Until My Last Breath By: Stephanie Nicole Nicole

Book Description....

"In the finale of the Trouble in Paradise series, Victoria finds herself in the worst position of all, hanging by her wrists in the basement of Caroline's three story house. She knew that her own actions had sealed her fate and landed her in this position, but how will she survive it? After seeking help to get past his many infidelities, Joshua goes on the hunt for Victoria when he receives a cryptic telephone call from her. Instantly, he rushes to her rescue, but will he be too late?

Danielle's misery becomes unbearable when her efforts to reach out to Joshua fail. Instead of going after him with vengeance, she falls into a deep depression. Her best friend, January, tries to pull her out of her funk when a person from January's past resurfaces, determined to steal her heart again.
Have these couples finally hit rock bottom or will they fight for love until their last breath?"

Title:  Until My Last Breath

Author:  Stephanie Nicole Norris

Publisher:  S. N. N.

Series:  Trouble in Paradise Book 4

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Until My Last Breath" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Thoughts...

What a ending to a series...Trouble in Paradise Book 4 "Until My Last Breath" was one read that will keep you turning the pages because this author really brings it all out and even gives the reader a nice ending considering all that has happened in the different series.  I will say to truly understand all of what all has gone on you I would definitely recommend that read the other three series in order.  I have read all of them and also reviewed them so I went back and re read my reviews...and that did help me in understand what was going on in this present series.  Wow, it was quite a interesting read it was to see if Victoria will get out of the mess she has gotten herself in with Greg, Caroline's husband. Now, we find Victoria in trouble due to Caroline and her friend Alexis.  It was also quite interesting seeing Joshua involvement with this situation along with Dante, Shay and I don't want to leave out January. Danielle and oh yes Brandon who comes into the picture.  How do all of these people fit into this series? Each of these characters definitely have their own story that will leave you shaking your head and saying REALLY!  Now, I don't want to tell you the story other than to say you will have to pick this good read up because it is a one urban fiction that has a little bit of it all in it. When you think you have it figured out some other new drama comes up.  One thing I will say is that I didn't care for that Greg and his wife.  I simply could not figure out what Greg was up to.  Truly that ending that involved Greg was creepy and his wife Caroline was weird. Another character that gave me cause not to like was Joshua especially how his handled....  And that ending for Alexis was ....well I will just stop here and say it was intriguing reading about Victoria, Joshua along with Shay and Dante. Hopefully, they will ALL finally get their HEA...well I guess we can only wish!

Hark: A Christmas Collection By: Justin Bog

Book Description....

HARK’S SIX LITERARY HOLIDAY TALES ARE NOT FOR KIDS—THEY ARE FOR DISCERNING ADULTS CONTEMPLATING MORE THAN SIMPLE SUGARPLUM SWEETNESS.

"Within Hark—A Christmas Collection, a retired police officer faces another Christmas Eve while bitter recollections haunt his every turn, a lonely woman plans to seduce Santa Claus one Christmas Eve, a widow grows anxious as she searches for a present she misplaced and intended to send to her ungrateful sister, a woman can’t keep the images of her past—these ghosts—from haunting the life she chooses to live, a young gentleman and his partner join a Christmas party in Sun Valley, Idaho and are taught a lesson most un-holiday like, and, finally, a couple portrays Mr. & Mrs. Claus in their small island town holiday festivities and face a grim diagnosis together.

Set in colorful locations around the United States, from Anacortes, Washington, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Sun Valley, Idaho, each tale focuses on people who struggle to make good choices, learn lessons, and maybe even find peace during the holiday season."

A bonus short story, Poseidon Eyes, from Sandcastle and Other Stories, is included.

Title:  Hark:  A Christmas Collection

Author:  Justin Bog

Publisher:  The Author's Advocate

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

 Review:

"Hark:  A Christmas Collection" by Justin Bog

My Thoughts....

