Burning of the Cross Kindle Edition by Niki Jilvontae

Profile:

"Things are rarely what they appear to be. This is a truth Brielle Mason learned first hand as she finds herself in love with a mysterious boy from the other side of the tracks. She falls for Ayden Conway and lets her guard down only to find out that the old saying is true. Everything that glitters ain't gold, quickly becomes the backdrop of her life as she's led right into the clutches of the man from her nightmares. Brielle and her friends become trapped in a cabin with racist predators all around them. Will they survive? Or will the terror cell Ayden led them to take the crew out? Find out in this heart wrenching, humorous, bloody tale of love, hate, racism, and hard decisions. Find out what happens in this Affair of Jefferson County... Burning of the Cross."

Title:  Burning of the Cross

Author:  Niki Jilvontae

Publisher:  Niki Jilvontae Presents 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Burning of the Cross" by Niki Jilvontae

My Rationalization:  

I will say that the title really got my attention.  I found "Burning of the Cross" one good read that will take the reader through a little bit of it all 'from raw emotions, to love, hate, anger, despair to hope.'  This was definitely one of those reads that will take one through quite a few twists and turns to the very end.  I felt sorry for all of the abuse than Ayden and his mom had been subjected to for years by this hateful evil person. The novel really covers how evil a racist clan can be.  What an ending!  You will only have to pick up this well-written novel and read it for yourself to see how these characters make it out of this horrible situation.  To the author... job well done!

Lady Guardians: Curvalicious Kindle Edition by Celeste Granger

Profile:

"Six degrees of separation; that's what people say, right? But is that true for Naima and Ezekiel?

She was an anesthesiologist at Atlanta’s Grady Hospital; spending her days working to save lives. He was a professor of philosophy at the historic Morehouse College; spending his days educating leaders of tomorrow. At night, Naima Foster spent much of her time alone quietly content; a contention resulting from a painful past. At night, Ezekiel Hampton rode his custom Harley with the brothers of the Dirty South Riders, trying to avoid fixating on a current pain he couldn’t seem to shake. The two didn’t seem to have much in common at first glance. But there were only a few degrees of separation between the two.


They traveled in similar circles, yet those circles never converged until Naima stepped out of her comfort zone accompanying her best friend, Kai Jefferson, president of the Lady Guardians to an annual function. Ezekiel and Naima were destined to meet there. Those circles that never converged before would finally intersect, bringing Naima and Ezekiel together. Would that chance encounter be enough?"

Title:  Lady Guardians:  Curvalicious

Author:  Celeste Granger

Publisher:  C.G.
Series:  Lady Guardians Book 6                         

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Lady Guardians:  Curvalicious" By Celeste Granger

My Rationalization:

I will say that this author gives the reader a sweet fantastic read featuring Ezekiel and Naima.  I loved how these two were brought together and especially how Ezekiel wouldn't allow Naima to put herself down with her showing her lack of self-esteem. He was always there to let her know that 'no matter what her size was she deserved to be loved' and indeed he loved her and she loved him.  This author did a wonderful job of bringing out what had happened in Naima's and Ezekiel's life up to this present time.  

 I enjoyed seeing how the importance of Naima being brought into the Lady Guardians 'who  were a group of incredibly empowered, supportive and amazing women that were there for her.'  Pick up this well written read to see how well this author brings out this story as 'the very curves that others teased Naima about and used as a tool to hurt her were now celebrated' and see how Naima Foster who is now known as 'Lady Guardians, Curvalicious.' 

  

   

Rhyme & Reason Kindle Edition by Nia Forrester

Profile:

"“Maybe friendship is all that’s realistic for us right now.”

With those words, Zora ended their long-distance relationship, shattering Deuce’s vision of a life with the only woman he’s ever loved. But after months of silence, he thought he was over it. He’d moved on, hadn’t he? And as far as he knew, she might have done the same. Now Zora is back from California, and he’s thrown into an immediate tailspin. Nothing’s changed.

She’s the one, the only, his rhyme, and his reason …

But this ain’t no college romance.

There are serious, grown-folks’ obstacles standing in the way, and the other woman in his life isn’t even half of it.
And sometimes growing up might mean moving on …

Over a few short summer weeks, Deuce and Zora will have to decide whether the great love they shared in the past, is enough of a foundation to build a future."

