Multiple Listing By: Tracy McMillan

Book Description...

"What would you do if your ex-con father suddenly came to visit…indefinitely? Family drama ensues when Nicki’s dad unexpectedly moves in with her, her son, and her boyfriend in this comedic novel from successful TV writer Tracy McMillan.

Nicki Daniels owns a home appraisal business, but real estate is her true passion: she lives for open houses and really knows her way around a floor plan. And especially at this juncture of her life, real estate has come to signify the stability she is trying to build with her teenage son, Cody, and her much younger boyfriend, Jake. She’s finally ready to find the perfect house for the three of them and work on a new business venture with Jake that she thinks will jump-start their lives together.

Meanwhile, Ronnie, a longtime inmate at a nearby correctional facility, is getting some good news for once—there was a mistake in his sentencing, and he’s eligible to get out of prison. After a sixty-day stay in a halfway house, Ronnie decides his best option to avoid homelessness is to move in with his estranged daughter: Nicki. Even though they haven’t spoken in years, her door is always open to him, right?

Inspired by the author’s life and imbued with wit and profound insight into relationships, Multiple Listings speaks poignantly—and often hilariously—about the ties that bind families of all types together."

Title:  Multiple Listings

Author:  Tracy McMillan

Publisher:  Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four 

Review:

"Multiple Listing" by Tracy McMillan

My Thoughts....

What a good read "Multiple Listings" was!  I will say that this read started and went around a complete circle giving the reader a complete story from start to finish of about Niki, her son Cody, then to her father Ronnie, mother...Beth, Nikki's friend ....Peaches...her boy friends...Jake and Alex
to a few others that make this such a complete story.  We find from this story that Nikki is a single thirty something year old with a sixteen year old son has a successful business in a relationship however, she has a lots of issues ...with a crazy friend...ex con father who she hasn't seen over seventeen years,..on to a romance that doesn't seem to be going no where.  This story will pick up when Nikki's father shows up wanting to fix the past. Now, this is some story here yes, some even predicable  but still some surprises!  Will Nikki allow this to happen?  I liked how this author brings in this grandfather who wants to be there for Nikki and his grandson Cody.  How will this all fit into this story about real estate?  However, this story will all blend in together as this author will bring it out so well to the readers. where we find one taking responsibility for their mishaps with there being s forgiveness.  If you love a story with good endings and second chances then you have a good story that I would recommend to you as a good read.

Thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Sweet Haven By Shirlee McCoy

Book Description...

"In Benevolence, Washington, the Lamont family's irresistible handmade chocolates are a cherished tradition--and always a reason to celebrate. And now they're giving the three Lamont sisters, one by one, delicious chances to start again, make a change, and have their sweetest dreams come true...

Neighbors who care, a peaceful routine--accountant Adeline Lamont is glad some things about her beloved hometown never change. But when her grandfather is injured, she has to run the family store, Chocolate Haven, and make its legendary fudge. Trouble is, she can't get the recipe right to save her life--or Chocolate Haven. And she doesn't need her ornery new tenant, Sinclair Jefferson, stirring up the pot with his help--and daring Addie to taste her wild side…

Once Sinclair gets his hapless brother back on track, he's leaving Benevolence for good this time. He's made his life far away from his irresponsible family and their scandals. Trouble is, he can't quite stay away from Addie's optimism, enticing plus-size curves, and kindness to those who need it most. But they don't seem to have a thing in common--except that Addie's passion for chocolate, and for Benevolence, is just as contagious as Sinclair's passion for her. Maybe small-town life has its charms after all…"

Title:  Sweet Haven

Author:  Shirlee McCoy

Publisher:  Kensington Books

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Sweet Haven" by Shirlee McCoy

My Thoughts....

This novel is the first in this series 'Sweet Home Romances'..."Sweet Haven" featuring Adeline [Addie] Lamont and Sinclair Jefferson in the beautiful setting in a small town called Benevolence, Washington.  From the read we find two people who are trying to help a family member.  I liked how this author brings these two together after knowing each other from childhood with Adeline helping her grandfather after a illness, running the 'family store'...Chocolate Haven and Sinclair who had left Benevolence but was back to help 'his brother Gavin get back on track' after his wife has left him. Now, this story will cover a lots of characters from family members to new friendships that come along.  It seems like this heroine has a lots of trouble saying no and this seems to present many problems for her in her daily life but after getting involved with Sinclair will Adeline learn just how wonderful she is and it is alright to say no at times? Be ready for a long interesting well written read of this small town in Washington, some wonderful chocolates, humor, weird relatives, strange town people, mystery/suspense to finding a true love ....and then you have a good story..."Sweet Haven." This is definitely one of those reads that is about family and even 'generosity toward others.'  Since this is a series I am sure we will hear about the other sisters of Adeline Lamont.   Would I recommend this novel?  YES!

