Something New (Moore Friends Book 1) Kindle Edition by Celeste Granger

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"Love was in bloom all around her. 

Lynette Jones resigned herself to living vicariously through the extraordinary love of others. She had not found that kind of impassioned, overwhelming affection herself, and Lynette was okay with that, even as she attended the wedding of her best friend, Samantha McLemore. Lynette was happy that real love was possible, although, for her, love remained a distant fantasy.

What she didn’t know is that someone had a gleam in his eye reserved just for her. That, someone, was Elijah Sinclair. When he saw Lynette, nothing else seemed to matter. He was enamored with her, and Elijah determined that he wouldn’t let another moment pass by without making Lynette his something new."

This is a short story that does no end on a cliffhanger.

Title: Something New
Author: Celeste Granger
Publisher: C. G.
Series: Moore Friends Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Something New" by Celeste Granger

My Thoughts....

This was a another good short story that featured Samantha' best friend Lynette. I was so glad to see Lynette finally finding someone that was interested truly in just her and she meets him [Elijah] at her best friends wedding [Samantha and Lance]. Elijah Sinclair was knew exactly who he wanted and went after Lynette and was able to find out so much about her that definitely had his interest. I am sure we will get more about these two in upcoming 'Moore Friends' series and I will be waiting!

The Gift Kindle Edition by Perri Forrest

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"Kayla

It’s a week before Christmas, but Kayla Carter has nothing to celebrate. No tree, no plans, and no family to speak of. Her life is ripping apart at the seams. But this state of affairs is not new to Kayla. She is no stranger to life having its moments with her. But, at forty years old, she’s wondering why it is, that the universe is hell bent on dealing her a losing hand.

With her vehicle newly repossessed, and an eviction notice pinned to her front door, Kayla knows it’s just a matter of time before she’ll be without a roof over her head, and searching for somewhere to go. But she has nowhere to go . . .

Alone, in a world that is pulling no punches, defeat is single handedly, weighing Kayla down. And it all goes from bad to way worse, when a stranger shows up to drop off yet another piece of bad news.

Silas

When Silas Daniels arrives at Kayla’s front door, he’s there only to bring a misrouted 48-hour disconnection notice, from the gas & electric company. It mistakenly got mixed in with his daughter’s mail and he’s just there, as a favor, to deliver.

His intent is to hand the envelope off to its rightful owner, and be on his way. But when Kayla opens the door, it takes only a few seconds for Silas to see the pain inside her eyes. She’s hurting, and in his hands he holds something to twist the knife further.

He wants to help; she wants to be left alone. And while Silas wants to honor and respect her wishes, how can he walk away from her in her time of need? That’s not who he is. He simply can’t do it . . ."

Title: The Gift
Author: Perri Forrest
Publisher: P.F.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"The Gift" by Perri Forrest

My Thoughts....

What a beautiful story this was of Kayla and Silas. What will happen to Kayla as it seems like life has thrown her one curve ball after another? And then a Silas comes into her life and wow does things change but will there will be another curve ball thrown into all of this? I loved how this author ties the story all together by saying at the end of the story..."how sometimes you just have to be open to possibilities and to accept that love may drop down on you in unexpected ways, during really unexpected times. When those situations occur, we have to be brave enough to explore, what gift of timing can bring" as it did for Kayla and Silas. This was not only a beautiful quick read but also a sweet delightful holiday read that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. 

ISA: Gift of the Baloma Kindle Edition by Perri Forrest

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15k word short story.

"A fantasy tale created from a myth that derives from the Trobriand Islands (today officially known as the Kiriwina Islands). Isa is the beautifully tortured soul who has never known love, and who has pretty much traveled through life alone. When tragic circumstances lead her into the depths of the sea, she has no idea what her fate may hold, and thus prepares for worst.

However, as in life, sometimes we have to go through our very worst to get to the place we were destined to be. Such is the case with Isa. Just when she thinks all is lost, she meets Chief Topileta, headman of the villages of the dead, and an unexpected love affair ensues. As Isa will soon find, nothing in her life stays peaceful for long, and before she knows it, she is separated from the only person to ever care for her.

When tragedy strikes and Isa finds herself awake after two years of falling into a deep sleep, she is surprised to find that all thoughts are still with the man she has not forgotten. But has he forgotten her? Will he come for her? Will she find love again?"

Title: ISA: Gift of the Baloma
Author: Perri Forrest
Publisher: P. F.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"ISA: Gift of the Baloma" by Perri Forrest

My Thoughts....

