Taunted Souls: A Friends to Lovers Romance Kindle Edition by Janice Ross

Profile:

"For the past five years, Lucas Akins has been in love with his best friend Shayna Davies. Anyone with eyes could see, even Shayna. Yet she’s been fighting off her own feelings too!
As they attempt to continue a life together as just friends, the universe steps in and forces them to own up to their feelings.
But life is never that easy.
Bad choices and dark secrets filter into their lives to shatter the only real happiness either has ever known. And they are forced into circumstances neither is prepared to take on, though they must; otherwise, love might be lost. Forever..."

Title:  Taunted Souls:  A Friends to Lovers Romance

Author:  Janice Ross

Publisher:   Cultural Cocktails 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Taunted Souls" by Janice Ross

My Thoughts...

I found this story very interesting dealing with a friend to lovers as it was for Lucas and Shayna. However were these two more than friends that just hadn't recognized it?  With each one of these two who have had so much drama in their life will "bad choices and dark secrets filter into their lives to shatter the only real happiness either has ever known?"  It was quite interesting read when Lucas and Shayna finally recognized they had feelings for each other but will it be too late?  This was a good story with some well some interesting secondary characters that will keep your attention turning the pages to see what was coming next.   

Lady Guardians: Justice Kindle Edition by Xyla Turner

Profile:

"Lady Guardians: Justice was written by USA Today Bestselling & Award Winning Author Xyla Turner

Eva aka Justice
As the National President of the Lady Guardians Chapter, I have no choice but to be fierce, loyal and protective. It's in my nature and essentially a part of my makeup. A lawyer by day and biker by night, I enjoy the feel of the road, the sisterhood of my club and the support from the National Legion of Guardians.
What I don't appreciate is some nosey lawyer coming to our compound, requesting my presence and making me recognize him. Then he shows up on my job with the offer of a lifetime.
He's got to go because the promises that he swears by are getting more enticing.

Alaric
I'm a Pennsylvania District Attorney and I don't take no for an answer. Especially when the spirited woman reams into my colleague and ignored me as if I don't exist. I wouldn't stand for that and if I had to track her down at her place of business, I would.
Well, I did.
There, she can't ignore me.
And she won't because I won't let her.

This IR/BWWM novel is raw, yet sexy and an HEA. 

Title: Lady Guardians: Justice
Author: Xyla Turner
Publisher: AZINA MEDIA PUBLICATIONS
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Lady Guardians: Justice" by Xyla Turner

My Thoughts....

We find Justice was an attorney by day and the president of her bike club by night. A District Attorney [Alaric] sees Justice in action in court and is indeed interested and being the determined person he was will get a date. How will this play out with Justice being with a this good looking Alpha male? As we will see from the read Justice got much more than she thought she would from Alaric. As time presented itself seeing Alaric go up against 'Razor, Bronx, Apollo and Bear [a few from the Legion of the Guardian Series] to get who he wanted when it came to Justice was quite a interesting read. The ending to the story was really beautiful as these two finally will get close to their HEA. 

A Long Way From Home 2 Kindle Edition by Niki Jilvontae

Profile:

"What do you do when old Demons come back to haunt you? How do you escape a Living Nightmare and make it to your Sweet Revenge? These are questions Jessica and Justin are faced with nine years after they broke free from Abaddon's hell. Now a successful Criminal Psychologist living with her architect husband and their daughter, Jess finds herself following the trail of the man who tried to ruin her life. Angry and still hurt, Jessica tracks across the world ridding the streets of those who prey on the weak. The only problem is, while she's out saving the world, she leaves her family at risk. Murder, deception, and hidden secrets bring Jess full circle back to the dungeon she once escaped. Will her and her family make it out alive or will they remain A Long Way from Home and in Abaddon's evil grasp?"

Title:  A Long Way From Home 2
Author:  Niki Jilvontae
Publisher:  True Glory Publications            
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"A Long Way From Home 2" by Niki Jilvontae

My Thoughts......

This author really gives the reader on quite suspenseful read that will keep your attention as you are turning the pages to see what was going next for Jessica, Justin and A'Miracle.  Will Jessica and Justin ever be free of 'Abaddon's hell who was a pedophile?'  We find out from the read as Jess is trying to get the results she wants by helping  'save the world she leaves her own family at risk."  And in the end all of this takes her family into a 'dungeon that she had once escaped.'  Well, we are left with a cliffhanger and will have to wait and see how it will all come out for Jessica, Justin, A'Miracle and Diane.  Will Jessica ever be able to get the revenge she wants on Abaddon and finally get the happiness she wants with her family? Well, I guess we will just have to wait and see the finish!     