Title: Rhyme & Reason

Author:  Nia Forrester

Publisher:  Stiletto Press, LLC                   

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"Rhyme & Reason" by Nia Forrester

My Rationalization:

I found this read a good one featuring Deuce and Zee however it did take me a minute to get into this story.  I will say it seemed like a lot of the time these two were not on the same page which presented many problems for them.  It was so good for finally see Zee finally catching up with Deuce with his feelings, thoughts and especially being there for him when tragedy hit. The way the story ended I can only say I hope the best for Deuce and Zee.  I would have like to have had an epilogue of a few years later to see what is going on with these two.

The Many Facets of Me by Dr. Wendy Hall Sims

Dr. Wendy Hall Sims in The Many Facets of Me shares how she moved From A Heart of Hurt to The Joy of Jesus. She expounds upon how God allowed the facets of her life to building her character and faith. Dr. Sims encourages her readers to put their trust securely in God, who will always channel every situation into one that will ultimately work for your good. Being mocked (for the color of her skin) and molested at a very young age, she identifies with those who have been hurt but encourages them like her, to use their hurt to their advantage by spreading a message of love and hope. She attributes her relationship with Christ for helping her to move from a heart of hurt to the joy of Jesus.

Title:  The Many Facets of Me:  From A Heart of Hurt To The Joy of Jesus 

Author:   Dr. Wendy Hall Sims

Publisher:  DS Publishing                          

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"The Many Facets of Me" by Dr. Wendy Hall Sims

My Rationalization:  

I found 'The Many Facets of Me' by this author was absolutely well written and I was even able to identify with [understand] some of the things she had gone through in her life.  From being bullied,[I was as a child too] rape, molestations, and divorce 'all things were meant to work together for the good.' Learning to forgive and seeing  that 'God trusted her to 'Win' in the midst of all of her facets.'  I loved how well this author was able to not only forgive the one who had molested her but also I loved how she was able to deal with her own mother through that whole situation.  

Going through many facets in her life there was through prayer that she learned to see just how the power of prayer was able to register in her mind.  She was able to 'know that God having chosen her was the reason that she survived.'  I loved how this author was able to back all of her testimony with some powerful beautiful scriptures.  Here are a few that are some wonderful reads:  Isaiah 43:10, John 16:13, Jeremiah 1:4-5, Revelations 13:8, Romans 8:28, and Psalm 45:7.  I read all of them and enjoyed all of them. I would definitely recommend for all to read 'The Many Facets of Me because you will get a lot out of this Christian Non-Fiction read.  

Take Me Slow Kindle Edition by Shani Greene-Dowdell

Profile:

"Yandy Martin is a new FBI Agent with plans to dedicate her life to protecting young girls against sex trafficking. After her friend is murdered for chasing her dream of being a model, she is left with a renewed sense of purpose. She takes it in her own hands to fix a broken system that leaves so many young girls shattered and broken. It’s not the safest of jobs, but it’s where her heart leads her until he propositions her.

Blaze Wells is a workaholic cop with no time for women. When a woman standing on the side of a rundown alley turns out to be the woman of his dreams, his life is flipped upside down. He’s fascinated with her beauty, and suddenly, something he never thought would ever be on the line is out there—his heart. But, she’s on the other side of the law, and every alarm bell tells him he can’t have her.

Warning: Take Me Slow is a steaming hot novella with syrupy sweet goodness to savor at every turn. There are dirty propositions, fast money, sexy cops and an epilogue with a twist that even Yandy and Blaze’s don’t see coming."

Title:  Take Me Slow

Author:  Shani Greene-Dowdell

Publisher:   Imperial Publishing House               

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Take Me Slow" by Shani Greene-Dowdell

My Rationalization:  

Who will finally catch on to who was whom in this fun interesting romance featuring Yandy and Blaze?  It was quite interesting seeing how these two fell in love meeting while each were on a sake out. This quick read will keep your attention all the way to the end and definitely leaving a smile for these two.

Love Levels 3 (West Virginia Bachelors) By: Falon Gold

Profile:

"Carter Ramirez wanted out of the family’s illegal side of business in Charleston bad enough to do a job he wasn’t skilled in two thousand miles away in Laramie. Though hating being out of his depth, screwing up even more, he wasn’t about to pass up a chance to open his own security firm. But, there was no map for the trip he took into a land with no easy exits.

Kendall Reyes wanted to run her store and life free of threats and her ex. Divorce, a big move, and a big gun she wasn’t even remotely qualified to use made her more secure in her future. When she was tracked down for debts she didn’t owe… again, she and her twitchy trigger finger took a stand, starting with the man who meant her the most harm in surprising ways.

