Playing With Fire By: Deborah Fletcher Mello

Title:  Playing With Fire
Author:  Deborah Fletcher Mello
Publisher:  Dafina
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review

"Playing With Fire"  by Deborah Fletcher Mello

Book Description....

"Romeo Marshall is over six feet of cool, smooth, hot, southern seductiveness--just like the music at his popular Raleigh club, The Playground Jazz and Blues Bar. With his beloved mother gone and no father he's ever known, the business is Romeo's everything. It's a place where anything can happen--and the evening one gorgeous young woman and one intriguing old musician walk into the bar--and into Romeo's life--it does.

There's something about high-powered, down-to-the earth Taryn Williams that captures Romeo's attention like no other woman has. Yet unanswered questions from his past seem to hold him back from real commitment. For Romeo to move forward in love, he'll have to learn some devastating truths--and James "Piano Man" Burdett is there to teach him. And with Taryn's help, Romeo just may accept that like music, life sometimes needs to be improvised. . ."

What I liked about this novel...

"Playing With Fire" was one very interesting story featuring Romeo Marshall who had it all, but really did he?  Romeo had grown up not knowing his father.  What will come of Romeo when he  meets 'Piano Man' and finds the secret that had been held  from him by his mother?  What changes did this cause in his life?   Will the love of Romeo, Taryn be able to help him through this tough time or will it be his friend Malcolm that will be able to help guide him back on the straight and narrow path?  To get the answers to these questions and so much more you will have to pick up "Playing With Fire" to see how well this author brings it all out to the reader.  I found this story to be a very interesting and a captivating  read as this author is able to give the reader a well written story of what true love and forgiveness really is.  The characters are all simply off the chart good, well developed, defined, well portrayed and believable all helping to give us a well rounded story that will grab  your attention and keep up till the end.  Would I recommend?  YES!

Wagon Train Cinderella By Shirley Kennedy

Book Description...

"Love can lead you out of the wilderness…

1851, Overland Trail to California. As a baby, Callie was left on the doorstep of an isolated farmhouse in Tennessee. The Whitaker family took her in, but have always considered her more a servant than a daughter. Scorned by her two stepsisters, Callie is forced to work long hours and denied an education. But a new world opens to her when the Whitakers join a wagon train to California—guided by rugged Indian, Luke McGraw…

A loner, haunted by a painful past, Luke plans to return to the wilderness once his work is done. But he can’t help noticing how poorly Callie is treated—or how unaware she is of her beauty and intelligence. As the two become closer over the long trek west, Callie’s confidence grows. And when disaster strikes, Callie emerges as the strong one—and the woman Luke may find the courage to love at last…"

Title:  Wagon Train Cinderella

Author:  Shirley Kennedy

Publisher:  Kensington Books

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  5

Review:

"Wagon Train Cinderella" by Shirley Kennedy

What I enjoyed from this read...

This was definitely one of those 'Cinderella Fairy Tales' that really was very similar to the original story only a different spin on it.  This Cinderella is on her way to California on the Overland Trail.

This Whitaker family were some horrible people and t I liked how this author was able to bring into Callie's life some very interesting people like (Luke and Florida) to mention a few that indeed did aid her on this wagon train journey to California.  I loved how this author gets Callie  to open her  eyes as she begins to see life very differently than she had ever seen it.  There will be lessons learned, friendship made  and even some forgiveness.  I was sorry to see that Callie who was step person in this Whitaker family was not able to get the forgiveness from one special person who had put her through so much.  Now, who was that?  Well, you will have to pick up this well written read to see for yourself just who that was.  There will be a lots of twist and turns in the good and bad  in this read and the readers attention will be their front and center turning the pages to see what will be coming next in this enlightening as well as entertaining read.   Truly, in the end it will be  good to see how this all turns out and if  this 'Cinderella.gets  her Prince Charming.'

The Memory of Your Kiss BY: Wilma Counts

Book Description...

"An Untimely Encounter…

When her father falls gravely ill, eighteen-year-old Sydney Isabella Waverly dutifully agrees to marry the earl whose estate borders her family’s modest country home. But on a trip to Bath before she weds, Sydney meets the enigmatic, heroic Captain Zachary Quentin, with whom she feels an unmistakable mutual attraction.

Still, they have no choice but to part ways, regretting what might have been. Sydney cannot know that one day they will meet again under vastly changed circumstances, that Zachary will play an unexpected role in her life—and that the man she never forgot still ignites her heart. All that will remain is to find out if he feels the same way..."

Title:  The Memory of Your Kiss

Author:  Wilma Counts

Publisher:  Kensington

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: 5

Review:

"The Memory of Your Kiss" by Wilma Counts

What I enjoyed from this novel.....

