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Happy Birthday, Mr. President

Ava and Preston grew up together in the rough streets of Sleighton, both doing everything they needed to survive. Over time, their childhood friendship evolved into a fiery love story. Their flames are suddenly extinguished when Ava left without a word, leaving Preston to wonder where they went wrong.

Never quite getting over her. He used his pain as fuel to achieve success that he never thought possible.

At the same time, Ava used her passion and natural talents to climb her way to superstardom.

For Preston's very first birthday in The Oval Office he only wants one gift, a special performance from his favorite artist of all time–the one he affectionately calls His Songbird. As much as Ava wants to turn him down, she finds herself on a flight to D.C. to look into the eyes of the only man to ever hold her heart.

They can't have forever, but one night couldn't hurt… Right?

80 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2025

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Shay Dawn

7 books111 followers

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5 stars
555 (55%)
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313 (31%)
3 stars
115 (11%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
Profile Image for Jaleesa.
422 reviews68 followers
December 8, 2025
Happy Birthday Indeed

I went into this blind but based on her debut I felt like I was going to enjoy this one and enjoy it I did! The pacing worked really weak for me and I the flashbacks didn’t throw anything off. Pres and Ava though, I love their whole dynamic. Talk about a soul tie. I actually could’ve used a few more chapters because I need to know what happens next with these two.
Profile Image for Mika Verrett.
294 reviews56 followers
June 19, 2026
✨Book Review✨

This was my first time reading Shay Dawn, and let me tell you right now… I will absolutely be running to the rest of her catalog.

For this to be a novella, I was genuinely impressed by how complete this story felt. So many novellas leave me wanting more because they feel rushed or underdeveloped, but Shay Dawn packed so much into just 88 pages that I never felt like I was missing anything.

Mr. Preston Blythe and Ava Melody gave me ALL the feels.

In fact, they had me tearing up a little. 🥹

One thing I’ve recently realized about myself is that I absolutely love a dual-timeline story. So for Shay to give me a dual-timeline novella? Baby, she already had me hooked. 🙂‍↕️

We meet Preston Blythe, who has just been elected President of the United States. As part of his birthday celebration, he makes one very specific request: he wants a performance from his favorite singer of all time.

That singer just so happens to be Ava Melody.

The problem?

They haven’t seen each other in twelve years.

Because long before Preston was Mr. President and long before Ava became a star, they were best friends. First loves. Soulmates. The kind of people who grow up together believing they’ll spend forever together.

Until something happened that caused Ava to leave and never look back.

Now twelve years later, fate has brought them back into each other’s orbit.

And when I tell you I was invested? 😮‍💨

The second-chance elements were done so well. The mystery surrounding what happened between them kept me completely engaged, and I found myself desperate to understand what could possibly have caused Ava to walk away from the man she loved.

But let’s talk about Preston for a minute.

Because the pressure this man applied? Whew.

This man is literally the President of the United States and is over here willing to risk it all for the woman he loves. 😮‍💨

If you don’t love me like this, I don’t want it.

The yearning.

The history.

The chemistry.

The connection.

Every single page felt filled with emotion. You could feel how much these two meant to each other, even after all those years apart.

And that’s what really stood out to me. Their love didn’t just feel believable—it felt lived in. Like these were two people who had spent a lifetime loving each other, even while they were apart.

Now Shay Dawn repeatedly told us in her author’s note that this wasn’t a romance.

Respectfully…

I’m going to have to disagree. 😂

Because I felt every bit of the romance.

I felt the longing.

I felt the heartbreak.

I felt the love.

I felt all of it.

And while I thought the ending was sweet and fitting, I can’t lie… I wanted more.

I know I’m about to sound like one of those readers, but I would’ve happily read a full-length novel about Preston and Ava figuring things out after the final page. Their story felt that special to me.

Overall, this was a beautiful, emotional, and surprisingly complete novella that delivered far more than I expected in such a short page count.

If you enjoy second-chance love, dual timelines, emotional storytelling, a little spice, plenty of yearning, and characters whose connection leaps right off the page, then I highly recommend giving this one a try.


Book: Happy Birthday Mr. President
Author: Shay Dawn
Genre: Erotica
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵🥵
Profile Image for Dee.
279 reviews5 followers
March 31, 2026
One thing I love is a friends to lovers vibe, especially when they became friends in childhood. It makes the storyline more emotional. Yall know I'm such an emotional reader. I need to be in my feelings when I'm reading. The flashbacks gave me exactly what I needed, ahh my heart when I finally found out about what was hidden in the past. Tears. This book had some freak nasty but for me because I'm such a cry baby, that wasn't what did it for me. but it was a bonus, no shade lol. The bdsm aggression talk, I loved itttt oooweee. My overall rating is a 4.5 because like stop playing games Ava & Preston...to hell with the rest of them folks and make it do what it do!!!
Profile Image for JazzReads .
1,333 reviews38 followers
March 8, 2026
This book was a fun and spicy read. My second book by this author and I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Shamoya Reads.
432 reviews17 followers
November 30, 2025
Another good time by Ms Shay Dawn.

