Claiming Noah By: Amanda Ortlepp

Book Description...

"Catriona and James are desperate for children, and embark on an IVF program. After a gruelling round of treatments, Catriona finally falls pregnant, and they donate their remaining embryo anonymously.

Diana and Liam are on a waiting list to receive an embryo. Sooner than expected, they are thrilled to discover one is available.

After a difficult pregnancy, Catriona gives birth to Sebastian. But severe postnatal depression affects her badly, and quickly turns into deadly psychosis. For her protection and her baby’s, she’s admitted into psychiatric care. When she comes home, she again struggles to bond with her baby, but gradually life finds its own rhythm.

Meanwhile, Diana has given birth to a beautiful little boy, Noah.
But when he is two months old Noah is abducted … and Diana and Liam’s nightmare begins.

Where is Noah?"

Title:  Claiming Noah

Author:  Amanda Ortlepp

Publisher:  Faithworks/Center Street

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five 

Review:

"Claiming Noah" 'by Amanda Ortlepp

My Thoughts...

First of all I would like to say 'Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an exchange of this book for an honest review.'  I will say this was quite a hard read and even though it looks like everything did turn out OK it was still a difficult emotional read for me that dealt with what can happen with embryo donation.  This story will involve: 'post natal depression, fertility issues including IVF, embryo adoption, religious issues, with ethical legal and oral issues, death, suicide thoughts,  that will be a issue to all of the one's involved.'  See, we have two families that will be using this IVF and wow what will happen from the aftermath of their choices they make.  Be ready for many 'manipulation, twist and turns, secrets and lies' that will have you shaking your head and saying  REALLY...I definitely didn't see that coming!

What we have are two women who will be connected by an embryo,  Be ready for some interesting characters [Catriona, James, Diana & Liam] to name a few  that will keep you turning the pages till the end. I found it  all quite interesting read how this author was able to merge these two couples together with each having their own set of problems. I also loved how this author was able to bring out what a person can go through when suffering through post-partum psychosis.  

I don't want to tell too much of this well written and intriguing plot with an exceptional epilogue  other than saying please pick up the read and see for yourself how well this novel has been presented to see who will get Noah in the end.  I would definitely recommend "Claiming Noah" to you as a good read.

Everything We Keep: A Novel By: Kerry Lonsdale

Book Description....

"Sous chef Aimee Tierney has the perfect recipe for the perfect life: marry her childhood sweetheart, raise a family, and buy out her parents’ restaurant. But when her fiancé, James Donato, vanishes in a boating accident, her well-baked future is swept out to sea. Instead of walking down the aisle on their wedding day, Aimee is at James’s funeral—a funeral that leaves her more unsettled than at peace.
As Aimee struggles to reconstruct her life, she delves deeper into James’s disappearance. What she uncovers is an ocean of secrets that make her question everything about the life they built together. And just below the surface is a truth that may set Aimee free…or shatter her forever.
A luminous debut with unexpected twists, Everything We Keep explores the devastation of loss, the euphoria of finding love again, and the pulse-racing repercussions of discovering the truth about the ones we hold dear and the lengths they will go to protect us."

Title:  Everything We Keep:  A Novel
Author:  Kerry Lonsdale
Publisher:  Lake Union Publishing
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Everything We Keep:   Novel"  by Kerry Lonsdale

My Thoughts....

This was quite one of those interesting reads when you may find yourself shaking your head at some of its chapters, with the heroine being so what naive at times but will still finding the general read captivating giving the reader one intriguing good mystery read in the end.  One will find from the read this is one of  'drama,  grief, heartwarming love story, romance, secrets, unanswered questions that bring on suspense, help from a psychic, and then in the end being given one twisted captivating mystery good read' and let's not leave out that quite interesting epilogue that left me saying what?

Everything We Keep was my Kindle First choice for this month. Aimee Tierney was supposed to get married to her childhood sweetheart, but the wedding day turned into a funeral day as her fiance was found dead a few weeks after he goes missing during a trip to Mexico. The book is told from Aimee's point of view and deals with her grief over her loss and things she does with her life over the next two years. She has lots of unanswered questions, including some mysterious circumstances over her fianThank you for the read of Everything We Keep.  This was my Kindle First choice for this month of July, 2016.