  Thank you.... ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Remember My Beauties By: Lynne Hugo

Book Description...

"Imagine a hawk’s view of the magnificent bluegrass pastures of Kentucky horse country. Circle around the remnants of a breeding farm, four beautiful horses grazing just beyond the paddock. Inside the ramshackle house, a family is falling apart.

Hack, the patriarch breeder and trainer, is aged and blind, and his wife, Louetta, is confined by rheumatoid arthritis. Their daughter, Jewel, struggles to care for them and the horses while dealing with her own home and job—not to mention her lackluster second husband, Eddie, and Carley, her drug-addicted daughter. Many days, Jewel is only sure she loves the horses. But she holds it all together. Until her brother, Cal, shows up again. Jewel already has reason to hate Cal, and when he meets up with Carley, he throws the family into crisis—and gives Jewel reason to pick up a gun.

Every family has heartbreaks, failures, a black sheep or two. And some families end in tatters. But some stumble on the secret of survival: if the leader breaks down, others step up and step in. In this lyrical novel, when the inept, the addict, and the ex-con join to weave the family story back together, either the barn will burn to the ground or something bigger than any of them will emerge, shining with hope. Remember My Beauties grows large and wide as it reveals what may save us."

Title:  Remember My Beauties

Author:  Lynne Hugo

Publisher:  Switchgrass Books

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Remember My Beauties" by Lynne Hugo

My Thoughts....

I wasn't sure when I first started reading..."Remember My Beauties" if I would like this novel but I will say now that I have read it I did find that this author did a wonderful job with delivering a well written script  of a 'broken/disconnected' family to the readers that one will find it very hard to put down until the end. This Kentucky setting, farm family life, ailing parents, a couple with children one with a drug addiction and let's not leave out a certain horrible brother and you have quite a read especially when it seems like all falls on Jewels shoulders.  Things really get heated up when a brother comes back home supposingly to take care of his ailing parents.  Now what all is up between this sister and brother that will soon come to a head.  There is so much drama in the read that will keep you on the edge of your seat taking it all in. Yes it will all come out in the end.  I really enjoyed how this author brought  out this family struggles all out to the reader.  The characters...Hack, Louetta, Jewel, Eddie, Cal, Carley, Chassie, plus a few others  were all well developed, defined, portrayed and believable giving it all and I don't want to leave out the animals....the dog and horses [this title was beautifully woven into this story] that are so well presented in this read. Now, how does this all tie together?  You will have to pick up this good read to see for yourself how well written this story is and even in the worst of  circumstances there can be a healing process that can take place and there be even forgiveness. I will say that even though this was a serious read there will be parts where there will be some humor.   Would I recommend this novel? YES! 

I have been given an ARC copy by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

Passionate Promises By: Victoria Vane, Bronwen Evans, Ella Quinn, Collette Cameron, Maggi Anderson, Michelle McLean, Violetta Rand, Barbara Monajem & Christy Carlyle

Book Description...

"Nine Promises to Stir Your Passions from award-winning, bestselling authors.

Enter the dazzling world of brawny Vikings, Regency rogues, and sexy scoundrels as they take you on one romantic journey after the other in these tantalizing historical romances filled with betrayal, intrigue, and passion. Enjoy Passionate Promises enthralling romances for a limited time only.

To Challenge the Earl of Cravenswood by Bronwen Evans
A Promise of Love by Ella Quinn
A Kiss for Miss Kingsley by Collette Cameron
Stirring Passions by Maggi Andersen
A Pledge of Passion by Victoria Vane
Never Tempt a Rogue by Christy Carlyle
Wanted by the Warrior by Violetta Rand
A Highwayman's Honor by Michelle McLean
Lord Quickthorn's Bargain by Barbara Monajem"

Title:  Passionate Promises

Authors:  Victoria Vane, Bronwen Evans, Ella Quinn, Collette Cameron, Maggi Anderson, Michelle McLean, Violetta Rand, Barbara Monajem & Christy Carlyle

Publishers:  Vane Publishing LLC

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Passionate Promises" by:Victoria Vane, Bronwen Evans, Ella Quinn, Collette Cameron, Maggi Anderson, Michelle McLean, Violetta Rand, Barbara Monajem & Christy Caryle

My Thoughts....