Tempted By You (Falling For A Rose Book 9) Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris

Profile:

"Being a part of one of the wealthiest families in Chicago, Jasmine Alexandria Rose has been thrown into the spotlight ever since her conception. In addition to being one-third of a set of well-known triplets, Jasmine is also the famous face of a daytime soap opera and has more notoriety than one could ever want. But it’s not the glowing lights, prestigious awards, or reigning celebrity that sends her pulse into overdrive and sizzles her flesh right down to its core. The man behind this cacophony of a conundrum is none other than her brothers’ best friend, and though she can never see her life with anyone other than him, Jasmine’s hesitation continues to stall the love that she craves.

Mayoral candidate Luke Steele is a professor at the University of Chicago. Growing up on the South Side has galvanized Luke’s desire to make a difference in his city, and he’s decided if he wants to see change, he’ll have to become that driving force. However, there is another stimulus that drives the very motor that runs the beat of his heart, and she is a supposed forbidden fruit that Luke has yet to taste. Tempted by her, Luke is ready to risk it all for the possibility of love everlasting, and the only one that stands in his way is the object of his affection, Jasmine."

Title:  Tempted By You

Author:  Stephanie Nicole Norris

Publisher:  S.N.N.                               

Series:  Falling For A Rose Book 9

Reviewed By:  

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Tempted By You" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Thoughts....

This was another good series: Falling For A Rose Book 9...'Tempted By You' featuring Luke and Jasmine. It was quite a intriguing read seeing how Luke gave Jasmine time to develop  from a early infatuation during their teen years that developed into love.  Would you believe that these two had be tiptoeing around each other for many years?  I loved how Luke was able to wait for her to come to him.  This was definitely a story of 'love, delayed but not denied' as we see Luke's runs for office as he also will race for Jasmine heart.'  

With Luke's career focusing being on politics and Jasmine being caught up in activism will these two be able to make a go at it? I will say Jasmine did get on my nerves at times in the way she seemed not to trust Luke but as the story continues she finally seemed to understand why Luke was so upset by it all. Yes, in any relationship there will be give and takes but by the end of the day trust is definitely the key.  I will say that their passion was undeniably one of the hottest love scenes ever!  

So, this was a beautiful well written love story with some well developed characters that will leave you only wanting the next series of 'Falling For a Rose.' 

Stipulations (Moore to Love Series Book 1) Kindle Edition by Celeste Granger

Profile:

"Sloan Moore, a trilingual translator, and communications specialist, proffered her expert services throughout the Southern region, bridging the language gap for business and individuals alike. The one language that Sloan found difficulty speaking was the language of true love. There had been men who entered her life; however, their exit was swift as Sloan struggled to make a real connection with them. Sloan was fiercely independent and unapologetic about the conditions she thought were important to a relationship. She had an amazing career, good friends and a family that loved her. She wasn’t looking for anyone to fix or save her. 
Titus Phillips, millionaire entrepreneur, and philanthropist have a lot in common. He too was unapologetic about his success, spending his days running a profitable business and his nights doing what any handsome, successful bachelor would do. Titus lived life to the fullest, taking no prisoners in his quest to live every day as though it were his last. Titus balanced his high-octane lifestyle with philanthropic endeavors; giving back whenever he could. A chance encounter brought Sloan into Titus’ orbit. The magnetism between the two shifted the earth on its access. Sloan was Titus’ to have, only if he could handle the stipulations."

Title:  Stipulations

Author:  Celeste Granger

Publisher:  C.G.                          

Series:  Moore to Love Series # 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five 

Review:

"Stipulations" by Celeste Granger

My Thoughts.....

