Category Archives: Novella

Horror, Novella

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

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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

Novella, Paranormal, Review, Sci Fi

#WOTR24 #Review – Shadow Initiate by Todd Skaggs

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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.

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Amazon

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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

Erotica, Novella, OTT, Standalone

#Review – My Stalker, My Protector by Jessa Kane

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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.

Holiday Book/Novella, MC, Novella

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

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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.

You can sign up for her newsletter here: https://amazon.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=92ebc52e0076d77643d6891b2&id=c70becb1cd

Insta-Love, MC, Novella

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

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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

Novella

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

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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 cafĂŠ 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 cafĂŠ 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.

Novella, Part of a Series

#WOTR23 #FreeKindle #ShortStory #SeriesStarter – It’s in His Kiss, Brew Ha Ha Book 0.5 by Bria Quinlan

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It's In His Kiss (Brew Ha Ha .5 Short Romantic Comedy) by [Bria Quinlan]

Jenna’s been letting life pass her by as she works on her career. But, when she needs to do some research of this kissing kind, things may get a little more heated than she expected.
Research has never been so fun.

WARNING: This 11k short has no vampires, shape shifter or scorching sex, but it might make you snort your diet Coke out your nose.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I purchased this ebook.

I read book 2 in the series and fell in total love with Jenna and Ben.  They are such a great couple while also being opposites in many ways.  Ben being the absolute hot guy while Jenna is the nerdy girl.  When they meet at a bar with Jenna’s terrible friend, Ben is laughing at her.  She is not thrilled at him and then is kinda blackmailed into going out with him and a friend with her friend.

The story is a great set up for getting to know Jenna and Ben for the rest of the books in the series.

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.

Insta-Love, MC, Novella

#Review #Novella #Prequel #MC #Instalove – A Mountain to Climb, Rebel Vipers MC Book .5 by Jessa Aarons

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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 Angie

I purchased this book.

I was looking for an MC series since they are my jam.  I was attending a book event in like 3 weeks so I checked out the attending author list and found this author. I loved a good prequel so I can meet the characters but also get a feel for the authors writing.  I jumped in and read Mountain and Blue.

I was about 2 chapters in and grabbed the first book.  I already knew I would be a happy reader.

Now I know some people don’t care for insta-love but I love them.  I look at novellas for insta-love since they are quick in and outs ya know.  This story is a lot of time hopping but it is needed to bring you to the beginning of book 1.  Ya see Mountain’s son is 2 when this book starts and at the end is running the MC….So yeah we need time hops.

Mountain and Blue…they are a great read.  Mountain is not very happy when the sister of his baby momma who ran away comes knocking on the door looking for her sister.  The story is fast.  They are insta-love and insta-attraction, but I loved it.  The first time they met, in my opinion, was hysterical.  Awkward but totally funny.

Again, this book is a great glimpse to Mountain and Blue who are the head of the MC until Whiskey takes over in book 1.  The book introduces you to the main charter members and their kids who I am guessing will be running the MC when the series begins.  I don’t think this book was published first but heck maybe I am wrong.  But I loved the story and all that it entailed. It gave me a peek into the series and what I will soon be devouring.

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.

2nd Chance, Cowboys, Novella, Small Town Romance, Writers on the River Attending Author

#wotr #attendingauthor #novella A Place to Call Home by Lacey Black

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Eight years ago, Colbi Leigh fled her safe little hometown in Kentucky and followed her dreams to New York City. She left everything her parents, her brother, and the love of her life, Aiden Hughes. Now, Colbi must return home in the wake of her brother’s unexpected death in Afghanistan where she’s about to come face-to-face with her old demons. Aiden has been left unsettled since his one true love left him for something else in the Big Apple eight long years ago. After the unexpected death of his oldest friend, who was serving in the Army, Aiden finally comes face-to-face with the woman who stole his heart and has haunted his dreams. What happens when old lovers reunite in the midst of tragedy? Is it finally a happily ever after, or will their dreams tear them apart once more? *This novella is 23,000 words and was first published in May 2016 as part of the Honor Anthology.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36979118-a-place-to-call-home

Amazon https://amzn.to/3JBiBPM

Review by Twinsie Dee

When tragedy strikes and Colbi returns to her small-town backroad family farm, she runs into the same pair of eyes she left behind all those years ago when she left to follow her dreams in New York City. when it’s time to leave will Colbi go back to the fast pace of the big city or stay for love, happiness and stay with the love of her life and her family?

Avid reader, writer, mother, and wife! I love to read contemporary romance. Add in a little “spice” or hot guys in uniform pants, and I’m a happy woman. There’s just something about diving into a book and engrossing in the magic of your hero and heroine getting their happily ever after.

Athletes, Football, Novella, Review, Standalone

#review #standalone Cupcake by M. Andrews

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From the time I was able to hold a ball, I have lived and breathed football. It controlled every aspect of my life. The game consumed me, that was until I met a sweet feisty blonde, pastry chef named Pippa Montgomery. The moment I laid eyes on her she turned my world upside down. Now all I want is to live and breathe her. Grayson Bennett looks like the all American boy next door, but beneath his sweet charming personality beats the heart of a dirty talking sex god, who with a single touch of his hand turned my boring existence into a wild ride of hot sticky sex. Grayson also gave me the confidence to go after what I really wanted… Him. They say some love stories are complicated, but our story gets a little sticky.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31294778-cupcake

Amazon https://amzn.to/3XyoW4e

Review by Twinsie Dee

Grayson is the hot football quarterback and Pippa is the sweet baker. When Grayson has a goal in mind he sets out to win his trophy. Everything he never seen in his future he now wants with his sweet cupcake. This book will get you hot bothered and wishing you were with the quarterback

M. Andrews resides in Seattle with her husband and two kids. She spends most of her time with her family and reading anything she can get her hands on. She’s a coffee lover with a mighty sweet tooth.

M. Andrews has always had a passion for writing. She started out writing short stories and fan fiction as a way to give the voices in her head an outlet. She took the leap into writing books when she found herself living in a new city, giving her the opportunity to finally live out her dream of being a writer.