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Love Behind Bars #1

Her Prison Pen Pal

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Daphne Foster always rooted for the underdog. Now, she does that literally by running a dog rescue outreach in one of the most dangerous cities in the Mitten State. The only thing more important to her than the dogs is her family. But maybe even more important than both is her pen pal, who just happens to be a frequent flier in the state’s maximum security correctional system.

Dutch McCabe felt something change inside him when he read the first letter from his former cellmate’s sister. She wrote to thank him for watching out for her brother, but something deeper came through the loops and swirls of her handwriting. Now, he’s obsessed. She’s all he wants. All he needs. Fate offers a hand when he’s invited to come and stay with her family after he’s released on parole.

Will his past come back to ruin his second chance at a life he never imagined? Or will their secret pen-to-paper relationship be strong enough to survive the real world?

Author’s Note: Group showers and pat downs aren’t all they’re cracked up to be until you find the one person who makes even being in lockup a dream come true. This hero has some pent-up need, but he only has eyes for one girl. Get ready for some bad boy good girl action that will have you panting against the bars, wishing for your own special pen pal. Safe, no cheating ever and a happily ever after for life. Part of the standalone series LOVE BEHIND BARS!

133 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 15, 2022

125 people are currently reading
257 people want to read

About the author

Dani Wyatt

121 books1,945 followers
Since I was a little girl, I’ve made up stories. I would lay in my bed at night and before I knew what a trope was, I would make up these trope filled stories. Boy sees girl, boys falls for girl, boy saves girl….happily ever after. As I got older, the stories turned steamier and more intricate, but the basics never changed.

Now, my books are still full of romance but the naughty bits are naughtier, my hero’s are obsessed alpha types and my heroines are quirky, real women who come in all shapes and sizes.

So, sit back, banish the real world and get lost in some over the top romance with a heaping helping of hot. xoxoxo

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5 stars
244 (34%)
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211 (29%)
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173 (24%)
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65 (9%)
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21 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
Profile Image for Niki {Still a Widow but reading more}.
811 reviews347 followers
April 13, 2022
I love the falling in love through love letters trope. Make it a prison pen-pal who all of a sudden makes parole....even better.

But this started when the H was getting out of prison so the letter writing was pretty much over. It was just okay. Way too much over the top repetitive prose and too little genuine connection.

I will say that this had some of the funniest over the top lines I've ever read. Here's a few of my fav examples:

I shake my head as my fingertips twitch, thinking of grabbing Daphne’s tits as she rides me like a barrel racer


Daphne smiles and it feels like my balls fill with a pint of hot baby-making cream, ready to top off her womb with every drop.


But, God, the desire coursing through me now is like lust-lava.


There’s a flutter in my chest and a sudden clutch down deep, like my ovaries are popping out eggs like firecrackers on the Fourth of July.


Sorry, baby. Your fate was sealed the moment my mouth tasted that sweet cunt-honey you have.



Damn, definitely trying to give Austin a run for her money! 🤪🤣🤣
Profile Image for Flo₂₂.
1,626 reviews131 followers
March 17, 2022
for some reason this didn't work for me at all...
all that dirty talking disgusted me, maybe the main problem was that there was literally no build up~!!!
I thought we will have a few chapters of them exchanging letters,get to know each others,build up some connection... but nope.
When he comes out they fuck. That's it, a big porn scene.
It was weird, also like i said above, disgusting and creepy .
:)) rubbed me the wrong way for some reason.
Maybe it's just me.
I feel like it was wayyy to much for 2 strangers also on her first time...

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Diana~ (Kiss Me Books).
453 reviews166 followers
March 16, 2022
Dani Wyatt continues to impress with her sexy and smoking hot stories between two unlikely characters who were never supposed to meet. I really enjoyed this book because Daphne and Dutch were initially strangers but became pen pans and so much more over time. The chemistry between Daphne and Dutch was immediate, intense, and electric since the beginning. As with most of Dani's book, the hero is completely obsessed with his heroine—emotionally and physically. I loved how Dutch fell in love with Daphne through her letters. We do get a glimpse of some of those letters and it warmed my heart to read how her letters got him through time in prison. And when he finally got out and met Daphne? Dutch was ready to fully commit and claim Daphne as his. I thought their story was completely romantic and erotic. Dutch had a dirty mouth on him and he used it often with Daphne. I loved how Daphne was sassy and a spitfire in her own right because she knew exactly what she wanted as well. Even though she was innocent, the lust and love Daphne had for Dutch mirrored his own.

