Library Thing... Degree of Guilt (Baby of the Bailey Book 1) Kindle Edition by Dan Cogan

 Book Excerpt:

"How can one man have two different brains? Then again, how can two men have one?

Soraya Wallace arrives home from an outing on Hampstead Heath with her daughter, Huette, and grandchildren just as a workman (Calvin Coffey) comes running from the house. Inside the house, Soraya finds the body of her husband, Walter, lying battered to death in a pool of blood, with a blood-stained hammer nearby. Calvin insists that he was there to give a quote for a loft conversion and found the body. But Soraya knows nothing about any such planned building work. And when Calvin is arrested, the police can find no trace of his existence before six months ago.

Young, feisty, and at times reckless law pupil Emily du Lac is pulled from other duties to help her supervisor, Nigel Farringdon KC (the first black head of St Jude's Chambers), in Calvin's defense. Emily is not afraid of the challenge - she grew up around the Old Bailey, and her estranged father was head of chambers as well as Nigel's mentor. But with whispers of "nepotism" swirling around her, Emily has something to prove and is not averse to putting everything on the line to catch a hammer-wielding murderer - including her life."

Title:  Degree of Guilt

Author:  Dan Cogan

Publisher:  Man of Mystery Publication Dec. 26, 2024

Series:  Baby of the Bailey Book 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Degree of Guilt" by Dan Cogan

My Insight:

'Degree of Guilt' is a gripping crime and legal thriller that draws you in with its captivating storyline set in England. After returning home with her daughter and grandchildren, Soraya Wallace uncovers something unexpected that sets off a chain of events. The narrative follows Emily du lac, a young law student, as she steps into the courtroom to defend the accused. The legal drama is filled with intriguing twists and turns, keeping readers on their toes. Beyond the courtroom proceedings, the story unfolds with additional suspenseful elements that promise to maintain your interest. Prepare for a richly detailed read that introduces a variety of characters, each of whom could potentially be a suspect. As you delve into the pages, you'll find yourself guessing and piecing together clues—who could really be guilty?

If you are into thriller reads, this one is for you.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and LibraryThing for the book to review.

Siren (The Enigma Affairs) Kindle Edition by Aja

Book Excerpt:

What begins as a calculated partnership ignites into an undeniable inferno. Taraj, a reclusive R&B star with a soul full of secrets, faces a life-altering decision: cling to his solitary existence or surrender to the spellbinding beauty with a voice that shakes his very foundation.

Their arrangement was supposed to be temporary—a means to an end—but every shared moment blurs the lines between need and desire. With hearts on the line, love is proving to be the fiercest contender, waging a war neither is prepared to fight... or willing to lose.

The Enigma Affairs are CONTEMPORARY STANDALONE ROMANCE stories.

Title:  Siren

Author:  Aja

Publisher:  She Loves Words Publishing LLC

Series:  The Enigma Affairs

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

'Siren' by Aja

My Insight:  

'Siren' is a captivating story about two characters, Sienna and Taraj, who unite through their passion for music. You'll want to dive into this narrative to discover how they weave together a poetic love story that resonates with the idea of true love. This tale is a delightful blend of various elements, creating a soulful love story that feels interconnected. The author skillfully keeps the reader engaged, ensuring that you're eager to turn the pages and find out what happens next for these two intriguing characters. By the conclusion, you'll be treated to a soulful, poetic, and beautifully crafted narrative that's sure to leave a lasting impression.

 

How to Sell a Romance by Alexa Martin

Book Excerpt:

"Emerson Pierce loves everything about being a kindergarten teacher except the painfully low salary. It isn't until she hears about Petunia Lemon—an opportunity to sell makeup products, make some extra money, and meet a group of skin-care aficionados—that she begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sure, it sounds a little too good to be true, but what's the worst that could happen?

Investigative reporter Lucas Miller didn't always have a chip on his shoulder...until his wife joined Petunia Lemon, drained their savings, and filed for divorce. Now he's a little bitter, a lot single, and determined to expose the company. After infiltrating their largest convention yet, the last thing he expects is to lose sight of his mission for one night with the gorgeous woman at the bar.

When Emerson and Lucas learn that she's his daughter's teacher, they decide to ignore their scorching chemistry. Until things with Petunia Lemon turn downright diabolical and Emerson turns to Lucas for help. They work together to bring the company down, but can the two come out on top in this pyramid scheme of love?"

