Basel, by Celeste Granger

Book Excerpt:

"From USA Today Bestselling Author, Celeste Granger.

Singapore brought them together and almost tore them apart.

Textile specialist, Aya Masters, travels the world, negotiating in high powered board rooms and bridging the economic divide between the poor and the wealthiest of the wealthy. The only absence in her life is the love of family. Basel Ali, an international finance manager for Ali International, crosses the globe seeking out new investments for his family's millions. Private jets, board rooms, and five-star hotels are the accommodations that signify his life. For Basel, honoring his family and the family name is everything.

A chance encounter in Singapore brings Aya into Basel's orbit. He finds himself lured by her exotic beauty, brilliant mind, and sophisticated allure. Aya notices Basel, too, and finds herself not only intrigued by him but willing to take a risk with the one thing she'd always protected her heart. The uncanny magnetism between the two shifts the world on its axis and throws Basel and Aya into a whirlwind romance neither could have anticipated."

This book is standalone and has a happily ever after. This book is interconnected to the Brothers Ali Series.

Title: Basel
Author: Celeste Granger
Publisher: C. G.
Series: The Brothers Ali Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Basel" by Celeste Granger

My Speculation:

I loved this story featuring Basel and Aya's attraction for one another! This story was a page-turner as Basel's family enter into this adventure that seemed so right at the time it was needed. The author knows so well how to bring it all out to the reader with all of the emotions where one is at times will be 'happy, sad, mad, and even ready to fight' for a cause in her well-written stories. As always, be ready for smoking hot love scenes that will leave one in awe. What is left is to find out what is going on in the next series of other Ali Brother [Israel].

Administrative Duties Kindle Edition by S.I. Hayes

Book Excerpt:

"Taniel Jacobs is in an open relationship, he meets LitheinLeather, a masked woman nearly twenty years older than him for a single encounter. All was going great until he breaks a few rules… An honest man, he plans to break it to his girl, only to find she’s broken their key rule. She’s seeing someone on the regular.

The relationship has gone… But the Black’s Guild Publishing Company will fill the void. Especially with the sexy Cassandra Blackguild to look at all day long.
Cassandra Blackguild is a forty-year-old publishing mogul, she is also unbeknownst to Taniel, LitheinLeather. Recognizing him, the first day on the job.
One wet kiss and she can’t get the man out of her head. Will she take the chance and reveal her identity, or will it just be all work and no play for this sexy cougar and her young nubile Administrative Assistant?" 

*Trigger Warning:
* *Erotic Elements

Title:  Administrative Duties

Author:  S. I. Hayes

Publisher:  S.I. Hayes 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

All that is left to say is wow, this was some excellent read that left me in tears. We find Cassandra Blackguild was a forth-year old publishing mogul finally recognizing who Taniel was; LitheinLeather knew what she wanted, especially after he started working for her. This sexy cougar with this young Administrative Assitant, how will this all turn out for these two? I don't want to give any of this story away other than to say it was one good read, and as I said earlier, the ending left me in tears.  

Take Another Chance: A Sweet Romance with just a Hint of Spice! (Second Chances Do Happen Book 1) Kindle Edition by Pat Fifield

Book Excerpt:

"After being blindsided by her husband’s request for a divorce, Grace vows that raising her teenage daughters must come first. So, she throws herself into her teaching job and puts romance on the back burner. Heck, it leaves the building completely – until a few years later when Doug enters her life. He’s a local bachelor by day and heroic police officer by night. He finds himself being captured by the soft-spoken single mother of two grown children. Grace’s quiet strength attracts him as much as her apparent self-blindness to her own womanly beauty. Yes, she’s certainly not his usual Blond Balboa Beach Babe choice.

When Grace and Doug first meet, there is an instant mutual attraction that Grace immediately fends off. Having been in a relationship where there was little she did that was right (according to her ex) she wasn’t sure she’d be a good match for anyone. Especially the virile male standing right in front of her. But it is sure fun to fantasize about.

Doug is persistent and finally gets Grace to agree to a date. And what a date it is! Sparks fly for both of them. Their friendship deepens rapidly over several weeks. Doug surprises himself by realizing that he’s falling in love, for the first time in his life.

And then unexpected circumstances in both their lives throw up roadblocks to their growing romance.

