Going Pecans By Gina Henning

Title: Going Pecans
Author: Gina Henning
Publisher: Metanovel
Series: Holiday Sugar # 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Going Pecans" by Gina Henning

What is the novel about?

"A warm pie. A tasty guy. Happy Thanksgiving indeed.

Homecomings for Lauren Hauser are always filled with delicious food and hopes for a distraction from her quirky family. The only exception with this visit: she’s been given the challenge of preparing her grandmother’s pie.

Set out on a journey for pecans, Lauren stumbles into Jack a guy who despite his charm (and kissable lips) appears to be in a committed relationship…with his career. His main concern is taking care of a last minute errand for a client, not Lauren or her quest for the key ingredient.

Frazzled in more ways than one, Lauren’s journey improves when Jack rescues her from an icy walk. Attraction and tension rise and soon pecans aren't the only things getting toasty in the kitchen."


What I liked from this novel....

"Going Pecans" was a quick wonderful delightful seasonal read about Thanksgiving and a letter from a sweet grandmother to Lauren. When Lauren inherits this pecan pie recipe from her grandmother that had a stipulation...would Lauren be able to master the art of baking that precious and important pie for the holiday? What was up with those special pecans which will become an adventure for Lauren to get? Who was this mysterious guy who seemed to be a business guy with ties from Texas that Lauren would have to deal with? Well, these questions will definitely be answered as you read "Going Pecans."

What I especially liked about this read...

"Going Pecans" will definitely leave you smiling as these two characters (Lauren and Jack) come together in this sweet romance, with humor, mystery and oh my goodness that pecan pie. This would be a good Thanksgiving holiday read I would recommend to you.

Keep Calm and Kill Your Wife By Luck Stevens

Title:  Keep Calm and Kill Your Wife
Author:  Lucky Stevens
Publisher Mill City Press, Inc.
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Keep Calm and Kill Your Wife" by Luck Stevens

Book Description...

"What if you just found out that the man you've been sleeping next to all these years is going to kill you? Or even worse. What if you didn't find out...until it was too late? Summer Smith's romantic vacation for two is about to go terribly wrong. Not only does her husband, Hart, have a mistress, but it's someone she knows--her first cousin, Brandy, who is conspiring to kill her on this little "trip for two." With her back against the wall, can Summer keep it together while she figures out what to do about her would-be killer and husband of ten years, before it's too late? And will she even get the chance? In an odd twist of fate her problems may be solved by a freak occurrence. But at what price? One part Double Indemnity, two parts "The Postman Always Rings Twice," and multiple parts twists, turns and surprises, "KEEP CALM AND KILL YOUR WIFE" is Stevens' latest high-tension Hitchcockian suspense thriller that will keep you guessing until its very last nail-biting page."

What I liked from this novel...

This novel was exactly what the title implies.  What a thriller read!  This author gives the reader a intriguing story that was well written and once you start reading you will find it hard to put down.  The characters...Summer, Hart and Brady along with some secondary characters were really helped give the reader  a script that were richly developed in that they seemed to come alive on the pages.  Along with being well developed, well defined, well portrayed,  believable in the end and you have simply one good story.  I must say the title did cause me to wonder what?  After picking up this read you will see how it will call come out and wow does things change for Summer in the end.  Who would have thought that Summer's taking  paralegal courses, taking karate and flying lessons would   I don't want to spoil it other than say you must pick up "Keep Calm and Kill Your Wife" and see for yourself as you read through a smooth sailing suspenseful read. 

What I also liked from the read....

I liked how the story kept you on the edge of your seat...being full of suspense.  This author does a good job plotting this suspenseful thriller novel.

Ryder: Every Man Needs A Ryder By: Angel Williams

Title:  Every Man Needs A Ryder
Author:  Angel Williams
Publisher:  Star City Publications
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Book 1
Rating: 4
Review:

"Every Man Needs A Ryder"  by Angel Williams

Book Description.....

"Take a ride with Asia as she takes you on a wild ride throughout her drama filled life.

Asia wasn't looking for love but found her Romeo, Stanley, due to a tragic situation she’d gotten herself caught up in.

Stanley was every woman’s dream. He had it all from the hot-boy looks, the demanding demeanor, right down to the life-long line of money.

After seeing Stanley’s true colors and all the drama he came with, Asia got fed up being Stanley's "Ryder" and her eyes landed on the wrong prize!

Will Asia continue being Stanley's Ryder or will she take her love elsewhere?"

Why I read this novel...

I met this author through Facebook and I just wanted to see what she was writing.

What I liked from this novel.....

