Monday, April 30, 2018

Stand & Deliver by Rhenna Morgan


Book Description....

"Live hard, f*ck harder and make their own rules. Those are the cornerstones the six Men of Haven bleed by, taking what they want, always watching each other’s backs and loving the women they claim with unyielding tenderness and fierce

Security expert Beckett Tate has met his match in colleague Gia Sinclair. He longs to run his hands over each and every one of her lush curves. She’s wicked smart and wicked hot. He’s given her time to get used to the idea of “them,” but her time is up and he’s ready to go all in on claiming what’s his.

Despite her love of all things girlie, Gia’s no typical Southern belle. She’s built her skills and reputation in a field normally dominated by men, and now she has a kick-ass career she loves. She certainly doesn’t need a man to take care of her—especially not one who’s pure alpha. Still, Beckett’s the one man who can satisfy the desires she’s hidden under her tough exterior, and she’s hooked. 

Letting Beckett take the lead in the bedroom comes naturally to Gia—not constantly proving herself to him professionally is more of a struggle. And when someone attacks her character and career, Gia and Beckett will have to find a balance: her willingness to let go just a little, with his trust in her abilities and his deep, primal need to protect his woman."

Title:  Stand & Deliver
Author:  Rhenna Morgan
Publisher: Carina Press
Series:  Men of Haven Book 5
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Five
Review:

"Stand & Deliver"  by Rhenna Morgan

My Thoughts....

Great story with not only a sweet romance but also a little mystery and suspense that will keep you turning the pages.  This novel features Beckett and Gia both with stubborn ways that will keep the reader shaking there heads and saying not again!  Believe me these two go so well utterly together!  This is the fifth brother[Beckett]  in the 'Men of Haven' series where we find Becket and Gia finally getting together.  However, this author really knows how to bring out the unexpected giving the reader a lots of depth in creating for us such a well written story.  I really liked how the SPD [Sensory Processing Disorder] was incorporated into this story.  I was able  to learn something from what SPD was in the way it was presented in this story. If you are looking for a good read "Stand & Deliver" will give the reader a story that is enriched with a little bit of it all from 'emotion, vulnerability, love, friendship, family, intensity, humorous, loyal, heart and passion' all of this  will definitely keep your attention through this incredible good read. So, is there another read left in this Men of Haven Series?  Yes,  Axel's story! 




















I’ll Never Tell 4: The Addison Parker Mystery Series, Book 4 Kindle Edition by Deidra D. S. Green


Book Description....

"Ten years ago, starlet Priscilla Malone was found dead on the stage of Atlanta’s premiere theater. Although the original investigation determined flat-lined after no suspect was found. The murder of Priscilla Malone ended up a cold case. Once again, Detective McLemore, supervisor of the cold case squad leaned on the forensic expertise of Dr. Addison Parker to breathe life into a dead case. There were some people who preferred that the death of Priscilla remained a memory. Addison Parker refused to allow that to happen. Find out if Dr. Parker has what it takes to unravel the mysteries that surround Priscilla Malone’s murder in I’ll Never Tell: The Addison Parker Mystery Series, Book 4."

These Books are linked by series title but are all Standalone titles and can be read in any order

Title:  I'll Never Tell 4
Author:  Deidra D. S. Green
Publisher:  D. D. S. G.
Series:  The Addison Parker Mystery Series Book 4
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Five
Review:

"I'll Never Tell 4" by Deidra D. S. Green

This was another good mystery, thriller & suspense read by this author will keep you turning the pages to see what is coming next.  We find Dr. Addison Parker helping in another cold case of Priscilla Malone. There are indeed some interesting characters that were once front and center with Priscilla that either liked or disliked her.  Will Dr. Parker be able to uncover  and unravel who was at fought that ended Priscilla's life?  Well, to find out you will have to pick up 'I'll Never Tell 4' to find out.  I will say I liked how the ending of this story was brought out at the end.

Hard Harvest (A Country Fair Romance #5) by J. Haney & S.I. Hayes


Book Description...

