Centuries of Blood: Becoming Kindle Edition by S.I. Hayes

Book Excerpt:

"Three men, a single heart. What's a girl to do? Especially when one of them has fangs...

16th Century England. A land at war. It's people fighting, dying for a king who chases skirts and takes heads on a whim. It is a time of reformation, love, lust, betrayal, and secrets. Catharine Morrigan Cecil is but sixteen years old as the tale unfolds, but her soul screams to be free of Glastonbury. Named for a child lost, she is chained to a life she doesn't want. Promised to a man whose ways foretell an unhappy life while still in love with another who will not fight for her.

Left rejected, in a reach for freedom, she runs. Finding a mysterious town with an even more mysterious stranger. Alexandarious (Darious) is young, healthy, and Immortal. A Blood Devourer. Knowing his nature, Catharine Morrigan dares to give him her heart. She has pierced him through and through, but his people are warring, and her safety is in peril. He wants and needs the beautiful woman "Morrigan" is becoming. But his heart knows better. She deserves a full life, one he can not give her.

The marriage bed awaits her as the Ottoman War zone calls him. The pair must separate to save the people to whom they are bound. While Darious fights for his Lord and Lady, Morrigan must fight for her survival at the hands of the man she calls husband.

Can they beat the odds, find each other once more, and prove that love truly is Eternal?"

*Trigger Warning: Violence
* *Erotic Elements

Title: Centuries of Blood: Becoming
Author: S.I. Hayes
Publisher: S.I. Hayes; 2 edition
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Centuries of Blood: Becoming" by S. I. Hayes

My Speculation:

I found this story quite complicated as well as entertaining as it will hold your attention to the end, especially if you enjoy a good paranormal romance read as 'Centuries of Blood: Becoming' was presented. I found the characters somewhat odd in many strange ways, however still interesting.

We find Catharine Morrigan was promised to one. However, she did not want him [Henri]. Then she meets another who is a vampire, A Blood Devourer [Darious], they part, and she returns home and marries the one she didn't want. What will happen as this story plays out? I will say at this point I didn't enjoy the sexual abuse she received from that Henri. Well, I will just say this is one of those paranormal reads that you will have to pick up and see for yourself if she will reconnect with the vampire Darious as he fights for Morrigan survival at the hands of the man she calls her husband? I will say that the ending was somewhat abrupt that did leave me wondering what happened with Henri and his brother Robert? Did I find this story a good read? YES! 

I am Still a Rose: In Spite of it All Kindle Edition by Tonya Barbee

Book Excerpt:

"This book is dynamic! The author promises us "the whole story" after presenting to us her memoir, "The Little Girl Inside Owning My Role in My Own Pain," and now this! Barbee details the events of her life from an abusive beginning as a child in which she and her young siblings witnessed a horrific event to the details of four failed marriages in which one was short-lived, and one ended in an annulment after eight years of marriage! How does this happen to one person? You bet she's a mess, right? No, she gets through it and sees herself victorious, not a victim. 
By reflecting, taking a hard look at her life, her history, what did she do to get beyond witnessing domestic violence, emotional abuse, betrayal, leading to failed relationships? How did she manage to be married four times unsuccessfully? She starts examining what she could have done differently, how not to repeat past mistakes, how to look for warning signs, and how to live a better life. Because of making these changes within, she began to discern what love means. Barbee began to realize too that love starts within before you can receive it. Consequently, she began to receive love, real love, and decipher between what is real, what is not, and when it's time to move on. This book will help those that have failed in relationships-repeating vicious cycles, learn how to move forward, to a better place, resulting in flourishing in more successful relationships."

Title:  I am Still a Rose:  In Spite of it All

Author:  Tonya Barbee

Publisher:  T. B. 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"I am Still a Rose" In Spite of it All" by Tonya Barbee

My Speculation:

What a story this author gives the reader of her life that will give one much to ponder over from her account from 'overcoming betrayal, disappointment, and hurt' as she went through this account of her life.  

What we read as we see these people coming in and out of her life from Sir Loving, to... Sir Charming, to... Fake Spouse...AJ, on to Super Cop, ...Sir Playmate, ...and at last Sir Intelligent and to how these relationships and marriages that ended with producing 4 children by three of these so-called gentlemen.  All I can say is wow what a life this person went through and, in the end, 'Still a Rose.'

