The Power of Manipulation Kindle Edition by Niki Jilvontae

Book Excerpt:

"Manipulation. Defined as the action of manipulating someone in a clever or unscrupulous way! This is the world’s oldest art form, which consists of a series of twisted words and played upon emotions. When used correctly, manipulation can give a broken soul the courage it needs to move on during a difficult time. Or it can serve as a catalyst for chaos in the hands of a dark soul seeking revenge! In this book, we will explore various uses of manipulation in everyday life! You will see just how powerful the tongue can be when greed, envy, manipulation, and even murder comes into play! Between these pages, you will read five, intricately woven short stories that will reveal The Power of Manipulation! Beware & Take Heed!"

Title: The Power of Manipulation
Author: Niki Jilvontae
Publisher: Niki Jilvontae Presents 
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"The Power of Manipulation" by Niki Jilvontae

My Rationalization:

Story 1: Vih: Everything That Looks Good Ain't Good For You!

Vivan Wahler...Vih's story had been warned by her friend Christian about Rasheed... But will she take heed? Then there was Chad Ross, Mr. Cantrell, Mrs. White, only to name a few. How will Vih take on revenge for what had gone on in her life? Will Christian's story be able to help any of these people? Sad but a good read. 

Story 2: Chey: Be You...****Who Doesn't Like It!

Chey...Cheymal Keith Brownlee, Jr, BG, Baby Gage...Reesha [his best friend] Zyear Robertson...gay friend. Chey's parents had no idea that their son was gay, so what will happen when they find out?

Story 3: A'Merica: Beware of Smoke and Mirrors!

A'Merica Karyle Watkins, who loved to visit with their father Drew, however, A'Merica didn't get along with her mom Katie. Now, why was that? Who was this friend of A'Merica... Linda? What was wrong with that relationship? How will this relationship meet up with meeting Alex online? Now, what is left to say you will have to pick up this read and see for yourself how this author brings out the story. It will be most interesting! By the end, will A'Merica be 'grateful she survived the manipulation that could have taken her life?' 

Story 4: Jaceoa & Nylena: Sometimes It's Better To Be Alone!

Jaceia & Nylena were best friends and now off to college. Will these two be able to take care of themselves and do what was right and knowing when one was a manipulator when they met Lucky and Angel? Will Nylena be able to keep Jaceia on guard? This is the story that you will have to pick up and to see how this story will all come out. All that is left to say is what a manipulation this was for poor Jacelia and to do with to a so-called friend. Will she be able to get it all figured out where she went wrong, listening to the wrong person? This one was indeed a sad ending! 

Story 5: Tremal & Robin: Double Lies, Ruin Lives

Did Robin want a baby, and what will happen when she finds out that Tremal [Mal] didn't want any kids? I thought his answer to this was crazy. He said he wanted Robin all to himself! With Tremal having two households a wife, Robin and side piece [Tangie] with his twins [TJ & Trev]..well really this turns out to be quite a read where manipulation is all over the place. What an ending!

I think my favorite story, 'Story One' Vih: Everything That Looks Good Ain't Good For You! I will say all of these stories showed how manipulation was upfront and center. Each story will give the reader a lot to ponder over long after the read in how one can process what all it takes to be involved in 'The Power of Manipulation.' 

Everything I Need: A New Year Short Story (Desire Book 2) by Raven Heart

Book Excerpt:

"New Year.
New Goals.
Same Love."

Title:  Everything I Need:  A New Year Short Story

Author:  Raven Heart

Publisher:  R. H.                       

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Everything I Need:  A New Year Short Story" by Raven Heart

My Rationalization:

All that is left from this short story is when things look too real, one has to think, is it?  As it was for Natalie when Damien comes back into her life, was this a good or bad thing as it seems he was giving her all the things she ever wanted for her and her two sons Kaleb and Kaden?  Well, it looks like we will have to wait to get the answer to that question ...as the story continues.  

Everything I Want: A Christmas Short Story (Desire Book 1) Kindle Edition by Raven Heart

Book Excerpt:

"A long list of gifts can't fulfill the desire of a long lost love. 

Will the joy of Christmas be significant enough to mend broken hearts and keep two distant lovers together?"

Title:  Everything I Want:  A Christmas Short Story
Author:  Raven Heart
Publisher:  R. H.   
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Five
Review: 

"Everything I Want:  A Christmas Short Story" by Raven Heart

My Rationalization: 

After ten years of marriage, Natalie finds herself divorced and alone with her two sons Kaleb and Kaden.  Now living with her mother, what will happen when Daien comes through for her children bringing Christmas gifts and even more for Natalie?  Will Natalie get everything she wants for Christmas?  Well, you will have to get the next part in this author's read:  'Everything I Need' to get the next part of this story.  

