An Alpha's Captive: A Brandt Wolf Pack By: Amarie Avant and Deanna Richmond

Profile:

"It’s been six months since Gerard Brandt lost his brother in a tragic accident. Gerard left home, years ago, after relinquishing his title as Alpha due to personal demons. He’s looking into the spike of deaths and deceit in his small town but in the center of it all is the dangerous and alluring Teegan Dean. He’ll do anything to keep her safe.
Teegan guards dark secrets and doesn’t believe she’s worthy of Gerard’s protection. While one wolf wants to save her another ruthless Alpha, Kano Hok’ee, has laid claim to her.
For centuries these two clans have been enemies; the Brandt’s - known for their unscrupulous manipulation and the Hok’ees - notorious for murder, lies and deception. Now a power struggle has finally erupted. As past secrets come to haunt the town of Silverton, the Heads of each clan must meet in order to cease this impending war.
Teegan is the key to one pack's destruction, as she is, strength to the other.

Title: An Alpha's Captive
Authors: Amarie Avant & Deanna Richmond
Publisher: A.A & D.R.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"An Alpha's Captive: A Brandt Wolf Pack" By Amarie Avant & Deanna Richmond

My Thoughts....

I love this story! It was quite interesting how this author brings these two [Gerard Brandt and Teegan Dean] together. With Gerard having lost his brother [Gabriel] in a 'tragic accident' we find that Gerard had left home and also giving up his title as a Alpha who was a blood descended from Germany and a prominent line of lycanthropes. Why had he left Silverton, Oregon? Now Gerard is back home in Silverton and their he meets the 'the alluring Teegan Dean.' What was it about her that he felt he needed to keep her safe? What dark secrets did Teegan have that she felt so 'unworthy of Gerald's protection?'

We find from the read that two clans 'the Brandt's known for their unscrupulous manipulation and the Hok'ees know or their notorious murders, lies and deception' had been enemies for centuries. Why was this? What will happen as 'the Heads of each clan meet in order to cease a impending war?'

How is it that Teegan Dean will be the 'key to one pack's destruction and is also the strength to the other?' Will Teegan be able to except her life as it is now that she is with Brandt? Will Brandt be able to prove to Teegan that she is a good person in spite of what all she had been through and that she is worthy of his protection?

There will be a lots going on in this well written paranormal story that these authors give the readers. Be ready for some very well developed and defined characters in this read from Gerard, Teegan, along with Sylvia, Odessa, Mato, Hanna, Eddie, Adrian, Tony, Kano, Remy, Damien, Phillip, Celia, Melinda, Brianna, Adrian, Donald, Dr. Weinstein, Eleonora, Vincent Brandt, Sheriff, James, Rhonda, Juanita Cross, Xavier Walter, Seke, Costantino Dioli, Dassan, Liliana, Ms, Everly, Ward, Rebel, Landon, Kilian, Rendal, Phillip and I am sure I have missed someone. However, all of these characters were well played and so very believable in one way or another giving this read of werewolf's, shapeshifters, witches and sorceress such a captivating and entertaining read that will keep your attention as you are turning the pages for more.

To get all of the answers you will have to pick up "An Alpha's Captive" to find out to the above questions and so much more... like in the end will these two Gerard and Teegan get their HEA? As I said earlier I loved this paranormal romantic story and the book cover is beautiful! 

The Work Wife (An on the Job Romance) By Allison S. Hanson

Profile:

"From boardroom to bedroom…
 
Jamie Witmer recognizes a good thing when she sees it, whether it’s the elegant buildings she helps design, or her effortless working relationship with her partner, Weston Archer. But being the second-place team at their Boston firm isn’t enough to get Jamie and Wes invited to the couples-only bonding retreats with a potential new client. So, Jamie has an idea—she and Wes will become married friends with (company) benefits…
 
Wes has always thought of Jamie as a great friend and better business partner, but her crazy plan—and their co-workers’ easy acceptance of the change in their relationship—has him questioning what he thought he knew. Fake marriage leads to close contact. Contact leads to temptation. And when they finally act on all that heat, the passion is more intense than even Wes could have imagined…
 
They say if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. But now that their friendship is irrevocably changed, it might be time for something even sweeter to begin…"

Title:  The Work Wife

Author:  Allison S. Hanson

Publisher:  A.S.H.                    

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"The Work Wife" by Allison S. Hanson

My Thoughts.....

I liked this read from the start to the end where we find Jamie and Wes finally professing their love to each other.  However, as this story starts with them being best friends for the past five years there will be some twist and turns before things finally become real to them from this 'arrangement' they had made. I liked how this author gives the reader a story where there was truly no history other than being friends due to working together. Yes, Wes did find Jamie attractive but it never had gone anywhere other than just friendship.  So, for these two there was no love in the beginning but as this story moves along and the story picks up there will soon be changes with these two Weston and Jamie.  Was it after getting married will these two will start to care for each other more?  I liked the travels of this story that took place from a snowy Boston winter, to warm Virginia and especially the trip they took to Jamaica [which was job related] where their was a lots of hot chemistry taking place there among these two.  I also enjoyed how both of their families were brought into the story which did explain what went on toward the end of the read.  So as the plot is set we get a little bit from West and Jamie's story, Jamie's fathers story, Ben and Anna's story to Wes and Ben's parents. All in all the reader is given quite a interesting read as each part of the story comes together.   