What a wonderful Christmas collection of six short stories that will keep you turning the pages being of a read that will put the reader in and touch your heart.  I loved how as one read through each story you will be able to feel the emotions [happy, sad, in between and thought provoking]  that so many people feel especially during this particular holiday season.  I was able to feel each story so very well that had a different meaning being presented.  After reading this collection I will say I plan to make it one of my traditions to read "Hark" every Christmas holiday!  

Whether it's 'Hark, Seducing Santa, Bracelet. Everyone Wants Me To, Snow Globe and The Heralds' I enjoyed all of the stories that 'will touch your mind as well as your heart.'  And then at the end the author gives the reader a short story 'Poseidon Eyes' which was another good read that I found rather interesting also.  

Definitely, this author is a 'master storyteller' that will keep you in awe as you read through his stories.  Now, I will say this may not be one of those sweet reads...it is a very realistic one...and yes the true meaning of Christmas that takes place all over the United States.  Now there will be some 'bitter sweet moments with romance and even a little humor thrown in.'  This will be definitely a little different in its deepness than the 'normal' Christmas stories.  

I enjoyed reading these unique anthologies as the reader sees how other people have faced different problems and through it all have found hope in the things that are so important to each of them. Would I recommend?  YES,  just remember 'that not everyone has a sparkly and super happy Christmas but their stories will touch you whether you celebrate Christmas or not.'

Untold [Sisterhood Chronicles Book 3] By: Author A. D.

Book Description...

"To make recompense for her past, Renee Williams has devoted her attention to God, prayer, and the kids in her stead as a social worker. She'd like to keep quiet about her past, but there's just one problem with that—Andrew Dodson. His consuming presence is prompting her to take actions in regards to the looming shadow of her past, but that’s just it, she doesn’t know what to do.
Andrew Dodson can’t help but to like Renee. She’s everything he never knew he wanted in a woman. He’s pulled away from his family and has found refuge in her friendship, but will his futile attempts to keep his interest for her at bay, while avoiding his family, blow up in his face?
What's done in the dark always comes to the light, but the light of day may not shine the way Renee and Andrew want it to in Untold."

Title:  Untold

Author:  A. D.

Publisher: A.D.

Series:  Sisterhood Chronicles Book 3

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review: 

"Untold" by Author A. D.

My Thoughts.....

In "Untold" [Book 3] the reader get a good look at two main characters:  Renee Williams and Andrew [Drew] Dodson.  I will say that to truly understand these two character I would suggest you read this author's first two books: Underneath It All [Book 1] and Discovery [Book 2]. Yes, I have read all of them!  By reading both of those novel will give you a much better understand to what is going on in this novel [Untold]. I enjoyed how this author works it in giving the reader a well thought out storyline read.  I liked reading about Renee who had 'devoted her attention to God, prayer, and the kid in her stead as a social worker' and she did just that however, there was a secret that was tearing her apart. Will she be able to let go and share this secret that was taking over her mind that seemed to be in her daily thoughts especially after she meets Andrew? Why had Renee not shared this secret even with her family? For Andrew I felt his sorrow as he had found out something very horrible about his adoptive [not] father. Will there ever be any forgiveness for Drew in this situation with Charles, Sr.? What will happen as these two people [Renee & Drew] become friends? Will this be taken to another level for them?  I loved how this author was able to bring into this read all of the prayers.  That was simply very well done and definitely needed!

Many of these characters were also in Book 1and/or 2 were in Book 3.  They were all so well developed, portrayed, defined and believable definitely keeping the reader's attention turning the pages to see what will be happening next.

What will happen as 'What's done in the dark always come to the light' as it does for Renee and Andrew?   Now, I will say the ending with leave you well...hoping that there will be more for these two in the work in progress.  I loved this.....Will these two 'get their issues solved by the close of the business day so that they can start dating this weekend?'   Well, to find out the answer to this and so much more you will have to pick up "Untold" and see for yourself  just how well this author brings it all out to the reader.  Guess what I found out at the end of the novel? We are not through with this series!  There will be another series  in this Sisterhood Chronicles 4...'When It Happens To You.'