A Promise Fulfilled: A Tweede Kans Cove Christmas (A DuBois-Arazi Family Novel Book 1) Kindle Edition by Unoma Nwankwor

Book Excerpt:

"This Christmas, Unoma Nwankwor invites you to the home of the DuBois-Arazis: Tweede Kans Cove. A small town near the Mid Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Take a trip to the city where love almost always gets a second chance.

While Christmas is tough for Yasmine DuBois-Arazi, her beloved hometown of Tweede Kans Cove couldn’t be merrier. Her fix? Every year, she goes away. This year, however, when the responsibility for the Hope for the Holidays Christmas benefit suddenly falls in her lap, things might not go according to plan.
She’s gone through worse, but being in Tweede Kans Cove for the holidays isn’t something she thinks she’ll survive. She has to get out of town.

Kojo ‘Keyz’ Sarbah has been on the run long enough. Eighteen years too long. At that time, he’s become a famous, award-winning music producer. To the world, he’s living the dream, but for years, the demons from his childhood told him otherwise. After a near-death experience, he decides to seek help and live free. There’s just one problem; his heart remains bound. And the person with the key hates his guts.

Christmas is the season of hope. Tweede Kans Cove is the town where second chances are born. For Kojo, it’s time to head back to the place of his birth. Will the town’s charm and the season of hope help him convince Yasmine that he deserves a second chance?"

Title: A Promise Fulfilled: A Tweede Kans Cove Christmas
Author: Unoma Nwankwor
Publisher: KevStel Publications
Series: A DuBois-Arazi Family Novel Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"A Promise Fulfilled: A Tweede Kans Cove Christmas" by Uoma Nwankwor

My Rationalization:

This was an enjoyable read of what happened during the Christmas season as it was for Yasmine DuBois Arazi and Kojo Sarbah. Be ready to be taken on a 'Moroccan adventure' where we see if these two will find there way. What had happened in Yasmine's life that made her so unhappy during the Christmas season?. With her family planning an event for an orphanage, will Yasmine be able to get involved? What will happen when Yasmine, who will be reunited with an old friend that she hadn't seen for some time, but now it seems like god's plan was putting them back together once again? Please pick up this good read to see how this all plays out where one will see how life isn't only about living but also existing. This author did a fantastic job of giving the reader a wonderfully described scenery of some of the regions of Africa and bringing in the beautiful read of the '24 Day of Luke.

Christmas With The Smith's Kindle Edition by Ms. Grad Marie

Book Excerpt:

"Raechel “Shonnie” Smith is the oldest of the musically infamous Smith clan. She is also the only unwed daughter of the bunch. Following in her mother’s “Mama Smith’s” footsteps, Shonnie can not only sing, but she can bang the keys of any piano gracefully. Mama Smith, Deacon Ralph Smith, and their four children are famous in their community and well involved in the local church.
But every family has their secrets, and it isn’t long before Smith’s family secret is unveiled during a traditional holiday visit to her parents’ home this Christmas season.
Her whole life, Shonnie has been the outcast and the black sheep of her family. She soon finds out that some of the most poisonous people come disguised as family. The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies.
Blood makes you related, but loyalty makes you Family.

Title: Christmas With The Smith's
Author: Ms. Grad Marie
Publisher: G. M.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Christmas With The Smith's" by Ms. Grad Marie

My Rationalization:

This Smith family will leave you intense, from all of the dysfunction, the drama, family issues, lies, and secrets that come out of this story. I am not sure whom I felt sorrier for Aunt Deb, her sister [Mama Smith] her husband, Shonnie, the twins [Rahdia, & Rahdika] or R.J. I will say this was one mess up group, but it seems after all the dirty laundry brought out at that Sunday dinner table, this group was able to move forward. I will say I was surprised by that ending. At least one of these characters got kicked to the curve [not mentioned above]. 

A Vengeful Christmas: A Novella Kindle Edition by Shajuana McDuffy

Book Excerpt:

"In this fiery holiday novella, Adina learns that her husband of seventeen years has been living a double life. With this newfound information that she has been given, she goes out on a mission in search of the truth. That critical piece of data is the glue to keep their marriage together. They say love is blind, but she has to find out for herself. She reconnects with an old friend who has been by her side every step of the way. He has expressed his interest in her, but she won’t give in to his advances. Along with another friend, he puts together a plan that will surely change her mind. 
 


