Category Archives: Novella

#Review #Horror #Novella – The Pram (Creature Feature Collection) by Joe Hill

A husband’s obsessive desire for a child leads to an unexpected manifestation of his yearning in a nightmarish short story about fatherhood dreams by New York Times bestselling author Joe Hill.

Willy and Marianne’s farmhouse in Maine has acres of meadow and fresh air, and a lonesome bridle path in the forest along which Willy daydreams and ambles. When he’s loaned a decrepit old baby stroller to cart his groceries home, the rickety squeak of the wheels comforts him. So do the sweet coos of a baby Willy knows can’t be real. Can it? In this twisted thicket, wishes come true—with a price.

Joe Hill’s The Pram is part of Creature Feature, a collection of devilishly creepy stories that tingle the spine and twist the mind. They can be read or listened to in one petrifying sitting.

I will be honest and say that I was left feeling a little confused by this story, so I’m not too sure how to review but here goes nothing.

I’m giving this book 5 stars based on the fact that I enjoyed the writing and the description of the scenes helped me immerse myself into the story. So kudos to the author for that!

I also enjoyed that this was a different spin on fertility issues. Usually you see it from the woman’s perspective bit this was from the man’s and I liked that. It definitely made me curious if a lot of men felt the same way. 

I knew instantly that of course there would be an issue with the pram. Willy is given it to cart groceries home and ends up bonding with said pram and the happenings surrounding it.

This novella wasn’t as creepy as I hoped. Maybe I should have read it late at night with the lights off. Or I’m desensitized. But I enjoyed it none the less. This review is a little wishy washy, so check the book out for yourself. You may just enjoy it!

Available in Kindle Unlimited – https://amzn.to/48Wd0hd

#Review #Horror #Novella – Woom by Duncan Ralston

“Trust me when I say, this is messed up.” – MATT SHAW, author of Sick B*stards.

“I believe pain lingers,” Angel said. “Do I believe in spirits? In the supernatural? Probably not.”

The Lonely Motel holds many dark secrets… and Room 6 just might possess the worst of them all.

Angel knows all about pain. His mother died in this room. He’s researched its history. Today he’s come back to end it, no matter the cost, once and for all.

Shyla, a plus-sized escort, thinks the stories Angel tells her can’t be true. Secrets so vile, you won’t want to let them inside you.

But the Lonely Motel doesn’t forget. It doesn’t forgive. And it always claims its victim.

“This book is a wet dream of abnormal sexual psychology.” – Mort Stone, My Indie Muse

WARNING: Don’t buy this book if you have a weak stomach, if you’re easily disturbed, or if you’re looking for a light horror read. THIS IS NOT THAT BOOK. Seriously. You’ve been warned.

(For signed copies, please visit my website.)

We meet Angel and who hires Shyla, a prostitute, to come to the motel he’s staying at. The motel is called “The Lonely Motel”, so I wouldn’t even go to that if I was Shyla but what do I know. Add to the fact that when she enters the room, she’s instantly grossed out by the look and smell and even the feeling. That’s a red flag right there. Angel begins by asking her some weird questions and then he starts telling her a story about Johnny and Jenny. That’s when this little story gets really…um…strange, messed up, gross and just…icky.

This book is extreme horror and definitely not for the faint of heart. It continues with Angel telling Shyla more stories, each one horrible in their own sick and depraved ways.

By the time I got to the last chapter, I couldn’t read fast enough. I read it with wide eyes and anxiety. Let’s just say, it made parts of me hurt.

I also feel kind of wrong for saying this but I really enjoyed this story. Not sure what that says about me. As a horror loving fan, this one definitely did its job.

This will also be a little story that I will be thinking about for a while.

Available in Kindle Unlimited – https://amzn.to/4aDGaTL

#Review #Novella #Horror – A Brush With The Devil by Yolanda Olson

All I wanted was a night out alone to try and feel normal again.

Instead, I spent most of my time drowning my sorrows in whiskey and listening to every song that Blondie has ever produced.

I left before the liquor got the best of me, but not before putting the jukebox out of commission, and the self-appointed DJ wasn’t impressed.

I tried to get away, but he followed.

When I decided to confront my newfound demon, I found myself face-to-face with one of the most beautiful men I had ever laid eyes on. But there’s a saying about the Devil appearing as everything you ever wanted, and it’s true.

Because to me, for that one moment, he was everything I needed.

I didn’t want him to come home with me, yet he refused to leave.

He wanted to have some fun.

I was going to be his new game and he was going to play with me until he was bored and went on his merry way again.

See, he doesn’t know that I’m a monster too.

He only sees the outside and not the in.

One night with the devil is what I’ve got and I’ll show him that not everything that’s as equally beautiful as he is, is made of innocence and grace.