All nine of these anthologies were simply good reading. 

From:

To Challenge the Earl of Cravenswood by Bronwen Evans

Will Henry St. Giles marry for love?

A Promise of Love by Ella Quinn

Will Genevieve McGowan find the husband she wants?

A Kiss for Miss Kingsley by Collette Cameron

How will this story pan out for Allen Wimpleton and Olivia Kingsley?  Will

they get a second chance?  

Stirring Passions by Maggi Andersen

Interesting read about Laurie and Kat...with lots of twist and turns and in 

the end will there be romance for these two?

A Pledge of Passion by Victoria Vane

What will happen when Nicolas Needham falls for Lady Mariah Morehaven when

it seems like someone else may may be interested.  What will happen with this romance

as fate plays a helping hand?

Never Tempt a Rogue by Christy Carlyle

What will happen when Alex and Felicity come together?  What a interesting ending!

Wanted by the Warrior by Violetta Rand

This one has some paranormal in this romance ...part 1.

A Highwayman's Honor by Michelle McLean

This one is a good historical suspense romance with John and Elizabeth that will keep you on the

edge of your seat.

to

Lord Quickthorn's Bargain by Barbara Monajem....

This was a cute fairy tale story!

I found all of these stories well packed, well written and a fairly complete story leaving the reader wanting to read other stories written by these authors.  I found many of the stories were different and so well told.  Would I recommend "Passionate Promises?"  Yes, especially if you like historical romances that have a little bit of it all.  Truly they were all "Passionate Promises!"

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

Beauty and the Bull Rider By: Victoria Vane

Book Description....

"When Beauty Wants A Baby

Championship bull breeder and former Texas beauty queen Delaney McCall was having a heck of a time finding a daddy for the baby she craved. A failed marriage left her with no desire for another husband, but finding the right stud to satisfy her needs presents a bigger problem that she could have imagined.

And The Bullrider Wants Beauty

After hanging up his spurs, bull rider Zac McDaniel wants nothing more than to fulfill Delaney’s dream of having a family. After all, his best friend’s ex has been his fantasy for years. Zac, however, has no desire to be seen as just a means to an end. When Zac insists on doing things the “old fashioned” way, their passion explodes like a bull out of the chute.

Some Bucking Is Bound To Happen

While insisting it’s all just a passing fancy, the more Delaney sees the softer side of the rough and tumble cowboy, the harder it is to keep her emotions corraled. Zac, meanwhile, is more determined than ever to prove he’s what she really needs, and will do whatever it takes to tear down the mile high fence around her heart…"

Title:  Beauty and the Bull Rider

Author:  Victoria Vane

Publisher:  Kensington Books

Series:  Hotel Rodeo #3

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  5

Review:

:"Beauty and the Bull Rider by Victoria Vane

My Thoughts...

Delaney and Zac are really made for each other.  If you have read this author's first two series you can  see that Delaney was some piece of work for all those that were around her especially her ex husband Ty.  In this read we find that Delaney wants something from Ty and I still can't believe she would even ask him for this...but after he tells her NO...then this story opens up with Ty talking to Zac[his friend] and then this story get even more interesting.  What will Ty tell Zac about wht Delaney had wanted from him and how with this will be put into play for Zac? What will happen when Zac shows up and guess what he buys for Delaney?  I don't want to tell too much of the story but it will be one that the reader will want to pick up 'Beauty and the Bull Rider' to see how this author will bring it all out in one intriguing read.  Be ready for some humorous moments especially from that clinic scene.  In the end will Zac be able to win Delaney totally?  If you are looking for a good quick read then I would definitely recommend this third series but I would also say to get the whole story read the first two series of the Hotel Rodeo first.  You will not be disappointed.

I received this read from author through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

S.Y. P.H.E.N. By Cortez Law III

Book Description...

"ZERO DARK THIRTY with a SCI-FI twist

In near future Sin City, Lincoln Boddies and his friends enjoy a little R & R. Then he sees a woman. He doesn’t perceive her as a threat, but something about the woman is off-kilter. Soon after, he recalls the face and realizes that she might hold the key to solving a personal mystery. Yet when he utilizes his psychological insight to generate a behavioral listing to profile what she and the appearance of her male suitor wear, act and whisper about, so only the two of them can hear, though not a perfect checklist unease still courses through him. The conclusion: He believes he’s staring at a pair of potential suicide bombers.

