Tuesday, February 3, 2026

One & Only by Maurene Goo


 Book Excerpt:

"In Five Years meets a millennial The Joy Luck Club in the adult debut from the author of YA Reese Pick Throwback— a funny and fresh love story of a woman thrown a curveball by fate, and the family secret that will make her question everything.

She knows what her happily ever after looks like. And it's not him.

Cassia Park believes in soul mates. Fated love stories. It's her family business, after all—for centuries, from Korea to Los Angeles, Park women have peered into clients' past lives to find their one true love, their fated. This magical secret is why One & Only Matchmaking has a 100% guarantee…for everyone but Cassia.

For ten years, Cass has been searching for her fated, a man named Daniel Nam. But he's still nowhere to be found.

And so, on the eve of her 40th birthday, Cass decides to do something for herself. She impulsively has a fling with Ellis. He's twenty-eight, indecently handsome, and not destined to be the love of her life. But she's surprised by their connection and their fling feels like something more—up to the moment he introduces her to his boss…Daniel Nam.

As she battles between fate and chance, head and heart, a family secret is revealed that will make her question everything she's ever known. Cassia will have to decide if she'll follow her fate…or make her own."


Title:  One & Only
Author:  Maurene Goo
Publisher:  Putnam G.P. Putnam's Sons
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"One & Only" by Maurene Goo

My Insight:

"One & Only" is a delightful read that masterfully weaves together an enchanting tapestry of elements: magic, the allure of fate, intricate family drama, poignant choices, heartbreak, a fabulous best friend, a quirky, cursed cockatoo, and moments of sizzling chemistry that will keep you eagerly turning the pages. Prepare yourself for an emotional odyssey that invites you to ponder the nature of destiny and whether you are truly fated for a particular path or can carve your own. The coming-of-age narrative is both thought-provoking and compelling, elevated by a sprinkle of magical realism that resonates long after the final page is turned.

Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.





Good Intentions A Novel by Marisa Walz


 Book Excerpt:

"On the surface, Cady has the perfect life. She has a thriving luxury event-planning business, the man she's loved since she was seventeen, and a social calendar she can barely keep up with. She also has Dana, her identical twin, her most trusted confidante. But when Dana dies suddenly, before Cady can say goodbye, everything shatters.


Yet to her family's alarm, it isn't grief for Dana that consumes her. It's Morgan, a stranger Cady meets in the hospital waiting room that same day—a grieving mother whose tragedy mirrors her own. Cady doesn't believe in coincidences. She becomes convinced that helping Morgan is the key to facing her sister's death.

But is that really what she wants? Or is Cady drawn to Morgan for reasons far more complicated—and dangerous—than she's willing to admit?

Sly, twisted, and irresistibly provocative, Good Intentions explores the moral gray zones we enter when the unthinkable happens—and the dark places obsession can take us."

Title: Good Intentions
Author: Marisa Walz
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Good Intentions" by Marisa Walz

My Review:

"Good Intentions" captivated me from the very first page! This compelling story centers around Cady, who is grappling with the tragic loss of her twin sister, Dana. Soon, she crosses paths with Morgan, another woman who knows the depths of grief after losing her son. Their connection rapidly evolves into an intense obsession, leading them both to a grief support group. What unfolds is a mesmerizing psychological thriller, rich with unexpected twists and layers of complexity. The author weaves an intricate tapestry of emotions and secrets that keeps you fully engaged and guessing until the very end. Trust me; you won't want to miss the breathtaking conclusion that ties everything together in an astonishing way. Get ready for a thrilling ride that will leave you both reflective and inspired!

I want to thank St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.




Sunday, February 1, 2026

Famous Once: A Short Story Kindle Edition by Jane Green


 Book Excerpt:

"From New York Times bestselling author Jane Green comes an unforgettable tale of redemption and reunion, where the echoes of rock and roll fame and the secrets that came with it lead a mother and daughter back to each other.

Former model Astrid Lane lives a quiet life as a caterer, far from her days as the famous wife of rock star Callum Blake. When a retrospective on the 1970s music scene sparks renewed interest in that era, Astrid's estranged daughter, Zara, reaches out about a podcast discussing her father's career—and a long-buried tragedy that changed their family forever.

