Sweet Dreams By: Cecelia Dowdy

Book Description...

"Misty Stewart found Christ shortly after the birth of her baby, causing her to make drastic changes in her life. Short-tempered and street-smart, she realizes being around her un-saved, dysfunctional family is draining her, so she feels the Lord wants her to distance herself from her relatives. She hopes this distance from her family will allow her to deepen her faith, making it possible for her to raise her two-year-old daughter, Jennifer, in a better environment. Struggling to raise her daughter alone, she bonds with her new neighbor, Sterling Richards. She’s drawn to kind-hearted Sterling, but wonders about the deep sadness that he harbors. Sterling has familial problems that run deep, and romance is the last thing on his mind.

Sterling Richards, a professional baker, is grieving over the recent death of his father/business partner. Since his father left him as the sole beneficiary of his life insurance policy, his relationship with his identical twin brothers is strained. Why would his father fail to include his twin sons as part of the inheritance? He now struggles to mend the relationship with his brothers, struggling to run his father’s bakery alone.

Can Sterling and Misty find the courage to love one another?"

Title: Sweet Dreams
Author: Cecelia Dowdy
Publisher: C. D.
Series: (The Bakery Romance Series Book 3)
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Sweet Dreams" by Cecelia Dowdy

My Thoughts...

A good story of Misty and Sterling finding the right love. This continues with 'The Bakery Romance Series' showing how the relationships of two different families come together. I loved how this author showed how each family person was able to deal with the hand that was dealt with them. For Misty I sympathized with what she had gone through in her life and now wanting a new change in her life but would moving give her what she needed? For Sterling being the older with twin younger brothers with one having such hatred feelings for his own brother was really something for one to have had to go through. Yes, there will be 'jealousy, stubbornness, secrets and judgement' for these two main characters to have to go through before ...well this is the part where I say you will have to pick up "Sweet Dreams" and see for yourself how well this author delivers it to her readers.

In the end will Misty learn that 'she was worthy of receiving help as well as giving help?' I was able to learn a little bit more about what goes on in a 'Soup Kitchen's' in how they are organized with volunteers serving, cooking and even cleaning up from this novel. The characters [from Sterling, Leon, Louis, Aunt June, Adrian, Misty Eddie, Carmen,Jennifer, Lucy, Latisha, Rachel, Nate], to name a few for the most part were simply off the chart being well developed, defined and believable giving the readers one well written told story.

One last thing I want to mention and that is the good food that was mentioned in the read. This will only leave you wishing for some of those recipes...like red velvet cake, peanut butter cookies, chili, mango muffins.lasagna, cinnamon rolls and homemade bread to name a few [note to the author]!

Will Misty and Sterling get there HEA after all they have been put through? Well, you will just have to pick up this good read to see! If you are looking for a good 'Christian Romance Fiction' you have come to the right place for 'Sweet Dreams' will give it all to you and yes I would recommend this series to you as a good read.           

Happy Ever After in Christmas by: Debbie Mason

Book Description....

"It's beginning to look a lot like love . . .

As her thirtieth birthday approaches, deputy Jill Flaherty decides it's time to live a little. When she walks into Sawyer Anderson's bar in her sexiest dress, she's not thinking that he's her brother's best friend or about the many women he dated during his years as a pro hockey player. All she's thinking is that it's finally time to confess to her longtime crush how she truly feels.

Sawyer is done being a player on and off the ice. Yet no one in the small town of Christmas seems to believe he's ready to settle down, not Jill, and certainly not Jack, who is determined to keep Sawyer from breaking his little sister's heart. But as Sawyer and Jill's relationship heats up, can he prove that he's her happy ever after?"

Title:  Happy Ever After in Christmas

Author:  Debbie Mason

Publisher:  Forever

Series:  Christmas, Colorado # 7

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five 

Review:

"Happy Ever After in Christmas" by Debbie Mason

My Thoughts....

