Category Archives: Standalone

#wotr #attendingauthor #YA Dear Phoebe ( Love Notes Season2 book1) by Danielle Keil

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

The envelope is part of a tradition called the Secret Admirers, something the students go crazy for.

After tragedy struck, no one thought there would be an admirer this month.

However, a little late, a teal envelope shows up on Phoebe Calloway’s locker.

And with it, an ongoing playlist to use as clues toward the admirer’s identity.

It’s music to Phoebe’s ears—especially since music is her biggest passion. But she soon finds out it’s not the melody that’s important in the songs her admirer chose.

It’s the lyrics.

As the songs keep coming, she’s close to figuring out who he is—but is she prepared for the actual reveal?

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223952665-dear-phoebe

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Phoebe-Love-Notes-Season-ebook/dp/B0DTY5X32M/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=R7WT5KHKMNHZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.02EdpRYSxjCjS2j4EaUG4O2wF3zsUrWTTsz_Dm_vNYLY6Y9uRzBn9KLUp4Oqc2zppJlejfEMQpJpQsC2wqRI-Z00OZY6t_0BGY-aa9zL_oXq3oaaKSCkZHW9FEESBuLcfmSm88Igsnp_BmYLKv7l_aVWC4df5Pt1hYWXL6rh71fEJc19ClxMU4Lvfw0KPpnAW2_21HGZV6SwwVWTda8zhQyg2sy1H0C6C2kdtJrEs58.RRuI6WPBZk4h0tnXr4h4pGNEARMfVyOYgMpRBUhF9nE&dib_tag=se&keywords=danielle+keil&qid=1739459010&sprefix=danielle+keil%2Caps%2C263&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

Review by Twinsie Dee

i was given this book by the author here is my honest review

New Year, new group of kids to walk the halls of Ryder High. But this year we start with them at the cemetery mourning the loss of a beloved member of Ryder High, and everyone getting a teal envelope explaining the start of the running tradition at the school. the next day only one envelope was seen on Phoebe’s locker but liked every month Phoebe wonders why her, why was she picked she stayed to herself and spent extra time in the music booth perfecting her tapes for college. Well ready or not this guy took the saying “when words fail music speaks” for her clues. Will Phoebe be shocked, surprised, excited or not thrilled when her month is up, and he is revealed. Other than making me cry in the first 3 pages, this was another amazing month with a great story that makes you smile in the end.

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).

#wotr #attendingauthor #partofaseries #YA Dear Max (Love Notes 10) by Danielle Keil

Everyone at Ryder High knows what it means to have a teal envelope taped to their locker on the first of the month.
This month is different.
This month belongs to Max Newman. Prankster, jokester, overall funny guy. And the first student to ever receive a teal envelope from a girl.
The Secret Admirers organization switched things up. They allowed a girl to be the admirer, and Max is about to make history.
One problem—he only has three weeks to complete an entire bingo board. Some of the things on it are out of his control. Some things are right up his alley, though, like serenading the principal and pranking his best friend.
Will Max finish the bingo board and get the reveal location?
Or will he become the first guy at Ryder High to fail his challenge?

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63898220-dear-max

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BNPC42GP?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tkin_9&storeType=ebooks&qid=1739459010&sr=8-12

Review by Twinsie Dee

i bought this book and here is my honest review

Dear Max, the laugh of Ryder High this month it’s your chance to shine brighter then you already do. One lovely lady picked you to forever change the history with our game, so have fun, enjoy and hope you are happy at the end of these 3 weeks. Having a teal envelope go to a guy indeed of a girl was out of the normal but it’s still fun for all involved. Max was thrilled about his envelope, his ego inflated just a bit more, and then he found out he only had 3 weeks to blackout his bingo board and get his clues. But Max hopes that the girl behind this month is the one who got away who he has never stopped loving, but he can’t get his hopes up incase it’s not her. Omg I loved Max’s month laughing so hard, enjoy all that he was giving defiantly a great one to end this series.

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).

#wotr #attendingauthor #partofseries #YA Dear Mya (Love Notes 9) by Danielle Keil

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

Mya Burton received not only one envelope, but two.

