However Long It Takes (Reckless Book 2) Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris

Excerpt:

"On a mission to claim what rightfully belongs to her, Jasmine Johnson does whatever it takes to regain the attention of Maurice Desmond Jones. Even murder."

*Note
However Long It Takes is the finale to Reckless. If you haven't read Reckless first, you should, or you will be lost.

However Long It Takes (Reckless Book 2)

Title: However Long It Takes
Author: Stephanie Nicole Norris
Publisher: Love Is A Drug
Series: Reckless Book 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"However Long It Takes" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Speculation:

Wow, is all I can say about this read. The author does an excellent job of giving the reader all the answers to the many questions I had left from 'Reckless.' One thing for sure, we get to find out just how crazy Jasmine was in trying to get a love that was never for her from Maurice. I was left feeling somewhat sorry for her because she needed some help and that poor Chris guy well... OK, this is where I will say you must pick up first 'Reckless' and continue with 'However Long It Takes' to see who well this author puts it all together so well for the reader. 

Reckless Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris

Book Excerpt:

"When Infatuation becomes an obsession, love can turn fatal.

**** Re-release ****
Reckless was first published in 2013. It is the same story revisited, repackaged, re-edited, with minor revisions. If you're a fan of Mistaken Identity, you may enjoy the novel Reckless.
—————

Jasmine Johnson wants nothing more than to be swept off her feet by classmate and cutie Maurice Desmond Jones.
But when someone threatens to challenge her for his affection, Jasmine takes matters to another level. Obsession sends her over the edge, and her actions catapult her into a storm she can see no way out of. But Jasmine's determined to lay her enemies to rest, even if she has to die trying."

*Note
This story ends on a cliffhanger. Check out the author's notes at the end.
*Also in this series
However Long It Takes

Title Reckless
Author: Stephanie Nicole Norris
Publisher: Love Is A Drug
Series: How Long It Takes Reckless Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Reckless" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Speculation:

What a read that will indeed have you wanting more of this story. So, be prepared for a cliffhanger. It seems like all that has happened with Jasmine, Teresa, Saundra, and Maurice isn't over. What will it be for Jasmine as it seems more trouble will be coming for her in the next read 'How Long It Takes? ' One thing is for sure is that Jasmine is crazy, so I am sure we will see how much more will happen in the next series. 

Fixed: A Chloe Daniels Mystery (The Daniels Project Book 2) Kindle Edition by Deidra D. S. Green

Book Excerpt:

"He was born different. They tried to make him stay the same.

Melvin Lane never felt comfortable in his own skin. He was much more comfortable as Mica Lanae, her most real self. But those who were supposed to love Melvin unconditionally refused to accept her, resorting to brutality to keep Melvin who they wanted him to be. A stifled rage begins to grow.
And with the death of a prostitute whose life parallels her own, Mica plots revenge. The rage Mica held back so long is unleashed, and she leaves bodies in her wake. Just who dies at her hands is yet to be seen."

Warning: This story addresses gender issues. It can be read as a standalone but is interconnected to the Daniels Project.

Title: Fixed: A Chloe Daniels Mystery
Author: Deidra D. S. Green
Publisher: D.D.S.G.
Series: The Daniels Project Book 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Fixed: A Chloe Daniels Mystery" by Deidra D. S. Green

My Speculation:

The author puts quite a spin on this story. My feelings were left all over the place from all of the abuse, Melvin [Mica] had endured. Being so sad from it, all one could see how he [she] Melvin Lane/Mica Lanae strikes out at his family members who were nothing but a lousy piece of work. And in his last go-round getting messed up in finding out what has happened in Lei Lie situation being hindered due to our famous Anna Black. Will this bring in Dr. Chloe Daniels back into all of this mayhem with her team trying to solve another case that involves not only Anna Black but some other person? 