As his suspicions grow, he enlists the assistance of those friends that refer to themselves quite simply as, The Unit. The uncertainty of the possible catastrophe in the making leaves The Unit doubtful of any imminent threat and some doubtful of Boddies’ leadership. Evidence to the contrary, The Unit’s surveillance leads them to both old and new Islamic enemies of the state with a diabolical plan to destroy America.

However, what lies ahead unbeknownst to them all encompasses a terrifying doomsday scenario. Despite the military and terrorist training and combat against each other around the globe, nothing may help the Delta Force, Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham or ISIS members to conquer this newest enemy and defy their inescapable trap. Moreover, there may be no survivors left to stop the S.Y.P.H.E.N."

Title:  S.Y.P.H.E.N.

Author:  Cortez Law III

Publisher:  Metro Black & Blue

Review By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:  

"S.Y.P.H.E.N." by Cortez Law III

My Thoughts...

This was definitely a different kind of read for me but it was an interesting thriller read especially if you are interested in anti-terrorist operations that take place on United States soil.  The solving of this 'personal mystery' soon gets the attention of Lincoln Boddies...that will bring him to believe 'He's staring at a pair of potential suicide bombers.  This author really gives the readers quite a 'Zero Dark with a Sci-Fi twist' of a read as this unit  is lead to some 'old and new Islamic enemies of the state' ....resulting to a plan to will have America destroyed.'  Will this 'Delta Force, Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and ISIS members be able to get ahead of this whole situation in this 'inescapable trap...the S.Y.P.H..E.N?  Will this patriotic hero be able to save his family and country? To get these answers and so much more you will have to pick up this novel and follow along as this author will bring it all out to the readers.

Switch A Wish BY: M. B. Earnheardt

Book Description...

"Chris and Amanda Claridge are that couple. They look happy. They live in a well-kept house, have three little girls and fit squarely into the traditional roles of a husband and wife.
Chris is a handsome college professor, and easily charms most everyone he meets. He loves his job and can’t wait to go to work each day. Amanda is a dedicated mother and caretaker. She tends to the kids and appreciates how important her job is, even if others don’t get it.

Underneath the surface of this functioning family, things are unraveling. Their marital problems are about to split them apart when something magical happens. Chris and Amanda make a bedtime wish that forces them to live the life of the other person.

Chris must pretend to be his wife as he takes on childcare and household chores. Amanda steps out of her heels and into Chris’ shoes to tackle his job as a college professor. The role reversal is a revelation for the couple. Neither one has it as good, or bad, as they expected.

Can Chris and Amanda’s newfound understanding of each other survive when the secrets come out? Or, did a magical wish just cost them their marriage? Will they be able to switch back?

Switch-A-Wish examines the complexity of a stressed relationship through the eyes of partners who are required to live as each other. This unique perspective allows Chris and Amanda a chance to find their way back to the feelings of the love they once shared."

Title:  Switch A Wish

Author:  M. B. Earnheardt

Publisher:  Three Worlds Press

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Switch A Wish" by M. B. Earnheardt

My Thoughts....

This was a very interesting story...'Switch A Wish' that after reading about the book description...I knew I wanted to check this one out [this dysfunctional married couple].  Trading places with your spouse...now that is some interesting concept!  Seeing the world through your partner's eyes!  Now I must say I did find many parts of the read very humorous that I could identify with having been married over 45 years myself!   The author really shows a good writing style in dealing with some real life issues that enter into so many situations the a couple can struggle with.  The characters [Chris & Amanda] plus...were all so well developed, defined, portrayed and believable... definitely empathizing with them... all giving the reader quite a interesting intriguing read that will keep your attention all the way to the end. I loved that ending as they well I will stop here and only say you will just have to check this one out and see how well this author presents such a good read as this couple works it all out.[even the fantasy part was good]!  I loved this twist at the end of the read and one important thing I would most interesting that I got from the read and that is the need of being able to communicate  with each other.   Would I recommend this entertaining  novel?  YES!  I believe this is a good read for a husband and wife with issues of everyday life and even for those that are not married.

Thank you for the gift of your novel for a honest opinion of the read from the author.

The Good Mistress: A Billionaire Romance By: Amarie Avant

Book Description....

Mila Ali’s fiancé, Warren, is killed in a corporate plane crash. Grief wraps around her heart and soul – cushioning her to the outside world and the reality that is now her life. Warren had been many things to her: friend, lover and even a part-time savior. After spending too many years working too many hours for a large corporation, Mila was able to let go and love Warren, even at the expense of losing her traditional Somalian father’s favor.

