Yours to Have: A Novella Kindle Edition by B. Love

Book Excerpt:

"He was hers to have, not to keep."

*Please note: This is a 17,000-word novella. If you prefer longer books, please skip this read.

Title: Yours to Have

Author:  B. Love

Publisher:  B. L.     

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Yours to Have"  by B. Love

My Speculation:

I loved this novella "Yours to Have" that featured Luna and Cabe.   With all Luna had gone through from her parents, especially her mother, will she be able to love Cabe unconditionally?  I loved the work that Cabe put into this story to help Luna.  By the end seeing Luna being able to 'finally accept the fact that she was Cabe's to have, to hold, to cherish, to love and to keep for as long as they both shall live' was really one sweet story.  

Playing For Keeps Kindle Edition by Niki Jilvontae

Book Excerpt:

"There's nothing like the pain a woman feels when she learns the life she's lived is a lie. It can be a hard pill to swallow when she sees that a lie ain't shit to tell for the man she vowed her all to. That kind of discovery can cause a woman to change into a devious being in the blink of an eye. After losing everything, that is exactly what happened to Samantha in this drama-filled tale. Come on this ratchet thrill ride and find out what it's like when Sam snaps and goes on a quest for revenge! Will she end up losing herself in the processor will she show her cheating husband Dre that she's Playing For Keeps?"

THE SPIN-OFF TO A LIE AIN'T Shh TO TELL!

Title: Playing For Keeps
Author: Niki Jilvontae
Publisher: Niki Jilvontae Presents
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Playing For Keeps" by Niki Jilvontae

My Speculation:

All that is left to say after reading "Playing For Keeps" is no one will mess with these twins, Brina and Sam, because they will come for you! I loved this quote:

Sam's last words for Dre... "I told you I was playing for keeps ... now unrest, uncomfortably in hell."

In the end, the reader will see how Playing for Keeps 'can work out to benefit the victims that would otherwise be left broken beyond repair.' What was dished out for Samantha was so well played. All that is left to say pick up this read to see how Karma did come for those who started all of this mess from the beginning to the end. Wow, what an unforgettable read.

Could've Been (A Distant Lovers Novelette) Kindle Edition by Michelle Mitchell

Book Excerpt:

"For Brandon Carter, there's not a woman in the world who could compare to the love of his life, Corian Scott. He's ready to make her his wife, but a career move presents one fantastic opportunity that he can't refuse and one beautiful obstacle he's working hard to ignore.

Corian Scott has loved Brandon ever since she was 11 years old, but there was always something or someone coming between them. Now that he's ready to make the ultimate declaration of love, she's the one getting in the way of their happily ever after.

Brandon and Corian have a choice to make: fight their way through hardship to make love last? Or let go of each other, basking in memories of love gone by and wonder what could have been."

Title:  Could've Been

Author:  Michelle Mitchell

Publisher:  M.M.                            

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Could've Been" by Michelle Michelle

My Speculation:  

I enjoyed "Could've Been" that featured Brandon and Corian, who had once been together and who were even thinking of marriage.  But things will happen due to the separation of these two due to Brandon takes a job in Japan away from Corian. What would be wrong about this situation was that these two didn't communicate very well, and then it seems like another person is coming into the picture that will cause problems?  As time goes own [three years], there will be a secret that Corian has kept well hidden from everyone.  Something unexpected will happen that will cause this secret to come out.  Now that there is someone else in Corian and Brandon's life, will these two be able to get there lives back as it once was for them, or  will it be a  'Could've Been?"  

A Cowboy to Remember SINGLE CHAPTER EXCERPT by Rebekah Weatherspoon Feb 25th

Book Excerpt:

"In this brand-new series from award-winning author Rebekah Weatherspoon, a charming cowboy and his sleeping beauty find their modern-day happily ever after . . .

With a headline spot on a hit morning show and truly mouth-watering culinary skills, chef Evie Buchanan is perched on the edge of stardom. But at an industry party, a fall lands Evie in the hospital—with no memory of who she is. Scrambling to help, Evie’s assistant contacts the only “family” Evie has left, close friends who run the luxury dude ranch in California where Evie grew up. Evie has no recollection of them—until former rodeo champion Zach Pleasant walks into her hospital room, and she realizes his handsome face has been haunting her dreams . . .