He wants to play … and now?

So do I.

A Brush with the Devil brings together Gray Talbot from Death Blooms and Lakyn Meyer from the Malediction Saga for one night of hell that you won’t soon forget.

I completely forgot who this book was about. After reading Death Blooms, which I really loved by the way, I wanted to read more about Gray. Yolanda said she was writing this little story but clearly, I am not on the ball.

As you can see in the blurb, this book is about Gray from Death Blooms and Lakyn from the Malediction series. I haven’t read about Lakyn yet but now I really need to.

This story is about Gray and Lakyn meeting and unfortunately for Gray, Lakyn comes on a little strong. But they’re both entranced by each other. What could happen when 2 evil people meet? Nothing. Nothing at all. 😉

Lakyn ends up going home with Gray, much to Gray’s dismay, but something about him is unnerving to Lakyn and rightfully so. Have you read Death Blooms? 100% suggest doing so if you haven’t already.

Lakyn causes problems for Gray. Gray has issues trying to deal with him and his little friends. It’s a mess all around but one I rather enjoyed reading!

Now I need to read more and find out why Lakyn is the way he is.

Available in Kindle Unlimited – https://amzn.to/48BSaU1

#WOTR24 #Review – Shadow Initiate by Todd Skaggs

Magic is a barrier. It protects our world from many things. Some of these things are older than Time.
There are travelers who use the Earth as a way-point in their journeys between the magical realms.

Most of these travelers are harmless enough.

Some, however, are quite deadly.

Humans are one of the last species in the realms who can channel magic naturally. They are therefore highly prized and must be kept safe. Their protection is done by ancient orders. There are gates and locks.

And in the each millennia, born among humans are “keys.”

Some keys unlock gates glowing with light. Others unlock the gates shrouded in shadows, passages of darkness.

These keys are seldom aware of their gift, and the potential they hold.

Most don’t live that long.

Unless they are kept well hidden.

Magic itself is neither good nor evil. Magic either shines in luminous brilliance or peers back from deep in the blackest of shadows.

Those who hold the key to using this magic are highly sought after.

Some things should be left well alone.

Duane was always plagued by nightmares. Visitations from the shadows. These visits, though terrifying, were the one thing that made him feel unique. Also, quite crazy. No one believed him. The people who were supposed to love him unconditionally looked at him through the eyes of strangers.

The one person who could always make him feel safe was his best friend, Ellen. That’s what made her betrayal so painful.

Goodreads

Amazon

Bookbub

Review by Twinsie Kelly

I am not sure what I really thought this story was going to be about but was pleasantly surprised with the direction it went. The blurb is compelling but then you actually start reading and you are hooked. The balance of good and bad, light and dark is truly emphasized throughout the story. It is very compelling and intriguing but there were some areas where I felt a bit confused because I felt like I was missing some pieces. While things tied up nicely at the end, with quite a twist that I didn’t see coming, I wish there was more. I would love to see this world evolve because it seems there is so much more to be told. It was a great short read.

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Todd has happily wandered down the path of writing for one simple reason–he has quite a few stories in his head and they need to come out (it’s getting crowded up there)! He’s also fond of pointing out that writing is cheaper than therapy and is still the single best way to exorcise the demons.

Living in Ohio and enjoying all four seasons in a single week, Todd works as a security analyst and plays with words any chance he can. During his free time you can find him swimming the sea of song, playing with sci-fi, dancing slowly with some poetry, or mixing things up a bit with some free-form ramblings of a completely random nature. As long as its telling a story, Todd’s happy.

On his Blog: www.toddskaggswrites.com

Twitter:@atskaggs71

Instagram:@atskaggs71

#Review – My Stalker, My Protector by Jessa Kane

College freshman Scout Snyder has a deranged stalker. Her brother is going out of town and needs someone big and strong to protect her while he’s gone—and there’s no better choice than his best friend, campus baseball star Cash Jenner. There’s only one problem…Cash is Scout’s stalker. And she’s just been thrown to the wolf.

This was a fun little over the top read. If you like heroes who go crazy for their women, then you will probably like this book. I was looking for something short to read, to get my number of books read up over on Goodreads, and came across this. It’s hot, short, and perfect for a night in.

Scout has a stalker. He sends her crazy notes and emails and she’s scared.

Cash is asked to protect her by her brother.

Little does Scout know, Cash is said stalker.

This little read is hot, filthy and definitely what you need now that the nights are getting colder.

#NewRelease #HolidayNovella #Novella #MC- Christmas with Duchess, Book 6 of The Dollhouse by Mary Martel

It’s been years since we’ve visited with Duchess with her girls at the Dollhouse. Not to mention, the biker boys in the Mercy Motorcycle Club.

