I Fell In Love With A Real Street Nigga By: Pebbles Starr

 Book Description....

"Khari finds herself in a sticky situation when she falls for her cousin's boyfriend. The intelligent, charismatic, and handsome Constantine "Cue" Saldana. He's everything she ever wanted in a man...but there's only one problem. She already has a man of her own. A ruthless Caribbean king pin serving a 10-year bid that's not willing to let her go without a fight. Aubrey will stop at nothing to keep his fiancé Khari right where he wants her--even if it means using manipulation and murder. As far as he is concerned, she belongs to him and he'll go to great lengths to ensure that everyone knows it, including Cue.

Kylie has been wrapped around Jamaal's finger for as long as she can remember. He's used and abused her at every turn but for some reason she just can't seem to stay away. When he pops back up in her life with a get rich quick scheme, Kylie cannot resist. Will her love and devotion for the bad boy she can't let go of be her ultimate demise?"

Title:  I Fell In Love With A Real Street Nigga

Author:  Pebbles Starr

Publisher:  Jade Publications

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: 5

Review:

"I Fell In Love With A Real Street Nigga" by Pebbles Starr

My Thoughts...

This author really knows how to keep the reader on the edge of there seat...for this novel is definitely one of those.   I will say there is so much going on that you will have to keep up however, each chapter lets one know who is being dealt with at that particular time.  By the time the reader gets to the end...who will live or die?  Yes, do expect a cliffhanger to find out how this all will end!  There will sure be a lots of karma for quite a few of these characters...I don't even know where to start...Aubrey, Jamaal, Leah, Kylie and Shane, Starr just to name a few. This story just get more interesting and we will have to wait until the next series to see what happens to Ali, and Khari's  mom. OMG somebody is going to be in some real trouble now! So, until part 2....we will be waiting!

The Audubon Park Murders By: Brian W. Smith

Book Description....

"A beautiful college student is killed in Audubon Park - just a few feet away from St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans. There were no witnesses. The case is handed to newly minted detective, Elizabeth Silverman. It isn't long before Elizabeth realizes there are multiple people who had an incentive to murder the young woman. Elizabeth is in over her head on this one, but she has a secret weapon - legendary detective Donald "Sleepy" Carter. But, there is one catch, everyone at the New Orleans Police Department believes Sleepy Carter is dead - and that's exactly the way Elizabeth and Sleepy like it."

Title:  The Audubon Park Murder
Author:  Brian W. Smith
Series:  Sleepy Carter Mystery Book 1
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"The Audubon Park Murder" by Brian W. Smith

My Thoughts....

I must say I loved this thriller mystery by this author.  I read the second novel first and now that I have read this first of the 'Sleepy Carter Series' it makes a lots of sense to what all had gone on earlier in the first novel.  I found the read quite entertaining as well as one of those reads that will certainly keep your attention as one finds 'Sleepy Carter quite a unique and mysterious character.  This was definitely one of those read that will keep you guessing till the very end.  Now, that I have read the first two of these mystery reads I will be looking forward to the third series to see will will become of Sleepy Carter with his well kept secret, Lizzy Silverman and let's not forget that Farrington partner. Well done to the author!

Close to Home By: Brian W. Smith

Book Description...

"Vera Gordon is tired of her husband cheating on her. One night she follows him to his lovers house and kills them both. Justified? If so, then why did this crime passion lead her to standing on the tallest bridge in New Orleans recounting the series of events that transpired. There is much more to this crime than meets the eye."
Book Description...

"Vera Gordon is tired of her husband cheating on her. One night she follows him to his lovers house and kills them both. Justified? If so, then why did this crime passion lead her to standing on the tallest bridge in New Orleans recounting the series of events that transpired. There is much more to this crime than meets the eye."


Title:  Close to Home A Novella
Author:  Brian W. Smith
Publisher: B. W. S.
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Close to Home" by Brian W. Smith

My Thoughts...

All I can say is wow!  I truly didn't see that coming! This author as always know how to get and keep your attention with all of the action that is going on till the very end even though its a novella! I think this person Vera had enough of his hubby's crap with his extramarital ways and with enough being enough she took charge and in doing so we get the whole story sad as it was  and in the end so does Cole!