This was another beautiful entertaining novels by this author in Christmas, Colorado featuring Jill Flaherty and Sawyer Anderson.  What will happen when Jill has feelings for her brother's best friend?
I loved how we got to see that all Jill really wanted was a family of her own.

This story really give the reader a good well written read when at times the heroine did have me shaking my head wondering when will she see just what is right in front of her and going after it before it is too late and not letting anyone stop her?  I know when the story starts out it we found out that Jill has cared for Sawyer since childhood but now was almost thirty wasn't it time to either ask him out or move on with her life? And what about Sawyer and his best friend Jack[who was somewhat over protective brother]...what were they up to when they started setting Jill up with different guys? Now just what did they expect was to happen?   At this point I know the reader is wondering what was wrong with Sawyer that even his best friend Jack didn't want  his sister Jill dating him?  As this dramatic story continues I liked how this author seemed to bring in many surprises giving the reader quite a few twist and turns before we get to the end.  The readers will see many characters from several earlier series and some new ones [Chloe, Easton, Gage, Vivi, Chance, Brandi, Nell & Ty] to name a few that will tie into this story of 'Happy Ever Ever' [which was seventh in this series] however, this can be a standalone read to enjoy!  

This will be a story of with lots of drama, humor, misunderstandings, surprises, heartache and even some hot steamy passion. In the end will Deputy Jill Flaherty get the HEA with former Ice player Sawyer Anderson with the help of family and friends on this rough ride?  Well, to see how this author brings this all to a end the readers you will have to pick up this good read of a small town romance in Christmas, Colorado.  Would I recommend?  YES if you are into romance.

Sweet Breath of Memory By Ariella Cohen

Book Description.....

Life is in the telling.

"With its tree-lined streets, vibrant downtown and curbside planters of spring bulbs, Amberley, Massachusetts, seems a good place for Cate Saunders to start over. It's been two years since her husband, John, was killed in Iraq and life has been a struggle. Her new job as a caregiver doesn't pay much, but the locals are welcoming. In fact, Cate has barely unpacked before she's drawn--reluctantly at first--into a circle of friends.

There's diner-owner Gaby, who nourishes her customers' spirits as well as their bodies; feisty Beatrice, who kept the town going when its men marched off to WWII; wise-cracking MaryLou, as formidable as Fort Knox but with the same heart of gold; and, Sheila, whose Italian grocery is the soul of the place. As Amberley reveals itself to be a town shaped by war, Cate encounters another kindred spirit--a Holocaust survivor with whom she feels a deep connection. When revelations about John's death threaten Cate's newfound peace of mind, these sisters-in-arms' stories show her an unexpected way forward. And Cate comes to understand that although we suffer loss alone, we heal by sharing our most treasured memories."

Title:  Sweet Breath of Memory

Author:  Ariella Cohen

Publisher:  Kingsington Books

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five 

Review:

"Sweet Breath of Memory"

My Thoughts....

I will say that this story "Sweet Breath of Memory" was one excellent read that left me saying that was some read that did keep my attention not wanting to put it down until the end.  I loved the way this author wrote so well that it seems to draw you into the story as if you are right there. I found that it reads so 'smoothly, lyrical and even poetically' where one can really find themselves caught up in this amazing read where you will find a story of love, friendship and 'the eternal longing for peace.'   

This author did a wonderful job with sharing with the readers about how Cate Saunders made changes in her life due to being alone after the death of her husband John and moving to the town of Amberly, Massachusetts.  Never would Cate have know that wandering into Sheila's Grocery store, being offered a place to stay, finding a old journal that had belong to a survivor of the Holocaust and meeting new friends would help her start to heal.  

I loved how this author works her story so well around 'Miriam's Journal' as it seemed to give a heart warming inspiration that Cate so desperately needed in her life.  What a story that starts in Amberly, MA. to the Lodz Ghetto, London and then to Jerusalem.   