I enjoyed this short fantasy entertaining read of a 'beautiful love story' that gives the ready a lots of twist and turns before the story ends. What will happen after Isa awakens 'after two years of falling into a deep sleep?' Now that Isa has known of love after being with Chief Topileta will she find love that she has always wanted? Will Chief Topileta be able to find her after he leave to look for Isa?' To get this whole story you will have to pick up "ISA: Gift of the Baloma" to find out the rest of this beautiful told story that will only leave you wanting more. 

Through Her Heart (Mind's Eye Book 6) Kindle Edition by Deborah Camp

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"Love and hate both come in all sizes and guises. Mistaking one for the other could get you killed.

Seven-year-old Stuart McFarland’s innocent world is shattered when a home intruder murders his parents. When famous psychic Levi Wolfe meets the boy, he realizes that Stuart is also psychic. Levi and Trudy agree to assist the police in finding the murderer of Stuart’s parents and help Stuart cope with his ESP abilities. As the murderer searches for Stuart, who possibly could identify him, Levi and Trudy vow to protect the child, no matter what it takes."

Title: Through Her Heart
Author: Deborah Camp
Publisher: D. C.
Series: Mind's Eye Book 5
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Through Her Heart" by Deborah Camp

My Thoughts....

This was another one of this author's Book 6 of the 'Minds's Eye' series that definitely puts the icing on the cake for Levi and Trudy Wolfe. They were helping solve this case for Stuart after his parents were killed by a vicious man. I definitely don't think that this person who did this horrible act was aware of who were all on his case [the Wolfe's] that were working to bring him in and in the end that is just what happened.

With Trudy and Levi now wanting to start a family it seems so right for them to want to be a foster parent to Stuart after they had met him. It seemed like Trudy may have been more excited about it than Levi but soon he did fall in line with this idea and later on they realized the adoption of Stuart would be a plus for them to have him in their family. I loved how Stuart chose the name for them Trudy and Levi] as Mom and Pop and how well he took to them was so special. The characters were all on mark in this mystery story being very developed, defined and yes oh so believable giving this read one that will keep you turning the pages to see what was coming next. One thing for sure Levi Wolfe loves his Trudy! I loved the ending when the story all comes together with them celebrating Thanksgiving where all the family were their truly having a beautiful family memory at the Wolfe's new home [with Levi, Trudy, Stuart, the little new one, with family and friends]. Sorry that this series is the end. Hopefully the Wolfe's will come back to us in some other form or fashion. And I am sure other readers will agree!

Bound for Temptation by Tess LeSue

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"Having survived the Oregon Trail, Emma Palmer is ready for a fresh start, even if it costs her all the gold in California. 

Emma Palmer has had many jobs and has gone by even more names, but most recently she is known as Seline, madam of her own establishment. Her place is clean, her booze is cheap and her bedrooms are fancy. But when a would-be patron won’t take no for an answer, she is forced to don a new disguise and flee for her life. While the schemes she cooks up might seem outrageous to an outsider, they haven’t failed her yet.    

Tom Slater is a taciturn cattleman at the tail end of a long, hard season on the trail. He’s looking forward to a quiet winter at his old family homestead in Mexico. What he doesn’t plan on is escorting a group of 

n the run to safety south of the border. Tom doesn’t need to be a trailsman to know that the woman with the sly, green eyes—the one he can’t keep out of his thoughts—will only lead to trouble."

Title: Bound For Temptation
Author: Tess LeSue
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Series: Frontiers of the Heart # 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Bound For Temptation" by Tess LeSue

My Thoughts....

The author really has a good way of relaying a good story to the reader with great style and with some interesting characters. The two main characters were good with both being 'on the run' from California to Mexico. We have Tom being on the run due to having feelings for his brother's wife and Emma who was running from her past of being a madam at a house of ill repute by a bully. Even though this is a rather good romantic read it will keep you laughing from some of the bantering that is going on in the read especially the part where Emma disguising herself as a nun. I will say that Emma really was a lively one who really knew how to cook up some crazy ideas that will have you laughing out loud. I liked how the story turns somewhat and these two will start to have feelings for one another.

With both Tom and Emma having people on their tail they find they will only make it out of this mess by helping and trusting each other in order to stay alive on this journey where we find Tom being considered a 'sweet guy' with Emma being 'charming and mischievous.' By the end this story turns out being a good western romance. Will these two finally get their HEA? Well, you will have to pick up "Bound for Temptation" to see how this author brings this enjoyable romance out to the reader.

I was given a complimentary Netgalley and Berkley Publishing a ebook of the book to read and review.

