An Unexpected Spark Kindle Edition by Delaney Diamond

 Book Excerpt:

"It's never too late to learn from our mistakes...

Tallulah Washington believes in energy, intuition, and the healing power of sage. Jamison Harris believes in efficiency, logic, and arriving fifteen minutes early. When their kids announce a whirlwind engagement, these two complete opposites are forced together—and it’s a disaster from the start.

But disaster has a funny way of turning into chemistry.

Between cake tastings gone wrong, dance lessons, and one very inconvenient spark, Tallulah and Jamison discover that maybe they don’t hate each other as much as they thought.

The two least likely people might be the ones to prove that love is worth the risk."

Title: An Unexpected Spark
Author: Delaney Diamond
Publisher: Garden Avenue Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
'An Unexpected Spark' by Delaney Diamond

My Review:

'An Unexpected Spark' was a nice romance, with Tallulah and Jamison finding love. Now the story will get even more interesting, as the story centers on an older couple who meet when their children fall in love and plan to marry as the story continues.

The story will keep one's attention from the beginning to the end, showing how it all comes together for both couples. By the end, you are given a good love story.

Before We Were Strangers Kindle Edition by Brenda Novak

 Book Excerpt:

"New York Times–Bestselling Author: "I loved this twisty tale of friends, enemies, lovers, liars, and a family fractured by secrets." —Susan Wiggs

Five-year-old Sloane McBride couldn't sleep that night. Her parents were arguing again, their harsh words heating the cool autumn air. And then there was that other sound—the ominous thump before all went quiet.

In the morning, her mother was gone.

The official story was that she left. Her loving, devoted mother! That hadn't sat any better at the time than it did when Sloane moved out at eighteen, anxious to leave her small Texas hometown in search of anywhere else. But not even a fresh start working as a model in New York could keep the nightmares at bay. Or her fears that the domineering father she grew up with wasn't just difficult—he was deadly.

Now another traumatic loss forces Sloane to realize she owes it to her mother to find out the truth, even if it means returning to a town full of secrets and lies, a jilted ex-boyfriend, and a father and brother who'd rather see her silenced. But as Sloane starts digging into the past, the question isn't whether she can uncover what really happened that night—it's what will remain of her family if she does . . ."

Title:  Before We Were Strangers

Author:  Brenda Novak

Publisher:  Mira

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

'Before We Were Strangers' by Brenda Novak

My Review:  

'Before We Were Strangers' was quite an interesting Thriller that kept me turning the pages to see what was coming next, with romance, mystery, family drama, and even a murder. Be ready for lots of twists and turns in this story that will keep you turning, shaking your head, and saying, "I didn't see that coming," along with a lot of guessing. There were many interesting characters with flaws all over the place. By the end, this was a good, interesting story.  

Save the Date A Novel by Mallory Kass

 Book Excerpt:'

"A romantic comedy of manners about a lavish wedding weekend gone very, very wrong with the slow-burn romance of Emily Henry and the fizzy humor of Sophie Kinsella.

The Bride: Beautiful, seemingly carefree Marigold is tired of being treated like a shallow it-girl. That's one of the many reasons she's excited to marry Jonathan—the handsome, kind, respectable doctor of her dreams. So when a shocking secret from her past threatens to ruin her wedding, she'll do anything to make it disappear...even if it means tracking down a man she vowed to avoid forever.

The Maid of Honor: As the bride's best friend, all Natalie wants is for this wedding to go off without a hitch. There's only one problem: Natalie has secretly been in love with the groom since college. When Marigold disappears, Natalie is forced to ask whether she can keep burying her feelings for the sake of friendship...or if she's ready to risk everything to pursue her own happy ending.

The Sister: Olivia has spent her life cleaning up Marigold's messes. So she's determined to keep the wedding on track for the sake of their mother, who's battling cancer and longs for one last perfect weekend. But when Jonathan's best man—a prickly academic with a heart of gold—ropes her into a fake dating scheme, sparks unexpectedly fly. Will Olivia sacrifice her own happiness again, or could this fake relationship turn into the truest choice she's ever made?

Heartwarming, hilarious, and sparklingly romantic, Save the Date will have you cheering for love in all its messy, unexpected glory.