Zach hasn’t seen Evie in years—not since their families conducted a campaign to make sure their childhood friendship never turned into anything more. When the young cowboy refused to admit the feelings between them were real, Evie left California, making it clear she never wanted to see Zach again. Now he refuses to make the same mistake twice. Starting fresh is a risk when they have a history she can’t recall, but Zach can’t bear to let go of her now. Can he awaken the sleeping beauty inside her who might still love him? "

Title:  A Cowboy to Remember: Single Chapter Excerpt

By:   Rebekah Weatherspoon

Publisher:  Kensington Books      

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"A Cowboy to Remember" [Single Chapter Excerpt] by Rebekah Weatherspoon

My Speculation:

This excerpt chapter one was a story about Evie Buchanan, who ended up in the hospital due to being pushed down a flight of stairs while she was attending a party.  It seems like Evie was well-liked, but as the story goes most of the time, there was someone jealous of her.  How will this turn out for chef Evie Buchanan?  Well, I guess you will have to pick up "A  Cowboy to Remember" to get the rest of this story.

High Convictions (A Heart Strings Love Affair Book 3) Kindle Edition by J. Haney Feb 25

Book Excerpt:

"Tap, Tap, Tap. Anyone there? Oh, there you are!
Last you saw me, my life went down the drain, and it’s
still much of the same. However, now I have a new
secret. I don’t want my boys to know. Want to know what
it is? Sorry, I can’t tell you that’d ruin the story.
Just know we’re all a little mad down here."

*Trigger Warning
**Polyamory
***Erotic Themes incl: M/M M/F/M
****Drug Use

Title: High Convictions
Author: J. Haney
Publisher: Haney/Hayes
Series: A Heart Strings Love Affair Book 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"High Convictions" by J. Haney

My Speculation:

This was absolutely a story that had twist and turns all over the place that will certainly keep your attention as you are kept turning the pages to see what was coming next for Clayton, Vic, and Abigail. Be ready for a read that will lead you into 'Tigger Warnings, Polyamory, Erotic Themes... M/M, M/F/M and Drug Use.' The characters, for the most part, were well developed, helping to give the reader a here and now to a well-written story.

The ending will leave you wanting more as it seems like the heroine is left with friends, Adam and Wayde, to be meeting up later with Clayton and Vic. With this being the first time Abigail is not with Clayton and Vic, how will this turn out? Will the two heroes be able to find a place for all of them in California? Well, it seems like there is more for this read, so I guess we will have to wait for the next series to see what's next for these M/F/M.

Reputation A Novel by Sara Shepard

Book Excerpt:

"In this perfectly-paced new novel from Sara Shepard, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Pretty Little Liars, the women of a tight-knit college-town learn through gossip, scandal, betrayal, and even murder, who their neighbors and husbands really are.

Aldrich University is rocked to its core when a hacker dumps 40,000 people's emails—the entire faculty, staff, students, alums—onto an easily searchable database. Rumors and affairs immediately leak, but things turn explosive when Kit Manning's handsome husband, Dr. Greg Strasser, is found murdered. Kit's sister, Willa, returns for the funeral, setting foot in a hometown she fled fifteen years ago, after a night she wishes she could forget. As an investigative reporter, Willa knows something isn't right about the night Greg was killed, and she's determined to find the truth. What she doesn't expect is that everyone has something to hide. And with a killer on the loose, Willa and Kit must figure out who killed Greg before someone else is murdered.

Told from multiple points of view, Reputation is full of twists, turns, and shocking reveals. It's a story of intrigue, sabotage, and the secrets we keep—and how far we go to keep them hidden. Number one bestseller Sara Shepard is at the top of her game in this brand-new adult novel."