Chi-Raq 2: The Finale Kindle Edition by Jade Jones

Book Excerpt:

Fight the dead. Fear the living

"Grimez, Brittoni, Dekari, Ariah, and Gabby are back for the shocking final installment of the Chi-Raq series. Find out what happens when the group stumbles upon a food plant run by a bloodthirsty tyrant.

Will they learn that the living is just as dangerous as the unliving--if not more? Fasten your seatbelts for a wild ride as your favorite group of survivors embarks on yet another terrifying, zombie-infested journey.

Not everyone will survive this trip. But those who do are in a race against time to find a vaccine to stop the deadliest pandemic known to man."

Title: Chi-Raq 2: The Finale
Author: Jade Jones
Publisher: Jaded Publications
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Chi-Raq 2: The Finale" by Jade Jones

My Speculation:

All is left from this good read is who will survive this 'deadliest pandemic know to man?' Who will be left standing? Will it be Grimez, Brittoni, Dekari, Ariah, and or Gabby who will make it out of this 'zombie-infested journey? Well, to get it all, you will have to pick up 'Chi-Raq 2: The Finale' to get it all and believe me when I say it will be some read that I did find rather sad at the end. 

LIL MAMA FROM THE GUTTA Kindle Edition by RACQUEL WILLIAMS

Excerpt:

"Securing the bag, is the motto that young Jada lives by, but don’t let her pretty face fool you, she’s as deadly as they come. Born and raised in the Whitcomb Court Project, one of Richmond, Virginia’s most ruthless housing projects, she has a poor upbringing. She started looking for love in all the wrong places. With a voluptuous body and sharp mouthpiece, she caught the attention of a few area dope boys. With nothing, but money on her mind, she’s a force to be reckoned with.

She soon forms a clique of her own with Lauren and Kellize. With Jada being the most ruthless out of the clique, she concocts a plan, to get money out of one of the biggest dope boys, Asad from Creighton Court Projects. Oblivious to the fact that Asad was a stone-cold killer with a long criminal history, she puts her life and the lives of her girls in harm’s way with no solid plan on how to escape.
Take a ride with Jada and her girls as they wreak havoc on the streets of Richmond. Greed, lust, jealousy, and murder all wrapped around in this twisted story. Will their love and loyalty for one another keep them together, or is it every woman for themself?"

Title: Lil Mama From the Gutta
Author: Racquel Williams
Publisher: RACQUEL WILLIAMS PRESENTS LLC
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Lil Mama From The Gutta" by Racquel Williams

My Speculation:

What a story that will leave you guessing and shaking your head at the same time with many twists that seem to keep coming for all of these characters. What some people will do for the mighty dollar, but in the end, will it be worth it? I will say the ending gave me quite a shocker. 

Jail Talk Chronicles: Episode 1: Kiss Me Through The Phone Kindle Edition by Niki Jilvontae

Book Excerpt:

"Words without actions are just like a bucket with no bottom, useless & a waste of time! The same can be said about a man with smooth lines and no intentions of following through with them. The leading man in this story, Quami, is that conniving man who uses cute words to get what he wants! That practice is called Jail Talk, which is a manipulator's way to finesse their naive victims into doing their will! The only problem is, the leading lady in this story, Bo, is anything but naive! She has her own motives in the jail talk game and sets out to teach Quami as well as her ex Jordan a precious lesson. Find out what happens when the predators become prey in this first episode of Jail Talk Chronicles!" 

Title: Jail Talk Chronicles: Episode 1: Kiss Me Through The Phone
Author: Niki Jilvontae
Publisher: N. J.
Series: Episode 1: Kiss Me Through The Phone
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Jail Talk Chronicles: Episode 1: Kiss Me Through The Phone" by Niki Jilvontae

My Speculation:

Be ready for a rollercoaster ride with so many twists and turns of what can happen when an abused woman gets sick and tired of being abused. The reader will be kept turning the pages to see what will be coming next for these abusers. All that is left to say is that the abuse one knew what to do with these abusers by getting her revenge. 