This was a interesting urban read that will keep your attention from the start till the finish. The author's opening was really a eye opener leaving me to say wow!   This author really knows how to keep you right on the edge of your seat with her presentation of this read.  There will be so much going on that I found myself taking notes because I didn't want to miss any of just who was doing hat in  this read.    What a life for Asia, Stephanie, Stanley, Tayvon (Ty) Mr. Big, Killer Sean, Rome Tangie to name a few characters. The characters were all over the chart but for the most part were well portrayed, developed and oh so believable as this author gives us a interesting read.  Be prepared for lots of drama, sex  as well as lots of killings.  This is definitely not for the younger readers. 

Will Asia get the  genuine love she needs and wants  so badly.  Her life had been so awful...mother dying, her father leaving without a trace of being found, living on the streets... but one thing for sure her friend Stephanie her best friend.  Her friend was there  for her no matter what came about.  But was this true?  With them being so tight would there be anything to separate them? Then there was Stanley who seemed to be a God send at first but as time went on was he? Did he not know that he had a 'ryder' in Asia?   What was up with Ty to had held something so close that he was just waiting for the right time to....  well,  this is where I say you must pick up "Every Man Need A Ryder" to see how this author will bring it out to the reader. Oh... I'm sorry this will be one of those reads that will leave you hanging so I guess we will have to wait for Book 2 to see where, who, what, how and the why for the ending of this read. 

What I didn't like about this novel...

There were sections in the read that I was left saying who is saying what....who is the person that is talking now?  I found myself having to go back and reread to find out the answer.  This was probably due to the fact that there is so much going on you could miss something important and I didn't want to miss any of it.   Then there was that best friend of Asia...Stephanie...I don't know but I do have some questions about her.  Hopefully I am wrong... Well, I will say for Asia sake  I hope I am!

My overall impression...

By the end of this read... "Ryder:  Every Man Needs a Ryder" will have  taken the reader on a roller coast ride with Asia and a few more characters  as  you will  be lead on some interesting spins on and off.   Be ready for a  wild ride that will be filled with so much drama and  I am sure  the reader can expect even more to  come in this author's next  Book 2 read.

Ring in the Holiday By: Katie Lane

Title:  Ring in the Holidays
Author:  Katie Lane
Publisher:  Forever
Series:  Hunk for the Holidays #2
Reviewed  By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 4.5
Review:

"Ring in the Holidays" by Katie Lane

Book Description...

"THE BEST NEW YEAR'S EVE . . . EVER
Psychologist Ellie Simpson is about to get a healthy dose of sex therapy. Leaving her cheating boyfriend behind, she has everything she needs for a quick rebound: Vegas, plenty of champagne, and a proposition from the sexiest man she's ever seen. As her handsome stranger helps her ring in the New Year-over and over again-Ellie finds herself blissfully losing all of her inhibitions.

Attorney Matthew McPherson is good at making women lose things, like their minds and underwear. With his athletic build and soulful eyes, he doesn't need to use his powers of persuasion or famous last name to get a woman into bed. But when morning comes, Matthew finds Ellie is the only woman he can't bear to leave-ever. It's enough to make him wonder if what happens in Vegas really has to stay there."


Why I Read This Book:

I liked the book cover

What I like about this novel:

It was a good entertaining holiday read that will keep your attention from the start to finish.    This author really knows how to give the reader a interesting romance.  Who knew when this heroine (Elle) would meet up with this hero (Matthew) in Vegas and it seemed to be the right time for each of these two.  Why was that?  It seems like Ellie was at her lowest point when her life wasn't going the way she thought it should go especially after her boyfriend had dropped her.  Now, she had a night with a hot man in Vegas thinking that what happens in Vegas stays...well this wasn't what happened. It was after Ellie's book tour  was over when she and her best friend Sidney decides to  move  to the same city that this guy she had met in Vegas lived.  But what chance would they ever meet?  Well from her book that this heroine Dr. Ellie Simpson has written....'Virginal Love: Separating Lust from True Emotions' who would have thought this would bring the hero Matthew McPherson and his family altogether in a really emotional dramatic romantic read.  This author really worked her magic with the characters in her story as you will see that they are all richly developed where each one comes alive on the pages along  being so well developed, engaging, depicted, memorable, well portrayed and most of all giving the reader a believable good read. 

What I Also Like:

The humor that this author brings out in this read from the character Louis McPherson Douglas...known as Wheezie was really amazing!   I will say this one character had me laughing so hard in several interesting scenes. 

Be ready for the interesting read from "Ring in the Holiday" where you just may find... that from their meeting of the two in Vegas ...then on to Chicago...meeting the hero again...the crazy friend with some ideas for a new novel...seeing  Matthew and meeting his family... and that interesting aunt with a agenda of her own....Ellie's mom's visit  finally facing her problem head on and on to the end that will answer the question.  Again,  you will have to pick up "Ring in the Holiday" to see if Ellie and Matthew will have a future together. 
 