Can they overcome the hurt? Will Doug’s past ruin his future chances with Grace?

Do they dare take another chance at love?

Enjoy this feel-good binge-worthy tale of love, redemption, and hope."

Title: Take Another Chance: A Sweet Romance with just a Hint of Spice!

Author: Pat Fifield

Publisher: Different Concepts LLC; 2 edition       

Series: Second Chances Do Happen Book 1

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Take Another Chance: A Sweet Romance with just a Hint of Spice" by Pat Fifield

My Speculation:  

I found "Take Another Chance," quite an enjoyable read showing its sweetness, humor, and being a good read that will keep your interest turning the pages to see what was coming next for Grace and Doug. Be ready for emotions coming from all over the place from each of these two main endearing characters. I was not too fond of the way Grace thought of herself not being lovable, but after that ex, I guess I could understand why she would feel the way she did.  

This author did an excellent job of bringing out this heartwarming story showing there can be a new life if one is willing to give it a try. I also liked the secondary character, especially Grace's children. If you are looking for a captivating romantic, sweet story where two opposites come together, you may enjoy "Take Another Chance."  

Allow Me Kindle Edition by Celeste Granger

Book Excerpt:

"From USA Today Best Selling Author, Celeste Granger

The first encounter was accidental. He made sure the next one was intentional. Photographer, Elle Moore, is much more comfortable behind the camera, capturing special moments and living vicariously through the loving moments of others. After a painful breakup, Elle pours her heart and soul into her art. Creating becomes her only love. Billionaire, Winston Pierre-Toussaint, is a consummate businessman, making moves and multimillion-dollar deals. He almost made it to the altar, once. But that arranged relationship was more about business than love. Although Winston can have any woman he wants, he refuses to settle for less than what he desires.

As fate would have it, their paths cross. Elle is an unconventional beauty that intrigues him from the start. Winston will stop at nothing to capture her heart."

This is standalone and ends with an HFN/HEA

Title: Allow Me

Author: Celeste Granger

Publisher: C. G.  

Series: Moore Friends

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Allow Me" by Celeste Granger

My Speculation:  

 

I enjoyed reading about Elle Moore and Winston Pierre-Toussaint. There first meeting was something that will cause a binding for them. With Ellie being a photographer and Winston bein a billionaire and a consummate businessman, I knew something good was going to happen.  It was too bad for Ellie that she had an ex-boyfriend Solomon who suddenly started presenting problems for her. I was so glad Ellie had not only her two friends that stuck with her through it all, but there was also Winston had her back too. "Allow Me" was a beautifully written story of how two people came together who loved each other but seemed to be made for one another as Winston 'would stop at nothing to capture Ellie's heart.'

Southern Delights: A Short Story (Victory Gospel Short Book 2) Kindle Edition by Tyora Moody

Book Excerpt:

"Nia Michaels is an author who's currently experiencing writer's block. Determined to send her next novel by the deadline, she struggles for inspiration. Her own love life certainly doesn't reflect the sweet Romance stories she's grown accustomed to reading and writing. When a man walks inside Southern Delights Cafe, catching Nia's eye, she's delighted to find the perfect male character for her novel. She sure wouldn't mind getting to know him for herself too.

Victory Gospel Shorts are sweet Christian romance short stories from 8,000 to 10,000 words or 32-40 book pages. Meet a different member of the Victory Gospel Church family. Don't be surprised if you see a character from the Victory Gospel Series or the Reed Family Series in a story.

*** NOTE: This story is a part of the Love Walked In anthology."

Title:  Southern Delights: A Short Story

Author:  Tyora Moody

Publisher:  T.M.    

Series:  Victory Gospel Short Book 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Southern Delights: A Short Story" by Tyora Moody

My Speculation:

I enjoyed 'Southern Delight,' where we find Nia's aunt owned a coffee shop where she would come to the shop for inspiration to write on her novel.  During a visit, she sees a guy that Nia felt would be a wonderful character in her book. 'Will Nia be able to finally meet this Mr. Cafe Americano in person who was [Brendan McCormick]?' Will Nia finally get to meet him?  Well, you will have to pick up this short story and see how well this author brings it all out to the reader.  I enjoyed the characters that were well defined and developed in this beautiful story.  

