I DESERVE (I Deserve Series) Kindle Edition by Alicia J Evans

 Book Excerpt:

"Will love to conquer all, or will their past prove too great a mountain for them to overcome and finally get what they both deserve?

In this debut love story by Alicia J Evans, we meet Alexia and Evan. Alexia is still recovering from a tumultuous marriage that almost broke her, and Evan still has some strings attached to his past, but their connection when they meet is undeniable. Exploring the complexities of friendships and relationships, I Deserve gives you all the feels and sets you up for the next book in the series."

Title: I Deserve
Author: Alicia J. Evans
Publisher: Wind Beneath My Wings Publishing
Series: I Deserve Series Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
'I Deserve' by Alicia J. Evans

My Perception:

The author delivers a beautifully written and captivating romantic story that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end. The characters, Alexia and Evan, are a perfect match, and their story is filled with love at first sight and captivating drama involving their exes.

If you're in the mood for a heartwarming love story, I highly recommend I Deserve.

Adak's Veiled Justice: An Island of Secrets Legal Thriller (Island of Secrets Legal Thriller Series Book 1) Kindle Edition by Freya Atwood

 Book Excerpt:

"Everybody knows everybody. No one can hide in this place. But still, no one knows the serial killer lurking…

Haunted by a dark secret, lawyer Benjamin Wolfe leaves his life in Seattle, believing he'll find solace amidst the stark landscapes of Adak Island.

But when a terrified young man stands accused of murder and asks for his legal help, Benjamin uncovers a chilling reality: a serial killer prowls these desolate shores, their presence whispered but never acknowledged.

In the heart of the Island of Ghosts, Benjamin must confront his demons and unearth the truth to save his client before it's too late.

Adak's Veiled Justice is an exciting, blood-pumping legal thriller written by Freya Atwood and published by Cobalt Fairy.

If you are an avid fan of strong characters, action-packed courtroom drama, and mind-blowing murder mysteries, then you'll love Freya's intriguing story.

Buy "Adak's Veiled Justice" today to discover Freya's new intriguing crime mystery!"

Title: Adak's Veiled Justice
Author: Freya Atwood
Publisher: Cobalt Fairy LLC
Series: Island of Secrets Legal Thriller Series Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Adak's Veiled Justice" by Freya Atwood

My Perception:
This author gives the reader a read that will keep one turning the pages. This story is loaded with well-developed characters, has many twists and turns, and leaves the reader trying to figure out the secret mystery of this legal thriller in Atdak, AL.

As you read, the reader will want to know the following...What is the dark secret that Benjamin Wolfe is haunted by? Who is this person accused of murder? Who is the serial killer, and will Benjamin be able to save his client in time?

To get all these answers and much more, you must pick up this good read to see how well the author reveals it all in the end. The extended epilogue adds a bit more to the story.

Beneath the Surface: Christian Romantic Suspense (Danger in Destiny Book 3) Kindle Edition by Melanie D. Snitker

 Book Excerpt:

"He's determined to catch a serial killer.

Detective John Paris investigates a murder, troubled by the possibility it was committed by a serial killer. The case takes a frightening turn when the murderer intentionally draws the beautiful medical examiner, Genevieve "Eve" Marks, right into the middle of it all.

She refuses to hide.

A routine callout to a crime scene leads Eve to work side-by-side with the detective she's long admired. Resolved to uncovering the connection between the crimes and bringing the truth to light, she refuses to step away, even when danger comes to her door. As she and John work together to unravel a mystery buried in the past, a bond forms between them that gives her hope for the future.

A killer grows desperate.

John will protect Eve with his life, but time is running out. Is the serial killer a copycat, or is this murder related to a decade-old case that was never solved?"

Title:  Beneath the Surface

Author:  Melanie D. Snitker

Publisher: ‎ Dallionz Media, LLC

Series:  Danger in Destiny Book 3

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean 

Rating: Five

Review:

"Beneath the Surface" by Melanie D. Snitker

My Thoughts:  

'Beneath the Surface' was another excellent series, Danger in Destiny, by this author. It will keep you turning the pages until the end. It is a good story about Eve and John solving a cold case that resurfaces due to what happened earlier to Eve's friend. It is remarkable how this author gives the reader such an excellent story of an investigation that finally gets solved.

After all the twists and turns, the story finally comes together, giving the reader a good tale of suspense, mystery, romance, and faith in God.