The second envelope held a change to the Secret Admirer program— if she agreed, Mya would be the first girl to have two Secret Admirers.

It had never been done before. In each clue, the boys would both answer the same basic questions, followed by writing a short, non-identifying letter to Mya.

At the end of the month, she would have to choose just one without knowing who he really is.

But before she can, a shakeup hits the school. A hater slanders the game, leaving Mya feeling defeated and the other chosen girls needing to stick together.

Will Mya be able to finish her month on a happy note?

And will her blind decision be the best one for her?

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63186798-dear-mya

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BL26BC48?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tkin_8&storeType=ebooks&qid=1739459010&sr=8-12

Review by Twinsie Dee

i bought this book here is my honest review

Back in the halls of Ryder High and the school play is right around the corner. Mya is already stressed out with rehearsals and normal high school things, that’s when she’s sees the famous teal envelope on her locker, she was shocked why would anyone want to be her admirer. She wasnt that girl but she was now that girl, but this month was different Mya had not one but two guys that had put her name down and so with a new set of rules and guidelines for the month Mya makes history at Ryder. 2 guys 1 girl only to fall in love with 1 guy words will Mya be shocked with who she chooses or will she not be able to make a choice.

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).

#review #thriller #standalone The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon

Aidan Thomas is a hard-working family man and a somewhat beloved figure in the small upstate New York town where he lives. He’s the kind of man who always lends a hand and has a good word for everyone. But Aidan has a dark secret he’s been keeping from everyone in town and those closest to him. He’s a kidnapper and serial killer. Aidan has murdered eight women and there’s a ninth he has earmarked for death: Rachel, imprisoned in a backyard shed, fearing for her life.

When Aidan’s wife dies, he and his thirteen-year-old daughter Cecilia are forced to move. Aidan has no choice but to bring Rachel along, introducing her to Cecilia as a “family friend” who needs a place to stay. Aidan is betting on Rachel, after five years of captivity, being too brainwashed and fearful to attempt to escape. But Rachel is a fighter and survivor, and recognizes Cecilia might just be the lifeline she has waited for all these years. As Rachel tests the boundaries of her new living situation, she begins to form a tenuous connection with Cecilia. And when Emily, a local restaurant owner, develops a crush on the handsome widower, she finds herself drawn into Rachel and Cecilia’s orbit, coming dangerously close to discovering Aidan’s secret.

Told through the perspectives of Rachel, Cecilia, and Emily, The Quiet Tenant explores the psychological impact of Aidan’s crimes on the women in his life—and the bonds between those women that give them the strength to fight back. Both a searing thriller and an astute study of trauma, survival, and the dynamics of power, The Quiet Tenant is an electrifying debut thriller by a major talent.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61897971-the-quiet-tenant

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Tenant-novel-Cl%C3%A9mence-Michallon-ebook/dp/B0BF9BXN88/ref=sr_1_1?crid=GV91H4WI9I9K&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.X7FGulCRFsEJ_1rd0FPBPrrAqlJh111cZlEq6zyzur_B901AAxo_aBLys4f1pXzwkaiJdZeVWnKlei2-tNUbzi_g-fpgyZ77LB9KJwYLRGb2GFVkzZROoT_dqiyUB2EwiYDcBqTlY7KgmkjeRlDajG_4ucuOreWYMUnv1VfpdMm8eGKDHgDVW7ogU1YoWW2KxaWOrPufa7GLEVgIEm1S6ZlzTGLw_M7nIb_RnfTR9WA.jVykRXnTca5SWX3myCtYu-psq0lii2ob1ZPrs9cpkKo&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+quiet+tenant&qid=1737204709&s=digital-text&sprefix=the+quiet%2Cdigital-text%2C197&sr=1-1

Review by Twinsie Dee

i bought this book and here is my honest review

Taken from society 5 years ago forced to live in a shed and be her captures plaything for to have sex with him when he needs. One day he tells you that he’s moving, after this wife died the house was being sold, but instead of a shed you are now allowed a bedroom and have to act like a normal person, so you don’t scare his daughter. life is still the same as in the shed, but he gave her a bed, new clothes, a bathroom, and able to go to the kitchen. but when you learn more, you can use it to your advantage. also getting a glance inside his mind finding out he has a new target you do what you can to not only save yourself, but his daughter and the new target. this book was confusing to the point you don’t know what’s going on most of the time. it definitely didn’t live up to the hype I had been seeing all over and took a good way through to get into it, before things started clicking into place.