"It’s Harvest time!
With six babies, a senior in High School and another pregnancy for the Blackthorne/Hopkins Clan, it should be enough.
Now there are business expansions, wedding plans, and Justin and Fallon must learn the roles of their new lives. When you tie all that into one. This group is in for one hell of a Fall.
*Erotic Elements
**Homosexual Themes participating"


Title:  Hard Harvest
Author:  J. Haney & S. I. Hayes
Publisher:  Haney Hayes Books                     
Series:  A Country Fair Romance # 5
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Hard Harvest" by J. Haney & S. I. Hayes

My Thoughts... 

This series picked up from 'A Country Fair Romance' in "Hart Harvest" featuring the Blackthorne/Hopkins Clan. I would suggest you read the other series 1-5 so you will know what has gone on with this family.  Be ready for a little bit of it all as we find Fallon already with six babies is now expecting another baby, being caught up in all of her business expansions, making wedding plans that Blaine is trying to help her with, the couple ...[Fallon and Justin] issues, Fallon's brothers  [Nick, Pete who was an HS senior]  & their Dad. Put all of these people in the same room and it seems like nothing will come out of it but a disaster.  I will say these are some very interesting main and secondary characters that will definitely keep your attention as you keep turning through the chapters to see what will be coming next. By the end of this read, the reader will be left with Fallon having baby issues where she ends up in the hospital.  So, I guess we will find out more about this 'Blackthorne/Hopkins Clan' in the next series A Country Fair Romance # 6 in "Family Zoo." 





















MisGiving Hearts by J. Haney & S.I. Hayes


Book Description...

"They thought they were safe in their elite little world. They couldn’t have been more wrong.

When Charity Daniels was seventeen, she fell in love with Literature and a man who taught it. Their forbidden love was held back until graduation until legally she could be his.
Flash forward three years, Charity is studying at Yale and still in love with her Princeton Man.

Quinn (Q) Everett is on scholarship at Yale and finds himself inexplicably in Charity’s path. He tries to stay away, but his mouthy best friend thinks he knows better. Suddenly it’s lunches and crashing private plans for the duo just to see her.

But their flirtations do not go unseen, and Logan’s love turns and goes from jealousy to murderous intent.

Can these unproven lovers stay the course and avoid the devious plot of a scorned man or will everything crash and burn?"


Title:  MisGiving Hearts
Author:  J Haney & S. I. Hayes
Publisher:  Haney Hayes Books     
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"MisGiving Hearts" by J. Haney & S. I. Hayes

My Thoughts...

This was quite an interesting read of a young Charity Daniels who not only fell in love with an older man but her Literature teacher who just happened to be her teacher. As time moves on what will happen to Charity who is still with her 'Princeton Man' Logan but meets Quinn Everett.  What happens as flirtations start between Charity and Quinn [Q]?  I could tell that there was something wrong with Logan from the start as he seemed to be too dominating and just plain creepy.  What will happen to Charity as her life takes a quite a change from what is going on in her life [trauma] especially coming from Logan as his jealousy starts to come out?  Will Quinn be able to save Charity as it seems like everything is turning against her?  I liked the secondary characters from the read that were all well developed and portrayed giving the reader a uniqueness that kept the reader guessing just how the story will come out.  To get this whole story you will have to pick up "MisGiving Hearts to see how well these authors bring it all out.  In the end 'Will these unproven lovers stay the course and avoid the devious plat of a scorned man?''  














That Church Life 3 Kindle Edition by Teresa B. Howell


Book Description....

"In this page-turning novel from Best Seller Teresa B. Howell, the life of being part of a church is not always an easy road to walk down.

It was a year after Tommy Lee Davis’s death and several months after the church fire occurred. Pastor Henry Jones tries to assist Missy, Michelle, and Natalia to gain the strength needed in order to move past the drama. But with Olivia still in the background causing havoc and Michelle revealing more about her past, the drama reaches to a whole new level. 
Michelle’s secrets will be revealed, Missy’s true colors will be shown, and Natalia will turn a new leaf. They grow spiritually and mentally through another journey of life that only true sisterhood can endure. Either the drama will tear them apart or make them stronger. Find out in…That Church Life 3."


