Lightning in Her Hands by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

 Book Excerpt:

"Gifted—or cursed—with the power to influence the weather, one woman must embrace her wild heart in the following electric romance from the author of Witch of Wild Things.

Teal Flores is desperate for control over her gift of weather and a date to her ex's wedding. The first is only possible once she finds her long-lost mother, but the second has a very handsome last-ditch solution: Carter Velasquez.

Carter needs Teal, too. His chance of receiving an inheritance depends on his marriage by age thirty (blame his traditional Cuban grandmother), so who better to pose as his wife than Teal? But fake marriage and cohabitation prove tricky when mutual attraction charges the atmosphere—quite literally for Teal, whose volatile emotions cause lightning strikes.

Together, Teal and Carter embark on a quest to find her mother and the answers she's searching for. But along the way, they'll discover something even better: a love that can weather any storm."

Title:  Lightning in Her Hands

Author:  Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

Publisher:  Berkley

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four
Review:

"Lightning in Her Hands" by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

My Perception:  

'Lightning in Her Hands' was a good read about three sisters, a mother, and magic. There is another book I didn't read, but you can keep up with what is going on without reading the first book, 'Witch of Wild Things. 

Teal, one of the sisters, seems to have had her magic broken by her mom. What was that all about? Why was Teal wanting to get her control of her magic back at this time? Well, a best friend named Carter wants to mend their relationship, and when he presents a fake proposal, she accepts. Be ready for a journey that these characters will go on. I will say the two main characters [Teal and Carter]were something else in all the presented trauma. There will be 'trauma, neglect and abuse' that will continue, but I will stop here and say you must pick this story up and see how well this author presents magical realism, especially if you like magic in one's intriguing romance.   

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Wedding Engagement by Zoe Allison

 Book Excerpt:

"Planning a wedding is so romantic . . . except when it's not yours, and you're planning it with the guy you're secretly crushing on. 

Scottish schoolteacher Liv Holland has a secret. For years, she's been carrying a torch for Arran Adebayo, her brother's best friend. A blind date gone wrong cements in Liv's mind that Arran has no romantic interest in her whatsoever. But then, with her brother set to marry her best friend, she and Arran are enlisted to help plan the festivities…

After being left at the altar by his ex, single father Arran is having trouble managing his growing feelings towards the woman who is both his best friend's sister and his son's teacher: Liv. Then, his mind is blown when fate thrusts them together for an unexpected blind date, but he messes up his chance to tell her how he feels.
 
As the big day approaches and Liv and Arran's connection intensifies, their chemistry chafes against their checkered romantic histories. Risking everything for love could mean losing each other forever . . . or being the next ones to find their happy ever after."

Title:  The Wedding Engagement

Author:  Zoe Allison

Publisher:  Berkley

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"The Wedding Engagement" by Zoe Allison

My Perception:  

If you are into a read of friends-to-lover romances, you have come to the right place.

Indeed, Liv and Arran were a lovely, cute couple, along with Arran's son Jayce.

I enjoyed reading about how these two had some problems to overcome and how well they were resolved in the end due to crossing the line of their solid friendship.  

The author did a fantastic job of bringing these two together. The secondary characters were also outstanding, and let's remember that Scotland's wedding setting gave the reader an incredible, sweet story and enjoyable ending.  

Thank you to NetGalley and the Berkley publisher for the ARC!

The Lawyer's Redemption by Freya Atwood

 

Book Excerpt:

"He betrayed everyone to survive, and now Benjamin Wolfe seeks redemption through justice.

His two life-or-death goals are to find his best friend's murderer and win the case that could save his brother—both of which he's responsible for.

But redemption comes at a price, and the highest may be sacrificing himself."

Title: The Lawyer's Redemption
Author: Freya Atwood
Publisher: Cobalt Fairy LLC.
Series: Island of Secrets Legal Thriller Series Book 6
Reviewed By: Arlena Den
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Lawyer's Redemption" by Freya Atwood

My Perception:

'The Lawyer's Redemption' series 6 was one of the best legal thrillers. The story deals with Ben Wolfe, his brother Nicholas, Lars Hansen, Sophie, Noah, Harper, Ingrid, and a few more characters, giving the reader quite a story. It would be best to keep up with the story because there are so many twists and turns. The story is a page-turner that will keep your interest until the end.

To understand this intriguing story, start reading from series 1.

Remember the extended epilog. It explains quite a bit if you still haven't figured out who killed Lar and why.

Book Club Kit: My Beautiful Black Hair by St. Clair Detrick-Jules by We Are Bookish

 Book Excerpt:

"This is a downloadable and printable resource for book clubs reading My Beautiful Black Hair by St. Clair Detrick-Jules. The kit includes an author interview, discussion questions, and more. This is not the actual book. This kit was sponsored by Chronicle Books."