Forever My Lady (Lunch Break Series Book 5) Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris (Author)

My Except:

"Dimitri Montgomery has prided himself on being a man collected, oriented, and disciplined. That is until Stacey enters his life and shakes up his world."

Title: Forever My Lady
Author: Stephanie Nicole Norris
Publisher: Love Is A Drug
Series: Lunch Break Series Book 5
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Forever My Lady" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Speculation:

Another excellent 'Lunch Break Series Book 5' of "Forever My Lady" featured Dimitri and Stacey's story that will keep you turning the pages to see what was coming next. It was a beautiful read of how these two reconnects after a long period. What had stopped Dimitri's from pursuing Stacey early on? Well, it looks look Dimitri is letting go of some of his hang-ups that had kept them apart, as it seems like now he is interested in exploring a new relationship with Stacey. Will this work out this time for Dimitri? Pick up this short story and see how it all comes out for these two. It will be an enjoyable read. 

Mission To Please You Kindle Edition by J. Brinkley

Book Excerpt:

"Ella is a bright young woman who fell for the rugged bad boy and got a life she didn’t expect. She wears long sleeves and turtlenecks in the summer to hide her bruises. Her friends don’t come around anymore. Is this what happily ever after looks like?

James is a first-year associate at a prominent law firm. When his old college buddy invites him over for a party, James is too busy to attend. Then his girlfriend finds out and desperately wants her man to take her out for some fun. James grudgingly agrees to go, just to stop her tantrums. He has no idea that his life is about to change forever.

Follow Ella and James in this happily ever after story as both of them struggle with abusive partners and somehow find their way to one another and true love."

Title: Mission To Please You
Author: J. Brinkley
Publisher: B. Love Publications
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Mission To Please You" by J. Brinkley

My Speculation:

I found 'Mission To Please' was quite an exciting read where I felt sorry for both James and Ella in their abusive situations. I was so glad that James decided to do something about what was going on in his life with that Brandy, but poor Ella felt stuck for some reason with that, Nick. Thank God that James came to her recuse, and both were able to move on together to a great life with a HEA. 

Interstate 64 Kindle Edition by Deidra D. S. Green

Book Excerpt;

"WARNING! THIS STORY IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART! EXPLICIT CONTENT!

His name is Tom, just Tom. After a tumultuous childhood of ill-begotten love and psychological torment, Tom decides it’s time to leave his past behind and make a new life for himself. He strikes out on his own, taking to the roadways, leaving death and destruction in his wake with remnants of his previous life haunting him at every turn. The interstate will never be the same. Are serial killers born or bred? Find out in Interstate 64."

 

Title Interstate 64
Author: Deidra D. S. Green
Publisher: Rathsi Publishing Company
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Interstate 64" by Deidra D. S. Green

My Speculation:

All that is left to say is this was one read by this author, let me with a lot of feelings all over the place. The read is not for the faint of heart. This poor Tom had a 'tumultuous childhood with not love with psychological torment' that will leave one in awe and not in the right way. The reader will be disturbed and sad from all that goes on. Yes, Tom is a sociopath and serial killer, but what would you expect growing up with no friends and with his mentally ill mother and all that when on with her and her boyfriend leaving one to say wow. Be ready for a little bit of it all from 'incest, drugs, masturbating, being bullied, murder, killings, and suicide.' The read was a hard read, but I was able to read it to the end. I had hoped after Tom met up with George, and things would change for the better for Tom, but well, all that is left to say is you must pick up "Interstate 64" so see how it all comes out. 

Deep In My Soul (Soulmates Book 2) Kindle Edition by Aja

Book Excerpt:

"soul mate

noun
a person ideally suited to another as a close friend or romantic partner.

He kinda looked like Ross, he even smiled like him. My mind didn't want him. It shouldn't have. Not after Ross.

But he smelled good and he talked to me in a way that felt good, deep down in my soul.

He wasn't Ross.

Zena Lewis believed in fairy tales as a little girl. She carried those fantasies of a knight in shining armor loving her until eternity, until her ugly separation and divorce from her ex. These days, a man would have to be lucky to get her to smile back at him, let alone give up her number.

Until Rafael Dupré.

Rafael was different."