Will the enforcer she meets become what she needs to get the life she wanted? Or, is he the beginning of her losing everything, including her life if she doesn’t ever remember to take the gun’s safety off?"

Title: Love Levels 3
Author: Falon Gold
Publisher: Imperial Publishing House
Series: West Virginia Bachelors
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Love Levels 3" by Falon Gold

My Rationalization:

I found "Love Levels 3" a good read staring Carter, Kendall, Desire, Tyrell, and even little Tyra. Let's not leave out Carter's parents. This was definitely one of those reads that will keep you turning the pages to see what was coming next especially for Stephen and Kirk. Be ready for plenty of drama, suspense, humorous banter, and some hot steamy sex scenes that will put a smile on your face. In the end, I loved how these two, Carter and Kendall were finally getting their forever HEA. 

Afraid To Love You: Urban Story Kindle Edition by J Brinkley

Profile:

"After losing her husband in a tragic accident, Stephanie Dennard finds herself a single parent of two beautiful daughters. After years of struggling alone she is suddenly swept off her feet and finds comfort in the arms of a new man, a handsome smooth talking truck driver named Mike. Mike soon moves into the home Stephanie shares with her young daughter, Anita, a teen who possessed exotic features much like her father. She had a passion for helping others and dreamed of one day becoming a nurse, just like her mother. LaSonya, on the other hand, looked just like her mother, but possessed the business acumen of her father and pursued a career in business management. LaSonya was the perfect ‘big sister’ and loved Anita dearly. Anita and LaSonya, both, dislike Mike but is their dislike for him misplaced or is there a more sinister side to him that hasn’t yet surfaced? Stephanie finds herself torn between the man she loves and the daughters she adores. Will she be forced to make a decision between them? While Anita is left fighting the demons that accompany nightmares, bitter memories and depression, LaSonya is left trying her best to hold the family together, while searching for her own piece of happiness. Will the family ever regroup? Will Anita ever be the same innocent carefree spirit she once was before evil crept in to rob her of all that was pure?"


    

Title: Afraid To Love You
Author: J. Brinkley
Publisher: VOMA Publications
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Afraid To Love You" by J. Brinkley

My Rationalization:

This was quite a read of after Stephanie Dennard loses her husband and is left with two daughters, LaSonya and Anita. As life goes for Stephanie she will encounter a new love which was Mike but what all he will cause in Stephanie's life will be just unreal especially for her daughter Anita. What all will happen to Anita at the hands of this Mike? Well, all I can say is that this will be one story you will not forget. I was glad to see the help that was gotten for Anita which helped with 'the demons that accompany nightmares, bitter memories, and even depression.'

After watching Anita go through quite a crisis from Jamal and Kenny it was so good when she finally met up with Tramaine. To find out how the story will all play out you will have to pick up "Afraid to Love You" to see how well this author brings it all out. I really enjoyed the characters Stephanie, the mom Rick, the uncle, LaSonya, the sister, and Anita's best friend Monica that will really grab your heart. They all really brought a certain richness to the story. It was interesting to see if this emotional family would ever be able to regroup after all that had happened to them and seeing how any strong family relationship can make it with help. 

Revenge: Urban Love Story Kindle Edition by J Brinkley

Profile:

"Baltimore college student, Brooklyn Taylor finds herself falling in love with a student who loves the streets more than anything else. Brooklyn begs Tyrell to change his lifestyle, but the more she pleads, the more distant he becomes. When Brooklyn discovers she is pregnant she is elated, but it quickly turns to devastation when she finds out her child's father is on his way to prison. Brooklyn begins to question her love for Tyrell and her future with him. When she makes the decision to stand by him no matter what her friends and family think of him, she prays endlessly to God that he will change his ways. Brooklyn gives birth to their daughter and takes on another job to earn extra money while Tyrell is serving time. He learns about her new job and becomes insecure and abusive upon his release from prison. The last physical altercation they have lands Brooklyn in the hospital where her internalized pain turns into deep-seated resentment towards Tyrell. As she lies in the hospital bed letting her physical wounds heal, her deep emotional scars remain. All she can think of is sweet revenge."