My overall impression:

This was a good humorous heartwarming romance that would be a perfect holiday read that I would definitely recommend to you. 

It Happened at Christmas By: Debbie Mason

Title:  It Happened at Christmas
Author:  Debbie Mason
Publisher:  Forever
Series:  Christmas, Colorado #3
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"It Happened at Christmas" by Debbie Mason

Book Description...

"Christmas, Colorado, will get you in the spirit for love all year long." --- Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author

Love is the best Christmas gift of all.

"Free-spirited activist Skylar Davis is out of money and out of options. After using up her trust fund trying to save the world, she hides out in Christmas, hoping the kindness of friends will help her forget the reckless actions of her past. All goes well . . . until she comes face-to-face with one of her mistakes: the town's gorgeous young mayor.

Ethan O'Connor likes his life drama-free and predictable now that he's about to make the move from small-town politics to the Colorado State Senate. Then Skye blows back into town, as impulsive and passionate as he remembers. If word ever got out about their night together-the night he's never been able to forget-the scandal could cripple his career. Yet as he starts his campaign, Ethan finds that, like the town of Christmas itself, he can't get Skye out of his head . . . or his heart."



What I liked about this novel....

I liked this series with the love story dealing with Skylar Davis and Ethan O'Connor.  The first two series by this author had been of the friends...Madison Lane and Grace Flaherty...now we get Skylar's love story and what a beautiful place to have it happen in Christmas, Colorado.  The description of this area as you read through this novel  was simply beautifully presented.

This author gives the reader a excellent love  story  that can not only be read during the holidays but all year round.  I really enjoyed reading this novel and how it was all presented in the well written story.  It seems for a minute  as though Skylar was at her lowest point in her life being out of money, but it was sheer enjoyment seeing the out come of it all.  Ethan thought he had it all until he came involved with Skylar.  With all his politics...running for the Colorado State Senate, his campaign
 manager, his mother and now his involvement with Skylar his life was about to change.  Did Ethan  see  it all coming?   Possibly not but when it  all comes out what a life change for all of them all there in Christmas. Colorado. 

I love how this author was able to bring in many of her  characters from the first two series where you will find them all so lovable(some), well developed, interesting, funny, colorful, believable and in the end just a fascinating story to read.  I found that these characters seem to come alive on each page as you read through the story. 

There were several areas in this read that caused me to laugh out loud.  The situation was so funny and  I don't want to give any of it away other than to say you must pick up "It Happened at Christmas" to see for yourself how well this author gives us such a wonderful love story. 

Writing Skin By: Adriana Kraft

Title:  Writing Skin
Author:  Adriana Kraft
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Genre: Erotica
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Writing Skin" by Adriana Kraft

Book Description:

'What would it be like to be romanced by not one but two potential partners, simultaneously? Luci Parker has finally achieved the career of her dreams as an erotic author – but the only romance in her life these days is in the books she writes. Long attracted to both men and women, Luci despairs of ever finding just one person to settle down with. Owners of a South Side Chicago bookstore, Chai and Frank Ferguson eagerly devour Luci's books as fast as she can write them, and now they wonder."

What I liked about this novel....

I liked how this novel continues on from this author first novel...'The Diary' with this second novel "Writing Skin" being about three people who will have to sort it all out in the end to be in a erotic ménage relationship. But was it really to be?  We find that Luci Parker was a erotic writer, single and was being sort on by a wife and husband that was interested in forming a relationship with this erotic writer. But, before all of this can happen Luci will have to seek a spiritual awakening with the spirits...of the 'east, west, north and south.'  To farther understand all of this you must understand the Ferguson's and what their desire was to meet this author.  Was Luci the one they have been looking for after many nights of reading  Luci's novels to each other?  Would Frank want to go along with his wife's thinking of being attracted to other women and even having lesbian encounters in their marriage?  How will they gather it all in in order to get what they desired most?   The real question is will Luci be up for all of this for what the Ferguson's have in mind?  You will find the answer to this and more as you read to see just what the Ferguson's are looking for. 

Luci had been raised by her older sister Kate and wants a relationship but nothing seemed to be happening for her since her friend has now marriage.... however, she did have a 'collection of sex toys and knew well how to use them.'   We find that Luci did want someone in her life but would she be able to find the right person to fit in with her personality.  All I can say is wow did she meet someone after meeting Chai and Frank Ferguson!  Who knew after meeting Chai at a book read things were about to change for Luci. Would this be a good thing?  This will be a interesting journey as Chai will take Luci on a 'spiritual ride' ... an adventure that will teach her about the true meaning of life.  I really thought this was rather intriguing ...the Fox, the Raven, Grandmother's, Stag, Doe, Eagle and Feather to name a few.  Now, to understand all of this you will have to pick up "Writing Skin" to find out what all is going on with Chai as she presents this to Luci.  Will Luci be willing to receive it?  Be prepared for some real interesting sex scenes in this setting with these three characters as this author does so well with there erotica novels. 

