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Gemma James
Gemma James

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A dark, moody image with text overlay: "When her mom invites her ex to Thanksgiving knowing she's bringing someone new..." The Lemon8 logo and author handle are at the bottom.
A dark, moody image with text overlay: ""What is he doing here?" I ask my mom." The Lemon8 logo and author handle are at the bottom.
A dark, moody image with text overlay: "Before she can answer, my ex cuts in... "You had to know I'd show up. "How else was I gonna get you to talk to me?"" The Lemon8 logo and author handle are at the bottom.
A dark, moody image with text overlay: ""You wanna talk? Fine." I head toward the kitchen. "You have five minutes," I say, sensing Joe's presence behind me as I rinse a dish." The Lemon8 logo and author handle are at the bottom.
A dark, moody image with text overlay: ""Can you stop and talk to me?" "No," I say. "Mac, please..." "Don't call me that."" The Lemon8 logo and author handle are at the bottom.
A dark, moody image with text overlay: ""I've been calling you that for years."" The Lemon8 logo and author handle are at the bottom.
A dark, moody image with text overlay: "I drop the dish and whirl around to face him. "So did your dad."" The Lemon8 logo and author handle are at the bottom.
A dark, moody image with text overlay: ""I messed up bad," he says, voice breaking. "I just...I need you to know how sorry I am."" The Lemon8 logo and author handle are at the bottom.
A dark, moody image with text overlay: ""YOU need? What about what I needed?" I blink back tears." The Lemon8 logo and author handle are at the bottom.
A dark, moody image with text overlay: ""Don't cry, I didn't mean to..." He reaches for me, but I ward him off." The Lemon8 logo and author handle are at the bottom.
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5

An emotional standalone romance in KU with so many twists and turns

4/23 Edited to

... Read moreReading 'With Dreams of Payne' truly felt like an emotional rollercoaster that kept me captivated from start to finish. The story’s twists and turns went beyond the typical romance plot, making each chapter rich with suspense and heartfelt moments. One scene that particularly resonated with me was the Thanksgiving confrontation, where the protagonist faces her ex who unexpectedly shows up. The tension and raw emotion in the dialogue—"What is he doing here?" followed by the ex’s vulnerable apology—captured the complex nature of past relationships and unresolved feelings. I appreciated how the book doesn’t shy away from portraying imperfect characters. For example, the ex’s recognition of his mistakes and the protagonist’s guarded response added depth and realism to their interactions. This sort of emotional authenticity is what truly elevates standalone romance novels. For readers who enjoy emotionally charged love stories with unexpected elements, this book is a gem on Kindle Unlimited. The mic drop moment towards the end is one of those scenes that stays with you, demonstrating the author’s skill in crafting unforgettable moments. If you love romance books filled with emotional highs and lows, relatable characters, and a bit of drama, the twists in 'With Dreams of Payne' will keep you hooked. This story is also a great recommendation for romance readers looking for standalone titles that provide both satisfaction and surprise without the need for a series commitment.