Title:   Reputation

Author:  Sara Shepard

Publisher:  Penguin Group Dutton         

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"Reputation" by Sara Shepard

My Speculation:  

What a good read with a fascinating plot with twists and turns all over the place.  We are given a story with at least a five-points of view from Kit, Lynn, Raina, Laur, and Walla.  This will be a long story, so you will have to keep up with who is who with these characters and a few more that will keep you turning the pages as you go from chapter to the next section.  Be ready with what happens at this prestigious Aldrich University, where emails are hacked and secrets being revealed.

Along with all of that, we will see how 'scandals, blackmail, illicit romances, and even kinky sex' will be told that will lead to murder.   Be ready for a little bit of it all as we go through a 'major scandal, crazy lies, secrets, and wild twists' all over the place that will keep you guessing right up till the end.  I enjoyed how this author summed up everything at the end and didn't leave us hanging!  

             

Thank you to NetGalley for my e-arc of this book.

What Happened to Us? By: Faith Hogan Net Gallery

Book Excerpt:

"

Description

'A heartwarming, emotional read ... Perfect for curling up with on a winter's day' Liz Fenwick.

Sometimes the end is only the beginning...

After ten years together, Carrie Nolan is devastated when she's dumped by Kevin Mulvey without even a backward glance! But on reflection, she has sacrificed her own long-term happiness by pandering to his excessive ego in their successful Dublin restaurant (and out of it) – but not anymore!

While Kevin is 'living the dream' with his beautiful new Brazilian girlfriend, Carrie seeks solace from a circle of mismatched strangers who need her as much as she needs them.

Then suddenly, a catastrophic sequence of events leads to the unthinkable...

How far do you need to fall before you learn the real value of family and friends? And is it ever too late to start again..." 

Title: What Happened to Us?
Author: Faith Hogan
Publisher: Aria
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"What Happened to Us" by Faith Hogan
My Speculation:

"What Happened to Us?" was really a fascinating read of how a 'friendship, betrayal,' and romance ends for Carrie and Kevin after ten years. I liked seeing Carrie being able to pick herself up and move on with her life.

It was a delight seeing how Luke and Teddy [the dog], along with Jane that comes into Carrie's life, leading her in the right direction to a better way of living. In the end, will Kevin get precisely what he deserves? You will have to pick up this good read to see who this author will bring it all out to the reader leaving you not having to look any further for a good story. 

The Other Side of the Game: A Standalone Novel Kindle Edition by Jade Jones

Book Excerpt:

"

A fast-paced, jaw-dropping standalone from Jade Jones, author of the bestselling Dreeco & Deja novel!

As a single mom, Summer has always lived difficult life, struggling to get by and maintaining her morals as a stripper. To make matters worse, the man she loves is married to another woman. The ball has never been in her court--or so it seems. That is until she meets a bad-tempered, sexy dread-head by the name of Killah.

Despite the differences in their circumstances and character, the 2 falls hard and fast for each other. But with secrets, drama, and tragedy standing in the way of their bliss, they're forced to face obstacles that could potentially sabotage their happily ever after.

"The Other Side of the Game" is an African American standalone that will transport you into a fast-paced world of crime, betrayal, drama, and romance."

Title:  The Other Side of the Game

Author:  Jade Jones

Publisher:  Jade Publications                     

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"The Other Side of the Game" by Jade Jones

My Speculation:
One of this author's stories, 'The Other Side of the Game' will leave you wanting more of the read.  We find Summer is in a dark place with all she is dealing with working as a stripper that gets her involved and in love with a married man. Also, I don't want to leave out that she had a child by this married man [Brayden] after several abortions.  However, life for this married man will bring on problems as 'secrets, drama, and tragedy' will come for all of those involved with bodies dropping all over the place.

It seems like Summer will not be able to pick a good man as her attentions turn from the married man to 'a bad-tempered, sexy dread-head by the named Killah.' One thing for sure, Summer enjoyed the good life that Killah presented to her, but could she forget how she met him?  How will all of this turn out for Summer as she fights her way back from what happened to her? I will say the ending was a bit quickly summed up, leaving me wondering what happened to Killah? 