I loved how by the end of this story, one will see how Ms. Barbee's eyes were finally opened... thank God for that, and we see Ms. Barbee gets 'A Renewed Me.'  She was definitely a survivor from all of this mess that she had gone through.  Well, all I can say is that you will have to read this story for yourself to get that determination.  I will say this was quite some read, and yes, it's a true story of this author's life. 

It was quite a story seeing all that Ms. Barbee went through to finally get to the right place in her life.  I enjoyed reading the ending and seeing letters she wrote to her oldest son, her beautiful lovely daughters, her baby boy, and lastly to the ladies...solidifying that Ms. Barbee is yes 'Still a Rose.'  Would I recommend this read? YES!

Penned State By: S. I. Hayes

Book Excerpt:
Calvin Pennington is a good boy.

He goes to school, gets good grades. Always does his homework and always listens to mother and father. Except in one thing.
His friendship with Kaycee McLane. Much to his parent's dismay, he has befriended the girl from the wrong side of town and he will not shake her.
What happens when Calvin decides he wants more?
Will his family give? Or will they dig in their heels and put a stop to this budding romance before it starts?
"Calvin Pennington is a good boy.
He goes to school, gets good grades. He always does his homework and always listens to his mother and father. Except in one thing.
His friendship with Kaycee McLane. Much to his parent's dismay, he has befriended the girl from the wrong side of town, and he will not shake her.
What happens when Calvin decides he wants more?
Will his family give? Or will they dig in their heels and put a stop to this budding romance before it starts?
Can Calvin stand up to his family, and if he does, can he accept the consequences?"

*Trigger Warning
**Stong Sexual Content
***Drug UseCalvin Pennington is a good boy.

He goes to school, gets good grades. Always does his homework and always listens to mother and father. Except in one thing.
His friendship with Kaycee McLane. Much to his parent's dismay, he has befriended the girl from the wrong side of town and he will not shake her.
What happens when Calvin decides he wants more?
Will his family give? Or will they dig in their heels and put a stop to this budding romance before it starts? Calvin Pennington is a good boy.

He goes to school, gets good grades. Always does his homework and always listens to mother and father. Except in one thing.
His friendship with Kaycee McLane. Much to his parent's dismay, he has befriended the girl from the wrong side of town and he will not shake her.
What happens when Calvin decides he wants more?
Will his family give? Or will they dig in their heels and put a stop to this budding romance before it starts? Calvin Pennington is a good boy.

He goes to school, gets good grades. Always does his homework and always listens to mother and father. Except in one thing.
His friendship with Kaycee McLane. Much to his parent's dismay, he has befriended the girl from the wrong side of town and he will not shake her.
What happens when Calvin decides he wants more?
Will his family give? Or will they dig in their heels and put a stop to this budding romance before it starts?

Title: Penned State
Author: S. I. Hayes
Publisher: S.I. H.
Series: Young Hearts Duet Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review
"Penned State" by S. I. Hayes

My Speculation:

I will say this was one of those reads that will keep your attention turning the pages to see what is coming next for these two main characters Calvin and Kaycee. I am not sure whom I felt sorrier for between those two. Well, for a while, it seemed like all was going OK for the two, then the story will open up and be hard for them. With Cal being kicked out of his house, however, it was lucky for him in how Kaycee's grandfather and mother took him in. At school, other problems were presented, but somehow they made it out of that. It looks like Cal's parents still had grudges toward him, but all seemed to go well until a specific visit Cal's father paid to Kaycee. Yes, as Kaycee was planing to moved with Cal after graduation where they had a home and all but from Cal's father's visit, she all of a sudden wanted marriage.

As the story goes being engaged, oh did I say being pregnant wasn't enough for Kaycee all of a sudden she wanted marriage, which put a lot of pressure on Cal. With all that was on Cal from going to classes, working, taking care of Kaycee along with her pregnancy, one can see how one thing brought on something horrible where drugs become involved, and one can see how the story will take quite a turn for these two.

