Love and Khalil

by Dani M. Ward

What started as a one-night stand quickly morphs into something else as Jayana fights to find her stolen car.

Jayana

I just wanted to let off some steam after being single for months. However, after a horrible night of lukewarm sex, I wake to find my car missing. Did my ass get Kia-boyed? No. Instead, what happened is far worse.

I got robbed by a one-night stand. That's one item off my unwritten bucket list.

Now I'm stuck in a mess, and to make matters worse, the cops aren't doing anything but filling my life with half-baked police reports. Continuing to add to my endless frustration is the guy handling my insurance case.

Khalil Washington is insufferable. An arrogant jackass who sits at his desk all day, steadily talking shit on the phone until it's time for us to meet.

And now, his fine ass is always in my face...

Khalil

Tracking down stolen cars is my job. To say I'm amazing at it, is an understatement. When a new case lands on my desk, I'm determined to prove the insurer, Jayana Alexander, is responsible. The woman is borderline insane. Yet, the craziness of her life breaks up the monotony in mine.

Between the overwhelming chaos coming with her and those lips coated in sarcasm, I can't stop thinking about Jayana. Nothing about this case is routine, and the more I spend time with her, I'm ready for her to see why no one leaves a Washington brother.

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 22, 2026

About the author

Dani M. Ward lives in a state with more corn than people. As a kid, she daydreamed about living in a world with vampires, witches, and fairies. Dani realized later supernatural creatures hide in plain sight, so she looks for them everywhere she goes. When she's not hunting for supernatural creatures, Dani is chugging coffee and writing. Dani writes fantasy romance for lovers of diverse fiction. Her characters include strong women saving themselves with swoon-worthy men who stand beside them. She loves sass, spice, and smut. When she's not writing, she can be found trying to wrangle her two children, watching Asian dramas with her two poodles, or playing video games with her husband. Dani enjoys reading, napping, and pairing wine with food. She has a BA in Anthropology and is getting her MFA in Creating Writing. She's hoping to catch a demon; so she doesn't have to pay her student loans back.

Reviews

[Angelbelle Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Khalil presenting his spit like it’s a delicacy and Jayana gobbling it up 🫰🏾the joy this book brought me. Is there anything better than a spicy novella?

But when I say he stayed in her c00chie though, the car, her office, the kitchen, the bedroom. In the words of Janet Jackson “anytime anywhere” Did I mention he crashed her date 😂

If you know Dani then you know it gets nasty nasty but there’s always gonna be plot and Love and Khalil is no exception

This is Dani’s first contemporary romance and she killed it 🙌🏾. Go on and grab your copy besties and thank me later

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an expertly done novella. The pacing was good. The plot was engaging. The spice was spicing. What I really loved is that I had no clue what I was getting into. Based on their Khalil & Jayana’s initial interactions I thought the story was going to be one thing. But then boom. It turned into something else! That Khalil!🥵Would not let up off that woman once he set his sights on her. We like ‘em nasty. But he was also considerate. He’d do whatever to make sure his baby was good. And Jayana while she definitely made questionable decisions initially, I love that she had someone who wanted to take care of her and she didn’t fight it. We all know she deserves it😏

Can’t wait for the other two brothers’ books to see if the BDE runs in the family.

[Ebony Essence · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 - First read from this author.

I wasn’t even in chapter one good before Dani had me cracking up. This story was good. Insta love and lust for sure. However, the plot took a turn after that one night stand and I was here for it. Love some crime action. Now Khalil i didn’t see his energy coming. Once he was on Jay baby it OVER. He on her, in her and didn’t play about her. They had their cute funny moments as well. Wonder what this would be like on audio.

[Ashanti Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I was enjoying this. Loved the banter, plot and how obsessed Khalil was but I feel like this just stop at the end and I wasn’t ready. This is a novella series so it’s not super detailed in certain aspects. Now that I’m aware I will continue reading the series. I would recommend. Heads up this gets super spicy. A time was had.

[Nikita · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Just D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yeah… I Loved This One
Listen. Jayana and Khalil had me at “...tampon”, IYKYK.. The setup is already chaotic, and then it just keeps getting better. Dani M. Ward really knows how to write a novella that feels full without dragging. Nothing felt rushed, but nothing felt wasted either. The plot was plotting, and we know how she “does it for the plot”...lol

Jayana’s mouth? Hilarious. Khalil’s attitude? I was seated. Their back and forth felt natural and sharp, and I actually cared about what was happening to them. And when that twist hit, I just sat there like… oh. Okay. I see you.

