU04Q93ulo1jsBwUedzlq5FSm8FwT16RCb7n_ibaVHledZOrQWPEK0JrVF3aNEp9VtqlsuRUN9HGoMQVBY.M_I5Z2ZGpdObO9GAbklMKpavFCMFza8_016b2RZZqsc&dib_tag=se&keywords=danielle+keil&qid=1770047728&sprefix=danielle+keil%2Caps%2C189&sr=8-10

i bought this book and here is my honest review

New month a new its girl and our girl Harper is up. Harper is extra fun for this month because she is deaf but that doesn’t mean anything she is still a strong girl who has a great group of friends by her side. always trying to teach someone a proper way to sign something correctly with ALS but as long as they spoke slowly, she could read their lips most time. She’s defiantly one of a kind, her month was so fun to read and learning how her guy adapted for her. But the best part is that Harper is a legacy from when her parents were picked to play when they were in high school at Ryder. And with her mom gone it gave Harper a small piece of her mom back and to share something so special that only a few get to experience while a student at Ryder.

Danielle Keil grew up and spent the majority of her life in the Chicagoland area. A recent transplant, she is enjoying the Mississippi life, especially the pool in her backyard.
Danielle is happily married for over 10 years, and has two young children, a daughter and a son, who are exact replicas of her and her husband.

Danielle’s love language is gifts, her Ennegram is a 9w1, and she loves everything purple.
The way to her heart is through coffee, chocolate and tacos (extra guac).

Audio Book, Review, Romantic Comedy, short story, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary

#Review #AudioBook – The Exception to the Rule (The Improbable Meet-Cute collection) by Christina Lauren

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On February 14, an accidental email to a stranger opens the door to an unexpected relationship in a captivating short story by the New York Times bestselling authors of The Unhoneymooners.

One typo, and a boy and girl connect by chance. Wishing each other a happy Valentine’s Day isn’t the end. In fact, it becomes a friendly annual tradition—with rules: no pics, no real names, nothing too personal. As years pass, the rules for their email “dates” are breaking, and they’re sharing more than they imagined—including the urge to ask…what if we actually met?

Christina Lauren’s The Exception to the Rule is part of The Improbable Meet-Cute, irresistibly romantic stories about finding love when and where you least expect it. They can be read or listened to in one sitting. Let’s make a date of it.

 

Goodreads

 

Amazon

 

Kelly’s Review

I ran across this book when looking for a fun, sweet and quick-ish read. Then instead of reading it, I listened to it. I am not normally an audiobook kinda girl but once I started listening, I was HOOKED! The use of two narrators, one male and one female, was the key!

The accidental email that started this whole thing was just an accident, remembering the accidental email the following Valentine’s Day made me giggle, then the fact that they started competing to be the first to wish the other happy Valentine’s Day really had me LOL’ing! Obviously, you know they are going to meet but all their rules surrounding the “anonymous” emails that allow our two main characters to actually get to know each other and become friends that lead up to them actually meeting, is where its all at.

This is the perfect, sweet, funny and just all-around awesome read!

 

Christina Lauren profile image

Christina Lauren is the combined pen name of longtime writing partners and best friends Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings, the New York Times, USA TODAY, and #1 Internationally bestselling authors of the Beautiful and Wild Seasons series, Dating You / Hating You, Autoboyography, Love and Other Words, Roomies, Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating,The Unhoneymooners, The Soulmate Equation, Something Wilder and The True Love Experiment. You can find them online at ChristinaLaurenBooks.com, @ChristinaLauren on Instagram, or @ChristinaLauren on Twitter.

Part of a Series, short story, Standalone, Writers on the River Attending Author, YA

#wotr #attendingauthor #YA Dear Stella (Love Notes Season 2 book 6) by Danielle Keil

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Everyone at Ryder High knows what it means to have a teal envelope taped to their locker on the first day of the month.

Stella Rivers does everything by the book. As the likely candidate for valedictorian, she doesn’t need distractions. Yet, she gets one in a big way—she finds out she has a secret admirer.

Although she’s a dancer, Stella has terrible stage fright and doesn’t like to be in the spotlight. Thankfully, her friends—and some unlikely heroes—help make sure she gets her privacy while she follows the clues to find out who her secret admirer is.

First, she’s sent a key. Then, she finds a notebook with a lock. Inside? Origami, with a small clue written on it.

Her suspect list grows as she finds each notebook and origami clue.

Can she put the clues together and match them to the perfect suspect, or will she fold under the pressure?

 Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/242252726-dear-stella

Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Stella-Love-Notes-Season-ebook/dp/B0FTDXPHVS/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.mFwBVuDW_TtiSMeBEwfQHO7yscn2FC9fnoO0scNuklojCwXUP6N_ZJte2XuRgR1TkPhe1Gdm_80jEg4ylAe3FjGFMw2kvOzxZDxVTVOrkvlOJmWS0MEIj7veS99gPwmVGRmWOT7KC7iydVhiengq8xtUgDQtSgwFJDkpNJ1FdizOPCma3J80uAydgd2il-XsJnH_sCdTB88UV8gngSofOFON6_U6kBZY69a9bDpDyP0.n5_HLT6uyVI34xwnbRPHCLhx4ngqO27phoE1gCgGEKw&dib_tag=se&keywords=danielle+keil&qid=1760192996&sr=8-3

i bought this book here is my honest review

One thing Stella doesn’t like is being in the spotlight but when she is handed a brown envelope with the famous teal envelope inside, she froze. she didn’t want the attention but after some thinking and asking for the clues to be private, and the people in charge said that was perfectly ok it was game on. the clues are creative and challenging but our girl who has a notebook for every occasion is up for the challenge. every clue comes with a new notebook and a clue inside that has a way deeper meaning then she thought was possible. who could want to be her admirer she didn’t have a clue but now she had a few, Stella had the whole month to try and figure it out on a whim can he do it or will she have to back out.

Danielle Keil grew up and spent the majority of her life in the Chicagoland area. A recent transplant, she is enjoying the Mississippi life, especially the pool in her backyard.
Danielle is happily married for over 10 years, and has two young children, a daughter and a son, who are exact replicas of her and her husband.

Danielle’s love language is gifts, her Ennegram is a 9w1, and she loves everything purple.
The way to her heart is through coffee, chocolate and tacos (extra guac).