And This I Swear (In The Heart of a Valentine Book 7) Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris

Book Excerpt:

"As the matriarch in one of Chicago's elite families, Bridgette Valentine has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Coordinating soiree's for every season, along with pulling her weight as the co-owner of Valentine Media Group, Bridgette is left little time to indulge in the one person who rocks her world, Leslie Valentine. As a domineering force to be reckoned with, and head honcho of their dynasty, Leslie is the epitome of Bridgette's wildest dreams. He's not clueless to the way she's withdrawn from him, and instead of forcing her attention, Leslie sets out to eliminate anything that threatens to come between them, determined to reclaim her soul and nourish her heart once again."

*This novella follows the mother and father of the Valentine men. This is not Kyle's story, which comes next.

Title: And This I Swear
Author: Stephanie Nicole Norris
Publisher: Love Is A Drug Ink
Series: In The Heart of a Valentine Book 7
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"And This I Swear" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Speculation:

A beautifully told story showing that it doesn't matter who you are one, such as Bridgette, can have some preconceived ideas about what can happen as life takes over their lives. With Bridgette believing ...well, I will stop here and say you will have to pick this story up to see what it is all about. I had some mixed feelings when Bridgette chose not to even listen to her best friend about her situation. However, it was great that Bridgette had a wonderful husband named Leslie that loved her regardless of all she thought about herself. It left me feeling what some women will do for there man to please them, and sometimes it isn't necessary.

This Masquerade (Love In Action Book 3) Kindle Edition by Roy Glenn

Book Excerpt:

"Following the arrest of FBI Agent Nicole Maddox and Jamal Hayes (Love On The Run) on Espionage and Conspiracy against the United States charges, and in light of the credible allegations that members of a domestic terror organization the U.S. government, a special counsel an investigation has been launched and FBI Agents have been assigned to the case along with Justice Department lawyer, Alaina Greyson. When an NSA employee tells her that he been monitoring members of White America First and recorded them planning to assassinate Senator Eastland, Alaina becomes a target. 
With a little help from their friends, Nicole Maddox and Jamal Hayes are released from federal custody, and they resume their investigation to find who set them up. Along the way, they peel back the layers to find that nothing and no one is as it appears in this deadly masquerade."

Title:  This Masquerade

Author:  Roy Glenn

Publisher:  Escapism Entertainment 

Series:  Love In Action Book 3

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"This Masquerade" by Roy Glenn

My Speculation:  

This series, Love In Action Book 3 "This Masquerade" was a read that will keep you turning the pages to

see what was coming next as we find 'FBI Agent Nicole Maddox and Jamal Hayes are in deep trouble on

Espionage and Conspiracy charge against the United States.'  After being released from federal custody, we find them investigating on there own to find out just how had put them in this situation in the first place. This is one of those reads that you will have to keep up with because there will be so much going with various organizations of the government...FBI Agents, an NSA employee, an assassinated Senator, and bodies falling all over the place that will leave you wondering who is not guilty in all of this?   Who will come out of this unscaved in 'This Masquerade?"  I found this another one of this author's Love In Action Book 3 series a good read.

Trouble [Dogwood Lane Book 3] by Adriana Locke

Book Excerpt:

"She wants something real. He wants something now. Together they're trouble in USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke's sexy and funny twice-in-a-lifetime love story.

With his shameless grin and let' s-play swagger, carpenter Penn Etling leaves women wanting in Dogwood Lane. What do they get? Avery Perry knows a one-night stand. She's been there. She remembers every hot pulse as if it were yesterday. But Penn? He doesn't remember a thing. Now he's making new moves, and Avery's not falling for trouble…again. Is she?

How could the beautiful stranger resist him? Avery is going to be a challenge for the bad boy. She's the kind of woman who digs deep—deep enough to see there's more to Penn than meets the eye. But first, she has to give him a chance. She has to say yes. Could she also be the woman to make him change his playboy ways?

When these two come together, it's hard to pull them apart. But with love and trust on the line, can Avery and Penn get what they both want? This time for keeps?"

