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.

 

Until Then (Cape Harbor Book 2) Kindle Edition by Heidi McLaughlin

Book Excerpt:

'From New York Times bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin comes an uplifting story about two old friends finding new love.

Rennie Wallace has it all: a boyfriend, a good job, a best friend who lives a stone’s throw away…but something’s missing. She isn’t sure what until she returns to Cape Harbor, her favorite home away from home. There, she crosses paths with an old love, Graham. Rennie’s drawn to him but senses their paths in life have wandered too far apart.

Graham Chamberlain has returned to Cape Harbor to care for his brother, the town alcoholic. Managing and serving drinks at his family’s bar, Graham can’t believe how mundane his life has become. He’s resigned himself to living for others, his own desires for adventure and romance taking a back seat to running the family business—until Rennie walks through his door.

Graham feels the weight of his small-town life; Rennie has a boyfriend and a busy life in the city. But neither can deny the rekindled spark between them. Will they find their way back to one another?'

Title:  Until Then 

Author:  Heidi McLaughlin

Publisher:  Montlake

Series:  Cape Harbor Book 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'Until Then' by Heidi McLaughlin

My Review:  

 'Until Then' is an engaging read that stands out due to its well-drawn characters, notably Rennie and Graham, who drive the story forward. The novel blends humor and heartfelt moments, especially in its sensitive depiction of death. Suspense and drama are woven throughout, with themes of alcoholism and drug addiction that add depth and keep readers invested until the last page.  

In Sickness and In Health: What Did You Vow? Kindle Edition by Lakisha Johnson

Book Excerpt:

"Jade and Alex met as children in the foster care system, overcoming obstacles and beating the many odds stacked against them. Over the years, people and life disappointed them. Yet, the one thing they could always count on was each other.

Even when jobs and school separated them, they always found their way back to each other. Seven years ago, they stood before a justice of the peace vowing never to give up on each other or themselves.

Then a tragic accident leaves one of them fighting to live. The other is thrust into the role of caregiver to a patient whose body, mind, and faith were all left broken.

Will their marriage survive the hardship and mental torment of trauma or will the In Sickness and In Health part of the vows shatter when they are put to the test?"

 Title:  In Sickness and In Health:  W

Author:  Lakisha Johnson

Publisher:  Twins Write 2hat Did You Vow?

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

'In Sickness and in Health' by Lakisha Johnson

My Review:  

'In Sickness and In Health: What Did You Vow' was an excellent read, with scriptures that blended seamlessly with the story. Jade and Alex were truly memorable characters who left readers with a thought-provoking narrative to consider after finishing the book.  

The author reveals what is meant by 'In Sickness and In Health.' Observing these two navigate their partnership after Alex's accident was fascinating. I appreciated how Jade reached out to God amid their trials, and I found Mrs. Cora's portrayal engaging throughout the story. Will Alex manage to regain his footing so they can achieve happiness?

At this point, I recommend you pick up this captivating book to see how the author ties the threads together. It is a delightful read.  

In Love & Trouble: Stories of Black Women Kindle Edition by Alice Walker

 Book Excerpt:

"Short fiction about the female experience from the New York Times–bestselling author of The Color Purple, "one of the best American writers of today" (The Washington Post).

 
Here are stories of women traveling with the weight of broken dreams, with kids in tow, with doubt and regret, with memories of lost loves, with lovers who have their own hard pasts and hard edges. Some from the South, some from the North, some rich and some poor, the characters that inhabit In Love & Trouble all seek a measure of self-fulfillment, even as they struggle with difficult circumstances and limiting social conventions.
 
The stories that make up Alice Walker's debut short fiction collection reflect her tenacious commitment to face brutal and sometimes melancholy truths while also illuminating the ways in which the courageous pursuit of love brings hope to even the most harrowing lives."

Title:  In Love & Trouble

Author:  Alice Walker

Publisher:  Open Road Media

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'In Love & Trouble' by Alice Walker

My Review:  

'In Love & Trouble' is a captivating collection of short stories, each offering unique and thought-provoking insights that stay with the reader long after the last page is turned.