Title: Deep In My Soul
Author: Aja
Publisher: She Loves Words Publishing
Series: Soulmates Book 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Deep In My Soul" by Aja

My Speculation:

The heart knows what the heart wants as it was for Zena and Rafael, who were made for each other from their first meeting. We find Rafael knew that Zena was indeed what he wanted. With Zena having had a fail marriage, we see her somewhat afraid, but one thing for sure, she was falling for Rafael, and he was nothing like her first husband. One thing about this story they both wanted to be loved, and it was interesting seeing if they will get there HEA. 

Amethyst Blues: Ain't Nobody Loving on Me Kindle Edition by Bayou Blaque

Book Excerpt:

"A tale of one woman’s journey into the lives of several men who fell in love with her bubbly personality, her independence, and her accent. New Orleans native Amethyst Marigny blew through Memphis with her free-spirited no-nonsense flare and the men adored her, turning down every proposal for her hand in marriage, Amethyst refused to lose herself in another man’s inability to love her. Only she knew the darkness of her heart and the depth of unwanted heartache. Her shield was greater than any of her suitor’s persistence. She was their elixir they were part of her vice. Travel the pages of Amethyst Blues, five erotic tales of unbridled sexual rebirths. Nobody been Loving on me because just maybe no one knows what Love is, especially Amethyst. Looking for nothing, expecting less, and fighting to stay loveless through the twisted turns of non-commitment. Thing is she's more than her Vagina and because her one night stands turn into friendships it's hard to choose one so she finds herself entertaining them all."

Title: Amethyst Blues: Ain't Nobody Loving on Me
Author: Bayou Blaque
Publisher: B.B.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Amethyst Blues: Ain't Nobody Loving on Me" by Bayou Blaque

My Speculation:

What I gathered from this good read was that Amethyst Marigny had been hurt, so she prodded herself in 'turning down every proposal for her hand in marriage, and refusing to lose herself in another man's inability to low her.' In other words, she did as she wanted in having the best for her life. Yes, this is an adult read.

I found this read stimulating if 'Amethyst Blues' gives the reader 'five erotic tales of unbridled sexual rebirths as she deals with Quincy, Malcolm [G, Preach], Devonte [JD], & Stallion. Now you will have to read this good read to see who these people are and how Amethyst let them become involved in her life. I will say she lead quite one satisfying life. Oh, I don't want to leave out Amethyst's best friend Lolita, who seemed to be there for her when needed.

A little about Amethyst, we find out she had three children. I enjoyed this part of the read from the quote: "Amethyst had her way with things and life, every person she met had a pet name male/female, every dildo has an identity, every action reacted, even if it was not physical. Mentally she had become her vessel for gauging what mattered most in her moments of need. She'd experienced enough of her own "blues" to tell stories for a lifetime."

I also enjoyed the poems that were also presented in the reading from Amethyst Blues, Sistas, Circumstances, Coercion, Rainbow, and Nights shifts. Yes, I would recommend "Amethyst Blues: Ain't Nobody Loving on Me" as an engaging good read. 

No Shade Sis Kindle Edition by Niki Jilvontae

Book Excerpt:

"Shade can be that cozy spot under your favorite tree or that comfy chair on grandma's porch. It can be a place of comfort, offer relief, or refuge on a hot, sunny day. Shade can also be regarded as a subtle diss from someone too scared to be direct. The latter proves to be the definition in this brilliantly woven tale. Come on this day in the life adventure told by the Word Chemist, Esha Sharday, and find out what the phrase, "No Shade Sis" really means. Experience love, loss, triumph, and tragedy as you read about the most pivotal 24hours of this teenage girl's life. Will Esha Sharday rise above the Shade? Come on this heart wrenching, emotional thrill ride and find out!"

Title: No Shade Sis
Author: Niki Jilvontae
Publisher: N. J.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"No Shade Sis" by Niki Jilvontae

My Speculation:


I found "No Shade Sis" was an excellent read that was simply leaving you saying, wow, what a read!
When I first started reading this incredible story, I wasn't sure where it was taking me, but I will say what this author produced was indeed a work of art in its presentation. The 'No Shade Sis' began with Esha having to get it all out, and with the help of her cousin and friend, it was ready to be put out there. The story will take a turn when Esha gives thought to all of the Shade that has gone on in her life, and things will take a turn. Now I will stop here and say you will have to pick up this read to see how these twists will turn in the story will come out. Seeing Esha rise over the Shade was quite a beautiful thing for all of those who had persecuted her from her mom, sister, neighbor, and some so-called friends. All that is left to say is that I genuinely enjoyed the story, and the ending was wonderful. 