Home On The Range By Ruth Logan Herne

Book Description...

"A cowboy romance with a heart of gold, in Home on the Range author Ruth Logan Herne returns readers to the Double S Ranch where God and family are first, but love is certain to follow the Stafford menfolk. Nick made all the wrong choices for all the wrong reasons. His father had failed at marriage and fatherhood. Nick was determined to show him up. He'd be a better husband, better father and a better ranch manager than Sam Stafford ever hoped to be. But Nick's wife Whitney hated the ranch and she walked out on Nick and their two beautiful daughters three years ago. For a long time Nick pretended everything was fine and when his stubborn nature is finally challenged by trouble with his young girls, he's faced with the changes he should have made long ago. Psychologist Dr. Elsa Andreas had a thriving family therapy practice, a school commission, a good life, but tragedy pushes Elsa to walk away from her life. Three years later, she's tucked herself in the backwoods of Gray's Glen. When her sister encourages her to help Nick Stafford's daughters, Elsa takes a chance. But Nick's ex-wife comes back to town, threatening the girls' newfound stability. Can Nick find the forgiveness and Else the courage to build their own "Home on the Range"?"

Title:  Home On The Range
Author:  Ruth Logan Herne
Publisher:  Multnomah
Series:  Double S Ranch # 2
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Home On The Range" by Ruth Logan Herne

My Thoughts....

What a story that will definitely pull at your heart as it seems to 'engages all five senses' [hearing, seeing, smelling,seeing and feeling] from the read!    Now, to know what I am talking about the reader will have to pick up this good read to see just what I am referring to.  I found from the read that the story wasn't one easy life...definitely loaded with 'imperfective people who loved, angered and even grieved hard' especially as it was for Nick Stafford who was a single parent running a ranch, who had also been abandoned by his own mother. Now with Nick was having problems in school with his older daughter [Cheyenne]who was  feeling the abandonment of her mother needed help. That's when Nick  meets the 'lovely Dr. Elsa Andreas[who was a child psychologist]. From here this story takes off where you will find yourself turning the pages to see what will happen next as Elsa tries to help Nick and his daughters. Will Elsa be able to help?  What will happen when Nick and Elsa realize there was more to their relationship than just the girls where 'all four have deep places with secrets and darkness dwelling in them?'   Will they be able to explore a relationship?  This story also has some drama as the ex wife [Whitney] the estranged mother returns on the scene adding quite a mix to this very realistic story where old problems shows back up once again due to her old behavior.   I really enjoy from the read of getting when your life is messy there is a God to see you through it all.  I liked how Elsa was there to help Nick and his girls [ [six year old Dakota and eight year old Cheyenne] showing such inner strength with the twist and turns that were presented. This author did a wonderful job in presenting Elsa's past that really wrapped the story up in one unique cowboy read. In the end will Elsa be able to face her past and find a future that she had always wanted? Even though certain things has happened in Elsa life that she thought she didn't desire forgiveness after it is all say done I thought Elsa Andrea was a wonderful heroine in this read.  I think many would love to have a session or two with her!

 I found the main characters well developed, portrayed, relatable and believable as they were all trying to overcome adversity.  This was quite a warm contemporary 'Christian' fiction romance that the reader will think of long after the read plus you can get several wonderful recipes that were served at the 'Stafford' family dinners.  So, if you are looking for a read with people who make mistakes but are healed through love, redemption, the support of others, and finding faith, you have come to the right place for a sweet romance and hope then I would definitely recommend "Home On The Range" to you as a good read.

I received this book from Blogging for Books to read and review.

The Reluctant Cowboy By: Kate Pearce

Book Description....

"After a turbulent childhood, the Morgan brothers went their separate ways, leaving the family cattle ranch and their cowboy days far behind. But now, one by one, they’re being called back home to California. Have they been summoned to save the land—or to start a new legacy?  
 