What will happen as 'Stipulations' becomes quit a conflict for Sloan Moore as she began to date Titus Phillips?  This story will flow so very well as this author presents the reader with a sweet story maybe a little predicable but still one good story.  As we now find Sloan having met Titus at a 'Speed Dating' and after a few dates there will be put in place a 90 day [abstinence] period. Sloan had put this in place due to what had happened to her with her ex Damion whom she had dated for six months and then he dropped her all of a sudden. However, with these two [Sloan & Titus] seeming to be so much in love ...will they be able to hold out that long?  I loved it when Sloan meets with her family...the Moore sisters, Emery, Kennedy, Daphne, Felicity, Charity, Aubrey, Trinity, Ivory, Samantha,..the cousins, Persa, Elle, Zoe and the sisters...Bree & Tempesttt ...as they all come together to talk of what is going on in their lives.  From these talks will they be able to help Sloan with this 90 day period?  As the story continues yes, there is be drama that will come from what happens at Luke's [Titus best friend] birthday party that will involve Luke.  Will Titus be able to fix what he had done and get forgiveness from Sloan?  Well, to get all of these questions answered and so much more...like will these two get to a HEA?  This is where I say you will have to pick up "Stipulations" and see how well this author will bring it all out.

Would I recommend this novel? Yes, it was another sweet beautiful love story that this author gives so well to the readers.

Incendiary: A Fiery BWWM Romance Kindle Edition by Elisabeth

Profile:

"“You will find your true love when it’s time. The one which carries the name that means ‘fiery love’ or ‘born of flames’ will be the one for you. She will be born with one purpose…to be yours.” –says Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. 

Paris
I am Paris, born Alexander of Troy, the killer of the great Achilles, a man who killed my brother and a man that most thought couldn’t die. Well, I rid the world of him. So, what do you think I’ll do when anyone gets close to McKenna Eros, a fiery woman who’s born of flames? She’s the one for me, born with one purpose: to be mine.

McKenna
My life as McKenna Eros is a sham. I’ve lived thinking my purpose is to teach and live happily ever after with a man who promised to be there for me. However, it was all smoke screen and mirrors. When Paris strolls into my life, he makes everything I didn’t know crystal clear. My true purpose is to be the other half of his heart and soul.

Will Paris and Mckenna allow what is meant to be to take place? Or, will they fight what is predestined by the gods?"

Title:  Incendiary:  A Fiery BWWM Romance

Author:  Elisabeth

Publisher:  Imperial Publishing House                 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five 

Review:

"Incendiary" by Elisabeth

My Thoughts.....

This was a good Greek mythology story that will definitely keep you turning the pages.  I liked how this author was able to give the reader  quite a interesting story as the story would jump from the present from time long ago, travel though time not leaving the present.  The reader will get a little bit of it all from not only 'romance but a mixture of Greek gods and  mysticism that will be mixed with angels and most important an undying love.'  I love the relationship between Alex and McKenna, Paris{Jr.} and Alex and Tank.  I enjoyed how this author was able to gives  the reader quite a Greek mythology style of writing in a suspenseful imaginative dark romantic way.  I will say in the end that this author took a 'Greek Mythology' and give it one creative modern twist that will leave you wanting more.    

The Billionaire's Fake Marriage (A Fake Marriage Romance): Crystal Beach Resort Series Book 1 Kindle Edition by Hanna Hart

Profile:

"A hotshot billionaire needs a wife to receive his inheritance. A heartbroken single mother is
looking for the perfect job. Can the two create an arrangement with no strings attached?

Riley Armstrong is single and struggling. She’s at rock bottom after losing her house,
her husband,and -after her boss finds out she’s been living at work with her three-year
-old daughter- her job.Devastated by her husband leaving her for another woman, Riley
is desperate to pull her life back together. When she replies to an online ad entitled
“WIFE FOR HIRE” she soon realizes that being the wife of a handsome billionaire may
be more than she bargained for.

Logan Williams thought he had it all– charm, a dazzling fiancée, and an incoming wedding
inheritance of more than one billion dollars. Until his father dies unexpectedly and his
fiancée breaks off their relationship, shattering his heart and his hopes for riches. Now
struggling to get over his broken heart, Logan refuses to give up his dream-life
without a fight.

In order to receive his father’s inheritance, Logan must be married. Through with relationships,
Logan has decided to hire a wife.

Riley is elated when the charming billionaire immediately offers her the job. There’s
only one problem – the contract says she must not have children.

What harm can a little white lie do to a fake marriage?"  

Title:  The Billionaire's Fake Marriage

Author:  Hanna Hart

Publisher:  H.H.                    

Series:  Crystal Beach Resort Series Book 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"The Billionaire's Fake Marriage" by Hanna Heart

My Thoughts.....