Title: Trouble Dogwood Lane
Author: Adriana Locke
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Series: Book 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Trouble Dogwood Lane" by Adriana Locke

My Speculation:

This was a good story that featured Penn Etling and Avery Perry. We find Penn a fun person that everyone loves, some more than others, not ready to settle down with any one person, but most of all, just a sweet person if one can take all of his smooth-talking.

After Avery arrives in Dogwood Lane, TN, where she is trying to get out of the famous parent's spotlight in California, we find Avery is wanting to build a new life for herself and wanting people to see who she is. But will that happen for her as she sees someone from her past that was ten years ago? Will, he recognizes her? As time goes on, will they be able to be just friends? What will happen when Finn knows he wants more with Avery but doesn't know what to say to her and give her what she wants? What friends will come to the recuse? Well, to get all of these questions answered, you will have to pick up this read to see how that will all come out.

Be ready for a good emotional ride that will keep you turning the pages to see what was coming next for these two as they seem to try to want to get it all together. Will these two be able to find their forever?

Complimentary copy for review provided by Montlake Romance Publishing. All opinions expressed here are honest and entirely my own. 

Been There, Married That A Novel by Gigi Levangie

Book Excerpt:

"A hilarious novel full of Hollywood glitz, glamour, and scandal from New York Times bestselling author Gigi Levangie.

When he changes the locks, she changes the rules.

Agnes Murphy Nash is the perfect Hollywood wife – she has the right friends, the right clothes, and even a side career of her own as a writer. Her husband Trevor is a bigshot producer, and from the outside, it looks like they're living a picture-perfect celebrity life, complete with tennis tournaments and lavish parties.

But the job description of a Hollywood wife doesn't cover divorce, which is the way Agnes' life is headed after she comes home one day to find her credit cards canceled and the security passwords to get into her large LA home changed. Oh, and there's a guy there whose job it is to tase her if she tries to enter…which she does.

Needless to say, Agnes' husband is dead set on making sure she loses big time, but Agnes isn't the type to just lie down and take it. In a world of frenemies and hot nannies, personal psychics, and "skinny" jello shots, Agnes may be losing her husband, but could that mean getting her own life back?

Been There, Married That is a drop-dead hilarious battle of wills that will make you laugh out loud, cringe, and keep turning the pages to see what crazy disaster will happen to Agnes next…and how she'll rise from the ashes."

Title: Been There, Married That
Author: Gigi Levangie
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Been There, Married That" by Gigi Levangie

My Speculation:

I found this story absolutely one that will have you shaking your head as you continue to read to see what in the world is going on with these two main characters. I'm not sure if I felt sorry for the heroine or not because so many times, it seems like she wasn't using her head with what all was going on in her marriage. And for the life of me, I certainly didn't like her husband. I wished Agnes had paid more attention to what her sister. Fin was trying to get over to her about Trevor. There was some room for laughter but not much for me because I couldn't get over the severe part and craziness of the story that seemed to exist all over the place. I was left almost wondering who to root for, but ok, I did for Agnes. The ending was somewhat strange, but I guess when you have a child [Penelope - Pep] to consider into the big picture, it will be worthwhile to try to be friends? After all that had gone on, it would be hard for me to want to be friends with somewhat like Trevor??? By the end of the story, going and getting him because he needed Agnes, couldn't Trevor have found someone else, and why would she even do that?

By the time I got to the very end of this story, I was left wondering who got want they wanted in this divorce? We can only hope that Pep came out on the better end of that side.

Thank you to Net Galley and St Martins Press for an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. 

Silent Nights (The Shorts Book 7) Kindle Edition by Nia Forrester

Book Excerpt:

"It's a career-making opportunity. 

Summer has an invitation to 'Black America's Wedding of the Decade' and wouldn't miss it for the world. Deuce Scaife is finally marrying his college sweetheart Zora Diallo (an outcome that was never in doubt, by the way, except maybe to the two people getting married). Since there'll be celebrities all over the event, it's in an expensive, remote location and all very hush-hush.

As an up and coming blogger and YouTuber for a series called 'The Black Girls' Guide to Slaying at Absolutely Everything,' Summer's stock will increase considerably if she documents her experience at the wedding celebrations.