"I'm taking what's mine, my sweet little doll. Midnight. I'll be waiting."

In the end, I really loved reading Her Prison Pen Pal because it was incredibly sweet and romantic at times but also dirty and erotic. Both Daphne and Dutch were likeable characters and I even enjoyed the side characters as well including Daphne's parents and brother. I laughed at how Daphne's father was always staring at Dutch because he knew something was up between those two. It was becoming glaringly obvious to the family that Daphne was sneaking out to Dutch. Some of my favorite R18 scenes include Daphne walking into Dutch's room and watching him read her letters as well as the unexpected closet scene in the bar. Again, I highly recommend Dani Wyatt's steamy stories to fans of Alexa Riley and Jessa Kane—especially if you like your heroes possessive, dirty, and rough around the edges with a heroine who is innocent but knows exactly what she wants.

*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*
Profile Image for Eve.
927 reviews20 followers
March 17, 2022
This was...not great. Certainly could have been better. I liked the premise well enough but it just didn’t hit. In fact, and I’m so sorry because this can be considered one of the worst insults to ever be received, but it sometimes felt as though it was written by a man 🤢🤢

There were a few details mentioned that felt pointless because they either a. Didn’t lead to anything or b. We’re just used as needless filler story. I would have liked to have learned our main characters ages, gotten better physical descriptions of them, and for them to have had more depth.

To be fair, you’re getting exactly what you expect with this book, smutty mug smut, and that aspect was fine I suppose but I suppose I wanted it to be better in this case.
Profile Image for ❁ lilyreadsromance ❁.
2,054 reviews1,158 followers
November 22, 2024
First of all, animal championed heroine? I would die for this fictional woman.

Second, pen pal (though very little of it) trope? That's one of my dearest tropes.

With that said, good enough short read for me. Don't know what could make this better though, since the material is not that much to talk about.
Profile Image for Cat H.
1,985 reviews221 followers
March 19, 2022
3.4 stars.
This was quick and simple and absolutely filthy.
I had a good time.
It was a little ridiculous, but it was completely smutastic and that’s really what I came for, so I’m not gonna complain about that.

Not much else to say.
The plot was simple, but cute.
They met when Daphne sent Dutch a letter in prison, thanking him for looking out for her brother while he was in there. And then they kept on writing for a year before he got paroled.

It was exactly the mindless little interlude of dirty words and sexy man that I was looking for.
Profile Image for Mysti.
2,033 reviews295 followers
August 23, 2023
I thought it could have been better. It just didn’t “grab” me, ya know?

Daphne’s (virgin, dog rescuer) brother went to prison and met another guy there that helped him survive. She started writing him letters and it continued for two years. Dutch (hot guy in prison) and her get to know each other through their writing and start to develop feelings. When he gets out of prison, he goes to live with their family. Of course it’s INSTA when they actually meet in person. The story doesn’t have much else going on. The first few chapters talked about sad things and abused dogs that she was trying to rescue. Def could have done without that part. Dutch takes her virginity while they’re locked in a closet at a bar. It’s hot. Yadda yadda….. HEA.

Like I said, it could have been better. The dirty talk was definitely on point.
Profile Image for Serena Books.
2,021 reviews108 followers
March 17, 2022
No-me-gust
La historia perdió encanto para mí en alguna parte.




•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers

•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen





Her Prison Pen Pal de Dani Wyatt


Argumento:

Daphne Foster siempre apoyó a los desvalidos. Ahora, lo hace literalmente dirigiendo un programa de rescate de perros en una de las ciudades más peligrosas del estado de Mitten. Lo único más importante para ella que los perros es su familia. Pero tal vez incluso más importante que ambos es su amigo por correspondencia, que resulta ser un viajero frecuente en el sistema correccional de máxima seguridad del estado.

Dutch McCabe sintió que algo cambiaba en su interior cuando leyó la primera carta de la hermana de su antiguo compañero de celda. Ella le escribió para agradecerle por cuidar a su hermano, pero algo más profundo atravesó los bucles y remolinos de su letra. Ahora, está obsesionado. Ella es todo lo que quiere. Todo lo que necesita. El destino le ofrece una mano cuando lo invitan a venir y quedarse con su familia después de que salga en libertad condicional.

¿Volverá su pasado para arruinar su segunda oportunidad de una vida que nunca imaginó? ¿O será su relación secreta de lápiz a papel lo suficientemente fuerte como para sobrevivir en el mundo real?





