The Newbie (Temptations and Troubles in Downers Grove Book 1) Kindle Edition by J. Haney & , S.I. Hayes Ha

Book Synopsis:

"Homecoming is gonna get complicated…

It’s not easy being a single mom, and for Jennifer (Jo) Delgado, it’s sometimes a doozy. The new school year is already off to a rocky start. Her fifteen-year-old is having sex, with the new girl down the street, who’s a dad is the new English teacher. What’s worse is every woman in Downer’s Grove is salivating over him. Sure he’s hot like makes your thighs go squish kind of hot, and he looks good in shorts and all wet… but who’s got time for that? Certainly not Jo… Right?

New town, a new set of problems for English Teacher, Nico Grant. His daughter Kyra is bedding the locals, and already the vultures are circling. But there is a couple of moms that seem sorta reasonable. Maybe he can make a friend? You know someone to talk to besides the kid? She’s excellent but adult time would be nice too.
What happens when the kids take over, and the parents lose control? It’s time to hold on tight and go along for the ride. That’s life with a teen when you find yourself the newbie in town."
*Trigger warning
*Violence

Title: The Newbie
Authors: J. Haney & S.I. Hayes
Publisher: Haney & Hayes
Series: Temptations and Troubles in Downers Grove Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"The Newbie" by J. Haney and S. I. Hayes

My Rationalization:

I found this story really quite interesting. The way it started out and the way it ended was quite a good read. When you are dealing with teenagers who are having sex at fifteen, and it seems like it's OK with the parents, you know something is missing in this story. Definitely, someone needs someone to talk to as it was for poor Kyra Grant, who had already gone to something quite horrible in her young life. I was stunned that her father had not caught any of this and that they both needed some help. I will say I wasn't surprised by the turnout of suicide that did come into play. Thank God maybe there will be help for not only her but for a few others in this story as it seems there will be a countenance from this story. Be ready for a little bit of it all from 'trigger warnings, violence, and sex' from this story. In the end, the reader will be left wondering how things will go from the English Teacher[his job] and his daughter Kyra. 

Tangled Up In Christmas by Lisa Renee Jones

Book Synopsis:

"I might be a country girl from the same small town of Sweetwater, Texas, as horse wrangler Roarke Frost, the girl next door who knows him like few know him, but I didn't know enough to save my heart.

He's the reason why I left Sweetwater behind.

But now fate proves she loves a wicked twist and sends me back to Sweetwater to pull together a Christmas festival—and I run smack into the man again, quite literally. His body is pressed to mine, his hands on my arms, and I'm melting like chocolate in the sizzling Texas sunshine. And I run.

I know it’s not exactly respectable, but it works, just not for long. No matter how much I try to get tangled up in Christmas, I end up tangled up in Roarke instead—and the man has me feeling the heat of our attraction and the warmth of our past friendship. He feels like Mr. Right, but history says he’s Mr. Wrong.

But if he wants a second chance, Roarke Frost is going to have to work for it. He’ll need to prove to me that this holiday is a season of new beginnings, the kind that lasts forever."

Title:  Tangled Up In Christmas
Author:  Lisa Renee Jones
Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC
Series:  Texas Heat Series Book 2
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Five
Review:

"Tangled Up In Christmas" by Lisa Renee Jones

My Rationalization:

This was a good Christmas well-written story of a second chance romance that dealt with Hannah and Roarke.  We find that these two were once engaged until everything seemed to go up in smoke with a mess between their families. Hannah leaves her hometown of Sweetwater, Texas now returning after 5 years thinking Roarke had cheated on her, now she is back. Will Roarke be able to prove he was set up?  How will these two be able to make things right between them by working together on a Christmas festival for their hometown?  This will be a story full of a little bit of it all from 'secrets, anger, sadness, drama, romance, explosive chemistry, conflict with family lies, animals and enduring friendships with some remarkable characters' to give the reader quite an entertaining holiday read. To get it all you will have to pick up "Tangled Up In Christmas" to get all of the above questions answered.  And in the end a HEA!  Also, this author included a bonus read at the end 'Santa Baby' which was another good holiday read involving Caron & Baxter.  