But when an unforeseen obstacle presents itself, Summer realizes she can only go to the most exclusive of the wedding events if she shares accommodations with the insufferable Lloyd Winston. Lloyd is a conservative, stuffy wannabe politico whom Summer is shocked even got an invite.

But whatever … she can tolerate him for one winter weekend, right?"

Title:  Silent Nights

Author:  Nia Forrester

Publisher:  Stiletto Press, LLC 

Series:  The Shorts Book 7

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Silent Nights" by Nia Forrester

My Speculation:

I loved this journey of Summer and Lloyd's in this story of 'Silent Nights.'   Also, the other characters with all of the different personalities just added so much more to this exciting story.  It was something in how Summer and Lloyd both had father issues that they had to get past but were able in the end to be able to handle it all as their love grow as their chemistry seemed so perfect for each other.  This author did an excellent job of bringing everything together, giving the reader an enjoyable story. 

Maybe Never Kindle Edition by Nia Forrester

Book Excerpt:

"The postscript to 'Unsuitable Men'. . . Tracy is a complicated and sometimes difficult woman, but Brendan loves her anyway. Still, your lover's foibles are one thing to tolerate when they're just your 'lover.' Contemplating forever is an entirely different story. What happens when there are things about the person you love that you still want to change? And what do you do when you have to face the fact that if a change is what you need from them, that might happen . . . maybe, never?"

Title: Maybe Never
Author: Nia Forrester
Publisher: N. F.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Maybe Never" by Nia Forrester

My Speculation:

This was indeed a good read all the way around it. Yes, Brendan Cole had flaws, but so did Tracy Emerson. I enjoyed how this author was able to give us a read where you saw the 'complications, depth, and resolutions fo many of the uncertainties' that were left from these two main characters from the read 'Unsuitable Men.' I loved how we were able to see Tracy learning to 'curtail her theatrics and antics,' and Brendan maturing from being so 'authentic and palpable' in their 'tumultuous relationship.'

From the story, one can see the 'vulnerability and susceptibility' in both of these characters and only leaving you wanting more. Be ready for a story that is wonderfully constructed with some emotions that will take you on a ride that will leave you with some intoxicating highs and lows.

In the end, I was left wanting to know more, but it looks pretty good at this point in the story going me in a tear an inducing moment as well. 

Commitment Kindle Edition by Nia Forrester

Book Excerpt:

"It was obvious to everyone, but then they were all wrong for each other. Riley is a free-spirited boho writer, and Shawn is a magnetic and charismatic rapper, riding the highest crest of his career. She doesn't understand his world, and he sure as hell doesn't understand hers. And what's worse, while he's never committed to any woman before, she's committed to someone else. Still, they can't stay away from each other. Along with frequent clashes of their equally strong wills, Shawn and Riley will have to face down opposition from friends, family, and one extremely motivated groupie, if they want to forge a commitment that will last the test of time."

Title: Commitment
Author: Nia Forrester
Publisher: Nia Forrester
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Commitment" by Nia Forrester

My Speculation:

What can be said about "Commitment?" It was one fantastic read from the beginning to the very end! It was a long read, and it took me several days to complete it, but it was worth it. All of my questions I had about Riley and Shawn [K Smooth] were all answered from there first meeting, tumultuous courtship, marriage, the accusation, the good, and the bad.

The story is one that will draw one in with some good supporting characters, especially Riley's mom Lorna. I really enjoy all of her input into the account not only for her daughter but also for her son-in-law. Also, there were some other interesting characters such as Brendan and Tracy, that added so much to this enjoyable read. Who knew that Riley interviewing Shawn [the rapper] would turn into one the best nights of her life and what it turns into...well you will just have to pick up 'Commitment' to see how the story will all come out. Be ready for some 'powerful, drama, emotional roller coaster, flawed, and creative couple' who try to stay most anchored to one another.

This author gives the reader one unique, fascinating good story that will be with you long after the read, especially if one has issues with 'infidelity, forgiveness, and trust.'