Mí humilde opinión:


Me atrajo enseguida el argumento del librito y me dije que podía ser una linda historia, sobretodo por las cartas. Los romances por correspondencia son una de mis debilidades. Además el amor era improbable, un preso y una mujer que se conocen a través de correspondencia porque de no ser así nunca se hubieran conocido. Nunca leí nada así.

No llegué ni a la mitad del libro que me preguntaba qué está pasando?! La primera vez entre Daphne sucede en el armario de un bar?? no me agradó, esperaba algo mejor que eso. No fue sexy para nada. De solo imaginarlo y luego con la cámara allí me dan escalofríos. Tambien estaba el rescate de los perros, me gustó eso de Daphne y la apoyaba 100% pero dónde quedó su pasión por salvar a los animales? Y el tema del robo del garaje de la familia Foster? Qué pasó con Dutch y su hermana? Las resoluciones se dieron de golpe y no fueron del todo satisfactorias.

La historia y los protagonistas perdieron encanto para mí en alguna parte. Es un insta-love OTT, con su parte dulce y sexy, había un buen HEA y epilogos pero no alcanzó para gustarme del todo.
Profile Image for Vinessa.
1,951 reviews23 followers
March 13, 2022
Gosh, I just really like romances that start with letters. Pen pal love is the best.
Dutch in prison on and off his whole adult life.
Daphne a young woman with a stiff determination and a soft spot for the underdog, normally in the form of a dog, but Dutch is an exception. When Daphnes brother James, was betrayed and sent to prison, it was his cell mate Dutch that kept him safe. So when Dutch finally received parole it was his first call was to James. But Daphne and Dutch had a secret one that was brewing for a year.
This book has love, passion,  secrets, theft, mystery, suspense and more.
It all started with a thank you letter and became an obssession .
Profile Image for Karoline.
254 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2022
Dani Wyatt perfection! Let me just start off with the fact that I have a huge soft spot for ex con heroes. No reason really lol. Dutch was gone for Daphne from the first letter she sent him and his obsession just grew more and more. I LOVED their first meeting! The fantasies that ran through Dutch's mind and the way he couldn't take his eyes off of her. Super hot. Just a tiny bit of drama which is all I need. Great ending as well!
Profile Image for Christie.
1,141 reviews26 followers
April 3, 2022
1.5 stars

I almost never give one star reviews, but I really disliked this book. The .5 is for the interesting concept, which was my reason for picking this up.

Although this is a novella, it's on the longer side at 130 pages, so I was was expecting at least a little build up with their letters going back and forth, but there's basically none. The insta lust ruined any tension between them.

The hero was so over the top possessive in an unhealthy way. I love smut, but the dirty talk was cringey, and there were some parts that straight up grossed me out. There was something near the end that was so disgusting to me, it solidified my 1 star rating.
Profile Image for Ioana.
588 reviews31 followers
March 13, 2022
Short and intense!

This is the story of Daphne and Dutch, as they met through letters, he being a connection of her brothers in jail. Things take a new turn for their relationship when her brother invites Dutch to stay in the small house on his family property.

Their romance starts easily but then it explodes and every page after the small beginning is one intense moment after another. Because Dutch himself is very intense, with a sort of internal aggression and need to protect her and because he cannot be without her, always thinking about them together. Hot, hot!

It's a perfect short treat that stays between bounds, not dark, not taboo, just the right amount of heat and story.

I received this in order to offer my personal view on it.
188 reviews12 followers
May 10, 2024
s h e l v e s :
alpha
bad boy (ex con) x good girl
instalove
ott
possessive
protective
virgin
wife her up

k i n k s :
breeding
cervix womb talk
dick on clit
dirty talk
dry humping
locales
♥︎
no condom
tss

e n d e a r m e n t s :
♥︎ baby
♥︎ doll

e n d i n g :
HEA + kids

🔥
Profile Image for Lili.
92 reviews2 followers
April 11, 2023
Lol this book was funny. I loved the idea of prison pen pals. Very creative Idea and has the potential to be good. If this book was longer than I think it could’ve been better but due to it being a short book, it was very rushed and not that great lol. The letters end very quickly even tho it’s the main part of the book. They meet very quickly and fuck very quickly lol. Like the first chapters take place an a DAY. Meet, kiss, grind, fuck. LOL. The smut was good. it’s just the descriptions and comparisons 😭

“His insanely big cock standing tall like a missile ready to launch” 😭💀

“My Johnson” I hollered 😭😭

“Pump. Pump. Pump” 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

Also the “men” in this book treat women like objects and property. Like “I protect what’s mine” or “she’s mine” and these can do amazing depending where it is in the book and the characters. But in this book it feels like the women are property to them.