Title:  Book Club Kit:  My Beautiful Black Hair

Author:  St Clair Detrick-Jules

Publisher:  We Are Bookish

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"My Beautiful Black Hair" by St. Clair Detrick-Jules

My Perception:  

This was quite an exciting kit, including the interview with the author, which kept the subject on track during the open discussion questions. The book suggestions and bookmarks were excellent for use during the discussions. This was well put together for a book club meeting with you, and you have everything you need. This was definitely helpful for anyone 'starting to look after their hair' and a fantastic kit that any book club could use.  

Thank you to NetGalley, We Are Bookish publisher and the author of the book club kit!

Twisted Law: An Alex Peterson Legal Thriller by: Ellis Keler

 Book Excerpt:

"When a powerful lawyer is accused of murdering his wife, Alex Peterson has no choice but to help him.

Alex's life is a never-ending battle for justice, but he knows that sometimes the law must be broken. Even if it's to aid his worst enemy…

To keep a devastating secret hidden and protect his ex-wife, Alex must walk a perilous path where every decision could be his last.

Twisted Law is an exciting, blood-pumping legal thriller written by Ellis Keler 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 Ellis' intriguing story."

Title:  Twisted Law

Author:  Ellis Keler

Publisher: Cobalt Fairy LLC  

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five 

Review:

"Twisted Law" by Ellis Keler

My Perception:

'Twisted Law' was quite a read. Once you start reading about how lawyer Alex Peterson handles this client he didn't like for murder, you will keep turning the pages until the end. Indeed, this attorney, Mark Anderson, who wanted Alex to defend him for murder, was something else.   However, Alex never trusted him, and it all came together so well in the end.  This was indeed a good story that ended just right!

Twined Law: An Alex Peterson Legal Thriller (Alex Peterson Legal Thriller Series Book 6) Kindle Edition by Ellis Keler

 Book Excerpt:

"When a powerful lawyer is accused of murdering his wife, Alex Peterson has no choice but to help him.

Alex's life is a never-ending battle for justice, but he knows that sometimes the law must be broken. Even if it's to aid his worst enemy…

To keep a devastating secret hidden and protect his ex-wife, Alex must walk a perilous path where every decision could be his last.

Twined Law is an exciting blood-pumping legal thriller, written by Ellis Keler and published by Cobalt Fairy.

If you are an avid fan of strong characters, action packed courtroom drama, and mind blowing murder mystery, then you'll love Ellis' intriguing story."

Title:  Twined Law

Author:  Ellis Keler

Publisher:  Cobalt Fairy LLC

Series:  Alex Peterson Legal Thriller Series Book 6

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:

Review:

"Twined Law" by Ellis Keler

My Perception:

'Twined Law' was quite a read. Once you start reading about how lawyer Alex Peterson handles this client he didn't like for murder, you will keep turning the pages until the end. Indeed, this attorney, Mark Anderson, who wanted Alex to defend him for murder, was something else.   However, Alex never trusted him, and it all came together so well in the end.  This was indeed a good story that ended just right!

Heartless (Carolina Heat Book 1) Kindle Edition by Cassie Verano

 Book Excerpt:

"Dance instructor and studio owner Meadow Maxwell was raised to understand that anything worth having has to be earned. Married to the man of her dreams, she only has one wish: to become a mother. Meadow's seemingly carefree and perfect life is upended when a stranger walks into her studio and assaults her, setting the stage for the beginning of her downfall.

Onyx Maxwell was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He's never been denied anything that his heart desires. The one thing he and his wife want seems dismissed and rejected, and he doesn't understand why. Incapable of handling the senseless attack on his wife or her ensuing depression as she pushes Onyx away, he finds comfort in the arms of his first love.

Their marital tension mounts as the thermostat creeps into three digits this summer. Meado will make a decision that alters them forever, forcing Onyx to face the consequences of his actions.

He has to turn away from the only woman who's ever understood him and chase after the only woman he pledged his life to. Will his love be strong enough to save their marriage, or will their shattered hearts be too far apart to reconcile?"

Title:  Heartless

Author:  Cassie Verano

Publisher:  C.V.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Heartless" by Cassie Verano

My Perception:  

"Heartless" is an exciting story. Meadow and Onyx Maxwell's journey certainly seems to be full of twists and turns, especially with their differing desires and the challenges they face. It's interesting to see how they navigate through their issues and find a way to come together, with the involvement of other characters adding to the complexity of their story. The author did a great job of portraying the inner workings of the characters' minds and how their decisions impact their relationship. It seems like "Heartless" is a compelling read, and I appreciate your insightful commentary on the book's themes and character dynamics.