One night with the president on his birthday, how can you say no

When grammy winning superstar Ava is invited to the president birthday party to sing for his birthday, you would think this is the opportunity of a lifetime so why isn't she happy to be there. Preston aka Pres aka Mr President isn't just any president, he is black, fine and the youngest president. He had one request for his birthday and that is to have his favorite singer perform for him.

I loved this story so much, it was a little messy, filled with feelings, and unfinished business. They both were putting each other through it. It was giving a younger Olivia & Fitz from scandal but both very black and childhood friends. The tension when they first met up it was THIQUE. the flashbacks added so much layer and answered any questions I had as I read the story.

I didn't want it to end i wanted more of them
Profile Image for Bunny.
199 reviews
January 23, 2026
ALEXA! Play “Yes it is” x Leon Thomas!!!! 😮‍💨

A couple with a degrading kink? And the power switching! OWEEEE 🫦


SHAYYYYYYY!? Baby this was so MFN GOODT! Wow! 🥹 This story really makes you realize some people are truly just meant to be. No matter what their family, friends, or colleagues think.

The back stories of them growing up together. The ONE thing that separated thing. Mannnn. THIS! Was a story for the books. LITERALLY!

And I’ll just be waiting for book 2. Cause ain’t no way you left us like that sista.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. PRESIDENT 💋🫣🤤🔥
Profile Image for Monique.
758 reviews35 followers
November 30, 2025
What would you do if you only had one night with your one true love that got away from you years ago??? Why you put her through the mattress of course! Think Olivia & Fitz. So much passion & great chemistry. This is a “It was always you and will always be you, but we have careers and secrets so we can never be together” kinda story. Despite its short length, Shay provided us with a complete story and complex dynamics. I wouldn’t be mad at a full length story with them.
Profile Image for CiCi.
490 reviews15 followers
November 30, 2025
My my my 🤭

This was not at all what I expected and I LOVED it
I mean what’s not to love: a little friends to lovers, second chance situation with important people in high places. Now throw in some BDE, he’s her protector but also a down on his knees beg for it type.
Yeaaaaaaa a vibe for sure


For this to be a novella, the story had depth….
I’d like a part two cause I feel like we have some things to unpack and I’d love to see the HEA play out
Profile Image for Danni Phantom.
77 reviews6 followers
December 28, 2025
Hey Mr President

Shay just don’t miss. I loved that we got flashbacks of them together I really hope we get a second book with them together they were perfect
Profile Image for EricaLenise.
417 reviews33 followers
December 11, 2025
For a quick 79-page read, this little erotic novella had history. Ava and Preston had YEARS worth of feelings packed into these pages. Ava really thought this man was supposed to chase her after she dipped like a thief in the night because he stepped off the plan they made for their future. Girl, please.

Meanwhile Preston was mad-mad because his mama was out here running her mouth on behalf of a son she barely raised. It always be the moms that weren’t on the job trying to be deep in the business. Every time.

A lot of ground got covered in this short read, but Shay Dawn did a great job giving us an actual story and not just straight-up sex on page. It was messy, grown, and entertaining in the best way.
Profile Image for Mrs Book Bae.
268 reviews3 followers
May 13, 2026
4.5 ⭐️

Did an immersive read of this book and I loved the narration and the story on a whole.

I am always gonna eat up a childhood friends to lovers story and eventhough I was not a big fan of the miscommunication in this I loved the chemistry between Preston and Ava. These two were hunching and the audio did not disappoint in that department 👏🏾

I love that no matter how many years had passed the reoccurring theme of spending their birthdays together always happened. I am usually not a fan of past to present story telling but this one was done well and gave a more indepth perspective of Preston and Ava's growth.

Preston did not play about his song bird, he couldn't care less about anybody else. He was gonna make sure Ava knew just how much she meant to him and no amount of distance other time was gonna change the way he felt about her.

This was a nice time, spicy af and overall kept me thoroughly entertained.
Profile Image for Darcy J..
360 reviews
December 11, 2025
5⭐️ 3.5🌶️
Yes, a five star novella. Ava and Preston really kept me entertained and left me wanting so much more even though the author ended it on a good note.

Ava and Preston are the true definition of best friends to lover's. I enjoyed learning about their backstory. The timeline jumps were not hard to follow at all. We were able to get their full story in a short amount of time. The love, the sacrifice, and the understanding these two had had me questioning my own morals. I know they say that sometimes things happen in life with the right people but the wrong time and this one just might be the perfect example. To me, Ava and Preston are soulmates and nothing can change that.

