Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Boo'd Up with a Rich Thug: A Short Story Kindle Edition by Pebbles Starr


Book Synopsis:

"After all the trials and tribulations they endured and overcame, Raelyn and Caesar are happily living in marital bliss — but the same cannot be said for her best friends Blue and Symba. Both women are struggling to keep their broken marriages intact out of sheer obligation and the fear of being alone.

But when tragedy occurs and secrets begin to arise, they find themselves pushed to the point of no return. Can they beat the odds, or will the weight of their burdens force them to walk away from the men who were supposed to be their knight in shining armor? Find out in the first installment of this mini-saga." 

t may be a short story but it’s packed with drama, emotion and earth-shattering scandals.

Title:  Boo'd Up With A Rich Thug
Author:  Pebbles Starr
Publisher:  Jade Publications   
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Four
Review:

"Boo'd Up With A Rich Thug by  Pebbles Starr

My Rationalization:

An interesting short story featuring Raeyn, Caesar, Blue, Lamont, Symba, and Canyon dealing with what can go
wrong in a marriage.  It looks like one couple who have already faced 'trials and tribulations' are managing
their marriage while the other two couples are facing as it looks could be broken marriage.  What will happen 
as 'tragedy occurs and secrets begin to arise.'  The reader will be left with a story that will be continued.  
So, we will have to wait and see how all of this 'drama, emotion and earth-shattering scandals' will come out.















A Thug Like You Kindle Edition by Pebbles Starr


Book Synopsis:


"A fast-paced, jaw-dropping new romance from Pebbles Starr, author of the epic bestselling When a Rich Thug Wants You series!


Miss Sky is a shrewd single mom making her way in the world by working as a bottle girl at an LA nightclub, where she secretly pockets the establishment’s share with the help of her best friend Zuri. Sky’s unscrupulous means of getting by haven’t caught the attention of the owners of the club who just happen to be the biggest crime family in LA, the Kasabian Cartel – at least not yet.

Unknown to Sky, there’s drama unfolding behind the scenes in her personal life as her boyfriend Blade’s lies slowly start to unravel, as well as his secrets – like the fact that he is engaged to another woman. Meanwhile, Sky’s crazy baby daddy who is behind bars on drug charges is up for parole and plans to come home to reclaim what’s his.

Just when you thought things couldn’t get more complicated, Sky’s childhood friend Ryzen who has secretly carried a torch for her is reunited with her after sixteen years. He is determined to finally speak up and confess his feelings, despite the fact that Sky doesn’t even remember who he is.

Things aren’t any better for Zuri as she and her serial cheater of a man Flex are constantly at odds with each other as their relationship grows more and more toxic, and she’s too stubborn to quit while she’s ahead. Will their “struggle love” be her undoing? Or can he change before it’s too late?

If you enjoyed “When a Rich Thug Wants You”, you’ll love this African American urban romance that’ll have you flipping through pages as drama and scandals endlessly unfold."

Title:  A Thug Like You
Author:  Pebbles Starr
Publisher:  Jaded Publications 
Reviewed By:   Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"A Thug Like You" by Pebbles Starr

My Rationalization:

What a story that is full of a little bit of it all from drama, lies, scamming, twists, turns, and scandals that will keep you turning the pages.  All of the characters were something else but for the Sky's son Chosen.  Poor Sky was just left wanting to find someone to love her and let's not forget the way she was treated by her friend Zuri.  
Hopefully, as the story continues we will find out if Sky will be able to find happiness and see what karma will have for Flex, Blade, Zuri, and Tommie.  And also that Chosen and Ryzen will be all right.  











Flawless (5 book series) By Jade Jones


Book Synopsis:

"Shayla Edwards has led a life of privilege under the wing of her fabulously wealthy parents and she is used to getting whatever she wants. When she meets Romeo, a sexy D-boy whose animal magnetism mesmerizes her, she’s determined to have him too. However, the question is, is she up for the challenge? 