Wife Of A Misfit: A Cameron Spin Off By: Jade Joes

Book Description....

"Juicy's entire life changed when she met Tariq Haddad aka Rico. With his suave demeanor and devilishly handsome looks, he was every girl's dream and every father's worst nightmare. Because he was a smooth-talking pimp, she knew the risk that came with getting involved with a man like him--and yet she still allowed him to pull her into his underworld...but now it may be too late for her to escape his deadly grasp.

Roxie was simply trying to move on with her life when Kwon came along and helped her get over a broken heart. Sweet, charming, and charismatic, he's seemingly a breath of fresh air and the exact opposite of her cheating no good ex, Magyc. Yet there's only one problem...Kwon is hiding a deep, dark secret. One that could potentially put her and her daughter's life in danger.

"Wife of a Misfit" is a rollicking ride full of drama, betrayal, and unexpected twists!"

Title:  Wife Of A Misfit

Author:  Jade Jones

Publisher:  Jade Publications

Reviewed By:  Arlena Den

Rating: Five

Review:

"Wife Of A Misfit" by Jade Jones

My Thoughts....

Wow, what a ending this author gives us!  Not only that the whole story was a attention grabber with a lots of 'drama and even more drama with some love, sex,craziness, kidnapping, disloyalty, secrets, vengeance, organ trafficking, twist and turns and lets not leave out murder.'   The characters Diana [Juicy], Kwon, Maygc, Roxie, Rain, Soul, Madison plus  a few others[many from the 'Cameron' storyline] were simply off the chart all being well developed, portrayed and oh so believable giving this read a very good plot as well as a well told story.  However, the readers will have to pick up the next series to see what will happen next in this action and suspenseful read.  If you are looking for another good read from this author then I would recommend this one to you.

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

Mama's Lies - Daddy's Pain By: Brian W. Smith

Book Description....

"Jamal Simms is the loving father of Jada Simms. He struggles to raise Jada with her mother (Tracy) whom he can't seem to get along with. Shortly before Jada's 18th birthday, a DNA test reveals that Jamal isn't Jada's biological father. Feelings are hurt, lies are told, loyalties are tested, and lives are forever changed."

Title:  Mama's Lies - Daddy's Pain
Author:  Brian W. Smith
Publisher:  Hollygrove Publishing
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Mama's Lies - Daddy's Pain" by Brian W. Smith

My Thoughts....

Oh, my goodness..so this is how a lie can start during one's teenage years and continue all the way
to adulthood.  But what will happen when the lie is finally found out?  Well, this is what happened to Jamal and Tracey during their teenage years. Now, only if Jamal had listened to his best friend Greg...
oh well there are so many parts of this story that you will just have to pick this one up and see for yourself how well this author brings it all out so well to the readers.  I was left feeling very sad with its ending but so many times in life we are not given that HEA in situations like this.  That was one ending I wasn't looking for but what will be will be.  Was there a lesson learned from the read YES! And with saying that I will only say that this read was one excellent read dealing with emotional life issues that do happen due to 'deceit.'  

Thank you to the author for a good read.  I  this one for my prime read for July, 2016.

Mr. and Mrs. Black By: Roy Glenn

Book Description...

"With all of their enemies defeated and Rain Robinson firmly in control of his Family, Black and Shy have put that life of constant war and death behind them. They moved back to the home that they built in Freeport, Bahamas; the home that they built to spend the rest of their lives in, so many years ago. Shy has promised to hang up her guns to live the quiet life with the man she loves; raising their children and focusing on running her legitimate import/export business. So when Shy is presented with the opportunity to become the U.S. importer for a company that made hand-made women’s apparel, she jumped at the opportunity. A meeting was quickly arranged in Palermo, Sicily to meet the owner and negotiate a deal. That’s when the trouble begins and that is when Shy is glad she brought her gun."

Title:  Mr. and Mrs. Black
Author:  Roy Glenn
Publisher:  Smashwords Edition
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Mr. and Mrs. Black" by Roy Glenn

My Thoughts....