The Memory of Lemon By: Judith Fertig

Book Description....

"The author of The Cake Therapist returns with another sweet and emotional tale featuring Neely, the baker with a knack for finding exactly the right flavor for any occasion...

A crisp tang of citrus that is at once poignant and familiar, sharpening the senses and opening the mind to possibilities once known and long forgotten...
 
Claire “Neely” Davis is no ordinary pastry chef. Her flavor combinations aren’t just a product of a well-honed palate: she can “taste” people’s emotions, sensing the ingredients that will touch her customers’ souls. Her gift has never failed her—until she meets a free-spirited bride-to-be and her overbearing society mother. The two are unable to agree on a single wedding detail, and their bickering leaves Neely’s intuition frustratingly silent—right when she needs it most.

Between trying to navigate a divorce, explore a new relationship, and handle the reappearance of her long-absent father, Neely is struggling to make sense of her own conflicting emotions, much less those of her hard-to-please bride. But as she embarks on a flavorful quest to craft the perfect wedding celebration, she’ll uncover a family history that sheds light on both the missing ingredients and her own problems—and illustrates how the sweet and sour in life often combine to make the most delicious memories..."

Title:  The Memory of Lemon

Author:  Judith Fertig

Publication: Berkley

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"The Memory of Lemon" by Judith Fertig

My Thoughts...

I found this read quite a interesting one as the reader finds Claire [Neely] Davis not only have the favor for being a pastry chef but also has plenty on her plate such as:  'a divorce, her father that is suffering from PTSD from the Vietnam War, her grandmother who is suffering from Alzheimer's and then their is a mother/daughter situation over a impending wedding.'

By Claire having the 'special gift' coming from her grandmother and father...the author gives the reader quite a interesting story that will keep your attention.  I really enjoyed learning about herbs, lemons, scents, flavors and even especially those wonderful pies.

The characters were all well developed, defined and portrayed giving the readers a good read. I found that  as Claire [Neely] goes through some 'long buried secrets about' her past in the end the readers will see how there is a healing process that will come about allowing her to be able to move on with her life and most of all this definitely 'illustrates how the sweet and sour in life often combines to make the most delicious memories.'

First Comes Love By: Emily Giffin

Book Description...

"In this dazzling new novel, Emily Giffin, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Something Borrowed, Where We Belong, and The One & Only introduces a pair of sisters who find themselves at a crossroads.

Growing up, Josie and Meredith Garland shared a loving, if sometimes contentious relationship. Josie was impulsive, spirited, and outgoing; Meredith hardworking, thoughtful, and reserved. When tragedy strikes their family, their different responses to the event splinter their delicate bond.

Fifteen years later, Josie and Meredith are in their late thirties, following very different paths. Josie, a first grade teacher, is single—and this close to swearing off dating for good. What she wants more than the right guy, however, is to become a mother—a feeling that is heightened when her ex-boyfriend’s daughter ends up in her class. Determined to have the future she’s always wanted, Josie decides to take matters into her own hands.

On the outside, Meredith is the model daughter with the perfect life. A successful attorney, she’s married to a wonderful man, and together they’re raising a beautiful four-year-old daughter. Yet lately, Meredith feels dissatisfied and restless, secretly wondering if she chose the life that was expected of her rather than the one she truly desired.

As the anniversary of their tragedy looms and painful secrets from the past begin to surface, Josie and Meredith must not only confront the issues that divide them, but also come to terms with their own choices. In their journey toward understanding and forgiveness, both sisters discover they need each other more than they knew . . . and that in the recipe for true happiness, love always comes first.

Emotionally honest and utterly enthralling, First Comes Love is a story about family, friendship, and the courage to follow your own heart—wherever that may lead."

Title:  First Comes Love

Author:  Emily Giffin

Publisher:  Ballantine Banks

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"First Comes Love" by Emily Giffin

My Thoughts...