There’s one character I wanted out of here but for once, it didn’t stop me from giving this one a five and that’s huge!
Loved this one and would love an update one day!
Profile Image for Nadia Nadia Nicole.
Author 52 books39 followers
January 13, 2026
A short read that packs the heat! 🔥🔥🔥

Happy Birthday, Mr. President by Shay Dawn is a short, erotic novella that wastes zero time delivering drama, desire, and delicious tension.

Ava Melody is a singer hired to perform at the President’s birthday party only to come face-to-face with the one who got away. And whew… the moment they reconnect, the chemistry is loud, unresolved, and impossible to ignore.

This story serves spice, emotion, and just enough angst to keep the pages turning fast. Shay Dawn does an amazing job of packing big feelings and even bigger heat into a quick read that still feels satisfying and complete.

I won’t give too much away, but if you love second-chance romance, powerful men, and messy feelings wrapped in sensual tension….this one delivers.

A fast read that packs a huge punch. I devoured it and loved every second. 🔥🎂🇺🇸
Profile Image for TrueBookJunkie.
651 reviews16 followers
December 7, 2025
Shay Dawn is a new author with a promising future in the literary world, if this novella is any indication. I loved everything about this book, even the dedication tickled me! She created a novella that read like a full-length novel and although the story ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger, I saw it as room for more in the future because I would absolutely enjoy more of Pres and Ava!
This story had everything I look for when reading. I would definitely list this one as erotica because wheeew that balcony scene🙌🏾 IYKYK! There were also other components that made this read enjoyable; the inner dialogue from the main characters as well as their banter was A1. This author gave a great storyline where we got the history of the main characters (with minimal flashbacks) that explained and flowed with current events. She has also released Love at a Funeral which I can't wait to get into because she has definitely gained a new reader!
Profile Image for ReaderGirly❤️.
491 reviews10 followers
February 22, 2026
ughhhh listen, I know Shay said this wasn't a romance, but damn it! I wanted Preston and Ava to end up together lol.

This book was like scandal, but better because the characters were both Black, and the sex was nastier. Preston was sucking and fucking the life out of Ava and I was living vicariously through her and loving it. I just hate that all they get is one day or weekend a year because of Ava's past and how that would reflect on Preston as the president of the United States. But the heart wants what the heart wants. I'm just glad they were both able to find success in their own lane and still carve out time to see each other.

Ms Author is 2/2 in my book; both the books I've read of hers have been 5 star reads. So excited to start Drew 4 Luv soon!!
Profile Image for Kailah Lathan.
375 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2026
In my honest opinion, it is very hard to write a book less than 100 pages because it’s hard to get character development and plot developed properly for enjoyment as a reader. Especially if you’re a reader who likes angst and slow burn. However, this book was executed perfectly in my opinion! I enjoyed all the characters! It gave me Marilyn Monroe and JFK vibes (if you believe those rumors.)

And did I mention the spice was a 10/10 perfect? Yes, I loved it! It had an urban edge to it for sure, too. I respected that the author never made either married so it wasn’t technically infidelity but it was definitely an affair lol but it would definitely be worth a re-read in the future!
Profile Image for DeShayla Denson.
30 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2026
Ugh, I want more. I know I set myself up with a novelette, but I didn’t expect to yearn for more of these characters after only 67 pages. Preston and Ava, wow! I love how Ms. Shay Dawn gave us background of these 2. Their bond goes beyond surface level. I am honestly floored by how I got what feels like a full novel in 67 pages. Lol. I want these 2 to find a way to be together, it really seems like they are meant to be beyond that good good *wink wink* and it was spicy sista girl. Shay Dawn, give me more, thangyaaaa!
Profile Image for Alisa  (HerBookishVibe).
137 reviews6 followers
July 3, 2026
A Songbird & The President

I went into this blind & I’m so GLAD I DID! I had a GOOD TIME reading about Ava & Preston ! They some FREAKS!!!!! I was low key kind of sad about their situation, because DANG THEY DESERVE TO BE HAPPY….TOGETHER!!!! They have been through SO MUCH over the years….However the whole dynamic between them….wheewww chileeeee MY GAWD ON TUHDAY the heat was TURNED ALL THE WAY UP!!!!! Listennnnn the ending SENT ME because I’m like yesssssss!!!! When is the term OVER Lol!!!! I need this to be a FOREVER THING!!
Profile Image for Chl.
64 reviews
Read
August 7, 2026
This was such a cute, quick read.

I went into this expecting something light, and that’s exactly what I got. Since it’s a novella, I wasn’t expecting a super in-depth storyline, but I still found myself invested in the characters and rooting for them. The chemistry was there, the romance was sweet, and it was an easy book to finish in one sitting.

I also liked that it didn’t try to do too much. It knew what it wanted to be—a short, entertaining romance—and it delivered. The writing flowed well, and the pacing kept me engaged from beginning to end.
Profile Image for Denise Newman.
397 reviews
December 1, 2025
loved it

I absolutely loved this novella!!