Stupid Cupid (What if... Book 1) Kindle Edition by S.I. Hayes (Author), J. Haney

Book Excerpt:

"Life comes at you when you least expect it…

Katie Belle Wilson is a single mom. At twenty-six, she's busting her hump to get her master's in Early Childhood Education. Her pet project, Cupid Is Calling, was supposed to help her study people and how letter writing could connect them. Little did she know she was to become a participant and perhaps find the one thing she's always craved but never gained... Love.
What if a driven single mom lets a sweet and caring widower into her world?
Rest assured, it's nothing short of Bee-u-tiful."

Title:  Stupid Cupid

Authors:  S. I. Hayes & J. Haney

Publisher:  Hayes and Haney

Series:  What If...Book 1                                     

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Stupid Cupid" by S. I. Hayes and J. Haney

My Speculation:  

We find Katie had a lot on her being a single mom with an adorable daughter, Emric.  Living with her father [Ric] wasn't so great for her when all of the secrets began to come out about her mom [Marla].  With Katie trying to get her 'Early Childhood Education,' she put together  'Cupid Is Calling,' which she sort out to 'study people and how letter writing could connect them.'  In doing so, while working with her class, Katie meets some interesting twins [Jeremy & Mark] that were in her class, and their father Noah, who was a widower, had lost his wife.  As the story goes on, these twins were really quite a challenge in one way or another that keep Katie busy with them in her class.  Well, as the story goes, we find Noah becomes interested in Katie, and letters began to start...from Mr. Honeycomb to Katie Belle and back an forth until the secret comes out who he was.  And it looks like there is something that is starting between these two.

I loved how this author works this story bringing all of the characters in because Katie really needed to see how a real family that loves each other comes together as it was for Noah with his three sons, daughter-in-law, and two grandsons.  How will Katie get all caught up and so involved with this family?  Due to the way Katie had been brought up, she needed someone to show her love, and it looks like maybe it will all turn out 'Bee-u-tiful' for her.  Will Katie be able to let Noah into her Life after what had happened to her earlier?  Things start to look up for Katie, and it looks like her situation may be heading for a HEA; however, the story still leaves some questions that will need to be answered.  Since the story continues hopefully, we will get the rest of the story because it looks like its getting okay now that Katie as a ring and well, I will just say you will have to pick up "Stupid Cupid" to see what as gone on and what may be coming for Katie.  

  

A Royal Second Chance Summer by Viv Royce June 22

Book Excerpt:

"Prince Nicolas is looking for a priceless royal heirloom. Trying to stay under the radar, he keeps that he’s a prince secret—especially from the cute antique dealer he asks to help him. The longer it takes, the more time they get to spend together, though no matter how attracted he is to Lizzie, love is certainly not an option for the heir to the crown of Belfort.

Lizzie Cates fled her family’s new-found fame and fortune because life in the spotlight wasn’t for her. She loves her small town, where the most exciting thing on the schedule is the car parade for the Fourth of July. That’s just how she likes it until Nicolas comes along. Lizzie finds herself falling for the caring man who craves the country and small-town life as much as she does."

Except Nicolas has a secret that will shatter both their dreams...

Title: A Royal Second Chance Summer
Author: Viv Royce
Publisher: Entangled Bliss
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"A Royal Second Chance Summer" by Viv Royce

My Speculation:

A Cinderella story where the setting will involve Lizzie, who owned an antique shop, will meet Nicolas, who was a prince who was looking for a long lost item. What will happen when Lizzie finds how just who he is...a prince of Belfort. What was up with Lizzie that she seemed so ashamed of not wanting anyone to know about her famous family? Get ready for sparks to fly for these two during this summer holiday adventure in a small town. You will have to pick up this good read to see what will happen when secrets come out of just who this prince was and why it was so important to him to find this item for his grandfather's eighth birthday. I enjoyed the story of this hot royal and an American girl who didn't particularly like all the glamour. Will they find their HEA? Well, to find out, you will have to pick up 'A Royal Second Chance Summer' to see how this author brings it all out to the reader.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.