What I also liked about this novel...

I like how this author was able to bring it all together to the reader explaining this 'spiritual encounter' that did help understand the forethought of this journey that Luci, Chai and even Frank went on.   It really help to understand how this author came up with the title...'Writing Skin.'  Also I did like how Luci was able to write and finish up her novel that she had been working on as she was able to learn so much about herself.  It was quite interesting seeing  Chai and Frank who were restaurant and bookstore owners and Luci who was a erotic writer ended meeting up.  In the end will this  be a permanent arrangement for these three people?  Oh, I did also like how close Luci had become with her sister Kate, especially after what had happened between the two in this author's previous novel 'The Diary.'   Now, I don't want to spoil too much other than say to find out if this will all comes together you will have to see for yourself by picking up 'Writing Skin'  by this  author who really gives the reader a well written fascinating  read. 

Mistletoe on Main Street By: Olivia Miles

Title:  Mistletoe on Main Street
Author:  Olivia Miles
Publisher:  Forever
Series:  The Blair Creek Series #1
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 4.5
Review:

"Mistletoe on Main Street" by Olivia Miles

Book Description...

"Sleigh bells, snow, and second chances . . .

Briar Creek's quaint shop windows, cozy homes nestled in snow, and neighborly residents are what Christmas dreams are made of--for everyone except Grace Madison. She left her hometown years ago to pursue a writing career. But when her father's death leaves his bookstore empty, Grace must return to face why she fled Vermont in the first place: Luke Hastings, who still heats her up like a shot of smoky whiskey on a cold winter's night.

Grace is back, and Luke is worried. How much has she changed as a bestselling author in the big city? What memories will she stir up? And was the choice he made five years ago the biggest mistake of his life?

Now, with their past, present, and future rocking around the Christmas tree, it's time for Grace and Luke to face the music . . . and the mistletoe."

What I liked from this novel.....

This author really gives the reader quite a interesting place in 'Briar Creek'  and definitely a good Christmas read that will keep your attention from start to the finish.  The two main characters Grace and Luke will keep you entertained as they find their way through his love story.  It seems like Grace after being gone five years is trying to make up her mind will she stay in Briar Creek after this Christmas holiday with her family or return to NY?  Did she even have anyone waiting for her back in New York after she had dropped  Derek?   Then there is her father's book store that is not opened any more. What had happened after her father's death to the book store and why wasn't see told about it being closed.  I found this  love  story was about Grace and Luke. What had happened to cause her to want to leave  Briar Creek five years ago in the first place and what happened when she came back (seeing only Luke)...leaves again...then back for her father's funeral... leaves.....now back again for this Christmas holiday?   In all of Grace's coming and going would she stay this time and run the book store that seems to have closed and just what all did Luke Hastings have to do in all of this?   Between these two there will be a lots of drama going on.   I don't want to leave out Grace's sister Jane who  also seemed to have quite a bit of drama going on in her life and their mother Kathleen. I don't want to spoil it  by telling too much of the story.  I know I have presented a lots of questions and all of the answers will be answered in this well written novel:  "Mistletoe on Main Street."  I found this author really worked it with such a beautiful description of the snow during   Christmas holiday season  of  Briar Creek really making me what to find this beautiful place with such unique characters which I found were richly developed that seemed to come alive on the pages presented as  Ray, Mark, Sophie, Anna and Rosemary Hastings to name a few.  Be prepared for a long read because this author leaves nothing out even a little hot sex scene.     

What I also liked about this novel....

I liked how this author was able to give us a story that showed a lots of emotions along with the drama of  a real love story showing the past and the present of how it is from one reaction can  bring on another reaction. In the end will it be a good decision for all involved at this point in their  life's?  I thought this was a very interesting read and I really enjoyed how this author closes the story.    

On the Record By K. A. Linde

Title:  On the Record
Author:  K. A. Linde
Publisher:  Montlake Romance
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Series:  The Record Series #2
Rating: 5
Review:

"On the Record" by K.A. Linde...

Novel Description....

"For political reporter Liz Dougherty, election day—a day of looking toward the future and saying goodbye to the past—seems like a fitting time to start a new relationship. But feelings for her former flame still linger...

The sexy second book in bestselling author K.A. Linde’s Record series decides whether it’s better to pick up the pieces and move on...or to pick up right where you left off."