Nothing could have prepared her for such a devastating loss, yet the fragile bubble she has built around her heart is shattered when Mila comes face to face with Blake Baldwin – Billionaire, womanizer, Warren’s boss…. And the owner of that fateful airplane.

Blake Baldwin is too handsome for words, with a body that could melt hearts and a piercing stare that cut through Mila’s every defense. The encounter seems to ignite a fascination in the enigmatic Billionaire, one that sends him to the Somalian beauty’s door again and again…

Mila is not looking for love—been there, done that, but Blake will not rest until Mila Ali is his. He thrusts her into a frenzy of confusion, deception, and passion. Blake just may be the bandage Mila’s wounded heart and neglected body needs, or he could be the biggest heartbreak of all."

Title:  The Good Mistress:  A Billionaire Romance

Author:  Amarie Avant

Publisher: Indie Sage

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"The Good Mistress:  A Billionaire Romance" by Amaire Avant

My Thoughts...

This author really knows how to keep your attention and this was definitely one good read. When I first started reading i wasn't for sure where and how the story was going but being the avid reader that I couldn't stop reading this intriguing romance that even had some mystery to it with all of its twist and turns.  The heroine and hero in the story...Mila and Blake are quite a interesting pair from the very beginning with all of the drama  that lasted all the way to the end of this story. What will happen when Mila meets Blake? I liked how this author brought in the secondary characters into the story being so  well developed, portrayed, defined and even very believable. All of this helped give the story one interesting intriguing read. So, what is the story about?  Man meets a woman at her fiance's funeral...and this story will take off from there.  There are so many facets to this story....from a funeral, hot  seamy sex, [siblings...sisters, parents, friends], a murder, lies to even some interesting secrets that will come to light.   Now, I will stop here and just say to get it all you will have to pick up "The Good Mistress" and see for yourself how well this author brings out  this incredible story so well to the readers.  You will get a well rounded and a well written writing style that will keep you on the edge of your seat turning the pages to see what will be happening next.  In the end will Mila  and Blake get what they truly want from each other?  Would I recommend? YES!  Be aware this is a adult read and I loved that it was a standalone read!

Thank you to the author for the gift for my honest opinion of the novel.  

The Restaurant Critic's Wife By: Elizabeth LaBan

Book Description...

"Lila Soto has a master’s degree that’s gathering dust, a work-obsessed husband, two kids, and lots of questions about how exactly she ended up here.

In their new city of Philadelphia, Lila’s husband, Sam, takes his job as a restaurant critic a little too seriously. To protect his professional credibility, he’s determined to remain anonymous. Soon his preoccupation with anonymity takes over their lives as he tries to limit the family’s contact with anyone who might have ties to the foodie world. Meanwhile, Lila craves adult conversation and some relief from the constraints of her homemaker role. With her patience wearing thin, she begins to question everything: her decision to get pregnant again, her break from her career, her marriage—even if leaving her ex-boyfriend was the right thing to do. As Sam becomes more and more fixated on keeping his identity secret, Lila begins to wonder if her own identity has completely disappeared—and what it will take to get it back."

Title:  The Restaurant Critic's Wife

Publisher:  Lake Union Publishing 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:   4

Review:

"The Restaurant Critic's Wife" by Elizabeth LaBan

My Thoughts...

I liked the cover design very tasteful for this story that this author gives the readers.  This novel gives the reader a little bit of it all from humor, to motherhood, marriage, to some restaurant reviews, wonderful culinary skills to some interesting foods.  This author gives the reader a intriguing story 

of her life [Lila] before her marriage and after she met her husband Sam [food critic]settling down in Philadelphia with their three year old daughter, Hazel...and later with a new little one on the way. How life will change for Lila as she thinks after the baby  Henry is a little older returning to work however Sam wasn't for that so how will things changed for Lila?  Why was this?  What had happened in Sam's life that brought on his insecurities?  At times I wasn't one of Sam's fans. Sam didn't want Lila to socialize even  'with their neighbors, have friends, or have their daughter to even attend birthday parties.'  What was up with all that ...just because he was a food critic?  Thank God Lila did had a mind of her own...being 'smart, sassy, and driven'  and not letting Sam get in her way. Yes, I do believe that in a marriage one can have difference of opinions and still be in a solid  good marriage.  In the end well I will stop here and say you will have to pick up this novel to see how this author brings it all out so realistically to the reader.   

I received this book from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley in return for an honest review.