Will her marriage be reconcilable or will love to deal with her a new hand?
 


Robert is a man of many talents. He’s smart, he’s charming, and he’s cocky. He has two women that he’s in love with, but he harbors a secret that could change the dynamics of the game. This secret has the power to destroy him and anything attached to him if it gets into the wrong hands. He could possibly lose everything… including his life. He soon realizes that it’s a race against time. Unfortunately, time is not on his side. 
 


Will he be able to keep his secret a secret, or will karma finally catch up with him?
 


Regina has the perfect family. She has the man of her dreams, along with three beautiful children. Her world is shattered when she finds out that the love of her life has been unfaithful. She’s always had an uneasy feeling about it but never questioned it. All hell will break loose when she finds out that the mystery woman has been in her own backyard all this time. Dreams of what’s to come could set her back for a moment. However, Regina has a secret of her own that could uproot the life she’s come to know. 
 


Will she remain the lady she is and bow out gracefully, or will hell have her fury?
 


A chain of events will force these three to come together. Little do they know that they have more in common than they think. Hearts will be broken, loved ones will be betrayed, and friends will become foes. Christmas just ain’t Christmas without the ones you love, and they all will be together soon. Will this be a vengeful Christmas, or will this be a victorious one?"

Title:  A Vengeful Christmas

Author:  Shajuana McDuffy

Publisher:  B. Love Publications 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"A Vengeful Christmas" by Shajuana McDuffy

My Rationalization:

What can I say other than this was some thought-provoking read that you will have to keep up with all of the twists and turns and secrets that were coming out right and left.  Adina ad Regina had me holding my breath as to what all they were or had to go through.   I was definitely glad to see what happened to Robert!  Wow, is all that is left to say about that.  Be ready to be in for lots of drama that will keep you entertained as you are turning the pages to see what was coming next.  I will say I was glad the way this author gave the reader a sweet ending to this family's Christmas tale.  

Unsilent Knight: An Erotic Holiday Short Story Kindle Edition by Brookelyn Mosley

Book Excerpt:

"'Twas the night before Christmas when Ms. Nice got naughty.

After ending a decade-long relationship, leaving her commitment-phoebe boyfriend and the home they shared, a goal-digging Cadence Nice has moved into a new apartment building, prepared to start a new life… as planned.

The only thing she didn't plan for was dealing with her new neighbor, Meki Knight. The obnoxious, condescending a-hole, as she would describe, has the kind of look that makes a woman who's usually used to being in charge forget her train of thought and trip over her words.

He's bold, has the body of a God, and possesses a gorgeous smile. And he'd be the perfect package if he wasn't such a jerk. Between loud music and even louder houseguests, Meki has zero consideration for Cadence. And he's wearing her patience paper-thin.

After their first rude introduction to one another, Meki left Cadence hating him with a passion… literally. And following a chance meeting in an unlikely place, Cadence's attraction for Meki reaches a fever high that could melt a snowman into a puddle of water. Unfortunately, so does her fiery discontent for him.

The only way she'll be able to get along with Meki is by stepping outside of her comfort zone and doing something unplanned that she's never imagined doing as a woman whose strict life is narrated by her day planner.

And when she does, there will be nothing silent about her decision."

BONUS READ! Included in each download are the prologue and FIRST THREE CHAPTERS of my new erotic love story, Girl Code!

*This story contains sexually explicit content that is intended for ADULTS ONLY (18 years or older)

Title: Unsilent Knight: An Erotic Holiday Short Story
Author: Brookelyn Mosley
Publisher: B.M.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Unsilent Knight: An Erotic Holiday Short Story" by Brookelyn Mosley

My Rationalization:

What a cute sweet story of what happens after Cadence moves on with her life from her ex-boyfriend after ten years. Meeting her new sexy neighbor Meki and that's when the bantering between the two will start, but that will not be for too long because it seems like there is something about Cadance's neighbor that she will begin to like. What will happen when this bantering turns to something more dynamic between these two? Be ready for a little bit of humor, funny, as well as an entertaining read that will leave you wanting more. 

Home For Christmas: A Short Holiday Love Story Kindle Edition by Brookelyn Mosley

Book Excerpt:

“Dear Santa...”

Jaleel and Eva Gordon haven’t lived in the same house since the summer, and this Christmas, their son’s concise Christmas wish list will change all that.