Title: That Church Life 3
Author: Teresa B. Howell
Publisher: Walking In Victory International LLC
Series: # 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"That Church Life 3" by Teresa B. Howell

My Thoughts....

This is one of those reads that I will say...it can happen in a church saga as it was for 'That Church Life 3.' The drama continues on this last installment as Missy, Michelle, Pastor Jones and a few others characters can only give it out so well as the story is truly of 'faith, death, love and redemption.' The twist and turns will really keep your attention turning the pages to see what is coming next and then that ending left me saying wow that's what happened to her! I would suggest to really understand all that has gone on in this series start with That Church Life 1 & 2. It will definitely be a interesting series.










Sunday, April 22, 2018

Enduring Love (E Love Series Book 1) Kindle Edition by Danyelle Scroggins



Book Description...

"No one ever truly realizes the power of their love, until love is tested and they have to endure things unimaginable and sometimes hurtful. And if the truth is declared, no one wants to but…
Sometimes we find ourselves standing in the test of love and this is exactly where Priscilla Marshall finds herself. Married to Steven since she graduated college, together they were the perfect couple. Both making successful business moves, both loved their choices, but one had a secret that could change their lives.
Priscilla, now forced to make a plan to secure her future, finds out that a plan without God involved is not a plan at all because “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).
What will God use to make this woman’s plan come full circle with His own, and after the test, will they find that they truly do have an Enduring Love?"

Title:  Enduring Love
Author:  Danyelle Scroggins
Publisher:  D. S.                      
Series:  E Love Series Book 1
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:Five
Review:

"Enduring Love" by Danyelle Scroggins

My Thoughts....

What will Priscilla and Steven have to do in order to get that enduring love that was so need in their marriage?  For certain they had all of the materialistic things in life but did they have the 'faith love, and trust that could be restored through forgiveness and repentance?'  I love how this author presented this Christian read to the readers definitely showing us just what that 'Enduring Love" was that this couple had lost.  With this couple having such serious issues will they be able to mend their broken marriage? Well, to find out you will just have to pick up this wonderful story to see how well this author presents such a meaningful story.  It was a delight seeing just how Priscilla reached out to her friends Regina and [Serafine] at a retreat also Steven with his pastor who were there for them not only in prayer but listening  and in the end...getting that "Enduring Love" that was lost but was now found "Because love, endures all things."    



















To Live Again by Unoma Nwankwor



Book Description....

"SABLE ROMANCE PRESENTS... A digital imprint delivering passionate and powerful, contemporary LOVE STORIES featuring African American couples.

The devastation of Itohan Adolo’s tragic love story fuels her anger at the world and distance from her faith. That is until Osaro Ikimi comes along. Although he wasn’t looking for love, he wasn’t one to let an opportunity pass him by.

Just when the couple tries to give love a chance, the opportunity for revenge against her ex falls in Itohan’s lap. Unable to let the opportunity go, she sets a plan in motion. However, the satisfaction she feels is short lived when she discovers that the plan will also destroy the new love she’s just realized she can’t live without.

Love isn’t supposed to keep records of wrong but that’s easier said than done. Will they lean on their faith to heal the damage or are somethings just beyond repair?"

Title:  To Live Again
Author:  Unoma Nwankwor
Publisher:  Sable Romance an imprint of Sable SiStars Publishing, LLC    
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"To Live Again" by Unoma Nwankwor

My Thoughts...

Wow what a very good Christian fiction read that will keep you turning the pages till the end.  This was a beautiful plotted inspirational read that deals so well with 'forgiveness, revenge, betrayal, some humor, thought-provoking,  family disappointment, faith, twist and turns, God's love and redemption.'  This was a interesting read of 'African history and the Naija culture.'  The author does a very good job of giving the reader a beautiful well written story that tells the readers a story of Itohan and Osaro who were Nigerian and have made their home in the US.  We find from the read that they both been hurt in the past.  Will they be able to find love again?  This story really brings out how one can hold onto anger that can  totally ruin future relationships. I loved how this author brings this out how 'our God mends two broken vessels and bring them together.  The characters were all well developed that will keep you engaged in this good read in 'letting go and letting God handle all things.' "To Live Again" is definitely one of those reads that once you pick this one up you will not want to put it down until the end.    