What’s a better time to go back and check on them than during the holidays?

What do people like Duchess actually even do for Christmas? Do they wrap presents with pretty bows on them to hand out to their stable of girls or the bikers next door?

Are all the girls even still there?

Is Franky still married?

Is Willow still a cold bombshell with a shoe addiction?

Are Duchess’s knives still sharp?

Guess you’ll just have to read about it to find out.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I purchased this novella.

Duchess and Cap.  I have missed them so freaking much.  When Mary said she was pubbing a novella to check in with our favorite MC President and his Queen, I said holiday prep be damned.  I need to see what’s up.

This is a super short novella letting us see everything with every one is amazing.  We check in with all the couples.  We get a shock and a giant surprise in the book.

I cant really say much except I need to reread after this novella.  I have missed them so much and didn’t realize it until just now.

Mary Martel was born in West Michigan and spent the majority of her life there. She currently resides in North Dakota with her husband, and her two beautiful daughters. She’s an avid reader, and when not writing she can be found with her nose stuck in a book.

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#WOTR24 #Review – A Mountain to Climb (Rebel Vipers MC #0.5) – By: Jessa Aarons

Lana

My life has fallen apart, so I’m trying to find my sister, starting with the last place she said she was. What I find there isn’t what I was expecting – the Rebel Vipers MC clubhouse.

The hot as hell man who opens the door is none other than my sister’s baby daddy. Oh, and if I forgot to mention, she’s not here anymore. What the heck?

It doesn’t take long for our attraction to surface, but I’m not so sure that us being together is the right thing. What about my nephew, Connor?

Mountain

I almost slammed the door in her face. She said she was Roxy’s sister and I panicked. But the more I get to know her, I realize she’s nothing like her venomous sister. That’s when I start falling.

How do I convince this woman that staying in the clubhouse is the right thing for her? For us? I have some walls to knock down, starting with her being afraid that my son will hate her forever. He’s ten years old and needs a woman in his life.

All is going well until I almost lose it all. Is this the end for me, or will my blue-eyed beauty keep me grounded?

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Melinda

I met this author at Rocking Readers and I had to pick up this book. I’m so glad I did it was a quick read and great intro to the club to see how it got its start.
Mountain A/K/A Jethro is the president of Rebel Vipers CM and a single dad. His son’s mom left when Conner was little.
When Lana came looking for her sister all she found was the president of Rebel Vipers. When she knocked on the door, he tried to slam the door in her face. Lana would have none of that and told Mountain the same.
I loved this insta-love quick read. Blue had just the right amount of sass to keep Mountain on his toes. Not only could she keep him in line but also his son Conner. I liked seeing the connection Conner and Blue have. She was so patient with him when they met and he was up in a tree.
Great start to a series. It pulled me in and I immediately purchased Whiskey. I mean really, I had to find out what Conner grew up to be and how did he get the name Whiskey.

Jessa Aarons was born and raised in the frozen tundra of Wisconsin. She has had her nose buried in books for as long as she can remember. Her love of romance began when she “borrowed” her mom’s paperback Harlequin novels.
After experiencing a life changing health issue, she had to leave the working world and dove back into books to help heal her soul. She would read anything that told a love story but still had grit and drama. Then she became a beta reader and personal assistant to another author.
Jessa is the boss of her husband and their castle. He really is her prince. Thanks to his encouragement, Jessa started putting pen to paper and creating new imaginary worlds. She spends her free time reading, crafting, and cheering on her hometown football team

#WOTR24 #dragons #paranormal #Audiobook #Series #Novella – Ranger, Dragon Bride Book 2 by Kate Rudolph, narration by Jonathan Waters

He’s supposed to be a prince, not a prisoner…
Things are as bad as they can get for Ranger when he’s thrown in a cell and told he’s about to be sold for a profit. But his captors don’t know he’s a dragon, and he’s ready to rain fire on them all in payback.

Until he meets Sidney.

She’s stronger than she looks…
When Sidney discovers Ranger on the ship, it throws her world into upheaval. She’s no slaver. She’ll do what it takes to free him, even if it means crossing her captain and crew. When Ranger turns the tables on her, she’s almost too angry to be attracted to him.

Almost.

Freeing Ranger has repercussions. And soon it’s not just Sidney that’s in danger, but everyone she loves as well. She’ll need to trust the dragon prince if she’s going to save them all.

But how can she do that without losing her heart?

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I purchased this audiobook.

I am a sucker for a good novella.  I am a sucker for dragon stories.  Give me both on an audio and I am SOLD!!!

Again with all novellas you know they will be an instalove and I am all for it.  This book was about Ranger, Crux brother, and Sidney.  He is thinking he is saving some people only to be kidnapped.  Sidney I excited to be helping her “family” out on their ship when she meets Ranger escaping.  Needless to say she is stunned to learn how awful her “family” really is.