As a former college phenom turned Bronx Ballers’ shooting guard, Jaleel Gordon hasn’t reached his level of success, doing the bare minimum for his struggling team. He’s been grinding and grinding hard, but success doesn’t come easily or without its share of sacrifices. For Jaleel, his most significant sacrifice was his relationship with his soon-to-be ex-wife Eva.

Business owner, Eva Gordon is so through with her soon-to-be ex-husband, Jaleel. She’s no stranger to hard work, but even she knows when to work hard and to play harder. After patiently waiting for her husband to tap into that philosophy, she’s given up on him altogether. This is why six months ago, after yet another explosive argument with Jaleel, Eva demanded a divorce... even though her heart is taking a bit longer to catch up to her demand.

This Christmas, Eva and Jaleel’s son isn’t asking Santa for a new bike or video game. On the contrary, what baby boy wants won’t be able to fit underneath the tree at all. His one and only wish this Christmas is to spend the holiday with his separated parents... under one roof. So, Jaleel is coming home for Christmas... but can Eva and Jaleel put aside their differences to make it through the holiday intact and in one piece?"

Title:  Home For Christmas

Author:  Brookelyn Mosley

Publisher:  85 Media LLC 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Home For Christmas" by Brookelyn Mosley

My Rationalization:  

What a sweet quick short novella read of Jaleel and Eva Gordon's second chance at love.  Their child

Jaleel Jr. was brilliant in wanting his parents back together, so he had a plan with rules that worked.  I found it interesting in what had lacked with Jaleel, and Eva was not able to communicate and forgive.  And spending this Christmas holiday together was just what was needed that got this family back together and with Jaleel learning that material things weren't everything.  

Ebb & Flow: A Novella Kindle Edition by Brookelyn Mosley

Book Excerpt:

"Nubia Merci and Naazir Goodman were never supposed to be a couple… at least that's what the people close to them believed...

Despite the odds, somehow, they’ve formed an enviable courtship. But while they are working diligently to nurture and cultivate their love, those same people in their lives are working even harder to tear them apart.  

Nubia, an interior decorator, is without a doubt in love. She’s a creative, able to imagine an abundance of possibilities, creating magic with spaces that seem impossible to work with. As imaginative as she is, though, never did she imagine falling for a man like Naazir. And now that she has fallen, she has no intention of letting him go. A series of events will challenge her plans when she's dealt the "mother of all ebbs." Will those events force her to abandon the ship?

Naazir, a street muralist, is used to things not going his way. Life for him has never been easy, leaving him no choice but to hustle harder than the average brother, especially in matters of the heart. He has gone to extraordinary lengths to win the affections of a woman who has revealed to him the bared bones of intimacy. And he has dedicated his heart to earning Nubia’s faith in them as a couple. Will, a decision Naazir, makes, as innocent as he initially thought it to be, ruin everything he’s worked so hard to build with the love of his life?

Products of two different environments, Naazir and Nubia, have cemented a bond that is ironclad strong. But is their relationship strong enough to anchor them so they can survive the brewing storm that’s approaching?

*This book contains sexually explicit content, profanity, and minor angst. If any of the mentioned are of a sensitive nature to you, please feel free to browse Brookelyn Mosley's catalog of other stories to find the best fit for your reading experience."

Title: Ebb & Flow
Author: Brookelyn Mosley
Publisher: 85 Media LLC
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Ebb & Flow" by Brookelyn Mosley

My Rationalization:

I enjoyed this story 'Ebb & Flow' that was about Nubia Merci and Naazir Goodman. With all the 'trails ad tribulations, they went through' truly by the end of the story, the reader will see if they were made for one another. The characters in this story were defined that help gives the reader a good story. The author did an excellent job of making the story seem so very real where we see the 'Products of two different environments, Naazir and Nubia have cemented a bond that is ironclad strong.' Will this be enough to anchor them, and will they be able to survive the brewing storm was coming?' Well, to get the answer, you will have to pick up the good read to see how this author brings it all out so well to the reader. 

In Pursuit of You (In The Heart of A Valentine Book 6) By: Stephanie Nicole Norris

Book Excerpt:

"As the owner of WTZB broadcast station, Avery Michele was determined to make her grandfather’s legacy thrive, even if her duties included being in front of the camera for Chicago’s hottest events. However, Avery didn’t foresee catching the eye of one determined bachelor. And after accepting his invitation to lunch, an unexpected craving for more than nutrition storms her with heat that takes her breath away. But with life outside of her profession shifting in the wrong direction, the thought of disappearing is the impetus that makes Avery run away from love.