May I Have A Word With You? Kindle Edition by Vanessa Davis Griggs

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"Devotionals to encourage and inspire using the Word of God on topics that people face in everyday life. May I have a word with you? actually comes from the sentiments expressed in “Let me talk to you” or “May I speak with you?” It’s a desire to chat with someone about something important. Another familiar expression may be, “Let me holla at you.” But the polite people generally ask permission first, respectfully saying, “May I have a word with you?” before sharing what they desire to say. For me, there’s nothing more glorious to share or talk about than the Word of God. Hence: May I have a “Word” with you? 

God’s Word is rich and more powerful than a two-edged sword. The Word of God touches every area of our lives: spiritually, physically, mentally, socially, emotionally, and financially. No matter what’s going on; no matter what we may be going through: There’s a word in God’s Word. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged, enlightened, inspired, and blessed beyond measure by these devotionals as you realize you’re not alone regardless of what it might feel like. God has a purpose for your life. God is there with you through it all—the good, the bad, and the ugly. And yes; God always has a WORD for us!"

Title: May I Have A Word With You?
Author: Vanessa Davis Griggs
Publisher: V. D.G.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"May I Have A Word With You?" by Vanessa Davis Griggs

My Thoughts...

I have read this book several times and have gotten so much from this beautiful read that this author has given us. I loved how this author gives us 'The Word of God' that deals with 'every area of ones lives: 'spiritually, physically, mentally, socially, emotionally and financially' and being there for us no matter what one may be going though in our daily lives. The table of contents has it all there for ore to take in what one may need at that certain time ...with some of my favorites were: All Things Work Together, The Potter and the Clay, Alone, The Power of God, Been Through It, What Are You Here To Do? Remember Your History, Lose The Weight, Make Me, Mold Me, The Right Word, Praise God Through Your Storms, The Love Of God, How Long Will You Wait On God's Promises? The Word Of God, From This Day Forward and Giving Thanks and Not Just During Thanksgiving. Now, these are only just a few that have stick with me but there is so much from this good read that you will have to pick "May I Have A Word With You?" to see for yourself how much there is just for you. Thank you to the author for such a wonderful read with wonderful devotional selections that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. 

Santa's Toy: An Erotic Short (Reincarnation Serie Book 5) Kindle Edition by King Ellie

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"Kitten…” 
That’s what Captain Santana liked to call Tessa… because Tessa didn’t want to do anything else but purr like a kitten for him.

Have you ever just looked at someone and wanted them?
It didn’t matter where or when, you wanted them.
That’s what it was like for Tessa every time Captain Santana aka Santa walked into a room changing the atmosphere around her.
He used to bark out orders of what he wanted done and how he wanted it done,
but suddenly everything’s changed.

Santa didn’t bark those orders out in that way anymore.
Now, he barked out orders of how he wanted Tessa this way and that way…
Why?
Because she had become his obsession.
She was Santa’s Toy."

‼️DISCLAIMER: This is an 8k erotica short story...‼️

Title:  Santa's Toy

Author:  King Ellie

Publisher:  Imperial Publishing House 

Series:  Reincarnation Series Book 5

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  5

Review:

"Santa's Toy" by King Ellie

My Thoughts....

Well, when two consenting adults say yes...oh well this is what can happen as it did for Santana [Eros] and Tess in this erotic short story.  Definitely Eros is could be every woman's fantasy!  All is left to say is that 'Captain Santana definitely answered this Kitten's call.'    

What We Talk About When We Talk About Rape By Sohaila Abdulali

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"“What We Talk About When We Talk About Rape is brilliant, frank, empowering, and urgently necessary. Sohaila Abdulali has created a powerful tool for examining rape culture and language on the individual, societal, and global level that everyone can benefit from reading.”
—Jill Soloway

In the tradition of Rebecca Solnit, a beautifully written, deeply intelligent, searingly honest—and ultimately hopeful—examination of sexual assault and the global discourse on rape told through the perspective of a survivor, writer, counselor, and activist

After surviving gang-rape at seventeen in Mumbai, Sohaila Abdulali was indignant about the deafening silence that followed and wrote a fiery piece about the perception of rape—and rape victims—for a women’s magazine. Thirty years later, with no notice, her article reappeared and went viral in the wake of the 2012 fatal gang-rape in New Delhi, prompting her to wriet a New York Times op-ed about healing from rape that was widely circulated. Now, Abdulali has written What We Talk About When We Talk About Rape—a thoughtful, generous, unflinching look at rape and rape culture.