I will stop here and just say you will have to pick up this well-written story to see how things will turn out for Cal and Kaycee. I will say I didn't care for Kaycee's mom! I know she had been through a lot, but the way she tried to handle her daughter with Cal's problems wasn't done very well. I did like the ending in how Kaycee decided to take matters into her own hands and deal with her and Cal's problems. We are left hoping all will come out well for these two as they are now seeing one another along with the baby. Yes, they still loved each other, even all has happened. It seems like Calvin is now trying to get a handle on his life in his addiction recovery, so we are left hoping the best of luck to them as they seek out new beginnings. 

My Hell (A Twist of Fate Book 1) Kindle Edition by J. Haney

Book Excerpt:

"One night. One kiss and my world went to shit. Shane Hellion or Hell, as I’ve come to call him, has been my best friend for three years. It started off as a working relationship, then evolved into a partnership. Now? Christ, what am I gonna do? I have a little girl to think about. I can’t just- do whatever. 

Between the ex breathing down my back and my house falling apart, how am I supposed to navigate what he wants? What do I want? I want something that can help me escape, my hell."

Title: My Hell
Author: J. Haney
Publisher: Haney Hayes Books
Series: A Twist of Fate Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"My Hell" by J. Haney

My Speculation:

This was a story that will keep you turning the pages to see what all is going on with these best friends [Shane J. Hellion [Hell] & Aria [A. B. Anders]. The story was somewhat unusual in how they went from more than friends to lovers, with each of them having a child [Genevieve [Evie] & Dean]. I will say Evie was spoiled, and Dean had autism.

At times I felt somewhat sorry for the heroine [Avia] in the story. Still, at other times she got on my last nerves as she seemed not to be able to take care of things like with that ex-husband of hers and Aria didn't want any help from anyone..even Hell [Shane] who was her best friend. This situation would bring in some trouble from even her daughter Evie who started acting out due to what was happening due to her father's making. I will say the characters from this story were something else at times, especially Aria's best friend Janette [Jae].

As this family comes together and seems to be working out their lives with the four of them, something unexpected will happen. It looks like the ex-husband Richard Anderson will leave the reader wondering what in the world is going on as it appears that he has named Aria as his next of kin. Why was this? Were they not divorced? So, we will have to pick up the upcoming series to get the rest of how this story. I guess this is where the 'twist of fate' comes into play. 

The Look-Alike A Novel by Erica Spindler

Book Excerpt:

"Sienna Scott grew up in the dark shadow of her mother’s paranoid delusions. Now, she's returned home to confront her past and the unsolved murder that altered the course of her life.

In her mother’s shuttered house, an old fear that has haunted Sienna for years rears its ugly head—that it was she who had been the killer’s target that night. And now, with it, a new fear—that the killer not only intended to remedy his past mistake—he’s already begun. But are these fears any different from the ones that torment her mother?

As the walls close in, the line between truth and lie, reality and delusion disintegrate. Has Sienna’s worst nightmare come true? Or will she unmask a killer and finally prove she maybe her mother’s look-alike, but she’s not her clone?"

Title: The Look-Alike
Author: Erica Spindler
Publisher: St Martins's Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"A Like-Alike" by Erica Spindler

My Rationalization:

What will happen as this read 'The Look-Alike' definitely illustrates what the impact of mental illness will be on an entire family as it weaves its way into an action-packed, suspenseful, psychological drama, mystery-thriller in this 'who done it?' Well, to get it all, you will have to pick up this ride to see how this action-packed story with clues that will be left to find out.

The Plot:
The reader is given well thought out plot...time between the past and the present that progresses reasonably well at a good pace in this story that will keep one captivated from page one.

Setting: Tranquility Bluffs, Wisconsin [a snowy scenery]where we find Sienna Scott is returning from London after ten years [living with her grandma] after she stumbles upon the body Madison Robie who was murdered. Now, upon Sienna's return, she learns that the cold case into the killer has been re-opened. Now, why would this case be reopened? Why did Sienna begin to believe that Madison's death was really meant for her? Why did she feel that someone was after her? Was this a product of her family's illness, and none of it is real? What will happen when Sienna begins her own investigating? OK, who is the murderer? To find out the answers to the above questions, you will have to pick up this read to find out.

Main Characters:
Sienna: the heroine of this story; a protagonist, fragile at times, filled with self-doubt, however she fights against growing up with what her mother has. One crucial question: With Sienna bearing an uncanny physical likeness to her mother, did she also inherit her mother's mental illness?