Jilted at the altar, Aerospace Engineer DeAndre Valentine vowed to never put his heart on the line again. But after a chance encounter puts him in the proximity of Avery Michele, something about the mysterious beauty sends him on an exploratory mission. One that could prove his heart was meant to be broken or be the very thing to make him believe in love again."

*Each book in this series can be read as a standalone*

Title: In Pursuit of You
Author: Stephanie Nicole Norris
Publisher: Love Is A Drug
Series: In The Heart of A Valentine Book 6
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"In Pursuit of You" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Rationalization:

I enjoyed the story 'In Pursuit of You' featuring DeAndre Valentine and Avery Michele. We find DeAndre was not only a big man but one sweet one with a beautiful heart, and above all, he loved Avery. However, Avery had secrets that she felt she shouldn't share with anyone. It was quite interesting how this author was able to touch on that illness. What will happen when this situation comes to light? Will DeAndre will be there for her as they embrace their love? All that is left to say is wow...what about that 'Red Room?' I will say this is one of those stories that will pull at your heart. If you are looking for a series with not only a hot streamy romance and a little bit of sadness, you have come to the right place to get all of the above questions answered and so much more, and maybe at the end, a HEA. You will have to pick this good read to see how it will all come out for these two. 

Redemption (AmBw Romantic Suspense) Kindle Edition by Kenya Wright

Book Excerpt:

"This is a slow burn holiday romance about two broken people with one goal—to survive. 

Yoshiro escaped a career of crime with the mafia after they killed his family. For five years, he’s dropped out of life. All he wants this Christmas is to be left alone. Then, Ebony and her kids accidentally crash onto his property during a snowstorm. For three years, they’ve been running from her husband—who’s been more monster than man.

The storm picks up. They are forced to remain with Yoshiro until it dies down. And the threat of Ebony’s monster remains, lurking within the shadows and threatening her safety. But Yoshiro knows all about death and blood. Her monster doesn’t scare him. What has him terrified is that heartwarming feeling sparking between them. The more time Yoshiro spends with Ebony, the more she becomes a Christmas present that he’s dying to open. Too bad, she’s promised herself that she will never let another man in her or her children’s life again.

Yet, sometimes the best Christmas presents come from a bullet. Every so often, a proper Christmas miracle is a cut-up body to end a nightmare. And even better, at just the right moment, two lonely people can find light in their darkened souls and open their hearts to a new romance."

REDEMPTION is a standalone AmBw romance with a HEA and no cliffhangers. This book also contains violence, strong language, naughty illustrations, and graphic sexual scenes. 

Title: Redemption
Author: Kenya Wright
Publisher: K. W.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Redemption" by Kenya Wright

My Rationalization:

What an exciting read that dealt with 'abuse, domestic violence, mystery, mayhem, healing, and romance.' The story will draw the reader in as we see the hero [Voshiro- Yo-Yo] helps the heroine Ebony and her children [Kia, Jalen, & Poppy] out of this mess along with his friend, Kevin, the dogs [Salt & Pepper]. And by the end, these two [Yo-Yo and Ebony] were open to love. There will be heartaches that this couple will have to get past, but being able to lean on one another and having faith will lead them even more to each other. I enjoyed the illustrations that this author added to the story, and I loved how Ebony was able to bring light to Yo-Yo darkness while he was able to help slayered her monster.

Indeed the character development was superb, giving the reader a well-written story where you are cheering to the end, especially with the hero and heroine reconnecting with each of their mothers. The title 'Redemption' says it all as that was 'surviving domestic violence. finding love, joy, blessing, and victory into their lives.'

A Classic Alpha for Christmas (A Very Alpha Christmas Book 9) Kindle Edition by Shani Greene-Dowdell

Book Excerpt:

"An unforgettable holiday hookup refuses to be a one-night stand in this sizzling and adorable romance from bestselling author Shani Greene-Dowdell. 

Omega
You can be mean when you look this clean… Classic Man.
I like that song because it fits my swagger, which women love.
When a woman is with me, she’s with me.
I meet all of her needs—no question.
But lately, I’ve lost my appetite for the average woman.
I don't mean to be arrogant, but I’m looking for the one who can fit into my world perfectly—a classic.
Oh, yeah, and I need her by Christmas.