Thank you to the author for a signed copy of your novel





















Halsey Street Kindle Edition by Naima Coster



Book Description...

"Penelope Grand has scrapped her failed career as an artist in Pittsburgh and moved back to Brooklyn to keep an eye on her ailing father. She’s accepted that her future won’t be what she’d dreamed, but now, as gentrification has completely reshaped her old neighborhood, even her past is unrecognizable. Old haunts have been razed, and wealthy white strangers have replaced every familiar face in Bed-Stuy. Even her mother, Mirella, has abandoned the family to reclaim her roots in the Dominican Republic. That took courage. It’s also unforgivable.


When Penelope moves into the attic apartment of the affluent Harpers, she thinks she’s found a semblance of family—and maybe even love. But her world is upended again when she receives a postcard from Mirella asking for reconciliation. As old wounds are reopened, and secrets revealed, a journey across an ocean of sacrifice and self-discovery begins.
An engrossing debut, Halsey Street shifts between the perspectives of these two captivating, troubled women. Mirella has one last chance to win back the heart of the daughter she’d lost long before leaving New York, and for Penelope, it’s time to break free of the hold of the past and start navigating her own life."

Title:  Halsey Street
Author:  Naima Coster
Publisher:  Little A            
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Halsey Street" by Naima Coster

My Thoughts....

What a read "Halsey Street" [Bed-Stuy] was being well written thought-provoking read that involved what happens when Penelope Grand who carried deep pain from childhood to adulthood.  This was quite a emotional complexed journey for Penelope being raised in a dysfunctional family as she suffered from 'abandonment, unworthiness, love/hate detachment, anger and recklessness' while her parents were having real life  issues of their own. I found this read filled with sadness for this entire family that I found it so very hard to read at times.  This author gives the reader some well developed characters that were not likable at times lacking in communication and understanding.  My favorite characters were the grandmother, Brooklyn boyfriend and the heartsick neighbor. My main concern in this read was just  finding out why was Penelope so mad most of the time and had such animosity toward her Mom.


I found this story about the relationship between this daughter [Penelope] and mother [Mirella], the neighborhood and her father [Ralph]  were quite a intriguing sad read that was quite raw, gritty, painful and yet in the end being a story that seemed to end with love and hope.  I did felt that this story ended quite abruptly leaving me with some questions that I wished had been answered.       


















Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Blackberry Kindle Edition by Faith


Book Description...

"Blackberry witnessed the murder of her mother at a young age, and her world as she knew it was changed. Whisked away in the middle of the night to safety, life was good. But Blackberry soon learned that all good things come to an end. After being sold to a pimp, Blackberry was in a fight for her life until another saving grace showed up, giving Blackberry a new lease on life. Falling in love with Kiyon was not a part of the plan. Haunted by her past, can Blackberry move forward with Kiyon and not look back? Can Blackberry finally find happiness, or will all good things come to an end once again? Blackberry takes you on a journey of murder, deceit and love. The question is, which of the three will reign supreme?"

Title:  Black Berry
Author:  Faith
Publisher:  Pen Bullies LLC                    
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Blackberry" by Faith

My Thoughts.....

This was such a interesting read that I found it hard to put it down because all I can say is that this author really knows how to keep and hold your attention to the very end.  The story was about Blackberry from her horrible start in life with lots of trials and tribulations  to the present time where it still seemed like maybe things maybe looking up for her but when secrets come out how will  things in her life take a change?  It was good seeing how she knew how to 'handle her business when it was Blackout time.' The characters from this story are all so well developed, portrayed and even believable giving the reader a good well written and defined story with a bittersweet ending.  
 









