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In The Cards
LOVERS: A Short Story
Welcome to In The Cards, a twenty-two author collection of standalone thriller and horror short stories. In this series, you’ll find stories inspired by the meaning of a specific Tarot Card, thoughtfully written with that thread woven through. Whether you’re a Tarot Card lover or not, you’ll find thrillers and horrors that will creep under your skin and into your thoughts. *Knowledge of Tarot Cards is not necessary to read or enjoy these stories.*
Fifteen years after seventeen-year-old Dominic Boldrey is arrested for his girlfriend's murder, his sentence is vacated. Upon hearing the news, Roslyn Bates, the victim's best friend, decides to take matters into her own hands, vowing to exact an owed debt. When Roslyn's tenacity collides with Dominic's quest for answers, unspoken and unsuspected truths surface. They soon learn that the wolf isn’t always in sheep’s clothing; sometimes, it’s the shepherd.
Make sure you come back and check out the other 21 stories, because you never know what’s In The Cards.
Fifteen years after seventeen-year-old Dominic Boldrey is arrested for his girlfriend's murder, his sentence is vacated. Upon hearing the news, Roslyn Bates, the victim's best friend, decides to take matters into her own hands, vowing to exact an owed debt. When Roslyn's tenacity collides with Dominic's quest for answers, unspoken and unsuspected truths surface. They soon learn that the wolf isn’t always in sheep’s clothing; sometimes, it’s the shepherd.
Make sure you come back and check out the other 21 stories, because you never know what’s In The Cards.
84 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 1, 2026
“Lovers” by Tayler Vaughn is a great addition to the In The Cards short story collection. It’s a quick, intense, and twisty read that really delivers.
The story follows Roslyn, who is determined to take justice into her own hands after the man convicted of her best friend’s murder has his sentence overturned fifteen years later. As her path collides with his search for the truth, secrets begin to unravel and nothing is as it seems.
Vaughn packs a lot into a short space, blending tension, emotion, and sharp twists that keep you hooked. Just when you think you have it figured out, it shifts in a way that’s both unsettling and satisfying.
The story follows Roslyn, who is determined to take justice into her own hands after the man convicted of her best friend’s murder has his sentence overturned fifteen years later. As her path collides with his search for the truth, secrets begin to unravel and nothing is as it seems.
Vaughn packs a lot into a short space, blending tension, emotion, and sharp twists that keep you hooked. Just when you think you have it figured out, it shifts in a way that’s both unsettling and satisfying.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. The story kind of tosses you right into the middle of Dominic’s world—right at the point where everything is already falling apart and he’s being convicted of something that will define the rest of his life. And then from there, it slowly unravels into something completely different and unexpected.
Lovers is one of those short stories that feels heavier than it should in the best way.
The pacing is tight and deliberate, never rushed but never slow either. Every scene matters. There’s no filler, no wasted space—just this steady pull that keeps you turning pages whether you meant to or not.
The part that really stayed with me was the emotional weight behind the characters. Penelope and Roslyn’s friendship feels real—like something that existed long before the story started. There’s history there, and you can feel it in the quieter moments just as much as the bigger ones. And then there’s Dom. What he was accused of, what it cost him, and the shadow it leaves behind—it lingers over everything. Even when you’re not directly thinking about it, it’s there, shaping every interaction, every choice.
I liked that nothing is handed to you too easily. The connections between them unfold in a way that makes you question what you think you know without ever feeling confusing or forced. It trusts the reader to sit in that discomfort a little.
And the ending… it hits hard, but not in a loud, dramatic way. It’s quieter than that—more calculated. The kind of twist that feels a little conniving, a little underhanded, like it slipped past you when you weren’t looking. It doesn’t just surprise you—it makes you rethink everything that led up to it.
This is absolutely a one-sitting read, and it’s the kind that leaves you staring at the last page for a minute before moving on. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more that is in this series.
I would like to thank Tayler Vaughn for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this short story.
Lovers is one of those short stories that feels heavier than it should in the best way.
The pacing is tight and deliberate, never rushed but never slow either. Every scene matters. There’s no filler, no wasted space—just this steady pull that keeps you turning pages whether you meant to or not.
The part that really stayed with me was the emotional weight behind the characters. Penelope and Roslyn’s friendship feels real—like something that existed long before the story started. There’s history there, and you can feel it in the quieter moments just as much as the bigger ones. And then there’s Dom. What he was accused of, what it cost him, and the shadow it leaves behind—it lingers over everything. Even when you’re not directly thinking about it, it’s there, shaping every interaction, every choice.
I liked that nothing is handed to you too easily. The connections between them unfold in a way that makes you question what you think you know without ever feeling confusing or forced. It trusts the reader to sit in that discomfort a little.