Sienna's mother [Vivienne Scott]: who had a mental illness, paranoid with delusions, always feeling that someone was out to get her, delusional disorder.

Brad: [bro, big brother] Sienna's half brother that had bitter feelings. Why was that?

Chief Thompson: Police

Randy: Detective

Jonathan: Neighbor across the street

Overall: Lots of twists and turns, with a roller- coaster of suspense, secrets that will come out, and in the end, we find out who this suspect was that was there from the beginning in this mystery and deceitful read. Bye, the time one gets to the end of this story, the reader will be guessing about just who is this killer. This author works the reader in just learning who this person was and leaving me shocked even though I had thought maybe it could have been this person much earlier in the read, however, there were many possibilities as to who the murderer was.

If you are looking for an excellent, well-written read with many thriller elements, intriguing, suspenseful with some likable and unlikeable characters, then you have come to the right place. Also, there is little romance and taking you on an unpredictable wild ride; however, in the end, I was kept guessing. I would recommend 'The Look-Alike' to you like a good read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. 

The Last Real Cowboy by Caitlin Crews

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Book Excerpt:

"USA Today bestselling author Caitlin Crews returns to the Cold River Ranch series with The Last Real Cowboy!

In Cold River, sometimes forbidden love is the sweetest of them all…

Perennial good girl Amanda Kittredge knows that her longtime crush on Brady Everett was never really supposed to go anywhere. But when Brady comes home to during Amanda’s first attempt at independence, well, who better to teach her about rebellion than her older brother’s bad-boy best friend?

Brady’s plans did not include being forced to work the family homestead for a year—and yet, here he is. And, to make matters worse, his best friend’s innocent little sister is making a menace of herself in the most grown-up, tempting ways. When Amanda begs Brady to teach her about men, he knows he should refuse. But could Brady’s greatest temptation be his salvation?"

Title: The Last Real Cowboy
Author: Caitlin Crews
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Last Real Cowboy" by Caitlin Crews

My Rationalization:

What an enjoyable romantic cowboy read featuring Amanda Kittredge and Brady Everett with the setting in a small town in Colorado. The author gives the reader a beautiful read of one 'breaking out of the chains of family expectations and making their own story.' You will read a story that is not only moving, but charming, emotional story with humor, compassion, twists, turns, overprotective brothers, abusive parent, and let's not leave out the romance and finally, in the end, this couple gets there HEA.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGallery, where all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

The Little Girl Inside: Owning My Role in My Own Pain by Tonya Barbee

Book Description...

"The Little Girl Inside is a prolific story of triumph and discovery of inner peace. With each page, the reader will be captivated while the author uses the writing pen as a sowing tool – seaming a garment of praise, banner of victory, fabric of joy. With imaginative color, the book is a perfectly designed combination of patterns expressing the maturation of a woman. A uniquely designed transparent jewel every woman should own in her jewelry box, The Little Girl Inside is a ministry resource tool for women in search for transparency in the human heart. The author shows us how to overcome the inner battle of doing the right thing the wrong way; going from finding love in all the wrong places to allowing loving to be revealed in the right time and in the right place. A thought-provoking piece of art, this book will make us laugh, cry and reflect. This book cannot be read with a natural eye but one of discernment as the author reveals the hidden treasures buried in each page. With an open heart and mind, we will discover that there is even more revelation between the lines than what is crafted on the fabric of the page. When properly discerned, The Little Girl Inside is not just a book; it is a Master Peace - inside."

Title:  The Little Girl Inside:  Owning My Role in My Own Pain
Author:  Tonya Barbee
Publisher:  CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Five
Review:

"The Little Girl Inside:  Owning my Role in my Own Pain" by Tonya Barbee

My Speculation:

What a interesting true story of how this author [Tonya] came out of this situation that so many a person can also be found in ..drifting and only wanted what we all want and that is to be truly loved.  I found this story definitely being one that can help others in so many different ways.  The novel explains it all so well in the twenty-eight chapters.  I loved how the chapters were short and very much on point of what that subject was concerning that particular chapter.