This was a good 'Mike Black' saga that dealt mainly with the Black's family business and adventure. This time the focus wasn't only about Mike and his wife Cassandra but also of her aunt and uncle as they became involved in a mystery military espionage due to 'art and the ancient history world.'  As usual we find guns that will come out and will be given quite a interesting read.  Along with all of that we still see that Mike and Shy are still deeply in love. The characters are all true to form as begin well developed and portrayed giving the reader a intriguing journey of a read.

So, if you are looking for a action pack read with lots of adventure you have come to the right place for 'Mr. and Mrs. Black' will bring it all to you.

True, Undying Love: A Twisted Love Story By: Ms. T. Nicole

Book Description....

"When you are born in the hood, the game won’t allow you to fall in love. The streets will take everything they can from you. On a cold night when the odds were stacked against him at the worst point in his life, Lex finds a woman that is truly the Bonnie to his Clyde. Will snakes slithering within the team cause them drama or bring them closer together? Or will this instant love connection be a match made in heaven or lead them to find their destiny in hell?"

Title:  True, Undying Love:  A Twisted Love
Author:  Ms. T. Nicole
Publisher:  Treasured Publications
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"True, Undying Love:  A Twisted Love Story" by Ms. T. Nicole

My Thoughts...

I will say the title says it all "True, Undying Love:  A Twisted Love Story" was definitely one good fast paced urban romance story.    What a dream Lex Jr. was having! The story definitely was given some of that 'Bonnie and Clyde'...featuring Lex and Treasure!  We were given quite a suspenseful intriguing TWISTED read that I couldn't stop reading it until the end and then I was left with that epilogue only wanting more of this story about Lex Jr, Lex III, and Treasure. There are just too many unanswered questions we need answers to! So, yes I would love to see a spin off from this read. This author has done her thing once again and that is leaving her readers wanting more.

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

No Loyalty in The Hood By Ms. T. Nicole

Book Description....

"The streets of Chicago better known as Chi Raq was once ran by the well-known, most respected, and feared man named Mitch. In a fast lifestyle full of gangs, drugs, women, and money, it usually comes with a six feet grave or life beyond bars. After serving a 15 year bid for a crime he didn’t commit, only one person will continue to reign in these streets. True bonds are put to the ultimate test; but when the streets is no longer showing you the love that you feel you deserve, you understand that everything is for the taking, and death is always just around the corner. Follow Brandon and Cashmier as their bond of brotherhood and loyalty is put through the test of time. Will a new life bring them together, or fuel a burning desire to rage war in Chi Raq?"

Title:  No Loyalty in The Hood
Author:  Ms. T. Nicole
Publisher:  Treasured Publications
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"No Loyalty in The Hood" by Ms. T. Nicole

My Thoughts...

This read will definitely keep your attention as Cashmier and Brandon give us a true ride through it all.  With all of this stories drama, twist and turns the reader will be kept on the edge of their seat because there is so much going on.  I found all of the characters in the read very interesting people with all having a story to be told.

What will happen when best friends turn with one wanting it all by any means necessary.  The question I had was wondering whether  or not Cash was a bit too loyal to his friend? Was Cash too into the 'brotherhood' that had once been shared with Blade that he could see what was happening? What will happen when Cash's daughter Cassidy becomes involved with Deuce?  Not as this point this story is at dangerous point...what will happen?  Oh well, to find out all the answers to these questions and more of that has gone on you will just have to pick up this authors next series  to find out.

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

Fell In Love With A Bad Guy By Ms. T. Nicole

Book Description...

"With dreams of attending Clark Atlanta University’s MBA graduate program coming true, Ariel sets off to the windy city Chicago to surprise her father, Pharaoh and grandfather, Con with the good news. Unfortunately for Ariel this didn’t turn out be the fun, exciting road trip that she was hoping for due to the incident that changes her life forever.

After losing the love of his life, Nancy, who died giving birth to Ariel, Pharaoh refused to let his lifestyle affect his daughter in anyway. His named held weight in the streets and up until the kidnapping of his baby girl, he had yet to been tested. Facing the ultimate test, Pharaoh sets out on war path to find Ariel and handle who was responsible for taking her; leaving a trail of bodies behind.