And the ending… it hits hard, but not in a loud, dramatic way. It’s quieter than that—more calculated. The kind of twist that feels a little conniving, a little underhanded, like it slipped past you when you weren’t looking. It doesn’t just surprise you—it makes you rethink everything that led up to it.
This is absolutely a one-sitting read, and it’s the kind that leaves you staring at the last page for a minute before moving on. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more that is in this series.
I would like to thank Tayler Vaughn for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this short story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lovers starts you off with Dominic Boldrey being released from prison after spending 15 years inside for the murder of his girlfriend. A murder he has no memories of and believes he’s innocent in. Our FMC Roslyn Bates was, at one point, best friends with the victim, but they had drifted apart not long before the murder. Roslyn is convinced that Dominic knows more than he’s letting on, and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to find out exactly what happened to her best friend.
The story hooks you right from the start, and I was dying to know what actually happened to Penny. Was Dominic really behind her murder or was it someone else? Was someone trying to frame Dominic or did Penny have her own secrets someone was willing to kill for? Just as my questions were answered, Tayler Vaughn threw in a twist at the end that had me looking back over certain parts in a new light.
Don’t miss out on this story! It is well worth the read!
The story hooks you right from the start, and I was dying to know what actually happened to Penny. Was Dominic really behind her murder or was it someone else? Was someone trying to frame Dominic or did Penny have her own secrets someone was willing to kill for? Just as my questions were answered, Tayler Vaughn threw in a twist at the end that had me looking back over certain parts in a new light.
Don’t miss out on this story! It is well worth the read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5-Star Review
This short story was absolutely incredible! From the very first line, it delivered tension, emotion, and a gripping sense of justice that had me hooked straight away. The dynamic between Roslyn and Dominic was so well written—intense, layered, and fuelled by years of buried truth and unresolved pain.
I loved how the story unfolded with sharp pacing and powerful reveals. Every twist felt earned, and the underlying message about truth, vengeance, and perception hit hard. The “wolf vs shepherd” theme was brilliantly woven through the narrative and gave the ending an unforgettable punch.
A stunning, impactful read that proves just how powerful a short story can be. 5 stars!
This short story was absolutely incredible! From the very first line, it delivered tension, emotion, and a gripping sense of justice that had me hooked straight away. The dynamic between Roslyn and Dominic was so well written—intense, layered, and fuelled by years of buried truth and unresolved pain.
I loved how the story unfolded with sharp pacing and powerful reveals. Every twist felt earned, and the underlying message about truth, vengeance, and perception hit hard. The “wolf vs shepherd” theme was brilliantly woven through the narrative and gave the ending an unforgettable punch.
A stunning, impactful read that proves just how powerful a short story can be. 5 stars!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐ for LOVERS: A Short Story (In The Cards) by Tayler Vaughn
Oh I liked it. Then hated it. Arghh! If playing with my feelings was your goal, you won! I like how it was written. You’ll fall in love with Dominic. The golden boy turned convict, then was recently freed. Poor guy, he just wanted to know the truth. He’s feeling a lot of guilt of not knowing the truth whether he was really the one who killed Penelope. Then Roslyn came into the picture. The best, yet the worst. Here we go again with the battle of feelings. 😂
Thanks to Tayler Vaughn and Inside Story for the ARC.
#bookreview #thriller #mystery #insidestory
Oh I liked it. Then hated it. Arghh! If playing with my feelings was your goal, you won! I like how it was written. You’ll fall in love with Dominic. The golden boy turned convict, then was recently freed. Poor guy, he just wanted to know the truth. He’s feeling a lot of guilt of not knowing the truth whether he was really the one who killed Penelope. Then Roslyn came into the picture. The best, yet the worst. Here we go again with the battle of feelings. 😂
Thanks to Tayler Vaughn and Inside Story for the ARC.
#bookreview #thriller #mystery #insidestory
Review of advance copy
“Lovers” - Prepare to be shook!
★★★★☆
Thank you InsideStory for this ARC, I leave this review voluntarily.
This short story was dark, twisty and packed a punch! Definitely liked getting to know these characters in such a fast paced tale.
Enjoyed this one and think it’s another great addition to the “In The Cards” collection,
also has me very interested in what other stories Tayler Vaughn has up her sleeve.
★★★★☆
Thank you InsideStory for this ARC, I leave this review voluntarily.
This short story was dark, twisty and packed a punch! Definitely liked getting to know these characters in such a fast paced tale.
Enjoyed this one and think it’s another great addition to the “In The Cards” collection,
also has me very interested in what other stories Tayler Vaughn has up her sleeve.