So this is what was up when she listened to that little girl inside her as many of us do whether we want to admit it or not.  Some of it may be good but for the most part of it all...it was bad especially when it came to her relationships.  After four failed marriages would she finally get the answers she so desperately needed?    Would she ever find someone like her father...which she adored and coming from a good family?  What about her 'Dreams and Hopes' as only she wanted was to be loved as it seems like her father gave to her family.  Well, as this story goes on we learn about Sir Knight, Sr Charming, the Playmate, Officer Wrong and now we either the Internet date [Sir Intellectual].  Now, that will be quite a story of how her best friend  Naomi enter the picture and things will take a turn from that situation.  From that situation she meets Gaines and I will truly say her life will never be the same with this person.  At this point I kept wondering didn't Gaines story sound weird but as you will see that little girl kept listening to just what she wanted to hear.  I don't want to spoil it and tell too much of the story but I hope that you will pick up this read and see just how this author will bring it out so well to the readers.  Yes, this is a true  story!  Will Tonya [by the way as I write this review the her and she is named Tonya] ever come to the realization that only she will be able to stop this situation that is going on in her life.  Yes, she has been hurt so much but Tonya now was on her fourth marriage and it was time to wake up and realize that that inner voice of that little girl should be saying that it was time to grow up, mature and only then would hope come.

What got me as I read this story was that several people around Tonya knew exactly what Sir Intellectual was all about...but one person told her...this was when the house they were to buy went down hill.

"I wanted you to have this house because I knew you would take care of it, give it love and restore it to the beautiful place that it once was....But if you think for one moment you will make it with that so-called man you call a husband, you have another thing coming.  That man doesn't love anyone except himself.  He is a liar, a cheater, dishonest, and you can do much better than him."

Did she listen? NO!

Thank God for the 'Retreat' from the church that seemed really to help Tonya get her life together.

In the end will Tonya be able to not 'implement the perfect family in wanting to give her children the father figure that had always met so much to her?  Will Tonya learn to just treasure what she already has?  Will that little girl inside of Tonya have a 'tranquil spirit and be content just where she is and seek God's blessings for every move she makes?'

I loved the ending of this read..

"Never give up.  Love yourself and embrace your mistakes and learn from them...Keep smiling and be grateful.  It starts with you taking the first step to own up to your own pain. God will help you from there?'

This is definitely a novel I would recommend to all women.  Indeed it would be a great help for all who listens to that little girl as she is speaking and definitely being able to learn from ones past own mistakes!

Thank you to the author for the gift of the read for my sharing my honest opinion of the read.

Second Chance at Heaven: A Christian Romance Novel (Heaven on Earth Book 4) Kindle Edition by Taretha Jones

Book Excerpt:

"Twenty-something Dana is beautiful, talented, saved, and well-educated. She can pay her own bills and then some. That all means that she’s living a charmed life... Right? Unfortunately, she discovers that the husband she thought loved her has been cheating. When everything is said and done, will Dana have a second chance at the happy-ever-after that her heart has always yearned for?"

Title:  Second Chance at Heaven
Author:  Taretha Jones
Publisher:  T. J.
Series:  Heaven on Earth Book 4
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Four
Review:

"Second Chance at Heaven" by Taretha Jones

My Speculation:

This was another excellent read in this series 'Heaven on Earth Book 4'  that featured Dana and Mike. I enjoyed how this author brings us another story of just how God can come into and work things out for you, even when it looks like a mess.  With poor Mike trying help with Dana's ex's situation and Regina's horrible motives, it was great seeing how that all turned out.  I was so glad that Dana listened to her mother and got the love of her life.  Seeing what had happened 30 years down the road was so real in what can happen when you let God take care of it as it seems like what happened for Dana and Mike.

Becoming His Heaven: A Christian Romance Novel (Heaven on Earth Book 3) Kindle Edition by Taretha Jones

Book Excerpt:

"The lovely Denise Washington has a humble heart and a giving personality. As the owner of a very successful spa — Rejuvenations — she's been blessed to not want for anything material in her life. She has doting friends and a loving family. The only thing missing in her idyllic existence is a soulmate. But Denise isn’t worried about that, she's a woman of faith, and she's sure that God has her Mr. Right on lock — she's sure her Boaz will come along eventually. When an old friend — the saved, fine, and fabulous Dr. Mike Young — shows up unexpectedly in her life, will he be that husband her heart is secretly yearning for?"