How could the one responsible for holding her captive, be the one to capture Ariel’s heart? After realizing who Ariel was, Eric knew things would end one way; With him in a box. He was willing to accept his fate until, he fell in love with her. Keeping Ariel safe is easy but giving her up would be the hardest thing that he ever had to do. Ariel fell in love with a bad guy but can their love survive the war?"

Title:  Fell In Love With A Bad Guy

Author:  Ms. T. Nicole

Publication:  Treasured Publications

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five
Review:

"Fell In Love With A Bad Guy" by Ms. T. Nicole

My Thoughts....

This was a different kind of love story for Ariel and Eric.  As you read one will see how they got together wasn't love at first site but in order for Eric [bad guy] to protect Ariel he found himself developing a love for her. Was Ariel having these same feelings?  The story was definitely one of 'love and family unity'  and without giving too much away of the story I will just say you have to pick this read up and see for yourself how well this author presents it to you.  Be ready for a read full of drama and twist and turns where you will not be able to put the read down until the end and then you will be left wanting more!

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

Vengeful Vows By: Parker S. Cole

Book Description....

"Daffodil Simmons knows how the world works. She’s the spider, all the world is a fly. She has spent her life spinning webs, using people for personal gain. And now, she’s about to spin her biggest one yet – for vengeance. She'll do whatever it takes to get revenge on the two men who abandoned her: her father, and her former lover. When she blackmails her half-sister Leah Westwood’s ex-lover to do her bidding, she tightens her fist around his will and brings him into submission to her plans.
Vincent Miller hates that Daffodil has a noose around his neck, forcing him to do whatever she wants. But he’ll do anything to steal Leah back from Jacob Westwood, the man who destroyed his life, even if it means making a deal with a blue-eyed spider. Yet as Daffodil spins her web, he finds himself entrapped by a silk of a very different kind and intrigued by a woman who only sees him as expendable prey.
Everything is going according to plan until another spider, a ghost from Daffodil's past, begins to interfere with their web. It's a battle of wits against a powerful foe. When it comes time to make the ultimate choice, can Daffodil lay aside everything she’s ever known… for something even greater? Can Vincent set aside his need for revenge to go after what’s in front of him?"

Title:  Vengeful Vows
Author:  Parker J. Cole
Publisher: Electio Publisher
Series:  Sins of the Flesh Book 3
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Vengeful Vows" by Parker J. Cole

My Thoughts....

Now, this was one interesting read that was this author book 3 in this series 'Sins of the Flesh.'  Many of the characters from her previous series will come on the scene in this well written story that will feature Daffodil Simmons.  This lady was one to not miss with.  Daffodil had one thing only on her mind and that was getting revenge from 'her father and her former lover.'   Be prepared for a very detailed story where the reader will see how well this author will leave nothing unturned with so many twist and turns you will have to keep up with this story.  The reader will find this story definitely a attention grabber because each chapter will bring one closer to how the story fits into this entertaining read.  I found all the characters [Daffodil Reanne, Vincent, Oswell, Leah[Blaze], Jacob, Siwatu Okoro, Tomaso Vilette, Samuel, Brenda, Theodore Greene, Heather Simmons, Celeste, Solomon, Cordelia, Benny, Latina, Patrick Batcher, Morayo, Claude Bonner, [Priscilla], Glenn and I am sure I left some out] simply off the chart good, well defined, portrayed and believable giving the reader one interesting intriguing good read.  I was not sure who I was rooting for until almost the end of the story. This is one read where the reader will find a lots of hateful things that were or had been going on.  It was quite interesting seeing how well this author unfolds it all for the reader.  I was left thinking many times .... wow and ooo wee did that just happen?  Why was Daffodil so disliked in this story by the Westwood, Martin and Greene family?  What was that 'web master situation all about?'  Will Daffodil get what she desired most in her life by the end of the story?  Well, I am not telling....you will have to pick up this read and see for yourself how well this author brings it out so well to the readers. All I will say is this was some story because a lots will come out about the Martin and Greene family in the end!  Be prepared for a good well written story that does come to a end and oh what a ending!  Will Daffodil finally get her HEA?  Check it out to see for yourself and YES, I would definitely recommend this good read.