After a mysterious break-in at Astrid's cottage, mother and daughter find themselves drawn into an unexpected collaboration. Through a collection of old recordings and shared memories, they begin to piece together a story far bigger than their family's past. What they uncover will shake the foundations of rock music history and the influential people who shaped it.

But amid the investigation, something unexpected blooms. As Astrid and Zara work to unravel decades-old secrets, they find themselves building something they'd both given up on: the chance to be mother and daughter again, this time on their own terms."


Title:  Famous Once

Author:  Jane Green

Publisher:  Amazon Original Stories

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Famous Once" by Jane Green


My Review:


"Famous Once" is a captivating, swift read that elegantly weaves together threads of joy and melancholy, delivering a compelling narrative that will keep readers eagerly turning the pages until the very last line. The way the rock star, his estranged wife, and their journalist daughter converge at the story's climax is particularly intriguing, especially as the pivotal tapes reveal hidden truths. Though a short story, it unfurls a rich tapestry of glamour and profound complexity, making it an unexpectedly powerful experience.

Sunday, January 25, 2026

When the Devil Preys by Debra Phillips

Title:  When Devels Prey

Author:  Debra Phillips

Publisher:  D. P.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"When Devils Prey" by Debra Philips

My Review:  

 'When Devils Prey' is a captivating read that takes you on a journey through robbery, church life, and romance, with engaging antics and twists that keep you turning the pages to see what comes next.


The characters are intriguing, including Jhodare Rimsey (Dare), Keetora (Miss Kee), Lydia Prescott, Lynnosha Tisdale, Roy, La Gia, Anasha, Chancy, Brother Samuel Sims, Rev. Jhodane Rimsey, Bozzman King, and Rita Maxwell, to name just a few. There are many more important characters in the story, each contributing to the twists and turns that make 'When Devils Prey' so compelling.

The story begins with a robbery, triggering a chain of events that draws Jhodare into his brother's role as minister when his twin leaves for Africa. Jhodare embraces the move as an opportunity to change, but his involvement with the local church and new neighbors reveals unexpected secrets and complications.

We also delve into Lynnosha's challenges as she looks after her niece and nephew, particularly dealing with Gia's rebellious behavior. How Lynnosha manages her home creates significant tension in the narrative, and you'll want to read more to see how these issues unfold, especially when she gets help from Pastor Dare.

The aftermath of the robbery brings ongoing surprises, including a death and complicated relationships. Dare's efforts to improve his life are tested when his girlfriend involves her ex-boyfriend, who wants something lost in the robbery, leading to confrontations.

Issues involving Ms. Lynnosha, the church treasurer, further complicate the plot, especially as suspicions about church funds arise.

As the story progresses, it raises questions about whether Ms. Kee's ex will confront the pastor about the stolen goods and how the pastor will respond, particularly given the comedic twists in their interactions.
Furthermore, with Ms. Kee's departure and the pastor's interest in Ms. Lynn, you'll wonder whether Dare's aspirations to found his own church will come to fruition and whether he and Ms. Lynn will end up marrying after her previous marriage fell apart.

The narrative leaves you craving an epilogue to understand the fates of various characters, especially Ms. Kee and her complicated relationship with Dare, and the fallout from Gia's actions against her aunt at the church. Then my last question would be what did Dare's brother think of his twin now being a pastor of his own church and married.

In conclusion, 'When Devils Prey' is a thought-provoking story that captures the complexities of life. The author does an excellent job of weaving these narratives together, leaving readers with much to ponder after finishing the book. Thank you for such a compelling story, and I look forward to your future work!

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

When Devils Prey Paperback – October 20, 2025 by Debra Phillips


 Book Excerpt:

"When a smooth-talking thief and his razor-sharp-talking lover target a wealthy elder in a quiet neighborhood, the score goes sideways fast. Dare thought the job would be quick and easy: get in, get the loot, get out, get paid. Unfortunately, his target wasn't just another helpless old woman. Fierce, fearless, and fueled by fire, she fought back hard, shattering Dare's plans that left behind a trail of blood and distrust he never intended."

Title:  When Devels Prey

Author:  Debra Phillips

Publisher:  D. P.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"When Devils Prey" by Debra Philips

My Review:  

'When Devils Prey' was a read that took you all over the place, from robbery to church to romance, and a few more antics that will keep you interested as you turn the pages to see what is coming next.  

