Blaque Orchid 2 Kindle Edition by Niki Jilvontae

 Excerpt:

THIS IS A RERELEASE!**

"Sometimes tragedy can break you...then other times it can make you a killer. This seems to be true in this thrilling sequel. When the girls thought their lives couldn't get more turbulent, they were proven wrong and thrust into the evil grasp of the Chin Orchid Dynasty. Now slaves, Blaque, FeFe, Rose, & Trouble must find a way to maintain their sanity and make it out of the horrible situation they've been thrust in. Despite all of the deception, abuse, rape, and murder that's all around them, these young women must dig deep and find a way out. Can these girls, dub the Blaque Orchids, escape the grasp of the evil entity that holds their lives in their hands? Or will those environmental curses they tried to flee from come back to haunt them?"

Title:  Blaque Orchid 2

Author:  Niki Jilvontae

Publisher:  N. J.    

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Blaque Orchid 2" by Niki Jilvontae

My Opinion:  

'Black Orchid 2' was one of those reads that will keep the reader turning the pages to see what was coming next for Blaque, FeFe, Rose, and Trouble now that they were in the custody of the Chin Orchid Dynasty.  The read is one of 'deception, abuse, rape, horrible people, and murder' that will leave one seeing how horribleness these women endured as they were treated more like a slave.  Will the women get away from this horrible place as the planned escape seems impossible with this Orchid Dynasty run by Lee Chin and Naruto, who was right on their heels every step of the way?  Even though Lee Chin seemed to be working with the women, was she really doing that happening?  To find out what is going on in the story, the ready will need to pick up this read to see how this author will take the story.  All that's left to say is that at the end, we get a 'cliffhanger,' and I don't like those because the reader doesn't get the end of the story and is only left hanging for the next part.  So, I guess we will have to wait and see what happens next for 'Blaque, FeFe, Rose, and Trouble'  because I know this author will have something worth waiting for, giving us quite a read in the end.  

The Necklace Kindle Edition by Amanda Lawrence Auverigne

 Book Excerpt:

"Linda Grace is a popular social media influencer. She finds a beautiful necklace in an antique shop that she can’t resist. The glittering jewel carries a dark curse."

Title:  The Necklace

Author:  Amanda Lawrence Auverigne

Publisher:  A.L.A.     

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"The Necklace" by Amanda Lawrence Auverigne 

My Opinion:

Social Media is viral.  Sometimes some good Vloggers go behind the camera and do an excellent job with their followers; however, we have Linda Grace, who was set with her Videoing.  We also find out from the read that Linda had a temperament about her that wasn't always nice...like the way she spoke to her maid or helper as Rose called her and a person named Faral Hawkins that she treated severely.  As the story goes on [by the way, this is a short read of 12 chapters], we learn more about Linda, Grace Clan, and the wrenchers.  One could tell Linda liked what she was doing with the bloggers, and having 230,000 subscribers wasn't wrong with her.  She even got money from the cash app from some of her followers. Everything seemed to be going OK for Linda when her vloggers wanted her to go shopping...using her video...live, and streaming it.  Linda went shopping and bought a Keurig, some shoes and a cherry Slush.  However, she had a problem with a sales clerk who didn't want to be videoed and by Linda.  By Linda not liking what was said and all with dealing with Christopher, she got her followers involved, and they stepped in going to Christopher's Instagram, Snap Chap, Linked In, and TikTok and not staying nice things.

As she continued her shopping, one of her Vloggers [Lady M] suggested that she check out an antique store. Well, things went down from there for *Miss Linda, and I will stop and stay; you much pick up this good read to see what she will encounter while visiting Meredith Treasures and Antiques as she insisted on purchasing a specific item that wasn't for sale.

The ending was on point, and that was one should 'Always remember to Stay Graceful.'

Thank you to the author for the read of your story of 'The Necklace.'

The Marshal's Lady Liberty Valley Love, Book 3 by Josie Malone

Book Excerpt:

"Liberty Valley Love, Yesterday and Today ~ where no matter what, soulmates find each other.

While trailing a serial killer on horseback, homicide detective Beth Chambers finds she has somehow ridden back in time—to 1888! When she comes across injured Marshal Rad Morgan, she has no choice but to try to save his life. Though the handsome marshal believes a lady should stand behind her man, Beth is determined to catch the killer she's chased through time and prove she's a capable law enforcement officer in any century.

Rad has survived the Confederate hellhole of Andersonville Prison, a former Union soldier, but his toughest challenge is beautiful Beth Chambers. As the headstrong female detective from the future lets him in on why she's there, Rad becomes convinced that her stubbornness may get her killed. But when he is shot and liberty Valley Love, Yesterday and Today ~ where soulmates find each other no matter what.

While trailing a serial killer on horseback, homicide detective Beth Chambers finds she has somehow ridden back in time—to 1888! When she comes across injured Marshal Rad Morgan, she has no choice but to try to save his life. Though the handsome marshal believes a lady should stand behind her man, Beth is determined to catch the killer she's chased through time and prove she's a capable law enforcement officer in any century.

Rad has survived the Confederate hellhole of Andersonville Prison, a former Union soldier, but his toughest challenge is beautiful Beth Chambers. As the headstrong female detective from the future lets him in on why she's there, Rad becomes convinced that her stubbornness may get her killed. But when he is shot and left for dead, the marshal has no other choice but to put himself in Beth's hands—and hope they can both survive!

Two officers of the law from different centuries chasing the same killer could be a recipe for disaster—especially with the distraction of love left for dead, the marshal has no other choice but to put himself in Beth's hands—and hope they can both survive!

Two officers of the law from different centuries chasing the same killer could be a recipe for disaster—especially with the distraction of love!"

Title: The Marshal's Lady
Author: Josie Malone
Publisher: Satin Romance
Series: Liberty Valley Love Book 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"The Marshal's Lady" by Josie Malone

My Opinion:

'The Marshal's Lady' was a good story of a western romance time travel that will keep the reader turning the pages. What all will Detective Bethany [Beth] Chambers have to endure as she tries to capture a killer. With Beth being thrust into 1888 Washington Territory, she finds an injured Rad Morgan who happened to be a sheriff. So now we have this detective who was trying to bring down this murderer and rapist. Will Beth be able to save the sheriff and apprehend this killer? And as the story continues, What will happen when this sheriff proclaims that Beth Chambers will be his wife as he finally realizes that she is from the future? What will happen when these two law officers learn they are chasing the same person but in another time era?

The story will thrive with so much going on in the time travel western read that the reader will have to keep up with all of its twists and turns. Be ready for many well-developed secondary characters and all over the place as we are delivered this good timeline story. Another exciting part of the story: The Guardian and Chronos was about protecting and healing and seemed to be important in the read; however, it would have been better if there had been more explanation concerning these people.

If you like time travel stories with romance, then this read would be for you.

Thank you to NetGallery and Satin Romance for reading your book and providing my honest opinion of the book.

 

Trent's Redemption Mill Creek Mystique, Book One by Bailey Thomas

 Book Excerpt:

"Can they face their demons and find love?

Trent Jacobs had everything he wanted in life until the flash of a muzzle ripped his world apart. Now he only has guilt. Permanently removed from fieldwork due to questionable events, Trent retires from the FBI. He retreats to the small town of Mill Creek, Idaho, to become the town sheriff.

Margaret King knows what it’s like to be alone and isolated. Losing her parents as a child was impossible, but the death of her brother damn near killed her. When a strange van appears on her street and her apartment is broken into, she turns to Trent, the only man she knows she can trust.

After Maggie shows up terrified and haunted, Trent’s guilt explodes. She makes him want things he doesn’t deserve, including her. As their past collides with the present, Trent is forced to face his demons to protect her. Or risk losing her."

Title: Trent's Redemption
Author: Bailey Thomas
Publisher: Champagne Book Group
Series: Mill Creek Mystique Book One
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Trent's Redemption" by Bailey Thomas

My Opinion:

'Trent's Redemption' was an excellent, intriguing read featuring Margaret [Maggie] and Trent. Those two had been through quite a bit from the death of Maggie's brother Dalton and Trent's FBI partner and friend. After many months we find that Maggie is reaching out to Trent because someone is shadowing her and has broken into her home. Does this have anything to do with her brother's last case, and do they think that Maggie has some information? As the story moves on, Maggie leaves her home in Dallas and goes to Mill Creek, where Trent is a sheriff, for help in this situation. Will these two be able to feature out what is going on? What will happen as they try to solve this with Trent's FBI colleagues just who killed Dalton? Will Maggie and Trent be able to ignore the attraction between them as they pursue another chance at love after all is said and done?

Be ready for a good read with some mystery, crime, and romance. The well-developed characters, twists, and turns will not only keep one's interest but will keep the reader turning the pages to see what is coming next.

Thank you to NetGallery and Champagne Book Group for reading your book and me providing my honest opinion of the book.

His Strength in my Weakness: A Journey of Brokenness, Breakthrough, and Transformation Author: Dr. Eurita Taylor

 Book Excerpt:

"“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

God knows our weaknesses and wants to be our strength. He loves us and wants to show His love by protecting and guiding us.

I knew all about God as a little girl attending church regularly. I felt secure then with the knowledge that God loves and wants me. Going to church felt good to me. Then things changed, and with it, my feelings of love and safety vanished. What followed was neglect, abandonment, hospitalizations, wanting to die, and desperate brokenness. My breakthrough came when I returned to God.

This is my story of how God transformed me into the virtuous woman I am today.

Title:  His Strength in my Weakness: A Journey of Brokenness, Breakthrough, and Transformation

Author:  Dr. Eurita Taylor

Publisher:   Xulon Press          

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"His Strength in my Weakness: A Journey of Brokenness, Breakthrough, and Transformation" by DR. EURITA TAYLOR

My Opinion:  

"His Strength in my Weakness" was a read of a single mother and how God brought her out of her present situation. This author went through some of it all from being a survivor of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.' Reading through her novel, I could only hope, and it was good to see how it worked out in her life-giving her 'a smile and even a laugh again.' It was a good read to see how one's life was taken from 'mess and distress and transformed her into the strong, confident woman she is today.' The title of Dr. Taylor's novel conveys what her life was like and takes one on a  'Journey of Brokenness, Breakthrough, and Transformation.'  The introduction starts with one world...Forgiveness..without that, can we move forward?... Letter to Daddy...And then on from chapters 1-17, the reader gets quite a read of what all Dr. Eurita Taylor went through to get where she is today...from 'Humble Beginnings to Sheer Willpower.'  

What was this novel about that will keep one turning the pages?

As the story from her beginnings...as Eurita deals with her parents and a strange uncle.. harsh disciple received...to moving to the East Coast from the Caribbean... an Antigua...meets and marries Carl... what will happen when the children start coming? ..was this to be a good marriage without God in their lives? ...move to South Bend, Indiana as ...Children continue coming...Friendships...Defeated and Deflated...Sweet Surrender...A New Beginning...Renewed Level of Faith...My God is Real...Sheer Willpower...to the Conclusion. 

It was nice to have in each of the chapters having 'Biblical Applications,' which went along so well this what had happened in that chapter, along with a Prayer offered and several questions asked from the previous read. And at the end...God's Promise...to all!

To get it all, the reader must pick up and read this novel to understand how Eurita's life changed for her good truly. It was so good to see Eurita having good friends in her life as to Ms. Linda and several pastors that seemed to always be there for her just at the right time. Everyone can use a good friend.   

When Eurita thought she was going into the accounting field with two degrees, it was good to see how her life changed, getting her doctorate Ph.D. in Christian Counseling instead and becoming a Christian Counselor/Motivational Speaker...now doing what God wanted in her life.  

The story was about how 'God transformed Dr. Taylor into the virtuous lady she is today.' It was so good seeing how 'God had taken her life's mess and distress and transformed her into a strong, confident woman' here the 'final chapters of her life [and ours] are still being written.' All in all, this was quite a beautiful read of how one life changed for its good after she got on the right path to receive His word. And it is offered to all who believe in His word. 

Mrs. Saint (A Miss King Novel Book 3) Kindle Edition by Cheryl Robinson

 

Book Excerpt:

"Lily isn’t happy being Mrs. Saint—the past year has been far from wedded bliss. She starts to put into motion a plan to run away—from a troubled marriage, the pain of her past, and to correct the mistake she made when she walked away from her first love.

But life in the 1960s isn’t easy. Not only must Lily upend her personal life, but she must also navigate the turmoil of the day’s society that has its own ideas about a woman’s place—especially a Black woman’s.

She longs to again realize her independence as Lily King, leaving behind the dismal reality of being married to a domineering man she doesn’t love. Follow Lily’s journey as she tries to pursue a better life."

Title: Mrs. Saint
Author: Cheryl Robinson
Publisher: Rose Colored Books
Series: A Miss King Novel Book 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Mrs. Saint" by Cheryl Robinson

My Opinion:

"Mrs. Saint" was quite a read. However, to better understand what all has gone on with Miss Lily, I would suggest the reader read this author's first two books in this series [Lily and Baby Girl] to get the entire understanding of what has gone on with this main character...Lily.

I did indeed find 'Mrs. Staint' the third in this series, is a story that will leave you with many thoughts to ponder over long after the read. How did Lily make it through all she had been put through...into truly unbelievable situations, starting around age ten? It seems like all those people that Lily had trusted were not there for her, some due to death like Miss Jackson and a few others along the wayside...Shorty Biggs, James, and her father. What was up with James...whom Lily seemed to love and idolized genuinely? Ok, I know that's a story for an earlier time...so you will need to read the first two series to see what that is all about.

Now in this story...Mrs. Saint... we find Lily has married Raymond Saint. All that's left to say of that marriage is WOW! Being a black woman in the '60s didn't give Lily any happiness, especially being married to that Raymond. I couldn't understand any of the treatment Raymond gave Lily where he seemed to think that his wife was put on the earth to serve him...literally! And Lily only stayed because...well, I will let you read it and see for yourself how mixed up all of that indeed was for this poor woman. Now she is ... and can't seem to get away for that husband and his family...that mother-in-law was a piece of work along with Lily's sister, Betsy was a piece of work too! With all that was going on with Lily, she did have a friend named Ovetta, but I guess things got too hot for her [due to her stupidity], and now Ovetta seemed to have left without a word to Lily. But I think that is how life was for Lily...mostly... they all go leaving Lily one way or another.

Will Lily be able to make it out of this mess she seems always to be in before it's too late? Well, I guess we will have to see from the next series to know more about what is going on with Lily and that crazy Raymond because we are left wondering. Will Lily ever find the peace she wants and get out of this mess and pursue the life she wants? Please do yourself a favor and pick up this series...it's an exciting read that will leave you thinking of it long after the read.

Thank you to the author for providing me with an exciting read about Mrs. Saint and, in turn, giving my honest review.

Where Western Hearts Wander: A Historical Western Romance Collection Kindle Edition by Aurora Hanson

 Book Excerpt:

"Three of my best-selling Historical Western romance stories!

Delightful tales full of emotion, love, drama, action, plot twists, and of course, heart-melting romance!

His Heart's Lucky Bet
Ever since the loss of her parents, Kay Hewitt has been stuck with her cruel and controlling brother. Spending her days at home, isolated, trying to avoid his bad temper, Kay cannot believe her life could possibly become worse. To her misfortune, fate proves her wrong when her brother uses her as a bet in a poker game and loses. Left with no choice but to follow a stranger to his ranch, Kay wonders if she is safe with him or if a nightmare is awaiting her. Will she lose everything due to this reckless gamble, or could she discover the sweetest company she’s ever known? Could an unconventional match, started as a simple bet, end up turning into a great love?

His Heart's Whisperer
When Lizzie Clark loses her job as a nanny, she’s left destitute and hopeless while her family is in complete shambles. Following a friend’s advice, she resorts to becoming a mail-order bride, traveling off to Texas to meet her husband-to-be. When she arrives full of hope though, Lizzie discovers that her fiancé is expecting a well-accomplished lady... which she certainly is not. Caught in a web of lies and confusion, the two of them will have to deal with unexpected and conflicting feelings. Can they overcome their differences and let romance flourish between them, or will they end up being victims of destiny?

Finding his Heart's Destination
Charlotte’s life may be rough, but she always remains optimistic and a pillar of support for her family. As if her life wasn't already hard enough, a man she cares about disappears. Lost in her thoughts, she is pleasantly surprised when a peculiar but handsome doctor arrives in town. When her father falls severely ill, Charlotte asks for the doctor’s help without hesitation. While he tends to her father, she finds herself enchanted by his intelligence and charm, and before long sparkles of love start appearing between them. Yet, tragedy threatens Charlotte again when a nefarious plot puts her life at risk... Can she escape a predetermined fate at the side of a man who truly speaks to her heart?

If you love clean Western romances that feature strong women of the era and determined, yet charming, male protagonists, then you are going to love this collection!"

Each book is a standalone, clean and delightful story of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.

Title: Where Western Hearts Wander
Author: Aurora Hanson
Publisher: A.H.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating:
Review:
"Where Western Hearts Wander" by Aurora Hanson

My Opinion:

Be prepared for three 'clean Western romances that feature strong women of the era and a determined yet charming male protagonist,'...if this is your kind of read, then you will love these stories!

Now here are just a bit of each of the three stories that I found most interesting...

His Heart's Lucky Bet...

What a horrible brother this Stewie Hewitt was in the way he treated his sister, Kay, but in the end, will he see the light before it's too late? You will have to pick up this read to see how well it all comes out for Kay. Will 'an unconventional match, which started as a simple bet, end up turning into a beautiful love?'
Be sure to read the extended epilogue to see what happens at the end that will let one know 'that someone was protecting them...how 'what incident will upset everyone's life, ...and what will happen that will brighten up a certain couple's life.'

His Heart's Whisperer...

What will happen when Lizzie Clark loses her nanny job and resorts to being a mail-order bride? With Lizzie's friend Jane writing the letters for her, how will that help her? Well, it seems that Lizzie will be caught up in a 'web of lies and confusion' as her fiancé begins to suspect something is not correct. The reader will have to pick up this good story to see how it will all come out for these two as things come out.

Will Lizzie and Charles be able to 'overcome their differences and let romance flourish between them before it's too late?' There will be an extended epilogue the will put a sweet ending to this story...with Lizzie's family.

Finding His Heart's Destination...

What will happen when Charlotte, when the person she cares about, disappears? When her father becomes sick, Charlotte seeks help from a new doctor who has come to town as he can help her father. So, what happens as it seems like sparks 'of a love starts appearing between them' however, is there someone else who has eyes of Charlotte? As the doctor stays put in this town, it seems like he is well needed because it looks like sickness is all around. However, it looks like Charlotte's life is put at risk as it looks like there is a nefarious plot that will put her life at risk.' It looks like there is something always going on in the twists and turns of this story. What will come of it all these situations brought out by a jealous foreman and his son? To see how it all will work out, the reader must pick up this read...Find his Heart's Destination' to see how everything will be brought out. There are some remarkable characters in this story that made the story stand out even more.

Be ready for the extended epilogue that will add to this story...as it looks like a sister may even be getting... So I will stop here and say pick up this read to find out...you won't be sorry.

Sucker for Love (Succubus Book 2) Kindle Edition by Jade Jones

 Book Excerpt:

"A Dark And Delicious Tale From The Mind Of Jade Jones

At first glance, Taboo comes off as a perfectly normal guy, albeit a very attractive one – handsome, charismatic, and alluring, all in a dangerously sexy way. However, he is anything but ordinary. The son of a powerful Succubus, Taboo is a rare Sanguinarian vampire with an eternal and unquenchable thirst for blood. When he sets his sights on Charm, a bad girl from the hood full of attitude and spunk, the vampire doesn’t know what he’s in for. Left to fend for herself at a young age, Charm had no choice but to land on her feet, cleverly conning her way through life in order to take care of herself and her younger brother. But things go south when she cons the wrong guy, never imagining in her wildest dreams that her victim could actually be a real vampire."

Title: Sucker for Love
Author: Jade Jones
Publisher: Jade Publication
Series: Succubus Book 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Sucker for Love" by Jade Jones

My Opinion:

'Sucker for Love' was a good read and followed up from book 1, where one will not want to put it down until the end. The characters were all well-developed, from Taboo, Charm, Chinning, Inari, Aneese, Dani, and Lavish Thompson, to name a few that gave the reader quite an exciting read. What will Taboo do when he finds out where he came from instead of what he had been told all of his life? What was the instant attraction that Taboo had for Charm when he first met her?

To get these and many other questions answered, just pick up this good read and see how well this author brings it all together by the end.

Nice Girls A Novel by Catherine Dang

Book Excerpt:

"Darkly delicious . . . Nice Girls is about the girlhood we never really leave behind, and what happens when we dare to confront our past demons. A pulsating mystery with a narrator you won't soon forget.” — Laura Dave, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of The Last Thing He Told Me

"If you’re a total true crime addict, Catherine Dang’s debut novel will have you hooked real fast." — Cosmopolitan

A pulse-pounding and razor-sharp debut with the emotional punch of Luckiest Girl Alive and All the Missing Girls that explores the hungry, angry, dark side of girlhood and dares to ask: Which is more dangerous for a woman—showing the world what it wants to see, or who she really is?

What did you do?

Mary used to be such a nice girl. She was the resident whiz kid of Liberty Lake, Minnesota—the quiet, chubby teen with the scholarship to an Ivy League school. But three years later, “Ivy League Mary” is back—a thinner, cynical, restless failure who was kicked out of Cor­nell at the beginning of her senior year and won’t tell anyone why. Taking a job at the local grocery store, Mary tries to make sense of her life’s sharp downward spiral.

Then beautiful, magnetic Olivia Willand goes missing. A rising social media star, Olivia is admired by everyone in Liberty Lake—except Mary. Once Olivia’s best friend, Mary knows better than anyone behind the Instagram persona hides a willful, manipulative girl with sharp edges. As the town obsesses over perfect, lovely Olivia, Mary wonders if her disappearance might be tied to another missing person: nineteen-year-old DeMaria Jackson, whose case has been widely dismissed as a runaway.

Who is the real Olivia Willand, and where did she go? What happened to DeMaria? As Mary pries at the cracks in the careful facades surrounding the two missing girls, old wounds will bleed fresh and force her to confront a horrible truth.

Maybe there are no nice girls, after all."

Title: Nice Girls

Author: Catherine Dang

Publisher: William Morrow and Custom House

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Nice Girls" by Catherine Dang

My Opinion:

'Nice Girls' was one heck of a crime thriller with so many twists and turns that the reader will have to keep up with all that was going on, especially for Mary, who grew up in Minnesota, chubby unattractive, and poor. However, Mary was smart to get a full scholarship to an Ivy League college, Cornell, until she was expelled and now back home to Liberty Lake working in a grocery store while dodging questions about what had happened.

It wasn't long after Mary found a job at the grocery store she got involved with a friend who seemed to have vanished without a trace, and for some reason, she wanted to get involved. Also, there was a Black single mother, DeMaria that had also disappeared. Is this the work of a serial killer? Will Mary put herself into situations that will have her become the next victim? The story will suck one in as you continue to read.

The author really gives the reader quite a read because it seemed like all of these characters were flawed and emotionally damaged in one way or another. Was there anyone in this story to really like?

The story was somewhat fast-paced with a unique multi-layered plot that brought in characters from elementary, high school, and even college that brought in some emotional, dark, and even disturbing subjects. Having a disgraced student to missing girls who turn up dead will give the reader quite a web that will come out quite interesting. Unfortunately, that ending was something that you will have to pick up 'Nice Girls' to see how this ending was 'super cinematic and wild' that one will not see coming.

Be ready for a good read that had issues that explored bullying and racism.

Thank you, NetGallery, and William Morrow, for allowing me to read and give my honest opinion.

 

Read My Lips by Kelle Riley

 Book Excerpt:

"“Good cocoa is like good lovemaking. It’s best when it’s hot, sweet, and a little spicy.” Kelle Z. Riley (Undercover Cat series) channels humor and emotion in one luxurious dessert. Read My Lips (Sept. 7, 2021) is a lush romance gripped with desire from the very first page. 

Claire Lennox has sworn off rich, powerful men ever since her former boyfriend used her to climb the corporate ladder leaving her emotionally jaded and her career in ruins. Contractually obligated to stay within the company, she accepts a position as the director of the McClaine Literacy Foundation and remains dedicated to her work, never removing her professional guise.

Self-made billionaire, Clayton Arthur McClaine, has it all. Since selling his famous “fantasy fudge” recipe, he’s created a chocolate empire from humble beginnings. But one issue stands in Clayton’s way; his struggle with dyslexia. Desperate to resolve this before his rivals find out, he disguises himself as a factory worker to visit his own literacy foundation. Clayton didn’t expect his immediate attraction to Claire and her inability to see beyond his deception. 

As Clayton continues to visit Claire, their involvement juggles between steamy sessions and unresolved feelings. But with every encounter, Clayton’s mask slips a little, and it’s only a matter of time before Claire finally sees his true self. Finally, “The Princess Diaries” meets a modern-day “Bridgerton,” Read My Lips will leave you breathless, sated, and ready for more."

Title: Read My Lips
Author: Kelle Riley
Publisher: Kelle Z Riley
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Read My Lips" by Kelle Riley
My Opinion:

"Read My Lips" I love you was all that Clayton could say after all that had gone on with him and the lovely Claire after it was all said and done. I enjoyed the story with all that came from these two, Clayton and Claire, who seems to be made for each other. Yes, we find Clayton dealing with his dyslexia and going to the McClaire Literary Clinic using another name...Artie Michaels and this is where Claire comes into the picture. With all that was going on with these two, when it was time to come clean about his situation, it would have been better if Artie [Clayton] would have told her the whole truth right then. This was needed since Claire seemed to have problems with trust issues from her last encounter with an ex-boyfriend, and this would have also helped in the overall plot of the story. It would have enabled Clayton in the end; however, as these sweet romances can go, you will have to pick up this novel to see how and if this author could get it all straightened out in the end.

I want to thank Independently Published and Netgalley for the book's arc and for giving my honest review.

ANIMUS Kindle Edition by Brian W. Smith

 Book Excerpt:

"Robert Sumina, a successful entrepreneur, husband, and father, hates his own father, Enis, so much that he told his ten-year-old daughters their grandfather died. Why? Because Enis was so verbally and physically abusive that Robert's mother committed suicide to escape his wrath.

When Hurricane Katrina demolishes New Orleans and sends thousands of residents fleeing from the city, Enis, now sixty-five years old, hobbled and destitute because of the hurricane, lands—unannounced—on the doorstep of Robert’s suburban Dallas home. Robert’s lie is exposed. To make matters worse, Enis is nothing like the monster Robert described.

Robert’s daughters and wife are drawn to Enis like moths to a flame. He’s charismatic, kind, wise, and has them eating out of the palm of his hand. But Robert isn’t buying Enis’ act. So, when his wife and kids aren’t around, he gives Enis an ultimatum—leave in two weeks or be prepared to face the same level of abuse that he inflicted on Robert and his mother. Enis counters with a threat that will bring Robert to his knees and leaning toward what appears to be his only option…murder.

Bestselling Author, Brian W. Smith, has crafted a suspense novel with the tension of an Alfred Hitchcock thriller. This story of dysfunction and blackmail is punctuated with the author's trademark plot twist that is sure to make this an instant classic."

Title: Animus
Author: Brian W. Smith
Publisher: B.W.S.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Animus" by Brian W. Smith

My Opinion:

'Animus' meaning a strong dislike or enmity; hostility attitude as this title fits so well to this story. For some reason, I felt sorry for Robert Sumina in what all he had endured during his childhood with that horrible father, Enis. So, as the story plays out, this author lets the readers understand just how awful he was to Robert and his mother, and you know that karma is coming. However, what a surprise that was ... and to find out what that surprise contains...you will have to pick up 'Animus' and see what this author has in store for the reader. Wow, that is all that is left to say when it is all said and done. After reading this good read, I wondered if I missed signs that I didn't see that ending coming. Very well done to the author for another excellent story that was well-told.

Bound For You: A Standalone Dark Captive Romance (MacKenzie Crime Family) by Amarie Avant

Book Excerpt:

"Audiobook coming in September!

I was taken by the monster in my nightmares . . .

AVA

Broken hearts carry dark secrets, and I'm determined to put mine to rest.

On a cold night, when I attempt to take my life, I'm stolen away.

Abducted by a man whose sins should've condemned him to hell.

Who sets my heart on fire with fear and desire.

I don't need a happily ever after, or to be captivated by his intoxicating, ruthless ways.

I'll run before I turn into the thing I swore I would die before becoming . . . His.

KIERAN

Broken, little birds can't fly, and I'm determined to keep the one I found.

I've murdered more men than the plague, but the innocent Ava doesn't have the right to take her own life.

Her light's my salvation capable of washing away my sins.

I don't need anything else in this world but my little bird.

I'll make Ava realize she's bound to me. Forever . . . Mine.

BOUND FOR YOU is a stand-alone dark, Irish Mafia romance. While there's a HEA, all the nice guys are dead. There are triggers, triggers, triggers . . . .

 Title: Bound For You

Author: Amarie Avant
Publisher: A.A.
Series: MacKenzie Crime Family
Narrated by: Aure Nash & JT Farrell
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Bound For You" by Amarie Avant

My Opinion:

'Bound For You' was quite an excellent audio read that keep me up late in the night, not wanting to put it down until the end [over eight hours]. Was it packed with lots of drama, secrets, and, oh yes, a hot and steamy romance? Yes, yes, and yes, it was loaded. The two narrators...Aure Nash and JT Farrell were outstanding with their deliverance of the story that featured Ava and Kieran. The author did an enormous job of giving the readers a good read about 'a stand-alone dark, Irish Mafia romance.' Be prepared for a long story, but you have the whole story and NO extended epilogues at the end!

Indeed the MeKenzies and McFalands are not to be played in this story! This series was one of the best ones!

What all poor Ava had gone through was quite a trip with her ex, but will Kieran still be there for her in the end? Also, Kieran had some demons too! So, will there be an Ava and Kieran with a HEA, and if so, what did they have to do to be able to get to that point?

This is where I say you will have to listen to the story or pick up this good read to see how well this author will bring it all to a head by the end.

Was this a dark story where 'extreme therapy' was needed, and let's not leave out a story with many triggers? Well, yes, but all and all, the story comes out... So I will stop here and say pick up and listen or read this good novel and see for yourself how well this author delivers it to the readers.