Now,  all the characters in this novel were truly wonderful where Cate meets Gaby, Sheila, Marylou, Zelda, Helen, Beatrice along with other wonderful charming people where she found a place where everyone seems to know everyone and each one had their own story to tell. As you read this novel you will be drawn into each of their lives as they are 'brimming with depth, compassion, warmth, resiliency and definitely  smarts.'  Who knew at this point that Cate would come involved in her writing 'about women who were touched by the vicissitudes of war.' 

All that is left to say is that this was one of the best reads with such wonderful women with different lives and definitely with wonderful friendships.

I Met Him in the Ladies Room Part 1 By Michelle Stimpson

Book Description.....


"Kerri Dalee didn't grow up in a religious family. In fact, the last time she went to church, she only attended for the cool door prizes and the food served at Vacation Bible School. But when she gets an interview at a church, she has makes a desperate attempt to meet Christ--in the ladies' room of all places. Now, Kerri wonders if her faith is real. Will she get more than she bargained for at this new job?"

Title:  I Met Him in the Ladies' Room
Author:  Michelle Stimpson
Publisher: M. S.
Series I Met Him in the Ladies Room #1
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"I Met Him In the Ladies' Room" by Michelle Stimpson

My Thoughts....

What a wonderful beautiful story of how this young lady as well as her best friend found Christ.  I found myself really enjoying this quick, humorous at times and well written novella.  Now I will look forward to reading the part 2 of this read to see what happens to Kerri and Stephanie after their 'impromptu trip to Vegas.'

A House For Happy Mothers By: Amulya Malladi

Book Description....

"A stunning new novel—full of wit and warmth—from the bestselling author of The Mango Season.

In trendy Silicon Valley, Priya has everything she needs—a loving husband, a career, and a home—but the one thing she wants most is the child she’s unable to have. In a Southern Indian village, Asha doesn’t have much—raising two children in a tiny hut, she and her husband can barely keep a tin roof over their heads—but she wants a better education for her gifted son. Pressured by her family, Asha reluctantly checks into the Happy Mothers House: a baby farm where she can rent her only asset—her womb—to a childless couple overseas. To the dismay of friends and family, Priya places her faith in a woman she’s never met to make her dreams of motherhood come true.

Together, the two women discover the best and the worst that India’s rising surrogacy industry has to offer, bridging continents and cultures to bring a new life into the world—and renewed hope to each other."

Title:  A House For Happy Mothers

Authors:  Amulya Malladi

Publishers: Brilliance Audio

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"A House For Happy Mothers" by Amulya Malladi

My Thoughts...

I found this story quite one unique wonderful well written story in that it was such a very interesting

subject that will keep the readers attention to the end.  A couple from the California who was struggling with infertility and now was to get a surrogate. Now, how will this come  out with this surrogate living so far away in India?  However, the story proved to be a good attention keeper and the characters were for the most part very developed, defined and believable giving the story an interesting as well as a intriguing read.  The author gives the reader something to really to think about as she shows the many aspects of what goes on with the surrogate as with all the emotions that are involved in doing this for another person.  Not only is about the surrogate and her husband but also the new mom, her husband along with grandparents, relatives and even friends who are all involved in one way or another by the time this story will ends.  It is quite interesting how this author gives the reader a story that shows the two portraying women ...with two opposing experiences that all sides with almost the same issues. I enjoyed how the author brought out the cultural, social expects and views of some of the life as to living India [Southern Indian village].  I felt that this was a good story of how a desperate a person who really wants a baby will go and how a poverty sicken  mom who was in need financially will go to what end for her family to become a surrogate mom.  I did find the title:  "A House For Happy Mother" somewhat ...well, I will say you the reader will have to read and decide for it for yourself ...were the mom's who were being the surrogate moms really happy at what they were having to do in order to survive? 

So, in the end will this story have a HEA as the story deals with the two moms?  I did find this story quite a one different read in that Priya 'sought to understand this surrogate [Asha]and even found a way to even help this family with the education of their son' and she definitely didn't have to do that! Now, I will stop at this point and say you must pick up this read to see how this story will end. Will there be happiness for all?    Would I recommend "A House For Happy Mothers?"  Yes, it's a very thought provoking read that will leave you with many thoughts long after the read.