Drawing on her own experience, her work with hundreds of survivors as the head of a rape crisis center in Boston, and three decades of grappling with rape as a feminist intellectual and writer, Abdulali tackles some of our thorniest questions about rape, articulating the confounding way we account for who gets raped and why—and asking how we want to raise the next generation. In interviews with survivors from around the world we hear moving personal accounts of hard-earned strength, humor, and wisdom that collectively tell the larger story of what rape means and how healing can occur. Abdulali also points to the questions we don't talk about: Is rape always a life-definining event? Is one rape worse than another? Is a world without rape possible?"

Title:  What We Talk About When We Talk About Rape               

Author:  Sohaila Abdulali

Publisher:  The New Press

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"What We Talk About When We Talk About Rape" by Sohaila Abdulali

My Thoughts...

This was definitely one incredible read where one will get a wide range of topics under this subject: RAPE.  This well written novel will cover this subject from a 'political opinion, factual evidence and personal narratives' that is a easy read even though its a heavy topic with some horrible stories.  I definitely found this information definitely eye opening as well as terrifying in what went on.  Again, I will say this was quite a read where Sohaila Abdulali will draw one into her own 'experience that she had with rape and its aftermath.'  This subject will not be a easy novel to read but in the end one will get a full understanding of what these survivors went through and yet it 'sends a message of empowerment for women.'

Thank you to both NetGalley and The New Press for my ARC of this book.

On The Naughty List: A Falling For A Rose Christmas Special Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris

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"She was tired of waiting, and his starvation for her had reached its ultimate peak. So when a Christmas party brings Eden Alexandria Rose and Derek James Clark face to face again, sparks turn into a detonation of desire that lands them both, on the naughty list."

*Authors Note - This is a short story and only meant to give you a look inside Derek and Eden’s Christmas together. This is not their full story which will come early 2019.

Title: On The Naughty List: A Falling For A Rose Christmas Special
Author: Stephanie Nicole Norris
Publisher: Love Is A Drug Ink
Series: A Falling For A Rose
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"On The Naughty List: A Falling For A rose Christmas Special" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Thoughts.....

What a surprise this was getting the read that was quite a naughty, gritty, passionate, sweet and explosive one that was simply lovely of these two Eden and Derek. Eden knew what she wanted and went after it in this short romantic steamy read! I can't hardly wait to get the entire story about these two of Eden and Derek's journey. 

I Found Moore (All That & Moore) Kindle Edition by Celeste Granger

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"So many things changed for Samantha McLemore. She found her family, the one she longed for. She found love with Lance Preston, and he loved her without condition despite her brokenness. In an instant, Samantha’s life was transformed from barely surviving to living what most would consider a dream life with her multimillionaire fiancé. Still, Samantha was scared; fearful that the love she finally felt in her heart was not real… was undeserved. Would Lance’s love be enough? Would Samantha finally feel worthy and truly let love in? "

Find out in I Found Moore. This is a standalone novella. 

Title: I Found Moore
Author: Celeste Granger
Publisher: C. G.
Series: All That & Moore
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"I Found Moore" by Celeste Granger

My Thoughts.....

I just finished reading "I Found Moore" and it was really a teary eyed read for me. I could very well understand how Samantha was feeling due to what had happened previously in her life. But now it seems like all was going her way and she was just afraid if it will last? One thing for sure she had her best friend that was right by her side all the way through this story. Also It seems like Samantha had the Moore family now with her all the way [her mom, father, and sisters] and then their was her multimillionaire fiance Lance Preston that was right with her trying to understand what she was going through. What will it take Samantha to be convinced that she now only had a family that loved her but also Lance's love too? What else could she ask for? What will happen when Samantha finally figures out that she had it all now and that she was going to be a Moore and she indeed wanted to be Mrs. Lance's Preston? I loved all of the characters from this read that gave the story a loving sweetness that told a lots about the entire story. Well, all I can say is that you will have to pick up "I Found Moore" in this quick read to see how Samantha will make it in this new world that she had it all right there at her feet. All she had to do was except it. This was indeed a beautiful quick read that I simply loved reading. 

In the Ring 2: A Dario Caivano Novel Kindle Edition by Perri Forrest

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"You’d think after all that I’ve been through, the universe would show me a bit of mercy.

I get that shit happens in life, and that it’s not always going to go in a person’s favor. But damn. At the beginning, I was on top of the world as the heavyweight champion. Undefeated, at that. And with the world at my feet, I was just kind of on autopilot. It was all about the octagon, the fame it brought with it, and the plethora of women that came as a part of that package. Relationships were not on my radar. I wasn’t interested in being committed to anyone or anything—outside the ring.

