Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Final Justice: A Miranda Chase Legal Thriller (Miranda Chase Legal Thriller Series Book 5) Kindle Edition by Freya Atwood


 Book Excerpt:

"A father's deadly secret. A cartel's ruthless revenge. A daughter's fight for survival—before her past consumes her.

Miranda Chase thought she'd finally won. After twenty-five years of torment, she put her father—the man who abused her, manipulated the system, and evaded justice—behind bars for good. But when the FBI strikes a deal to free him in exchange for bringing down a deadly cartel, Miranda's world shatters once more.

Hasta le Muerte doesn't forgive. The gang wants blood for the betrayal that landed their leader in prison—and they know exactly where to find it. A chilling message clarifies that Miranda and her brother Tyler are the next targets. As she races to uncover the cartel's next move, she realizes her father is playing his own game. He's always been three steps ahead, and now, with his freedom within reach, he's more dangerous than ever.

With time running out and nowhere to hide, Miranda must outmaneuver a ruthless cartel and the monster who raised her. Because if she fails, she won't just lose her case—she'll lose her life."

Final Justice is an exciting, blood-pumping legal thriller written by Freya Atwood and published by Cobalt Fairy.

Title:  Final Justice
Author:  Freya Atwood
Publisher:  Cobalt Fairy LLC
Series:  Miranda Chase Legal Thriller Book 5
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Five
Review:
"Final Justice" by Freya Atwood

My Insight:  
"Final Justice" was a captivating read that provided a satisfying conclusion to Miranda's journey. The narrative was filled with courtroom drama, keeping you on the edge of your seat with its dynamic characters. Moments of revelation changed everything for Miranda, especially when a trusted friend turned out to be someone very different. I won't give too much away, but it's a story worth picking up to see how it unfolds for her.
The extended epilogue was beautifully crafted. It gave Miranda a glimpse of happiness that had long been absent, and this poignant wrap-up left me hopeful for her future.

The Night Stalker In Court: A Serial Killers Legal Thriller (The Serial Killers Legal Thriller Series Book 3) Kindle Edition by Ellis Keler


 Book Excerpt:

"He hunted in the shadows, but now the spotlight is on him. Justice isn't the only thing on trial in The Night Stalker in Court…

About the book

A brutal predator…

A town demanding justice…

A lawyer defending the indefensible…

The Night Stalker's reign of terror is over, but the true nightmare is just beginning for defense attorney Vivienne Cross. With the world against her and the evidence damning, Vivienne takes on the case no one else will touch—because Marcus Reed chose her.

As the trial twists darker, chilling secrets surface—about Marcus, his victims, and Vivienne herself. And when the line between justice and horror blurs, one truth becomes clear:

Some monsters wear masks—and not all are on trial."


The Night Stalker In Court is an exciting, blood-pumping legal thriller, written by Ellis Keler and published by Cobalt Fairy.

If you enjoy strong characters, action-packed courtroom drama, and mind-blowing murder mysteries, you'll love Ellis' intriguing story."

Title: The Night Stalker in Court
Author: Ellis Keler
Publisher: Cobalt Fairy LLC
Series: The Serial Killers Legal Thriller Book 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Night Stalker In Court" by Ellis Keler

My Insight:

"The Night Stalker" presents a complex legal battle for attorney Vivienne Cross, who finds herself defending Marcus Reed, a man clearly guilty of heinous murders. Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, Vivienne believes it's crucial to delve into the reasons behind his actions to spare him from the death penalty. The dynamics between Vivienne and Marcus add an unsettling layer to the narrative, as his peculiar behavior unfolds throughout the trial.

This thrilling story will grip you from start to finish, compelling you to delve deeper into the motivations and secrets that lie beneath the surface. Readers question the boundaries between justice and morality as the courtroom drama intensifies. If you want to discover the ultimate fate of Vivienne and her client, you'll need to follow the twists and turns of this captivating tale.

No Ordinary Love by Myah Ariel


 Book Excerpt:

"A PR partnership between a pop superstar and a pro-athlete bad boy turns into so much more in this swoony romance from the acclaimed author of When I Think of You.