Kimberlyn Lopez lived in the lap of luxury right up till her fiancĂ©, Cool, went behind bars on drug charges, leaving her to fend for herself and their 5-year old son alone. Things take a turn when Desmond, an old flame, makes a sudden reappearance in her life and charms his way back into her heart. But can Kimberlyn hold him down? Or will the possibility of losing him hold her back? And when Cool gets an early release, can she stand her ground and do what’s best for her?

Romeo and Desmond are small-time hoodlums turned big-time entrepreneurs, who moved to Atlanta with big dreams for the future following the success of their marijuana business. But when betrayal and distrust creep into their circle and shakes the foundations of their friendship, will they stand strong at the top, or will everything come crashing down?

When their worlds collide, the only way up is to fight for what they want. With over 120 five-star reviews, "Flawless" will take you on a wild ride filled with love, betrayal, and nonstop action. If you enjoyed "Cameron" and "When a Rich Thug Wants You", you'll become addicted to this mind-blowing series!" 



Title: Flawless [Five Book Series}
Author: Jade Jones
Publisher: J.J.
Series: Book 1-5
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Flawless" [Boxed Set] by Jade Jones

My Rationalization:

Wow, what a story "Flawless" series was with some very very interesting characters that will really have you shaking your head and saying really? When you read this story which is 5 series back to back you get a complete story of some of the craziest people with so much turmoil that one could ever hope to be around. The reader will be wondering who will be left standing as you are turning the pages to see what was happening next.

I was so glad for the ending of this 'Flawless' saga with yes, a few people still standing. If you are in for a little bit of it all in this urban hood fiction you will just have to pick up this series to see for yourself how it all begins and ends. By the way, I hate cliffhangers so it was indeed a pleasure to read this in one sitting [series] that did take me a few days but it was worth it. This author really knows how to keep the reader's attention. And in the end still left me saying Wow what a read! 
















A Cold-Blooded Thug Stole My Heart Kindle Edition by Pebbles Starr


Book Synopsis:

"Kiely thought she had it all when she married the handsome, hood rich, charismatic Nakai Montgomery. He was everything she wanted in a man and more, so when he proposed to her on the night of her 18th birthday, she didn’t think twice about saying yes. Kiely just knew he was the man for her…but that was before everything turned from sugar to shit. 

Five years after they said there I Do’s, life hits them hard and Nakai’s business takes a serious dip in sales. Stressed from the lack of income, he turns to booze and a multitude of women, unwittingly pushing his wife away and into the arms of his Jamaican homeboy, Island.

If you enjoyed “When a Rich Thug Wants You”, you’ll love this steamy tale full of lust, love, surprises, and one shocking secret that is sure to leave you in awe!"

Title:  A Cold-Blood Thug Stole My Heart
Author:  Pebbles Starr
Publisher:  Jaded Publications                  
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Four
Review:

"A Cold-Blooded Thug Stole My Heart" by Pebbles Starr

My Rationalization:  

Here is a story that will keep your attention with all of the twists and turns this author presents to the reader in this story.  We find from the read that Nakai was really something else. For the life of me, I couldn't understand why Kiley stayed with him.  Oh, she loved him?  Then we see that Island had loved her from the beginning and it seems like his best friend interfered with that situation and ended up marrying Kiley.  As this story processes, we find that Nakai was like I said something else as it seems he had something to do with Island's wife Allison death. As this story gets to really going where secrets come out the reader will see that the story ends on a cliffhanger so we will have to wait to see who is still standing after Island and Nakai confrontation.

























A Thug And His Mistress: A Standalone Novel Kindle Edition by Pandora


Book Synopsis:

"If one man could have it all, that would perfectly describe Lucas. With a Fortune 500 company to his name, a successful non-profit under his patronage, a gorgeous and devoted wife, and millions of dollars at his disposal, he has everything a man could want. But for all his wealth and fortune, Lucas is still dissatisfied and his desire to have more and more is insatiable. His unhealthy addiction to beautiful women and his roving eye leads him straight into the arms of the mysterious seductress Montana.

Lucas is instantly drawn to her sexy aura and provocative ways. The complete opposite of his wife, Montana breathes a breath of fresh air into his life and excites a passion in Lucas that he has never felt before. The fact that she’s not just after his money like most of his side chicks comforts him, but Montana is after something other than money – something that may come with a price tag that is too hefty even for a millionaire like Lucas.