However, that all changed when I met Chanel Norwood. She filled a void that I didn’t even know was there. Beautiful, smart, driven, and everything I could ask for in a woman. I fell quick, and I fell hard. I wanted to protect her, make her happy . . . make her mine. It didn’t hurt that she also came with an extra bonus, in the way of family. My cousin, Lucas, who was like a brother to me, was murdered when we were teenagers. He died in my arms. To my family’s surprise, a part of Lucas lived. That amazing “part”, was brought by way of this amazing woman that I fell in love with.

Life was fantastic.

But just months after I retired from the ring, and decided to focus on family and business ventures, the unthinkable happened. Chanel was kidnapped. Grabbed from a mall parking lot in broad daylight! I lost it. The fact that they even put their hands on her infuriated me. I couldn’t think straight. I wanted heads! What was I going to tell, Rai, her son? Her mother? My family? How was I supposed to feel when I wasn’t there to protect the woman I loved, when she needed me the most?

Once I was able to wrap my mind around it all, I knew exactly where to start. It was there, that I found out the severity of the situation. They had taken Chanel because they wanted me—back in the ring. They wanted me out of retirement, and only then would Chanel be released.

I don’t do well with ultimatums. My preference would’ve been to take it to the streets . . . right THEN and right THERE. Hand-to-hand, no gloves. Nothing clean, all gutter, and no Refs. But control wasn’t mine. I couldn’t dictate the way this situation played out. I had to follow their rules. All I could do was answer the call. And that call would be answered, without hesitation, because my baby is worth fighting for.

But after that call was answered, and I had Chanel back where she belonged, trust and fuckin’ believe that the story would get its own sequel. They didn’t quite think out exactly who they came for.

I’d be willing to bet my entire existence, that they will now, though . . ."

Title:  In the Ring 2

Author:  Perri Forrest

Publisher:  P. F.            

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Reveiw

"In The Ring 2" by Perri Forrest

My Thoughts....

This was definitely a very captivated read that will keep your attention turning the pages to see what was coming next.  The author really worked her magic in giving the reader a story that will not leave you guessing because it was all there in this story where we were given a little more from some of  the characters from the first installment.  I loved how Giuseppe who was from the 'old school'  was brought in to tie up quite of few of the messes that had come upon his son.  This definitely showed that you did not mess with the Giuseppe's family.  This was quite a interesting read of how Dario and Chanel who fought for their love in the well paced action and suspenseful read.  By the end all that is left to say is that everyone truly got what was coming to them such as it was for Dex and Ace. So glad to see that Dario and Chanel  finally making it to their HEA.

And, Not Only That Kindle Edition by Cheryl Robinson

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"Three friends. Three incredible journeys. Janole, Jenn and Tam meet in college and forge a lifelong friendship. Janole makes a decision as a young adult that exposes the true character of her family and ignites a chain of unpredictable events. Later, her world is torn apart when her beloved husband of 24 years mysteriously disappears under scandalous circumstances. She questions everything that she believed in, especially her husband and their marriage. 

Jenn, wealthy and privileged, witnesses a childhood tragedy that instantly changes her family and haunts her into adulthood. She, and everyone she loves, are being destroyed by events that occurred years ago. Unless something changes, she is on the brink of losing everything including her sobriety and her husband.

Tam's mother dies from a lengthy illness while Tam is in college. As a result, Tam decides to become a doctor and is committed to helping others. However, she must face her own medical crisis and a possible change in lifestyle that she finds difficult to accept.

This is a gripping story of love, faith, family, marriage, pain, tragedy, triumph, restoration and spiritual growth that transcends time, age, race and gender. It contains a message of God's unwavering and uncompromising love and how He reveals Himself in the most unusual and unexpected ways."

Title:  And, Not Only That

Author:  Cheryl Robinson

Publisher:  C.R.                          

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"And, Not Only That" by Cheryl Robinson

My Thoughts....

I loved this read of "and, Not Only" which will have one laughing and even shedding some tear in this well told story. What a beautiful read of the friendship of three girls Janole, Jenn and Tam who stick together through 'lifes hurts and pains.'

 All of the characters were well developed, defined and oh so believable giving the reader quite a read that held 'faith, prayer and indeed friendship' where one will see where each person had some kind of story that will be worked out.  I loved how this author was able to give the reader some wonderful surprises as well as a interesting twist at the end that will keep you turning the pages to see what is coming next in this emotional roller coaster ride.     

What a relatable read that will take you there in so many different levels showing a pure heart and soul of families in crisis. So, if you are in to drama, passion, suspense and mystery you have come to the right place for 'And, Not Only" will give it all to you in a neat packaged read.