I found this novel quite a interesting one where we find a family has been through a death that seems to have separated the family especially the two sisters Josie and Meredith who were definitely opposites. To me it seemed liked the two sisters were somewhat jealous of each other and even some what unlikable..  Will they ever be able to come together and settle just what it was that was bothering them?  I loved how the Meredith's husband Nolan was able to shed some light into this situation with the younger sister Josie.  This was really quite a emotional compelling read and this author will keep you on the edge of your seat turning the pages to get the next part of this intriguing story as the author tell each point of view of that particular sister.  

Reading how these two sisters were able to finally grieve their brother Daniel's death after fifteen years was really quite some read. Will they be able to pick up the pieces of their life and move on and be a loving family?  Be ready for a well written engaging read that is about 'love, marriage, motherhood, grief to finally trying to survive it all.'   

Momma's Journey To Hell And Back By: Cynthia Amis Dickerson

Title:  Momma's Journey To Hell And Back

By:  Cynthia Amis Dickerson

Publication:  Lift Bridge Publishing

Series:  Second Book to: "Momma Said, "Hit 'em Back"

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Momma's Journey To Hell and Back" by Cynthia Amis Dickerson

Book Description:

"Momma’s Journey to Hell and Back! 

Louvenia Johnson is back and ready to describe what happens to her when she mysteriously disappears after confessing her sins at the church altar in the book, Momma Said, Hit ‘Em Back! Louvenia, who is addicted to drugs, alcohol, sex, violence and engages in criminal acts, describes her life that begins with dark unspeakable acts that are inflicted upon her in secret during her childhood.

In this sequel, Louvenia paints a horrific picture of what happens to abused children who grow up to be angry adults who, in turn, abuse themselves and anyone they encounter. She finds she is incapable of loving herself, her children, family, and even the guy who really wants to love her in spite of her many imperfections.

Crime, lust, romance, sibling rivalry and a tragic death unfold in this book, Momma’s Journey to Hell and Back! Read the many unexpected twists and turns with the final ending …well, read to find the answer to why Louvenia is so Bad!"

My Thoughts:

Now, to truly understand this story I will say you need to read this author first book "Momma Said, Hit 'Em Back!" which continues to the next series 'Momma's Journey to Hell and Back.'  This author does a wonderful job at telling Louvenia Johnson's story which is quite a painful one in all that this person has goes through in her life.  After being addicted 'to drugs, alcohol, sex, violence and into criminal acts' will she be able to break from this hold that she had on her life?  Even though this was a short read I found myself not able to keep reading having to put it down for a minute due to all that had happened to Louvenia as a young child being abused.  Yes, I can see how  'Louvenia felt so unloved for not only of  herself but to her children, family [especially her sister] and the one person{Tate] who really loved her in spite of the way she acted.  Will Louvenia make it in this world that has been presented to her in being able to love herself and trust others?  Will she ever be able to change from her evil ways and realize that there is help out there for her...however, she will have to be the one that wants it!

Be ready for a unforgettable read as the story comes out but in the end will there still be secrets [be it big or small] that haven't come out?  For some reason Louvenia thinks  "Why should I have to disclose this small matter"  I am happy and I have changed and life is good.  I am going to live my life.  It's all about me!"  OK,  however, it looks like maybe Louvenia's sister Mabel Johnson Pruitt may have something to say about that issue and even more.  I guess we will just have to find out in this authors next sequel..."How Can Your Family Disown You?"

I believe this story was beautifully well written....maybe a little hard at times but abuse can and does take so many horrible forms.  At the end of this story the author ask some really interesting questions that apply so well to each of the twenty chapters.  This was very well done!

I loved this quote from the author:

"Everyone has some sort of mental challenge.   Acknowledge the problem, seek God for healing and contact a credible mental health professional to assist with the process."

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

Next To Never By: A. L. Long

Book Description....

Description

Romance, Romantic Erotica, BDSM

"Rade Matheson is a young successful businessman with over a billion dollars in assets. His only objective is to find the man who embezzled millions from one of his companies. What he finds is the innocence of the only women who can lead him to his stolen money and the man responsible. The only problem is he can’t get enough of her. One wrong decision could cause him to lose her forever

All Dylan Adams wanted was to get her life back on track. After the death of her fiancée she knew she needs to move on. So she opens her heart to Rade Matheson only to find she is falling for a man who in the end betrays her trust." 