No Holds Barred (In The Heart Of A Valentine Book 1) Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris


Book Description....

"Love was no longer on the menu for Camilla Augustina. After her fiancé calls off the wedding not once but twice, Camilla's had enough. In a brazen move, she takes a new position in the windy city of Chicago; leaving her parents, friends, and ex in a bittersweet goodbye. Adapting to her new surroundings isn't easy but as Camilla settles in a chance encounter with an infamous playboy throws her off balance and rattles her world. She hadn't expected to be drawn so meticulously to another but denying the magnetism that lures her is a futile fight.

As President of VFC Energy, a fortune 500 company, Hunter Valentine is at the top of his game. The renowned bachelor holds no secrets about his risqué rendezvous, and his allegiance is saved for family only. However, when Hunter spots Camilla Augustina, dining alone at the breakfast hut in his building, he can't explain the adulation that runs through his core and shakes his entire world. Lust never weakened him like this, and the inclination of love at first site was silly. But when Hunter decides to prove the sudden rapture is unreal, he may find himself enamored by love.

Title:  No Holds Barred
Author:  Stephanie Nicole Norris
Publisher:  S. N.N.
Series:  In The Heart Of A Valentine Book 1
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"No Holds Barred" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Thoughts....

This was a wonderful sweet romance read featuring Camilla Augustina and Hunter Valentine as they are having 'fun, being sassy, sensual and not steamy chemistry' that will definitely keep you turning the pages till the very end.  Be ready for a little bit of it all from a horrible ex, interesting secondary characters, then family issues, a baby and finally a HEA.  Can't wait for the next installment featuring Xavier who is another one of the 'Valentine brothers!'


















Gravity Kindle Edition by Shani Greene-Dowdell


Book Description....

"Keno Knight can’t stop the pull he feels when he’s around Laney Morrison. Something tugs at his heart when he sees the sadness in her eyes, and even in her smile. He wants to offer her more than her man is giving her, but not before she’s ready to accept it. 

Laney Morrison made the biggest mistake of her life when she dropped out of college her senior year and married Barron. It didn’t take long for his possessive ways to turn to physical abuse and isolate her from everyone she knows and loves.
When Barron and Keno meet, it won’t be pretty. The battle for Laney’s heart is something both men are ready for, but is Laney willing to start all over again, or will she stay with what she knows?"

Title:  Gravity
Author:  Shani Greene-Dowdell
Publisher:  S.G.D.
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Gravity" by Shani Greene-Dowdell

My Thoughts....

This was a quick short story read that was rather sad at the beginning but how good things do come to those that are willing to want to change there destiny.   Poor Laney was really in a bad place being married to someone that was simply horrible to her.  After meeting Laney at church Keno Knight was their at the right time to give aid and prayer for Laney.  I did wonder if she would have made this move without  the meeting of Keno, however, I was glad that Keno was there to help her through it all and Laney will willing to except his help. I couldn't understand the process of the way Laney's father had treated her.    The way this story ends it seems like the husband will leave his soon to be his ex alone. I still wondered a little about that.   I did like that this was a short read dealing with it all tied together so well and not being a story that would go on and on.  I also liked the Christian theme that was intermixed in this interracial romance.  In the end we get a quick well told story that shows in the end how Laney's life seemed to be going well for her and Keno.  Laney knowing that she will have to continue to do what she has to do in order to get out of this messy marriage [divorce].  In the end having Keno who loved her and was right by her side and finally having the peace and love she so desired things were really looking up for Laney for once in her life.      

Polarity In Motion Kindle Edition by Brenda Vicars


Book Description....

"Fifteen-year-old Polarity Weeks just wants to live a normal life, but with a mother diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, that’s rarely easy. Her life gets exponentially more disastrous when her sixth-period history classmates start ogling a nude picture of her on the Internet. Polarity would never have struck such a shameless pose, but the photo is definitely of her, and she’s at a complete loss to explain its existence.