Title:  Save the Date

Author:  Mallory Kass

Publisher:  Atria Books

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Save the Date" by Mallory Kass

My Review:

'Save the Date' was a beautifully told romantic comedy, funny, full of heart, and full of chaos. The three main characters give us much, being about family and friends, and the story gives the reader a sense of realism, plenty of humor, and the messiness that came with it, along with the hurt, chaos, and love.

'Save the Date' was a good novel to pick up and read. The reader will get a lot from all that goes on in this well-written story.

Thank you so much to @netgalley and @atriabooks for this wonderful ARC! 

Thank you so much to @netgalley and @atriabooks for this wonderful ARC! 

Love by the Book A Novel by Jessica George

 Book Excerpt:

"Friendship is the love story you can count on.

Remy is lucky. Her debut novel, based on her three best friends, became an instant bestseller when it was released, and her agent and publisher are clamoring for a follow-up. But just as Remy's creative inspiration seems to leave her, so too do her friends: one moves to New York, one gets pregnant, and one gets back together with her (awful) boyfriend. After an ill-advised one-night stand complicates matters further, Remy is left deeply alone—and unable to find her next book idea.

Simone is successful. A Kindergarten teacher with a passion for kids, and a well-paying side hustle that affords her all the material comforts she desires, she doesn't have time for a robust social life. All Simone needs is her close-knit family—but after the true nature of her work is revealed, they cut her off, and she realizes for the first time just how isolated she is.

When Simone and Remy bump into each other (literally) in a bookstore, it isn't exactly soulmates at first sight. Simone is guarded and prickly, Remy is insecure and heartbroken, and each woman is harboring a secret. And yet they might just be the missing piece the other has been searching for—if only they can let each other in.

Can Simone help Remy make one of the most important decisions of her life—and can Remy help Simone recover all that she's lost? In Jessica George's heartwarming, funny, and soulful second novel, she explores the restorative nature of female friendship and the life-changing power of platonic love."

Title:  Love by the Book

Author:  Jessica George

Publisher:  St. Martin's Press

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Love by the Book" by Jessica George

My Review:

  

"Love by the Book" by Jessica George is a delightful and deeply engaging read that explores the profound nature of female friendship. The characters are wonderfully crafted and well-developed as they navigate themes of secrets, pressure, and loneliness.

The story beautifully captures the strength of their friendship and the love they share.

 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore – The Complete Screenplay Kindle Edition by J.K. Rowling

 Book Excerpt:

"Professor Albus Dumbledore knows the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald is moving to seize control of the wizarding world. Unable to stop him alone, he entrusts Magi zoologist Newt Scamander to lead an intrepid team of wizards, witches, and one brave Muggle baker on a dangerous mission, where they encounter old and new beasts and clash with Grindelwald's growing legion of followers. But with the stakes so high, how long can Dumbledore remain on the sidelines?

The official screenplay of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is the ultimate companion to the film, and invites readers to explore every scene of the complete original script penned by J.K. Rowling & Steve Kloves. Special features include behind-the-scenes content and commentary from David Yates, David Heyman, Jude Law, Eddie Redmayne, Colleen Atwood and more."

Title:  Fantastic Beast: The Secrets of Dumbledore

Author:  J.K. Rowling

Publisher:  Pottermore Publishing

Series:  Book 3 of 5 ‏ : ‎ Fantastic Beasts

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

Fantastic Beasts:  The Secrets of Dumbledore by J.K. Rowling

My Review:  

'Fantastic Beast:  The Secrets of Dumbledore is definitely one of my favorite series being absolutely beautiful and a wonderful along with its sadness too of a read. If you are a Harry Potter fan, you will definitely like this last series.    Get ready for a read with a good story line and information of Dumbledore of his early life.  

This author did a wonderful job with giving the ready a good read of the Dumbledore family.  And you will enjoy Newt being a sweetheart, Jacob being one with a warrior's heart. If you have seen the movie then you will love the script.  It is simply amazing in how this author brings of all together in the wonderful screenplay read.  

If you are in the Wizarding World then 'Fantastic Beast:  The Secrets of Dumbledore' is the read for you that you will enjoy, especially if you are into Harry Potters fan.

