FIGHT FOR YOU: A Standalone Scottish BWWM Romance (MacKenzie Crime Family) Kindle Edition by Amarie Avant

 Book Excerpt:

"He promised to save me. Then he left me behind....

JORDYN

Jamie MacKenzie was my light in a childhood of captivity—until his clan ripped him away and left me in the dark.
Now, he's back. No longer a boy, but a battle-hardened ex-Marine, armed with vengeance and regrets.
He says he'll burn the world to the ground to free me—even if I fight him every step of the way. But I'm not just haunted by my past... I belong to a ruthless Bratva tsar who branded me as his. And he won't let me go without a war.

JAMIE

I failed Jordyn once. I'll never make that mistake again.
She doesn't trust me. Doesn't want saving.
But I'm done letting others hurt her.
I'll go to war with the Russian who owns her—or the family I was born into—if that's what it takes.
Clan MacKenzie doesn't forgive betrayal. And neither do I.
 
This fierce, emotionally charged BWWM romantic thriller is packed with heart, vengeance, and high-stakes redemption. While this story contains mature themes, including trafficking and the loss of a child, these elements are handled with care and sensitivity; reader discretion is advised. At its heart of the suspense is a story about finding light in the darkest places—and the fierce, unrelenting fight to reclaim hope, love, and freedom."

Title:  Fight For You

Author:  Amarie Avant

Publisher:  A. A.

Series:  MacKenzie Crime Family

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

'FIGHT FOR YOU: A Standalone Scottish BWWM Romance (MacKenzie Crime Family), by Amarie Avant 

My Insight:

"Fight For You" offers a breathtaking love story set against the fascinating backdrop of the Scottish mob. The profound bond between Jamie and Jordyn radiates throughout their emotional journey, especially as Jamie fiercely fights to rescue Jordyn after her kidnapping. Their path to healing and personal growth unfolds with grace, delivering an uplifting message about the incredible power of love.

Get ready for a thrilling rollercoaster of emotions—suspense, romance, and drama come together with themes of betrayal and mistrust. The author skillfully spins a captivating tale centered around the mysterious MacKenzie Crime Family, perfectly immersing readers in a world where love stands strong against life's challenges. Prepare to be swept into an unforgettable adventure!

This is a review after listening to the audiobook.

JORDYN... Jamie MacKenzie was my beacon of hope during a bleak and oppressive childhood—my refuge amid the darkness of captivity. For years, he was my closest friend and ally—until his clan tore him away from me, leaving me alone in a nightmare. Now he has returned, transformed from the innocent boy I once knew into a battle-hardened ex-Marine, his spirit forged in the fires of conflict and carrying the weight of vengeance and regret. He swears he'll set the world ablaze to save me, even if I resist him at every turn. However, I'm not only grappling with memories of my past; I am also bound to a merciless Bratva tsar who sees me as his property. He won't release me without a fierce struggle that could ignite a war.

JAMIE... I failed Jordyn once, and I refuse to make that mistake again. Though she may not trust me and resists my attempts to save her, I am determined to shatter the chains that bind her. This time, I will fight with everything I have, standing against the ruthless Russian who claims her as his own—or against the clan I've always known if it comes to that. Clan MacKenzie does not forgive betrayal, and neither will I. This gripping, emotionally charged BWWM romantic thriller dives deep into themes of love, vengeance, and redemption. It's a story rich in intensity and heart, exploring the shadows of trafficking and the painful loss of a child with the utmost care and sensitivity; reader discretion is strongly advised. At its core, this narrative is a powerful journey about finding light in the most desolate places—a relentless battle to reclaim hope, love, and freedom against all odds.

The story is compelling, and it is also available as an audiobook. The narrators did an excellent job of bringing the events to life, keeping listeners engaged as they follow the journey of Jordyn and Jamie.

'Fight For You' was an excellent story that this author gives the reader that you will enjoy from start to the very end.

Sinful Submission: A Dark Why Choose Trilogy Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris

Book Excerpt:

"Three men. One woman. When danger and desire collide.