I found the characters most interesting from Jhodare Rimsey [Dare], Keetora [Miss Kee], Lydia Prescott, Lynnosha Tisdale,  Roy, La Gia, Anasha, Chancy, Brother Samuel Sims, Rev. Jhodane Rimsey, Bozzman King, and Rita Maxwell. This is to name a few, as I have left some other important ones off this list. But this will keep you reading because there is so much going on in 'When Devils Prey.'

Starting with a robbery and moving on to being a minister because he was taking his brother's place [Rev Jhodane Rimsey's place], since he was leaving for Africa, and his twin Jhodare had moved to his brother's area and needed a job, guess what he did after being offered the pastor's job? Now, I will stop here, not wanting to give too much away. But after the robbery, the twin decided to move to his brother's area to find out he was leaving for Africa to do some missionary work there, and was told he could stay at his twin's place to keep an eye on his house while his twin was gone. Jhodare wanted to change his way of living and thought this would be a good move. However, there is a lot more coming for this twin Dare.

Then Dare meets the neighbor, Ms. Rita... then the church folks...Brother Samuel Sims, Lynnosha Tisdale, and the story picks up where you will say...I didn't see any of this coming.

As the new pastor arrives, Pastor Dare learns a lot about what has been going on at Devine Cross Baptist, especially with Brother Samuel Sims and his lady friends. Will that problem be solved?

Then we come into play with Lynnosha and what is going on with her in the fact that she has been keeping her niece and nephew, which has been a special problem because of what is going on in her own house, and she doesn't seem to have any control over it, especially with that niece, Gia. How will that problem be solved, especially since Gia and Chancy's mother was in prison and Lynn had promised her that she would keep them until her release?  This is where you will have to pick up 'When Devils Prey' to see how well this author brings it all out.  

Now we have many things going on... a robbery where someone dies, a girlfriend, but was she really a girlfriend? Dare wants to change his life, so he decides to move to another area where his twin brother lives. When his girlfriend [Miss Jee tells the ex-boyfriend after he finds her, that her supposedly boyfriend has moved. Now, there will be more about that because the ex-boyfriend lost something he had stolen from him during the robbery that he wanted back, and, by accident, he found out who was in on it.  You must read to find out that information. 

Ok, I will stop here and stay again. This was a story that kept going and gave the reader all kinds of information, so you will have to keep up.

You may wonder why Ms. Lynnosha was having so much trouble with that niece...Well, I will not tell you because I want you to read and see what Gia and Anasaha [her partner] did at a church meeting to get back at Lynn. What will happen when all this mess comes out about Ms. Lynn, the church treasurer?

As the story moves on, will Ms Kee's ex-boy finally meet up with the pastor to get back what was taken from the robbery that belongs to him? Again, you will have to read and see how this will all come out. It was a little funny, especially how this ex-boyfriend was caught... but again, you will have to read for yourself to see how the neighbor across the street from the twins helped and what pastor Dare did in appreciation of all Miss Rita had done.  Ha ha!

With all that had gone on with Ms Kee leaving with Dare's money, and now the pastor was interested in Ms Lynn, and due to what had happened to Ms Lynn at the church, well, it seems like Pastor Dare wanted his own church. Will that happen? Will these two get married, especially after Ms Lynn's first marriage didn't work out?   Well, you will have to see for yourself how well this story opens and closes. 

I wished there had been an epilogue because I would have liked to have known what truly happened to Ms Kee... how do you treat a fiancée like that? Yes, she was now engaged to Dare. For Ms Rita, would she be able to leave Dare alone after what they had done together? And Gia, and her lover... I don't care how mad you are that your aunt, who put you out of her house after all you were doing there was wrong, and yes, you found something she did was bad, but to do what they did to her at church in front of everyone... my, my...my! I felt karma was definitely coming for both of them in the end. After Dare's brother recovered from illness, he was well enough to come home from Africa. What does he think of his twin brother, Dare, who was now a pastor at his own church and was married? Oh well, these are just my thoughts... that I wish I could have gotten more information. Not that this story wasn't full of a little bit of it all, I was still left wondering about some of those people. 