Dead Lawyers Don't Lie: A Gripping Thriller By: Mark Nolan

Book Description...

"A mysterious killer who calls himself The Artist is assassinating lawyers in San Francisco. When photo-journalist Jake Wolfe accidentally takes his picture during a murder, The Artist adds Jake to his kill list and he becomes a target in a deadly game of cat and mouse that only one of them can survive. How far would you go to protect the lives of your family and friends from a killer? How many laws would you break? Would you risk your own life, or deliberately take the life of a murderer? Dead Lawyers Don’t Lie explores these life or death questions in a thrilling story about a reluctant, flawed hero. Jake is a veteran who wants to leave his secretive past life behind him but who finds that he can't ignore his duty and his personal moral compass.

This fast-paced novel features a cast of quirky well-rounded characters, each with their own individual idiosyncrasies; including several feisty strong-willed women, two smart-mouthed San Francisco Police Homicide Inspectors, one highly intelligent dog, and a philosophical killer who shares Jake’s admiration for Van Gogh paintings. As Jake gets closer to unraveling a merciless conspiracy, his life gets turned upside down and the danger level increases, adding to the growing suspense in this entertaining page-turner. A good read for those who enjoy mystery, suspense, action, unique characters, witty dialogue and some romance too. On sale in over a dozen countries around the world. Be the first among your friends to read it.

Fans of new kindle unlimited novels will be happy to know this book is one of the hottest new crime thrillers and mysteries in kindle unlimited books."

Title:  Dead Lawyers Don't Lie:  A Gripping Thriller

Author:  Mark Nolan

Publisher: M.N.

Series:  Jake Wolfe Book One

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Dead Lawyers Don't Lie" by Mark Nolan

My Thoughts....

What a good read!  This author really knows how to keep your attention even when it is a long intriguing read. I found the characters [Jake, Sarah, Terrell, Beth,Cody{the dog} & Zhukov] to name a few were all well developed, complexed, well portrayed and so well believed giving the reader a gripping well told story that will definitely keep your attention.
 
The amazing plot of this mystery suspenseful thriller was over the top with all of its twist and turns with such a 'captivating and unpredictable story' even giving the readers some humor and romance. Be ready for a wonderful read full of 'action, guns, jealousy, terrorism and one crazy psychotic person, mistaken identity, and it also had a friendship with trust and love' that really took this novel over the top leaving the reader shaking their heads and starting to breathe again [from holding your breathe from what is going on] and saying wow, wow, wow I didn't see that coming! You will be definitely be left saying what a read!

I want to thank the author for giving the readers one complete read even though it may have been a long engaging read...we get a complete ending only leaving one wanting  more from some of these fantastic characters.

Thank you to the author for this complimentary read of 'Dead Lawyers Don't Lie.'  I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone who would love to read a excellent mystery, suspenseful thriller read.  

Intrusion By: Mary McCluskey

Book Description....

"Kat and Scott Hamilton are dealing with the hardest of losses: the death of their only child. While Scott throws himself back into his law practice in Los Angeles, Kat is hesitant to rejoin the workplace and instead spends her days shell-shocked and confused, unable to focus.

When an unwelcome face from Kat’s past in England emerges—the beautiful and imposing Sarah Cherrington—Kat’s marriage is thrown into a tailspin. Now wealthy beyond anything she could have imagined as a girl, Sarah appears to have everything she could need or want. But Sarah has an agenda and she wants one more thing. Soon Kat and Scott are caught up in her devious games and power plays.

Against the backdrops of Southern California and Sussex, in spare and haunting prose, Mary McCluskey propels this domestic drama to its chilling conclusion."

Title:  Intrusion

Author:  Mary McCluskey

Publisher:  Little A

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: 4

Review:

"Intrusion: A Novel" by Mary McCluskey

My Thoughts...