Fearless Entanglement : The Protector, the Antihero, and a Deadly Love Triangle (MacKenzie Crime Family) Kindle Edition by Amarie Avant

 Book Excerpt:

"To destroy a powerful man—target his heir. His seed. His only daughter. Me.

I’m Natasha Resnova. The miracle child who shouldn’t have survived. I hide behind a camera instead of facing my violent, blood-soaked legacy. The Resnov bratva breathes brutality. I breathe silence.

Until one photo puts me in the path of two powerful men.

One sees me.

One hunts me.

And between them, everything shatters.

LORENZO

She was my mark. Vassili Resnov’s daughter—the doorway to vengeance. I returned from a black-ops mission with one objective: seduce Natasha, break her, and use the pieces to burn her father’s empire to the ground.

But Natasha’s not breakable. She’s gorgeous. A light I never knew existed. I wanted her. Damn, I wanted her.

Then he appears, with a look that says he’d destroy the world to save her.

But Lachlan won’t come between me and Natasha.

This will end in blood. Hers.

LACHLAN

I should’ve put her first.

But I’m Lachlan MacKenzie—Dodger’s golden boy with a baseball bat. I tried to juggle it all: my family’s criminal secrets, sports fame, and cherishing Natasha.

I was wrong. And I lost her.

Natasha needed me. I gave her excuses. She offered me her trust. I dropped it.

Now her “friend” Lorenzo circles her, a wolf ready to taste her fear.

I will do anything to regain her affection. Natasha is not just the miracle child of a Bratva king.

She’s my everything.

And I’m done letting monsters near her.

Fearless Entanglement is a pulse-pounding love triangle, laced with dark obsession, hidden agendas, and a love that cuts deeper than lies.

No cheating—only jaw-dropping twists, betrayal, romantic suspense, and an HEA worth the wages of war in this interracial romance!
Other common themes include: Military soldier, MLB baseball player, Russian Bratva, Scottish Crime family mafia, second chances, friends to lovers, hero, possessive anti-hero, dark past and more, some "we're definitely gonna die" energy LOL, all with a smooth finish!"

Title:  Fearless Entanglement

Author:  Amarie Avant

Publisher:  A. A.

Series: MacKenzie Crime Family

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'Fearless Entanglement' by Amaire Avant

My Review:  

"Fearless Entanglement" is an action-packed, brilliantly written novel that kept me eagerly turning the pages. The characters, Lachlan and Natasha, are well developed, and there are several others that readers will enjoy, along with a few who may not be as appealing. I encourage you to pick up this captivating story to discover the intrigues surrounding the Scots and the Mackenzie's, filled with drama, secrets, lies, and betrayal.

Get ready for a tale rich in action, combined with a love story that the author tells exceptionally well.

When We Were Friends: A Short Story Kindle Edition by Jane Green

Book Excerpt:

"From New York Times bestselling author Jane Green comes a riveting story about a friendship that turns ugly when a woman realizes her new best friend is not what she seems.

By all accounts, Lucy’s handled her divorce well. She’s finally in the cozy, plant-filled house of her dreams. And although she doesn’t fit in with the other divorcées—all busy looking for their next ex—she’s excited to get down to earth and savor the small joys of life.

When Lucy meets Elle, a hip younger woman who shares her same passions, their connection is instant. Taking a chance on kismet, Lucy forges a friendship that fills her days with meaning. She and Elle are inseparable, from sunup to sundown, enjoying the immediate ease and familiarity of each other’s company.

But as Lucy introduces Elle to her circle, a new side of her friend appears. And try as she might, Lucy can’t ignore her misgivings. Who is Elle really? And can their all-consuming friendship survive closer inspection?"

Title:  When We Were Friends

Author:  Jane Green

Publisher:  Amazon Original Stories

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

'When We Were Friends' by Jane Green

My Review:

This captivating short story follows Lucy, a recently divorced woman, and Elle, a younger woman. Simon's addition adds depth to this intriguing narrative. To fully appreciate the complexities and surprising twists that unfold, I highly recommend diving into this quick read.

Get ready for a beautifully crafted tale that will leave you with an unexpected conclusion.