Chase Morgan high-tailed it away from ranching life as soon as possible. But running a successful technology company can’t erase the memories, or secrets, of his youth. Coming home to help his Grandma Ruth may finally put some ghosts to rest—if he can just get a certain smart, beautiful houseguest out of his business. But getting her out of his head is proving even more difficult…

Determined to save the Morgan ranch, historian January Mitchell has pinned her hopes on the surprisingly rugged, surprisingly likable, and exasperatingly stubborn Chase. Surely his love of this breathtaking, mysterious land runs deep enough that he’ll once again embrace his inner cowboy. Or maybe, despite both of their skittish hearts, she’ll have to find a way to get him back in the saddle…any which way she can. 
 
“If you love cowboys—and who doesn’t—you’ll love the Morgans!” --Cora Seton, New York Times bestselling author"

Title:  The Reluctant Cowboy

Author:  The Reluctant Cowboy

Publisher:  Zebra

Series:  Morgan Ranch # 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"The Reluctant Cowboy" by Kate Pearce

My Thoughts....

This was a good story of a family coming back together again in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains.  With Grandma Ruth wanting to save her historic ranch, [the ranch and town are in part a huge historical site and there's actually an abandoned town on the ranch property] who would she reach out to other than her oldest grandson Chase Morgan. Chase lived in San Francisco but when his grandmother ask him for help he returns to his childhood home with threats to the future of the ranch. What he finds there besides his grandmother is a that a historian named January Michell [who had grew up in a commune] was now living there working on her thesis. January held on to the belief that 'Ruth could have her historic ranch by by working on organic farming and also joining the tourist circuit'.  But what did Chase think about this and why had he stayed away from the ranch?  Now, this is where the real story is...Chase had four brother but they didn't talk to each other...why was that?  And just what had happened to their mother, sister and father?

 It is of great interest as the reader can see how the author is putting these two Chase and January together[with a little help], so I didn't find that surprising at all but will it last?  We find Chase is financially independent so what will he find out as he investigates what is going on at the Morgan Ranch?  Will this all bring in what has gone on with January and her ex now as it seems there was definitely an interest that these two [Chase and January] had even though they are complete opposites. I will say that January definitely challenged him. And what was up with Chase as it seemed that he was forced to take this vacation to visit his grandmother by his two best friends because they could not stand working with him? Will Chase be able to find himself again?  That was another story and watching...[reading] about Chase and January as their romance grows was off the chart well done and oh yes the 'steamy hot sex' scenes were there too.

I liked how this author gives us some  mystery that come from a 'financial transaction that will open deeper wounds among the Morgan Family' especially when a brother and later the father shows up.   This read will definitely keep your interest where you will not want to put it down until the end wanting to know if these two [Chase and January] will get their HEA.  Now, it seems like the story doesn't quite end because there are still more questions to be answered  in another series.  I would love to know more about this father that has showed up out of the blue and the other brothers [twins], the mom [who had disappeared] along with their sister.  This is definitely a beginning to a new series that I will be check out and would recommend to you as a good read.

This ARC was given by the publisher and NetGallery in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.

I See You...You Cannot Hide! By: Dr. Dyon Cole

Book Description...

"I See You... You Cannot Hide is a book about self-deception, deceit, shame, and rejection. Dr. Dyoni exposes her truth by sharing a life changing situation that was designed to destroy her. The goal of this book is to help others who are currently going through or recently went through some type of devastating situation and for those who are tired of vicious cycles of self-destruction. This book really speaks to those who desperately want to be free, but feel stuck, lost, and torn between good and evil."

Title:  I See You...You Cannot Hide!
Author:  Dr. Dyon Cole
Publisher:  Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"I See You...You Cannot Hide!" by Dr. Dyon Cole

My Thoughts....