I found the heroine Sydney Isabella Waverley one very interesting person.  After finding out that her father to be gravely ill and he wants her to marry a earl but before that happens Bella also known as Sydney will meet a Captain Zachary Quentin and after a unforgettable kiss their life will never be the same definitely being one  memorable  kiss... but she is engaged to Henry.   What Sydney didn't know was that she would one day soon see Zachary at her wedding and this is where this story picks up. This author really gives the reader some interesting good characters that are for the most part well developed, well portrayed, real and a believable well written story.  You will get several sides to the story where we able able to learn so much about each of the characters with Sydney getting married and Zachary going to war.  This read will keep your interest because there will be so much going on you will not want to put it down...only turning the pages till the end.

What I also  loved about this read...

I found the heroine was one unique person in being such a forgivable person in what all she went through to help her husband's .....  Now,  I don't want to tell you the story but I want for you to read this captivating novel for yourself to see how it is brought out to the reader.   I truly found Sydney definitely one of a kind and I would definitely recommend this novel to you.

One Kiss More By: Mandy Baxter

Book Description....

"Emma Ruiz knows her father is innocent. But that doesn't help her convince the law—not even smoking hot U.S. Marshal Landon McCabe. When McCabe bangs on her door demanding information about how her cancer-stricken father escaped from federal prison, she’ll have to distract him somehow—it may as well be with a stolen kiss.

Landon gets why Emma isn't saying all she knows. What he doesn't understand is why he’s putting his reputation, his case, and his badge on the line for a gorgeous person of interest. Much as he’d love to, he can’t let Emma play him. The stakes are higher than either of them can guess. The only way to survive is to trust their instincts. But their instincts want more than one kiss…"

Title:  One Kiss More
Author:  Mandy Baxter
Publisher:  Kensington Books
Series:  U.S. Marshals # 2
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"One Kiss More"  by Mandy Baxter

What I enjoyed from this novel....


"One Kiss More" was one well written story that will grip and keep your attention all the way through this fantastic read.  This author gives the reader some very interesting characters especially Landon and Emma, not to forget to mention their hot steamy sex scenes, along with some humor as well as some very serious moments in the this romantic, suspenseful,   exciting and twisted  read.  Will this US Marshal Landon McCabe be able to do his job with getting what he wants from Emma Ruiz whom he had met some years ago when he arrested her father?   I loved the banter between Emma and Landon as she seemed to  really push his buttons as the attraction comes between these two.  Now to get it all you must pick up "One Kiss More" and see how this author brings it all out to the reader.  If you are in for a good plot with law enforcement with some hot romance then this novel would be for you that I would recommend to you.

Deputy's Bride By: Anita Philmar

Book Description....

"NEW RELEASE!A hot, historical western stand-alone story with a satisfying HEA.
Texas Deputy Bo Kildare is looking for a special kind of lady, one that is willing to meet his special requirements. No sweet little virgin will do, he wants a woman who knows how to please a man, perhaps two.Recently widowed, Sarah Elizabeth Foster-LaFever has lived in the public eye for the last few years and wants out. Her reputation as Micah LaFever’s wife has left her penniless and without many viable options until Bo comes calling.
Now, she believes she found the perfect man until her past rears its ugly head. Can murder and corrupt dealings keep these two lovers from making it to the alter?
Tags: menage ménage, a trios sex stories, ménage, erotic romance, texas, cowboy, naked bluff, menage a trois, double penetration

Title:  Deputy's Bride
Author:  Anita Philmar
Publisher:  A. P.
Series:  Naked Bluff, Texas Book # 3
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Review:

"Deputy's Bride" by Anita Philmar

What I liked about this novel....

This author really knows how to give you a read that will keep you reading especially with its hot steamy sexy menage scenes. Now, I will say this is a Adult read with very erotic scenes so with that being said get ready for a intriguing read.  For this deputy he wants a special person for a wife not only to be able to clean his ranch, cook but also be experienced.  So, with the help of a friend Bo meets up with  Sarah and likes what he sees.  Sarah  is a widower from a notorious life with quite a pass, now penniless decides to take this marriage on, but what will happen when she finds out their will be someone else who will be introduced into this 'Deputy's Bride'  marriage arrangement.  Now, I don't want to tell the story to you but interest you enough to want to pick up this read and see for yourself how it will be presented to the reader.  It will quite interesting to see how far and what all Sarah will do to be this 'Deputy's Bride.'  I will say this author really know how to detail it all because in the reading of this novel you will get it all where nothing will be left to the imagination.  Now, if you want to know what I am referring to you must pick up the erotic read to find out.    I found the characters for the most part well portrayed and developed that really aids in giving the reader a well told sizzling story.  

A Way From Heart to Heart By: Helena Fairfax

Book Description....

"After the death of her husband in Afghanistan, Kate Hemingway’s world collapses around her. Her free time is spent with a charity for teenage girls in London, helping them mend their broken lives - which is ironic, since her own life is fractured beyond repair.Reserved, upper-class journalist Paul Farrell is everything Kate and her teenage charges aren’t. But when Paul agrees to help Kate with her charity by accompanying her on a trip to the Yorkshire moors, he makes a stunning revelation that changes everything, and leaves Kate torn.Can she risk her son’s happiness as well as her own?"

Title:  A Way From Heart to Heart

Publisher:  Accent Press

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: 5

Review:

"A Way From Heart to Heart" by Helena Fairfax

What I liked about this novel....

It was a sad story at the beginning with Kate Hemingway having lost her husband Stuart while serving in Afghanistan but all is not lost for her because she had her son George and her best friend. However, their was someone else in the picture...George's godfather who had also been Kate's husband's Stuart's best friend.  I loved how this story comes together about in that Paul is definitely been placed into Kate's life for a reason.  We find from the story that Kate is a top model with a son and is determined to make it rebuilding her life, however, with this editor of a local newspaper be able to offer any help as he will be drawn into her world?   There will be some twist and turns for Kate and Paul as they discover what they have together as Paul is drawn into Kate's 'At Home' program  which involved disadvantaged teenagers. Will Kate be able to see a different side of Paul as they are drawn together?  This is where I say you must pick up the well written novel to see how well this is all brought out by the author.  I loved how this author was able to keep me wondering all the way to the end will they or not get together?   Why is Kate so afraid to get close to Paul?  "A Way From Heart to Heart" was a good read of  'love, loss and friendship.'  Would I recommend?  YES!

I Love How You Love Me By: Bella Andre

Book Description....

Dylan Sullivan's story (Seattle Sullivans #4)

"Dylan Sullivan, a renowned boat builder, has spent his entire life sailing around the world. But while he’s always enjoyed the freedom of the ocean, when Grace Adrian shows up at his Seattle boathouse to interview him for a magazine, it’s love at first sight. Love for both Grace and her ten-month-old son, Mason, with whom Dylan has an immediate bond. And every moment they spend together makes Dylan more and more certain that a love like theirs is worth risking everything for.

A year and a half ago, Grace’s entire world turned upside down. Not only did she learn that she was pregnant, she also found out that she was nothing but a dirty little secret to her boyfriend and his elite Washington D.C. family. Since then, Grace has been rebuilding her life in Seattle, giving one hundred percent of her attention to her son and her freelance writing career. Believing she can never risk her heart—or her son’s—again, especially to a man like Dylan who could sail away at any moment, Grace tries desperately to guard her heart from the charismatic and sexy sailor.

For as sweet and protective as Dylan is during the day, at night when one incredibly hot kiss turns into so much more, Grace simply can’t find a way to keep from tumbling into his arms again and again. But can she ever learn to trust in love again?"

Title:  I Love How You Love Me

By:  Bella Andre

Publisher:  B. A.

Series:  The Sullivans #13, Seattle Sullivans # 4

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: 5

Review:

"I Love How You Love Me" by Bella Andre

What I liked about this novel....

Wow, it was good seeing that when Dylan Sullivan  first saw Grace  Adrian and her baby boy Mason he knew that she was 'The One'  for him, yes love at first sight!  This was another one of this author great stories of the Sullivan family and once I started with the read I didn't put it down until the very end. It was quite captivating seeing how Dylan and Grace will work it all out and in the end....well this is where you will have to pick up the good read to see for yourself.  I was left with a smile on my face wondering what is going to be next for Adam Sullivan who is the last single one in the family?  

Hero By: Samantha Young

Book Description.....

The emotional and unforgettable new romance from the New York Times bestselling author of the On Dublin Street series.

"Alexa Holland’s father was her hero until her shocking discovery that her mother and she weren't his only family. Ever since, Alexa has worked to turn her life in a different direction and forge her own identity outside of his terrible secrets. But when she meets a man who’s as damaged by her father’s mistakes as she is, Alexa must help him.

Caine Carraway wants nothing to do with Alexa’s efforts at redemption, but it’s not so easy to push her away. Determined to make her hate him, he brings her to the edge of her patience and waits for her to walk away. But his actions only draw them together and, despite the odds, they begin an intense and explosive affair.

Only Caine knows he can never be the white knight that Alexa has always longed for. And when they’re on the precipice of danger, he finds he’ll do anything to protect either one of them from being hurt again...."

Title: Hero
Author:  Samantha Young
Publisher:  PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

What I liked about this novel...

"Hero" was simply a wonderful read.  This author puts it out there and the story is indeed one intriguing and captivating read.  Once you pick it up you will find it hard to put down because there is so much going on your attention will be kept up front and center till the very end of this story.  The two main characters Alexa Holland and Caine Carraway along with several secondary characters were all well developed, defined, well portrayed and oh so very believable all giving the reader a well written storyline.  The reader will be drawn into this story where we find Alexa is not only beautiful but smart and yes even strong and Caine is so well driven with some darkness and oh yes hot.  Putting these two people together and you have one good story that is well told. Be ready for a emotional ride that will present love, sexy passion with such such chemistry that will definitely leave a smile on your face along with their bantering throughout this story.  So, if you are looking for a good read with romance, drama, some mystery and suspense you have come to the right place for "Hero" will give it all to you and YES I would definitely recommend this novel to you!

Harvest of Blessings By: Charlotte Hubbard

Book Description....

"The tranquil little town of Willow Ridge is facing a startling challenge. Wealthy Nora Glick Landwehr is determined to make it her home again--and put her past to rest. Cast out by her own family, Nora can't reconcile with Old Amish ways or her strict father. But she'll do anything to help her community embrace the future . . . and make amends to the daughter she had to give up. So, she certainly has no time for her reckless new neighbor Luke Hooley. They disagree about almost everything. And how can she trust him if he always seems to believe the worst about her? Somehow, though, his unexpected support and passionate heart are helping her find her own way in faith. And Nora will discover that even in the face of insidious lies and unyielding judgment, God creates unexpected chances for forgiveness--and love."

Title:  Harvest of Blessings
Author:  Charlotte Hubbard
Publisher:  Zebra
Series:  Seasons of the Heart Book 5
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Harvest of Blessings" by Charlotte Hubbard

What I liked about this novel....

This was a very interesting novel and which showed the realness of the Amish community.   It was wonderful seeing how Nora, the heroine who had been a cast off from her community able to return and restore her life with this community in Willow Ridge after all that had happened to her.  The author did a wonderful job it her presentation of this story to her readers.  In the end the reader will get an unforgettable story of what it really means to forgive and even find love.  The characters is this story were all so well developed, captivating, well portrayed and believable helping to give the reader a remarkable well written story.  Would I recommend?  YES!

Love VS. Trust By: Ms. T. Nicole

Title:  Love VS. Trust
Author: Ms. T. Nicole
Publisher:  Pleasure Principle Publications
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  5
Review:

"Love VS. Trust" by Ms. T. Nicole

Book Description....

"Erica’s search for the truth will force her to go back and face what she deemed as a difficult past. Her sisters are now back in her life as they offer her true love and honesty, leaving her to make a decision that may cost her everything.

Growing up, Erica felt as if she wasn't loved. After meeting and marrying the person who gave her love and everything in between, Erica was on a quest to finding the truth and her voice. Everything was going according to plan until her husband Richard started to change his patterns and raises her brow of curiosity. With love on the line and a marriage hanging by a thread, will love keep them together, or will lust pull them apart?"

What I liked about this novel....

I found "Love VS. Trust" was a good urban fiction read and as I read through this novel I wasn't able to put it down until the end.  I loved how this author was able to make you feel like you were there. So many times I found myself talking to the novel trying my best to help Erica out with some of her issues that she was going though.  Thank God Erica had her sisters their to help her having her back especially Ebony.  Now, if only she would listen to them.  There seems to have been problems between these sisters for so long but maybe with Erica now needing her sister they could become closer.  One could definitely see  during this read that Erica needed someone to talk to since it seemed she had trouble talking to her husband Richard.  However, Erica didn't need that friend Diane but we will be left to see what will come of that friendship in this authors next  book part two. Would I recommend this read?  YES!

The Man Who Loved Too Much Book 1: Archipelago By: John Rachel

Book Description.....

"This is the story of Billy Green. When he was just turning four, his father tried to throw him in the trash. He was a smart kid but that just seemed to create enemies.

His mom did everything to protect him. But this was Detroit, armpit of the wasteland! Catholic school didn't help much, except the time he got his first kiss from an atheist nun. Home life was dismal. Was his father capable of anything but drinking beer and farting? And what was with that neighbor who made puppets and tried to molest Billy? Golly! Detroit was sucking the life out of him. At such a young age!

Then adolescence swirled around him. Like water in a toilet bowl. High school was a B movie. Only without a plot. So finally he did something about it. Billy ran away… to college. Cornell University. That was a good move for sure! He studied hard, lost his virginity, met the love of his life. Things were definitely looking up! What could possibly go wrong? Isn’t that what we always ask?"


Title:  The Man Who Loved Too Much
Author:  John Rachel
Publisher:  Literary Vagabond Books
Book 1:  Archipelago
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"The Man Who Loved Too Much"  by John Rachel

This author really presented the reader with a story that was simply a amazing good read as this was part one  of of this trilogy.   I was simply amazed that as I read through this journey how much I simply enjoyed this entire well written story. At times I was left feeling so sorry for Billy Green and at other times I was found simply cheering for him.  The story setting  starts in Detroit, Michigan where Billy at three years old lived with  a loving mom and abusive dad.  Starting at Thanksgiving Day at the Parade this story continues on through his college years where Billy meets the love of his life.  As the story continues it will take you through some interesting times from Billy's childhood being home with his mom, .his first day at kindergarten... on to the  the Catholic schools events...on through his high school years in Troy Jr. and Sr HS where there would be some painful memories....on to Billy's his first kiss ...then off to Cornell University in Ithaca, NY...his mom's illness and on to his first love where Billy meets Natalie Diamond.

What I especially enjoyed  from this novel....

What I especially enjoyed about reading from "The Man Who Love Too Much" was that I was able to laugh so hard at some of the read and yet there was parts of this  read you could feel  real sadness too. In this intriguing story you are able to feel the pain that this hero is dealt with along with his happiness as you are lead to keep turning the pages until the end where you will find many twist and turns in the story.  A lots will come out of this read and this is where I want to say you will have to pick up this novel to see what else this author has in store for the reader. It will be some journey and in the end I was left wondering about that  best friend of Natalie ...Pam. Now really what was Pam up too in her presentation to Billy and Natalie at the Lucatelli Ristorante?  I don't know but I felt that there was something going on  in that best friend relationship (Natalie and Pam) but I am sure this will be cleared up in the next trilogy for me.   Now, to get this and the rest of the story  you will have to read it for yourself.  The details presented in this story along with the history of what was going on at that time  was absolutely wonderfully brought out making you feel that you are right there in the midst of it all.

I liked how this author was able to give the reader such a interesting, intriguing and captivating well written script showing this hero 'young man's coming of age.'  This novel will leave you definitely wanting the next trilogy to this wonderfully told story about Billy Green.  So, in the end we have a first trilogy of  Billy Green from three years of age well into his college years....wow, what a read that I would definitely recommend to you.

Barbecue and Bad News By Nancy Naigle

Book Description....


"Welcome to Adams Grove…where the barbecue isn’t the only thing that sizzles.
Savannah Dey politely agreed to attend her ex-husband’s wedding, but she’d be grateful for any reason to get out of it…which is why the speeding ticket from the handsome sheriff of Adams Grove is both a surprise and a reprieve. With one quick call to her editor, the aspiring columnist finds herself with a new assignment and the perfect excuse to get closer to the man who pulled her over. Now, all she needs is a way to deal with all the bad memories the small town dredges up…
Sheriff Scott Calvin can’t forget the woman who set off his radar, but he’s determined to send Savannah on her way. He’s done making bad choices, and this beautiful city gal is sure to leave Adams Grove once she finishes her story. By the time she’s stirred up a hornet’s nest, he’s already falling for her. Will trouble bind them together, or will her secrets tear them apart?"

Title:  Barbecue and Bed News       
Author:  Nancy Naigle       
Publisher:  Montlake Romance
Series:  An Adam Grove Novel Book 6   
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean    Rating:
Rating: 4
Review:

"Barbecue and Bad News" by Nancy Naigle

What I liked about this novel.....

I liked this romantic read that seem to bring the reader full circle for this heroine  Savannah who was in a place where no one wants to be and that is alone.  As the story continues she is on the  way  to her home to attend her ex's wedding and now  Savannah has been stopped by a cop for speeding.  Maybe this was a good thing because now she wouldn't be able to get to this wedding. What my main question was doing all of this was why  it  necessary for her to attend her ex's wedding in the first place?  Savannah hadn't been home in many year since her parents death and now it looks like she is having car problems....in another small town called Adams Grove.  However, her boss thought with Savannah being a columnist  this would be a good idea for her to dig up some information about this town and its sheriff that gave her the ticket.  Now, I don't want to tell it all but I hope to  have gotten your attention enough to check out this interesting read.  Will Savannah become a better person after coming to this small town of Adams Grove after it is all said and done?

The Cowboy By: Margareta Osborn

Book Description....

"Carina Chapman wants a vacation. Somewhere hot. Somewhere decadent. Somewhere far, far away from her complicated life in New York. Somewhere in Australia appears to be the answer, until Carina discovers her PA has booked her into the wrong resort.

Cowboy Jake Richardson can cook a mean camp-oven roast, track wild horses, breed cattle and knows Australia’s rugged High Country like no other, but he needs to diversify if he wants to keep his land. Tourism seems like the answer, but his housekeeper just quit, the rooms aren’t ready and he doesn’t know a short black from a cappuccino.

Then his first guest arrives.

City slick Carina is smart, classy and disgruntled that her dreamy five-star retreat has been replaced by a rustic homestead beside the Barcoo Creek. Jake has seven days to convince Carina he can deliver all the items on her vacation checklist – including the five-step method to an everlasting relationship… "

Title:  The Cowboy    
Author:  Margareta Osborn   
Publisher:  Tule Publishing
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean    
Rating 4
Review: 

"The Cowboy" by Margareta Osborn

What I  liked about this read....

"The Cowboy" was truly a sweet contemporary romance about Carina Chapman and Jake Richardson.  We find that Carina is taking a vacation in Australia, however the resort location isn't where she thought she would be where she ends up at a cowboys 'rustic homestead beside the Barcoo Creek." What is up with Jake's resort that will have the reader shaking their heads?  What will this classy lady from New York do when she finds out that she has been sent to the wrong resort?  Get ready for a lots of twist and turns but in the end will this lady get the man she has desired?  To learn this and just what this author has for the reader you will have to pick up this novel to see for yourself
if in the end if Ree will have a 'new life at Barcoo Creek Station Stay.'  I  really liked it when the Jake, the Australian cattleman referred to Carina as  'Ree, mate and darling.'    I felt that the read move somewhat slow but in the end it did make up for it.  I loved the steps of everlasting partner relationship....'being happy in yourself...awareness of what marks  your partner tick...new adventures together...partners need to take responsibility for keeping the relationship going....moving forward and lastly keeping working hard to reap the rewards.

Horse Crazy By: Caitlin Ricci

  Book Description....


"Melody and her teenage daughter, Kristen, have moved to Colorado for a fresh start. She's still not 100% where she wants to be in terms of her body yet but she is finally comfortable with herself and is living completely as a woman for the first time in her life. To thank Kristen for being so wonderful she promises her daughter riding lessons, something her little girl has always dreamed of.

While waiting for the lesson to start, she's happy to see her daughter amidst the horses that she loves so much, but Melody does not expect the handsome man who sits down next to her—a man who proves to be Kristen's instructor and idol—to be interested in taking Melody out on a date..."

Title:  Horse Crazy      Author:  Caitlin Ricci     Publisher:  Less Than Three Press
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean      Rating: 4


Review:  "Horse Crazy"  by Caitlin Ricci

What I thought about this novel......

I must say this was a different kind of read for me but after reading this whole short novella it wasn't bad at all.  The reader will find that we have a 'trans' women with her daughter trying to live a ordinary life in a new place after a horrible divorce.  The story mainly centers around the daughter having a love for horses and the mom trying to give her what she had promised her ...horse lessons in their new place they were now living.  Who knew that the mom Melody would meet a horse trainer Derrick who showed interest in her.  Would he be able to except Melody's after he learns more about what has gone on with Melvin....I mean Melody?    This and a few more questions will be answered from the short  enlighten read. 

Deepest Roots of the Heart By Chautona Havig

Book Description....

"During WWII, Avelino Carrillo spent four harrowing years in the South Pacific with one thought driving his survival: to return to his beloved home in Napa Valley.
The Carrillos have a history in the valley that stretches deep, like grapevine roots in the soil. For a century, they worked the vineyard at their family home, la Casa de los Sueños, until they lost the property to a wealthy land baron. Now, Avelino is determined to reclaim the land and home he loves so much. When he meets Amelia, a young woman who lives at the vineyard with her grandfather, he finds that regaining his birthright isn’t his only struggle—he battles the longing of his heart as well.
Can Avelino overcome the local bigotry and personal demons that face him to create the life he desires?"

Title:  Deepest Roots of the Heart       Author:  Chautona Havig      Publisher:  Waterfall Press
Series:  Legacy of the Vines #1           Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean                 Rating: 5       
Review:

"Deepest Roots of the Heart" by Chautona Havig

What I liked about this novel....

This story was one absolutely wonderful  well written  historical fiction that will keep your attention all the way till the end.   The hero Avelino Carrillo  was a very interesting character being a WW II veteran returning home from the Philippines injured and wanting to save his family's vineyards.  Only when Avelino arrived home finding there was another family occupying his family home.    I loved how this author was able to deliver to the reader such a tale about the Carrillo's ancestors as the story is being told by Avelino's POV.  The story will be presented quite interesting where we find Avelino is trying to pay off a debt in order to regain the ownership of his family vineyards that had been taken away due to his brother bad judgement.  However, as the story goes on Avelino is able to make a deal of a lifetime and that was he would work the vineyards receiving no salary for a total of seven years.  Upon arriving on the property he finds a grandfather Joe  and his granddaughter Amelia.  With Avelino being a great storyteller he begins to share with this family about the Carillos family.  Wow, what a story that was of the first Avelino who had fought in the Mexican American war and made his way from Texas to this California area.  Listening to these stories really becomes a obsession for Amelia as she seems like she couldn't get enough of Avelino's stories and then what do you think will happen between these them?  At this point I will stop and say you will have to pick up this good read to see for yourself how well this author presents a well told story to her readers.  Be ready for a exciting read where a little bit of it all seems to come into play...love, hate, prejudice, religious problems and in the end one fascinating told story.  It is like you are getting a story told in a story. Anyway, you will have to pick this novel up.  In the end I am not sure I liked the ending not knowing how she ...well again, you will have to read this one for yourself.  I can only say that in the end I found "Deepest Roots of the Heart" a very good read that I would definitely  recommend to you.

The Blue Diamond: The Razor's Edge By: P.S. Bartlett

Book Description.....


"When four spirited young women
find themselves orphaned and alone in an unforgiving world, they are forced to
defend not only their honor but their very lives. Ivory Shepard, has made a name for herself as the notorious pirate "Ivory Razor," while she and her handy cousins; Cass, Keara and Miranda are building a life in Port Royal, Jamaica. When she takes a merchant ship and finds a bag full of rare diamonds, including one very large blue one, she never imagined she'd end up captured and held prisoner by a rival pirate.
Maddox Carbonale aka "Blacksnake" intends to collect a fifty thousand pound bounty on her head and earn a pardon in the process, until a fiery attraction ignites between them. Regardless of their first passionate night together, by the time the sun rises the next morning, Ivory is reminded why she trusts no one and she's left wondering if her fate is sealed due to Blacksnake's greed or Maddox's wounded ego.
Ultimately unable to deny his feelings for her, Maddox offers his loyalty and his guns.  but no one can take anything from Ivory Shepard that she doesn't want to give; certainly not her freedom, and most of all, her heart.

Will she prove she can have it all on her own terms; the man, the blue diamond and her freedom?"


Title:  The Blue Diamond: The Razor's Edge
Author:  P.S. Bartlett
Publisher:  Libertine Press/Ravenswood Publishing
Series:  The Razor's Edge #1
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"The Blue Diamond: The Razor's Edge"  By P.S. Bartlett

What I liked from this novel.....


"The Blue Diamond: The Razor's Edge" was captivating from all of its historic adventures and pirates and even a women pirates in this romantic story.  This author really knows how to hold and keep your attention turning the pages as you will be caught up in this storyline about what is going on with these pirates.  You will find some were good and some weren't good pirates.  You will have to pick up this good read to see just who is who!  I found all of the characters for the most part being so well developed, well portrayed as well as believable especially the heroine and hero when these two pirates captains meet and their adventure begins.   I only wished the ending would have had an epilogue so we could have known what was going to happen next  for these two Pirate Captains but I guess that will be for another read.   Would I recommend?   If you are into romantic pirate reads....YES, this one would be recommended for YOU!

Detour Ahead By: Adriana Kraft

Book Description....


"Hot-shot Chicago prosecuting attorney Traci Steele works tirelessly keeping rapists off the street to prevent other women from suffering the hell she’s endured, so she resists her friends’ insistence that she take a two month R&R in their California Live Oak condo—until they persuade her to help their rancher friend as a private investigator.

Though he runs the stables at Live Oak, well-muscled mustached wrangler Scott McCord much prefers working with the race horses he trains at his ranch, and he can’t believe his old friends have sent a greenhorn female to help him with horse troubles.

The improbable dance between this mismatched pair barely fits in around the escalating suspense of whoever’s after Scott’s horses. Traci is as tenacious in her sleuthing as she is terrified about her inability to ever love a man. Can Scott succeed in gentling her—like he does his horses—before she flees in panic?"


Title:  Detour Ahead
Author:  Adriana Kraft
Publisher:  B & B Publisher
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  5
Review:

"Detour Ahead" by Adriana Kraft

What I enjoyed about the novel....

Wow, every time I think I have read one of the best reads from these author  they have a way of opening up another erotic romance with suspense with a little mystery to bring it all to another level of being another great and wonderful  well written novel that only these authors can give its readers.  The characters were all simply off the chart... good being well developed, well portrayed, real, colorful, engaging, well depicted, and oh so believable only to give the reader  a good phenomenal read.  I was not sure what I was looking for in the read but I loved how these author presented it to the reader where once starting the read you will have a hard time putting it down until the end.  Be ready for many twist and turns as the plot will thicken all the way through the read only in the end ... and not wanting to give any of it away ....this is where I will say you will have to pick up "Detour Ahead" to see how it will comes out for this hero and heroine.  This was the series Riders Up Book 4 however, it can be a stand alone read but I would suggest you start at book one and work your way up to book four to truly understand all that has gone on between some of the old as well as the new characters as the truth of it all comes out for Tracy Steele as well as Scott McCord.  If you love a good horse story that these authors give their readers then these reads are for you and yes I would definitely recommend them all....especially "Detour Ahead."

Thank you Adriana Kraft for letting me read your enjoyable  novel.

The Billionaire Boyfriend Trap By: Kendra Little

Book Description....


"Cleo knows her job is borderline unethical, but she tells herself that the businessmen she spies on are arrogant and greedy. Besides, it pays well and she needs the money for her sister's medical bills and to put her through art school. But when that art school's very existence is under threat from Cleo's latest target, billionaire Reece Kavanagh, she will do anything in her power to stop him and keep her sister happy.

Until she falls in love with him.

He was supposed to be a jerk, but Reece turns out to be everything Cleo ever wanted in a man. His heart is not cold and empty as reported, but beats only for Cleo. So when he reveals the dark secret that drives him to close down the school, she knows she has to stop him, for his own good as well as her sister's.

But what will Reece do when he finds out that the woman he trusts has been undermining him all along? "

THE BILLIONAIRE BOYFRIEND TRAP is a complete standalone novel with a satisfying ending. The novels in the Kavanagh Family series are:
#1 The Billionaire Boyfriend Trap
#2 The Billionaire Boyfriend Proposal
#3 The Billionaire Boyfriend Bargain (coming soon)

Title:  The Billionaire Boyfriend Trap" by Kendra Little
Author:  Kendra Little
Publisher:  K. L. 
Series:  Kavanagh Family Book # 1
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  5
Review:

"The Billionaire Boyfriend Trap" by Kendra Little''

What I liked about the novel...

This was a nice short read that I rather liked.  It was quite interesting seeing how this heroine did get the hero in the end.  The characters were all well developed, well portrayed and believable giving the reader a well written script that will keep your attention until the end.  I did not find this one a predictable read because toward the end the reader will be given  quite a twist that will give new light  in this interesting story.  I liked how this author end this series 'The Billionaire Boyfriend Trap" to the next series....'The Billionaire Boyfriend Proposal' and it sounds like another interesting read. 

Steely Gray By: Vanessa Davis Griggs

Book Description.....

"Twenty-five-year old Lilly Gray has loved to write since she was in elementary school. Her first book was published by a Christian publisher when she turned twenty-one. With a growing number of awards and accolades to show for her efforts, the single and very beautiful “dark chocolate” (as her preacher father always calls her) Lilly appears to be on track as a force to be reckoned with. Maybe that’s why an up and coming author has decided to target her as her number one rival. Whatever is going on, it’s obvious that this twenty-five year-old author who pens erotica and simply goes by the name Ebony has beef with Lilly. And Ebony is having no problems with letting the world know just how far she’ll go to take Lilly on.

Making any and all public appearances wearing various Mardi Gras’ masks and glitzy over-the-top wardrobe as well as other costumes (now a signature trademark to her overall mystique), no one (other than possibly Ebony’s publishing house and any family and friends who might know her true identity) has actually ever seen Ebony’s face.

It’s getting personal between the two, although neither author will ever seem to allow herself to be caught in the same room with the other. A strikingly handsome (an equally up and coming) twenty-eight-year-old reporter named Remington Caldwell is intrigued with both these alluring women—one a good girl and the other one bad. One seemingly an angel sent from Heaven, while the other (at times) appearing to be deployed with an assignment straight from the pits of the devil himself.

The closer Remington gets to both women, the more he discovers who, underneath it all, they truly are. One thing for certain: the two of them give a whole new meaning to the scripture referring to iron sharpening iron and steel sharpening steel. So when Remington discovers the real truth, will his love for the one he finds himself most drawn to cause him to keep the secret? Or will he break the news to his own growing base of fans? More importantly, if he does disclose it, will the truth destroy the life and the careers of both these now hugely successful authors in the process? God only knows . . . "

Title:  Steely Gray
Author:  Vanessa Davis Griggs
Publisher:  Free To Soar
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  5
Review:

"Steely Gray" by Vanessa Davis Griggs

What I loved about this novel....

If you are wanting a beautifully written Christian Read ... "Steely Gray" is all of just that!  This author really keeps you turning the pages because there is some much going on with twist and turn in every chapter that will keep your attention.  I loved how this author presents a scripture that will tie in the upcoming chapter.  "Steely Gray" is one of those Christian reads that  the reader will find very 'captivating, thought provoking, encouraging and so very inspiring'  end  in the end the reader is given a awesome well written read.   This was definitely a read that what is done in the dark will come to the light...in one form or another.   The characters were for the most part well developed, well portrayed, and  believable all giving the reader a outstanding good read.  Since this isn't my first read by this author, I will only say it won't be my last.  Thank you author for giving the your readers an inspirational story that will give you something to think about long after the read.   It was so wonderful with Pastor George Landris and his wife Johnnie Mae from the Blessed Trinity Series being part of the wonderful read.  Thank you to the author for such great a edifying novels that are a blessing to all.