"A Thug and his Mistress" is an urban fiction standalone that transports you into a world of wealth, passion, love, and betrayal, with twists and turns on every corner just when you least expect them."


Title:  A Thug And His Mistress
Author:  Pandora
Publisher:  Jaded Publications 
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"A Thug And His Mistress" By Pandora

My Rationalization:

Now, this is definitely one of those stories that you will not be able to put down until the end. The three
main characters from Lucas, Chelsea, and Montana well all I can say is wow!  This is definitely one of those stories that you can say karma is a ...  I wondered what will happen when the wife woke up to what
all was going on with her husband.  All that is left to say is that Lucas got what he desired and as for Miss
Montana well she was quite a crazy character that still seems to be alive.  I guess we will have to wait and
see if there will be more to this story.  Anyway, I believe Chelsea will be ready one way or another.    








Rising Star Kindle Edition by J. Haney

Book Synopsis:

"In a competition for fame, they must surrender to the music and each other.

Cassiopeia Eleanor. A name that just begs to be heard. A successful singer in small-town Mississippi, she finds only disappointment in California. It’s a tale as old as they come until she sees the flyer for a new kind of musical talent show. Rising Star could be her ticket to success. Now, she’s on her way. She’s moving through the ranks, and nothing is gonna slow her down.

J.T Chase is a man possessed by his passions. Having left the Seminary, he’s spent the last eight years working the bar and club scene, trying to share his music. Rising Star is his chance to show the world that he can succeed."

Title:  Rising Star
Author:  J. Haney
Publisher:  Haney Hayes Books; 1 edition   
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Five
Review:

"Rising Star" by J. Haney

My Rationalization...

What will happen when Cassiopeia Eleanor leaves Mississippi and ventures to California for a musical talent show?  What will happen when J.T. chase who had been bound for the Seminary but ends up 'working in a bar and club scene where he loved sharing his music' and meets Cassiopeia?  And guess who else worked in this club?

Now this will not be an easy fun story because there will be many twists and turns before we can get to a HEA for these two.  Now if you add the characters especially J.T's daughter. Bethany, along with some special friends...Zu Christian to name a few you will have one good well-written story from start to finish. I don't want to leave out the parents of both of these main characters [Cassie & J.T] were good in how they were brought into the story.  

I especially enjoyed how this author brings the story to the end when the winner is presented for this talent show...Cassi, Christian or J.T. and omg how this story will give the reader a real surprise.  Now, I don't want to tell you what is and all how it's happening but just to say you will have to pick up 'Rising Star' to see how well it all comes out.  Indeed I was surprised and the ending was really something sweet too.  This is one of those stories that when you think you have it all figured out..you will see you simply don't!  Like I said earlier yes, we will get a good ending with a wonderful HEA for these two.  















Call Sign: Baby Daddy (Navy SEAL Liaisons Book 1) Kindle Edition by S.I. Hayes (Author), J. Haney


Book Synopsis:

"To those who say War is Hell, I say, try being married to a person you don't even know.
That's my dilemma.
My name is Ozmond Zayne and after nearly fifteen years in the US Armed Forces, ten of them as a US Navy SEAL, I am about to face my greatest of foes.
A wife and daughter."

Title:  Call Sign:  Baby Daddy
Authors:  S.I. Hayes & J. Haney
Publisher:  Haney/Hayes Books                 
Series:  Navy Seal Liaisons Book 1
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Call Sign:  Baby Daddy" by S. I Hayes & J. Haney

My Rationalization:

I found "Call Sign: Baby Daddy": was an interesting sweet read that was about Ozwald [Oz] Zayne and Savi who had to get married quickly due to her pregnancy and hin wanting to do the right thing.  Now it looks like Navy Seal Oz military career may have ended due to an accident and now he is now coming home with his wife and daughter he barely knows. I liked how they were able to work together while learning about each other even though it seemed like her parents weren't pleased with their marriage.  There will be lots going on from 'an undeserved reputation, major storm, Oz's Seal brothers coming to their aid' to seeing how this author gives the reader a good story when it's all said and done.   