What I liked from the novel....

"On the Record" by this author was a  excellent read that will take you on a roller coaster ride.  From the start I found this read coming  from a high note as this author's first series 'Off  the Record'  to this second novel was simply one intriguing read that will hold your attention.  Each page gives you something very important to know on this love chance for survival in politics.  I would suggest that you definitely read this author's first series to truly understand all that  has happened earlier in  the previous novel. The second series hooks right up from the first series.  The characters were all simply off the chart  good being  well developed, defined, well portrayed, colorful, reliable, engaging and believable giving the reader a well written script that was thoroughly a enjoyable read.  I will say at this point you will have to read this author's next series to find out the ending.  From "On the Record" we find that Liz has tried to give up some of her pass (but really... did she) to have a life without the one she really loves  but will she be happy even with her new boyfriend Hayden? Then Liz see 'him' once again  at the colloquium...what will come of this?  What will happen after Liz decides to share a secret?   There will be a lots of  questions that will be answered as you read and find out who, where, how and what all is  or has gone on with Liz, Victoria,  Hayden, Calleigh,  Senator Brady Maxwell, Clay, Savannah and Heather  to only name a few on this ride that  you will be on  up to the end.  Now, I don't want to spoil any of this read but it will be interesting to see how Liz and Brady will come out of this when its all said and done. Be ready for a read with  some angst, love triangle, and a love/hate relationship.   One thing for sure you will be blown away from this good read "On the Record" that I would definitely recommend to you.  Now we will be waiting for this author next series...'For The Record.'

Always Unique By: Nikki Turner

Title:  Always Unique
Author:  Nikki Turner
Publisher:  St. Martin's Press
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Review:

"Always Unique" by Nikki Turner

Book Description....

"I: With only two hundred dollars, Unique packed her suitcase and headed to New York City for a brand new start. It’s there that Unique meets big time boxing promoter, Kennard, and it is love at first sight. After nine months of living in the lap of luxury with Kennard, skeletons from Unique’s past show up and it will cost her a cool million dollars to not only keep her relationship but her life. Unique isn’t about to lose it all. With the help of her best friend, she devises a major heist, to pull it off all she has to do is stay alive. II: Living the life she has always dreamed of, Unique isn't about to let her past ruin her future with her fiancé, Kennard. But the tables are turned on her and Unique is fighting for her very life. As for Kennard, he is stunned to learn about her past, but more importantly he is not about to let anyone get away with hurting his woman. As Unique and her best friend, Teeydah, set out on a path of revenge, a new menace and a new betrayal rises.III: The blade of revenge cuts both ways. However, that is not going to stop Unique from getting those who are out to get her. And she is determined to be the last woman standing . . . Always Unique gathers together three popular Unique novellas from the New York Times bestselling, African-American powerhouse author Nikki Turner."

What I understood about this novel...

First of all this is a urban read that I thought this author has written very well for her readers.  Unique has really had a hard life however she makes it through be sold  to a cartel in Mexico and being put in prison after she makes her way back to the U.S.  This author really knows how to get and keep your attention as you will  be found turning the pages quickly to see what is happening next in this read. Unique best friend for life Teeydah and her new boyfriend Kennard who was a boxer promoter seemed to be all she needed until Unique's life is turned around again.   Are their old enemies trying to get back at Unique again?   The author really gives the reader some read that seems to pop off the script with there being so much action going on.  There is so much drama going on, hospital visits and yes a little bit of it all.  This was indeed a different kind of read for me.  A lots of this read  I didn't understand just what all was going on but toward the end I think it all comes together for me.  No, I am not from the streets but being the avid reader that I am I try to read a little bit  of it all and this is one that I did have to re read many parts of it over  to try to truly  understand this author's reasoning to that particular situation.  The boyfriend/fiancé  Kennard did seem very  concerned with not knowing of Unique's past but he still seemed to show her love.  All I can say is that I would not want to be one that messed with Unique,  Teeydah,  their prison buddies or  Kennard. The characters in the novel are all off the chart...being well portrayed, some are strong  and definitely believable in a weird sort of way.  I did find a few of the characters very dark and down right scary.  Will revenge be enough for Unique or does she have something else planned for her old enemies?   I am only left thinking that maybe this could happen in a real world, yes our world!  Oh well, I guess we will have to wait for this author's next series  to see what she has planned for Unique.   

Gimme Some Sugar By: Kimberly Kincaid

Title:  Gimme Some Sugar
Author:  Kimberly Kincaid
Publisher:  Zebra Books
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Series:  A Pine Mountain Novel
Rating:  5
Review:

"Gimme Some Sugar" by Kimberly Kincaid....

Book Description...