Title:  Next to Never

Author:  A. L. Long

Publisher: Wordclay
Series:  Shattered Innocence Trilogy

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"Next To Never" by A. L. Long

My Thoughts...

This novel was quite a interesting story that did leave me with so many unanswered questions and perhaps the next novel will bring more of it out to the reader with there being so many subplots and oh yes this ones ends in a cliffhanger!

The novel is mainly of two people Dylan who had suffered the loss [death]of her fiance Michael and Rade who was not only wealthy but very domineering person[alpha male] who is 'out for revenge for the man who embezzled millions from one of his companies.' From one thing to another will lead Rade to Dylan.  I don't want to leave out their are some characters in this story that will leave you wondering...what in the world is that about?

 You will find from the read that it has a little bit of it all from 'a fast paced read, with drama, secrets, trust issues, intrusiveness, suspense, erotic sex scenes with BDSM and bondage.'  Be ready for a read that will have so much going on that you will truly have to keep up.  In the end will Rade get the man responsible for stealing millions of dollars from him and how will the story play out after Dylan finds out he is hiding secrets from her?  Well, you will have to pick up the next series to see what this author has in store for the readers.

Juice It to Lose It: Lose Weight and Feel Great in Just Five Days By: Joe Cross

Book Description....

"The quick and easy diet plan to help you lose weight and feel great!
If you've been looking for a weight loss solution that works, you are in the right place! In Juice It To Lose It you'll find a simple, foolproof plan to jumpstart a change in your life, your health and your waistline in just 5 days. By picking up this book, you've already taken the first step in getting past the road blocks that are keeping you from weight loss and a healthier life.
When you consume only juice, your system is flooded with an abundance of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that help your body stay strong and vibrant. Research shows that well-balanced diets rich in fruits and vegetables may help to decrease your risk of certain diseases. One of the easiest ways to get a lot more plant food into your diet - particularly if you're not used to eating it regularly - is to juice it!
· Simple to follow 5-day juicing plan
· Comprehensive shopping lists
· Easy 5-ingredient juice recipes
· Practical juicing tips
· Completely Nutritional info
· Juice + Dinner option"

Title:  Juice It to Lose It
Author:  Joe Cross
Publisher:  Hodder and Stoughton
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Juice It to Lose It" by Joe Cross

My Thoughts....

I found this one interesting novel that can help one at losing weight with what is best to eat and even drink using the juicer.  The explanations of what is going on with your body was very well explained especially with all of the processed foods that we have to choose from. The five day plan with the walks and talks that are presented are very well addressed in a very simple and easy to follow plan.  So, there is only one way to do this and that is start and see the pounds falling off.

Ask Me Again - Second Chance Book 1 By: Theresa Hodge

Book Description...

"It took twelve long years for Alyssa Darden to come home. A place she promised to never revisit again. The loss of a dear friend sent her back to a place of old hurts that she must confront before she can truly live again. Drake Peterson knows he was the cause of so much pain to the only woman he ever truly loved. He wants to set things right and he's not going to lose the one opportunity to prove that a love like theirs will never die. Alyssa has moved on with her life. She has a man who loves her, a career and friends in a new city that she calls home. She must fight Drake's charismatic sway to try again...to open up her heart to the possibility of loving him again. Will fate drive two hearts to open up to love again? Can past hurts and betrayal be healed through loving again? Or, will forgiveness open the door to second chances?"

Title:  Ask Me Again
Author:  Theresa Hodge
Series:  Second Chance Book 1
Publisher:  Nayberry Publications
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"As Me Again" by Theresa Hodge

My Thoughts....

From a mistake that Drake Peterson had  made many years however he is now determined to get back the love of his life...Alyssa but will it be enough? What a twist...especially with Alyssa seeming to have love for two men.  Who will she choose?   This author really gives the reader a read that will keep you on the edge of your seat turning the pages till the end. And that ending was the bomb...wow! This is definitely a good read with two more books to go in this series...to get the ending of the story.