Irish Eyes and Mafia Lies by J. Haney


Book Synopsis:

"After witnessing the brutal beating of her father at Irish Mob boss Antaine Sorley’s hand, OnĂłra Russo is on the run. Together with her little brother Finn she has fled the safety of her Chicago home for places unknown. 
Her instincts say keep running, but loyalty says to do as Daddy instructed. Make the call to the one man who can help her. What happens when the one who answers isn’t who she expects?
Can OnĂłra trust this Irishman who claims neutrality? With the Irish and Italian’s looking for them does she have a choice?
RĂłnán knew, knew before he traced the call it was going to be trouble. Then he heard her Siren’s call and couldn’t refuse. It may put his life on the line, but he’ll help her, whatever the cost. Even if that cost is his heart."

Title:  Irish Eyes and Mafia Lies
Author:  J. Haney
Publisher:  Haney Hayes Books                             
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Five
Review:

"Irish Eyes and Mafia Lies" by J. Haney

My Rationalization:

What an interesting story this was from the start to the finish.  Seeing Onora and her brother Finn having to flee from Chicago for there safety to parts unknown.  It was told to Onora what she was to do as her father had instructed and that was to make a call to the Irishman and we find Ronan was the one who picked up the call. With both the Irish and Italian's looking for Onora we see that she will do as her father has asked.  What is up with this Irishman Roman as it seems like he may be putting his own life on the line by getting involved with these two?  I will say the Onora did get on my nerves as times with some of her thought patterns but it worked its way out by the end.  

I do not want to tell to much more about this story other than to say this will be one read that you will be kept turning the pages with all that will go on with Onora, Finn, and Ronan. It will be even more interesting as the reader will see these two Onora and Ronan start to fall for each other.  I did love the banter between all three of these characters.  By the end, we are given a story that comes together so well in how and what can happen when the Irish and Italians are able to work things out especially as it was for Onora, Finn, and Ronan.    











Friday, September 13, 2019

Onyx: Tales of a Blackened Soul Kindle Edition by Deidra D. S. Green


Book Synopsis:

"When she walks, time moves under her feet.

With a single step, Onyx Querette Acerant travels through time and space, the ancient and the new, the past and seemingly forgotten spaces that only the supernatural can touch. Like her psychically gifted sisters, Onyx moves in the shadows, thriving in darkness, changing the fates of those the ancestors deem worthy."

**If you are sensitive about race-related issues or opposing religious views, this book may not be for you.
**This is the finale of the Blackened Soul Series and does not end on a cliffhanger.

Title:  Onyx:  Tales of a Blackened Soul
Author:  Deidra D. S. Green
Publisher:  D.D.S.G                               
Series:  Tales of a Blackened Soul Book 4
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Onyx" Tales of a Blackened Soul by Deidra D. S. Green

My Rationalization:

Well, all that is left to say is that this 'Tales of a Blackened Soul' consisted of a total of four stories that will definitely keep your attention all the way till the end.  Please remember that this story will jump from the past to the present [back & forth].  The way I present this review many questions will be asked but to get the answers you will have to pick up this read "Onyx."

This last story was about Onyx who just happened to be another spirited sister with the gift of being a time traveler [past & future]. When Mama Bah gets all four of these sisters together...as she calls them her daughters...London [Midnight-visions], Sable [Telekinesis], Ebony [healing], and Onyx [time traveler] I will say will the world be ready for them?  You will see from the stories that they were truly 'some badass beautiful black women who were powerful.'

As the story starts out it seems like their will be someone else named Damien who used the cat-o-nine-tails to be able to function.  Now, how will that turn out for him in the story as he has been sent looking for Sister Mina?

As the story continues on this author brings in another character Leyssa Gaelle who was running away from her master.  Now, what was that all about?  How will Mama Bah get help for Leyssa who was a lost daughter that needed to be rescued?  What will happen when she calls for the sisters [daughters] to help?   