Results May Vary: A Novel By: Bethany Chase

Book Description...

"She never saw it coming. Without even a shiver of suspicion to warn her, Caroline Hammond discovers that her husband is having an affair with a man—a revelation that forces her to question their entire history together, from their early days as high school sweethearts through their ten years as a happily married couple. In her now upside-down world, Caroline begins envisioning her life without the relationship that has defined it: the loneliness of being an “I” instead of a “we”; the rekindled yet tenuous closeness with her younger sister; and the unexpected—and potentially disastrous—attraction she can’t get off her mind. Caroline always thought she knew her own love story, but as her husband’s other secrets emerge, she must decide whether that story’s ending will mean forgiving the man she’s loved for half her life, or facing her future without him."

Title:  Results May Vary
Author:  Bethany Chase
Publisher:  Ballantine Books
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Results May Vary:  A Novel" by Bethany Chase

My Thoughts....

This was quite a read about a marriage that after ten years has broken up due to her husband having an affair.  This was an exceptional well written portrayal of complications of a marriage and infidelity. Was this the kind of affair that could be reconciled after some counseling for Caroline and Adam? Well, in this case there seemed to be to many lies, betrayal, humiliation and complications that kept coming out that will simply have you shaking your head and saying 'REALLY.'  This author did a wonderful job at bringing out the emotions and heartbreak that can happen in situations like this read showing how a marriage can be turned up side down and leaving you with many questions to what had happened for this to come to this end.  Why was it so hard to Adam to explain this situation to Caroline why this had happened? Will Caroline be able to forgive the man she has loved for half of her life or just face the future without Adam?

I love the quotes about love  that were presented at the beginning of each chapter and how this author was able to share a certain amount of information about gay issues was very nicely done.

The characters ...[Caroline, Adam, Jonathan, Ruby, Neil]to name a few in this story were all well developed, defined, portrayed, and believable giving you quite an engaging good read.  

The novel really gives the reader something to think about long after the read and that is  'CAN YOU EVER REALLY KNOW THE PERSON YOU LOVE?'  Well. what will happen as Caroline's fairy tale life comes tumbling down? Will Caroline be able to pick  herself up and keep on moving ahead after she finds out the total truth about her husband?  To find out about it all you will have to pick up this good read to see how this author will bring it all out to you as she give the reader 'an unflinching look at the anguish of a disintegrating marriage.'  It will be definitely a read you will not forget any time soon. 

Thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this book for a fair and impartial review

The Tea Planter's Wife By: Dinah Jefferies

Book Description....

"Nineteen-year-old Gwendolyn Hooper is newly married to a rich and charming widower, eager to join him on his tea plantation, determined to be the perfect wife and mother. But life in Ceylon is not what Gwen expected. The plantation workers are resentful, the neighbors treacherous. And there are clues to the past - a dusty trunk of dresses, an overgrown gravestone in the grounds - that her husband refuses to discuss. Just as Gwen finds her feet, disaster strikes. She faces a terrible choice, hiding the truth from almost everyone, but a secret this big can't stay buried forever . . ."

Title:  The Tea Planter's Wife
Author:  Dinah Jefferies
Publisher:  Penguin
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"The Tea Planter's Wife" by Dinah Jefferies

My Thoughts...