“Fuck a baby into her even if I had to tie her to the bed to do it.” Excuse me sir. That’s rape. No wonder you went to prison. 🤨

Also I truly believe Dutch was just horny when he got out of prison. Cause he immediately is sexualizing daphne the minute he sees her. He says it’s bc he fell in love with her from the letters but let’s he real. He’s been locked up for 4 years with no sex. Especially with the fact she’s a virgin and where he fucks her for the first time lol. And how rough he was 😭😭 just no.
The time jumps are insane. It rushes the whole story and makes it feel like they’re just incredibly horny.
The writing is okay. Very easy to read just incredibly corny. And cheap. Is it good in general? No. But it’s good for a quick read and some corny smut. And to laugh at as well.
Profile Image for Lisa Posada.
25 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2022
Daphne and Dutch are not your typical pen pals. They take long distance communication to a whole new level. Dutch has been a loyal friend to Daphne's brother, James while in prison. That tells you a lot about his personality.

Secretly writing letters to each other, both Daphne and Dutch share intimate and personal details about their lives and grow closer without even realizing it. Love at first word!

It's time for James to come home and then he invites Dutch to stay with his family when it is his turn to be released. That's when the true Dani Wyatt spicy hot tamale train rolls into town.
Friends = love = horny = baby making season.

Two things that stand out in this Dani Wyatt novel: One - people are often quick to misjudge and jump to conclusions without knowing all the facts. Two - I love how she placed emphasis on awareness towards animal cruelty, specifically dogs.

Note: Please adopt a pet if you are able. There are so many animals that need good homes.

Report animal cruelty if you are sure it is happening. Be the voice that they don't have.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for MerReads.
441 reviews46 followers
March 19, 2022
This is my favorite Dani Wyatt novella. She brought to life a hero that is passionate, over the top, obsessed, intense, romantic and my God..he goes from swoon worthy to just all out dirty talk! Give me more heroes like Dutch and heroines like Daphne (she feeds dogs that are abused by their owners), and I will be devouring their love story!
This gave me the Jessa Kane, Alexa Riley vibe that I am all about.
This novella is erotic, romantic, safe, and a pleasure to read.
If Dani Wyatt brings in more heroes like Dutch, where you can feel that his heroine is the one and has eyes only for her, then I cannot wait to read more.
The letters they exchanged and the story with the old couple was sweeter than a slice of pie ;)
I hope someday, even that elderly couple has their own novella, I would be first in line to read it.
My only complaint, and it is a tiny one, is I wish they went to rescue dogs together. But even that is just because did not want their story to end!
Profile Image for Favour Ntoimo.
197 reviews1 follower
June 23, 2022
Pen Pal to lovers trope has always been one of my favorite tropes if not my favorite trope.
But the thing about this kind of trope is that, for it to be outstanding it needs A LOT of build up which this book didn't really have.
(I didn't mind though)
These two were hot!
One thing that kinda pissed me off about this book was their first time together, I didn't really feel the love in that moment because of where it happened. That whole drama could have been avoided but everything happened for a greater purpose I guess.
Also, it would have really great for Dutch's confession of his love for her to her father to have been added to the book. That would have been a nice scene.
All in all it was an easy, short read.





43.
Profile Image for Syd Springer.
4,061 reviews6 followers
March 15, 2022
This was a very fast paced very hot book. I really liked Daphne and Dutch together with their very explosive chemistry and awesome connection. These have been pen pals for a year and that is all it took for these two to fall for each other, yet they have never met, until now. There is a little bit of drama in this book but a whole out of alphaness, obsession, love, steam and an awesome HEA with an ending that will leave you laughing and waiting more. I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it and Ms. Dani as a must read author.