So, will these friends [West & Jamie] to lovers finally get their HEA?  Well this is where you will have to pick up "The Work Wife" to see how well this author brings it all out to the reader.  Be ready for a interesting read that will bring in some twist, secrets and lies that will  all come out in this good fun contemporary romance read.  

Teach Me Moore (All That & Moore Book 2) Kindle Edition by Celeste Granger

Profile:

"One family. Eight sisters, tangled in romance. Kennedy Moore, the second Moore sister, is the glue that holds the sisterhood together. While Emery, the oldest sister, was away in Washington DC, it was Kennedy that her younger sisters leaned on. A master chef in her own right, Kennedy spends most of her time in the background, pouring her passion into the culinary delicacies she creates for her clientele. Being in the kitchen has left little time for Kennedy to find love, outside of the love she has for culinary arts. 
Bryce Monroe is the owner and head chef of Taste, a world-renowned, four-star restaurant in the heart of downtown Atlanta. Much like Kennedy, Bryce spends his days and nights in the kitchen, masterfully creating delectable dishes that keep his clientele coming back for more. Bryce is a multimillionaire who has everything he’s always wanted except someone special to share it with. 
An unintentional brush with Bryce Monroe reminds Kennedy that there is more to life than cooking and taking care of her sisters. The two have so much in common, and the chemistry they mutually felt shakes both their foundations. Bryce is captivated by Kennedy and realizes she is what he’s been missing. Yet, Kennedy shies away, unsure whether there’s room for something more in the world she’s created for herself. Will Kennedy let down her guard and allow love in? Will Bryce push past her resistance and pursue the love of his life? Find out in Teach Me Moore: Book 2 in the All That & Moore Series.
Each book in the series is a full novel and can be read as a standalone."

Title:  Teach Me Moore

Author:  Celeste Granger

Publisher:  C. M.

Series:  All That & More Book 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Teach Me Moore" by Celeste Granger

My Thoughts....

I found 'Teach Me Moore' quite a sweet read that one will be only wanting these two Bryce Monroe and Kennedy Moore in a HEA. But before that will happen Kennedy who was a master chef as Bryce will have to let go some issues that seem to be definitely holding her back. I love how Kennedy had a sister that was their for her in helping her be able to cope with all that was going on in her life.  What happened when Bryce first sees Kennedy?  Will Kennedy finally be able to 'let her guard down and let love in?'  This will be another good series in 'All That & Moore' that will put and leave a smile on your face all the way through this 'sweet' story.  What will happen as 'Bryce pushes past Kennedy's resistance in pursuing the love of his life? Will they finally get their HEA?  Well, to get all the answers to this good series and more you will have to pick up 'Teach Me Moore' to see how well written story this author gives the reader.  It will definitely have one waiting the next series about another one of the 'Moore' sisters.  

I'll Never Tell 5, by Deidra D. S. Green

Book Description...

"It has been six years since media mogul, Sebastian Whitmore was killed in a hit and run accident in Atlanta, GA. Sebastian’s death was front-page news, headlining all the media outlets for weeks. Although the case was initially ruled an accident, there was rampant speculation as details of Sebastian’s life and lifestyle suggested there may be more to it than a mere accidental encounter. However, after several dead-end leads, the case turned cold, and the death of Sebastian Whitmore faded into the background, moving from front page news to an afterthought.
The Cold Case Division of the Atlanta Police Department has once again turned to the investigative expertise of Dr. Addison Parker, forensic psychologist to resurrect this cold case. Can Addison unravel the mysteries that surround Sebastian and once and for all determine if there was, in fact, someone who wanted the media powerhouse dead? Find out in I’ll Never Tell: Book 5 in the Addison Parker Mystery Series. "

These Books are linked by series title but are all Standalone novels and can be read in any order.

Title: I'll Never Tell 5
Author: Deidra D. S. Green
Publisher: D. D. S. G.
Series: The Addison Parker Mystery Series Book 5
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"I'll never Tell 5" by Deidra D. S. Green

My Thoughts....

This series was somewhat a little different of a cold case in that Dr. Addison Parker and another forensic psychologist Dr.Thaddeus Franklin was helping with this Atlanta cold case of what had happened Sebastian Whitmore from Atlanta, GA. Just why had Mr. Whitmore's widow requested that this cold case be reopened?

I will say I did enjoy the freshness that Dr. Thaddeus Franklin brought into this cold case. What was behind all of this cold case as both of these doctors worked on this case? Was this a case of just an accident or a hit and run? I enjoyed how this author brought us the profile and after all was said and done will this just be a mystery that somehow involved Sebastian's wife, gay lover or someone that Sebastian dealt with in his businesses? I found the characters very well developed, portrayed and even believable giving the reader a very captivating read.