Clémence Michallon was born and raised near Paris. She studied journalism at City University of London, received a master’s in Journalism from Columbia University, and has written for The Independent since 2018. Her essays and features have covered true-crime, celebrity culture, and literature. She moved to New York City in 2014 and recently became a US citizen. She now divides her time between New York City and Rhinebeck, NY.

#review #shortstory #partofaseries Loved in Las Vegas ( The Traveling Calvert Sisters 2) by Tori Ross

Regina Calvert’s in Las Vegas for her friend’s bachelorette party. Regi, barely old enough to gamble, hopes to make enough money at the slot machines and game tables to move out of her parents’ house and enjoy the weekend with her friends. But when a night with a casino dealer and his Hungarian cousins goes downhill, Regi finds herself stranded on the strip with no cash, no phone, and a friend that accidentally ingested acid.

Craig Lucky’s enjoying the weekend at his own friend’s bachelor party, but his world is rocked when he comes upon a damsel in distress in the middle of the Las Vegas strip. After helping Regi and her friend, Craig asks Regi out for a night on the town.

Regi and her friends soon learn that nights and weekends in Vegas don’t always go as planned.

Each Traveling Calvert Sisters story is about 25-35K words long and can be read in any order. HEA guaranteed!

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59840789-loved-in-las-vegas

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Loved-Vegas-Traveling-Calvert-Sisters-ebook/dp/B09QK2GF1Q/ref=sr_1_17?crid=1XAF0FW0AVEVF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ul5BdpMu59aNyRvKziYrKvfkMRdk0NaURTZQFqn1AsX36K4d-ucQEAE0OJWlY9199md5HP2ipOuEWvWcyMM9xewttephsFxeD5supL0IpSg97DPwvfeFCpkHVVVGq_BxcMfynjHN5VQ0n_RIqvOPBHqydvJYn8Khf1zlXrqOSUtqVpSen64FqS4zYvhCuElXI7cp5SP0cScf-OqmL0V_RF7FiyT2dPKeIlLHVv3beww.kyH2HfJfVJlplq2sE2IiMWGqjW8oswlIFUEvaljs-cA&dib_tag=se&keywords=tori+ross&qid=1737203865&sprefix=tori+ross%2Caps%2C230&sr=8-17&xpid=kTpQJIHSEMMWE

Review by Twinsie Dee

i bought this book and here is my honest review

Las Vegas is the place to go for the craziest bachelorette party one will never forget. Regina just wanted a weekend away to celebrate one of her friends getting married and to get out of her small town. but she never pictured her trip the way it went, blind date with a Hungarian guy who thought he was a hooker, her other friend thinking she was seeing bees after an acid laced blunt from her Hungarian date, and that was just the beginning. I mean what else can actually happen in Vegas, it’s not like you are going to fall in love and possibly end up at the white chapel. this was defiantly a trip for the books and one you would never forget this was such a fun short story that will be having you laughing out loud.

Tori Ross is an Amazon bestselling and award-winning author of steamy contemporary romance and romantic comedy. Her book, The Cuffing Season Contract, won the National Indie Excellence Award for romantic comedy, and she’s written several shorts, novellas, full-length books, and serials. She lives with her family and two rescue dogs.

#Review – Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Review by Twinsie Dee

i bought this book here is my honest review

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

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

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

LANEY

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

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

RYAN

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

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

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

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

Amazon https://amzn.to/47RJM2E

Review by Twinsie Dee

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Well…in comes Jackson to save the day.

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

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

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

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

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

One click here

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon https://amzn.to/3Tob906

Review by Twinsie Dee

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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