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!



Tuesday, February 18, 2025

The Science of Racism Everything You Need to Know but Probably Don’t—Yet by Keon West


 Book Excerpt:

"In this frank, funny, and meticulous book, a leading social scientist lays out the striking facts we know about racism, how we have uncovered them, and how we can start to fix them."

Studies and surveys show, time and again, that about 50 percent of people believe that racism is no longer an issue today. The other half would disagree—vehemently. Much of the writing on the subject of race and racism is equally divisive, in large part because so much of it is based on opinion and personal experience. It's not grounded in empiricism. It's not science.

In The Science of Racism, social psychologist Keon West corrects that idea, moving this urgent conversation beyond anecdote and polemic in search of conclusive answers and solutions. Starting with a fascinating look at experiments around race in hiring, Dr. West brilliantly and methodically walks readers through our comprehensive understanding of this controversial topic. He looks at how racism impacts every stage and all facets of life, from birth to death, in education, work and business, friendships and relationships, police and the justice system, and healthcare. He also looks at the challenges around studying these questions, how we can uncover the truth, and where we go from here: why unconscious bias training can actually make things worse and what systems and techniques can lead us to a more equitable future."

Title: The Science of Racism
Author: Keon West
Publisher: Abrams Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"The Science of Racism" by Keon West

My Insight:

"The Science of Racism" was an interesting and well-written read. If you believe that racism is nonexistent, this book is a must-read. Dr. West effectively illuminates the reality of racism today, providing compelling evidence through various studies demonstrating its ongoing impact. His explanations are thorough and accessible, making complex concepts more manageable for the reader to understand.

Thank you to Net Galley and Abrams Press for the opportunity to read this insightful work in advance.

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Justice For Her Past: A Miranda Chase Legal Thriller (Miranda Chase Legal Thriller Series Book 4) Kindle Edition by Freya Atwood


 Book Excerpt:

"A father's murder. A daughter on trial. A courtroom bombshell no one saw coming.

Miranda Chase has spent twenty-five years believing she and her brother killed their abusive father. Now, facing a lifetime behind bars, she's prepared to fight for her freedom—until the man she supposedly murdered walks into the courtroom alive.

The case against her crumbles, but the truth is far more terrifying. Someone was buried that night. Someone died by her hand. And someone wants to make damn sure she never finds out who.

With the FBI shielding her father, her brother tangled in a web of secrets, and a past that won't stay buried, Miranda is running out of allies—and time. Because the closer she gets to the truth, the clearer it becomes…
She's not the only one with blood on her hands."

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

Title: Justice for Her Past
Author: Freya Atwood
Publisher: Cobalt Fairy LLC (January 29, 2025)
Series: Miranda Chase Legal Thriller Series Book 4
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Justice For Her Past" by Freya Atwood

My Insight:

"Justice For Her Past" is an engaging legal thriller series that answers many questions about Miranda's future. The author's well-told story reveals a lot and keeps readers hooked with its many twists and turns. Additionally, the extended epilogue offers further insights into Miranda's future, enriching the overall experience for the reader.

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Last Twilight in Paris by Pam Jenoff

 




Book Except:

"London, 1953. Louise is still adjusting to her postwar role as a housewife when she discovers a necklace in a box at a secondhand shop. The box is marked with the name of a department store in Paris, and she is confident she had seen the necklace before when she worked with the Red Cross in Nazi-occupied Europe — and that it holds the key to the mysterious death of her friend Franny during the war.

Following the trail of clues to Paris, Louise seeks help from her former boss, Ian, with whom she shares a romantic history. The necklace leads them to discover the dark history of Lévitan — a once-glamorous department store that served as a Nazi prison — and Helaine, a woman who was imprisoned there, torn apart from her husband when the Germans invaded France.

Louise races to find the connection between the necklace, the department store, and Franny's death. But nothing is as it seems, and forces are determined to keep the truth buried forever. Inspired by the true story of Lévitan, Last Twilight in Paris is both a gripping mystery and an unforgettable story about sacrifice, resistance, and the power of love to transcend in even the darkest hours."

Title:  Last Twilight in Paris

Author:  Pam Jenoff

Publisher:  Harlequin Trade Publishing Park Row

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

'Last Twilight in Paris' by Pam Jenoff

My Insight:

'Last Twilight' is a unique story set during WWII. It was co-authored by two and provides readers with an engaging novel. 

The narratives of Louise, Joe, Gabriel, and Helaine are particularly captivating. While the story addresses various horrors of war, it also weaves in elements of romance. Overall, the reader experiences a blend of history and storytelling that includes unexpected twists and turns and themes of hope, love, and betrayal, all of which keep the reader turning the pages until the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance reading of your book.





The Love Lyric by Kristina Forest

 

Book Excerpt:

"An R&B singer and a corporate executive find love that hits the right notes in this romance by Kristina Forest, USA Today bestselling author of The Partner Plot.


Iris Greene used to be a woman with a plan. But all that changed after she met the love of her life at twenty-five, got pregnant and married…and then became a widow and a single mother in just over two years. After years of hustling, Iris is the director of partnerships at a beauty company and raising sweet six-year-old Calla by herself. Despite her busy life, she still can't help but feel lonely. She just needs to catch her breath—and one night, at her sister's wedding, when she steps outside to do just that, she sees a particular singer who takes her breath away. . . .

By all accounts, pop R&B singer Angel Hughes has it made. He's a successful musician and has just scored a brand ambassador deal with an emerging beauty company. But he's still not fulfilled; he's not producing songs he's passionate about, and there's a gaping hole in his love life. When he visits the Save Face Beauty office to kickstart his campaign, he's delighted to see Iris, his stylist's sister—the beautiful woman he's secretly had a crush on for years.

Despite their obvious attraction to each other, they must stay professional throughout the campaign tour—a goal that doesn't quite pan out. But when it becomes clear their lives aren't in sync, can they fall back in step to the same rhythm and beat?"

"Kristina Forest's Green Sisters series blends swoon-worthy romantic moments with a healthy dose of sisterly bonding and a dash of glitz and glamor. Each book is a well-rounded treat."—Alexis Daria, bestselling author of You Had Me at Hola

Title:  The Love Lyric

Author:  Kristina Forest

Publisher:   Berkley

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'The Love Lyric' by Kristina Forest

My Insight:

"The Love Lyric" is a heartwarming read featuring the Green Sisters, mainly focusing on Iris, a widow navigating her new life. She finds herself drawn to Angel, a musician who seems like he should be off-limits, leading to a tension-filled relationship that raises questions about their circumstances. This book captures grief and drama and a budding romance that keeps the reader engaged. The dynamic between Iris and Angel is compelling, and adding Iris's supportive sisters and her daughter further enhances the narrative. I appreciated the character development, especially how Iris learns to let go of her 'fear and obligation,' which allows her to grow. Kristina Forest expertly weaves together love, loss, and music themes, creating a rich, emotional experience. This story is a testament to her storytelling ability and is definitely a must-read for fans of contemporary romance.

Thank you, NetGalley and Berkely, for the early read.

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 rel...