The story was quick. They had some sexy times and some bater.  Sidney didn’t put up with Ranger and he was ever the gentleman helping her people.  I liked the story well enough.  I just felt, like with the first book, I wanted more insight to the king and AFTER they come home.  We have all this fear of him disliking “humans” and his dislike for Sidney but why???  So if I have any complaint is that I wish there was more information as to this dilemma.

I love writing about kick butt heroines and the steamy heroes who love them.
Feel free to friend me on Goodreads!

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#WOTR24 #SeriesStarter #Audiobook #Dragons #Brides #Human #FatedMates – Crux, Dragon Brides #1 by Kate Rudolph, narration by Jonathan Waters

Prince Crux is in a bind.
When the Dragon King commands Crux find a proper mate, his days of carefree bachelorhood are over. One trip to a psychic matchmaker and he’s on the path to his destiny. But it all comes screeching to a halt when he meets a human woman who lights his inner fire and makes him yearn.

She’s got a pair of roller skates and an attitude.
Courtney is supposed to be putting the shambles of her life back together. Getting abducted by aliens isn’t part of the plan. Neither is getting rescued by a scorchingly hot dragon that makes her think of an impossible future. But they have no chance together if they can’t first escape a planet full of monsters intent on their destruction.

Fated mates, fierce women, and dragon princes are ready to find their mates in the new Dragon Brides series from Kate Rudolph.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I grabbed this audiobook for free on stuff your audiobook day in August/September from Google Books.

I am a sucker for a good novella.  I am a sucker for dragon stories.  Give me both on an audio and I am SOLD!!!

This story was super quick and of course instaloveish.  If you are grabbing a novella you know this so I was ready.  I will so I did enjoy the banter initially with Cruz and Courtney.  He shows up on the planet looking for his mate that the dating agent told him would be there only to discover she is human with weird rolling things she carries around.  She is feisty and not putting up with him at all.

Courtney wakes up not in her apartment and not thrilled to discover she was kidnapped with her roller skates on.  What is a girl to do!!

The story was good. We see the reason why Cruz was looking for his mate.  We see him struggle with accepting that a human is his person.  We see Courtney falling hard for the dragon prince and not happy she will be letting him go.

I do feel a little bit let down at the end. I enjoyed the couples story but I wanted maybe one more chapter to see them together on his planet…ya know see how it all shakes out in the wash.  But I did download book 2 and am diving in.

I love writing about kick butt heroines and the steamy heroes who love them.
Feel free to friend me on Goodreads!

You can also find me online:
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Facebook: facebook.com/katerudolphauthor

#WOTR23 #Novella #Audiobook – The Last Single Girl, Brew Ha Ha Book 1 by Bria Quinlan, Narration by Brittnay Goodwin

Get a date for the big gala in four weeks when I thought I could go solo? Challenge, accepted.

Now to find a hot, interesting guy who will dress up for a gala. Last minute. Who doesn’t already have plans on the busiest date night of the year.

But, so far the best part of the search for a great date has been the cute café I found and the geeky-hot owner who keeps rescuing me from these crazy eLove.com dates.

This should be easy-peasy. The internet is the home of all your hopes and needs, right?

Spoiler Alert: it isn’t.

Between the bromance date and the crazed single dad who needs to hire a nanny and housekeeper, not get a date, I’m running out of options.

If only a certain cutey didn’t have a phone call with “sweetheart” every day.

The weirder things get, the more I think just going solo is very I Am Woman, blah blah blah. Forget about the fact that my heart keeps bringing me back to a certain café even when I don’t need to be there…I mean, my heart doesn’t always get what it wants, does it?

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I purchased this audiobook.

I have read a few really heavy and dark books lately.  I needed something fun and light hearted.  I needed something sweet and fun.  I also needed something to spend my audio credit on….hence this book.

Guys, this book was everything I needed.  It most definitely took me out of the dark stuff I have been reading into a fun and adorable happy story.

Sarah is in need of a date.  Sarah is pushed into online dating due to a “friend” who makes she feel less then because she doesn’t have a boyfriend.  The dates are an absolutely horror show to say in the least.  She is meeting her dates at a coffee shop when she befriends the shop owner.  Slowly they build a friendship when Sarah realizes, Holy crap I love John!

The story was adorable and sweet and I will be grabbing the 2nd one asap. The story was just sweet and funny and everything you need at times.

Bria Quinlan is an award-nominated bestselling author of eight Romantic Comedies and YA Issue Books (that she swears are funny…really. They are.) Her books make you snort Diet Coke out your nose or tear up and curse her name.