They thrive on the thrill of the chase, unapologetic in their pursuit to consistently hit their mark—or get their woman. Businessmen by day, hitmen by night, these frat brothers live, work, and kill together. They're dangerous, raw, and too ruthless for their best friend's little sister, who should be off-limits to them, especially with an enemy who is constantly circulating in their orbit. They could get her killed if they aren't careful. Yet, one by one, they each get sucked deeper into her intoxicating web as the morally gray lines begin to blur and they realize that the only way to move forward is to succumb to their desires ... and share her.

Resort tycoon Titan Valentine is a merciless, beautiful monster in a tailored suit who dances the thin line between power and danger. Santari Lake mistook his quiet, commanding presence for survival, but she didn't realize she'd become the flame he aches to be consumed by. Every time he holds back, it's not mercy... It's foreplay. And when she finally offers her submission, he loses the hold on his control completely."

Title:  Sinful Submission

Author:  Stephanie Nicole Norris

Publisher:   Love Is A Drug Ink LLC

Series:  A Dark Why Choose Trilogy

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Sinful Submission" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Insight: 

'Sinful Submission: A Dark Why Choose Trilogy' is a complete and satisfying read, offering a window into the world of the Valentines, with a spotlight on Titan and Santari.   The story is presented in a way that will keep you turning the pages, with all your questions answered in this incredible narrative.  To fully appreciate the series, I recommend reading the entire trilogy.  

His Royal Enemy: Elite Alliance (The Royals of Kéra Asnela) Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris

 Book Excerpt:

"The crown awaits Prince Remington Winthrope as he prepares to become King of Kéra Asnela. When assassination attempts threaten not only his life but the stability of his kingdom, he turns to the most unlikely royal: Princess Izara of Myriad, the daughter of his imprisoned enemies.

Brought to Winthrope Estate Palace as both informant and prisoner, Izara finds herself caught between loyalty to her homeland and an unexpected attraction to the man who holds her family captive.

Their verbal vitriol creates a hostile relationship, but proximity breeds a dangerous desire that threatens everything they've fought for."

Title: His Royal Enemy

Author:  Stephanie Nicole Norris

Publisher:    Love Is A Drug Ink LLC

Series:  The Royals of Kéra Asnela

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"His Royal Enemy: Elite Alliance" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Insight:  

'His Royal Enemy; Elite Alliance' was another excellent read from this author, offering readers some wonderful romance stories. In this series, we are given well-developed characters with a storyline that will keep readers turning the pages to the end, leaving them wanting even more. The storyline of Remington and Izara, who were enemies full of distrust, is so engaging that it will captivate you from the first page. You must pick up this good series to see how it will all turn out for them in the end.

Sparks Fly, Tempers Flare: A Young Adult Teen Drama (Blooming Book 1) Kindle Edition by Dominique Davis

Book Excerpt:

"One Tree Hill meets Friday Night Lights in this binge-worthy series where a teen's homecoming sets off a chain reaction through the community.

After her mother's death, 16-year-old Sloane Crawford reluctantly returns to her childhood home and the drama-filled small town she left behind. Moving in with her estranged father only reopens old wounds from his affair that destroyed her family.

Back at school, tensions flare as Sloane reconnects with old friends who resent her for abandoning them. Especially heated is her rocky relationship with her former best friend, Emory, the daughter of the woman her father betrayed them with.

As Sloane struggles to adapt to her new normal, long-held grudges threaten to boil over. To move forward, she'll have to confront the fractured bonds left in the ashes of her family's traumatic history. But finding forgiveness won't be easy in a place where the past refuses to stay buried."

Title:  Sparks Fly, Tempers Flare: A Young Adult Teen Drama

Author:  Dominique Davis

Published:  D.D.

Series:  Blooming Book 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

'Sparks Fly, Tempers Flare' by  Dominique Davis

My Insight:  

'Sparks Fly, Tempers Flare' weaves a complex web of relationships that leaves Sloane in a challenging situation. After witnessing her father's affair with the mother of her best friend, Emory, and the passing of her own mother, she is forced to return to her father's home. There, she must navigate the intricate dynamics with the woman who ruined her life and the stepsister who was once her closest friend.  The story delves into the complexities of love, friendship, and betrayal, keeping readers intrigued.  