The story continues on with Lance Billups [investigator] from Atlanta, Ga. wanting to help Jeremiah in the situation he was in.  Now how will that turn out? Also, how will the situation with Diamond Washington turn out? This had happened in an earlier series by the hands of ... Now that the Tunstall's were all in jail how will this turn out for them?

Now we see that Leyssa is in New Orleans having been saved by Mama Bah's spiritual daughters, what is next for her? Why was Leyssa still sad about her family she has left behind?  Again when Mama Bah calls on her daughters and they come.  Will they be able to help Leyssa in the saving of her family & friends from that horrible master?

As the story picks up we find Sister Mina calling on London [Midnight] for help.  Will London be able to get to Sister Mina in time?  

Moving on we find the four sisters are together and knowing they had a task to do.  Will they be able to fulfill their jobs with there dealings with three boys, two police officers and oh yes that Marlon Sr?  

Back on Birch Street in New Orleans with Mama Bah the daughters are back and realizing that Leyssa needed help for her family from the Jefferson plantation some 400 years ago, so what will come of this?  Now, think of this plantation the land that was now where Mama Bah owned. Anyway, as the story continues Mama will have a problem with a certain person named Maza.  Now, how will that all turn out?  

The daughters will now want to help Leyssa who was free but still bound to the plantation where her family was located and this will be quite a scene to read about as the story goes back in the past. As you continue to read one will see how well it will all come together in the end and will there be justice served?  I know the answer to that but you will just have to read it for yourself to find out.  

I know I have said a lot about this story and asked a lot of questions that you the reader will only get the answers from the read that this author provides so well in the story.  All of the questions will be answered and so much much but to get it all from these daughters you will need to pick up the entire series of the 'Tales of a Blackened Soul' to get the true message that is delivered so very well by this author.

Here is the whole series of Tales of a Blackened Soul:

Midnight
Sable
Ebony
Onyx

Please read them in order and you will not miss a thing that happened in each one of the stories. Yes, I indeed enjoyed them all.










Thursday, September 12, 2019

Devil In Her Bed Kindle Edition by Amarie Avant

Book Synopsis:

"Before Lincoln Zager, I was submerged in a happily ever after. It all came crashing down. The love of my life had gone missing and was presumed dead. That's the day I died inside. 

Then Lincoln came along, and he was relentlessly determined to protect me . . . revive me. He offered me a second chance at forever. Lincoln had to thaw the numbness surrounding my heart. He fought me ... for me.

His sexy, muscular body is blemished with scars. And he taught me that my emotional scars have enhanced my beauty.

No matter how strong Lincoln's love is, another man harbors a dangerous affection for me. I have an obsessed stalker. Like Lincoln, he also claims that he will never let me go..."


This book is a ***RERELEASE*** and now includes an alternate ending for your enjoyment.


Title: Devil In Her Bed
Author: Amarie Avant
Publisher: A.A.  
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Devil In Her Bed" by Amarie Avant

My Thoughts...
Be ready for a very interesting erotic romantic thriller...

From the Stalker...[boogeyman, real crazy man] Jeffery Peterson aka Donald Dudley

......the stalked...Siobhan Lewis

who was killed? ....Samuel, Regina & Everett Godwin...funerals and a few more killings totaling...[15], Alton, Glendora Wilson.....now what has happened to Hosea Murrell...September 12, 2019

What did I think about it...well I like the ending with Siobhan and Lincoln.. the other alternate ending was OK but I like the first ending better. To get a look at the alternative ending please check it out... It will be a good read too!

.. Siobhan's ex? This is really some good reading!

saver of the day... Lincoln Zagar and his friend Bernard

add into this wonderful story more colorful characters...Siobhan's mom[Shania], dad[Deon] and friend from work... Siobhan's Executive assistant...Tamara...Siobhan therapist, Dr, Beck, Detective Ortiz, Maggie, Agent Quigley, Lenard Murrell & Elora Zager

This story taking place in several locations... Northern California, LA...Willow Bluff [hundred miles north of San Francisco], San Antonio, Texas, San Diego, Monterey Beach, Sweden, Fort Brags to name a few.