Title: Revenge: Urban Love Story
Author: J. Brinkley
Publisher: VOMA Publications
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Revenge: Urban Love Story" by J. Brinkley

My Rationalization:

All I can say is that I was really glad when Brooklyn Taylor was able to open her eyes and see the writing on the wall! The love of her life and father of her child, Tyrell Scott was truly one that had some deep issues. This author took his time giving the reader in 'Revenge' quite a captivating novel. This is truly what can happen when the blinders are taken off as it was for Brooklyn and the situation can spiral out of control. Yes, this is what can happen when one's heart has been truly hurt. And yes, that's why I wasn't surprised by that ending! So, if you are looking for a read with loads of 'drama, lies, love, and revenge,' this one's truth is for you!

I Hope She's Worth It 2: Some Ghetto Sh*t Kindle Edition by Niki Jilvontae

Profile:

"Love is blind...some love can be quick. Love can endure the tests of time, or lead you to Some Ghetto Sh*t. This is a lesson many have to learn the hard way and Quaderious Jones is no different. The tale of Quatty continues in this sequel as he begins to wonder if any woman is worth all he has gone through. With Pooh still alive and not giving up and secrets surrounding his relationship with Tinka hanging over his head, Quatty is put to the test. More murder, secrets, heartache, jail time, and lies are in his future along with some ghetto shit he can't escape. Come on this turbulent ride as Quatty continues to ask himself. .. Is She Worth it?"


Title: I Hope She's Worth It 2
Author: Niki Jilvontae
Publisher: Niki Jilvontae Presents; 2 edition
Series: #2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"I Hope She's Worth It 2" by Niki Jilvontae

My Rationalization:

Well, it seems like Quatty finally finds out who is worth it in "I Hope She's Worth It 2." This was definitely one of those reads that you will not want to stop reading until the end. I was glad to see Quatty taking charge of what was best for his family. I enjoyed how well this author brought this story to the reader where one was able to keep up with all that was going on with Quatty, Tinka, Pooh, and a few other interesting characters. 

Split-Level A Novel by Sande Boritz Berger

Profile:

"For young wife and mother, Alex Pearl, the post-Nixon 1970s offers pot parties, tie-dyed fashions, and the lure of the open marriage her husband wants for the two of them. Alex is a painter, stifled but loyal, and when she realizes just how far her husband's eye has begun to wander, she's faced with difficult choices about what marriage and family mean, and whether an "open" lifestyle mimicking communal living might be for her. Yearning for both greater adventure and intimacy, yet fearful of losing it all, Alex must figure out the truth of love and fidelity—at a pivotal point in an American Marriage."

Title: Split-Level
Author: Sande Boritz Berger
Publisher: She Writes Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Split-Level" by Sande Boritz Berger

My Rationalization:

I will say this was indeed one interesting 1970's nostalgia that will definitely keep you turning the pages to see what next is going on with these two main characters What will happen as Alex and Donny Pearl enter into an 'open marriage and become swingers?' I found this story quite interesting as we find Alex is definitely searching for her identity. Now for her husband Donny I found him somewhat off and strange in that all of a sudden he becomes 'obsessed with the idea that couples can live together, swapping spouses and be able to live happily ever after.' Now how will this work out for them? Will they be able to fix their marriage by following in the footsteps of another couple? Well to find out how this well-written story will go you will have to pick up "Split-Level" to see what is in the cards for these two people. I liked how this author talks about "the concept of marriage, communication, honesty, family friends, love, hope along with the mentions of alcohol and drugs that seem to play a good part in their decision making of the story." By the end of the story, the reader will get quite a rollercoaster ride. The ending was quite a surprise with the reader will be given something to ponder over long after the read with the family dynamics really being brought to light from this read. 

Shadow Doctors (Atlanta X-Men Homicide Squad #3.5) by Cortez Law III

"In Atlanta, murder has a new upscale address. Someone targets the city’s privileged citizens in the dark of night. But for what purpose and why?

Sergeant Malcolm Hobbs leads his elite X-Men Homicide Detective Squad in pursuit of a crafty and elusive enemy that leaves enigmatic clues at crime scenes that baffle the investigators.

As the squad digs deeper into the lives of the victims, patterns emerge and converge, and lead Sergeant Hobbs and his X-Men Detectives on an intense manhunt to stop the criminals from carrying out their ominous plans."


Title: Shadow Doctors
Author:  Cortez Law III
Publisher: Metro Black & Blue Book
Series: Atlanta X-Men Homicide Squad #3.5
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Shadow Doctors" by Cortez Law III

My Rationalization:

With murder being on the uprise in Atlanta for the city's privileged citizens, how will Sergeant Hobbs with the help of the 'elite X-Men Homicide Detective Squad' take down these criminals? This is quite an adventure seeing just how this squad will be able to stop these criminals. By the end when the squad thinks they are dealing with one type of criminals the real ones will show their hand. To find out how this will all go down you will have to pick up 'Shadow Doctors' to see just who the real criminals really were and just how this Squad were able to take them down before they were able to 'carry out their ominous plans.' I found this short story will definitely keep your attention to the end. 