Wow, what a read of what one will do in order to get the money he had inherit from his father.   We find that Logan needed a wife in order to get his inheritance and believe it or not he found just the person he need and that was Riley who just happened to need money in order to provide for Zoe, her daughter especially after she was fired from her job.  So, there is a agreement to a fake marriage, however one of the simulation for Logan was that there would be no children. Why was Logan so against having children?    How will Logan react when all of this comes out about  Riley's daughter Zoe?  Will Logan and Riley who were two lonely souls be able to ever trust each other?  To find out all of these answers you will have to pick up "The Billionaire's Fake Marriage" to see how well this author presents it to the reader.  I will say there will be plenty of twists but in the end the reader will receive a good enjoyable read.  

My Polished, Professional Thug 2:The Finale Kindle Edition by Pebbles Starr & Chase Moore

"Skot, Mendesa, and her evil twin-brother, Man are back in this riveting 2nd installment of "My Polished, Professional Thug". Find out what happens when a psychic finds herself drawn to an infamous scammer. Worlds collide and secrets unfold, and in the end, someone will be left brokenhearted...but who? Buckle your seat belts because this sequel is sure to take you on a spell-binding and emotional ride. Be warned, though...This book is NOT for the faint at heart, so approach with caution.

"“I’m sorry...I’m sorry...I’m so sorry...I’m sorry...I’m so sorry, Man,” I say over and over again.

After being raped by four men and a dog, I’m literally traumatized and can only repeat those same words. My doctor is waiting for my insides to heal and then afterwards, they plan on sending me to a psyche ward. I’m damaged goods, because of Man.

The other day, I overheard the doctors and nurses talking to each other, so I know that’s where I’m going, and since no one’s come to claim me, they don’t have any other choice but to ship me off.

“I’m sorry...I’m sorry, Man…I’m so sorry...I’m sorry...I’m so sorry, Man,” I cry.

Suddenly, someone walks in my room and luckily, it’s not Skot. I freaked the fuck out when he came the other day, because the sight of a man scares the fucking shit out of me. I don’t wanna see another guy for the rest of my life. Fortunately, all of my doctors and nurses are female.

Much to my relief, it’s not a man who comes to visit me. I stop murmuring apologies long enough to look her over. She’s a really pretty, light-skinned woman, wearing a pants suit with her hair pinned up in a messy bun.

“Hello, Sha’Lae,” she smiles. “Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Aurora Montclair, and I’d like to help you get justice on the man who did this to you.”

Title:  My Polished, Professional Thug 2: The Finale

Author:  Pebbles Starr and Chase Moore

Publisher:  Jaded Publications                         

Series:  # 2
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Four
Review:

"My Polished, Professional Thug 2: The Finale" by Pebbles Starr and Chase Moore

My Thoughts....


This was a paranormal story that will keep you turning the pages till the end with some characters that was simply off the chart CRAZY!  I was really hoping more from Mendesa and Skot but it definitely was what it was for them.  I will say karma is bitch as it was for that Ms. Montclair at the end.  

After Ray: Book 3 of the Until Ray Trilogy Audio by Cheryl Robinson

Profile:

"He left me.
I moved on.
He wants me back.

Does love have an expiration date?

Meet the new Sarita Saint. Everyone changes in three decades, but Sarita’s not at all the same woman that her husband of only one year abandoned. Ray’s back and eager to start over with Sarita, however, her transformation is long since complete.

But one thing hasn’t changed: her need for closure about their brief, failed marriage. Ray Saint is the only person who can give that to her.

After Ray, the third book of the Until Ray trilogy, is told from the perspectives of Sarita Saint, the jilted wife; Raymond Saint, the self-professed changed man; and Boone Sawyer, Ray’s former best friend. Intertwined in this thought-provoking story that embraces middle age, the three explore lost opportunities and uncover layers of deceit as they question what love means."

Title:  After Ray   Audible Audio book – Unabridged

Author:  Cheryl Robinson & Narrator

Publisher:  Rose Colored Books                                    

Series:  Until Ray Trilogy Audio 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"After Ray  Book 3" by Cheryl Robinson

My Thoughts....