On a Knife's Edge- the Prequel By: Lynda Bailey

Book Description....

"READERS PLEASE NOTE THIS FREE SHORT STORY IS NOT A STAND-ALONE!!!

She was once his sweet salvation…
Lynch Callan has been a dead man walking most of his life—nothing out of the ordinary for a member of the 5th Street biker gang. There was a brief period, though, when she made him believe he could be more. That he could be worthy of her, and her love. To protect her, and keep their relationship from being discovered, he went to prison. Except now the Streeters are in danger. But in order to save his crew, he must first betray them. If caught, he’ll end up dead for sure. It’ll be the mother of all balancing acts—especially with her in the picture. But Lynch will do whatever is necessary to protect the people he loves.

He was once her deepest desire…
Shasta Albright doesn’t break the rules. Not anymore. As an unruly teenager, she defied her family at every turn…even secretly befriending, then dating, then falling in love with a bad boy Streeter. Finally her recklessness caught up with her—with lasting and even dire consequences. Now she leads a pristine existence, always staying within the lines and keeping her secrets hidden. That is until he gets released from prison. Can Shasta hold her perfect world together, or will everything get hurled into chaos?

With young girls going missing, the sleepy town of Stardust, Nevada becomes an unlikely epicenter for an illicit slave trade—with Shasta and Lynch caught in the middle. Amidst the rising body count, they fight to keep their loved ones—and each other—safe. A single slip up could have deadly repercussions. It’s an untenable and treacherous position. Much like walking On a Knife’s Edge…"

Title:  On a Knife's Edge - the Prequel

Author:  Lynda Bailey

Publisher:  L. B.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"On a Knife's Edge" by Lynda Bailey

My Thoughts...

This author really knows how to get and keep the readers attention as she gives out one good beginning of the story in Chapter one - the prequel. What will happen after Lynch Callan helps this 'unruly teenager' out by the name of Shasta Albright in Stardust, Nevada? Was it love for him that he felt for Shasta upon meeting her?  But he was the member of 'the 5th Street biker gang' so what will come of all of this as we will see how this story gets involved in lots of  secrets, getting in and out of prison and even  illicit slave trade.

I don't want to tell to much about the prequel other than wanting the reader to pick it up and read it for yourself to see how well this author gives us some very interesting people that it will definitely leave you feeling like you are  'On a Knife's Edge' from all the action that is going on in the story. The reader will soon see how  ...'She was once his sweet salvation and He was once her deepest desire.'  This prequel will definitely have you wanting the rest of the story 'On a Knife's Edge.'  

Flawless: A Street Love Tale By: Jade Jones

Book Description....

"THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NOVEL FROM JADE JONES

Romeo and Desmond moved to Atlanta in hopes of flourishing from the success of their unlawful but prosperous business. Two small time hoodlums turned big time entrepreneurs, these Cali boys are just trying to get it at any and all costs. But when greed, betrayal, and a plan gone wrong comes into play, these two friends' very foundation is shaken. Can they stay afloat in spite of it all, or will they lose what they worked so hard to build together. Shayla Edwards is a spoiled little rich girl who's always walked the path that was chosen by her wealthy successful parents. However, things become a whole lot interesting when she meets a sexy D-boy that changes her entire life forever. Romeo is everything Shayla's ever wanted in a man, but will she be able to tolerate the dangerous life he lives? Kimberlyn Lopez was used to living the lavish life before her fiancee Cool was locked up on drug charges, leaving her to take care of their 2 year old son. If things aren't bad enough already, they really become complicated when Desmond, an old flame, comes back into the picture. With his smooth, charismatic appeal, Desmond has always held a part of her heart even while they were apart. But will Kimberlyn be able to tolerate his career choice--and the possibility of losing him as well? If things are complicated enough, they really heat up when Cool gets the early release he was anticipating. <"Flawless" will take you on an emotional roller coaster, that'll surely have you questioning just how far you'll go for love."