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Once Upon a Cowboy Christmas A River Ranch Novel by Soraya Lane

Book Synopsis:

"Billionaires, cowboys, and romance collide during the holidays in this next book in the River Ranch series! 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at the Ford family ranch. Will one cowboy’s homecoming be the greatest gift of all?

He left town and never looked back.
Cody Ford is a Wall Street honcho with humble Texas roots. This holiday season, he’d be content to just stay in New York and not face his family—and dodge their questions about when and with whom he plans to settle down and if he will do so back at home. But his father isn’t getting any younger, and Cody doesn’t want to miss any last chances to see him and the rest of the folks back on the ranch. The last person Cody was expecting to see? His one-time girlfriend, Lexi Murphy, who’s been working as his dad’s new live-in nurse.

She never forgot him. Can she ever forgive him?
Lexi still holds a grudge against Cody. Back then, the college-bound heartthrob believed he was too good for a small-town girl like Lexi. But now Cody can’t help but see her in a whole new light. Could it be that this beautiful single mother with an unbeatable can-do spirit is the one he’s been waiting for all along? That depends on whether Cody can prove to Lexi that, this time, he means business—and if a sudden snowstorm can lend just the right amount of Christmas magic to help move things along. . ."

“Lane warms the hearts of readers across the globe.”
—RT Book Reviews

Title:  Once Upon a Cowboy Christmas

Author:  Soroya Lane

Publisher:  St. Martin's Press

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Once Upon a Cowboy" by Soraya Lane

My Rationalization:

This was quite an interesting story that involved 'a millionaire, cowboy, second chance at romance, and during
the Christmas holiday.'  We find a son [Cody] who is returning for Christmas to the family ranch in Texas.  Why had he not been coming home very often after the death of his mother?  And what will happen after he returns home and finds his old flame Lexi who is a nurse is caring for Cody's father Walter?  What other problems will come up from this holiday visit that will bring problems to Lexi's life as she has becomes involved with her ex-sweetheart?   I will say that all of the characters from this story were very interesting with my favorite being the father and Lexi's son Harry.

I will say that for about 3/4 of the read I really didn't care for the hero but by the end of this story with Cody realizing that he needs some help, [therapy] I did change my mind about him.  I think that part was so very important to this story.  After all, is said and done I found this story a good read that will keep you turning the pages to see if there will be a rekindling of a romance that will end in an HEA for these two.   

Thank you to NetGallery for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Tell Me Tru by J. Haney Oct 29

Book Synopsis:

"Lies have a way of coming to light. Especially when love is on the line.

Tru Averdeen had everything a person could want. Money, fame, the power to influence others. Her way was paved on her fortune and her face. With porcelain skin, ahead of fiery curls, all framing a pair of pastel blue eyes and lips like pink roses she has been a Media Spectacle since she was born. Then she met Holly…

Holly Turner came up rough. Emotionally damaged all she wanted was a life worth living. Then she sees a face on TV crying over some lost rich daddy. Her wheels turn and soon she is face to face with Tru and the truth…

It’s been four years since that night. They don’t speak of it, not anymore. Tru has fallen away from the limelight, letting Holly take on her name, her face, friends. All Tru wants is a quiet happy existence away, and all Holly wants is what’s owed to her. It’s worked for four years…

Worked." 

Title: Tell Me Tru
Author: J. Haney
Publisher: Haney Hayes Books
Series: Averdeen Duet Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating; Five
Review:

"Tell Me Tru" by J. Haney

My Rationalization:

This was a good read of how two sisters had been broken apart only to find themselves coming together. But will it be an easy ride for Tru and Holly? I thought this story really showed how well this author was able to give the reader an interesting story of how twins were able to switch back and forth and no one will know the difference until one person just knew something was up. We find one of the twins hated the 'Media Spectacle' while the other one welcomed it. While this seemed to work out for these two for four years switching back and forth then things start to come out. I found these twins were both 'emotionally damaged' and as you read through the story one is able to see why with all of the damage that had been done to them over the years. I did like how Holly was finally trying to get this all out in the open to what had happened during there young lives [the separation from her sister, the pregnancies] however, I wished she would have shared more with her sister Tru who was truly there for her through all of this mess no matter what. The ending ended well with there being more to come for this story. I do hope they are both able to have a somewhat happier life in the end. I will say they had two men that adored them only if Tru and Holly will be willing to let them in. It was definitely true that "Lies have a way of coming to light. Especially when love is on the line." 