Will Sloane be able to reclaim the love and friendship she so desperately craves, or will the betrayal she experienced continue to haunt her? 

The characters and storyline of 'Sparks Fly, Tempers Flare' are crafted to keep the reader engrossed, eager to see how the author weaves this compelling narrative. The story, filled with love, friendship, and betrayal, will leave readers with much to ponder long after they've turned the last page.

 

My Bully, My Aunt, & Her Final Gift Kindle Edition by Harold Phifer

 Book Excerpt:

"Every Villain doesn’t wear a mask. Sometimes she’s your aunt! Maybe, closure doesn’t come with silence, but with Reflections, Truth, & A Touch of Humor!

In "My Bully, My Aunt, and Her Final Gift", Hal revisits the complicated relationship he shared with his late Aunt Kathy, a woman who stood as the antithesis of positivity in his life. Despite her domineering and often cruel behavior, her passing left Hal with an unexpected opportunity for humor, healing, and reflection.

As he plans her memorial—a gathering that no one seems eager to attend—Hal's childhood memories resurface, pulling him back into a world shaped by his aunt's unpredictable rules and twisted philosophies. Blending heartfelt truths with laugh-out-loud moments, Hal weaves a tale of resilience, self-discovery, and ultimately, redemption. This memoir offers a lighthearted yet honest look at how even the darkest relationships can leave behind gifts of wisdom and self-awareness."

Title:  My Bully, My Aunt, & Her Final Gift

Author:  Harold Phifer

Publisher:  BookBaby

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"My Bully, My Aunt, & Her Final Gift" by Harold Phifer

My Insight:  

"My Bully, My Aunt, and Her Final Gift" enveloped me in an emotional journey that lingered in my thoughts long after the final page was turned. Hal's tumultuous experiences with his seemingly pious yet cruel aunt were both shocking and profoundly eye-opening. It’s astonishing to witness how someone could embody such wickedness beneath the polished facade of righteousness. Despite the oppressive shadow cast by his aunt, Hal's resilience radiates brightly, illuminating his path as he navigates this complex and challenging relationship. This powerful narrative compels us to delve deeper into the stark realities of such situations. It truly prompts a haunting question—could this occur in real life? Absolutely! I wholeheartedly recommend this captivating read to anyone yearning for a thought-provoking and emotionally enriching experience!

Possessing the Secret of Joy (The Color Purple Collection Book 3) Kindle Edition by Alice Walker

 Book Excerpt:

"An American woman struggles with the genital mutilation she endured as a child in Africa in a New York Times bestseller, "as compelling as The Color Purple" (San Francisco Chronicle).

In Tashi's tribe, the Olinka, young girls undergo female genital mutilation as an initiation into the community. Tashi manages to avoid this fate at first, but when pressed by tribal leaders, she submits. Years later, married and living in America as Evelyn Johnson, Tashi's inner pain emerges. As she questions why such a terrifying, disfiguring sacrifice was required, she sorts through the many levels of subjugation with which she's been burdened over the years.


In Possessing the Secret of Joy, Alice Walker exposes the abhorrent practice of female genital mutilation in an unforgettable, moving novel.

This ebook features an illustrated biography of Alice Walker, including rare photos from the author's personal collection."

Title:  Possessing the Secret of Joy

Author:  Alice Walker

Publisher:  Open Road Media

Series:  The Color Purple Collection Book 3

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Possessing the Secret  of Joy" by Alice Walker

My Insight:  

"Possessing the Secret of Joy" courageously tackles the challenging issue of female circumcision, and the author's sensitivity in addressing this complex topic is truly impressive. Although I found it to be a demanding read, I am so thankful I decided to dive in. For those who enjoyed "The Color Purple," you'll be delighted to encounter Tashi, the daughter-in-law of Celie, who makes a heartfelt appearance in this story.

I don't want to give too much away, but I genuinely encourage you to explore "Possessing the Secret of Joy." The author has a unique gift for bringing tough themes to life, and their storytelling is nothing short of extraordinary.