I found "Intrusion" quite some read. What does it feel like to lose a child?  The two main characters
Kat and Scott really were given something that so many people have had to go through losing a child. For Kat we find her wanting to with draw from life and for Scott we find him throwing himself into his work.  Now, with all of this going on in their life a childhood friend of Kat shows up but is she really a friend? With Kat not listening to her own sister Maggie about this person will she get caught up in Sarah's agenda after all that had happened to them so many years ago during their childhood?
With Kat being so caught up in her grief would this cloud her judgment making her vulnerable?
At this point in the read I was kept wondering what was this mysterious Sarah really up to.  Well, I will stop here and say you must pick up this read to find out.  This author really keeps the reader in suspense/thriller ride in how that part will be revealed to us however, somewhat abruptly done.

If you like a fast paced read that deals with death, depression, isolation, with suicidal thoughts, tragedy and sadness then you have one read that will keep your attention till the end.

The Tea Planter's Bride By: Janet Macleod Trotter

Book Description....

"When Sophie is suddenly orphaned at the age of six, she is taken from her parents’ tea plantation, the only home she has ever known, to be raised halfway across the world in Scotland.
As the years pass and her exotic childhood becomes a distant memory, adventurous Sophie finds refuge in her friendship with her kind, shy cousin, Tilly. It is no surprise when the girls follow each other to India to embark on new adventures, new lives and new loves.
But the reality of 1920s India is far removed from their dream: the jungles are too humid and the breathtaking tea gardens too remote. And amongst the stifling beauty, intrigue abounds; while Sophie struggles with affairs of the heart, Tilly, alone in a difficult world, delves into the mystery of Sophie’s parents’ deaths. As the past begins to darken their friendship, will long-held secrets shatter everything they’ve ever striven for?
Revised edition: This edition of The Planter's Bride includes editorial revisions."

Title:  The Tea Planter's Bride
Author:  Janet Macleod Trotter
Publisher:  Lake Union Publishing
Series:  India Tea Series Book 2
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"The Tea Planter's Bride" by Janet Macleod Trotter

My Thoughts...

This was a very enjoyable story that continues from the 'India Tea Series' in 'The Planter's Daughter.' The author does a good job in giving the reader a well rounded story  about Sophie Logan.  The story surrounds you with a bit of history, with some romance that will keep you intrigued in what will happen next in Sophie's life. Will Sophie be able to find the love she wants in her life and also find out what had happened to her parents that were taken away from her at such a early age?   The characters were all so very developed, portrayed, defined giving you a interesting quite a story that centers from India to Britain and back again to India.  Be ready for some twist and turns that will definitely keep you turning the pages getting a little bit of  'love, relationships, death, friendship and even some mystery to it all.'  The reader will definitely get a taste of India's [landscape, food & people] and what was going on  historically at that time.   I see there is another series coming and I was glad to see that because I had a few questions that weren't answered for me in this read so hopefully in 'Girl From The Tea Garden' will give it to me. I found this novel a  enjoyable  good read!

The Tea Planter's Daughter By: Janet Macleod Trotter

Book Description...

"Lush, green, fragrant: the Indian hills of Assam are full of promise. But eighteen-year-old Clarissa Belhaven is full of worry. The family tea plantation is suffering, and so is her father, still grieving over the untimely death of his wife, while Clarissa’s fragile sister, Olive, needs love and resourceful care.

Beautiful and headstrong, Clarissa soon attracts the attention of young, brash Wesley Robson, a rival tea planter. Yet before his intentions become fully clear, tragedy befalls the Belhavens and the sisters are wrenched from their beloved tea garden to the industrial streets of Tyneside.
A world away from the only home she has ever known, Clarissa must start again. Using all her means, she must endure not only poverty but jealousy and betrayal too. Will the reappearance of Wesley give her the link to her old life that she so desperately craves? Or will a fast-changing world and the advent of war extinguish hope forever?
Revised edition: This edition of The Tea Planter's Daughter includes editorial revisions."



