LOVERS: A Short Story (In The Cards)
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Reader Reviews
20 ratings
Samara H.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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!
Crystal O.
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.
Kiley G.
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.
Koen S.
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!!
Sabrina B.
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.
Grace .
Rachel B.
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.
Brandy A.
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.
Danielle F.
The way she sucks you in and makes you feel bonded to her characters, even in short stories, is so skillful that I almost want to hate her for it.
But alas, she remains once again one of my favourite authors!
This is one you definitely don't want to miss.
Gail C.
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.
Nicky .
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.
Katlin S.
Jen S.
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.
Mikki K.
Twisty twist!!
Michelle S.
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.
Annette C.
This is my first time reading a book by Tayler and I liked it. I like the characters, the plot, and the ending.
Michelle H.
“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.
tanya k.
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!
Bob F.
Review
Lovers
by Tayler Vaughn
Rating it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A short story that's part of "In The Cards" is a 22 standalone collection of thriller stories by 22 amazing authors.
A gripping, fast-paced, and gripping thriller that grabbed me from the first page, I was addicted to this enthralling plot-driven suspense with a totally unbelievable twist to the end of this one.
Dominic Boldrey, aged 17, arrested and imprisoned for his girlfriend Penny's murder, has no memory of what happened on that fateful night of drunken revelry.
Fifteen years later, his sentence is unexpectedly vacated, Penny's best friend Roslyn hears about his release and sets out to make him pay for the murder of Penny.
Roslyn tracks Dominic down and demands answers, which he has no memory of, except he wants answers to what happened that night too, was he the murderer or was it someone else? They planned to find out.
I absolutely loved this intense and riveting thriller, an exceptional and exciting novel by Tayler Vaughn that had me hooked right up to an unexpected ending that leaves you shocked.
This book comes with my full recommendation.
Heather S. C.
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!