 

Twisted Secrets: Book 3 of the Twisted Minds Series Kindle Edition by Keta Kendric

Excerpt:

"Megan: Have you ever fallen so deeply for someone that you’d be willing to do anything for them? I was willing to do anything for Aaron including leaving him if it meant keeping him from getting tangled up in my past. Aaron wasn’t going to let me run, even if there was an army after me, he’d gather arms and prepare for war.

Aaron: Letting Megan go wasn’t an option. She’d become a part of me that I couldn’t live without. Some of the horrifying secrets from her past had been revealed, but I believed Megan’s final secret had the power to rain down hell-fire on my MC, and I’d been right. When my father went behind my back and called my cousin Ansel for back-up, I knew that all hell was about to break loose, and I ended up preparing to fight an adversary so dangerous, my life teetered on the brink of extinction."

Title: Twisted Secrets
Author: Keta Kendric
Publisher: Jessica Watkins Presents
Series: Book 3 of the Twisted Minds
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Twisted Secrets: Book 3 of the Twisted Minds Series" by Keta Kendric

My Speculation:

I enjoyed this third series of 'Twisted Secrets' because it summed up the first two series so very well featuring Megan and Aaron. It was good seeing how well this author was able to give the reader a tied up reading that explains many of the questions I had left from the earlier reads that had not been answered. With that, add some well developed secondary characters that indeed did help give this story of a good read into their dark world. It was great seeing these two main characters finally getting their HEA. 

Twisted Hearts: Book 2 of the Twisted Minds series Kindle Edition by Keta Kendric

0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000Book Excerpt:

"Megan: How the hell did he do it? Aaron had messed with my mind and twisted up my heart, but my body had never been so splendidly ravaged.

Stepping away from the August Knights Motor Cycle Club was easy, but leaving Aaron was killing me. Was it crazy for me to want to subject myself to the madness that the group stood for just because I couldn't shake Aaron's hold on me? But I couldn't go back. I had to consider his safety. I couldn't allow my twisted past to go crashing into the turbulent life he led.

Aaron: How the hell did she do it? Megan had cracked my chest open and filled them with crippling emotions that I couldn't shake.
Letting Megan go wasn't easy. Was it crazy of me to go chasing her after we'd agreed it was time to make go? I had to find her. My infatuation with her didn't leave me any other options. In my quest to find her, I had discovered that Megan had secrets, deep dark ones that I could have figured out if I hadn't gotten distracted. When I see her, I was going to make her tell me what she was hiding in that twisted mind of hers--or else. 00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

***WARNING*** This book is an interracial romance that contains intense violence and sexual content and is intended for adults (open-minded adults.) If you are easily offended or squeamish about harsh or demeaning language, murder, and violence, this is not the book for you."

Title: Twisted Hearts: Book 2 of the Twisted Minds
Author: Keta Kendric
Publisher: Jessica Watkins Presents
Series: Book 2 of the Twisted Mind Series
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Twisted Hearts; Book 2 of the Twisted Minds Series" by Keta Kendric

My Speculation:

After reading 'Twisted Hearts: Book 1,' I was compelled to read book 2, and I am so glad I did because this series answers so many questions that were left unanswered in book 1. I found 'Twisted Hearts' to be full of heat with all of the 'drama, sex, pain, and pleasure' one will get from the read. With Aaron looking for Megan, will he find her and learn why she had lied to him about her past of who she was? All that is left to say is you will have to pick up this series to find out. The ending will leave you wanting part three of this story. 

Twisted Minds: Book 1 of the Twisted Minds series Kindle Edition by Keta Kendric

Excerpt:

"Megan: How in the hell did I end up here; on a heavily-wooded road in the middle of a racist county, all alone with nothing but my twisted mind for protection? After convincing the August Knights Motorcycle Club to allow me to work off a debt my sister owed them, I found myself in the middle of madness and mayhem. I should've known that this was what life inside this dangerous club would be like, right?