As the story moves along we are in Willow Bluff where Siobhan is hiding from the stalker.... she has a home and decides to go for a run and who does she meet up with during the run? Yes, that Lincoln Zager.

Now this story will take the reader on quite a long journey. Many questions will be asked.... Will Siobhan be willing to put her faith in this hot guy? What was it about Lincoln that even this stalker felt threatened? There will be lots of twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages to get more of this wonderfully told story. Now, I will say I had some problems with the heroine...to me, I felt she didn't think about certain things...like what could be the reason she wasn't able to get in touch with her best friend and her mom? Didn't she think that there was something wrong with the phones especially after not hearing from her best friend and mom after several weeks? Oh, well as the story continues..we find out more about that crazy stalker...wow is all I have to say. You will have to read this story for yourself to see how well this author presents us with such a thriller of a read.

Will Lincoln be able to find out who the stalker was and how does he handle it with the help of his friend Bernard? What will happen as Lincoln meets and becomes involved with Siobhan family? What had happened in Lincoln's life that had caused some of his weirdness toward his own family? What was it about Siobhan that kept Lincoln so captivated with her? Moreover, what was it about Hosea [a childhood friend] that Siobhan held so dear to her heart about him? But was it the same kind of love that Lincoln held in his heart for her? To find out all of these questions you will have to pick up the novel "Devil In Her Bed" to find out!

As the story moves on.... it seems like this stalker will stop at nothing! Or will he? This is a real nut
case!

Now, I definitely don't want to leave out the two...Siobhan and Lincoln...oh yes! It was definitely right on for this two...after they met after that run. I loved the music this author-supplied for the readers...Al Greens...' Let's Stay Together' and all of the hot steamy chemistry they had for each other! Why couldn't Siobhan believe that Lincoln wanted more than just keeping her safe? I know she said that she didn't want him hurt with all that was going on with her ...but really?

OK, moving on why was Siobhan hesitate in wanting to call the police about what was going on with her after she moved? What had happened earlier to her when a certain police Detective Ortiz was involved with her brother Sammy's death and Hosea disappearance? It was always interesting seeing these two fall out and then [Siobhan and Lincoln]...you know...getting back together again.

This stalker..what's he up to now? As the story goes on the reader really gets to see deep down just how crazy this person really is... messing with Siobhan's drinking waters, her security system, phones, and...well I will stop here and just say you will have to read what all this mad man had done or was planning to do! How will he be caught? But before he is caught who next will he kill and then he stopped but then started up again due to ***** asking about Siobhan? What had happened to him during his childhood that had greatly affected his mind? How this person was able to get in and out doing the things he did were simply off the chain...downright scary! This creep seems to be all over the place! Get ready because there will be a lot more happening in the read. I know I have told you lots but there is even more...

And who comes in and saves the day after it is all is said and done?!

Now, it will take a minute for this story to all come together. Then at the end when the reader will be seeking for....well after this author gives the readers one good read but to get there the reader will be presented with two endings. My favorite one was the first one. Will we get a HEA? ...[here is a quote at one of the endings]: that I loved.....
James 1:2-4
"Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

but you know how this author thinks [very well indeed] giving the reader another surreal ending...so the reader gets to choose which one they will like or really it could have both endings that could have happened in this romantic thriller. I am going to stop now only to say this story is one very well written story by this author. Will this Peterson creep get what is due to him in the end? Well, I have said more than enough so to find out all the answers to all of the questions asked you will have to pick up 'Devil In Her Bed' and see for yourself how this story has been presented so well to the reader. Be prepared to be blown away with this erotic romantic thriller read...especially with those two endings! Would I recommend "Devil In Her Bed?" YES!

*****So, I picked up the next alternative ending on September 12, 2019

What did I think about the alternate ending? Well I like the ending with Siobhan and Lincoln.. the other alternate ending was OK but I like the first ending better. To get a look at the alternative ending please check it out... It will be a good read too! This author has done a good job of trying to please all of her readers.

Daycare Santa, By J.L. Campbell

Book Excerpt: " The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but Regina Wright's world is unraveling. A split with her busi...