Title:  Flawless:  A Street Love Tale

Author:  Jade Jones

Publisher:  Jade  Publication 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Flawless:  A Street Love Tale" by Jade Jones

My Thoughts...

What a interesting group of characters from Shayla, Kimberly, Cool, Desmond, Romeo, Ava, to  Dana that will give the reader of  "Flawless" quite a read.  There is so much drama going on that will keep your attention till the very end where you will have to get the next novel [a cliffhanger] to see how the author will bring this urban read out especially with that heck of a ending.  What will happen to Shayla, Kimberlyn, Desmond and oh yes, that Cool?  Be prepared for a lots of  'deceit, secrets, sex, betrayal, and scandal' from this story as the readers move on to the next story.

His Pepper Heart By: Brandy Heineman

Book Description...

"Their date was entirely forgettable. The meal maxed out the spicy scale; the conversation, not so much. If she hadn’t stolen Zachary’s journal–or read the stupid thing–she never would’ve fallen for him. Fessing up is unpalatable, but unless she returns the journal, how will she have a prayer of seeing her name peppered across its pages?

This quirky romance is a snack-sized story that satisfies. More than foodie fiction—it’s a literary small plate, loaded with savory scenes and a long finish that lingers well after the characters have left the table.

Published in connection with Hartline Literary Agency, serving the Christian book community. Visit us at www.hartlineliterary.com."

Title:  His Pepper Heart

Author:  Brandy Heineman

Publisher:  B. H.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: 5

Review:

"His Pepper Heart"  by Brandy Heineman

My Thoughts....

This was a short engaging story of love not only of the 'heroine' but also its  'peppers.'  The loved the research that this author brings to the readers about 'peppers' even though I try to stay far away from them...[smile].  That was quite a read of what Danielle does during her blind date after she finds his pepper journal.  What happens after she leaves Zachary puts the icing on the cake? What will she find from her snooping?   Will Danielle start to fall for this guy?  This part of the read had me laughing at this intriguing ironic  twist to the story. The author really knows how to draw the reader into her reads and one will find themselves quickly turning the pages to see what will happen next in the 'foodie story.'  

Monday [Timeless Series #1] By: E. L. Todd

Book Description....

"I don’t believe in destiny.

In fate.

Or in soul mates.

But I believe in Hawke.

My life has never been whole since my parents left forever. I have my brother, someone I can barely tolerate most of the time, and I have my best friend, Marie.

And I have myself.

But when Hawke walks into my life, there’s an immediate connection. Our eyes lock and an unspoken conversation is exchanged. For the first time in my life, I actually feel something.

But he doesn’t.

He keeps me at arm’s length and pretends there’s nothing between us when there clearly is. I’m not the kind of girl to wait around for any guy, so I don’t.

But that doesn’t mean he isn’t in the back of my mind.

Our paths cross again in a way neither one of us expect and it changes everything. Was it destiny that made it happen? Was it fate?

Or was it something else?"

Title:  Monday
Author:  E. L. Todd

Publisher: Fallen Publishing
Series:  Timeless Series #1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Monday" by E. L. Todd

My Thoughts....

This was quite a read after reading  the earlier teaser that also featured Francesca[Frankie] and Hawke. After they meet and all is said and done will they finally  have their HEA?  One thing for certain the reader will find it hard to put this read down until the end, however you will have to go to the next series ...Tuesday to get more of the story.  Yes, these have cliffhanger ending!

The characters were simply all well developed, complex, well portrayed and oh so a believable story only giving the readers one  good read. Be ready for a very emotional read with some real life dark issues.

I loved how this author presented these novels [Timeless Series 1-5] to the reader as the days of the week! From Monday then to Tuesday and so on until  Saturday.  I am sure this will be some interesting reading along with some new characters as the reader moves forward in the reading.  Would I recommend? YES!

Beautiful Entourage By: E. L. Todd

Book Description....

"Standalone. No Cliffhanger. HEA. Remaining books in the series can be read in any order.

Being a professional escort comes with its vices. To keep women from getting too clingy, stop them from dropping their panties, and silence them before they can blurt the L word, Rhett has made certain rules. He never breaks them.