Aaron: How the hell did I end up here? I was face to face and chest to chest with the one woman I was forbidden to touch.
Strange, sexy, inexplicitly delicious, and just downright twisted events started to unfold when I meet Megan. I can't figure her out, but there is one thing she can't hide- her attraction to me. When Megan wiggles her way into my life, I discover that her quiet, good-girl persona is a cloak she uses to hide the twisted mind she harbors. A mind just as bent as mine.

*** WARNING *** This book is an interracial romance that contains strong violence and sexual content and is intended for adults (open-minded adults.) If you are easily offended or squeamish about harsh or demeaning language, murder, and violence, this is not the book for you."

Title: Twisted Minds
Author: Keta Kendric
Publisher: Jessica Watkins Presents
Series: Book 1 of the Twisted Minds
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Twisted Minds" by Keta Kendric

My Speculation:

The author did a good job with this first series of 'Twisted Minds' giving us a read of 'strong violence and sexual content, and murder.' Now, if you are into this type of reading, then you will be all set to get one interesting read. We find Megan is in this situation due to her wanting to pay off her sister's Jenifer's debt for drugs but to have to go to the August Knight Motorcycle Club for thirty days? I was left feeling like there was more to that story. Then from the Shark character, his son, Aaron, comes in play. I didn't understand the reasoning of why Shark put his son with Megan; what would he expect would happen between the two? Then as expected, Megan and Aaron will come together, giving us an intriguing read. The reader will be left wondering what in with world will happen after Megan leaves. I guess we will find out in the next series. 

Teach Me How to Love Kindle Edition by Celeste Granger

Excerpt:

"For Remington Steele, being a new professor on the campus of Spelman College is what dreams are made of. It is also a wonderful escape from small-town life and small-town thinking. What she didn't expect was a chance encounter with Professor Chance Walker. There is something about this man that draws Remington like a bee to precious honey. Yet, the demons of her past keep Remington from seeing Chance for the man he is and the man he wants to be in her life. Chance Walker doesn't see their initial encounter as accidental or happenstance. It feels destined, fated, despite Remington's reservations. Chance isn't one to give up easily, not when its something he wants. And he wants Remington, unapologetically."

This is a standalone story with a happily ever after.

   

Title: Teach Me How to Love
Author: Celeste Granger
Publisher: C. G.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Teach Me How to Love" by Celeste Granger

My Speculation:


I found 'Teach Me How to Love' a delightful romantic read. I loved how this author puts Remington
and Chance together at the college. I felt somewhat sorry for Remington's mother; however, it looks like she will come around in the end. I loved the island marriage, maybe a little more than the next one, but I am sure Remginton's parents were happy about being there this time for their daughter's wedding. But a least, in the end, we get to see that Remington and Chance were so very in love. 

Pale A Novel by Edward Farmer

Book Excerpt:

""Some things just don't keep well inside this house …"

The summer of 1966 burned hot across America but nowhere hotter than the cotton fields of Mississippi. Finding herself in a precarious position as a black woman living alone, Bernice accepts her brother Floyd's invitation to join him as a servant for a white family, and she enters the web of hostility and deception that is the Kern plantation household.

The secrets of the house are plentiful, yet the silence that has encompassed it for so many years suddenly breaks with the arrival of the harvest and the appearance of Jesse and Fletcher to the plantation as cotton pickers. These two brothers, the sons of the house servant Silva, awaken a vengeful seed within the Missus of the house as she plots to punish not only her husband but Silva's family as well. When the Missus starts flirting with Jesse, she sets into motion a dangerous game that could get Jesse killed and destroy the lives of the rest of the servants.

Bernice walks the fine line between emissary and accomplice, as she tries her best to draw secrets from the Missus's heart while using their closeness to protect the lives of the people around her. Once the Missus's plans are complete, families will be severed, loyalties will be shattered, and no one will come out unscathed.

With a dazzling voice and productive emotional tension, Pale explores the ties that bind and how quickly humanity can fade and return us to primal ways."

