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Orchid: A Psychological Novella
A gifted botanical artist with southern charm and a complicated past, Orchid Blackthorn finds a chilling sense of purpose when a violent encounter pulls her into the world of using her mastery of toxic plants to turn vengeance into an art form.
Her precision kept her safe—until Exodus Rowan appears. A man who unsettles her discipline with questions she can’t ignore and emotions she can’t afford to feel.
He’s charming, mysterious, and inviting, but what Orchid doesn't know is behind his watchful eyes lies a Exodus isn’t just drawn to her darkness... he’s hunting it.
As desire tangles with deception, Orchid and Exodus are locked in a dangerous game of predator and prey. The question is, when the final seed is planted, who will survive the harvest?
Her precision kept her safe—until Exodus Rowan appears. A man who unsettles her discipline with questions she can’t ignore and emotions she can’t afford to feel.
He’s charming, mysterious, and inviting, but what Orchid doesn't know is behind his watchful eyes lies a Exodus isn’t just drawn to her darkness... he’s hunting it.
As desire tangles with deception, Orchid and Exodus are locked in a dangerous game of predator and prey. The question is, when the final seed is planted, who will survive the harvest?
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 27, 2025
Talerie AKA Orchid was a forced to be reckoned with & this story was truly something special. Granny Irene was my absolute favorite & I have a feeling Keira N. James has a real Granny Irene or grandmother that she holds near & dear to her heart because it was simply too much emotion put into this character. The love she put into her character could be felt through the pages.
Talerie’s childhood traumas certainly bled over into her adulthood, seeing a parental figure being abused will certainly stick with you. When unforeseen circumstances forced her back to her roots, Orchid blooms (pun intended) into a new identity and a new outlook on life.
If you love stories with character depth, and some good ole fashion vigilante justice this is the one! She-ro or criminal? You decide! My thoughts… Innocent until proven guilty 🤷🏽♀️
Publication Date 🗓️ : 10.03.25
Talerie’s childhood traumas certainly bled over into her adulthood, seeing a parental figure being abused will certainly stick with you. When unforeseen circumstances forced her back to her roots, Orchid blooms (pun intended) into a new identity and a new outlook on life.
If you love stories with character depth, and some good ole fashion vigilante justice this is the one! She-ro or criminal? You decide! My thoughts… Innocent until proven guilty 🤷🏽♀️
Publication Date 🗓️ : 10.03.25
September 20, 2025
Keira N James!
The N stands for “she ain’t no joke when it comes to writing a good thriller”.
The book gives it all to you: drama, suspense, love (not really love, but they was doing it LOL), twists, a little twist, another twist, and one mo’ twist!
This book will have you side eyeing greenhouses every time you pass one… you’ll never look at a botanical garden the same way again. 👀😩
The N stands for “she ain’t no joke when it comes to writing a good thriller”.
The book gives it all to you: drama, suspense, love (not really love, but they was doing it LOL), twists, a little twist, another twist, and one mo’ twist!
This book will have you side eyeing greenhouses every time you pass one… you’ll never look at a botanical garden the same way again. 👀😩
September 25, 2025
I loved Orchid by Keira n James! This psychological novella had me hooked from the first chapter. Orchid Blackthorn is such a unique and unforgettable character strong, artistic, and unapologetically vengeful. The way the author tied her mastery of toxic plants into the storyline was dark, creative, and honestly genius.
What really stood out to me was the character development. Each one felt layered and real, and if you’re from the South, you’ll especially appreciate the way their signature slang and cultural touches came through it made me feel right at home. I loved how the Southern flair wasn’t just sprinkled in, but deeply woven into the voices of the characters.This book gave me chills in the best way possible. It’s haunting, beautifully written, and the imagery is so vivid that I could see every rose, every orchid, and every shadow Orchid used in her art of vengeance.If you enjoy psychological thrillers with rich atmosphere, unforgettable characters, and a touch of Southern grit this is the one for you. 🌹💜
What really stood out to me was the character development. Each one felt layered and real, and if you’re from the South, you’ll especially appreciate the way their signature slang and cultural touches came through it made me feel right at home. I loved how the Southern flair wasn’t just sprinkled in, but deeply woven into the voices of the characters.This book gave me chills in the best way possible. It’s haunting, beautifully written, and the imagery is so vivid that I could see every rose, every orchid, and every shadow Orchid used in her art of vengeance.If you enjoy psychological thrillers with rich atmosphere, unforgettable characters, and a touch of Southern grit this is the one for you. 🌹💜
August 6, 2026
4.25⭐️
Yet another book has me asking, "Am I the problem?" I picked up Orchid because I’d been seeing Keira N. James’s name everywhere—and honestly, that stunning cover finally convinced me to give it a chance. What I found was a dark, twisted psychological novella packed with obsession, tension, and one of the most delightfully unhinged protagonists I’ve read in a while.