A beautiful love story of Gwendolyn Hooper who was nineteen from the UK falling in love with a plantation owner [Laurence]who was a widower living  in Ceylon in the 1920's.  Now married and  living in Ceylon and having to deal with the Sinhalese ad Tamil people was quite some interesting read.  This is such a well written story that the reader will find it hard to put down. Be prepared for a read that will involve "jealousy, deceit, mistrust and family secrets, love, tragedy, horrible decisions, heartbreak, grief, loss, economics, politics, political unrest, violence to workers, racism and the strength of a certain kind of woman."  This author really know how to bring out a rich beautiful setting in the colonial style of read with such vivid descriptions with such colorful scenes['especially watching tiny creatures, colorful birds, walking in the grounds by the lake and the beautiful waterfall that surrounded the exotic flowers'] and all done with such a intriguing plot.  I loved how this author brings this heroine Gwendolyn from a naive innocent young lady into a adult as she  blossoms and is now found having to deal with some of the tea plantation issues and also what has gone on with the house-hold...in the the past, her husband secret to even her own secrets.  Wow, all I can say is that this turns out to be one fascinating read.  Yes, even very sad and even depressing at times with its twists but definitely one that you will not want to put down until the very end. The characters were off the chart ....Gwen, Laurence, Savi, Fran, McGregor, Naveena, Hugh, Verity, Christina, Caroline.... to name a few who all had their own tale were all well developed and portrayed giving the reader a story with 'smoldering tension with a fast emotional and riveting plot.'

If you are looking for a good stunning historical family with lots of drama...you have come to the right place for "The Tea Planter's Wife" will give it to you and so much more.

I would like to thank Net Galley, the publishers and Dinah Jefferies for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest and open review.

I Almost Forgot About You By Terry McMillan

Book Description....

"The #1 New York Times bestselling author of How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Waiting To Exhale is back with the inspiring story of a woman who shakes things up in her life to find greater meaning

In I Almost Forgot About You, Dr. Georgia Young's wonderful life--great friends, family, and successful career--aren't enough to keep her from feeling stuck and restless. When she decides to make some major changes in her life, quitting her job as an optometrist, and moving house, she finds herself on a wild journey that may or may not include a second chance at love. Like Waiting to Exhale and How Stella Got Her Groove Back, I Almost Forgot About You will show legions of readers what can happen when you face your fears, take a chance, and open yourself up to life, love, and the possibility of a new direction."

Title:  I Almost Forgot About You

Author:  Terry McMillan

Publisher:  Crown

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"I Almost Forgot About You" by Terry McMillan

My Thoughts.....

This was one of those reads that you will not want to put down  this engaging and entertaining read until the end. The author offers the her readers so much in her read from relationships between best friends. ex-spouses, ex-lovers, parents, children, grandchildren,  friendship, humorous, with some very interesting characters, love of family, second chance with  a past lover, gay, lesbian, self discovery, to commitment and even more you may find when you pick up the read.

I loved reading about Dr. Georgia Young[African-American] who was a Optometrist in her mid 50's, twice divorced, two daughter and now she  thought it would be a wonderful idea to contact her old lovers and let them know just how much they had meant to her in her life.  Just why would she want to do this?  To find out you will have to pick up this well written read to see how and why this author brings it out so well to her readers.  What will Ms. Georgia who was a 'home owner, attractive and independent' find out about her life as she looks back on what has gone on the first half of her life?

Be ready for a little bit of it all as the readers are lead on a journey.....from "love, regrets, romance, love inspiration" with a wonderful protagonist that will keep it so real to the readers from page one to the end.

What I especially liked about "I Almost Forgot About You" showed that just because you are in your mid 50's [or whatever] doesn't mean you are at the end of your life...for many it may be time to start a brand new chapter.

Thank you 'Blogging For Books' for gifting this read to me for my honest opinion of the read.

On Knife's Edge By: Lynda Bailey

Book Description...


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 slipup could have deadly repercussions. It’s an untenable and treacherous position. Much like walking On a Knife’s Edge…

Title:  On Knife's Edge
Author:  Lynda Bailey
Publisher:  L. B.
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"On Knife's Edge" by Lynda Bailey

My Thoughts....