Title:  The Tea Planter's Daughter
Author:  Janet Macleod Trotter
Publisher:  Lake Union Publishing
Series:  The India Tea Series Book 1
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"The Tea Planter's Daughter" by Janet Macleod Trotter

My Thoughts....

This was a well written story of Clarissa and Olive Bellhaven who after losing their father in death then having to move from India to the town of Tyneside, England with  a cousin and his wife Lily.   We get a very emotional dramatic plot of a  story of the much heartache and sadness where happiness seems to be very short lived.  The author really knows how to keep you turning the pages because there will be many twist and turns and lots of surprises in the story which was also  about the 'Tea Garden Industry.'  This novel was definitely one of 'survival against so many odds.'  Will Clarissa and Olive be able to make it out of  this cultural shock of moving from India to this new area?  I found this characters well developed, portrayed and even believable storyline that will keep the readers attention in this historical setting.   By the end the way the story ties together so well will give the reader quite a intriguing entertaining good story,  Will Clarissa finally get the love she has always wanted from her father, her sister, Herbert and now?  I will stop here and just say you will have to pick up this read to see how well this all will come out for Clarissa.  Now, on to the second series...'The Tea Planter's Bride' to see how this series will tie it all together.

Letting In Light By: Emma Davies

Book Description....


"Rowan Hill. Come first out of curiosity, explore as a guest, return as a friend.

When Ellie arrives at Rowan Hill all she wants is peace and quiet and a place to lick her wounds, but fate it would seem has other things in mind for her.

Firstly there’s Will, who has a reputation for being a humour less grumpy loner; things would be perfect if everyone would just leave him and his estate alone. Is he just plain grumpy, or is it the big fat secret he’s keeping that makes him act the way he does?

Then there’s Finn, who is drop dead gorgeous, but who ran away from his past. He’s now planning a return home to Rowan Hill, and although he knows Will’s secret, he’s not about to tell Ellie. Is it loyalty to his brother that keeps him quiet, or perhaps it's just that he has a few secrets of his own?

The perfect solution for all of them is staring Ellie in the face, trouble is she’s been accused of meddling before. Her vision for Rowan Hill could be just what everyone needs, so should she follow her heart or her head?

As Ellie puts her plans to save Rowan Hill into action, romance and friendships blossom, however the complications of the past are never far away, and a shocking revelation soon threatens their hopes for the future. Suddenly the beliefs they once held true become the biggest obstacle they have to overcome. Will Ellie find the courage to learn from the truth and let a little light into all their lives.

After all, life, like art, is all about perception, and sometimes it just depends on your point of view…."

Title:  Letting In Light
Author:  Emma Davies
Publisher:  Lake Union Publishing
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Letting In Light" by Emma Davies

My Thoughts...

This was quite a special good read that will give the readers a good look of 'friendship, love, with a community like [Rowan Hill] heartbreaking, to hope and even forgiveness.' The two main characters Ellie Hesketh and Will McKennan are very interesting, caring  people however also fallible with each having their own baggage and even some dark secrets.  Now, to add the rest of the secondary characters who were well drawn from  [Ben, Helen, Finn, Gina, Alice, Prudence, Jane, Jack] to name a few that the reader will get a well told intriguing story that you will find it hard to put down till the end keeping you entertained.  I don't want to leave out the beautiful description of Rowan Hill with its beautiful setting of the scenery that seems to comes alive as this author presents to the reader and I don't want to leave out the tea and lemon drizzle cake that was so important in this read! Now to put the icing o the cake how this author was able to present the 'secrets and revelations' that will come out from this read was very well done. That ending was quite  a very interesting one that was very captivating definitely putting a closure to what all had gone on there in this village of Rowan Hill.

Be ready for a story that you will find 'warm, genuine, entertaining, heartbreaking' and still such beautiful read that you will find it hard to put down this well written novel until the very end.