I received a free e-book copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for KMH.
446 reviews19 followers
March 23, 2022
Another delicious book from this author. Full of heat, intenseness, naughtiness and forbidden fantasy. I really enjoyed both characters and I love how they came to know each other through letter and then when they finally meet you can feel their chemistry almost burning up your kindle pages. The storyline was intense and kept you on the edge, leaving you wondering and anticipating what was going to happen next. The romance was turned up to eleven and it was so hot and delicious that I honestly could not put it down!! This is a book that I will definitely be coming back to again in the future!!
Profile Image for Lillian Grey.
Author 2 books10 followers
December 26, 2024
Fable Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
Genre: Spicy Romance
Tropes: Age gap, breeding, pregnancy, instalust/instalove, ex-con
Format: ebook
Pages: 133
Spice: 4 🌶️
S/S: Love Behind Bars
Check trigger warnings for any book

I didn’t think I would like this as much as I did. There was only a little plot but most of it was spicy goodness. Instalove/instalust at its best. Love at first letter. Dutch being obsessed with getting Daphne pregnant but also Daphne having aspirations and dreams. There were some writing errors that I didn’t love but I won’t take away from my rating

Lillian - @lillianbookreviews on instagram
Profile Image for Viv “BookVixen” Gutierrez .
1,598 reviews481 followers
March 17, 2022
If you love your heroes totally over the top, possessive and reduced to caveman instincts for their heroine, then this scorcher is for you!

Can I also say how much I ABSOLUTELY FREAKIN LOOOOOVED the part of about pit bull rescuing that the h is involved in. This is a real problem where I’m from, and it was great to see this grotesque inhumanity addressed.

Safe. Hero has been in jail for several years. Virgin heroine. No others, no cheating or abuse
Lots of baby-making. HEA with epilogue years out.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
454 reviews2 followers
October 12, 2022
The pace and heat of the story reminded me of Jessa Kane's stories.
It was very spicy, but also surprisingly sweet with the jokes about her being sentenced to a life with him aka marriage and that although they both shared the breeding kink decided to not have a child every year and do what's best for the FMCs health.
What I couldn't quiet get behind was the imaginery/kink? of her being his sex doll/blow up doll.
There were also some issues regarding the grammar and mistakes in the story, e.g. the old couple that was together for 71 years was together for 81 years in one line.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Christina Astorga.
1,061 reviews3 followers
March 15, 2022
I received an ARC and I'm freely reviewing.

4.8 stars. This story is HOT! Dutch and Daphne jump out of the kindles. This is an insta love story with Dutch being an uber alpha male that is a good guy that will prove his worth to Daphne. She sees the good in him even though others may not. I really enjoyed the pace and writing of the story. I was not disappointed at all. I kind of hope we get a story about Daphne's brother as well.
Profile Image for Courtney.
1,320 reviews198 followers
March 15, 2022
Her Prison Pen Pal

I Give this Book a 3.5-4/5 Star Rating, Listing as a High 4.

HEA(?): Yes, Loved the Epilogue!
Relationship Type: MF
Heat: 4-4.5/5
Romance: 3.5-4/5
Pacing: Fast Paced, it’s a short story and it is really enjoyable! I don’t normally read quick reads as much anymore, but the synopsis for this book caught my attention and it’s definitely something I would read in a heartbeat, I look forward to reading more books in this series.
Drama: 2.5/5
Suspense: 3/5

Profile Image for Shawna McAlerney Kerr.
75 reviews4 followers
March 17, 2022
Daphne has been in love with her pen pal but isn't sure he feels the same way. When he is released from prison, Dutch has one thing on his mind, finding Daphne. Problem is that Dutch is now working for Daphne's father and he is a former inmate. He will stop at nothing to make Daphne his no matter what anyone says.

Super hot and quick read. I love Dani Wyatt books!!

I received this book as an ARC book and am giving it my honest review.
Profile Image for Oriana Reads.
4,308 reviews37 followers
March 20, 2022
Hot damn Dutch was possessive, obsessed and filthy hot 🥵🥵🥵 I loved how obsessed he was with Daphne and how in love he was.... Even though they never met in person. Their attraction and connection was instant and off the charts hot🥵🥵🥵 With a whole lot of help and trust from her family Dutch finally got his chance at a HEA and a second chance in general 😍😍😍😍 Sweet,steamy, romantic, safe with a sweet HEA for the dirty talking ex- con and his pen pal🥰🥰🥰
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
2,382 reviews28 followers
March 20, 2022
Dutch and Daphne

The only thing that has kept Dutch sane the last year was the letters he receives from Daphne. She was the only person on this earth that has managed to crack him open and made him reveal things about himself nobody knew. How is it possible to love someone when you don't even know what they look like, he does not know but he is and now that he was finally out he is coming for her. Great plot, likeable characters and red hot romance. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews

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