DateLine Diaries

A deliciously intoxicating collection of five short stories revolving around online dating and the dangers and nuances inherently involved in an online dating website. The book grabbed me from the very first sentence with dramatic, unconventional characters and fascinating narrative. Each story has its’ own premise but is tied to the online dating website in its’ own way. Although I am not normally a reader of short stories, I was fascinated with each one and drawn into each story with captivating characters and thrilling storylines from each of these authors. One of the most interesting parts of this book is that each story was written by a different independent author, only two of which I was already familiar with. I enjoyed all the different characters in these stories and following along on their adventures. I was impressed with the creativity of the authors’ minds in coming up with such deviant behavior in such a short amount of time in a short story! My favorite stories were Who’s Watching Who due to its’ originality in plot and Last Swipe because who doesn’t love a little revenge! This was a delightful and fast read for me and I highly recommend it. I was fortunate enough to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

DateLine Diaries
- A.V. Donaldson, Brody Butcher, Tina S Transformation, John Clements & Revna Zil

When looking for an anthology with a psychological thriller setting, what authors would you expect to see in the lineup other than these five deranged psychos? I mean that with all the love in my heart and they know it, but seriously, onto my review:

DateLine Diaries presents readers with an anthology that delves into the darker side of modern, high-tech romantic connections and a psychological thriller, skillfully crafted by a lineup of talented authors well-versed in the art of suspenseful narratives. This collection of short stories centers around a dating app, exploring the myriad of ways that technology can lead to both connection and degeneracy. Each story offers a unique perspective on the potential horrors lurking behind a seemingly innocent swipe. Do you dare swipe right or left?

From the beginning, the anthology engages readers in short yet impactful narratives, each composed by an author who thrives in psychological suspense. The stories are evidence to their capabilities, showcasing masterful transitions and vivid imagery that bring the scenarios to life. In just 20 to 30’sh pages, each author manages to sketch rich, significant characters and tense atmospheres, leaving readers enthralled and ready for more.

Though I personally don’t consider these tales as horror, it’s important to recognize their unsettling nature. Given my own slightly deranged nature (kidding, but I do read dark stuff), I found that what might be thrilling and edgy for some could be deeply triggering for others - especially those who have faced the tragic realities of violence in relationships.

While DateLine Diaries is not for the faint of heart, I highly recommend it for those who thrive on psychological thrillers. The subjects resonate profoundly with the ongoing experiences of dating and social connection, changing everyday encounters into psychological battlegrounds. This anthology is a must-read for fans of the genre but again, proceed with caution if you have a history that might resonate with the darker themes presented within these pages.

Thank you to the authors for allowing me the opportunity to read this early. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation by the author, present or future, for my review.

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Thank you so much for letting me be one of your ARC readers, its an honor and privilege!!
Releases: April 11, 2025
Genre: Thriller
Pages: 198
Rating: 5⭐

My Review:
Need some quick thrill? This book is for you. 5 Incredible authors come together for 5 different thrilling, twisted and haunting stories that incorporate the online dating world. This book will definitely make you think twice before swiping right so quickly.

DateLine is the dating app where finding love might cost you your sanity—or worse. This wickedly entertaining anthology brings together five different authors, each serving up their own take on romance gone horribly wrong.

From creepy matches to obsessive admirers, these stories take online dating and twist it into a nightmare-fueled thrill ride. Some tales will leave you paranoid, while others embrace outright terror. And the best part? You never know what kind of terror (or twisted delight) the next page will bring.

Sure, some connections lead to love… but in DateLine, love isn't always what it seems. If you're ready for stories packed with obsession, deception, and just the right amount of psychological torment, buckle up. This anthology is like speed dating, except instead of awkward small talk, you get chilling revelations, unexpected twists, and maybe even a reason to delete your dating profile forever.

What if swiping right could kill you?

Dateline isn’t your average dating app. In this gripping and seriously wild anthology, five authors take readers deep into the darkness of online dating. Each story stands alone but is connected through the same chilling app. Some matches bring love, others bring obsession, and a few end in pure terror. Whether you're into unhinged love stories, psychological spirals, or full-on murder, this collection delivers twist after twist. You might think twice before opening a dating app again.

I love a good anthology, especially when it connects in a clever way like this one. I’d already read a couple of these authors, but getting introduced to three new voices was such a treat. Each story is totally different in tone and style, but they all have one thing in common: the Dateline app. And let me tell you, Dateline is not here to help you find a soulmate unless your soulmate is stalking you, or planning your murder. Here's what I thought of each story:

Story #1: Who's Watching Who by A.V. Donaldson
Ana knows what she wants, and she’s not afraid to go full stalker to get it. Cameron seems like the dream guy, but her methods are… intense. Told partly through diary entries, this story gave me tension, humor, and a twist that I didn’t see coming. Even psychopaths need love, right?

Story #2: Deadly Swipe by Brody Butcher
Poor Mason. He’s a total mess after a breakup and some serious life setbacks. When he meets Krissy, things start to look up until they spiral way, way down. This one felt like a race against time, especially with the detective subplot. If you like stories where the killer could be one swipe away, this is it.

Story #3: Last Swipe by Tina S Transformation
A cheating husband thinks he’s got it all figured out while sneaking around on Dateline. Spoiler alert: he doesn’t. This story is intense and beautifully written, with one quote that hit me hard: "There are moments in life that change everything in an instant..." Tina knows how to make a moment feel huge. Loved this one.

Story #4: Soul Mates by John Clements
Chris just wanted a break from work. Instead, she ends up in a total mind trip. This story plays with time and repetition in such a cool way. It’s eerie, and I had no clue what was going to happen next. The Dateline app is definitely cursed.

Story #5: Love Online by Revna Zil
Lucy’s online love story gets creepy fast. Ethan disappears, and her search for answers gets more and more twisted. Reality starts slipping through her fingers, and it left me questioning everything. This story was disturbing in the best way.

Overall, this anthology is one wild ride full of obsession, revenge, and just enough romance to make things complicated. It’s unhinged, fun, and seriously addictive.

The Vibes It Brings:

DateLine is a chilling anthology that exposes the dark side of online dating, with twisted tales from A.V. Donaldson, Revna Zil, John Clements, Brody Butcher, and Tina S. Transformation. From stalkers posing as soulmates to deadly AI matches, each story takes familiar dating tropes and turns them into nightmares. Equal parts thrilling and disturbing, this collection delivers a sharp blend of suspense and horror. Perfect for fans of psychological thrillers—and a good reason to think twice before swiping right!