All I can say is that from this author's prequel we now get the rest of this well written story "On Knife's Edge'" that will keep you turning the pages till the end.  There is so much going on that you will have to keep up with the story not wanting to miss any part of it!  Now we have Lynch Callan getting out of jail after being there for several years...why was he there in the first place?  And as for Shasta Albright...she is now married to a much older man and has a son.  This author will present to us a story with some down right interesting and intriguing characters that the reader will find so very colorful and well portrayed.  The 5th Street Biker gangs and slave trade will come about into this read that will lead you into so many twist and turns in the story and even having you shake your head as you are reading through the novel trying to see what all is going on as to the mystery of it all.  Just who is this person that is out to win Shasta love and why does he seem to hate Lynch so much?  During the read I almost guessed who I thought this person was and in the end I wasn't surprised by who it was at all.  This author does a good job with how  she presents the story so well to the reader and it seems maybe  we will get a HEA when all is said and done. Be ready for a read that will have many secrets that will come out and "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…"

Therefore, all am left with is that  I found "On Knife's Edge" was a adventurous mystery read that will be hard to put down until the end that I would definitely recommend as a good read.

Thank you to the author for a PDF copy of your read for giving my honest opinion of it.

Forbidden Love In Timbuktu: Woman From Another Land By: Brenda Smith

Book Description...

"Kieta Toures, a native of Timbuktu, finds herself in America trying to sort out how she got there. Her only memories are of how her life changed after she met Mahmoudou Ibrahaim. The two fell in love, and their relationship flourished until insurgents came, bringing new rules for citizens to follow. Their desire to be together trumped the law. Although they exercised caution, they were caught. She was captured and punished but did not know what happened to him—a fate that should have ended their story. However, that was just the beginning of a riveting tale, Forbidden Love in Timbuktu (Woman from Another Land)."

Title:  Forbidden Love In Timbuktu:  Woman From Another Land
Author:  Brenda Smith
Publisher:  Xlibris U. S.
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Forbidden Love In Timbuktu:  Woman From Another Land" by Brenda Smith

My Thoughts.....

"Forbidden Love In Timbuktu:  Woman From Another Land" will keep your attention till the very end and will leave you wanting to know more.  This author did a excellent job at giving the reader one good story of Kieta Toura, a native from Timbuktu.  Ms Toura did not have the greatest life but after her father took her from her home to the Soyinka's to live with them under the watchful eye of Wakesa maybe life would not be so bad for her.  Becoming friends to the Soyinka daughter Marissa life was going good and even greater meeting a certain person.  But would her life be the same after something horrible happens to her though the dealings with the 'new rules of citizens to follow?'  The characters in this  read were all very well developed, portrayed and so believable that you find yourself feeling you are right there in the mist of what all is happening.  The story really picks up as we find Kieta being taken from one country to another and to some good people.  Now how did that come about for Kieta?    It looked like finally Kieta was going well with her new family, in school and even having found a good friend. However, there was always the desire for Kieta to know what had happen to her friend in Timbuktu and how did she get to where she was now in Florida.  As life goes on for Kieta she is now in law school in New York having been blessed to do so by her new family but still Kieta wanted to know how she had gotten to America from Timbuktu and what had happened to her dear fellow whom she had loved so very much.  The way this author brings this out to the reader was very well done and with saying that I don't want to tell to much more because believe me there is another part of this story that centers around what Kieta's friend Charlotte brings to the table.  Who would have ever thought this would happen for Kieta but I started to get the idea of something was happening with Kieta's girlfriend Charlotte boyfriend [Jason]...who was a detective.  Now, I really will really stop here and say this is definitely one of those story that you will not be able to put down and in the end well, you will see for yourself what I am talking about. Would I recommend this novel?  YES for it will have you turning the pages rapidly to the end to find out how this will all come out!

Thank you to the author for the gift of a signed copy "Forbidden Love in Timbuktu" for my giving my honest opinion of the read. I enjoyed it so well I brought a Kindle copy so I could listen to it too!

It's Complicated By: Author A. D.

Book Description....


"Melanie Daniels and Andrew Dodson are still trying to cope with the shocking news dealt to them. And it’s taken a toll on them.

Despite her reservations, Melanie is still willing to give love another try, but if it has to be with the new man on the scene, Aaron Oliver, she just may pass him over because of their obvious and controversial difference.

Andrew is enjoying getting to know the woman who gave him up for adoption, but there’s still that one question she has yet to answer: who is his father? Will she finally share that truth with him?

Karen Roberts followed her heart and chose the best man that pursued her. Their love is budding, but will they survive the new strain that threatens their relationship?