"Desperate to escape the spotlight of her failed marriage to a fellow celebrity-chef, Carly di Matisse left New York City for a tiny town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The restaurant she's running these days may not be chic, but in Pine Mountain she can pretend to be the tough cookie everybody knows and loves. Until she finds herself spending too much time with a way-too-hot contractor whose rugged good looks melt her like butter...

Jackson Carter wasn't looking for love. But he's not the kind of man to walk away from a worksite—or from a fiery beauty whose passionate nature provides some irresistible on-the-job benefits...

It's the perfect temporary arrangement for two ravenous commitment-phobes, except that Jackson and Carly keep coming back for seconds... and thirds... and fourths..."

What I enjoyed from this read....

This heroine Carly was just out of a bad marriage leaving New York City and was trying to start her new life in Pine Mountain where she was a celebrity chef (La Dolce Vita) at the  Blue Ridge Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania.  Will Carly be able to get her on with her life  in her new place with the help from Jackson?

I found this novel quite interesting how this author brings these two(Carly and Jackson) together. As a matter of fact it was humorously done throughout the read and I don't want to leave out the hot steamy chemistry that they seemed to have with each other.  However, with Carly just coming out of a bad marriage and Jackson being one that doesn't do love. What will come of all of this?  Now, I know you are wondering what is going on with Jackson who was a hot local contractor?   Will this author  be able to get  these two together who just seemed to be perfect for each other by keeping it simple.   Will there be some reluctance to commit to each other?    Here is where I say you must pick up "Gimme Some Sugar" to find out.   Be ready to have some family drama thrown into the mix, a protective chef, humor, big brothers, romance, Jackson's mothers to name a few found in this well written script and in the end after all is said and done  I believe the reader will be given a  excellent read.   I don't want to leave out the beautiful descriptions of this rural town with all the food and recipes along with some very interesting  secondary characters who played a large part also in this  novel.  You will be definitely made to feel as though you are right there in beautiful Pine Mountain. 

What I also liked about this novel...

I found "Gimme Some Sugar" a very attentive, humorous, beautiful  and heartfelt read that once you start reading you will not want to put it down because you will become hooked turning the pages to see what will be happening next.  This novel is the second in the Pine Mountain series that is a good charming read which can be a stand alone read.  So, if you are looking for a enjoyable romance read I would recommend "Gimme Some Sugar."

Last Chance at Love By Gwynne Forster

Title: Last Chance At Love
Author: Gwynne Forster
Publisher: Harlequin Kimani Arabesque
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

How Much Will She Risk For Love?

"Fired from her prestigious job, journalist Allison Wakefield is now working for a tabloid newspaper, and she's desperate to find a way to get her career back on track. Her new assignment, an explosive story involving mysterious bestselling author Jacob Covington, could be the answer. When Allison first encounters the author while visiting her aunt's home on Idlewild Lake in Michigan, she realizes that Jacob is one subject she wouldn't mind getting to know more intimately….

But as they work side by side during Jacob's book tour, Allison finds herself falling in love—and in a dilemma about what to do. The exposé is her ticket to success, but revealing the truth about Jacob's past as a State Department undercover operative could jeopardize his career—and destroy a summer romance that holds the promise of a lifetime of happiness."


What I liked from this read...


This was a wonderful beautiful read that once you start you will find it hard to put down until he very end. The two main characters Allison Wakefield and Jacob Covington were quite a interesting
pair and being put together whether it was wanted or not was really fascinating to read.
Allison had a job that meant that she had to do what she had to do to get the story and not let no one, not very Jacob Covington stop her from getting what she needed for this story about which was about 'him.' Jacob on the other hand was a very private person that was determined that there were some things in his life he wanted kept that way. With Allison having been fired earlier from a prestigious journalist job due to the fact she hadn't done her job well she was determine that that would not be the case in this job even if that meant that she had to become a under cover sleuth to find more out about Jacob. It was really intriguing when Allison had to make a decision that could cost her happiness. What will she decide to do? How will this dilemma play out? To find these answers pick up "Last Chance at Love" to see how this author will bring it all out to the reader. I found "Last Chance at Love" a wonderful entertaining love story that will give you some food for thought in this well written novel by a wonderful author. Would I recommend? YES!

The Diary By: Adriana Kraft

Title:  The Diary
Author:  Adriana Kraft
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  5
Review:

"The Diary" by Adriana Kraft

Book Description....

"Lust, revenge, dark sexual escapades and the mysterious disappearance of her younger half sister, Luci, will take art curator Kate Noble on a whirlwind transcontinental journey. The diary Luci's left behind paints vivid images of shameless erotic exploits with a rake named only as G.C. Can Kate learn enough under the delightful hands of her bisexual best friend, Gina, to ensnare the sensual and elusive Professor Grayson Cosgrove into a marriage proposal of her making? Can she find Luci before it's too late? If only she could read between the lines. The Diary--never have the secrets of another been so electrifying!"