Title: Becoming His Heaven
Author: Taretha Jones
Publisher: T. J.
Series: Heaven On Earth Book 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Becoming HIs Heaven" by Taretha Jones

My Speculation:

It was an enjoyment to read this excellent love story, "Becoming His Haven," that featured Mike and Denise. I enjoyed the story of how Denise was such a nice person, but she didn't see that being sweet and all one still has to look out and be able to note when a friendship is maybe going sideways as it was with her friend China. It was beautiful how this author was able to bring everything back in that friendship, which did surprise me in that situation. But, what was even great about this story was how this friendship with Mike and Denise turned into a romance. This can happen when one waits to hear from God in their pursuance for each other. 

A Love Sent From Heaven: A Christian Romance Novel (Heaven On Earth Book 2) Kindle Edition by Taretha Jones

Book Excerpt:

"Thirty-three year old Sierra North is beautiful, saved, and single. She has patiently looked on as her younger sisters have all gotten married. Sierra is happy for her siblings, but she can't help but want a special someone for herself. When she develops an attraction to the handsome manager of her local supermarket — Camden Mason — she thinks she's found her soulmate. Her family and friends try to convince her that Camden isn't the one for her, but she doesn't want to hear about that. She finally forms a friendship with Derek Young, a talented, saved contractor who's settled down in her quaint little hometown. Derek falls in love with Sierra and is convinced that she's destined to be his wife. But first, Derek has to prove to her that they share a love sent from Heaven."


Title: A Love Sent From Heaven
Author: Taretha Jones
Publisher: T. J.
Series: Heaven On Earth Book 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"A Love Sent From Heaven" by Taretha Jones

My Speculation:

An enjoyable read of just how our God will come in and give you the desires of your heart as it was for Sierra and Derek. When Sierra North thought the one she was fascinated with proved not to be the one. Then Derek Young comes into the picture and omg...he was the one that was there for her through all the mess that had come up in her life from that Camden Mason. It was quite a read in how Derek proves to Sierra removing all blinders and that 'they shared a love sent from Heaven.' 

A Match Made In Heaven: A Christian Romance Novel (Heaven On Earth Book 1) Kindle Edition by Taretha Jones

Book Excerpt:

"Asia Gates — aka The Matchmaker Diva — is beautiful, saved the owner of a wildly successful online dating business. She's a real pro at getting lonely people hooked up with their significant others. Too bad all of her talents seem to be useless when applied to herself. But all of that might just be about to change when a handsome, saved brotha from her past makes a reappearance in her life. Through prayer and perseverance, Asia might just find that God's blessed her with her very own match made in heaven."

Title: A Match Made In Heaven
Author: Taretha Jones
Publisher: T. J.
Series: Heaven On Earth Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"A Match Made In Heaven" by Taretha Jones

My Speculation:

An enjoyable Christian romance read in how we see how Asia and Tyrone find love. Asia has her business as being a 'Matchmaker Diva,' but when it came to her own life, it seems like it wasn't for her after ex-fiance Cedric left her at the altar. Then there is Tyrone that used to be full of foolery when it came to how he treated women, and especially this was noticed by Asia. Why was this? What will happen in his life that will make a change in him?

I found this to be a beautiful read of how this author shows us what can happen 'through prayer and perseverance of how Asia will find that God will bless her with her match made in heaven.' Also, I loved how Tyrone's daughter, Tiffany, got her prayers answered. 

Beauty Beyond My Flaws: A Christian Romance Novel (Faith...Flaws & All Book 2) Kindle Edition by Taretha Jones

Book Excerpt:

"Overall, the fabulous Nikki Bolton knows that she’s living a very blessed life. She has a loving family and friends...and even better, a beautiful relationship with her God. She owns her own home, a brand new car, and is the co-owner of a very successful bakery. But everything that glitters isn’t gold. In her mind, not having a husband is the fly in the ointment of her life. She’s come close to grasping a happily-ever-after a couple of times. But a private shame that she’s hiding seems to keep getting in the way. As the saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Will Nikki eventually realize that she has beauty beyond her flaws? If she does, she might just get a chance to end up with the husband of her dreams. She might just get a chance to have it all."