This was quite one thought provoking read after all is said and done.  I will say I got very upset with this heroine due to the fact that she seemed to have not to have learned a lesson from what had gone on with her life with that involved 'Levi' so many times.  However, as I  continued to read through this novel I was able to see why things had gone so badly for her even though she was now in the ministry. From this story the reader sees how this story shows us quite a story of all the 'self -deception, deceit, shame and rejection' that this person went through that had started from from her early childhood.  Why was this? Why did she feel like she had to get everybody approval?  Will there finally be a 'Healing and Deliverance' process for the heroine when she finally 'shares her process of acknowledge and comes to turns with the truth and finally ...finds healing , liberty and emancipation through Christ?'  "I See You...You Cannot Hide" was definitely a self help read through the Christian way offering help, scriptures and prayers.  I did feel that after this heroine saw that she couldn't go it alone and decided to finally share all with her 'sister' [for her sister had introduced Levi to her] and then life for her seemed to finally open up for her.  After she was able to confess her sins this became a new starting part of what she needed in this 'work in progress' for her. I will say this didn't happen over night for it took some time for this heroine to finally give it up with this young man who was seven years younger than her.  Now, to fully understand this novel totally because I didn't want to tell you too much other than to say you will have to pick this one up and see for yourself how well this author presents her story to the readers.  It will be quite one interesting read.

In Love With A Hitta By: Pandora

Book Description....

"Seanni's life has always been a far cry from perfection. With an ex-crack addict for a mother and a father that's nowhere in the picture, she's pretty much had to survive on her own--with the help of her best friend Malik.

Seanni's life gets even more hectic after she meets a handsome but troublesome Brit by the name of Rocco. With his suave demeanor, sexy accent, endless cash and bad boy swag, he starts off as a breath of fresh air. But she soon discovers the shit buried beneath the glitz and the glam.

Things get even more complicated when a drug king pin comes into play, staking his claim on young Seanni. With three different men pulling her in opposite directions, will Seanni settle for the perfect suitor? Or will she be consumed by the street life altogether? After all, loving a hitta ain’t easy…"

Title:  In Love With A  Hitta

Author:  Pandora

Publisher:  Jade Publications

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"In Love With A Hitta" by Pandora

My Thoughts.....

What a story this author gives the readers! This was one of those urban fiction stories that will keep you turning the pages and definitely keeping your attention to the end that is filled with a lots of drama and abuse.  Now, I will say this is one of those cliffhangers so readers...just know that!  For the character Seanni all I can say is that she seemed to go from one bad situation right into the next one.  Will Seanni  who is so in love with a hitta make it out of all of this mess? I found all of the characters were so well developed, portrayed and believable giving the reader quite one interesting read.  Well, I guess we will have to wait and see in this author's next installment.  

On The Corner of Heartache and Hopeful - Mic - By: Lynda Bailey

Book Description....

"Beautiful auto mechanic Michaela Anderson has never known a man’s touch and, at twenty-six, she wonders if she ever will. The small town of Tatum, Nebraska, isn’t exactly teeming with prospects. Then her high school heartthrob comes back from New York City for a visit and she sees the opportunity to fulfill her dream of finally being a woman of experience.

When his grandmother dies unexpectedly, Scott Trehune returns home to bury his beloved Nonie. Drowning in grief, he turns to Nonie’s attractive female mechanic for solace. With Mic, he finds comfort and so much more—especially when she makes him a unique proposition he can’t possibly refuse.

Mic and Scott spend an erotic weekend satisfying each other’s fantasies and desires. Add a few sex toys and a little bondage, and it’s a match made in Scott’s heaven. As their time together winds down, he questions whether he wants to go back to New York. He’s just found Mic—can he leave her so soon? His career is in The Big Apple, but his future just might be in Mic’s arms. Life in rural Nebraska isn’t the hustle and bustle he’s used to…and maybe that’s a good thing. Will Mic feel the same? Or will she consider their rendezvous nothing more than a two-night stand?"