Things really are complicated in this tale."

Title:  It's Complicated

Author:  A. D.

Publisher:   A. D.

Series:  BBF Book 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"It's Complicated" by Author A. D.  

My Thoughts....

This was a very good series after 'Catch Me If You Can.'  Wow, what a turn out this was for Melanie and Andrew along with Karen and Kyle. I loved how this author was able to give the reader quite a read dealing with 'black and white' situations as it was for Melanie and Aaron. Was this a complication that they would have to over before they can move on to a HEA?  And what about Karen an Kyle?  Will they find their HEA?  Again will more complication come about for them as they seek their HEA? Along with all of this going on we now have Drew wanting to know who is real father is...wow what a turn out that was!  Well, to find out about it all you will just have to pick up "It's Complicated" to find out all of these answers to those questions and more where you will be left wanting even more of this good read.

Discovery By: Author A. D.

Book Description...

"What do you do when the guilt of your past hinders the peace of your present?
Elementary teacher, Pam Robinson struggles with the answer to that question when she chooses to leave the life she knew in pursuit of a more fulfilling one, but the weight of her past just won’t leave her alone. She’s forced to deal with her overbearing mother; her loving but invasive best friends, The Sisterhood; and now, the unwanted advances of Vance as she searches for peace.
Vance Sutherland is the principal of Jensen Academy and has been smitten by Pam since the day he met her, but she’s made it clear that the difference between them is too much for them to overcome. How can he get her to see that he’s the one for her? Will he come to terms with a nightmare from his past?
Discover the past, present, and futures of Pam Robinson, Vance Sutherland, and many others when you open up “Discovery."

Title:  Discovery 

Author:  A. D.

Publisher:  A. D.

Series:  The Sisterhood Chronicles Book 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Discovery" by Author A. D. 

My Thoughts....

This 'Sisterhood' was definitely off the chart well done.  I only wished that I had those friends...Pam, Renee, Kim and Monica.  I enjoyed their bantering that they had among each other. This author did a wonderful job with this story so much was going on that the readers will find it hard to put down. With the main story being about Pam Robinson and Vance Sutherland who both had some real problems with their life style  both of them definitely needing 'God's Grace, Love and Mercy.'  The storyline was very well written with there being a lesson for all to learn from.  My favorite part that brought me to tears was when Vance forgiveness took place with that beautiful song his mother sung to him..."Will your heart and soul say yes?"  Now, I will stop here and just say you will have to read it to see how well that was presented in this story.  Along with Pam finally also realizing that God is in control and forgives us. The characters were all well developed, defined and believable story giving the reader quite a interesting read.  Now, will Pam and Vance have a HEA?  Well, we will have to see how it comes out...maybe in another series?

Covert Affairs: Affairs of Special Agent Nicollette Jones By: Shani Greene-Dowdell

Book Description....

"Seducing men for information is just another day of undercover work for Special Agent Nicollette Jones, until she crosses paths with Indian Bad Boy Blaine Broadnack. She's quickly faced with the tough task to bring down the man responsible for the next big terror plot against the United States and keeping her feelings in check. After a tragic event happens to her daughter, Blaine Broadnack becomes public enemy number one, and Nicollette is determined to bring him down.

Will Blaine be able to win Nicollete's heart, or will the warmth he craves to feel from her come from the heat of her .38 Special?"

Title:  Covert Affairs:  Affairs of Special Agent Nicollette Jones

Author:  Shani Greene-Dowdell

Publisher:  Nayberry Publications

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Covert Affairs:  Affairs of Special Agent Nicollette Jones" by Shani Greene-Dowdell

My Thoughts....

What drama, mystery and suspenseful thrill  I got from this quick read from this author!  From the very start to the end the reader will be kept on pins and needles with  a few twist and turns keeping your attention to the very end.  Definitely this special agent Nicollette was was not to be messed with as she carries her .38 Special!  Be aware this this is a adult read so be ready for a few hot sexy steamy scenes along with the dark side of  child sex trading.  What I loved about the read was that not only was it a quick read but a standalone read!

Thank you for the gift of this read from the author for my honest opinion of the read.