 
What I liked about this read...


I found "The Diary" a very exotic romantic novel and I thought the authors did a wonderful job at presenting it to the readers. This story was about a diary with some dark secrets in it that seemed to be left behind for a certain sister to take a look at. As I was reading I did think after reading this diary it really sets off a series of things happening in the life's of the characters. Now, what all was in 'The Diary' that got Kate's attention and what all will she do with this information after she speaks with her friend Gina? I liked Kate's thought pattern of trying to save her sister (Luci)who seemed to be missing at the time and just who was this G.C. person that was talked about so thoroughly in 'The Diary?' From the read did Kate's sister Luci really need saving or were there other works that were involved in this twisted plan of hers? All of the main characters...Kate, Luci, Gina and Professor Grayson Cosgrove were all very intriguing in that they helped bring out to this read a certain charm, realness, being well defined, well developed and even a very believable interesting story. Let's not leave out the steamy hot sex scenes from the two some to sometime three at times. By the end of this novel will all end up happy with their partners? I will say Kate's sister Luci wasn't my favorite but I did feel she meant well for her sister in the end. This is where I will say to get the whole story about that diary you must pick up this well written novel to see how these authors will bring it out to the readers. This will be a fascinating read when it's all said and done and yes I would recommend. 

Miracle in a Dry Season By: Sarah Loudin Thomas

Title:  Miracle in a Dry Season
Author:  Sarah Loudin Thomas
Publisher: Bethany House Publisher
Series: Appalachian Blessing Book # 1
Review By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Miracle in a Dry Season" by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Book Description....

"It's 1954 and Perla Long's arrival in the small town of Wise, West Virginia, was supposed to go unnoticed. She just wants a quiet, safe place for her and her daughter, Sadie, where the mistakes of her past can stay hidden. But then drought comes to Wise, and Perla is pulled into the turmoil of a town desperately in need of a miracle.
Casewell Phillips has resigned himself to life as a bachelor...until he meets Perla. She's everything he's sought in a woman, but he can't get past the sense that she's hiding something. As the drought worsens, Perla's unique way with food brings both gratitude and condemnation, placing the pair in the middle of a maelstrom of anger and forgiveness, fear and faith."

What I liked from this novel...


I was very surprised that this was this authors debut novel because I will say this was one excellent read from start to finish.  You will be presented a novel that has miracles, romance, humor and lots of drama and forgiveness .  You will be quickly taken in with Perla Long's story and the way she was treated by the town folks for being a unwed mother. However, Perla had something that many of the town people did not have.  What was that?  The author did a wonderful job at bringing out the description of  the Appalachia area and drawing the reader into the mix of what all was going on. 

I liked how the author was able to bring Casewell Phillips and Perla together which was no easy task.
Now I don't want to give too much away other than say you must pick up the good read to see how the wonderful story will be presented.  After  going through emotions, judgmental characters will there finally be forgiveness and miracles for this small town of  Wise, West Virginia for Perla and her daughter? 

What I especially liked from the read...

By the end of this novel you are made to feel like  this was a good story  of love and faith.
So, if you are looking for a wonderful read of a Christian Fiction setting in 1950's with a light romance then I would recommend "Miracle in a Dry Season" to you. 

Tyree's Love Triangle By: Charmaine Galloway

Title:  Tyree's Love Triangle
Author:  Charmaine Galloway
Publisher: C.G.
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Tyree's Love Triangle" by Charmaine Galloway

Book Description....

"Things aren't always what they seem and that's certainly true for Tyree Bell, a handsome and successful businessman with a wife and child who adores him. On the outside it appears he has it all together. On the inside he's holding onto something so immoral, if ever it's revealed his perfect family could be forever destroyed, but only after he lost his life. How long can Tyree keep his skeletons in the closet? Will he let go of his sin and let God take care of him? Or will he carry his secrets to the grave and go insane in the process."

What I received from this read...

"Tyree's Love Triangle" was a interesting read and once you start reading you will hard to put down until the end.  Be ready for many different emotions during the read of being angry, humorous times and even tearing up some.  I liked how this author was able to give the reader a believable read and letting us know you may never know what all  has gone on  earlier in a person's life that can make their life a living hell.  Wow, what a life  Tyree had to go through.  This author really gives the reader a well written script to truly understanding this character.  I must say I wondered a minute about Tyree's character of being hurt, confused, having an addiction, lovers and so lost but now having read this novel I was able to understand what all had gone on in his life.  This was very well presented by this author.  Hoping not to have given too much away I will just say to truly understand it all  you must pick up Tyree's Love Triangle" to see for yourself  how well this story line is brought out to the reader.  Would I recommend?  YES!   