Title: On The Corner of Heartache and Hopeful - Mic
Author: Lynda Bailey
Publisher: L.B.
Series: Heartache and Hopeful #1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"On The Corner of Heartache and Hopeful - Mic" by Lynda Bailey

My Thoughts...

This was quite a interesting erotica romantic story that I did find somewhat predictable however it was still a good read. Everything seemed to come to a head with Scott being back in Tatum, Nebraska due to the fact that his grandmother has died. In taking care of things Scott soon finds out that his grandmother had left Mic something after her death and in getting to the bottom of this he gets involved with Michaela [Mic]. This is where this story will take off where sparks will fly between these two. The two main characters had known each other in high school where we find from the read that Mic had always had feeling for Scott but they didn't really get together until after the death of his grandmother. What will happen as these two go out to a dinner? What question will Mic ask of Scott? Will Scott decide to leave Tatum and return to NY alone? Well, this is where I say you will have to pick up this delightful read to see if these two will get their HEA.

Twelve Days Of Christmas: A Christmas Novel By: Debbie Macomber

Book Description....

"Continuing in a festive annual tradition, #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber returns with a new original holiday novel full of romance and cheer—and the magical prospect of finding love in the most unexpected places.

Friendly and bubbly, Julia Padden likes nearly everyone, but her standoffish neighbor, Cain Maddox, presents a particular challenge. No matter how hard she’s tried to be nice, Cain rudely rebuffs her at every turn, preferring to keep to himself. But when Julia catches Cain stealing her newspaper from the lobby of their apartment building, that’s the last straw. She’s going to break through Cain’s Scrooge-like exterior the only way she knows how: by killing him with kindness.

To track her progress, Julia starts a blog called The Twelve Days of Christmas. Her first attempts to humanize Cain are far from successful. Julia brings him homemade Christmas treats and the disagreeable grinch won’t even accept them. Meanwhile, Julie’s blog becomes an online sensation, as an astonishing number of people start following her adventures. Julia continues to find ways to express kindness and, little by little, chips away at Cain’s gruff façade to reveal the caring man underneath. Unbelievably, Julia feels herself falling for Cain—and she suspects that he may be falling for her as well. But as the popularity of her blog continues to grow, Julia must decide if telling Cain the truth about having chronicled their relationship to the rest of the world is worth risking their chance at love."

Title:  Twelve Days Of Christmas

Author:  Debbie Macomber

Publisher Random House & Publishing Group

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Twelve Days Of Christmas" by Debbie Macomber

My Thoughts...

What a sweet Christmas romance story that this author brings to the readers.  The two main characters Julia and Cain were definitely good for each other after it was all said and done.  I loved how this author was able to give the readers of a read of one showing kindness that turns into after a few twist and turns a HEA.  We find from this story there was a act of kindness coming from Julia to Cain...from delivery of a newspaper to his door, cookies, being quite a challenge .... all of this to see if it would make a difference in the way he treated her. Now, why was Julia doing this?  She had gotten this idea from her best friend Cammie to use on her blog page featuring [Ebenezer who was Cain] that Julia needed in order to complete for a position she was  working on for social media for 'Havestware.'  How will this come out when Julia finds out that her neighbor who had trust issues from a previous situation?   Will this experiment prove that kindness did make a different?  What will Cain think about Julia especially after he learns about her blog and the feelings they had developed for each other?   What happens when a news reporter there in Seattle after seeing her blog page ask Julia about a interview with her and Ebenezer?   What will happen when Julia finally tell Cain about this experiment...and her blog?  Will she be able to keep this a secret from Cain until after Christmas? Will Julia and Cain finally get the love and understanding they needed from each other?  Well, to get all of these questions answered ... this is where I say you will have to pick up "Twelve Days Of Christmas" to find out how this story will come out.  I loved the secondary characters who were well developed, portrayed and believable that will keep you turning the pages till the end.    I will add that I loved the epilogue and you will too!