Ever.

1. No Kissing.
2. No Feelings.
3. And definitely, absolutely, no sex.

But when Aspen, a beautiful brunette, hires him to help repair her image to her family, things get complicated. Rhett's never had a problem separating work from pleasure. But now work and pleasure seem to be one and the same."

Title:  Beautiful Entourage

Author:  E. L. Todd

Publisher:  Fallen Publishing

Series:  Beautiful Entourage # 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Beautiful Entourage" by E. L. Todd

My Thoughts....

Good read with a intriguing story with some interesting characters especially Aspen and Rhett.  I loved how things were changed around at the end between the daughter and her father giving the ready quite a surprising ending. I would have liked to have known a little more about that ex and his future bride but since this is a series maybe they will come up at a later time. The reader gets a little bit of it all...from 'sadness, to humor, entertainment  and much drama that will keep you turning the pages to the end.  I thought this novel was a good read and would recommend it to you.

Daddy Issues By: Ms. T. Nicole

Book Description...

"What’s done in the dark, comes to the light, and that reality is tested when two sisters, have to return to their hometown to say their final goodbyes to their daddy. While this is a trying and conflicting time, the deep, dark, dirty secrets they’ve been hiding since childhood could potentially break the already shaky bond between the family, and destroy what little sanity they have left. Does the truth set you free? That question will finally be answered for every member of this family, and it’s going to take a lot of faith and strength to get through!"
Title:  Daddy Issues
Author:  Ms. T Nicole
Publisher: M. T. N.
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Five
Review:

"Daddy Issues" by Ms. T Nicole

My Thoughts....

Wow!  This was one very emotional read that is in cased with a lots of drama.  I don't know where to start without giving too much of the story away...so I will try to keep this short ha ha and in the end have the readers wanting to read this wonderful well written novel.  This was such a dysfunctional Walker family that  this story had me shaking my head and saying many times.... oh my God....no...no..no that didn't happen!  What had happened in or to this Walker family?   There were three  beautiful daughters in this family but what had happened had only involved two of the sisters.  The story will have the reader thinking why would a mother allow this to happen.  By just putting 'her head down and walking away' would never be enough for any real mother.   Surely this mother must have known what was happening to her two older daughters?  Oh, I will stop here and say you will have to read "Daddy Issues" for yourself to see how well this author brings it all out so well in her presentation of telling this story.

As you read though this story one can see that there was something going on way underneath the surface of this horrible story.  The reader can also see that the two daughters really had some emotional problems from what had happened to them as a child that will go into their adult life.  When it is all said and done I had a hard time reading some of the story that was left feeling the hurt that would come out of this horrible story.  I really felt so sorry not only Sydney, Venetta but especially for Baby Doll [the youngest... Trinity.] Now why was that?  Well, Baby Doll was the baby of the family and it seems like secrets had be kept from her but believe me when I say keep reading for they all will come out.  All I was left saying 'oh my goodness.'  After the death what all will happen for this family? I loved how this author brings out each of the daughter's story in end  and what a story the reader will receive from this novel ... definitely not a predictable  read.

The story has some real interesting characters that are well developed, portrayed, defined and oh so believable giving the reader a story about this Walker family, their boyfriends & husbands [Trey, Shawn, T.K Antwon, & Cam] ...to some friends of the daughters [Chloe, Denicia & Tex] to only name a few that will keep you reading to see what will happen next.  I liked how this author outlined all of her characters  at the beginning of each chapter so the reader knew who was mainly being featured at that time for each chapter.

When it is all say and done I like how the reader gets a conclusion of how the story ended for the three daughters and oh yes that mom too.  Will there ever be 'trust' and forgiveness?  I was very satisfied with the read and could understand the reasoning behind how each daughter felt in the end.  No, some reads will not be a 'HEA.'  Why is that? Well, it's about real life, how we want to handle it and I could see why there wasn't any forgiveness for some.  What a interesting read about the life of this Walker Family as the reader will find out what did  go so wrong behind closed doors.
Would I recommend?  YES!