Damaged Girls II By Janice G. Ross

Title:  Damaged Girls II
Author:  Janice G. Ross
Publisher:  J.G.R.
Series: A Family and Relationship Series
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Damaged Girls II" by Janice G. Ross

Book Description....

"Get excited, cry, curse, hate, love, and despise! If you’ve already read Damaged Girls I, then these emotions should be familiar. The Damaged Girls Family & Relationship Series began with an introduction to the complex love triangle of Steven Briggs, Jillian McConnell and Jessica Rodney. In the second book of the series, Damaged Girls II, get pulled deeper into the trauma and gain valuable knowledge of why Jillian and Jessica might be such easy targets for a womanizer such as Stevie. Jillian has to come to terms with the crumbling idea of love that she desperately needed to find in Stevie. And Jessica is forced to grow up and away from the man she so badly wanted to keep forever. Stevie even realizes that he needs to get a grip on the drama he created years back; while his decisions and behaviors continue to spiral deeper into selfishness. Unfortunately, Stevie’s insatiable appetite has not diminished, only causing him to become less likeable.
Will the three ever learn? As life progresses, we must confront our past, move into our present and plan sensibly for our future. How will Stevie, Jillian and Jessica cope, when life just can’t seem to smile in favor of their original desires? Damaged Girls is not a romance novel outlined in love. It is not pleasant and idealistic, but very cruel and extremely unsavory. In fact, it is deep and rather dark at times. The story focuses on emotional, physical and sexual abuse, and how easily its effects can cause some to own the title of Damaged Girls."

What I received from this read....

This author really gives the reader a lots of tragedy and heartbreak as the story continues from
"Damaged Girls I"  with all the drama that was caused by Stevie and his women.  I liked how this author was able to give the readers such a intriguing story showing the dysfunctional drama involving some very interesting characters where friendships will be tested.  All of this will greatly bring out to the reader the emotional makeup of a damaged girls dealing with their traumatic events of their past in this doomed triangle.   I found this a very interesting read about this predator who was a very sick and twisted person.  As I was reading through this story I couldn't help but to wonder what  tragedy will their be for a certain  character and what can have been  done to keep these type of people out of  their daily  life's?  Now, I don't want to spoil it so I will say at this point you will have to pick up the novel and see for yourself how this author presents to the reader.  I will say this author really knows how to speak her mind and give the reader something very important to know and think about. 

"Damaged Girls II" will definitely grab your attention and since it leaves us with a cliff hanger we will  have to go the next sequel for the rest of this interesting story.

Loving Nate By: Janice Ross

Title: Loving Nate
Author:  Janice G. Ross
Publisher:  Cultural Cocktails
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Loving Nate" by Janice G. Ross

Book Description....

"Loving Nate is Leah's story of falling in love with Mr. Perfect. Leah falls fast and hard, losing all sense of reasoning. Love can do that to a gal, especially when the guy is as smooth as Nathan Moore. Loving Nate is about Leah's journey of falling in love, when she should have been standing in love. *Author's Note* I've decided to provide two very different endings to this novella. Have you ever made a decision and wondered whether or not it was the right choice? Or perhaps you made the right choice because you knew that the alternative would've been disastrous? This is my gift to readers. Regardless of Leah's final choice, I wanted readers to be able to reflect on the possibilities."

What I liked about this read....

I thought this novel was a very thought provoking read that definitely caught my attention from this novella from start to finish.   This author really does a wonderful job with her well descriptive writing showing all the emotional sides of this thing called love.  The two main characters were both richly developed, however, one seemed to change after some time which leaves one to wonder why.  This was a intriguing read as you find both people seeming to be very much  in love and then later one seems to put away.  You could be lead to think maybe  they weren't on the same emotional level even though their romance seemed very hot at the beginning.

"Loving Nate" even gets more interesting as this author will gives the reader two alternating endings which I will say are even more intriguing being thought provoking and definitely probable. Will it be option one or two?   Now, you will have to pick up "Loving Nate" to see how  this author brings it to the reader and  then you can choose your desired ending.

What I especially liked about the read....

"Loving Nate" will definitely give one reason to ask the question why is  it important who you fall in love with and what they can do with that love...will it be something they want forever or will it just be thrown away at their convenience?    When I stopped  and thought about this read  I realized it is a good real story that can happen to many of us every single day.  This is a excellent story that you could learn from.  The option is definitely ours to choose.  Be ready for a very captivating read that will leave you with some interesting thoughts.