Title: Pale
Author: Edward Farmer
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Pale" by Edward Farmer

My Speculation:

I found 'Pale' quite an engaging read where we find Bernice going to live with her brother, Floyd, in the 1960s in Mississippi, who worked on a cotton plantation. What a story of how this Missus was one very deceptive, petty, and vindictive person that caused all kinds of trouble for everyone, which included her husband. Yes, what she was trying to do was to soothe her wounds. What will turn out from all of this is after the Missus dies, there will be more secrets and lies of the family that worked for them will come out. Be ready for a story of where "there is a thin line between servant and slave and how revengeful choices can define and change lives for generations." I will say this was quite a sad story even at the end of what happened.

I would like to thank Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion of this book. 

The Politician's Fake Engagement: A BWWM Secret Baby Romance Kindle Edition by Roxy Wilson

Excerpt:

"A political strategist, a handsome billionaire, an explosive allegation of racism, and a fake engagement… what could possibly go wrong?

Well… everything.

Kade Wellington is the picture of privilege. From his handsome, charming, pretty-boy smile to his billions in the bank, he oozes advantages others can only dream of. When he fires his Ethiopian-born campaign advisor, he's accused of racism, just like he was warned he would be.

And how does this privileged bastard deal with the mess he's caused?

By claiming he and Andrea 'Drea' Daniels, his new campaign advisor, are engaged! Which is an outright lie! She's livid, but she's always been secretly interested in him. Is he just trying to save his public image and his tanking approval ratings? Or is he playing for keeps? Will this scandal sink his campaign? Or will Drea rescue his political career as his fiancée because, despite everything, she's damn good at her job?

***The Politician's Fake Engagement is a full-length, standalone 45K novel. There's NO CHEATING and NO CLIFFHANGERS. A HEA ending is guaranteed.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This book was previously published."

Title:  The Politician's Fake Engagement: BWWM Secret Baby Romance

Author:  Roxy Wilson

Publisher:  R.W.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"The Politician's Fake Engagement: A BWWM Secret Baby Romance" by Roxy Wilson

My Speculation:

An enjoyable read of what can happen when Andrea Daniels works for Kade Wellington as his campaign advisor.  It

was quite a story of how an engagement comes about that will have you wondering how will all of the work out along with the scandals that keep on coming for Kade.  I had wished that Andrea would have been able to let Kade know just what all had happened to her but well.. you will just have to pick up this good read to see how it all will come out.

Breaking Dawn (Love Under New Management Book 1) Kindle Edition by C. Monet

Excerpt:

"Dawn Theron is a self-made woman with the confidence of a thousand women dwelling and flowing through her veins. Being the owner of the hottest strip club isn't easy when you have men coming attempting to tarnish something they didn't create. While running her business, she is also tasked with raising her son. She's focused on getting everything she wanted. Love is around the corner waiting to knock on her door, but she doesn't plan on answering. 

Andre Caine has his eyes set on Dawn's business but isn't prepared for the fight ahead. Walking in he thinks this will be an easy move until he meets Dawn face to face. She's unfiltered and not afraid to let him know who's the boss. He's now tasked with keeping it strictly business or fighting a love like he's never imagined.

Both Dawn and Andre are unsure where this meeting will go but one thing for sure is he plans to break Dawn down either to love her or take her business. The choice is hers. Will Dawn let her guard down? Will Andre back off when he finally gets to know her?

This is the first part of the three-book series Love Under New Management. This will be a standalone series."

Title: Breaking Dawn
Author: C. Monet
Publisher: B. Love Publications
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Breaking Dawn" by C. Monet

My Speculation:

I enjoyed this read that showed one 'bold, aggressive, sharp, self-confident, and even a mother' that was tough as nails that went after what Dawn wanted. I liked how the two main characters went after what they wanted when it came to love, especially when Dawn started to find a balance in her life. It was quite interesting to see how they will be able to overcome their obstacles, choosing to love each other over pride. I also enjoyed the input of the secondary characters Toni and Belize, who also had 'confidence and definitely girl power.'