Let’s talk about the smut for real. Hot. Like actually hot. Not thrown in just to check a box. It was good. Khalil knew exactly what he wanted and was not confused about it, and Jayana? She was willing, ready, and open to receive. No hesitation.

At this point, the author is creeping into favorite territory for me. I already know I’m picking up the next one.

[Shades N Pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

Oh this FMC is CRAZY!! Inviting men you met on Tinder to your house for… activities?? Sis, noooo. Never let them know where you lay your head, cus look what happened? You ain’t got no car sis LOL! I’m stressed just thinking about it 😂 But don’t worry…here comes the insurance man/neighbor, ready to “solve” all her problems. Or is he about to make things worse?
Now, I read brother Kofi’s story first, and let me tell you now, these twins may not have the same personalities, but when it comes to the women they want? Oh, they LOCK IN immediately. Acting like the relationship has been set in stone from day one. And honestly? I love that. This book gave irritated to in love vibes. They were clearly attracted to each other but could NOT hide how much they got on each other’s nerves. It went from “I can’t stand you” to “you’re staying with me” real quick and I ate it up. You definitely have to suspend disbelief a little, but I love a good low stakes, entertaining read. If you’re looking for something quick, fun, and a little chaotic….this is it.

[L]

This was a quick insta love with some action sprinkled in to add to this hilarious plot. Imagine you have a one night stand, that’s not even worth it, only to wake up the next morning and the man has stolen your car 😂 … then the police aren’t helpful and your insurance adjuster who also happens to be your neighbor begins lightly stalking you (for research) 😂

Khalil was something else! This man presented one way to the world but that cookie cutter clean man was nasty and definitely talked Jayana through it constantly… whew chile. Mind you, all this happens over like a 4-6 week period but it was a fun ride. I was laughing while reading.

[Simply_YoYo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a wild ride from the start 😂

Jayana’s one-night stand steals her car, and somehow her new neighbor Khalil—who’s also her insurance adjuster—gets pulled into the mess. What starts off wild only gets crazier… we go from poppin up on dates, to hunchin, stolen drugs, a home invasion, and even murder real quick.

Khalil is nasty, nasty… just know that 😮‍💨, and the story leans heavy into erotica while still giving romantic suspense.

Fast-paced, messy, and entertaining—if you like drama with spice, this will definitely keep you hooked.

[Christian.Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need a man like him

I enjoyed this book. I started reading it and could not put it down like every time. I told myself I would stop. I just could not stop because it was just that good. I love how Khalil was straight to the point letting Jayana know you’re mine, I love man that know what and who wants an goes after it. Parts of this story reminded me of me an my guy. I can't wait to read the second book.

[Kim B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an unexpected surprise! I thought it would be a cute rom-com but it was so much more. Jayana was going through it due to a one night stand and Khalil steps in. Khalil Khalil Khalil🔥🥵. I especially liked howJayana did not fight him stepping in but welcomed it and the author's ability to not make her look weak for doing so. This book was a good, quick, spicy read.

[Tiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you Love an insta-lust/insta-love storyline, you’ll eat this right up! Khalil stood on business with Jay and claimed what he wanted. There is low angst, good banter, and a lot of BDE being thrown around.

[Co Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

NTMA

Super funny writer. Well written, nothing felt forced. I enjoyed this novella. Looking forward to reading Kofi’s book! Friends dating brothers aren’t usually my favorite but I can definitely see it from a mile away

[_dulcekk · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow!

This read was an unexpected surprise. Jayana and Khalil were a doozy! I loved how protective Khalil was of Jayana and although at times the lengths he took were questionable…. He really was fond of her. I can’t wait to read about the brothers Kofi and Jacobi.

[Chanise Q · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Tempo

Just the right amount of plot vs. smut *chefs kiss*
Really enjoyed this book, ready for the twin brother’s story!

[Nykeemia Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A man

Khalil is everything. I loved both of them so much, I can't wait to read the second book. The smut was top tier.

[Taija Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

OKAYYYY

Yasssssss Khalil!!! He saw his woman and claimed her! He was freaked out too. Mah boy was nasty af! 😂 Anywhoo, this book was great. Didn’t want to put it down. Loved Kofi and Me’Chelles intro but mad i gotta wait. lol but Kofi did his big one for his bro.