I found this last series quite a interesting one where we now find Ray is now trying to get Sarita Saint back.  We have come from Book One,  'Until Ray,' then Book Two, 'Ex-Ray' and now 'After Ray' Book Three where Sarita is wanting answers from Ray into why he left her on their anniversary in the first place.  As I sat and listened to this author's very well done narration of this story I kept wondering why it was so important for Sarita to know the reasons why Ray left her and will Ray be willing to share the truth to why he left?  The story will take on some twist and turns that brought in the death of Sarita's parents of how much she missed her mother and even though she had sisters she wasn't close to them.  After the death of her best friend Sharon her only close friend was Boone Sawyer and now he was her lover.  Now there will be a lots going on that you will have to read or listen to this story to fully understand how we get to the end.  Will Ray be able to give Sarita the answers that she needs so that she would finally get the closure she wanted?  I will say that Sarita did get on my nerves at times in the way she dealt with what was in front of her but in realizing she really didn't have anyone to talk to except Boone and naturally he wasn't for a lots of what was going on in her mind especially when it came to Ray.  I was sorry to see how that friendship ended for Ray and Boone but again not surprise.  It was interesting in how I could see the light finally come on for Ray in knowing that Sarita wasn't well...I will stop here and say you will just have to pick up this good audio read to see how well this author brings it out so well to the reader.  My favorite part was at the end when Sarita was going through Ray's phone and finally she gets the closure she needed.  The only thing I would say about the ending would be I wished there had been a epilogue.  I would have loved to know what happened a year later.

This was a beautiful story that wasn't always happiness at times but definitely having some moments with 'family, heartbreaks and love.'  Thank you to the author for the audio read and my giving my honest opinion of the read.

Killing Mary Jane: A Dark Romantic Thriller Kindle Edition by Amarie Avant

Profile:

"She has one chance to escape her sadistic captor.
But what’s waiting on the other side of her cage might be even worse than being kept prisoner in a harem.

Trapped, taken, and kept, Mary Jane is offered the chance to escape by her abductor's most loyal hitman. But instead of finding freedom, she crashes into a rugged, steely-eyed cop with a dark, gut-wrenching past.

Dylan Wulf can’t make the same mistake again.
He can’t fall for Mary Jane.
Can’t give into temptation.
Yet he can’t stop thinking about the lawless beauty.

Her past and his present are about to collide.

The man who kidnapped Mary Jane is coming for her... And the entire town will rain with blood until she’s his again.
And now, the one person Wulf should avoid at all costs is the woman he can’t afford to let out of his sight..."

Title:  Killing Mary Jane:  A Dark Romantic Thriller

Author:  Amarie Avant

Publisher:  A. A.                                

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Killing Mary Jane:  A Dark Romantic Thriller" by Amarie Avant

All I can say is wow what a absolutely wonderful dark romantic thriller!  This author really out did herself with this one!.  I divided the reading into thirds because there is so much to observe and I didn't want to miss any of the story.  I will say that there will be so many twist and turns you will have to keep up with this amazing story.  This is definitely one of those stories that one will not be able to guess at as the story is full with:  'murder, thriller-mystery, drama, memory loss, kidnapping, torture, hot steamy passion and sex' that will keep you turning the pages.  The main characters...  Mary Jane [MJ]and Dylan  [Wulf] were oh my so well developed and oh so very interesting people 'both who suffered from trauma that was beyond their control and forced to deal with it in different ways.'  Along with many secondary characters as some will make one cringe, cry, laugh and even wish for a painful demise' as  the reader will also get one intriguing love story with a great twisty plot that was met with so many conflicts. By the end the reader will get a well written good story after all is said and done of just why Mary Jane was really kidnapped in the first place. With all of this being said I will add that I thought this author did a wonderful job at giving the readers one 'Dark Intense Romantic Thriller' that I would recommend as a well done story.      

My Thoughts.....

Set It Off 2 By: Niki Jilvontae (Author), Linette King (Author), Octavia Grant (Author), Pamesh Gates (Author), Tamyra Griffin (Author)

Profile:  

"After the revelation of who were out to get the Diablo 5, they each began to face emotional hardships that they never thought they’d have to face.

Battling inner turmoil, Amina (Vicious) doesn’t know which way to go next. The only thing that she seems sure of is that she wants happiness but will she allow herself to be loved or will she allow the war to push her happiness to the side?

Phoenix (Blaze) is forced to put her life on hold while becoming the glue that holds the sisters together but how long will she be able hold herself together with her own mother constantly going against her and her sisters?

With her only child missing, Kaliyah (Sneaky) struggles to hold it all together while vowing to kill everyone who was involved with the kidnapping of young Manolo. Will she find her child in time or will Isabella be the cause of his undoing?