Title: Beauty Beyond My Flaws
Author: Taretha Jones
Publisher: T.J.
Series: Faith...Flaws & All Book 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Beauty Beyond My Flaws" by Taretha Jones

My Speculation:

"Beauty Beyond My Flaws" was an alluring read that will keep you turning the pages to what is going on with Nikki, Chris, Brent, and her best friends Brianna, Lisa, and Asia. Nikki, who had suffered from having 'alopecia' life for her, had not been the best, especially with what her horrible Aunt Helen and one of her jealous friend Brianna who seemed to have it in for her in the way they made her feel about herself. It was something when she finds out one of her friends also had alopecia and was living a good life.

As the story will continue, poor Nikki finally sees Chris, her ex-fiance, as he really was but also being able to see Brent as a person who seemed to have changed his walk in life. When it all comes out, will we see how things will change for Nikki, or will she continue to let persons dictate her life that affects mentally and emotionally? Will she be able to shake loose this hold and let God guide her? I felt like this was a good read that will teach one a lesson on friendship and just whom one should trust.

He Loved Me Despite My Flaws: A Christian Romance Novel (Faith...Flaws & All Book 1) Kindle Edition by Taretha Jones

Book Excerpt:

"To the outside world, the lovely, saved, successful entrepreneur, Lisa Greene, has an overabundance of confidence. So much, in fact, that most people would never guess that she’s living with inner mental pain. Scarred by her past — literally — she comes to believe that she’s not worthy of love. Handsome, kindhearted attorney, Eric Young, has scars of his own — emotional ones. His ex-wife — a serial adulterer — has destroyed his faith in the beauty of marriage. Will Eric come to realize that a second chance at happiness is possible for him? And will Lisa finally figure out what God’s willing to bless her with a true soulmate? Her very own Boaz, who sees her beauty, despite her perceived flaws."

Arlena Dean's review

Jan 24, 2020  ·  edit

it was amazing

Title: He Loved Me Despite My Flaws
Author: Taretha Jones
Publisher: T.J.
Series: Faith...Flaws and All Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"He Loved Me Despite My Flaws" by Taretha Jones

My Speculation:

I enjoyed "He Love Me Despite My Flaws." It was compelling in how this author got Lisa and Eric together, especially after learning of how Eric's ex-wife was a cheater as Lisa's ex-fiance was also. So, one can see how they were bitten by something horrible [cheaters], but with God there to steer them in the right direction, only good would come of it. And in the end, one can see Lisa and Eric were correct for one another. I would have liked to know how that worked out when Eric's ex Andrea and Jessica how tried to interfere with there drama. However, we see that these two did have a HEA in the end and seeing how God has a person out there for you, no matter your flaws. 

Unravel Me: An Erotic Novella Kindle Edition by Simply Denise

Book Excerpt:

"She is a judge with a fetish.
He is an attorney with a fantasy.

When the Honorable Judge Anicka Payne saunters into her courtroom, everyone stands at attention. She is in charge, applying the letter of the law swiftly and justly.
High powered attorney, Storm McDaniels, doesn’t mind standing when her honor enters the room. But she maintains his attention for more than her position. The caramel of her flawless skin, the pout of her full lips, the sexy of her curves, the steely depths of her penetrating gray eyes drew Storm to her like a moth to a flame.

There’s a fiery spark between them, a heightened sexual tension that neither could deny. Yet, acting on their carnal desires could cost them dearly.

Would a risqué rendezvous be worth it?

This book is for mature audiences ONLY. This is a short story that contains erotica, acts of bondage profanity, and domination. If you are not a fan of hot steamy trysts, this book is not for you."

Title:  Unravel Me

Author:  Simply Denise

Publisher:  S.D.                        

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Unravel Me"  by Simpl Denise

My Speculation:

An excellent novella for the mature adult that likes erotica stories.  It was quite interesting seeing how this judge and attorney unravel their feelings for one another.  I found it somewhat funny how this Attorney Storm McDaniels thought things were going in his favor, but to his surprise, he found out the hard way that those carnal desires were not in the picture for what this Judge Anicka Payne had in mind when it came to the law.  Will they be able to work this situation out?  Well, you will have to pick up "Unravel Me" to see how it all comes out.