'When Devils Prey' was a deep, good story that will have one thinking a lot after the read. This author did a superb job of giving us a clear picture of what goes on in life, especially in the days we live in now. Thank you for a good story. Keep up your work. You are indeed an excellent writer!

     

******  I have two reviews for 'When Devils Prey  Here is the second review.

'When Devils Prey' is a captivating read that takes you on a journey through robbery, church, romance, and various other things. 'When Devils Prey' was a read that took you all over the place, from theft to church to romance, and a few more antics that will keep you interested as you turn the pages to see what is coming next. Other engaging plots that keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next.
The characters are intriguing, including Jhodare Rimsey (Dare), Keetora (Miss Kee), Lydia Prescott, Lynnosha Tisdale, Roy, La Gia, Anasha, Chancy, Brother Samuel Sims, Rev. Jhodane Rimsey, Bozzman King, and Rita Maxwell, to name just a few. There are many more important characters in the story, each contributing to the twists and turns that make 'When Devils Prey' so compelling. The story begins with a robbery, which sets off a chain of events that leads Jhodare to take on his brother's role as minister while his twin, Rev. Jhodane Rimsey, leaves for Africa on a missionary trip. Moving to his brother's area, Jhodare sees this as an opportunity to change his lifestyle. However, his journey doesn't go as smoothly as planned. After the robbery, he meets his neighbor, Ms. Rita, and becomes involved with the local church community, including Brother Samuel Sims and Lynnosha Tisdale. The plot thickens as Jhodare uncovers various secrets within the church that take him by surprise. We also delve into Lynnosha's challenges as she looks after her niece and nephew, particularly dealing with Gia's rebellious behavior. How Lynnosha manages her home creates significant tension in the narrative, and you'll want to read more to see how these issues unfold, especially when she gets help from Pastor Dare. The story keeps delivering surprises as it explores the aftermath of the robbery, including a death and relationships that are more complicated than they seem. Dare, trying to improve his life, finds himself in a precarious situation when his supposed girlfriend informs her ex-boyfriend about his location. The ex-boyfriend is determined to retrieve something important that went missing during the robbery, leading to unexpected confrontations. There are issues involving Ms. Lynnosha, the church treasurer, that complicate the plot. You'll have to read to discover what happens when the tensions erupt, especially regarding Ms. Lynn and her questionable behavior with church funds. As the story progresses, it raises questions about whether Ms. Kee's ex will confront the pastor about the stolen goods and how the pastor will respond, particularly given the comedic twists in their interactions.
Furthermore, with Ms. Kee's departure and the pastor's interest in Ms. Lynn, you'll wonder whether Dare's aspirations to found his own church will come to fruition and whether he and Ms. Lynn will end up marrying after her previous marriage fell apart. The narrative leaves you craving an epilogue to understand the fates of various characters, especially Ms. Kee and her complicated relationship with Dare, not to mention the fallout from Gia's actions that she and her girlfriend took against her aunt at the church. Then my last question would be what did Dare's brother think of his twin now being a pastor of his own church and married.
In conclusion, 'When Devils Prey' is a thought-provoking story that captures the complexities of life. The author does an excellent job of weaving these narratives together, leaving readers with much to ponder after finishing the book. Thank you for such a compelling story, and I look forward to your future work!




Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Eleanor & Grey by Brittainy Cherry


 Book Excerpt:

"An unforgettable second-chance romance about healing, family, and the enduring power of first love. This edition includes designed edges and an exclusive, never-before-published bonus chapter.

Eleanor never thought she'd see Greyson East again. As a teenager, he was everything—her first crush, her closest friend, the boy who made her believe in forever. But life had other plans, and when tragedy struck, they were torn apart. Years later, Eleanor takes a nannying job hoping to rebuild her life, only to discover her new boss is Greyson—the boy she once knew, now a man haunted by loss.

Greyson warns Eleanor to keep her distance and focus solely on her job, but she has never backed down from a challenge. As Eleanor spends time with Greyson and his two daughters, she catches glimpses of the boy she once adored beneath his cold exterior—the one who made her feel seen when no one else did.