Ella Simone's popstar life is what dreams are made of. Her eight-year marriage to renowned music producer Elliot Majors has helped her garner the hits, awards, and adoring fans to prove it. But when she tires of Elliot's many infidelities, she fights for her independence despite the ironclad prenup that threatens her career. 

To help her case, Ella is under strict orders to stick to The Plan: no headlines, no rumors, no rocking the boat. But this strategy is thrown a curveball after an awards show wardrobe snafu and quick rescue by Miles Westbrook, MLB's most eligible player, sends the tabloids into a frenzy. Amid tricky divorce proceedings, Ella's magnetic connection with the charismatic pitcher might just be her downfall.

Now the pressure is on to turn a scandal into an opportunity and give their teams what they want: a picture-perfect performance that will shore up both Ella and Miles' reputations. But as the lines between reality and PR blur, Ella will either stick to the choreographed life she knows so well or surrender to a love that could set her free.

Title:  No Ordinary Love
Author:  Myah Ariel
Publisher:  Berkley
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"No Ordinary Love" by Myah Ariel

My Insight:

 'No Ordinary Love' is an engaging romantic story featuring Ella and Miles, keeping readers hooked from beginning to end. Seeing how the player, Elliot, fits into the narrative is intriguing. The story revolves around Ella, an R&B star going through a divorce, and Miles, a professional baseball player. I don't want to reveal too much and spoil the plot, but prepare for a beautifully written story showcasing a strong woman navigating her way in today's world.
Thank you, Net Gallery and Berkley, for a good read.




Thank you, Net Gallery and Berkley Publishing, for the read.






'No Ordinary Love' is an engaging romantic story featuring Ella and Miles, keeping readers hooked from beginning to end. It is intriguing to see how the player, Elliot, fits into the narrative. The story revolves around Ella, an R&B star going through a divorce, and Miles, a professional baseball player. I don't want to reveal too much and spoil the plot, but prepare for a beautifully written story showcasing a strong woman navigating her way in today's world.

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Tilt A Novel by Emma Pattee

Book Excerpt:

"Set over one day, a heart-racing debut about a woman facing the unimaginable, determined to find safety.

Last night, you and I were safe. Last night, your father and I stood fighting in the kitchen in another universe.

Annie is nine months pregnant and shopping for a crib at IKEA when a massive earthquake hits Portland, Oregon. There's nothing to do but walk with no way to reach her husband, no phone or money, and a chaotic city.

Making her way across the wreckage of Portland, Annie experiences human desperation and kindness: strangers offering help, a riot at a grocery store, and an unlikely friendship with a young mother. As she walks, Annie reflects on her struggling marriage, her disappointing career, and her anxiety about having a baby. If she can just make it home, she's determined to change her life.

A propulsive debut, Tilt is a primal scream of a novel about the disappointments and desires we all carry and what we will do for the people we love."

Title:  Tilt

Author:  Emma Pattee

Publisher:  Simon Element S&S/ Marysue Rucci Books

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

'Tilt' by Emma Pattee

My Insight:  

'Tilt' was quite a suspenseful read,  as was what happened to Annie during an earthquake in Portland, Oregon. While at the store, an earthquake occurred while Annie went shopping for a crib.   Being pregnant in her 37th week, her first baby, while looking for her husband, what will happen after this disaster? Annie will have many flashbacks as we are given a story of what happened before the earthquake. Be ready for wanting more of this story after reading about what happens when a natural disaster happens, how it will be taken in with how people react, and especially what happens while one is pregnant. This was a good read, but an epilogue would have been nice at the close of this story.  

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.





 

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

The Love Simulation by Etta Easton


 Book Excerpt:

"A passionate vice principal and a guarded science teacher compete for a grand prize, only to realize their budding relationship might be the actual jackpot.

Brianna Rogers has been told a time (or six) she needs to stop jumping into things head first. But when the principal rescinds his approval for a library upgrade, deciding to spend the money on a football field instead, she sees red. Literally, Brianna throws her hat in the ring and joins a team of teachers who will spend their summer in a Mars simulation. As the sister of an astronaut, this should be easy, right? What she didn't count on was the last-minute addition to the team—Roman Major: science teacher, son of the principal, and too handsome for his own good.