Frozen in Jeopardy: Christian Romantic Suspense (Danger in Destiny Book 2) Kindle Edition by Melanie D. Snitker

 Book Excerpt:

"Her routine night turns terrifying.

As the storm of the century howls through Destiny, Texas, Dr. Paige Wade remains at her clinic to care for any animals that might need assistance. Her quiet night is disrupted when a man dumps an injured dog on the doorstep just hours before Paige is attacked in the parking lot.

He's uncovering deadly connections.

A call from the local animal hospital where his friend works sends Police Officer Gabe Harrison hastening to respond. The crime seems random until someone starts stalking Paige. When Gabe and his K-9 partner, Loki, discover the man who dropped off the injured dog is now a murder victim, Gabe uncovers a link between the deceased and whoever is threatening Paige.

They are running out of time.

For years, Paige has ignored her feelings for Gabe. Working closely with him means gambling with her heart. As another winter storm approaches and the murderer becomes desperate, will the risks they take not only save her life but give them hope for a future together?"

Title:  Frozen in Jeopardy

Author:  Melanie D. Snitker

Publisher:  Dallionz Media, LLC 

Series:  Danger in Destiny Book 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five  

Review:

"Frozen in Jeopardy" by Melanie D. Snitker

My Thoughts:  

'Frozen in Jeopardy' was indeed an enjoyable read from start to finish. It was so good seeing Gabe and Paige finally getting their story told, which involved an officer of the law. These two had feelings for each other, but Paige had declared not to get involved with the military or a Cop person. But as these two come together, something may have changed for Paige in how she felt toward Gabe. Then, bringing those dogs into the picture and all the other suspense in this story put the icing on the cake for me.  

I don't want to tell you too much other than to say to pick up 'Frozen in Jeopardy.' You will be happy with this exciting, good read that will keep you turning the pages until the end.

Out of the Ashes: Christian Romantic Suspense (Danger in Destiny Book 1) Kindle Edition by Melanie D. Snitker

 

Book Excerpt:

"He thought it was just a structure fire.

As a firefighter, Bryce Keyes is no stranger when running into a burning building. What he didn't expect was coming face-to-face with the woman he loved years ago. Getting her out safely is one thing, but when it looks like she is the arsonist's target, Bryce realizes he can't let her walk away again. Especially not while her life is in Danger.

She's desperate to escape.

For Megan Bristow, returning to Destiny, Texas, was about saying a final goodbye to a dysfunctional family and the memories she's tried hard to bury. She planned to go in, help her mother tie loose ends, and get out again. When someone attempts her life, Megan realizes those loose ends are only the beginning of a tangled web, and she's been drawn right into the center of it.

They'll have to put the past behind them.

Only by working together will they be able to figure out who's hunting her and why - before it's too late.

~*~

Danger in Destiny is a new Christian romantic suspense series by USA Today bestselling author Melanie D. Snitker.

Book 1: Out of the Ashes
Someone wants Megan Bristow dead, and she has no idea who. She and firefighter Bryce Keyes will have to put the past behind them and work together before her would-be killer strikes again."

Title:  Out of the Ashes

Author:  Melanie D. Snitker

Publisher:  Dallionz Media, LLC 

Series:  Danger in Destiny Book 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Out of the Ashes" by Melanie D Snitker

My Thoughts:

"Out Of The Ashes" was the first in the series Danger in Destiny, which featured Megan and Bryce. They had once been boyfriend-girlfriends during high school, but something happened that caused Megan to leave the area after she turned 18 without telling anyone but her best friend, Paige. 

Now, Megan returns due to her father's death. This intriguing and suspenseful story will keep readers turning the pages to see who and why someone is trying to hurt Megan.   

Will Megan and Bryce be able to get back together after everything is sorted out about why she left town in the first place? You will have to pick up this good series to see how well this author reveals it all to the readers. 

I recommend this novel as a good read.

The Return of Ellie Black A Novel by Emiko Jean

 Book Excerpt:

"It's been twenty years since Detective Chelsey Calhoun's sister vanished when they were teenagers, and ever since, she's been searching for signs, for closure, for other missing girls. But happy endings are rare in Chelsey's line of work.

Then a glimmer: local teenager Ellie Black, who disappeared without a trace two years earlier, has been found alive in the woods of Washington State.

But something is not right with Ellie. She won't say where she's been or who she's protecting, and it's up to Chelsey to find the answers. She needs to get to the bottom of what happened to Ellie: for herself and the memory of her sister, but mainly for the next girl who could be taken—and who, unlike Ellie, might never return.