With each passing day, Eleanor chips away at the walls Greyson has built, uncovering the pain he's tried so hard to bury. But letting her in means facing the ghosts of his past, and the possibility of losing her all over again. For Eleanor, walking away would be the safer choice, but her heart refuses to give up on the man who once made her believe in love. Because sometimes, the most brutal battles are the ones worth fighting—and Eleanor is determined to show Greyson that even the deepest scars can heal when love is given a second chance."

Title:  Eleanor & Grey
Author:  Brittainy Cherry
Publisher:  LYX
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Eleanor & Grey" by Brittainy Cherry

My Insight:

"Eleanor and Grey" presents an enchanting narrative that delves into the profound themes of family, second chances, love, and friendship. The chemistry between the characters pulls readers in, compelling them to turn the pages eagerly, anxious to uncover the twists and turns of Eleanor and Greyson's journey. By the story’s poignant conclusion, the narrative beautifully reveals how their struggles forge not only personal growth but also a deeper connection between them. This tale is a powerful testament to the enduring strength of love and resilience, offering a richly rewarding experience that captivates anyone fortunate enough to immerse themselves in it.


*Thank you to the Publisher, Brittainy Cherry, and Netgalley for providing me with an E-ARC of "Eleanor & Grey" in exchange for a review.*

I'M FINE!: A Practical Guide To Managing Your Emotions To Strengthen Relationships With Loved Ones And Yourself Kindle Edition by Rob Nugen


 Book Excerpt:

" Stop Saying 'I’m Fine!” Learn to Feel, Speak, and Live with Strength and Heart

Most men were never taught how to handle emotions, only how to hide them.
Stuffing it down doesn’t make the emotions go away. Whether anger, sadness, or shame, it just buries them deeper while relationships suffer, motivation disappears, and life feels hollow.

In I’M FINE!, connection coach Rob Nugen offers a compassionate, no-BS roadmap for men who are tired of surviving and ready to start truly living.

With relatable stories, grounded guidance, and zero judgment, Nugen teaches men how to listen to their emotions as useful signals, not weaknesses. This isn’t about therapy-speak or “fixing yourself.” It’s about reclaiming the full range of who you are so you can lead your life with clarity, courage, and connection.

💡 Inside, you’ll discover:
  • Simple, actionable tools to understand and process emotions in real time
  • A shame-free path from emotional numbness to authentic self-expression
  • Real-world insights from a man who’s walked the same road
  • How to create deeper intimacy and trust in your closest relationships
  • A practical approach that fits into real life. No fluff, no jargon

Whether you’ve felt disconnected, pressured to “man up,” or unsure how to open up, this book meets you where you are and walks with you toward where you want to be.

"I wish Rob’s book had existed thirty or forty years ago. I can’t help thinking that my life would have been different if I had been aware of the wisdom he’s passing along."

If you’re ready to stop pretending you’re fine — and start showing up as the man you truly are — this book is for you."

👉 Grab your copy now and take the first step toward real emotional strength.


Title:  I'm Fine

Author:  Rob Nugen

Publisher: R.N.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:
"I'm Fine" by Rob Nugen


My Review:


When I started reading the novel "I'm Fine," I initially thought it was meant for my husband. However, the author skillfully addresses all readers, including women. The book serves as "A Practical Guide to Managing Your Emotions to Strengthen Relationships with Loved Ones and Yourself." I gained a lot from this read, and I plan to encourage my husband of 55 years to read it as well. I only wish he had discovered it much earlier. I particularly enjoyed the section where the author teaches men to listen to their emotions as valuable signals rather than weaknesses. It's not just about self-improvement; it's about embracing the full spectrum of who you are, which can lead to a life filled with clarity, courage, and connection. Although the book is relatively short, it offers a wealth of insights. I appreciated the author's message: "Whether you’ve felt disconnected, pressured to 'man up,' or unsure how to open up, this book meets you where you are and walks with you toward where you want to be." I'm glad I picked this book up, even if it wasn't meant for me at the time. I will ensure it gets into the right hands soon. "I'm Fine" is a great read, and I hope the right man will discover it soon. I believe you will enjoy it!

One & Only by Maurene Goo

 Book Excerpt: " In Five Years  meets a millennial   The Joy Luck Club  in the adult debut from the author of YA Reese Pick   Throwback...