Emerald Fire By: Suzanne M. Sabol

Book Description...

"As the Blushing Death, Dahlia Sabin has overcome much to be with the men she loves but attempting to settle into a new life and juggling two Alpha males isn’t easy, and the strain is starting to show. As the stakes become higher with each new threat, their growing power and Dahlia’s magical ability can’t be ignored by the vampire ruling council.

As bodies start piling up around Columbus and a dark magic makes its presence known, a high-ranking vampire board member invades Dahlia’s territory. A threat? A spy? Isidro’s dark eyes and intentions are dangerous. With the world closing in around them and the threat to their very existence growing, Dahlia, Patrick, and Dean move to solidify their magical bonds. But Baba Yaga wants her due and has plans for Dahlia all her own. Dahlia may be able to survive an army of zombies, but can she out strategize a millennia-old witch and survive with everyone intact?"

Title:  Emerald Fire

Author:  Suzanne M. Sabol 

Publisher:  Soul Mate Publishing

Series:  Blushing Death Novel Book 6

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Emerald Fire" by Suzanne M. Sabol

My Thoughts...

This was the sixth in the Blushing Death series...'Emerald Fire.' If you like paranormal with vampires, wolfs, zombies, dark magic,supernatural,  romance [love triangle], shifters, witches, other magical creatures and lets not leave out the hot steamy sex scenes you have come to the right place for this read will give it to you and so much more one good read.  Not only does this author give you a 'drop dead beautiful vampire, sexy werewolf, a totally kick butt heroine but lots and lots of action to back it up with some off the chart well developed and portrayed characters' that will keep your attention all the way through the good read to the end of this series. I loved how this author was able to bring this story into sync...especially with two alpha males and with the old and new enemies there will be a lots of action with twist and turns going on.  Be ready for 'bodies starting to pile up, dark magic coming as a high ranking vampire board member invade Dahlia's territory.'  Will Dahlia be able to survive all of this and more?

I will say this author gives and keeps the reader quite  interested reading  as we see how the three of them coexisting [Dahlia, Patrick & Dean]as she 'continues to weave a story as she builds the couple's dynamics with the men in Dahlia's life along with the other secondary characters' as they tie it altogether into this last series.  Would I recommend this paranormal/urban/fantasy? YES!

A Pool of Crimson By: Suzanne M. Sabol

Book Description....

"Killing vampires is easy. Trusting one will be the hardest thing Dahlia Sabin has ever done.

Dahlia has lived a lonely existence as a killer of the undead. Known as The Blushing Death to those that fear her, Dahlia uncovers a plot by Columbus’s Master Vampire, Ethan. He intends to raise a demon from the depths of hell to destroy the city, cement his power, and take control.

In her pursuit to stop a demon from manifesting, Dahlia sinks deeper into the city’s supernatural underworld and discovers that vampires are not only deadly; one in particular could be dangerous to her very soul and her heart. Patrick, the Master vampire’s second-in-command with dark penetrating eyes and a cool, deadly sophistication, can’t stay away and Dahlia can’t tell him no. There’s something that neither of them knows, Ethan wants Dahlia’s unleashed power for himself and is willing to do anything to get it.

Dahlia is in a race against time to send the demon back to hell, at war with her better judgment, trusting a dark and intriguing vampire with his own agenda, while struggling to save her own neck. As the portal to hell opens, Dahlia has only herself to rely on in order to survive, if she can …

Also be sure to check out more action with Dahlia Sabin in the second book of the series, Midnight Ash, and the third book in the series, Sliver of Silver."

Title:  A Pool of Crimson

Author:  Suzanne M. Sabol

Publisher:  Soul Mate Publishing

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"A Pool of Crimson" by Suzanne M. Sabol

My Thoughts.....