Review of advance copy
5 ⭐️ | Lovers — Book Review
Wow. I did not expect a short story to hit this hard.
Lovers completely pulled me in from the start and didn’t let go for a second. For something so quick, it packs an incredible punch. The writing is tight, the pacing is perfect, and just when you think you have a handle on what’s happening… it twists. And then twists again.
Wow. I did not expect a short story to hit this hard.
Lovers completely pulled me in from the start and didn’t let go for a second. For something so quick, it packs an incredible punch. The writing is tight, the pacing is perfect, and just when you think you have a handle on what’s happening… it twists. And then twists again.
July 10, 2026
Great concept!
Fun little read! I enjoyed this story, although the ending wasn’t the ending I had hoped for. I think this would have been fabulous as a novella or full book, with just a little more room to expand the story.
As a side note… I think I would have preferred to read 1 book with all 21 stories, instead of Kindle setting it up individually.
Fun little read! I enjoyed this story, although the ending wasn’t the ending I had hoped for. I think this would have been fabulous as a novella or full book, with just a little more room to expand the story.
As a side note… I think I would have preferred to read 1 book with all 21 stories, instead of Kindle setting it up individually.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed this fast-paced and intriguing short story. The plot kept my interest the whole way through, and it was one of those reads you finish before you even realise it. The twist at the end was a nice touch.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A short but emotionally and suspenseful packed read that will leave you wondering what just happened truly! I liked the pace of the storyline and how it all came together in the end with conclusion of what actually happened to her best friend. The twist in the end was great and a total surprise.
Review of advance copy
An amazing addition to the in the cards short stories
So glad I got the chance to read this it was twisty and fast paced read! Definitely a story you don’t want to miss out on! Can’t wait till it releases so I can have this book on my shelf!! Definitely a must read!!
So glad I got the chance to read this it was twisty and fast paced read! Definitely a story you don’t want to miss out on! Can’t wait till it releases so I can have this book on my shelf!! Definitely a must read!!
May 27, 2026
Don't you just love it when a twist makes you audibly gasp! It's what Vaughn has such a knack for! I know I shouldn't be surprised by her surprises anymore, but she is like an unexpected Jack in the Box ready to shock the life out of you!
September 22, 2026
What a great twist!!!
What a great short story! It was a great thriller packed with action and that twist was chef's kiss! This will definitely make you think twice before pissing anybody off. Had a very "Tails from the Crept" vibe!!
What a great short story! It was a great thriller packed with action and that twist was chef's kiss! This will definitely make you think twice before pissing anybody off. Had a very "Tails from the Crept" vibe!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh. My. God. This short story in this "In the Cards" series was absolutely INSANE!! Literally kept me reading it until the very end and kept me on the edge of my seat. Absolutely loved the twists.
Review of advance copy
Absolutely amazing!!!! My jaw is still dropped!!
Review of advance copy
I wanted to love this book but I just couldnt get into it. Nothing grabbed my attention I got 5 chapters in and just couldn’t finish it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lovers by Taylor Vaughn is a great addition to In The Cards Short Story collection. Twisty, dark, and jaw dropping twist. You will not be disappointed by this short story. Its fast-paced and intense.
Review of advance copy
This was mybfirst time reading Tayler Vaughn and I enjoyed it. This story waa twisty, dark, and vengeful.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the first time I’ve read this author and I really loved it. This kept me engrossed from beginning to end. It was an absolute love for me.
Review of advance copy
Dominic has been released from prison, after someone else confesses to the murder he's been imprisoned for. Someone believes he's still guilty and seeks revenge. Quick read with a twist at the end.
May 25, 2026
This was a wild one! Truly didn’t see the end coming, and it’s got a little double twist if you ask me. I loved it!
June 29, 2026
This story is a great tale of retribution. It is dark and twisted in all the right ways. It has an ending that will blow you away! Don't miss this one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a short story from the In Your Cards collection. I really enjoyed the dual perspective, as jumping between Roslyn and Dominic’s POVs gave the narrative a lot of depth and kept me guessing about their motivations.
For a short read, the character development was solid but not too deep. The tension builds steadily throughout, leading up to a twist at the end that I honestly didn't see coming. It’s a great pick if you’re looking for something quick that still delivers a solid, suspenseful payoff.
Want to see spoilers or trigger warnings? Check out: https://www.spoiltheplot.com/books/lo...
For a short read, the character development was solid but not too deep. The tension builds steadily throughout, leading up to a twist at the end that I honestly didn't see coming. It’s a great pick if you’re looking for something quick that still delivers a solid, suspenseful payoff.
Want to see spoilers or trigger warnings? Check out: https://www.spoiltheplot.com/books/lo...
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews