Suddenly Single: So Undeserving By: Deidra D. Green

Book Description....

"Are happily ever after’s only for fairy tales? Bailey Jamison’s life could have been plucked right from the pages of the most romantic story book. She married the love of her life. He loved her without condition. It was like a dream. But what happens when the dream turns into a nightmare? Devastating loss, new life and divisive lines drawn in the sand wreak havoc in Bailey’s life. Can she handle all that is being thrown her way or will Bailey crumble under the pressure? Find out in “Suddenly Single, So Undeserving”."

Title:  Suddenly Single: So Undeserving
Author:  Deidra D. Green
Publisher:  Rathsi Publishing
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Suddenly Single:  So Undeserving" by Deidra D. S. Green

My Thoughts....

This novel was wonderful written and as part of the title stated ...'So Undeserving.'  This author really knows to give the readers a story that is so full with drama,  hatefulness as well as some emotions that will keep one interested reading till the end.  I found many of the characters ...from Bailey,[Reign & Skyy], Annette, Aunt Carolyn, [Isaiah], Dr. Harrison, Yolanda, Alphia, Xavier, Carmen, Angelica, Raven, Officer Conway to several others  that really made this well written read that is done so uniquely. I know my favorite part was at the end with Bailey's departing words for 'Annette' at her funeral.  The story will leave one wondering at the end as Bailey will be left looking 'forward to getting to know'...well, this is the time I way you will have to pick up this novel and see how well this author has presented it so well to her readers.  Will Bailey be able to 'handle all that is being thrown at her?' As I finished up this read and thought about 'Suddenly Single:  So Undeserving,' I felt that there was certainly a lesson to be learned from this read.  I hope you get it....I did!

Thank you to the author for gifting me this novel for me to read and give the readers my honest opinion of the read.

BOSS (Book 1, Part 3) (The Baptiste Family Novella Series) By: Brian W. Smith

Book Description....

"The Baptiste Family run K and E Publishing, the largest African-American owned publishing company in the country. The Founder/CEO, King Baptiste has decided he's ready to retire. Each of his kids (Junior, Queen, Elan, and Carmelo) want to be the new CEO, and they will do anything - including backstab each other - to be named the new BOSS."

Title:  Boss [Book 1, Part 3] The Baptiste Family Novella
Author:  Brian W. Smith
Publisher: B.W. S.
Series:  Part 3 Novella Series
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Five
Review:

"Boss [Book 1 Part 3]" by Brian W.Smith

My Thoughts....

OK, I will admit I don't like waiting  to read part  2  and then  waiting to read part 3 so...Now let me be clear to what I am saying. I wanted to read the whole story at one sitting, so when I met this author and learned that there was going to be a part 3 to this Boss story...I said OK [to myself].. I will just wait and read it all together Parts 1, 2 & 3 and yesterday I did just that and loved this amazing read.     Part 3 is off the chart  being so well written with all of its twist and turns!  I still loved not having to wait and read it in parts.  However, I will say this author does very well  with his writing skills in bringing all of the parts 1, 2 and 3 altogether showing all of the 'drawn emotions' out of his characters.  As the novella continues the author presents the reader with another character that will cause one to either love or hate who he is presented to the story of already a disruptive family. That definitely  was a Wow moment for me at the end of the read!  Oh, I will say the story Boss Part 3 doesn't stop here...we are getting even more from this author in the summer of 2016, BOSS (Book 2, Part 1).  Thank you to the author for such a intriguing good story. Yes,  I will probably do it again and get  all the parts and then finish my read at one time and I am sure it will be another good read that the readers will be waiting till the end to get the rest of the 'Baptiste Family' story.

Boss [Book 1, Part 2 The Baptiste Family Novella Series] By: Brian W. Smith

Book Decription....

"This is Book 1 (Part 2) of the Baptiste Family Series. King Baptiste, Founder and CEO of K and E Publishing is ready to retire. He must decide between his four kids who will be his successor. They each want the job, and have every intention to become the new BOSS...by any means necessary."

Title:  Boss Book 1 Part 2 [The Baptiste Family Novella Series]
Author:  Brian W. Smith
Publisher:  B.W.S.
Series:  The Baptiste Family Novella # 2
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Boss Part 2" by Brian W. Smith

My Thoughts.....

OK, as I continue on with Boss Book 1 Part 2...this Baptiste Family a decision is to be made by King
Baptiste.  Now, how with this man decide between the four ? children to become a successor as the CEO of the K and E Publishing Company?  Who deserves this job? Well, as the plot thickens...as this
story gets even more awesome!  As the drama keep on coming  to King and his family the reader will be kept reading as King Baptiste drops....well I will stop here and only say you will just have to pick this part 2 up and see just what that was that King drops on his family!  Now on to Boss Book 1 Part 3.

BOSS (Book 1, Part 1) (The Baptiste Family Novella Series By: Brian W. Smith

Bposs
Book Description....

"The Baptiste Family run K and E Publishing, the largest African-American owned publishing company in the country. The Founder/CEO, King Baptiste has decided he's ready to retire. Each of his kids (Junior, Queen, Elan, and Carmelo) want to be the new CEO, and they will do anything - including backstab each other - to be named the new BOSS."

Title:  Boss  [Book 1, Part 1][The Baptiste Family Novella Series]
Author:  Brian W. Smith
Publisher: B.W.S.
Series: The Baptiste Family Novella Part 1
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"The Boss Book 1, Part 1"  by Brian W. Smith

My Thoughts....

This was a little different read for me having all of these parts that will lead to the end  but I will say it was interesting  read and I look forward to the next part 2.  The author really shows his talents  as a good writer has he shows his talents with the way he slips in those twist and turns that will really captivates his readers keeping their attention till the end and definitely leaving you wanting more. The characters  from King, Junior, Queen, Elan and Carmelo are simply off the chart...well defined, portrayed and very believable giving the reader a good  novella read definitely leaving the reader saying what a family!  The reader will be left wanting the next part 2 of this 'Baptiste' story.

Ring in a Cowboy: Nine Sexy Cowboys from Bestselling Authors [by: Donna Michaels, Lexi Post, Victoria Vane ,Rhonda Lee Carver, Amanda McIntyre, Hildie McQueen, Kathleen Ball, Tori Scott and Gem Sivad]

Book Description....

"New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Authors Donna Michaels and Lexi Post are joined by seven award-winning authors to bring you nine sexy cowboys in this New Year's collection that will warm you from the inside out. Ring in a Cowboy."

Donna Michaels - Wine and Her New Year Cowboy (Book 4/Citizen Soldier Series) A Going no male resolution excludes cowboys.

Lexi Post - Trace’s Trouble: Last Chance Series #2 - A divorced cowboy, with nothing left but his pride, runs into trouble when he has to evict a feisty woman who understands animals better than humans and carries a Glock named Sal.

Kathleen Ball – A Kiss at Midnight - Will Anora accept Maverick’s Heart? Only a long awaited New Year’s kiss at midnight will tell him.

Rhonda Lee Carver- A New Year's Cowboy- Charlie has suffered tragedy, but a Christmas package offers hope and a cowboy.

Amanda Mcintyre - Lost & Found - Fate gives first love a second chance.

Hildie Mcqueen- New Year with You- A modern Cinderella type story with a humorous twist.

Tori Scott- Cowboy Masquerade - A New Year's Eve masquerade party reveals more than anyone expects.

Gem Sivad- Cowboy Burn- She slides down an icy road and lands in the arms of love.

Victoria Vane – A Cowboy’s Midnight Kiss – Almost the moment she arrives for a holiday at a renowned ski resort, recently divorced Cassidy Cantrell breaks a boot heel, sprains her ankle, and gets swept off her feet by a blue-eyed Wyoming Rancher.

Title: Ring In A Cowboy
Authors:    Donna Michaels,  Lexi Post, Victoria Vane,Rhonda Lee Carver, Amanda McIntyre,  Hildie McQueen,  Kathleen Ball, Tori Scott and Gem Sivad
Publisher By:  Vane Publishing
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Ring in a Cowboy: Nine Sexy Cowboys from Bestselling Authors" by: Donna Michaels,  Lexi Post, Victoria Vane, Rhonda Lee Carver, Amanda McIntyre,  Hildie McQueen,  Kathleen Ball, Tori Scott and Gem Sivad.

My Thoughts...

Nine beautifully well written 'sexy cowboy anthology collections' that you will find it hard to put down until you are at the end of the read.  I found all of these wonderful stories will make for a good read and especially during the Christmas/New Year holiday season.

We have a total of nine stories....

Wine and Her New Year Cowboy by Donna Michaels

Trace's Trouble:  Last Chance Series #2 by Lexi Post

A Kiss at Midnight by Kathleen Ball

A New Year's Cowboy by Rhonda Lee Carver

Lost and Found by Amanda McIntyre

New Year with You by Hildie Mcqueen

Cowboy Masquerade by Tori Scott

Cowboy Burn by Gem Sivad
and
A Cowboy's Midnight Kiss by Victoria Vane

Did I have a favorite anthology? ...well, no because they all were some good reading by some very interesting authors.  Be ready for a little bit of it all from..'no man resolution, a cowboy evicting a feisty woman, acceptance, tragedy, a second chance, Cinderella type story, masquerade party reveal, love coming from a slide down a icy road and a divorced lady meets up with a Wyoming Rancher.'
Also,  be ready for some hot steamy ...well, I will stop here and just say you will have to pick up this good read to see how well these authors presents it to the readers.

Would I recommend "Ring in a Cowboy?"....YES!

The Tree Of Hope By: Darcie Chan

Book Description...

A Christmas Novella

Title:  The Tree Of Hope
Author: Darcie Chan
Publisher:  D.C.
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"The Tree Of Hope" by Darcie Chan

My Thoughts...

This was a wonderful well written short story of a mother and the love of her girls survived during the Christmas season in 1984 after the death of her husband.  Things were tight but Josie was determine to give her girls a  real Christmas Tree.  With the help of her Aunt Ivy...just how did Josie make this happen?   Well you will have to get this short story to read and see just what the girls [Emily & Rose] saw when they got up the next morning.  .  I found this story very refreshing for the Christmas season definitely being a 'Tree of Hope' in all that Josie had to do.  I loved how the author shared what it was to be able to get it all done with what you have right around you.  When you set your mind to it as it was for Josie, it proved to her she could do it and she suceeded.  Thank you to the author for sharing this free read to the readers.  

Razor Sharp [Embryo: A Raney and Levine Thriller]

Book Description...

"A Jack the Ripper type killer is murdering male prostitutes, with one exception...

A young woman is found brutally attacked with a straight razor, her cruel facial mutilation the only link to three other horrific murders: a transgender woman, a transvestite, and a 17-year-old hustler. So nasty are those three born-male kills that the psychopath seems to be saying, they're all males...

FROM HELL he scrawls, taunting the NYPD with the original Jack the Ripper's 1888 letter to the police. This killer is cunning: wears gloves, disguises, and leaves no physical evidence. At a loss, the police ask "one small favor" from physicians Jill Raney and David Levine, friends and - until now, detectives on their own. "No warrant? No problem!" had been their mantra...until their relationship with the cops led to exhaustion and conflict.

But they share the horror that grips the country and agree to help, thus plunging into an unimaginable and terrifying maze of psycho-sexual obsession and madness."

Series order:

• Embryo ..... Is a malignant genius tinkering with women's bodies? 

• Embryo 2: Crosshairs ... A killer stalks women & an unborn baby.

• Embryo 3: Raney & Levine...A murderous religious zealot threatens women ("sinners!") and a newborn.

• Embryo 4: Catch Me ... A serial killer just targets couples.

• Embryo 5: Silver Girl ... A beautiful young TV star dies mysteriously... 

• NEW! EMBRYO 6: RAZOR SHARP: A Jack the Ripper type killer is murdering male prostitutes: A transvestite, a transgender woman, a 17-year-old hustler - to him, they're all males. Police again ask Jill & David to help...

Title: Razor Sharp: Embryo: A Raney and Levine Thriller # 6

Author:  J.A. Schneider

Publisher:  R.G. Schneider, M.D

Series:  Embryo 6

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Razor Sharp" by J.A. Schneider 

My Thoughts....

Another well written story of the  'Embryo 6 series' by this author. We find with  "Razor Sharp" with Jill and David the duo doctor couple while on vacation do it once again helping the police catch the psycho who was murdering featuring 'transvestites. trams gender woman and a 17 year old hustler.' Be ready for a little bit of it all as this bad person is brought down in this bloody mystery thriller suspenseful novel with a lots of twist and turns.  I would recommend to get it all from the Embryo series to start with the first one and read you way through to this series.  You will not be disappointed at all, however this series is a standalone read.

Here they are is you would like to take a look at them:

"Series order:

• Embryo ..... Is a malignant genius tinkering with women's bodies? 

• Embryo 2: Crosshairs ... A killer stalks women & an unborn baby.

• Embryo 3: Raney & Levine...A murderous religious zealot threatens women ("sinners!") and a newborn.

• Embryo 4: Catch Me ... A serial killer just targets couples.

• Embryo 5: Silver Girl ... A beautiful young TV star dies mysteriously... 

• NEW! EMBRYO 6: RAZOR SHARP: A Jack the Ripper type killer is murdering male prostitutes: A transvestite, a transgender woman, a 17-year-old hustler - to him, they're all males. Police again ask Jill & David to help..."

This author seems to have mastered it all in 'being so creative with such thought provoking stories and giving you such a good understanding of the medical and even the detective world.'  I love how she was able to bring into the story of Jill and David's son....the three year old Jesse who proved to be quite helpful in this case.  I will stop here and say to get the whole story you will just have to pick up "Razor Sharp" to see for yourself how well this story is presented to the readers.  I found this novel a page turner and had me guessing right up to the end who the corrupt murderer was.  Will there be a Embryo 7?  Well. I guess we will just have to wait and see!

Cookies and Kisses By: Trish Perry, Debby Mayne, Cecelia Dowdy and Lynette Sowell

Book Description....

"Relax and enjoy these holiday love stories while you munch on a handful of delicious cookies made from the recipes at the end of each novella in this collection of contemporary romances set in Bethlehem, Connecticut. Four childhood friends keep their beloved holiday tradition of a sleepover and Christmas cookie exchange that they started as teenagers.

The love stories in Cookies and Kisses show how these four friends' lives have changed over the years and what motivates them when they meet the men who make them weak at the knees. Anna has a chance to pursue her dream career and the possibility of love, but at what cost? After years of a secret crush on the boy next door, Carly has to face some important realities that can alter the direction of her future. Kim's life is a mess, so she returns to Bethlehem to run the family bakery and runs into someone who dredges up some old feelings she thought she'd lost. Single mom Heather has to decide whether or not to let her daughter's father back into her life—and possibly into her heart."

Title:  Cookies and Kisses

Authors:  Trish Perry, Debby Mayne, Cecelia Dowdy and Lynette Sowell

Publisher:  Forget Me Not Romance, a division of Winged Publications

Series:  Cookies and Kisses

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Cookies and Kisses" by authors: Trish Perry, Debby Mayne, Cecelia Dowdy and Lynette Sowell

My Thoughts....

Four beautifully written anthologies....

Love's First Stage by Trish Perry

Kissing Carly by Debby Mayne

Loving Luke by Cecelia Dowdy

and

A Recipe for Family by Lynette Sowell

All of these short stories took place in and around Bethlehem, Connecticut where four friends got  together every Christmas holiday for a sleepover bringing or/and making their homemade 'Christmas Cookies.

As the  story goes on...it will tie into the next story starting with Anna, Kim, Carly and then last Heather...all childhood best friends.

Be ready for a wonderfully written short stories by each of these author that dealt with what was going on in these characters everyday life.  I really  loved how the authors were able to bring in the Christian view in such a way it was not overly done.  .

Add with that the wonderful recipes that were shared Chocolate Peppermint  Mint Bars, Holiday Gluten-Free Macaroons[I'm trying this one] and Vanilla Cookies.'  This was definitely a delightful holiday read that I would recommend to all.

Two To Wrangle By: Victoria Vane

Book Description...

"A COUNTRY BOY

Maybe having a hot and heavy affair with the boss’s daughter wasn’t the smartest move. But country boy Ty Morgan didn’t regret a moment with city girl Monica Brandt…until she left Las Vegas to return to her life in New York.  When devastating news sends her running back, Ty can’t help but open his arms.  His heart, however, is another matter.

AND A CITY GIRLNow that Ty has what he’s always wanted—controlling interest in Hotel Rodeo—Monica is certain their time together is at an end.  Then Ty asks her to come on board as a partner.  Maybe it’s just her money he needs, but the chance to stick close to the sexy wrangler sure could make work a whole lot more interesting.

GET READY TO TANGOTheir partnership doesn’t come without a heap of problems. The two can’t agree on anything—except their iron-hot attraction.  As the hotel’s Grand Opening approaches, the truth is all too clear: Ty and Monica must find a way to mix business with pleasure if they have any shot at dancing off into the sunset together…

Praise for Victoria Vane
“Erotic and sexy.” —Library Journal on the Devil DeVere series

“For erotic passion and one-liners, the first book in Vane's new series will satisfy...Vane's latest gets a big yee-haw.”—RT Book Reviews on Slow Hand"

Title:  Two To Wrangle

Author:  Victoria Vane

Publisher:  Lyrical Shine

Series:  Hotel Rodeo #2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean 

Rating: Five

Review:

"Two To Wrangle" by Victoria Vane

My Thoughts.....

This was a interesting part two story of the Hotel Rodeo series ....'a country boy' Ty [cowboy] and 'city girl' Monica being brought together due to a relationship to a his friend [Tom] and a her father. Now, how will these two get along even more so after the death of Tom?  What will they do with the 'Hotel Rodeo now that a new arrangement will be made after Toms death?'  Was their something going on between these two?  I liked how in this series that Ty and Monica began to talk, listen and let's not forget the hot steamy sex they seemed to have for each other.  This author will take the reader on quite a journey that will keep you turning the pages to see what will go on next for these two..Ty and Monica.  It was great seeing that by the end of the story...well I will stop here and say you will just have to pick up this read to see how it works out for them.  Now, it seems like in part 3 the story will be about Zac...Ty's friend and Delaney..Ty's ex.  I am sure that will be a interesting "Hotel Rodeo #3" series that the readers will not want to miss.

Received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Once Upon A True Love's Kiss By: Julie Johnstone, Katherine Bone, Collette Cameron, Jullian Chantal, Lauren Smith, Samantha Grace, Alanna Lucas, Victoria Vane

Book Description....

"USA Today Best-selling author, Julie Johnstone, joins best-selling, award-winning authors, Katherine Bone, Collette Cameron, Jillian Chantal, Samantha Grace, Alanna Lucas, Lauren Smith, and Victoria Vane in this delightful limited edition, containing eight tantalizing kiss-and-tell stories. Meet dashing, wildly charming rogues, spies, pirates, rakes and their extraordinary, intrepid heroines as they whisk you along on sweet to sizzling romantic romps in these wickedly entertaining historical romances.

AFTER FOREVER by JULIE JOHNSTONE-
Widowed Lady Julianna Barrows never wants to fall in love again. But when the notorious former boxer Nash Overton hires her to transform him into a gentleman, Julianna quickly becomes the student, learning more about passion than she’s ever known, and more importantly, learning how to love again.

THE PIRATE’S DUCHESS by KATHERINE BONE -
Duty forces him to take on the pirate code, but honor brings him back.

Prudence, Duchess of Blackmoor, has one desire—to be happy again. After struggling to overcome the horrifying death of her husband, she accepts an earl’s offer of marriage, confident she’s taking a step in the right direction. But demons, refuse to die, and Prudence finds herself caught in an intricate web of deceit that threatens the very foundations of all she holds dear.

Tobias, the Duke of Blackmoor, crosses the line when an assassination attempt on him fails. To restore the reputations of friends under attack by the same villain, and ensure his wife’s safety, he stages his own death, becoming The Black Regent, a notorious pirate bent on brandishing justice, never thinking he’d survive. But to his amazement, he has, and now the darkest-kept secrets are not worth losing the duchess his wife has become.

HER SCANDALOUS WISH by COLLETTE CAMERON
A marriage offer obligated by duty . . . an acceptance compelled by desperation.

Philomena Pomfrett is resigned to spinsterhood, but to ease her dying brother’s fretting, she reluctantly agrees to attend a London Season with one purpose—to acquire a husband. Stumbling upon her hiding in a secluded garden arbor during a ball, Bradford, Viscount Kingsley doesn’t recognize his first love, yet something about the mysterious woman enthralls him, and he steals a passionate, moonlit kiss.

Caught in the act by Philomena’s brother, Bradford is issued an ultimatum—a duel or marry Philomena. He offers marriage, but even impoverished and with no other decent prospects, she rejects his half-hearted proposal until her brother collapses. Now, Philomena’s faced with marrying a man who deserted her once already.


MILADY AND HER SPY by JILLIAN CHANTEL
A lady, a spy, a traitor… a battle of wills.

Raised in the country after her mother’s death with only the company of three unruly brothers, Lady Augusta Covington is more proficient at fencing, riding and playing cards than being prim and proper. Myles Cuthbert, a spy in His Majesty’s service on a mission to find and expose a traitor, crosses paths with Lady Augusta when she rides to the aid of her brother, believing him to be injured. With the assignment at risk, Cuthbert agrees to accept the assistance of the troublesome lady eager for intrigue. As they move forward, his sense of obligation to her and the danger involved stir his soul.

KISSED BY A SCOTTISH ROGUE by SAMANTHA GRACE
His Mother Insists He Needs a Wife.

Fergus McTaggart, Aldmist Fell’s land steward, has no time for wife hunting. Any day his employer's sisters will be arriving at the Scottish castle for a long overdue reunion. Fergus is determined to make their stay memorable, but all anyone is likely to recall are the loud rows between him and his employer’s cheeky paid companion.

She Insists He Needs a Good Knock to the Head.
Edith Gallagher has been charged with watching over her employer’s youngest sister while the family winters in Scotland, but the stubborn land steward interferes at every turn. Eventually, she and the Scot call a truce for the sisters’ sakes only to discover their passionate battles are masking hidden desires.

STOLEN KISSES FROM THE VISCOUNT by ALANNA LUCAS
Desperate times call for drastic measures as Miss Aveline Redgrave enters her third season. Fearful of fortune hunters, she attempts to stay clear of Lord Leybourne, a rogue who is not to be trusted. But his seductive smile and enticing kisses awaken a passion that threatens her common sense. No stranger to scandal, Leybourne is determined to save his family from ruin whatever the cost, even marrying an heiress he doesn’t love. But an unexpected desire and need to protect threatens his plans. Will past heartaches and a devastating wager destroy their future or will true love’s kiss triumph?

TEMPTED BY A ROGUE by LAUREN SMITH
Gemma never planned on falling in love with her childhood sweetheart’s best friend, Jasper, when he returns home, but she can’t resist the naval officer’s brooding charm.

Gemma plans to marry James, her childhood sweetheart. With every letter written between them while he's been off at sea, their love has grown. Now they will be reunited with his return to England. But the man whose words she'd fallen in love with isn’t James...

Jasper, a gentleman rogue of the first order, is trapped. Talked into a scheme by his friend, he pretended to be James for eleven years while writing to Gemma. He’s promised James he’d break it off. But when he returns home, his secret will come out – and he’ll lose the one woman he can’t live without.


THE REDEMPTION OF JULIAN PRICE by VICTORIA VANE
She gave him a chance to bury his past… but the price would be his heart…

Burdened by the past…Orphaned at a young age and left to run wild, at eighteen Julian Price joins the fight against Napoleon in the hope of attaining honor. Devastated when his best friend, Thomas, is killed in battle, Julian returns home burdened with guilt, only to find his wastrel uncle has squandered his inheritance.

Desperate to live her own life… Facing a future of drudgery caring for her aging mother and raising her brother’s children, Henrietta Houghton believes her chance at a real life died with Thomas, the only man who ever wanted her. But Henrietta is still full of dreams. When her wealthy aunt, offers her a gift of ten thousand pounds, Henrietta finally has the chance to choose her own destiny.

Everything has a price...With a fortune at her command, Henrietta offers Julian a marriage of convenience, unaware that she really offers Julian a means of salvation—not just his fortune, but his very soul."

Title:  Once Upon  A True Love's Kiss 

Authors: Julie Johnstone, Katherine Bone, Collette Cameron, Jullian Chantal, Lauren Smith, Samantha Grace, Alanna Lucas, Victoria Vane

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Once Upon A True Love's Kiss"  ...by: Julie Johnstone, Katherine Bone, Collette Cameron, Jullian Chantal, Lauren Smith, Samantha Grace, Alanna Lucas and  Victoria Vane.

My Thoughts....

These eight anthologies by these authors were beautifully well written quick reads.

1. AFTER FOREVER by JULIE JOHNSTONE
2. THE PIRATE’S DUCHESS by KATHERINE BONE
3.  HER SCANDALOUS WISH by COLLETTE CAMERON
4.  MILADY AND HER SPY by JILLIAN CHANTEL
5.  KISSED BY A SCOTTISH ROGUE by SAMANTHA GRACE
6.  STOLEN KISSES FROM THE VISCOUNT by ALANNA LUCAS
7.  TEMPTED BY A ROGUE by LAUREN SMITH
8.  THE REDEMPTION OF JULIAN PRICE by VICTORIA VANE

Many of the stories were of a historical romance theme and even some with a holiday/Christmas theme.  Be ready for a little bit of it all...'second chance at romance,dead husband thought dead but alive, marriage of convenience, military, regency, pirates, rakes spies,even a forced marriage and hot steamy sex partners.'   I really didn't have a favorite one because I rather enjoyed them all.  So, if you have time for eight quick anthology reads you have come to the right place for these authors will give the reader some interesting reads.

I received from author Victoria Vane in exchange for an honest review.  

Unfinished: A First Love, Second Chance Romance by Susan Hammond

Book Description...

"One summer, one secret, one last chance . . .

Nicole Chandler was seventeen the summer she fell in love with Jake Evans, the sexy, rough-around-the-edges mechanic who came to work in her father's marine repair shop. At twenty, Jake had seen more of the dark side of life than any kid ever should, yet underneath the hard exterior was a man who protected and cared for what was his.

For Jake, Nicole was a sunshine he’d never known—sweetness and innocence, feisty, brave, funny. And definitely sexy. He knew he shouldn't love her, yet she believed in him as no one ever had and made him laugh as though life might turn out okay. When the summer ended, Niki held his heart.

Then she broke it.

His secrets, her misunderstanding—the mistakes they both made—sent their lives on different paths, their story unfinished. Yet twenty-three years later, they still remember.

Nicole, now a successful artist, is starting over. When Jake finds her again, she’s ready to believe in what they once had. Yet after years of being alone, driven by nothing more than success, he may learn to forgive; but he can’t seem to forget. And he’s damn sure never again going to feel the pain of having someone he loves and trusts walk away from him.

Young love is fragile, but with histories and exes and families, grown-up love is messy. And while building trust is hard, rebuilding what was once shattered may be impossible.

Does first love ever really get a second chance?


Full-length, standalone novel

Just sayin’ . . . In Texas, the nights are steamy, the food is spicy, and the lovin’ is both. If this isn’t your kind of read, best give this one a pass."

Title:  Unfinished:  A First Love, Second Chance Romance

Author:  Susan Hammond

Publisher:  Saturday Edition Books

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Unfinished: a First Love, Second Chance Romance" by Susan Hammond

My Thoughts...

'Unfinished' was a good contemporary romantic read..maybe a little long but still good where you will find plenty of 'love and forgiveness.'  This read will definitely keep you turning the pages to see what was going to happen next as the story deals with some real deep issues. The two main characters...Nicole and  Jake along with the secondary characters were all well developed, defined, portrayed, colorful and very believable as the reader will see as the story unfolds. Truly the 'psychological depth' of these characters were simply off the chart...well done! All of this only gives the reader a well written story that will keep the readers attention. What I liked about this story was that it is complete with a satisfying ending where you find this author covers the story very well.  I will say that I did have a few questions about a couple of the characters in the way the storyline was presented but it all turned out OK for me in the end. Be ready for a enjoyably captivating well told  story with lots of  'trials, tribulations, depth, passion, secrets, mistrust, steamy sex scenes,  love and compassion.' The reader will definitely be left feeling this novel was one of those stories that  had a full range of emotions.

Thank you to the author for the gift of your read and my giving you a honest review of your novel.

Journey To Love By: LaCricia A'ngelle

Book Description...

"Wealthy, debonair bachelor Christian Tyler, a building contractor from Los Angeles, agrees to take on the task of building a youth center in the town of Bethany, Tennessee. Completely out of his element, and unaware of what lies ahead, Christian remains open minded as he uses his skill to pursue the philanthropic opportunity.


Shelby Lamar, the town’s self-proclaimed gold digger, sets her sights on the handsome new man in town. With a reputation for getting what she wants, Shelby stops at nothing in order to carry out her plan. A chance meeting at the grocery store provides her with enough information to get the ball rolling in her pursuit of adding Christian to her list of benefactors.


Unlike her former conquests, Christian does not easily bow down to her advances. What she finds in Christian is a lot more than her next mark. Will he be the one who teaches her the true meaning of love, or will he be blinded by her seduction and become her next victim?"

Title:  Journey To Love

Author:  LaCricia A'ngelle

Publisher:  His Pen Publishing

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review

"Journey To Love" by LaCricia A'ngelle

My Thoughts....

This novel was beautifully written featuring Christian Tyler and Shelby Lamar.  I found the storyline very familiar with two souls wanting someone to love  in their life.  I liked how this author presented this story and in the end will both of these two got just want they wanted?  To find out you will have to pick up the sweet romance novel and see if they find their true love.  There would be some doubts as the secondary characters come into play  but as the reader keeps on reading they will see how well this author presents this situation so well to the readers.  The main issue was that we find from the read and  even in our everyday life is that one must be totally honest and truthful to each other for there to be trust and love. Now, I will say that was some ending that had me laughing hard!  Very well done by this author for a good read.

Hearts Under Fire By: Antonio Scotto di Cario

Book Description....

"Jenny is a beautiful young businesswoman. She lives in an Italian tourist town where she owns a shop. Her need for independence is her strength, but her innate distrust sometimes creates problems with others.
One day she encounters love. More than an encounter, it’s a collision, a head-on collision. Her heart isn’t Eros’s only target, and everything changes …
Police begin investigating suspicious events around her, slowing down the construction of a new great hotel in town and rocking her life even more."

Title:  Hearts Under Fire

Author:  Antonio Scotto di Cario

Publisher: A.S. d. C.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Hearts Under Fire" by Antonio Scotto di Cario

My Thoughts...

What a wonderful emotional read [setting in Italy] with 'My Way'[the song] being so well featured in this well written story. This was definitely one of those stories where you may think you know what is going on then then there will be some twist, turns and deceptions that you certainly will not expect.  I will say for this heroine [Jenny] that was a lots on her plate....running a shop  trusting people...enjoying a relationship with Andre but unexpectedly after hearing 'My Way' being played by a violinist...will she have feelings from someone else?  Then this story will take a turn...what is up with the man with the green gray eyes[Chris]?  OK, this story moves on and there will be a murder, a hot steamy romance. a suspenseful journey and by the end definitely a reality...all  that will keep you turning the pages to see what is going on next. That ending was well...I don't want to tell you any of it ...only saying you will have to pick this one up to see for yourself how well this author  writes this intriguing story for the readers.  Now, I will say my favorite part was the unexpected ending... 'The Confession.'  All I will say is that this will clear up a lots  of questions I had from this read.  Very well done to the author!

I was gifted Hearts Under Fire by the author Antonio Scotto di Carlo for an honest review.

I Heart Obama By Erin Aubrey Kaplan

Book Description....

"A personal and cultural exploration of Barack Obama as black president, black icon, and black folk hero....

In his nearly two terms as president, Barack Obama has solidified his status as something black people haven’t had for fifty years: a folk hero. The 1960s delivered Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, forever twinned as larger-than-life outsiders and truth tellers who took on racism and died in the process. Obama is different: Not an outsider but president, head of the most powerful state in the world; a centrist Democrat, not the face of a movement. Yet he is every bit a folk hero, doing battle with the beast of a system created to keep people like him on the margins. He is unique among presidents and entirely unique among black people, who never expected to have a president so soon.
In I Heart Obama, journalist Erin Aubry Kaplan offers an unapologetic appreciation of our highest-ranking “First” and what he means to black Americans. In the process, she explores the critiques of those in the black community who charge that he has not done enough, been present enough, been black enough to motivate real change in America. Racial antipathy cloaked as political antipathy has been the major conflict in Obama’s presidency. His impossible task as an individual and as a president is nothing less than this: to reform the entire racist culture of the country he leads. Black people know he can’t do it, but will support his effort anyway, as they have supported the efforts of many others. Obama’s is a noble and singular story we will tell for generations. I Heart Obama looks at the story so far."

Title:  I Heart Obama
Author:  Erin Aubrey Kaplan
Publisher:  Foreedge
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"I Heart Obama"  by Erin Aubrey Kaplan

My Thoughts....

Wow, this was some good read.  How this author was able to put this altogether of President Barack
Obama [a folk hero], head of the most powerful state in the world; a 'centrist Democrat' was wonderful delivered to the reader.  I loved how this author "offers an unapologetic appreciation of our highest-ranking "First” and what he means to black Americans. "In the process, the author explores the critiques of those in the black community who charge that he has not done enough, been present enough, been black enough to motivate real change in America. Racial antipathy cloaked as political antipathy has been the major conflict in Obama’s presidency." "By the end we get a well written "story about collective yearning and hope, against a backdrop of disillusionment and despair.  In picking up this novel you will get a read that will make you think and even share through discussions long after the read.  I thought this novel was very well written by this author being 'eloquent, honest and compelling'. ...thank you for a very interesting read about our President Barack Obama.


I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Christmas Cravings By: Emma Hamilton

Book Description....

"How could everything that seemed so right suddenly have gone so wrong for Mia? Snow is on the ground and Christmas lights twinkle in the German Christmas market. The warm, spiced wine is just right, but there's still one key ingredient missing from her romantic dream. Will Mia's Christmas turn out to be sugar and spice and all things nice - or a deflated soufflé of loneliness and regret?
Christmas Cravings is a festive romance standalone episode from the Greedily Yours series."

Title:  Christmas Cravings

Author:  Emma Hamilton

Publisher:  Bastei  Entertainment
Series:  Greedily Yours 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Christmas Cravings"  by Emma Hamilton

My Thoughts....

'Christmas Cravings' was one of the 'Greedily Yours' series.  I found it  was one interesting short chick lit romantic read.  For Mia and her friend Lizzy gave the reader a interesting read with even some humor. As the story goes on it will be friend with a love story of Mia and Tom as they go throw some up and down before it call come together in the end.  The novel also includes a few recipes from the story located at the end of the story.Be ready for a story full of 'food references, a visit to a real German Christmas market, a sweet dog  with some interesting characters that will keep you reading till the end giving the reader a quick read for the holidays.


I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Girl's Guide To Moving On By: Debbie Macomber

Book Decription....

"In this powerful and uplifting novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber, a mother and her daughter-in-law bravely leave their troubled marriages and face the challenge of starting over. Leaning on each other, Nichole and Leanne discover that their inner strength and capacity for love are greater than they ever imagined.

When Nichole discovers that her husband, Jake, has been unfaithful, the illusion of her perfect life is indelibly shattered. While juggling her young son, a new job, and volunteer work, Nichole meets Rocco, who is the opposite of Jake in nearly every way. Though blunt-spoken and rough around the edges, Rocco proves to be a dedicated father and thoughtful friend. But just as their relationship begins to blossom, Jake wagers everything on winning Nichole back—including their son Owen’s happiness. Somehow, Nichole must find the courage to defy her fears and follow her heart, with far-reaching consequences for them all.

Leanne has quietly ignored her husband’s cheating for decades, but is jolted into action by the echo of Nichole’s all-too-familiar crisis. While volunteering as a teacher of English as a second language, Leanne meets Nikolai, a charming, talented baker from Ukraine. Resolved to avoid the heartache and complications of romantic entanglements, Leanne nonetheless finds it difficult to resist Nikolai’s effusive overtures—until an unexpected tragedy tests the very fabric of her commitments.

An inspiring novel of friendship, reinvention, and hope, A Girl’s Guide to Moving On affirms the ability of every woman to forge a new path, believe in love, and fearlessly find happiness."

Title:  A Girl's Guide To Moving On

Author:  Debbie Macomber

Publisher:  Ballantine Books

Series: New Beginnings 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"A Girl's Guide To Moving On" by Debbie Macomber

My Thoughts....

I loved how this author gave us a read that focused on Nichole and Leanne...daughter in law and 

mother in law.  Wow, to have these  two that had been cheated on by their unfaithful  husbands was really some good read.  Seeing how they dealt with their new  situations in life was really quite some story and well presented to the readers.  This was a beautifully told story about a family[lovely strong women] and just how they figured how and just what they needed in their life.  Be ready for a story that shows how both of these ladies dealt with life after their divorces and the new men in their life that treated them as only they should be treated.   I loved the characters in this novel .....Leanne, Nichole, Nikolai, Rocco to name a few other that that will keep the reader turning the pages till the end.  This read was really something what this author brought out about those cheating husbands toward  at the end of the read that did give me some surprise to its ending.  I especially liked the epilogue that will sum the story all up at the end giving the reader a nice conclusion to a well  written story.  
  

I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.