Rendezvous with Danger (Reunited Series Book 2) Kindle Edition by Sharon C. Cooper

Book Synopsis:

"Alandra Pargas, ex-CIA counter-intelligence officer, plans to wreak vengeance on the people who tried to kill her. A little rendezvous with danger is not what scares her, though. It’s seeing the tall, dark, and dangerously sexy man she vowed to love forever that has her running for cover.

Former U.S. Special Operative, Quinn Hamilton, left the world of covert operations after the love of his life died in his arms during a black op. Three years later, he still loses sleep wondering if maybe he could have done something more to save her – until Alandra shows up on his doorstep. With her lies and betrayal, he wants nothing to do with her, yet, his heart won’t cooperate. It’s not until unknown enemies come after her that he must decide if he can leave the past behind and protect the woman he’ll always love. Will they survive this last mission and rekindle the love and passion they once shared?"

Romantic Suspense
NOTE: Books in this series can stand alone.

Title:  Rendezvous with Danger

Author:  Sharon C. Cooper

Publisher:  Amaris Publishing LLC 

Series:  Reunited Series Book 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Rendezvous with Danger" by Sharon C. Cooper

My Rationalization:  


This is definitely one of those read with a little bit of it all from its intriguing, government cover-up, blackmail, love, loss,  action, drama, suspense, twists & turns, deception, betrayal, murder, and fiery chemistry between these two Alandra and Quinn.  Will this be one of those reads that these two will only 'experience what true love is after overcoming all its obstacles' as we follow Quin Hamilton an Ex-Special Operative and his wife Alandra, an Ex-CIA?  The important question ... who was after Alandra wanting her dead?

Well, to find out what all is going on you will have to pick up this read to see how well this author brings it all out to the reader.  If you are looking for a read that is definitely a page-turner where 'love endurance through anguish and pain,' you have come to the right place for "Rendezvous with Danger" will give it all to you.  

Secret Rendezvous (Reunited Series) Kindle Edition by Sharon C. Cooper

Book Synopsis:

"Former Navy SEAL, Quinn Hamilton, is a special operative for the U.S. government and has been secretly dating CIA counter-intelligence officer, Alandra Pargas, for eight months. She’s brilliant, excited by danger, and the sexiest woman he’s ever known. Together they are a force to be reckoned with - inside and outside of the bedroom. But while Alandra is on assignment in Guerrero, Mexico, she’s captured by the country’s most dangerous drug cartel, and Quinn sets out on a black op of his own to save the woman he can’t live without.

Secret Rendezvous is the short story prequel to Rendezvous with Danger. Join me as we visit an old friend, Quinn Hamilton (first introduced in Blue Roses) and meet his love interest, Alandra Pargas.

This is a short story.

Title:  Secret Rendezvous -  Prequel

Author:  Sharon C. Cooper

Publisher:  Amaris Publishing LLC              

Series:  Reunited Series

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Secret Rendezvous" by Sharon C.  Cooper

My Rationalization:  

I enjoyed this short read of Quinn 'Q' Hamilton and Alandra 'Lan' Pargas.  It was definitely true love that these

two possessed that when one was in trouble the other one was there for them.  Be ready for lots of action, and romance from this read that will keep you turning the pages to see what was coming next.  I can't wait to get the rest of the story because of the way this story ended you know there will be more. from the next saga 'Rendezvous with Danger' to get the rest of this well-written story.  