Astalia
Men, most of them are not ready for a relationship.
And, well, on most days, I’m not either.
But I told my mother I was dating someone, and well…
I have to find him, so I can take him home for Christmas.
A speed-date night lines me up with the perfect set up
A handsome man who also needs a stand-in for Christmas.
Except, I could actually see myself falling for him.
I don’t want to get hurt, and I can see in his eyes that he’s hurt many feelings.
If I can hold it together until the New Year, I’ll make it through this.
If not, I’m ruined."

Title   A Classic Alpha for Christmas

Author:  Shani Greene-Dowdell

Publisher:  Publishing House 
Series:  A Very Alpha Christmas #9

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"A Classic Alpha for Christmas" by Shani Greene-Dowdell

My Rationalization:

What a beautiful read of 'A Classic Alpha for Christmas' was that featured Astalia Morgan and Omega Johnson.
I enjoyed seeing how this story brought these two passionately together, who just wanted to be loved.  It was a joy
seeing how Omega knew what he wanted in a soulmate, and that was a virtuous woman as Astalia.  It was appalling seeing how Astalia's mother and brothers treated her but finally seeing Astalia having the nerve to bring it to a stop letting them know that this was not acceptable. Thank God that Omega came into Astalia's life as he was able to lift her spirits, letting her know how important she was to him, making her feel that 'she was not only virtuous but worth more than rubies.'   Omega was 100% an Alpha Man.

Love Me For Christmas: A Novella Kindle Edition by B. Love

Book Excerpt:

"What happens when the city’s most successful matchmaker fails at securing her own love? Her best friend takes matters into her own hands – even if just for the Christmas holiday! Giselle has always had a knack for bringing two souls together; however, she’s been blind to the needs of her own soul. When her best friend, Ashton, sets her up to finally put her individual needs first, Giselle meets an unlikely match in Chaquille. 

Chaquille has never had a problem pursuing women he was interested in, but lately, the pickings have been slim. His disinterest in women motivates him to go to a speed dating event, though he isn’t expecting to meet anyone worth the effort. By mistake, Giselle sits at his table, and the sparks that go off between them heat Chaquille up in a way that makes him believe it’s the Fourth of July instead of Christmas.

Giselle is expecting Chaquille to leave her because of her standards just like every other man she’s encountered, but when he proves that he’s up for the chase, she finds herself wondering if this match was really made in heaven… or just for a holiday."

Title: Love Me for Christmas
Author: B. Love
Publisher: B.L. 
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Love Me For Christmas" by B. Love

My Rationalization:

What a 'wonderful Christmas match made in heaven' that was so real for Giselle and Chaquille. We find that for Giselle, who was a dating matchmaker that seemed to be living without any joy in her life, failing to have a love that she so profoundly wanted until she meets Chaquille in an accidental meeting. Chaquille was a widower, definitely suffering from love after a loss of Terry. Now that she was gone, will he be able to move on? I loved how Giselle had to take on a few rotten tomatoes until she was able to find the 'the right match that was made just for her.'  I loved the message Chaquille sent to Giselle on Facebook that was 'so sweet and heartfelt.' I will say these two were made for each other and that Chaquille was a keeper. 

By the end, the reader gets a sweet love story that is right on the mark for the Christmas holiday. 

Beauty and the Boss: A Standalone Novel Kindle Edition by Pebbles Starr

Book Excerpt:

An epic standalone novel that will change your life!

"When Zya and her best friends Raven and Davia cross paths with bad boy brothers Kross and Terron at a Hollywood club, they find out just how much can change when they fall in with the Colombian Cartel crowd.

Everyone has their secrets, and the brothers have more than a few, and dark pasts to boot. Combined with the drama in the girls’ lives - Davia’s hung-up stalker ex, Raven’s unfortunate infatuation with Terron, and Zya’s run-in with Kross’ manic ex – things can only get more complicated. With the secrets and lies between the three friends threatening to be the end of their sisterhood, can they rise above it all?

“Beauty and the Boss” is an African American standalone that will transport you into a fast-paced world of crime, cartels, drama, and romance."

Title: Beauty and the Boss
Author: Pebbles Starr
Publisher: Jaded Publications 
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Beauty and the Boss" by Pebbles Starr

My Rationalization: 

The story was one that was all over the place, with the characters being so complexed and messed up where even the ending will leave you shaking your head. I am not sure whom I felt sorrier for Zya, Raven, Davia, Kross, Terron, Julez, and a few others that were in this read. To me, it seemed like the women in this read were just too gullible. So, what can one expect from that? Some therapy was needed for this crew! 

All I will say is when their secrets came tumbling out; all one could do was to see what was coming out next in this 'fast-paced world of crime, cartels, drama, and romance.'