Roman and Brianna have been hot and cold all year, and living in close quarters intensifies their animosity and attraction. Brianna is sure he's been sent by his father to sabotage them, foiling their chance at prize money that will cover all of the school's actual needs. But each day, Roman proves himself to be a dedicated teammate—and Brianna finds herself falling harder and harder. While it's clear the feeling is mutual, she can't shake the sense that he's hiding something. As the simulation nears its end, Brianna realizes she may have to make an impossible choice between the school she's dedicated herself to and the man who has won his way into her heart."

Title: The Love Simulation
Author: Etta Easton
Publisher: Berkley
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"The Love Simulation" by Etta Easton

My Insight:

"The Love Simulation" is an enchanting romance that masterfully navigates the delicate dance from rivals to lovers while weaving in the complexities of workplace dynamics and the struggles of unspoken feelings. Brianna and Roman's relationship transformation is heartwarming, especially as they bravely peel back their layers and reveal their genuine emotions. I was particularly impressed by how the author skillfully managed conflicts, crafting natural and deeply satisfying resolutions.

At the heart of the story is Vice Principal Brianna Rogers, who embarks on a thrilling journey with her fellow teachers in a Mars simulation, eager to win a substantial prize that would revitalize her school's neglected library. Despite the obstacles created by the principal's misguided choices, Brianna is relentlessly determined to make a meaningful difference for her students. The underlying tension between her and Roman adds a tantalizing layer to the narrative, sparking chemistry amidst their rivalry.

Are you curious about how it all unfolds? This delightful story beckons readers to dive in and experience the author's captivating storytelling and richly developed character. It's a must-read that promises to charm and inspire!





Saturday, March 1, 2025

The Weekend: A Snowed In Story (The Lovers Series) Kindle Edition by Aja


 Book Excerpt:

"Janelle Carter's birthday escape to Aspen becomes an unforgettable affair when she meets Malcolm Pierce, a man whose gaze burns as hot as the firelight between them. What begins as an accidental collision of lives in the snowy mountains turns into a weekend of raw passion and undeniable connection. But when the storm ends, will they walk away, or will this be the start of something they've both been waiting for?

The Lovers Series: Tales of passion, play, and undeniable chemistry—where every romance is an experience you'll never forget. These are STANDALONE stories. Visit ajathewriter.com for more information about her work."


Title:  The Weekend

Author:  Aja

Publisher Date:  January 18, 2025

Series:  The Lovers Series

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

'The Weekend' by Aja


My Insight:


'The Weekend' is another great romance from this author. I found it interesting how Asha Sinclair and Ezra Bishop met, especially since Asha thought she would be spending her birthday alone. But will she really be alone? What will happen when Asha and Ezra cross paths? Their encounter leads to one steamy adventure.


Please pick up this captivating series to see if these two can make it work. You'll be eagerly awaiting the next installment!


The Arrangement: A Friends With Benefits Story (The Lovers Series) Kindle Edition by Aja


 Book Excerpt:

"Asha Sinclair doesn't do relationships. Ezra Bishop has been waiting for her to change her mind. Their casual, convenient, and complication-free arrangement was supposed to be enough. But when Asha needs a date for her sister's wedding, lines blur, rules break, and suddenly, pretending feels like something real."

Title: The Arrangement
Author: Aja
Publisher: She Loves Words Publishing LLC (February 20, 2025)
Series: The Lovers Series
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Arrangement" by Aja

My Insight:

If you are looking for a captivating erotic romance, then "The Arrangement" is definitely for you. The journey of Asha and Ezra as they navigate their feelings and eventually come together is beautifully written. I appreciated how Ezra, with great patience, reached his limit, forcing Asha to confront the reality of potentially losing something significant by clinging to her past. This installment in the series is engaging, and I found it hard to put down. There's so much more to explore, so get ready for a thrilling ride!



Final Justice: A Miranda Chase Legal Thriller (Miranda Chase Legal Thriller Series Book 5) Kindle Edition by Freya Atwood

 Book Excerpt: " A father's deadly secret. A cartel's ruthless revenge. A daughter's fight for survival—before her past con...