The history between Ava and Preston was well written and all I wanted for them was to allow the other to love them but life happens. She loved him so much that she walked away so he could be who he was destined to be because he would have giving it all up to protect her.

If you love a second chance romance with a lot of back story, you will love this novella!
Profile Image for Lexi .
121 reviews3 followers
December 5, 2025
BABY best friends to lovers to strangers…one last night with the love of your life AND a lil bit of cheating. You know what…HELL YEAH😜

Preston and Ava’s story was giving “right person, wrong time”. The flashbacks had me locked in, because you really get to see how deep their bond went and how they ended up where they are now. For this to only be 79 pages. The way Ms Shay packed in EMOTION,SPICE and MESS? Whew!

And listen… can we puuuuuuhhhhhhllllllease get a part 2?! I need a TRUE HEA for these two. Like yesterday 😭
Profile Image for 5 Star Delta.
385 reviews6 followers
December 7, 2025
So there was much hype about this book on social media because of the author’s page. I was hoping my expectations were met and not just a marketing ploy.

When I put it on my TBR, I didn’t realize it was a novella. I have a love hate relationship with novellas b/c I’m always left wanting more.

This story did not disappoint. I loved the friends to lovers story and the flashbacks; but I truly feel like this could’ve been a full book.

I have read more intriguing “erotic!
Profile Image for Vonetta Evans.
562 reviews15 followers
December 10, 2025
While this wasn't a romance book which was made clear in the author's note, you did see the history between Ava and Preston and in a way I kind of empathized with both of them. Although they both got to be in the careers they chose when they were younger it was at the cost of them being together unbeknownst to Preston.

For this birthday he knew that he wanted to see her again to find out what happened all those years ago and what kept her away regardless of his current situation. Even though she said she didn't want to have anything to do with him, her body said otherwise. Although I don't usually condone cheating, in this case I didn't mind it.

This definitely gave what I was looking for in an erotica and it told a full story in a short time. The ending had me wanting more and hoping that we can get another book with these characters to maybe give them a second chance.....
Profile Image for She Reads What She Wants.
509 reviews23 followers
December 16, 2025
Now listen… if the first, and let’s be real, probably the only, man you ever truly loved pops back up after 12 years asking you to perform at his birthday party, how exactly are you supposed to say no?

Oh, and plot twist, that man just so happens to be the President of the United States.
AND he’s engaged.
To a woman who is your complete opposite.

So yeah… you don’t say no. You pack your bags, hop on the private jet they sent for you, and sing your entire heart out. Period. 😌

Now what happens after that?
Yeah… y’all gotta read the book. I’m not about to spoil it for you because this is a quick read (under 100 pages), and every page counts.

What I will say is this: for this being the author’s second book, Shay Dawn absolutely did her thing. The story was engaging, emotional, and left me satisfied without dragging anything out.

Easy five stars for me. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Short, sweet, and worth your time, go get into it. 📚✨
Profile Image for Lily.
275 reviews4 followers
December 19, 2025
Happy Birthday, Mr. President!

Is such a good little novella that leaves you wanting more. It had good pacing and added past scenes were implemented well. You could feel the tension, the love, the built up lust and affection that had been stored away for many years only to be released on one special night.

This wasn’t a HEA kind of story, but it’s a we’ll always have each other in our hearts for a lifetime.

I’d love to read more about Ava and Preston.
Profile Image for Melody.
106 reviews1 follower
December 25, 2025
I’m a fan, I’m a fan, I’m a fan!

There is nothing like an amazing novella to get you back in the groove of reading. Preston & Ava’s story was absolutely beautiful. This is my first Shay Dawn read and it’s clear that she is an amazing writer. It’s not easy to take less than 100 pages and give a full storyline that doesn’t feel rushed or as if anything is left out. My thirst has been quenched, but I’m ready for the next one.
Profile Image for Brittany.
395 reviews2 followers
December 26, 2025
I know Shay Dawn said this book isn’t a romance, but I’d argue that it is. Preston and Ava don’t get a HEA but the love they have for one another is ever present.

And morally speaking, I know infidelity is wrong and I actually despise it however…I really liked Preston and Ava 🫣 I also liked that flashback scenes were included to show that their love runs DEEP. I’m rooting for them. I hope Shay Dawn releases a book in the future where Preston and Ava can work it out.
Profile Image for Allison Dulaney.
105 reviews
January 25, 2026
It’s rare for me to feel like a novella is a well rounded and complete story but this one was and it surprised me. The main characters back story is truly the story in my opinion; while the present day adds to the complete picture, it also is most definitely the part that makes this an erotica. This book was actually touching and heartbreaking for me. What can I say I’m a sucker for love period but especially that one true soul mate level love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews