Hood Chronicles and Friends Kindle Edition by Hood Chronicles

Book Excerpt:

"Hood Chronicles and Friends is a collection of previously released work by Worldhaven Agenda Publications. It features several diverse genres, such as street lit, erotica, fantasy, and more! Hood Chronicles is the headliner of this creative collection with his many titles, collabs, and anthologies included. Also, he decided to bring along some of his authors to showcase their talented artists as well. International pornstar, Mimi Curvaceous, has her erotic tale "Drenched Lips" inside while Instagram sensation, Lady Free Risk Taker's, "The D Made Her Do It" is also an equally arousing read. Fall in love with the works of these talented individuals and more just as you have with Hood. This limited edition boxset will be sure to satisfy every reader's literary tastebuds. Therefore, sit back, relax, and prepare yourself to be entertained!"


Title: Hood Chronicles and Friends
Author: Hood Chronicles
Publisher: Worldhaven Agenda
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Hood Chronicles and Friends" by Hood Chronicles

My Speculation:

All I can say is get ready for this author's 'diverse genres such as street lit, erotica fantasy, and so much more.' This author gives his readers quite a 'creative collection with many titles, collabs, and anthologies.' Be ready for a long read as this author 'Hood Chronicles, brings along some of his authors to showcase their talented art.' I will say this read is not for everyone, but for those who do, I am sure you will enjoy it. It took me quite a while to read through this erotic/erotica urban read, but it was worth it leaving me to say: this was some read that you will find some, if not all, some interesting reads. Believe me. You will be most entertained!

Bound To Silence: Justice For My Son Kindle Edition by Niki Jilvontae

Book Excerpt:

"A popular verse from the Bible states, “And a little child shall lead them.” That passage speaks about how an innocent child untainted by the perils of the world can lead a whole group of people out of darkness & despair. In this story, that child is Ishmael Roberson the ten-year-old son of community activist, Sheema Roberson known as Mama Sheema. Those perils Ishmael was chosen to lead black people out of was the web of chaos on the streets of Memphis. The chaos which was produced as a result of years of racism and the unjustified killings of black people.

After witnessing alone of those killings, Ishmael becomes a target and is bound to silence by the very people who vowed to serve and protect their community. The only wrinkle in the rotten machine’s plan was the strong forces that Ishmael had behind him. Soon, a civil war ensued followed by a revolution that was decades in the making! That revolution was televised and is now being transcribed and emphasized in this riveting tale. So, turn these pages with your mind and hearts open and find out how a little child led one brown girl to find her hidden strength so that she could change the world!"

Title:  Bound To Silence: Justice For My Son

Author:  Niki Jilvontae

Publisher:  N. J. 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Bound To Silence: Justice For My Son" by Niki Jilvontae

My Speculation:  

All that is left to say about "Bound To Silence: Justice For My Son" is Wow what a good read this author has presented us.  Yes, it is quite a 'powerful' read that can be identified in what is going on with many of us today.  The three main characters...Ish, Sheema, and Rah were off the chart well presented in the lives of Black Lives Matter even here in great old America 2020 in all is going on.  I believe this author did a wonderful job of capturing it all where I loved at the end how the story turned out with those getting just what they deserved.  

You will have to pick this novel up and see for yourselves how well this author brings this subject matter out to us all.  There is definitely be a subject matter to ponder over long after the read.  I will also say this is a very fitting read especially in what in going on in America, 2020.

Israel (The Brothers Ali Book 2) Kindle Edition by Celeste Granger

Book Excerpt:

"World-renowned archaeologist, Dr. Cairo Davis spends most of her time digging in dirt uncovering secrets, hidden things that remind us of a past long since forgotten. Although famous, Cairo is not one for the glitz and glam that infamy offers. She’s not impressed by private jets and five-star hotels. She likes to keep things simple.

Israel Ali, Director of Acquisitions for Ali International, his family’s business, is two sides to the same coin. He enjoys the perks of being one of the hottest eligible bachelors in the Southwest region, women dying to be on his arm, red carpets, five stars everything. Yet, Israel is just as happy on an excursion to unearth buried treasure.

An expected encounter brings the two personalities together on a collision course destined for love. Yet, Cairo has a secret she would much rather keep to herself. Israel is determined to unearth the treasure that lies inside Cairo. She resists his pursuits sending the duo into an emotional entanglement that nearly costs them, real love."

Title:  Israel

Author:  Celeste Granger

Publisher:  C.G.  

Series:  The Brothers Ali Book 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Israel" by Celeste Granger

My Speculation:  

Isreal Ali was one of a kind that truly knew what he loved and that was Cairo Davis.  I loved how well she showed Cario just how much she was loved.  And in the end not only did Cario get a wonderful person that loved her but... I will stop here and say you will have to pick up the good novel that this author gives the reader to see how well it all turns out.  

Tease (Sweet Spot Shorts Book 1) Kindle Edition by Aja

Book Excerpt:

"Charlie Fox works as a successful accountant by day and shifts to a devoted football mom by night ... and on the weekends. Her son A.J., could use some more detailed instruction on the field and his new coach, Chaz, is happy to help when he notices the young man's athletic potential. Unable to ignore the boy's fine and foxy mother, Chaz begins to wonder if Charlie could use his help as well. He's all for providing one on one coaching on how to play and win the game of love.

The Sweet Spot Shorts are all about quick, hot, romance that knocks each couple off their feet because love & desire must have their way. "

Title: Tease
Author: Aja
Publisher: She Loves Words Publishing
Series: Sweet Spot Short Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Tease" by Aja

My Speculation:

I enjoyed "Tease" that featured Chaz and Charlie. It was good seeing Charlie, who was now a single mother getting on with her life even though it seemed as her ex didn't care for it. The chemistry was off the chain for these two, and it was delightful seeing them come together. In the end, this author gives the reader one beautiful love story.

Fallin' For a Refined Gangsta: A Standalone Novel Kindle Edition by Jade Jones

Book Excerpt:

"

A HOT, JUICY STANDALONE FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR, JADE JONES

Zenobia is just a regular, around-the-way girl with dreams of owning her own hair salon. For years, she’s been focused on her goals, but after falling victim to the manipulative ways of her trifling ex-boyfriend Liam, she was somehow thrown off track. Luckily, she rekindles an old flame that helps her bring her dream to fruition. Semaj Santana aka Smoke is her lover and best friend wrapped in one, but unbeknownst to her, he’s hiding a deep, dark secret. One that could completely shatter their life-long friendship—and future.

JaQuay is young, beautiful and the girlfriend of the gang leader, Yadon, of the East Side Triads. Yadon spoils her to no end, but everything that glitters ain’t gold, and no amount of money or material possessions can make up for all the pain and suffering she’s had to endure with him. It’s bad enough she has to deal with his 3 baby mamas, but the constant infidelities were not something she signed up for. JaQuay has a plan to get even. But will it cost her more than the price of revenge?

Prepare yourself for a wild, messy ride! Backs will be stabbed, secrets will be exposed, and by the time you make it to the final page, you WILL be clutching your pearls!

*** This book was previously titled "In Love with a Hood Rich N*gga"

THIS IS A STANDALONE

Title:  Fallin' For a Refined Gangsta

Author:  Jade Jones

Publisher:  Jaded Publications

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

The story was full of it all from Zenobia, Liam, Smoke, Queen, JaQuay, Yadon, Na'Jai to name a few characters that will keep your attention as you read through 'Fallin' For a Refined Gangsta.' There is so much going on with all kinds of illegal activities that you will have to keep up because it seems like everyone had something going on. Be ready for lots of drama, action,  suspense, murder, and secrets manifested all over the place. By the end, one can only hope that there will be happy for those who were still left standing. 

Held Captive by a Criminal's Heart Kindle Edition by B. Love

Book Excerpt:

"Silky, a High School Guidance Counselor, has never known love like what he's experienced with his wife. Tender, intentional, and devoted... one look in her eyes and the world stops turning — until he's hauled away in the middle of the night, arrested on murder charges. When those telling eyes begin to drip with doubt, love doesn't look the same.

Siara, a CPA, has her world rocked from the bottom when the love of her life is accused of murdering his ex-wife. Holding true to her vows, Siara stands by his side until the day he is released from prison; however, home doesn't feel the same. Trust is no longer satisfied but becomes a lingering question.

Did Silky kill his ex-wife? And if he did, is Siara in danger of meeting the same demise? Or will another truth arise and allow them to reclaim their love?"

 Title: Held Captive by a Criminal's Heart

Author: B. Love
Publisher: B.L.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Held Captive by a Criminal's Heart" by B. Love

My Speculation:

Wow-what a read that will leave you utterly shocked at the way this story played out. The author did give the reader one excellently good read as the story goes into its 'mystery, love, murder, hate, and revenge.' It was so good seeing how well Siara knew something was wrong and took action to find out what was going on with her husband. To find out what was going on, you will just have to pick up "Held Captive by a Criminal's Heart" to see what was going on with Silky.

Strumming My Pain Kindle Edition by B. Love

Book Excerpt:

"Nurse, Elise Waters, has been shaken. After witnessing the murder of the man she loved, anxiety had become her relaxed state and trust is a fair-weather friend. Forced into witness protection while awaiting her moment of testimony at the murderers' trial, she meets someone who provokes her truth. Her spirit, searching for soothing, cries out. But claiming to heal isn’t so easy.

Izeah Moses is a guitarist with a head for business. As the owner of an apartment complex, the presence of his new tenant sends his fingers into a melodic frenzy. Easily, she captured his heart, but grief and fear have overtaken her mind. Fulfilling her needs takes more than a serenade.

In this Spiritually Street Romance, will Elise and Izeah become their very own love song? Or will the past forever haunt, leaving them plucked to pieces?"

Title:  Strumming My Pain

Author:  B. Love

Publisher:  B.L.  

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Strumming My Pain" by B. Love

My Speculation:

I enjoyed the novel 'Strumming My Pain" that featured an alpha male, Izeah, and Elise. It was delightful seeing how these two came together, showing how much Izeah cared for her with all the baggage Elise had upon her. Izeah loved Elise as 'he gave her all she needs, even though most of the time, receiving nothing.' In the end, the reader is receiving a beautiful story of how this friendship will turn into true love.  

The Truth About Fame: Faith & Fortune 2 Kindle Edition by Toni Shiloh

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Book Excerpt:

"My life has always been in the spotlight. Born to two famous parents and then quickly rising to "super" status in the modeling world ensured that I, Astoria "Tori" Bell, would always have my image plastered across newsstands. Unfortunately, adoring fans weren't still magnanimous, and now I have a stalker on my hands.

Oddly enough, the tall, dark, and all-too handsome bodyguard hired to protect me seems more harmful than the threatening notes from the stalker. As well as his plan to flush out the danger by proposing a fake engagement.

The lines between pretend and reality blur, and I have to shore up my resolves. Baggage from my past means I can't let myself be vulnerable. But the way Marcel Fox treats me has me thinking otherwise.

With a new rock on my finger and the man who put it there by my side, happily ever after seems like a possibility, or is that as fake as my public persona?"

The Truth About Fame is the second book in the Christian Chick Lit series: Faith & Fortune.

Title: The Truth About Fame
Author: Toni Shiloh
Publisher: T. S.
Series: Faith & Fortune Book 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"The Truth About Fame" by Toni Shiloh

My Speculation:

I enjoyed reading this author's second series, 'Faith & Fortune,' that featured Tori and Fox. I loved how this author was able to bring them together and especially when the chemistry between them started coming out, what better to have Fox as her bodyguard as he was there to guard not only her but her heart. Be ready for a story that is heartwarming and romantic as these two start to fall for one another; however, there was a stalker around. I will say I wasn't surprised who that stalker was in the way he acted. Now, you will just have to pick up 'The Truth About Fame' to see how well this author will bring it all out so captivating to the readers. Oh, I liked Tori's spiritual journey as it was presented into the story to what had gone on in her life that made her struggle in her trust in God. It was so right when he meets and talks with Ms. Etta. Be ready for a series that will have a little bit of it all from 'danger, mystery, suspense, romance, and then the spiritual power of faith. I will say this story addresses what some people have to go through for fame and fortune.

The Trouble With Love: Faith & Fortune 1 Kindle Edition by Toni Shiloh

Book Excerpt:

"I, Holiday Brown, have it all. A platinum record. Multi-million dollar home in Manhattan that I share with my two best friends. Life is looking fantastic until my roommate's brother decides to bunk in our guestroom while his house gets renovated.

W. Emmett Bell has always been the bane of my existence. He's annoying, stubborn, a know it all, and just might be the most gorgeous man I've ever laid eyes on. But I refuse to fall for him. But when his sister's threatened by a stalker, dynamics change. His unwavering faith isn't quite as self-righteous as I'd always thought, and maybe he has the right side I've overlooked all these years.

Or maybe it's all too much trouble."

The Trouble With Love is the first book in the Christian Chick Lit series: Faith & Fortune.

Title: The Trouble With Love: Faith & Fortune 1
Author: Toni Shiloh
Publisher: T. S.
Series: Faith & Fortune 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"The Trouble With Love" by Toni Shiloh

My Speculation:

'The Trouble With Love' was quite impressive in how well this author introduces the three main lady characters in the 'Faith & Fortune' series. Their friendship was off the chart with not only real but ordinary struggles. We find all three women [Tori, Holiday, and Octavia] had successful careers and also coming from wealthy families. However, it seems like one of these ladies had a stalker.

This story features Holiday and Emmett, which started a little rocky, but as they come together, we find one will begin to question God. I loved how that part of the story of her spiritual journey was delivered. And it was beautiful seeing how this friendship become a romance for these two. The story was quite a good read in that it was soulful, with attachments, the relationship between father and daughter, humorous, even suspenseful, with diversity, and a sweet romance as well as spiritual relationship with God.

A Change In Tide by Freya Barker

Book Excerpt:

"What impact would it have when everything suddenly faded to black?

For Mia, a crowded subway ride changes her entire life. Retreating to the wilderness helps her cope with a world that is suddenly too loud, too turbulent. Her existence safely contained to the small cottage on the lake, she is unprepared for the neighbor that moves across the bay.

A career-ending injury has Jared permanently benched. His reputation as The Enforcer won't survive the unanticipated responsibilities awaiting him. Away from the public eye, he adjusts to his new reality, under the quiet observation of the intriguing hermit on the other side of the water."

Title: A Change In Tide
Author: Freya Barker
Publisher: Spectrum Audio
Narrators: Charley Ongel, Tor Thom
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"A Change In Tide" by Freya Barker

My Speculation:

"A Change In Tide" was an excellent audio read where the narrators did an excellent job of portraying to the reader a satisfying story. We find out that the heroine suffered from PTSD and agoraphobia and thought to move to a secluded area would be the answer for her life living in a secluded life on a lake. However, a new neighbor moves in, Jared, who had just retired from the NHL due to a knee injury, moves in along with his sister, and Mia's life will never be the same. Believe it, Jared only wanted a quiet place to live while helping his sister with her new baby. So, what will happen when Mia and Jared meet up? It was fun listening to how the meet up began, and all the bantering that went on with touches of humor enhanced many parts of the read that did a lot to shake up Mia's world. All of the characters in this story were all very well developed and defined, giving the reader an excellent read.

Well, this is where I say you will have to pick up this good read to see how it all happens. It will be a heck of a story that will keep you listening to its story.

Thank you to Spectrum Audio through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Life That God Gives You by Shaquia Jimson

About The Book

Do you know your family history and the struggles they endured? Have you ever taken a moment to
realize the sacrifice from your mom or dad to give you a better life? These are just a few questions that
come to mind when you think of how your family has survived hard times.

Take a Journey with Shaquia Jimson as she reminisces the journey of Grace Ann Jimson. Shaquia shares
her family lifeline as they struggle through financial hardships, social acceptance, mental and physical
abuse. This riveting novel shows how Shaquia's family made it through some of the most challenging
circumstances so that she could live a better life today.

Shaquia's purpose for writing this book is to bring awareness to the cause of Sex Trafficking and
Domestic Violence Awareness to the sight of those that may be going through the same or similar
situations. Shaquia says, "I'm living proof that God plan's always out weights the devil's plot."

About The Author

'Shaquia is a Certified Life Coach and owes a consulting business called Overcoming Bondage, where clients come and received emotional, spiritual, and physical therapy. Shaquia also is a pillar in her community where she donates to local shelters and assists at food banks for the homeless.'

Table of Contents Foreword…………………………………  5 Introduction…………………………………………………   8 

Grace Ann Jimson…………………………………………    14 Samantha……………………………………………………  17 

Young Grace's First Love…………………………………….23 

Kenneth Jimson………………………………………………29

In Love with Grace…………………………………………   37 

The Plot….……………………………………………………46 

Newlyweds……….………………………………………….  54 

Tragedy!.......................................…………………………….59 Manhunt……………………………………………………… 69 Setup…………………………………………………………. 74 

The Conviction of Kenneth Jimson…………………………...80 

Two Grandmothers Fight…………………………………….  84

                       ********************

Author's Reflections…………………………………………  87 EPILOGUE………………………………………………….   89 

***** 

Author Interview…………………………………………….   90 

*****

Awareness is the Key to Preventing and Overcoming 

Dire Situations………………………………………………   96

Title:  The Life That God Gives You

Author:  Shaquia Jimson

Publisher:  Tooson Town Publishing 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"The Life That God Gives You" by Shaquia Jimson

My Speculation:

I can genuinely say that Shaquia Jimson did an excellent job 'as she shares with a society that they should appreciate and salvage as much as they can each day of "The Life That God Give You."  As I read through this story, I was horrified with some of the things I was reading about this family, But, by the end, it all comes together, and that was the vital part of the read. I wished things had happened differently for Ms. Samantha in all she did being so 'heartless and wicked' was to get her daughter's girls separated [Shawna & Sabrina]. Indeed, "money drove Samantha in all kinds of directions that ended up being  detrimental to her family, Grace in particular."   I don't want to tell to much of the story because this is one for you to read and see how one person can ...well, like I said I will stop here and say, please pick up "The Life That God Gives You" and see what this author has to give the reader that will also involve Sex Trafficking and Domestic Violence. 

I enjoyed the Interview with Shaquia Jimson at the end of the read.  It did answer a few questions I had leftover from the read; however, one question I wished had been answered, and that was she and her sister ever close?  

Hidden Secrets (Books 1-3) Kindle Edition by Ms. T. Nicole

Book Excerpt:

"Readers, this book is a refreshment of my book “It Hurts Me to Love You” which was a 3-part series. I have re-edited this book, changed and expanded upon certain events and characters, making this a 3 in 1 with over 120K words and more than 350 pages. Please enjoy and kindly leave me a review.

This 3 part book is about to take you on a journey of karma, hidden secrets, and true love.

When everything you love is suddenly taken from you, it’s easy to feel as if revenge is all you have left. But when you finally realize that the only way to truly be free is to sit back and let things unfold at its own pace; In time, you will forget all the pain, tears, and all the reasons why you want vengeance, and all that matters is the person who is standing beside you willing to take every risk to be with you despite all your flaws, mistakes, and imperfections. It is in that moment that you fully understand that love overpowers hate, and your true happiness is based solely on that one decision. To let go of the past, or continue on a path that can ultimately cost you everything that you love once again."

Title:  Hidden Secrets

Author:  Ms. T. Nicole

Publisher:  Mentoring Gems 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Hidden Secrets" by Ms. T. NIcole

My Speculation:

Another good series with some very interesting characters that will keep the reader's attention to the very end.  There will be many twists and turns in the series so you will have to keep up.  I have read some of these series earlier but I liked being able to read all three... one behind the other so so you will be able to keep up with what all is going on.  Be ready for a read that will let you see what happens when vengeance is on the table.  At the end, who will be left standing and be able to settle what is put before them?  

Certainly Kindle Edition by J. Shanee Byers

Book Excerpt:

"Jade Bordeaux is a rising realtor in the city of Chicago, taking on the male-dominated industry like a boss. The love of her life is abruptly snatched from her. Now she only focuses on work - work is safe. Corbin, a top investor from California, is looking to put down roots in Chicago and needs Jade’s help. When they finally meet, there is no denying the project's energy and power that unquestionably attracts her. But Jade is cautious with her heart even though Corbin is a dream come true. See if Corbin can show Jade that love can find her the second time around."

Title: Certainly
Author: J. Shanee Byers
Publisher: J.S.B.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Certainly" by J. Shanee Byers

My Speculation:

What a beautiful love story that features Jade and Corbin's incredible journey. After what had happened to Jade boyfriend left her feeling alone until she meets Corbin. And from that meeting will things happen for these two? It seems like Corbin knew from the very beginning that Jade was what he wanted in his life. Will Jade be able to leave her past and began a new one with Corbin? Well, you will have to pick this good read to see if it will be 'Certainly' for Jade and Corbin.

Girl Show Up For Your Life! Kindle Edition by Amber G.

Book Excerpt:

"After my mother’s death, I started my movement by posting the statement Girl, Show Up for Your Life as a way to heal. After that, slowly but surely, people began reaching out to me, telling me that statement impacted them somehow. I didn’t understand what it was about me, but I was attracting women who wanted to tell me their stories.

In one week, I received stories from three different women who experienced abuse or were still experiencing abuse in some form. I knew I had to do something, but what? Because one thing I have learned is that you can talk to someone all day till you are black and blue in the face, but your offer to help people means nothing until they are ready to take those steps.

Many reasons why this would happen came to mind, fear, unhappiness, or being stuck. One thing I hadn’t done was to tell my story. It was time for me to speak my truth and share how I was able to pull myself out of the deep dark place that I was headed."

Title:  Girl Show up for Your Life

Author:  Amber G.

Publisher:  A.G.   

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Girl Show Up For Your Life!" by Amber G.

My Speculation:

All that is left to say after reading 'Girl Show Up For Your Life' is Wow this was a good read of what this person when through to get to where she is today.  As I was reading this novel I was thinking of all that this person had gone through with her mother's situation, her daughters, even herself, and let's not leave out all of the drama that she was able to get the meaning out of all that had gone on in her life. I am meaning what God had for her life because she went through a lot until she started her movement 'Girl, Show Up For Your Life' as she was able to heal after her mom's death.