The debut thriller from New York Times bestselling author Emiko Jean, The Return of Ellie Black is both a feminist tour de force about the embers of hope that burn in the aftermath of tragedy and a twisty page-turner that will shock and surprise you right up until the final page."

Title:  The Return of Ellie Black

Author:  Emiko Jean

Publisher:  Simon & Schuster

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"The Return of Ellie Black" by Emiko Jean

My Perception:  

'The Return of Ellie Black' was quite a long mystery thriller, but if you go to the end, you are given a good story. Detective Chelsey Calhoun was kept busy investigating what had happened to seventeen-year-old Ellie Black. Some twenty years earlier, Chelsey's sister, Lydia, had vanished and, up until this time, was thought to have died with her boyfriend.

Along with what had gone on with Ellie being gone for two years, Chelsey was determined to find out what had happened to her. However, a lot will come out of this search for Ellie, especially when she returns after all this time. What was up with that, especially with her not wanting to talk about what had happened to her?

Well, when this story starts coming out, get ready for it. It will reveal much of what has happened in Washington State to Ellie and a few other interesting characters.

What did Chelsey's father and her boss have to do with anything that happened in this situation? Because Chelsey did not want to give up on Ellie, things began to open up. Chelsey was determined to discover the truth, going the extra mile as an officer. Would she be able to save other lives? I don't want to tell you too much different than pick 'The Return of Ellie Black' and see how it all comes out.

Be ready for a long but not easy read that will bring you a lot of twists and turns, abuse, heartache, and sadness.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin General UK for the much-appreciated arc in exchange for an honest review.

ANGRY SINS: A Doc Hunter Murder Mystery (Doc Hunter Murder Mystery Series Book 1) Kindle Edition by C.E. Nelson

Book Excerpt:

"Three dead. Shot point-blank. A hot summer day just got hotter.

Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Agent Doc Hunter had a golf game scheduled. Doc was a good golfer. Very good. Thinking about going pro. But now all of that had been put on hold because three people on a farm got themselves shot, and Hunter's boss had decided he needed to be the one to investigate.

Doc wasn't happy about the assignment and was even less happy when he found a cover-up and a suspect list that only seemed to keep growing. On top of that, he has a killer with much more killing to do.

As the body count increases, the media, the sheriff, and Doc's boss all increase the pressure on Doc to stop an angry killer with a growing appetite for more blood.

Readers of John Sanford, Michael Connelly, Jeffrey Deaver, Lee Child, and similar authors will enjoy this fast-paced mystery.

What readers are saying about C.E. Nelson novels:

"Fast and exciting"

"Never a Dull minute."

"Keeps you guessing"

"Once I started reading, I couldn't stop."

 Title: Angry Sins

Author: C. E. Nelson
Publisher: ‏ Gull Lake Press
Series: Doc Hunter Murder Mystery Series Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
'Angry Sins' by C. E. Nelson

My Thoughts:

'Angry Sin' is an intriguing plot that keeps one turning the pages to see what is coming next in this story. Doc Hunter was an interesting character who loved to play golf but had to put it aside because he was a BCA Agent and was needed. Doc kept going until the killer was finally caught, no matter all of the pressure the sheriff, Doc's boss, and the media placed on him as the body count kept on growing. Will you be surprised who the killer was? Not if you keep up with the storyline.

Mister Librarian (The Mister Series Book 1) Kindle Edition by B. Love

 Book Excerpt:

"Honey Williams doesn't trust men. Between her father and last lover, a part of her struggles with resenting the entire species. She's spent the past six months hidden in the safety of her parent's home, hoping her kind heart will never be the cause of pain and misfortune again. That seems possible until a cranky client causes chaos… which leads to her meeting Mr. Librarian.

A natural protector, Kahlil Roberts feels less of a man if he can't serve those in need. When he finds the honey-complexioned beauty sobbing in his library, there's no question whether he should help her. Kahlil doesn't expect her presence to help him as well. For years, Kahlil has felt guilt over being unable to save the person who needed him most. Finally, he believes he has a chance to make things right.

While Honey and Kahlil have voids the other can fill, there are also reservations and past fears keeping them apart. As easy as their connection was, keeping their secrets and skeletons from ripping them apart proved a bit more complicated. Throughout their journey for one another's hearts, an enemy from Kahlil's past threatens their lives. Will Mr. Librarian be able to save Honey again, or will she become another person he fails when they need him most?"

Title:  Mister Librarian 

Author:  B. Love

Publisher:  B. L. 

Series:  The Mister Series Book 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Mister Librarian" by B. Love

My Thoughts:

"Mr. Librarian" was a fascinating story featuring Honey and Khalil. Honey has problems of her own, having to come back home due to a crisis that had happened to her. Now, she lives with her parents; she and her father did not get along. Then we find Khalil, who had lost his father due to death in a car exposition, and he blames himself for the accident. Now, why was that?

What will happen when these two meet? Will they fall in love? The story will keep one's interest as you turn the pages for more. This is where the story picks up as we learn more about what Khalil has been involved in quite a bit with his grandfather and father before his move to Memphis. You must pick up this good read to see what this story is about as we learn more about Honey and Mister Librarian.

Secret Enemy Protector: Enemies to lovers, Secret Identity, Revenge & Redemption, Single Mom Romance Kindle Edition by Olivia Lively

 Book Excerpt:

"Love is always a risk, especially when the man you're falling for is your secret enemy.

I'm Rebecca Lawson, a CEO driven by ambition.

While divorcing my abusive husband, my daughter's safety is my top priority.

I hire Jordan to be her bodyguard and protector.

His presence annoys me; we don't quite see eye to eye.

But he's fantastic with my daughter, and that's all that matters.

There's something magnetic about him.

He has a confidence that doesn't seem typical of someone of his status.

Wavy dark hair, piercing eyes, and a body that exudes power.

Jordan is the ultimate temptation, blurring the boundaries of our professional arrangement.

This romance is off-limits, but I can't seem to resist him.

Fate has twists, and it seems Jordan is hiding a dark secret for vengeance."

Title: Secret Enemy Protector
Author: Olivia Lively
Publisher: O. L
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Secret Enemy Protector: Enemies to Love, Secret Idewntyity, Revenge & Redemption, Single Mom" by Olivia Llivey

My Thought:

'Secret Enemy Protector' was an exciting story about Rebecca and Jordon. We find Rebecca, who
was a CEO who had divorced her abusive husband, Thomas. However, we find that Rebecca hires a bodyguard to help take care of her daughter. However, there is more to this story as the reader discovers that this bodyguard is out to get Thomas. Why was this? This is where you must pick up this good read to see all that was about. Will something be going on between Rebecca and Jordon? Again, you must pick up 'Secret Enemy Protector' to see how well this author brings it out to the readers.

Be ready for an ending that leaves one smiling in how everything ends.

Hold Me While You Wait Kindle Edition by Kimberly Brown

 Book Excerpt:

"Somya Hilton has known nothing but a life of ultimatums. From a young age, she and her sister Eliza were against the world. When both of them find love and start their own families, Somya finally feels like she has the life she deserves. Then tragedy strikes, leaving both her sister and brother-in-law dead and Somya to care for her niece Jazlynn, who is ten at the time. For Somya, there is no question that Jazzlyn should be with her. Her husband, however, has a different opinion.

Xander Tripp has always taken care of business. The product of a drug-addicted mother and a felon for a father, all he knows is hustling to survive. After the birth of his daughter left him a single father, Xander pulls himself together to be the parent she deserves. Twelve years later, they have a beautiful life, but Xander is lonely… until he meets the beautiful Somya, the recently divorced mother of his daughter's new best friend.

A friendly exchange quickly turns into a beautiful, unexpected love. Trauma bonded them, but is their bond strong enough to withstand the tests of a jealous ex and the return of Xander's baby mama? Will Somya and Xander thrive under pressure or fold under the world's weight on their shoulders?"

Title:  Hold Me While You Wait

Author:  Kimberly Brown

Publisher:   B. Love Publications 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: 5

Review:

"Hold Me While You Wait" by Kimberly Brown

My Thoughts:

'Hold Me While You Wait' was one good read where you see how a couple who once loved each other struggled due to the death of family members. The wife promising to be there for her niece and the husband not wanting to do this caused a mess that ended their marriage. Something about all of this was that I believed the husband loved his wife, but by acting stupid, a good marriage ended. And then what happened...someone else came along...and I will stop here and say you must pick up this excellent read to see how well this author brings it out to the reader. There will be a lot going on that you will have to keep up with, but when it's all said and done, Somya and Xander were ... I will stop and say ... it was an excellent read. The story had some well-developed characters that were off the chart, leaving one saying this was a well-done story that had lots of depth and reasoning in the story.  

Tangled In Christmas & Love: A Holiday Novella Kindle Edition by Pamela Campbell

Book Excerpt:

"Princess Greene is a single mother whose heart was shattered by betrayal. She finds herself drifting away from the joy of Christmas. She has a chance to encounter Nigel, a charming, handsome man filled with Christmas spirit. He tries his best to rekindle the holiday spirit within her. Princess's bitterness toward the holiday season begins to thaw, and she reluctantly steps back into it.

But just as a new romance begins to bloom, Princess faces the lingering pain of her past with the unexpected return of her son's father, Damion. With support from her best friend Shayla, she begins a journey of self-discovery, learning to forgive, embrace love again, and find the strength to make the best choices for herself and her son.

As Christmas Eve approaches, Princess faces a decision to shape her future and determine whether she can finally let go of the past and embrace the happiness that awaits her. This heartwarming holiday novella is about love, friendship, and the power of the Christmas spirit, bringing people together and causing them to fall in love.

Title: Tangled in Christmas & Love
Author: Pamela Campbell
Publisher: P. C.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Tangled In Christmas & Love
Holiday Novella:

'Tangled In Christmas and Love' was a good Christmas novella. It was so good to see Princess facing up to what she needed to do now that she had a baby to take care of. No, life had not treated her well, as the ex-finance did to her, but something good came out of it. Princess meets a wonderful person named Neil, who has been through some rough times but handles it well, especially after meeting Princess and her son Prince. Princess had to decide how she would handle Prince's father, Damion. I will stop here and say pick up this good novella and see how well that part of the story came out for Princess, Prince, Neil, and even Damion.

Praising Past My Flaws: A Christian Romance Novel (Faith.Flaws & All Book 3) Kindle Edition by Taretha Jones

 Book Excerpt:

"Trudy is a fashion model living her best life in sunny Los Angeles. She shops on Rodeo Drive and can afford it, owns an expensive home, and has a circle of family and friends who love her. However, Trudy needs more than just an ordinary model. Nope, she wants to be a SUPERMODEL…one on par with Naomi Campbell or Tyra Banks. With faith, prayer, and humbleness, Trudy has kept her Godliness intact in Tinseltown, even when many other aspiring models haven't. But when one of the biggest movers and shakers in the fashion industry offers her the world on a pretty platinum platter, will Trudy exchange her holiness for success? And when an unforeseen situation changes everything for her, will she be able to keep praising despite her flaws?"

Title: Praising Past My Flaws
Author: Taretha Jones
Publisher: Firstman Publications
Series: Faith, Flaws, and All Book 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Praising Past My Flaws" by Taretha Jones
Beautiful Read:

'Praising Past My Flaws' book 3 was indeed an excellent read of how this will turn out when you let God be the one that leads you as he did for Trudy. Yes, she truly wanted to be a Supermodel, but God had something even better for her. Will she receive it through her 'faith, prayer, and humbleness? I will stop here and say you must pick up this novel because this author did an excellent job bringing it all out of how God is sending up what we need at the right time.

Finding a Blessing in my Flaws: A Christian Romance Novel (Faith.Flaws & All Book 4) Kindle Edition by Taretha Jones

 Book Excerpt:

"Sasha is the thirty-something C.O.O. of a nationwide smoothie shop franchise. Her corporate position brings in the big bucks and has provided her with all the creature comforts she needs. She has a tight relationship with her God and the love of her friends and family. But when tragedy strikes, Sasha's life becomes much less golden. One fateful night leaves Sasha thinking that she's going to be struggling with anxiety and self-worth issues for the rest of her days. When a handsome ex-FBI agent — Terry — steps on the scene, he falls head-over-heels for Sasha. Terry becomes determined to convince Sasha that she's beautiful — inside and out — even though she's not so sure that's the case. At times, it seems like an uphill battle, but Terry is convinced that he can show Sasha there's a blessing in her flaws, thus enabling them to have the happy-ever-after she's been afraid to even dream of."

Title: Finding a Blessing in My Flaws
Author: Taretha Jones
Publisher: Firstman Publications
Series: Faith, Flaws & All Book 4
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Finding a Blessing in My Flaws" by Taretha Jones

A True Blessings:

This novel is one of the best in this series, and it deals with Sasha and Terry. Sasha had something terrible that happened to her. Will Terry, an investigator, get to the root of who was responsible for what had happened to Sasha? And what a surprise this person was that had caused this situation for Sasha.

This is such a good story that I don't want to give any of it away. You must pick up this well-written novel and see how this author brings this story together so well for the readers.