As we navigate the narrative, we are reminded of the tragic reality that many children have suffered due to this practice, with some losing their lives or facing lifelong challenges. While it may be a challenging read, it is incredibly meaningful and opens our eyes to crucial truths that deserve our attention. You won't regret picking this one up!

The Temple of My Familiar (The Color Purple Collection Book 2) Kindle Edition by Alice Walker

 Book Excerpt:

"The Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Color Purple weaves a 'glorious and iridescent' tapestry of interrelated lives in this New York Times bestseller (Library Journal).

Includes a new letter written by the author

In The Temple of My Familiar, Celie and Shug from The Color Purple subtly shadow the lives of dozens of characters, all of whom in some way deal with the legacy of the African experience in America. From recent African immigrants, to a woman who grew up in the mixed-race rainforest communities of South America, to Celie's own granddaughter living in modern-day San Francisco, all must come to understand the brutal stories of their ancestors to come to terms with their own troubled lives.  


As Walker follows these astonishing characters, she weaves a new mythology from old fables and history, a profoundly spiritual explanation for centuries of shared African American experience.


This ebook features an illustrated biography of Alice Walker, including rare photos from the author's personal collection.


The Temple of My Familiar is the 2nd book in the Color Purple Collection, which also includes The Color Purple and Possessing the Secret of Joy."

Title:  The Temple of My Familiar

Author:  Alice Walker

Publisher:  Open Road Media

Series:  The Color Purple Collection Book 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"The Temple of My Familiar" by Alice Walker

My Insight:  

I thoroughly enjoyed "The Temple of My Familiar"; it’s a captivating historical novel that intricately weaves together themes and narratives, making it a remarkable continuation of the author's poignant storytelling first introduced in "The Color Purple." For the most enriching experience, I highly recommend diving into that book first, as it lays a robust foundation for understanding the depth of the characters and their journeys. 

While some sections are layered and complex, I assure you that if you persevere, everything will beautifully converge by the end. Prepare yourself to encounter a rich tapestry of fascinating characters, each with their own unique stories and insights, alongside thought-provoking themes that resonate long after you turn the last page. The unforgettable storyline is filled with emotional twists and turns that will keep you eagerly turning the pages, lost in its world. You're truly in for a literary treat! I thoroughly enjoyed "The Temple of My Familiar." It’s a captivating historical novel that intricately weaves together themes and narratives, serving as a remarkable continuation of the author's poignant storytelling first introduced in "The Color Purple." 

Blessings and Disasters A Story of Alabama by Alexis Okeowo

 Book Excerpt:

"In Alabama, we exist at the border of blessing and disaster…."

'Alexis Okeowo grew up in Montgomery—the former seat of the Confederacy—as the daughter of Nigerian immigrants. Here, she weaves her family's story with Alabama's, defying stereotypes about her endlessly complex, often-pigeonholed home state. She immerses us in a landscape dominated today not by cotton fields but by Amazon warehouses, encountering high-powered Christian business leaders lobbying for tribal sovereignty and small-town women coming out against conservative politics. Okeowo shows how people can love their home while still acknowledging its sins.

In this perspective-shifting work that is both an intimate memoir and a journalistic triumph, Okeowo investigates her life, other Alabamians' lives, and the state's lesser-known histories to examine why Alabama has been the stage for the most extreme results of the American experiment.'

Title:  Blessings and Disasters

Author:  Alexis Okeowo

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Blessings and Disasters" by Alexis Okeowo

My Insight:   

'Blessing and Disaster' was well delivered by this author, especially if you are interested in the' history of understanding the intricate layers of the resilience of its people' in Alabama. Now, if you did not live in the South, I know this will be an eye-opener for you, reading how this author gives us a clear picture of this painful history of how one grew up and was shaped into who they are now. This story may be a little hard to read, given its history of the slave trade, civil war, and racism, but if you can get through it, it will be a compelling and unforgettable read.   All that's left to say is that it's history, whether we like it or not, of what happened as Alexis Okeowo, who lived through it, growing up there.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Henry Holt and Co. for my ARC copy.