Well, all I will say is that ending of this story was that it was indeed quite different in that we find out just what and how all of this had happened Mr. Sebastian Whitmore...definitely quite a twist but I will not spoil it for you other than saying you will have to pick up I'll Never Tell 5 and see how well this author brings it all out to the reader

Zoe and Verse 2: The Finale Kindle Edition by Jade Jones

Profile:

"Zoe and Verse is back with more drama than ever! What happens when those you trusted and thought you knew prove to be wolves in sheepskin? Verse and Zoe found love under unexpected circumstances but it seems like everyone around them is trying to wedge the two of them apart, including so-called friends and family. Does this unlikely couple have what it takes to weather the storm? Find out in this unforgettable finale!"

Title:  Zoe and Verse 2
Author:  Jade Jones
Publisher:  Jade Publications             
Series:  Part  2
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Zoe and Verse 2" by Jade Jones

My Thoughts....

I will say to truly understand part 2 you will need to read part 1 of this series first.  As the story continues on we still see Zoe and Verse on a emotional ride with twist and turns coming at them all over the place..Let's not leave out Sensi who is now out of jail and causing much havoc.  I will say some of these characters had 9 lives in how they make it back from gun shots, graves and beat downs.  This was definitely a read where many of the characters had flaws but in the end there seemed to be some work in progress as it was for Verse and Sensi and Verse and Zoe. .

Zoe and Verse: A Houston Love Story Kindle Edition by Jade Jones

Profile:

"20-year old Zoe isn't your typical around-the-way girl. On the contrary, she's the total opposite. Raised by crack addicts for parents, she has no choice but to get it out the mud, and her means of survival aren't the safest or the smartest. Instead of realizing this, she's hell-bent on following her boyfriend Sensei's lead. He, too, is a jack boy, but a few years ago, landed himself in prison after being caught with stolen work.

Like a foolhardy girl in love, Zoe promises to hold him down...but that's before she falls hard for his older brother, Verse. At 38, Verse is everything Sensei wishes he could live up to be, including the boss of H-town. Will he finally get his wish after he's released and finds out his girl is keeping time with his brother? And can Zoe eventually redeem herself and change her f*cked up ways? Find out in the first volume of this epic and unforgettable Houston-based love tale!"


Title: Zoe and Verse
Author: Jade Jones
Publisher: Jaded Publications
Series: Part 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Zoe and Verse" by Jade Jones

My Thoughts....

All that is left to say is wow! There is some many surprises,deceit, betrayal, twist and turns that you will have to keep up with it all. The characters from Zoe, Sensei, Verse, Dru, Maloni and A'shaunie to a few others will keep you on the edge of your seat turning the pages to see what coming next in the captivating read. Well, things don't look too good at the end so you will have to pick up part 2 to see how this will all come out in the end. Will there be anyone left standing?

Three Shoeboxes by Steven Manchester

Book Description...

"The latest emotional rollercoaster of a novel from a master of tearjerkers and family fiction.

Mac Anderson holds life in the palm of his hand. He has a beautiful wife, three loving children, a comfortable home, and a successful career. Everything is perfect—or so it seems. Tragically, Mac is destined to learn that any sense of security can quickly prove false. Because an invisible enemy called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has invaded Mac’s fragile mind and it is about to drop him to his knees. He does all he can to conceal his inner chaos, but to no avail. Left to contend with ignorance, an insensitive justice system, and the struggles of an invisible disease, he loses everything—most importantly his family.

One shoebox might store an old pair of sneakers. Two shoeboxes might contain a lifetime of photographs. But in Three Shoeboxes, a father’s undying love may be just enough to make things right again."

Title:  Three Shoeboxes

Author:  Steven Manchester

Publisher:  The Story Plant

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Three Shoeboxes" by Steven Manchester

My Thoughts...

This was quite a story about someone experiencing PTSD.  It was quite a emotional read of how this author takes the reader through this experience of what  this family endured through these panic attacks.

For it had not always been like this...Mac had a sweet wife Jen celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary... with three wonderful children...a perfect world until things quickly change and all hell breaks it all down...life changes so deeply for this family 'as a misunderstanding  of something Mac finds at home on the counter and he [Mac] losses it and is charged with domestic assault.'  Wow, what had happen to this 'ideal happy life they had once had?  What will happen when Mac loses his parental rights?  Will he be able to reunite his family?  This is definitely one of those reads that you will see from this story one of 'love, sadness, determination, will, anger, hope, love and faith.'  Now how will this all come out for Mac?  To find out the answers to all of these questions and so much more you will have to pick up "Three Shoeboxes" to find out.  Oh, I really liked how the reader is able to understand the title 'Three Shoeboxes' in the way it was so well presented by the end of this extraordinary story.  After the read a reader will truly have a lot to ponder over long after the read.