On the Run: The Legend of Mercy and Mayhem Kindle Edition by Niki Jilvontae

Book Synopsis:

"Hell has no fury like a soul scorned! That saying couldn’t be truer when it comes to the two lost souls in this book. Come on a gory, bloody, murderous thrill ride following Mercy and Mayhem as Lacey explores the legend of the couple dubbed as the hood Mickey and Mallory Knox. After witnessing her entire family being murdered and becoming grotesquely disfigured herself, ten years later Lacey discovers the diaries of the demons from her nightmares and sets out to get her revenge. Take this gruesome, rollercoaster ride and explore the mind of the world’s most notorious ghetto serial killers…if you dare!"

Title:  On The Run:  The Legend of Mercy and Mayhem
Author:  Niki Jilvontae
Publisher:   Niki Jilvontae Presents; 2 edition                    
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Four
Review:

"On The Run:  The Legend of Marcy and Mayhem" by Niki Jilvontae

My Rationalization:  

I will definitely agree 'Hell has no fury like a soul scorned' as it was for Lacey.  And now as it seems she has help from Marshall,  what will come of Mercy and Mayhem as it seems like these two are on one horrible ride? This is one of those reads that are quite twisted with some grotesque scenes that will have you saying wow!  I am left to think that Mercy and Mayhem may have met there match with Lacey and Marshall.  But to find out more about this story, I see we will have to wait until part 2 as this story will be continued... 

Escort (Lunch Break Series Book 2) Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris

Book Synopsis:

"He was the only man she’d ever loved…

When CEO Monica Stratton needs to make an appearance that could catapult her career to new heights, she sends her assistant to pick out a chaperone from the agency—a discreet escort service with the finest gentlemen money can buy.
But when the man on her doorstep turns out to be the only one to make her pulse thump recklessly, the evening will take her on a passionate ride to surrender, one she may wish will never end.

Note*
The Lunch Break Series is not a continuation of the same story in parts. It is a series of standalone novellas/short stories that you can enjoy on your lunch break hour. These stories are written purely for your quick gratification."

Title: Escort

Author:  Stephanie Nicole Norris

Publisher:  Love Is A Drug Ink

Series:  Lunch Break Series Book 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Escort" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Rationalization:  

This was a sweet short 'Lunch Break Series' featuring Monica and Emanuel who at one time been very much in love but something happened that tore them apart.  Now, why was that?  Will this alpha male be able to handle Monica and convince her to go into partnership with him and a chance at love again?  Well to get all of these questions answered and more you will have to pick up this good read to see how this author will bring it all out.

Broken Words. Broken Hearts. Kindle Edition by Elisabeth

Book Synopsis:

"Leaving her was the hardest thing I could ever do.
I should’ve never done it, but I had to.
If only she knew that I did a lot of things because I loved her.
Hell, I still love her now.
She’s everything to me and will always mean the world to me…
So why am I now back, years later?
It’s a new city, a new opportunity to pick up the pieces, knowing I’m the only one who can mend her heart.
No one else has the tools to do so but me.
They were my broken words, promises, and vow to heal both of our broken hearts."

Title: Broken Words. Broken Hearts.
Author: Elisabeth
Publisher: Imperial Publishing House
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Broken Words. Broken Hearts." by Elisabeth

My Rationalization:

A love story that had separated Dragos and Neema for ten years. Now that Dragos was back in Neema's life will they be able to pick up where they left off so many years ago as we will be given a little bit of the story of what had happened earlier in their relationship? Well, we will have to see where this story will go as we are left with a cliffhanger To be continued...' Healing Word. Healing Hearts.' 

Tears of Evidence: An Urban Story Kindle Edition by J Brinkley

Book Synopsis:

"Caught up in the fog of a dream that feels too much like reality, Troy’s awakening will be one of calmness, followed by disappointment.

Misunderstood, as a young man growing up, trouble and hardship seem to follow him from adolescence to adulthood. He decides to dig deeper for the truth that will free him from the grips of a fatalistic life."

Title:  Tears of Evidence:  An Urban Story

Author:  J. Brinkley

Publisher:  VOMA Publications 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:  

"Tears of Evidence" by J. Brinkley

My Rationalization:  

What a story with such emotions will be felt all over the place.  What a story of how it turned out to be a dream.  Will he be able to achieve any of it?  A well-written story that this author gives the reader that will give one thought long after the read.  At the end of this read, we are given some well-written poems that will only leave you in awe.

Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren

Book Synopsis:

"Sam Brandis was Tate Jones’s first: Her first love. Her first everything. Including her first heartbreak.

During a whirlwind two-week vacation abroad, Sam and Tate fell for each other in only the way that first loves do: sharing all of their hopes, dreams, and deepest secrets along the way. Sam was the first, and only, a person that Tate—the long-lost daughter of one of the world’s biggest film stars—ever revealed her identity too. So when it became clear her trust was misplaced, her world shattered for good.

Fourteen years later, Tate, now an up-and-coming actress, only thinks about her first love every once in a blue moon. When she steps onto the set of her first big break, he’s the last person she expects to see. Yet here Sam is, the same charming, confident man she knew, but even more alluring than she remembered. Forced to confront the man who betrayed her, Tate must ask herself if it’s possible to do the wrong thing for the right reason… and whether “once in a lifetime” can come around twice.

With Christina Lauren’s signature “beautifully written and remarkably compelling” (Sarah J. Maas, New York Times bestselling author) prose and perfect for fans of Emily Giffin and Jennifer Weiner, Twice in a Blue Moon is an unforgettable and moving novel of young love and second chances." 

Title: Twice in a Blue Moon
Author: Christina Lauren
Publisher: Gallery
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Twice in a Blue Moon" by Christina Lauren

My Rationalization:

I found "Twice in a Blue Moon" quite some read that was about Sam and Tate. They met when he was 21 and Tate is 18. It was a cute romance however what will happen when a betrayal will come that will change their lives. What will happen when 14 years later these two will meet up again? Will Tate be able to forgive Sam for his betrayal? Will old feeling began to surface again for Sam and Tate? And with all of what will be going on who else is in the picture that will cause more problems for these two? This was definitely one story for me that left me wishing that we had been given an epilogue because there were several questions that needed to be answered.

All in all, by throwing this story into a 'Hollywood scandal with a father/daughter with issues I found 'Twice in a Blue Moon" an interesting read.

I received an ARC of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. 

Bundle of Love: A Western Romance Novel (Long Valley Romance Book 7) Kindle Edition by Erin Wright

Book Synopsis:

"The love he needs might be the last thing he expects…

Adam Whitaker has loved and lost more times than he can count. His father died before he was born, and then a tragic accident stole his high school sweetheart from him. But as the town’s vet and the director of an equine therapy camp, life is going great nowadays.
All right, fine – it’s plenty stressful, and at the end of the day, it’s also turning out to be plenty lonesome.
And then, in strolls Kylie VanLueven, his very new and very pretty receptionist. The first time he met Kylie, she was just a kid. Now, she’s all grown up, with curves in all the right places. She’s doing a good job at the clinic, but he won’t ever let it be more than that, despite the longing she stirs in him.
Besides, he’s sure that she’s hiding a secret… 

The secret she carries won’t stay secret for long…
Kylie has come home to Sawyer on the heels of a bad break up. She kicked the abusive loser to the curb to protect herself and, more importantly, her unborn child.
The job she takes at the vet clinic is just supposed to be a way to pay her bills. She never expects Adam Whitaker to be so handsome, so kind and so exasperating, too. The way he looks at her with his whiskey-colored eyes? It makes her heart race, while his touch and gentle teasing make her yearn for more.
But she never imagined the danger from her past would come looking for her and her unborn baby…"

Bundle of Love is the seventh novel in the Long Valley series, although all books in the Long Valley world can be read as standalone. It has some strong language, and oh my, sexy times. Enjoy!