Title:  How to Sell a Romance

Author:  Alexa Martin

Publisher:  Berkley Publishing Group

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

'How to Sell a Romance' by Alexa Martin

My Insight:  

The title "How to Sell a Romance" presents an intriguing premise for a love story. What unfolds when Emerson Pierce meets Lucas Miller? As their relationship develops, Emerson discovers that Lucas is a journalist currently writing an article about a multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme. This revelation is significant for Emerson, as her school principal has encouraged her to join the MLM run by Petunia Lemon. As the plot progresses, Emerson learns more about Lucas and his child, Isla, who is one of her kindergarten students. To complicate matters, Emerson realizes that Isla's mother is Petunia Lemon, the very person associated with the MLM.

To get the whole story, you must pick up this good read to see how it all comes together in the end.

Thank you, NetGalley and Berkley, for the free ARC.

 

Body of Evidence (A Rain City Legal Thriller Book 6) Kindle Edition by Stephen Penner

Book Excerpt:

"She was murdered ten years ago. Now, she has a story to tell.

Seattle Attorney Daniel Raine is hired by Jim Carpenter, who has been charged with a cold case murder.

A body has been discovered, buried under Carpenter's business. When the remains are identified as a missing girl who was responsible for the DUI death of his own daughter, he instantly becomes the prime suspect.

It's a clear case of a grief-stricken father out for revenge.

Believing Carpenter's vehement protestations of innocence, Raine sets out to uncover the truth about what really happened on that fateful day ten years ago.

However, the case becomes increasingly complex as Raine finds himself battling a power-hungry prosecutor with ambitions for higher office.

Even worse, all the witnesses seem to have something to hide, and as he digs for the truth, Raine has to fight through a tangled web of secrets and lies.

A web that will soon turn deadly…"

Body of Evidence – the sixth book in the brilliant legal thriller series featuring attorney Daniel Raine.

Title:  Body of Evidence

Author:  Stephen Penner

Publisher:  Inkubator Books

Series:  A Rain City Legal Thriller Book 6

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Body of Evidence" by Stephen Penner

My Insight:  

'Body of Evidence' is a gripping courtroom drama that centers on attorney Dan Raine, who finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes murder case. With his client facing serious charges, the tension escalates when the client's wife is also implicated in a murder. The story unfolds with a cast of three lawyers navigating the complexities of the law, secrets, and moral dilemmas. As Raine works to clear his client's name, readers are taken on a thrilling journey filled with twists and turns. You'll definitely want to pick up this sixth installment to see how the intricate web of the case unravels and whether the attorneys can secure justice for their clients. The suspense will keep you turning the pages eagerly!

 

Such Good People A Novel by Amy Blumenfeld

 Book Excerpt:

"An emotionally gripping, character-driven novel about the ripple effect of a split-second decision to protect a friend.

"A poignant story of love, loss, loyalty, and being torn between right and wrong. You won't be able to put this one down."—Emily Liebert, USA Today best-selling author of Pretty Revenge.

"One of those multi-dimensional must-reads that wins both as a page-turning legal story about social injustice, prejudice, and redemption, and an emotional character-driven tale of love, family, and lifelong friendship. Fans of Tayari Jones' An American Marriage, Rebecca Searles' In Five Years, and Allison Larkin's The People We Keep will devour Amy Blumenfeld's latest triumph. Such Good People is Such a Good Book!"—Samantha Greene Woodruff, best-selling author of The Lobotomist's Wife and The Trade Off.

It's 10 p.m. on a Thursday in the spring of her freshman year of college, and April is standing at the back of a crowded Manhattan bar waiting for her friend, Rudy, to arrive. Their eyes lock the moment he enters the room, and in an instant, lives and legacies are altered forever.

Within hours, Rudy is arrested. Within days, April is expelled. Within weeks, he's incarcerated. And within months, she meets Peter, a prodigious young attorney who makes her world recognizable again.

Nearly fifteen years later, April is happily living in Chicago, married to Peter, a mother of three with a fulfilling career and a standing yoga date with her girlfriends. On the eve of Peter's election for local office, Rudy is up for parole. Headlines explode about April's past, jeopardizing Peter's campaign and everything they hold dear. Suddenly, April is faced with an impossible choice: protecting the life she created, or the person who sacrificed everything to make that life a possibility. Such Good People is a captivating portrait of blurred lines, divided loyalties, and what it means to love purely, steadfastly, and interminably."