Wait No More: A With Your Permission Spin-off Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris

Profile:

"The rumors... they came from sources that she trusted; the news, the neighborhood, and now the patrons in her night club, Rendezvous. Still, Sophia Clark wouldn’t believe that the soldiers who returned from their tours included the only man she ever loved. But when Dean St. James strolled through the door, the shock to Sophia’s spirit nearly disassembled her. There was no explanation for the reckless up-surging beat of her heart, not after the way Dean disappeared, leaving Sophia to wonder if he’d become a casualty of war.

Now, without time to process her turbulent emotions, Sophia comes face to face with his return, which proves to challenge the love they lost—bringing them together or closing the door on what could have been for all time."

Title: Wait No More
Author: Stephanie Nicole Norris
Publisher: Love Is A Drug Ink
Series: A With Your Permission Spin-Off
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Wait No More" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Rationalization:

What a very realistic story of a soldier living with PTSD and the turmoil it caused his loved ones. This story was greatly brought out that involved Sophia Clark and Dean St. James proving that love can cure all even in a second chance romance. It was good to see that Dean decision not to suffer in silence as so many people have done so. Be ready for a good emotional story about war issues, sacrifices, passion, and love scenes that are off the chart. This was definitely one of those reads that the reader will enjoy. I only wished there had been an epilogue to the ending. 

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Kindle Edition by I.J. Miller

Profile:

"Two moms, Maddie and Al, wake up one cold morning in March in a run-down motel in Weehawken, NJ thinking they have finally found safety after a cross-country escape from their baby’s manipulative biological father. But they soon discover that the state’s top hostage negotiator--and his personal four-man SWAT team--surround their room. 

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION takes you to the inner core of two unique women desperate to keep their baby at all costs and provide him with the secure, protected, happy childhood neither of them had. This well-crafted story takes you from the drama of the present, to the tragic scarring of childhood past, to the joyful connection the two make as adults, then back to the present and its emotional closure to this passionate journey of two partners seeking a peaceful life together as a family.

Maddie and Al show us how important it is to protect our children at all costs and how valiantly they’re willing to fight to overcome the deep-rooted effects of early abuse."

Title: Immaculate Conception
Author: I. J. Miller
Publisher: Island Publishing
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Immaculate Conception" by I. J. Miller

My Rationalization:

What an interesting read of how "Maddie and Al show us how important it is to protect our children at all cost and how valiantly they're will fight to overcome the deep-rooted effects of early abuse." For these two damaged women, it was quite a journey of how they started a family that ended with them having to run from the law. Be prepared to be caught up in quite a ride of emotions and drama in their world that consisted of many twists and turns as they are trying to get to that happy part of their life's. All I can say is what an ending! I wished there had been an epilogue to maybe have found out finally what happened to 'baby Jesse.' 

Catching Creole by S.I. Hayes & J. Haney

Profile:

"Style, grace, charm and a pretty face. This is what Zeta Tau Alpha girls are made of.

School’s out and so is Aviana River Moore’s luck.
Having moved to New Orleans after Katrina, Aviana met Xavier Thomas Rousseau.
Between his smart alack remarks and her sassy ways, they bonded like shrimp and gumbo.

They’ve done everything together. Dances, family affairs, even college. It was her way of keeping him. College is out, and he’s joined Doctors without Borders, leaving after the summer break.

Aviana has three months to do the one thing she’s never done. Tell him how she feels.
Can she get her courage, and show Xavier what he’s been missing?
Will Xavier see past the girl down the road facade and let love in or will Aviana forever be just a friend?"

Title: Catching Creole
Authors: S. I. Hayes & J. Haney
Publisher: Haney/Hayes Books
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Catching Creole" by S.I. Hayes & J. Haney

My Rationalization:

Be ready for a short and cute novella of Avaiana and Xavier. It was quite interesting when Avaiana finally had enough and let Xavier know of her true feelings of how she felt about him. Just being best friends for years wasn't enough of Avaiana. So, how will Xavier except all of this from Avaiana? Will Xavier just what to continue with the friendship? Well. to find out how this friend to lovers story will come out you will just have to pick up "Catching Creole' to see how well this author brings it all out to the reader.