The entire time, I knew I probably shouldn’t be rooting for Orchid… yet somehow I was. Her actions were morally questionable at best, but the story made me understand exactly why she did what she did, and that made it impossible to look away. Fast-paced, unsettling, and completely addictive, Orchid pulled me in from the very first page.
If you enjoy morally gray characters, psychological chaos, and books that leave you questioning your own judgment, this one is worth the read. Consider my morals compromised once again.💜
Yet another book has me asking, "Am I the problem?" I picked up Orchid because I’d been seeing Keira N. James’s name everywhere—and honestly, that stunning cover finally convinced me to give it a chance. What I found was a dark, twisted psychological novella packed with obsession, tension, and one of the most delightfully unhinged protagonists I’ve read in a while.
The entire time, I knew I probably shouldn’t be rooting for Orchid… yet somehow I was. Her actions were morally questionable at best, but the story made me understand exactly why she did what she did, and that made it impossible to look away. Fast-paced, unsettling, and completely addictive, Orchid pulled me in from the very first page.
If you enjoy morally gray characters, psychological chaos, and books that leave you questioning your own judgment, this one is worth the read. Consider my morals compromised once again.💜
August 2, 2026
This was a good read. It started off on a high note and stayed there. Talerie now known as Orchid became a serial unaliver mistakenly. Do I blame her for the first two? Absolutely not, they lowkey deserved it🤦🏾♀️but the last one for now, I was hoping didn’t happen but Orchid was being hunted and she had to outsmart the hunter.
I’ve had this on my TBR for a while and I’m happy I finally read it since this was a new to me author but won’t be my last from her.
I’ve had this on my TBR for a while and I’m happy I finally read it since this was a new to me author but won’t be my last from her.
December 7, 2025
I love a good unhinged female character! Listen, this book touches on what happens when you play with people. Just don’t do it!
September 27, 2025
Thank you Kiera for gifting me an ARC of this book. I throughly enjoyed this psychological thriller. Orchid was such a dynamic character and artist; it was magnetic to see. However with that being said, the only thing I could justify is her need to set things right after that tragic lost and then the need to save her livelihood. Otherwise Orchid definitely crossed lines lol. Highly recommend this novel so when Oct 3rd comes, hit that download button.
August 8, 2026
Keira knows she be writing. Orchid is not to be played with and yes i was rooting for her the whole book. Miss ma’am didn’t disappoint. Orchid witness something no child should have to and now that she’s older she can do something about it. There was a twist i didn’t see coming but orchid is always a free steps ahead. Her setup game is A1. Happy to see a little romance in here also.
Definitely recommend for anyone. Granny Irene is the truth.
Definitely recommend for anyone. Granny Irene is the truth.
September 26, 2025
***ARC***
Orchid Blackthorn is that girl when it comes to plants. She serves revenge with a smile and a dose of plant apothecary on the side. Don't ever cross her, or you could become the next victim of the "Bloom - Bloom Room." From painting, to sewing, to planting, and plotting... Orchid is the multi faceted girl next door with secrets dripped in Oleander. Orchid will keep you on your toes until the very last blossom!
Orchid Blackthorn is that girl when it comes to plants. She serves revenge with a smile and a dose of plant apothecary on the side. Don't ever cross her, or you could become the next victim of the "Bloom - Bloom Room." From painting, to sewing, to planting, and plotting... Orchid is the multi faceted girl next door with secrets dripped in Oleander. Orchid will keep you on your toes until the very last blossom!
September 23, 2025
I think Orchid's actions were reasonable. My heart felt genuine empathy for what motivated her to take action. I believed her techniques were calculated and innovative. I recognized Exodus right away, but I didn't see the connection to Josh. This was a fascinating, fast-paced read that I truly loved.