Title:  Bundle of Love:  A Western Romance Novel
Author:  Erin Wright
Publisher:  Wright's Romance Reads; 1 edition      
Series:  Long Valley Romance Book 7
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Bundle of Love" by Erin Wright

My Rationalization:

What will happen when Kylie VanLueven comes home after four years of being away at school, now pregnant, devasted and finding out that the baby was from a married man?  I loved how Kylie's mother pushed her to be get up and do what was needed to be done.  I know that this may have seemed somewhat odd but really this mother knew her daughter and did what was best for her at that time.  After finding a job working as a receptionist at a local town veterinarian clinic we find a Dr. Adam Whitaker who just happened to be a widower seemed to have feelings for her. What will happen as these two seem to fall for one another [steaming kisses]? Now you will have to pick up "Bundle of Love" to see how Kylie and Adam will be able to work out there trust issues and life in this small town of  Sawyer.  If you are looking for a story that will pull from the heartstrings with its humor and some suspense you have come to the right place for 'Bundle of Love" will give it to you.

Duncan's Pride (2.5) (Across the Aisle Book 3) Kindle Edition by Xyla Turner

Book Synopsis:

"Duncan's Pride was written by USA Today Bestselling & Multi-Award Winning Author Xyla Turner

Portia:
I can handle it, I said.
Duncan can handle it, I said.
We can handle it, I said.
Shit, we can't handle it. We said...

Duncan:
Portia had this undeniable belief that the two of us having a child would be a good thing. She had no evidence to confirm these suspicions, but I had the first-hand experience. Therefore, I charted what having children would mean for my mental sanity. The percentage was low. It was especially low for my wife.
Also, I did not factor twins into the calculations."

--
Author's Note: This is a novella and readers should read Book 1, Trent and must read Book 2: Duncan as those characters are heavily intertwined into Duncan's Pride. Cameos by Mr. Vega and Faith, Trent and Bernie. Also, this book, specifically the Hero, is a bit different than a typical Xyla Turner book. It is IR, BWWM, and HEA, but Duncan is a different kind of perfect. I hope you give him another chance.

BONUS: Read the first two chapters of Zena Wynn's hot release, Played.

You can see more like this book with the following titles:
Trent | Duncan | Mr. Vega | Declan | Carter | Across the Tracks | Take A Knee | Always Right | Cole | 10-80: Line of Duty | 10-99: Line of Duty | Extraction | Power of the Pen | By Chance, No Choice | Undertones

Title:  Duncan's Pride 2.5
Author:  Xyla Turner
Publisher:  AZINA MEDIA PUBLICATION               
Series:  Across the Aisle Book 3
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Duncan's Pride 2.5" by Xyla Turner

My Rationalization:  

I enjoyed this story of how Duncan adjusts to life with Portia as she is now pregnant and preparing for the twins.  We will see how there will be some meltdowns [break downs] dealing with Duncan's problems but it always seems like Portia and his best friend Trent will be on board to help him.  As one reads through this story we will be directed to the fact that one of the twins has autism-like their father.  How will this be dealt with?

It was great seeing other couples like Trent, Bernadette [Bernie], Mr. Vega, Faith and a few others from past stories in this good read.

To see how well this all comes out you will have to pick up this read "Duncan's Pride 2.5" to see how this will all come out for Duncan and Portia.  I would have liked an epilogue of the future years with his family.  Be ready for a well-written story that will take you through quite some heartfelt emotions.

Bad and Boujee 2 (Bad and Boujee, Book 2) The Finale by Sasha Davenport

Book Synopsis:

THE EPIC AND UNFORGETTABLE FINALE IS HERE!

"Hollywood's bougie, bad girls are back!!! Alaïa, Miracle, and Chloè have been through it all together, but a rift is caused in their relationship when greed and betrayal come into play. Will their friendship survive the lies and deception? Or will their troublesome habits be their ultimate downfall?"

Title:  Bad and Boujee 2: The Finale

Author:  Sasha Davenport

Publisher: Jade Publications   

Series:  Bad and Boujee. Book 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Bad and Boujee 2" By Sasha Davenport

My Rationalization:

Well, it seems like Alaïa finally got some to love that also loved her.  Definitely, L who wasn't your typical bad boy was there for Alaïa as he was able to take care of what he needed to do, with the snakes being dealt with, however, he did let something slide earlier and will that come back in the end to bite him?  As we read through this book 2 we see that a lot of things will come out with a lot of twists and turns and by the time the reader gets to the end....well, I only wished there had been an epilogue with giving the reader a little more to bite into possibly down the road dealing with L and Alaïa.