After suffering a miscarriage, Jayli (Jinx) leans towards the only man she’s ever truly loved but being a sibling of sisters who don’t believe in secrets, there’s one secret that Jinx isn’t sure about spilling.

Life becomes too much for Dabria (Bre) after her near death experience with the gravel pit causing her to become distracted and a potential liability. Will she get her act together or be the cause of her own demise?"

Title:  Set It Off 2

Authors:  Niki Jilvontae (Author), Linette King (Author), Octavia Grant (Author), Pamesh Gates (Author), Tamyra Griffin (Author)
Publisher:  True Glory Publications 

Series:  #2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Set It Off 2"   By:  Niki Jilvontae (Author), Linette King (Author), Octavia Grant (Author), Pamesh Gates (Author), Tamyra Griffin (Author)

My Thoughts....

This was another good series which deals with each of the Diablo sisters.  For Amina [Vicious] will she be able to get the happiness she wants or will the war allow her to be pushed to the other side?  For Phoenix [Blaze] will she be the glue that holds the sisters together while the own mother is always around causing problems for her and her sisters?  For Kaliyah [Sneaky] Will she be able to find her child?  For Jayli [Jinx] What secret is she holding from her sisters?  For Dabria [Bre] 'Will she ever be able to get her act together or be a cause of her own demise' with all of the crazy things that she seems to keep on doing?  Well, to get the answers to all of these questions and so much more you will have to pick up "Set It Off 2" to see how well these authors deliver it so well to the reader.  You will be only waiting for the next series to drop to see what will be going on for these Diablo sisters.  I see there are five authors writing this series and  would like to know which author is writing which sister.  Anyway you are doing a tremendous job with there characterization!   

Taken by the Billionaire: A BWWM Romance Kindle Edition by Shani Greene-Dowdell

Profile:

"Tess Knox’s wedding day was the happiest day of her life. Her best friend, Marissa, who had been by her side since forever, was right beside her on her big day. Tess knew, if there was one thing she could depend on, she could depend on Marissa’s loyalty and love. Their friendship meant the world to Tess since she lost both of her parents a year ago. Marissa had been her rock. She even introduced her to the man she would marry. Amiri Knox came into Tess’s life and took her heart by a storm. He was her knight in shining armor. He completed her and she completed him. But there was something Tess didn’t know about those closest to her. Nothing could have prepared her for a dark secret that was hidden by Amiri and Marissa’s smiles. This secret will have Tess struggling to salvage the crumpled pieces of her heart. 
Jake Weaver lives a carefree life trying to right the wrongs of the justice system. He doesn’t mind complicating things, if it’s worth it. When he sees a gorgeous lady walk out of Lexington Enterprises looking torn, he knows she’s worth risking it all. A man comes running after her, trying to talk to her, and Jake figures the man is the cause of her pain, so he steps in to help. Once Jake finds out what Tess’s husband has done to hurt her, it’s game over. She’s his for the taking…and Jake has every intention to get what he wants."

Title:  Taken by the Billionaire: A BWWM Romance

Author:  Shani Greene-Dowdell

Publisher:  Nayberry Publications 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"Taken by the Billionaire" by Shani Greene Dowdell

My Thoughts....

This was definitely one story that had me shaking my head and saying what in the world?  For poor Tess who thought she had it all...a good husband [Amiri] and her  good friend [Marrissa] but to find out that she had been betrayed by both of them in the worst way on her wedding day!  Well, I can say is that Tess didn't leave this situation so well  [bringing a gun to confront Amiri and Marissa] where she had to later fix the problem [through anger management] of what she had done but thanks to her new friend Jake things did go OK for her.  I will say sometimes when things seem to knock you down right around the corner can be a new path for you as it was for Tess in how she met Jake. Did Jake have feeling for Tess after the first meeting?   This story will bring in some twist and turns as it seems that Jake's friend Frank who really had some real problems with his wife Rachel who did try to bring in problems in her marriage[ by hitting on Jake]. Then as the story goes on we see that Jake's father comes into the picture.  I did like how well Tess kept after Jake about meeting with his father.  All in all this was a good  love story  where each of the main characters helped each other and in the end one could see the love that Tess and Jake had for each other was definitely there. Definitely in the end the reader can see that karma was a bitch for these two...Marissa and Amiri and no amount of asking for forgiveness would change the fact to what both of them had done to Tess. I enjoyed this fast read that had some interesting and  believable characters that was presented with the right amount of angst that will keep your attention till the end.