November 23, 2025
Listen, Kierrrrra, you totally nailed it with that one. The ending completely blew me away. And seriously, the middle part shook me to my core. If you want a book you can't put down, I totally recommend this one. Orchid is something else. You gotta read it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 10, 2025
Orchid crossed the line by taking matters into her own hands, she tried to heal herself by do her art work, and
Got caught up in a crazy situation
Got caught up in a crazy situation
October 23, 2025
Orchiddddd Maam!!!
I really did sympathize with her but then Orchid you started escalating. Ma'am I would've hated to get you irritated, cause any confusion, or make you mad cause you went zero to hell real quick and got awfully good at it. Even though a few was justified. Im with you when you right. I did say I was fairly surprised at the ending, I got to 93% and was wandering if there'd be a book 2 for a minute but it wrapped up nicely. Id definitely recommend...
I really did sympathize with her but then Orchid you started escalating. Ma'am I would've hated to get you irritated, cause any confusion, or make you mad cause you went zero to hell real quick and got awfully good at it. Even though a few was justified. Im with you when you right. I did say I was fairly surprised at the ending, I got to 93% and was wandering if there'd be a book 2 for a minute but it wrapped up nicely. Id definitely recommend...
October 3, 2025
In nature, Orchids are peaceful plants. They aren’t inherently dangerous or toxic. You water them and leave them alone, and they will bloom into the most beautiful flowers you will ever see. But don’t you dare handle them with anything but the ultimate care because then…well, you can’t be surprised when they turn on you!
Talerie “Orchid” Blackthorn was like an orchid. She tried to live her life quietly and peacefully. She cared for her aging grandmother, taught botanical art classes, and watched out for her neighbors. But when outside forces disrupted her peace, Orchid turned into a deadly Venus flytrap and anyone in her way was sure to find themselves trapped 6 feet under her greenhouse, aka, The Bloom-Bloom Room!
And here’s the thing, as a reader, I could not fault Orchid for her actions. Each time she unalived someone, I thought they deserved it! These thrillers will really have you questioning yourself. Am I cruel for rooting for her? Or maybe just a little crazy like Orchid herself. Lol!
Then there was Exodus, the MMC and Orchid’s love interest in the story. I felt bad for him. He pursued Orchid. He had a plan in mind and revenge was the name of the game. But, when he saw that beautiful flower, he did not realize that one wrong move could have him trapped forever. Did he really think he could tame Orchid Blackthorn?!
Keira did a great job with this story. Orchid kept me questioning: Who is this woman? How far is she willing to go? Is she justified in her actions? Who and what will finally stop her? This book had me on the edge of my seat!
Overall, this was a short, thrilling, fast-paced read that had me hooked until the end. I really enjoyed Orchid as a character and am so excited for more from Keira N. James.
Talerie “Orchid” Blackthorn was like an orchid. She tried to live her life quietly and peacefully. She cared for her aging grandmother, taught botanical art classes, and watched out for her neighbors. But when outside forces disrupted her peace, Orchid turned into a deadly Venus flytrap and anyone in her way was sure to find themselves trapped 6 feet under her greenhouse, aka, The Bloom-Bloom Room!
And here’s the thing, as a reader, I could not fault Orchid for her actions. Each time she unalived someone, I thought they deserved it! These thrillers will really have you questioning yourself. Am I cruel for rooting for her? Or maybe just a little crazy like Orchid herself. Lol!
Then there was Exodus, the MMC and Orchid’s love interest in the story. I felt bad for him. He pursued Orchid. He had a plan in mind and revenge was the name of the game. But, when he saw that beautiful flower, he did not realize that one wrong move could have him trapped forever. Did he really think he could tame Orchid Blackthorn?!
Keira did a great job with this story. Orchid kept me questioning: Who is this woman? How far is she willing to go? Is she justified in her actions? Who and what will finally stop her? This book had me on the edge of my seat!
Overall, this was a short, thrilling, fast-paced read that had me hooked until the end. I really enjoyed Orchid as a character and am so excited for more from Keira N. James.
July 3, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
Loved it- from cover to cover! Keira James is a new author to me and I am glad I found her. I listened to an IG live where she discussed the book and I was very intrigued by the use of botany to commit the murders. I was not disappointed. James did an excellent job building her characters and the suspense. I was hanging on trying to see what Orchid was going to do next or what someone was going to do to her! 😮
Orchid was motivated by a desire to protect due to her traumatic upbringing with her beloved Granny, I appreciated that change of pace. James threw in a little spicy romance, and I appreciated that as well. 😉😜 I wanted more of the botany expertise and more of Orchid's artistic flair- definitely would read a series on her! Fast paced, easy read. Great for a vacation, flight, or train ride. Highly recommend! Planning to read more of James' catalog.