"A Pool of Crimson" which was the first in The Blushing Death series was quite a attention grabber that will keep you turning the pages.  If you like werewolf's, vampires, demons, ghost, magic and spirits you have come to the right place for a good paranormal read with some even some mystery and adventure.  Be ready for a fast paced read that will take off with the heroine Dahlia who was a vampire hunter[with magical powers] after visiting a gallery feels the need to withdraw her stake.  Now why was that and what  will happen after an event happens and she finds the 'amulet?'  Dahlia is trying to discover the ring of Vampires who are running rampant around the city dropping bodies.   Well, you will have to pick up this urban fantasy to find out what that is about in this good read. I will say that Dahlia is one 'kick-butt' alpha hardcore female that had some unusual characteristics that most of the supernaturals were definitely afraid of.

Will Dahlia be able to find out why Ethan...the master vampire wants to raise 'Aheiman' a demon from hell?  Along with all of that Dahlia seems to be intrigued about the masters second in command [vampire] and also a paramedic who was a enforcer[werewolf] which will eventually  lead her into their politics and territorial wars.

 The big question for Dahlia was why were these supernaturals intrigued with her? What will happen when Dahlia find out that she is called? ...well I will stop here!  Be ready for many twist and turns that will come about in this well told story as we meet some real interesting characters [Dahlia, Jade, Danny, Patrick, Candace, Smarmy, Dominique,Ethan, Ebony Goddess] that were found to be well developed and  portrayed.  I don't want to leave out those nicknames that the heroine used that were down right funny that did bring a little humor to the read.

So, if you are looking for some vivid characters with great interactions, twist and turns, mystery, humor, danger, passion and oh yes some violence then you have come to the right place for a good dark urban fantasy read.

Xmas Unwrapped [Holiday Hunks] By: Lynda Bailey

Book Description..

Renowned divorce attorney, Mace Montgomery, doesn’t believe in happily ever after. He’s seen too many couples who once promised to be together forever split up—usually in raucous, hateful battles. For him, happy endings are for saps and suckers. That is until he meets the estranged wife of a new client…

Allegra Chandler is a devoted mom. She used to be a devoted wife as we "Renowned divorce attorney, Mace Montgomery, doesn’t believe in happily ever after. He’s seen too many couples who once promised to be together forever split up—usually in raucous, hateful battles. For him, happy endings are for saps and suckers. That is until he meets the estranged wife of a new client…

Allegra Chandler is a devoted mom. She used to be a devoted wife as well, supporting her husband through law school. But that was before he filed for divorce. Now she just wants to concentrate on her boys and move on with her life. And the chance encounter with a deliciously handsome man might be the perfect first step…

Xmas Unwrapped is a delightfully sexy romp which includes plenty of holiday treats and, of course, a happily ever after. It’s the first installment of the *Holiday Hunks* series and is intended for mature readers.

Title: Xmas Unwrapped

Author:  Lynda Bailey

Publisher:  L. B.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Xmas Unwrapped" by Lynda Bailey

My Thoughts...

This was a sweet short novella about Ally and Mace. Without Ally knowing of her soon to be ex husband was trying to get one over on her that is when Mace steps in.  Now, how does he do this?

After Mace meets her and ask her out for dinner...will Ally's life be the same?  Well, you will just have to pick up this good read and see for yourself how well this author presents it to the readers.  For it will be definitely a read that will keep your attention to the end.   

Fulfilled By: Lynda Bailey

Book Description...

"Piper Vaughn has known Mark Lundgren since she was a kid and always figured they'd end up together. That is until she meets Domingo Cardoza. Now two incredibly virile men are vying for her affections. How can she possibly choose between them? Can't they just all get along...together? CONTENT WARNING! This story contains explicit, menage love scenes. Mature readers only."

Title:  Fulfilled [Naughty Neighborhood]
Author:  Lynda Bailey
Publisher:  L.B.
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Review:

"Fulfilled" by Lynda Bailey

My Thoughts.....

This author really knows how to bring it on to her readers. Will Piper get wants she desires from having Mark and Dom in her life? Will Piper be able to convince them that they all can be together? Be ready for a short story of how and if  this will come about.