Child Protective Services yanks her from her home, suspecting her parents. The kids at school mock her, assuming she took it herself. And Ethan, the boy she was really starting to like, backpedals and joins the taunting chorus. Surrounded by disbelief and derision on all sides, Polarity desperately seeks the truth among her friends. Only then does she learn that everyone has dark secrets, and no one’s life is anywhere near normal."

Title:  Polarity In Motion
Author:  Brenda Vicars
Publisher:  Red Adept Publishing               
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Polarity in Motion" by Brenda Vicars

My Thoughts....


I found this novel a good thought provoking and touching read for any young adult and parent. What will happen as fifteen year old Polarity is put in a unfortunate situation?  I liked how this author was able to 'address many level of bullying, social media, mental illness, racial discrimination, drugs and relationships'  that so many youngsters can relate to.  Even with all of this it is so hard to believe people can be so cruel. So, in the end how will this story end about a nude photo that goes viral? A bag of drugs and more?  OK, to find out who put the photo out there and more you will have to pick up 'Polarity in Motion' to find out.  How will Polarity 'save herself by saving someone else?'

I really enjoyed 'the love in the message about inequity that involved 'Polarity's road to self discovery.'  
The author did a great job giving the readers some amazing characters that were presented and handled the different issues so very well in this young adult novel.  

"Polarity in Motion" was definitely a compelling story to read and definitely learn from it.  Thank you to the author for a good read.















Bitter Best Friend 2: The Sins of My Twin... Blood Isn't Always Thicker Than Water Kindle Edition by Niki Jilvontae (Author), Bree Jilvontae


Book Description.....

"Blood is supposedly a bond that surpasses any difficulties the world can throw! However, often life can show you that blood isn't thicker than water and can be dirtier than mud too. This is the reality for seventeen year old Anacia Baptiste. Born an indentical twin to sister Nadia, Anacia's parents Camel and Daniel Baptiste expected their little beautiful baby to have a close relationship with the sister who shared her same face. They quickly realized that wasn't true though as the girls grew and a volitile relationship brewed. Jealous and tired of her seemingly perfect twin, Nadia began to rebel and separate herself at an early age. As time went on she attributed everything horrible in her life to her sister and began a quest to rid herself of the duplicate of herself. Rebellious, angry and out of control, Nadia does everything she can to get rid herself of Anacia and become the beloved twin. Betrayal, lies, heartache, jail time, and even murder ensues once Nadia feels nothing else will work. She inadvertently awakens a beast in her twin while trying to separate herself though and a dangerous game of back and forth begins. Soon that blood bond is tested as the girls go lick for lick and leave a trail of hurt, pain and death to all in their path. Come along on this turbulent thrill ride and find out if the girls relationship can survive and if Blood Really is Thicker Than Water..."

Title:  Bitter Best Friends 2
Author:  Niki Jilvontae & Bree
Publisher:  True Glory Publications             
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Bitter Best Friend 2" by Niki Jilvontae & Bree

My Thoughts....

What a eye opener this novel was that definitely showed "life can show you that blood isn't thicker than water and can be dirtier than mud too" as it was for these twins  Anacia and Nadia Baptiste.  I will say this was really a sad read how one sister treated the other.  I felt that the parents should have been more involved with what all was going on with their girls lives because it seemed like it was all out there showing what was going on.  However, as one reads this  hatred started at a early age for Nadia.  It was a hard read seeing how one sister hated the other just because one felt so unloved by her family.  So when Anacia is framed through 'betrayal, lies, heartache, murder and jail time' how will this story all come out for her?  This is where I say you will have to pick this one up and see how these authors presented this story so well to the reader.  In the end after so much 'hurt, pain and death' will there be any forgiveness for what has gone on between these sisters?  Yes, this will be quite a 'turbulent thrill ride so see if these girls relationships can survive and if Blood really is Thicker Tan Water."


















The Fatal Defence: An Ethan Hunter Legal Thriller (Ethan Hunter legal thriller series Book 2) Kindle Edition by Freya Atwood

 Book Excerpt: " Amid the mystery of his wife's death, lawyer Ethan Hunter regains his purpose after a courtroom triumph. But fate ...