Loved it- from cover to cover! Keira James is a new author to me and I am glad I found her. I listened to an IG live where she discussed the book and I was very intrigued by the use of botany to commit the murders. I was not disappointed. James did an excellent job building her characters and the suspense. I was hanging on trying to see what Orchid was going to do next or what someone was going to do to her! 😮
Orchid was motivated by a desire to protect due to her traumatic upbringing with her beloved Granny, I appreciated that change of pace. James threw in a little spicy romance, and I appreciated that as well. 😉😜 I wanted more of the botany expertise and more of Orchid's artistic flair- definitely would read a series on her! Fast paced, easy read. Great for a vacation, flight, or train ride. Highly recommend! Planning to read more of James' catalog.
August 6, 2026
Orchid
Talerie b.k.a Orchid b.k.a the book version of Annalise (no lawyer) was NOT to be played with! Some may say that we grow out of things BUT some things fester inside and eventually comes out. What fruit does that tree bear? We will never know 🤷🏾♀️ This is shown to be true with watching Talerie face childhood trauma in adulthood. It may have been unforeseen but since it was familiar, ended up with an unintentional vigilante!
Orchid ends up making art while also serving justice! Hey, remember we’re innocent until proven guilty 😉 Keira has written this masterpiece to not only display the vivid beauty that Orchid makes but we also get the vivid visual of true love from Granny 💕
I LOVED it over here!!! You will too! 😀
Talerie b.k.a Orchid b.k.a the book version of Annalise (no lawyer) was NOT to be played with! Some may say that we grow out of things BUT some things fester inside and eventually comes out. What fruit does that tree bear? We will never know 🤷🏾♀️ This is shown to be true with watching Talerie face childhood trauma in adulthood. It may have been unforeseen but since it was familiar, ended up with an unintentional vigilante!
Orchid ends up making art while also serving justice! Hey, remember we’re innocent until proven guilty 😉 Keira has written this masterpiece to not only display the vivid beauty that Orchid makes but we also get the vivid visual of true love from Granny 💕
I LOVED it over here!!! You will too! 😀
September 29, 2025
Another story that is a reminder to watch what you do cause you never know who it can effect and how. We are introduced to Talerie AKA orchid. Talerie grew up surrounded by abuse and now as a young woman she encounters a situation that she can just sit idly by and watch. Let’s just say Talerie has had enough. The actions that take place change her forever. Talerie fees ba k to her grandmother and their shared loved of plants….until the most devastating thing happens to Talerie leading her to plant things differently. Though she may be beautiful, she is not to be messed with…. Thriller girls eat this up.
October 7, 2025
A Masterpiece Blooming with Power and Precision!
I had the pleasure of ARC reading Orchid — and being a main character! Let me first say, it was an honor to be part of yet another masterpiece by Keira James. The time, attention, and detail she poured into this novel is evident on every page.
The storyline gripped me from beginning to end — no filler, no fluff, just pure intensity and emotion. Orchid was savage! She handled business by any means necessary, and just like that… her world was peaceful. For now.
Keira James has done it again — crafted a world that’s as captivating as it is ruthless. I’m still not over it!
I had the pleasure of ARC reading Orchid — and being a main character! Let me first say, it was an honor to be part of yet another masterpiece by Keira James. The time, attention, and detail she poured into this novel is evident on every page.
The storyline gripped me from beginning to end — no filler, no fluff, just pure intensity and emotion. Orchid was savage! She handled business by any means necessary, and just like that… her world was peaceful. For now.
Keira James has done it again — crafted a world that’s as captivating as it is ruthless. I’m still not over it!
August 9, 2026
This is my first book from Keira N. James but it wont be my last.
The book starts with Talerie "helping" out a neighbor and this one encounter changes the rest of her life. She finds herself back at her grandmother's house helping her and being the creative that she loves to be. A blast from the past shows up and throws Talerie back into survival mode having her acting on her natural instincts protecting herself at all costs.
This was 270 pages of me saying wait girl why, WTH, omg noooo and I loved it! 4.5 🌟 's!!