Title:  Such Good People

Author:  Amy Blumenfeld

Publisher:  SparkPress

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Such Good People" by Amy Blumenfeld

My Insight:

'Such Good People' is a beautifully crafted and captivating read. The main characters, April and Rudy, lifelong best friends, find themselves ensnared in a heartbreaking tragedy that sets the stage for a profound exploration of loyalty and sacrifice. The narrative masterfully weaves together the past and present, offering multiple perspectives that pull you deeper into the emotional complexities of their lives. With each turn of the page, you'll find yourself completely absorbed in the story, as the voices of April, Rudy, and Peter intertwine to create a rich tapestry of human experience. This multi-dimensional tale is not only engaging but also thought-provoking, making it impossible to put down until the final word is reached.

Thank you, NetGalley and Sparkpress, for the advance reader's copy.

Save Me by Mona Kasten

 Book Excerpt:

"Money, glamour, luxury, power—Ruby Bell couldn't be less interested in these things if she tried. After being awarded a scholarship to one of England's most prestigious and expensive private schools, Maxton Hall, all she wants is to keep her head down, work hard, and get accepted to Oxford. She keeps her distance from everyone, especially the arrogant, rich, and extremely handsome James Beaufort, ringleader of the school's party boys.

When Ruby discovers a scandalous secret about the Beauforts, she is suddenly on James's radar. It only gets worse when James is forced to work with her to plan the school's annual gala. Yet the more time they spend together, the more they realize they share much more than they thought.

Falling for James Beaufort was never part of her plan, yet Ruby can't help but let her feelings sweep her away. But James must make a decision for himself: will he choose what's expected of him, or what he feels for her?"

Title:  Save Me

Author:  Mona Kasten

Publisher:  Berkley Publishing Group

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

'Save Me' by Mona Kasten

My Insight:  

"Save Me" is a mesmerizing romantic tale that intricately weaves together Ruby's fierce determination and James' insufferable arrogance. To fully appreciate the profound connection that unfolds between these two compelling characters, I wholeheartedly encourage you to immerse yourself in this captivating narrative. It masterfully illustrates how Ruby's humility challenges James, while he, in turn, introduces her to the joys of living fully. The story envelops you in its charm, ensuring you are enthralled until the very last page. Moreover, the rich tapestry of secondary characters adds layers of depth and intrigue, enhancing the overall experience and making this a truly unforgettable read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

Until Death Do Us Part: What Did You Vow? Kindle Edition by Lakisha Johnson

Book Excerpt:

"Nehemiah found his good thang in Eden Lynette Crawford. They met, dated, and married all within six months. Eleven years later, while they are thriving in their careers — Nehemiah as Executive Pastor of Unlimited Grace Church and Eden as an Investigative Reporter with JMT Broadcasting — the fire has gone out in their marriage bed.

Eden can't understand why, and Nehemiah isn't eager to rekindle it. Frustrated, tired, and without answers, the last time Nehemiah pushes her way is the first time Eden walks away.

Until she returns home early from an out-of-town trip to discover Nehemiah has been keeping a secret. One that may just test their vow of Until Death Do Us Part.

In the final book of the What Did You Vow series, find out if Nehemiah and Eden's marriage survives or will Until Death Do Us Part be taken to heart."

Title: Until Death Do Us Part: What Did You Vow?

Author: Lakisha Johnson

Publisher: Twins Write 2

Series: What Did You Vow? Part 6

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Until Death Do Us Part: What Did You Vow?" by Lakisha Johnson

My Insight:

All I can say is 'Wow... this book left me breathless from start to finish.' The author masterfully illustrates the complexities of a love that, while deep, can falter without the foundation of communication. In the end, despite all they shared, Nehemiah's silence becomes a chasm between him and Eden. He thought he was shielding her from his struggles, not realizing that the very act of sharing his burdens could have helped heal the rifts that had grown between them. When the truth began to unravel, it moved me to tears.

Until Death Do Us Part is a poignant story that everyone should experience; it beautifully highlights the vital importance of honesty and connection in any relationship. The writing is both compelling and impactful, leaving a lasting impression. The story is one you must read to appreciate how well the author delivered it. You will gain a great deal from it. Thank you to the author for an outstanding read!

 A heartfelt thank you to the author for delivering such an extraordinary read.