The book starts with Talerie "helping" out a neighbor and this one encounter changes the rest of her life. She finds herself back at her grandmother's house helping her and being the creative that she loves to be. A blast from the past shows up and throws Talerie back into survival mode having her acting on her natural instincts protecting herself at all costs.
This was 270 pages of me saying wait girl why, WTH, omg noooo and I loved it! 4.5 🌟 's!!
Read
February 17, 2026Sometimes, a gal just has to help justice along, as in Keira N. James’s novel (novella?), Orchid. The titular character uses her considerable botanical knowledge to create stunning - and confessional - works of art. What does she need to confess, you wonder, dear reader? Well, this southern lady has an inflated sense of right and wrong and knows how to act on it. There are aspects of this that reminded me of The Talented Mr. Ripley, but of course with other motivations and a gender flip.
January 1, 2026
WOW!! Keira James was in her bag when she wrote this book! One of my favorite reads of the year! Orchid was a baaaaddd gyal! This book was so well written and kept me hooked from the beginning to the very end. The development from the attraction to the major epic clash between Orchid and Exodus was remarkable. This book was very well written and entertaining. I would highly recommend this book!
August 7, 2026
Ohhh Talerie…I Mean Orchid. You Took Me For A Ride Girl! Pretty But Deadly Is The Best Way To Describe Her. This Is Literally A Novella On How To Get Away With Murder & I Loved It! The Plot Twist Took The Cake For Me Because I Thought I Had The Ending Figured Out & It Was Even More Than I Expected. But Overall The Men All Learned Valuable Lessons.
March 8, 2026
This is the second book that I’ve read from this author, and she does a fantastic job, pulling you into these deep thrillers! This story was fast paced and definitely kept me on my toes. I also love the cover and the artwork detail on the chapter headers. Can’t wait to read more of her books!
April 30, 2026
Quick read
Orchid was calm cool and collected. I enjoyed this story running from a situation looking for a clean slate in Georgia. Only to face new info about your past when a male stranger arrives in town. The storyline was good I enjoyed the ending as well.
Orchid was calm cool and collected. I enjoyed this story running from a situation looking for a clean slate in Georgia. Only to face new info about your past when a male stranger arrives in town. The storyline was good I enjoyed the ending as well.
May 19, 2026
Wow. Another fire book from Keira. Honestly I didn’t expect anything less from her! It was a quick read but it kept me on the edge. I couldn’t put it down and the plot twist at the edge snatched my edges! I can’t wait to read a new book from her in the future 🤎
July 5, 2026
That cover? Absolutely stunning. The story kept me engaged, but I figured out the twists pretty early, so the suspense didn’t quite land for me. Still a quick, entertaining psychological read with a unique plot.
December 20, 2025
An addictive read!
I couldn’t wait to see how everything unraveled once Orchid realized the truth. This was an addictive read, definitely recommend.
I couldn’t wait to see how everything unraveled once Orchid realized the truth. This was an addictive read, definitely recommend.
February 22, 2026
I really enjoyed this one. It was a quick read and I finished it in a couple days. Orchid the FMC was a little unhinged. Her emotions got the best of her and the situations she found herself in had me gagged.
The cat and mouse dynamic with the detective was interesting. It moved fast but that comes with a short read. I did not see any of it coming at all and I stayed invested the whole time. I will definitely read this indie author again.
The cat and mouse dynamic with the detective was interesting. It moved fast but that comes with a short read. I did not see any of it coming at all and I stayed invested the whole time. I will definitely read this indie author again.
September 22, 2025
Life certainly has a way of turning your heart to stone, and Talerie knows that to be a fact. After losing the person who meant the most to her, she’s done being a victim. She’s not looking for trouble, but if it comes her way - she’s game.
Now fully immersed in her alter-ego, Talerie transforms into Orchid- a botanical genius with a signature killing style that her opps will never see coming. She’s clever, but is she smart enough to escape her past?
This was a thrilling, quick read with some sweet surprises. I loved her intelligence and how it made her such an undetectable murderess.
Great story, solid plot, and I can’t wait to read more of Keira N. James.
Now fully immersed in her alter-ego, Talerie transforms into Orchid- a botanical genius with a signature killing style that her opps will never see coming. She’s clever, but is she smart enough to escape her past?
This was a thrilling, quick read with some sweet surprises. I loved her intelligence and how it made her such an undetectable murderess.
Great story, solid plot, and I can’t wait to read more of Keira N. James.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews