Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

 Book Excerpt:

"Destined to be a modern classic from “an original and a canonical presence in Irish fiction” (Colm Tóibín), Small Things Like These is Claire Keegan’s landmark new novel, the tale of one man’s courage — and a remarkable portrait of love and family.

It is 1985 in a small Irish town. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, Bill Furlong, a coal merchant, and family man, who is father to five girls, faces into his busiest season. Early one morning, while delivering an order to the local convent, Bill makes a discovery that forces him to confront both his past and the complicit silences of a town controlled by the church. 

Already a bestseller in France and certain to be read worldwide for generations to come, Small Things Like These is a deeply affecting and inspiring story of hope, quiet heroism, and empathy from one of our most critically celebrated and iconic writers."

Title: Small Things Like These
Author: Claire Keegan
Publisher: Grove Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Small Things Like These" by Claire Keegan
My Opinion:

"Small Things Like These" is a novella in an Irish town in 1985 where Bill Furlong, faced with 'community pressure,' decides compassion. Be ready for a quick read that showed the depth and humanity of what was going on as Bill rescues Sarah from the convent. This story depicts the heroism of one man that opened the 'hidden sins of the Catholic Church and its parishioners.' This author gives the reader an excellent short story with an uplifting message: making good decisions in the face of adversity, optimism, and humanity showing there are good people even when bad things happen.

Thanks to Netgalley and Grove Press for sharing a digital copy of this book with me in exchange for an honest review.

Signature: Legendary African American Distinctive Signatures Paperback by Rubin Benson/ Bashir

Book Excerpt:

"In the year 1830, the state of North Carolina adopted into law the Act to prevent all persons from teaching slaves to read or write. The teaching of slaves to read or write has a tendency to excite dissatisfaction in the minds of slaves and will produce insurrection and rebellion, to the manifest injury of citizens of this state of North Carolina. Any free person, who shall hereafter teach, or attempt to teach, any slave within the state to read or write or give or sell such slave any books or pamphlets, shall be liable to an indictment in any court of record in this State of North Carolina. And the slave shall be imprisoned; and whipped at the discretion of the court, not exceeding 39 lashes and not less than 20 lashes.

"Act Passed" by the General Assembly of North Carolina at the Session of 1830 (Raleigh:1830). Despite the racism of North Carolina and other united states in America, slaves did learn to read and write. Even though many slaves were not literate, they would sign documents using ascribed "X" in lieu of a signature. The courts permitted this as long as the X-mark was witnessed.

The individual signatures enclosed in this unique presentation are not a critique of their "penmanship." On the contrary, our intention is only to show an individual style of "handwriting" their name. Iconic as these African-Americans are, their signatures reveal a vibrant brand attached to their personality.

Inspired by my grandchildren, I remember how proud they were to show me how they could write their name; this book was created. And like a fingerprint, their signature is their only."

Title: Signature: Legendary African American Distinctive Signatures
Author: Rubin Benson / Bashir
Publisher: BookBuzz.net, First Impressions Design
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Signature" by Rubin Benson/Bashir
My Opinion:

"Legendary African American Distinctive Signatures noun. The Act of signing one's name, or distinctive mark."
We find this author is quite a 'creative director...an avid collector of original African-American fine art and Memorabilia.' What a good job that was done as he 'thirsts to give focus to recognizing and authenticating various African-American signatures.'

This author did an excellent job of collecting through research as many handwritten reproductions of 'Famous Black folks' as possible that took up to three years to complete. What was unique about this process was that this signature 'could be used to equal their own personal fingerprint.

As I was reading through 'Signature,' I found this author's search included 239 signatures. One will have to admit this was a lot of good work that was able to be done. What an exciting story as you read about each of these signatures and the process in which it was all done.

I made a list of some of the signatures that caught my interest:

Starting with Legendary African American Distinctive Signatures... Miles, innovation to the elevator industry

on to Alexander Murry Palmer Haley, American writing and the author of Roots

Althea Gibson, an American tennis player, professional golfer, and the first black athlete to cross the color line of international tennis.

Alvin Childress as Amos and Spencer Williams as Andy [Amos 'n' Andy] first radio comedy series

Andrew Jackson Young Jr... American politician, diplomat, and activist

Angela Evelyn Bassett...American Actress and activist

Arthur Ashe...nade a career out of tennis...won his first U.S. Open in 1968

Barack Hussein Obama... American politician who served as the 44th President of the U.S. 2009-2017

Riley B. King... professional as B.B. King...An American blues singer, electric guitarist, songwriter, and record producer.

Benjamin Oliver Davis Jr. American, the United States Air Force general and Commander of the World War II Tuskegee Airmen

I will stop here and just add the name...that I enjoyed reading about...you will have to pick up this good read and see how well this author presents all of this to the readers.

Bessie Coleman, Beyonce Giselle Knowles-Carter, Eleanora Fagan [Billie Holiday], Cab Calloway, James Charles Evers, Charles Wade Barkley, Cicely Tyson, Colin Luther Powell, Corette Scott King, Deborah Kaye [Debbie Allen],

Denzel Hayes Washington, Diana Ernestine Earle Ross, Diahann Carroll, Dick Gregory, Dorothy Jean Dandridge,

Edward Kennedy 'Duke Ellington, Ethel Waters, Frederick Douglass, George Washington Carver, Halle Maria Berry[born Maria Helle Berry]. Henry Louis Aaron [Hammer or Hammerin Hank], Harry Belafonte, Hattie McDaniel, Herbert Jeffrey 'Herbie' Hancock, Jack Roosevelt Robinson, James Joseph Brown, Shawn Corey Carter [Jay-Z],

Jesse Louis Jackson Sr., James Cleveland [Jesse Owens], Jimi Hendrix, Joseph Louis Barrow [Joe Louis], John William Coltrane [Trane], Josephine Baker, Horace Julian Bond, Kamala Harris Vice President of the United States, first Black person, and Asian to hold this position.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bean Bryant, LeBron Raymone James, Lena Mary Calhoun Horne, Richard Wayne Penniman [Little Richard], Louis Daniel Armstrong [Satchmo, Satch, & Pops], Louis, Farrakhan Sr. [Louis X], Sarah Breedlove [Madam C.J. Walker], Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, Miles Dewey Davis III, Michael Joseph Jackson, Michael Jeffrey Jordan ] M.J.] Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama American lawyer, and writer who served as the First Lady of United States from 2009-2017...married to the 44th U.S. President Barack Obama, and was the first African-American First Lady.

Morgan Freeman, Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. [Muhammad Ali], Nathaniel Adams Coles [Nat King Cole], Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Oprah Winfrey, Sean John Combs [Puff Daddy], Pearl Mae Bailey, Prince Rogers Nelson, Ray Charles Robinson [Ray Charles], Robyn Rihanna Fenty, Rosa Louise McCauley, Samuel George Davis Jr., Samuel Leroy Jackson, Sarah Lois Vaughan, Serena Williams, Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal [Shaq], Shirley Chisholm, Sidney Poitier, Shelton Jackson [Spike], Lincoln Theodore Monroe...Andrew Perry [Stepin Fetchit], Stevland Hardaway Morris [Stevie Wonder], Thurgood Marshall, Eldrick Tont Woods [Tiger Woods], Tupac Amaru Shakur [Tupac], Venus Ebony Starr Williams, William Edward Burghardt ['W.E.B.' Du Bois], Whitney Elizabeth Houston, Willard Carroll Smith Jr., Winnie Madikizela-Mandela [Winnie Mandela], and Wynton Learson Marsalis.

As you read through 'Signature,' you get a short bibliography of their story...including a photo and their signature. The author did a fantastic job with his novel that I would highly recommend.

I didn't get everyone put into my review of this inspiring and motivational read, so you will have to grab a copy of what excellent work this author did in putting together all of this great information for the reader to take in and doing this for his grandchildren and letting them know the importance of one's signatures. One can only imagine what it was like for our slave ancestors to be denied the privilege of reading and writing. I can only imagine how hard this would be for me because I enjoy reading and reviewing what I read.

I would definitely recommend this read...the bibliography, photos, and signatures are really something to cherish.

Things I Never Told Kindle Edition by Debra Phillips

 Book Excerpt:

"THINGS I NEVER TOLD

After surviving a brutal attack on New Year's Eve, Perchelle Prentice wants to push the horrible incident to the farthest corner of her mind. Too embarrassed to come clean, telling anyone would only expose how unaware and foolish she had been that fateful night. Things look like they are going well until Chelle discovers that Torrie, her best friend, has a secret boyfriend. Once Perchelle finally meets him, she realizes that he has an eerie resemblance to the man that assaulted her. The situation snowballs into a dangerous nightmare when the new boyfriend realizes who she is and begins to stalk both women."

Title: Things I Never Told
Author: Debra Phillips
Publisher: D.P.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Things I Never Told" by Debra Phillips

My Opinion:
After reading 'Things I Never Told,' I was left thinking by the end of this story...only if it had been told maybe a lot of things wouldn't have gone array the way, things ended up for Perchelle, Torrie, and baby Casmere. The story was sad and started with Perchelle Prentice on New Year's Eve, where some horrible happened. For some reason, Perchelle [Chelle as she was also called] didn't tell a soul this secret, and it seems her life went down from there. Also, it seemed like Chelle was one for holding on to secrets...not only from her brother who had his own secret but her best friend, Torrie, who also carried secrets too. With both of these ladies having a secret that only if they had shared would their life have gone somewhat better and in a different direction than it did? It was so hard to believe that both of the girls who were best of a friend didn't want to share something that would have changed their lives completely...oh well, I guess that is the way life can be. It brought tears to my eyes as I kept reading and hoping things would change by the end.

Now, I will stop here and say this is an excellent read to pick up and see how well this author brings it out to the reader. The story gives the reader something essential to realize long after reading why it was so important to know when it's time to share...I don't care how hard it is...find someone to talk to, and maybe help one along the way. The title: 'Things I Never Told' was precisely what the story was all about, with the first five chapters actually happening...and I would highly recommend it for reading.

An Unsavory Mess (Eugeena Patterson Mysteries Book 5) Kindle Edition by Tyora Moody

 Book Excerpt:

"Eugeena Patterson usually doesn't have a problem putting her nose where it doesn't belong. But, after her last mystery-busting incident, she's determined to hang up her amateur sleuth hat. Or at least that's what she's telling Amos and her family.

When her long-time friend, Rosemary Gladstone, encourages her to attend their high school reunion, Eugeena decides it wouldn't hurt. All is well until Eugeena and Rosemary face off with their number one enemy from high school. What should have been a celebration hits a sour note when their nemesis is found dead, not too long after a very public disagreement.

There is no rest for the weary as Eugeena dives into another mystery. But, she doesn't have a choice since she has to clear her and Rosemary from being considered murder suspects."

Title: An Unsavory Mess
Author: Tyora Moody
Publisher: Tymm Publishing LLC
Series: Eugeena Patterson Mysteries Book 5
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
An Unsavory Mess" by Tyora Moody

My Opinion:

'An Unsavory Mess' was another excellent story that involved another one of Eugeena's stories. We find that Eugeena had promised her husband that when would stop with all of the investigations she had been doing in earlier series. But will she be able to keep her word when a friend is thought to may be involved in a murder that happened at their 45th class reunion? Will Eugeena be able to help solve another murder that has more or less been brought her way? Well, to get another good story from this series, the reader will have to pick up this novel and see what all Eugeena gets herself involved in and out of 'An Unsavory Mess' once again. Would I recommend this series? YES!

Rare Danger: A Novella Kindle Edition by Beverly Jenkins

 Book Excerpt:

"A librarian's quiet life becomes a page-turner of adventure, romance, and murder in a thrilling novella by USA Today bestselling author Beverly Jenkins.

For Jasmine Ware, curating books for an exclusive clientele is her passion. Until an old friend, a dealer of rare books, goes missing, and his partner is murdered. Linked to an artifact smuggled out of the ancient library at Timbuktu, the mystery draws Jasmine deeper into a plot that could cost her her life.

Air force veteran and private security ace Torr Noble are accustomed to adrenaline-pumping stakes. He never expected a private librarian would be so intriguing, but Jasmine is full of surprises. As the connection between them burns hot, a powerful old enemy raises his head. Torr and Jasmine must work together to find the missing dealer.

Will the search be the start of a happily ever after or a disastrous THE END?"

Title: Rare Danger
Author: Beverly Jenkins
Publisher: Montlake
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Rare Danger" by Beverly Jenkins

My Opinion:

'Rare Danger' was an enjoyable read that kept a smile on your face mainly throughout the read, especially after Jasmine and Torr meet. What will this librarian Jasmine have that Torr was interested in that brought them together? It was quite a read with twists and turns all over the place, finding out how important the book had been stolen from Timbuktu. This rare book had been stolen and was the center of the plot involving certain characters who knew Jasmine and her family. With all that was going on and Torr finding out that his brother Kil's name had come up in this investigation, along with Jasmine, what would he do? Oh, Kil had gotten Torr to contact Jasmine Ware because she owned Codex, where she located books for her clients. Torr had briefly met Jasmine during an altercation with someone she had been dating but didn't know that Jasmine was the person his brother had referred her to him. Was she involved in this mess? Which was funny meeting her at his office? Anyway, as the story continues, someone was murdered with their hands being cut off, and the partner decides to leave town. We are given quite a story of how it all comes out. Will there be a story about these two [Jasmine and Torr] by the end getting together? The reader will have to pick up this good story and see if all will go well after the kidnapping that will involve someone Torr has become quite infatuated with.

I enjoyed the narration that this book presented. It was indeed done very well that brought out the story so very well to the reader. Would I recommend it? YES!

Learning To Twirl (The Twirler Quartet Book 3) Kindle Edition by Claudia Severin

 Book Excerpt:

"Two devout teenagers faced love amid tragedy circa 1969. An Army enlistment during the Vietnam Conflict promised career opportunities but tore their dreams apart.

As a Roman Catholic, Nancy knew better than to succumb to temptation. She was following the example of her two older sisters: one a nun and the other a wife who'd had three children in quick succession. But when a sweet-talking devilishly-handsome boy began charming her, it wasn't just her baton that was twirling. It was her heart.

Peter knew he shouldn't resent his older brother, the golden boy. Terry excelled in sports, academics, and winning friends while Peter was stuck at home milking cows. Their parents expected Peter to hold down the farm when Terry's world was upended by a horrible accident. But, once Peter fell for a beautiful red-haired angel, he knew his prayers had been answered.

Later, while Peter performed his patriotic duty in Vietnam, he discovered his brother was ambushing him on the home front, about to steal his cherished wife and daughter. Did his devotion to the Army's cause create an unbridgeable rift in his marriage?

Return to the mythical Capital High School in Lincoln, Nebraska, for the third in the Twirler Quartet series that delivers more heartbreak and joy at a time when naïve teenage boys were being drafted, surprised college students were being attacked at protest marches. The president promised peace and love to the yTitle: Learning To Twirl

Author: Claudia Severin
Publisher: Pella Road Publishing
Series; The Twirler Quartet Book 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Learning To Twirl" by Claudia Severin

My Opinion:

'Learning To Twirl' was quite a read drawing out what happened to Nancy and Peter in what they were put through in 1969. Nancy and Peter had been friends, but things took a turn, and something blossomed between them. Do we find Nancy knew it was wrong as she succumbed to temptation not only with one but also his brother? I don't want to tell too much of the story, but we see that Peter's brother had been in a horrible accident, and a lot was thrown on Peter as he helped on his family's farm. During this time, Peter falls for the lovely red-haired angel. Both of them were in HS, and she was a 'Twirler' and a beautiful person; however, Peter's brother Terry noticed her. What will come of this and as Nancy and Peter become more involved? What would happen when he chose to serve in the Army in Vietnam doing his patriotic duty? Oh, did I mention that now Nancy and Peter are married after they just had turned eighteen?

Well, there was a reason for that quick marriage. Anyway, as the story continues will these cause problems in their marriage [new baby & him going into the service]? A few things caused me some concern, and this was as strong Roman Catholics needed more guidance from somebody. Nancy even had a nun as a sister, and a priest had been around...so what was the problem? Now my biggest concern was with Peter's brother Terry. What Terry was doing with his brother's wife Nancy ...I didn't care for at all. Now, I will not blame it all on Terry because Nancy was part of the problem too. It was hard to believe that she was that naive not to know just what she was doing and what trouble it would cause if it got out. I know things did come together by the end of the story, but this did cause me to have some problems with how it all came out in the end.

'Learning To Twirl' is one read to pick up and get a story with "heartbreak and joy at a time when naive teenage girls, boys were being drafted, college students being attacked at protest marches, and even the president comes into play as he promises peace and love to the youth of America."youth of America."

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Ronnie and Clyde Kindle Edition by Jade Jones

Book Excerpt:

"A New Urban Fiction Romance From Bestselling Author, Jade Jones

The gang war for control of Kifort Grove has been raging for generations, with neither the Black City Bloods nor the Bridgewood men giving an inch when it comes to territory. But, when Clyde, the leader of the Black City Bloods, falls hard and fast for Ronnie, the daughter of the notorious kingpin who holds Bridgewood in his iron grasp, things start to get even more complicated.

With Clyde having clashed with Ronnie's father Rondo time and time again for control of the streets and the drug game, can the pair put their differences and misgivings behind them to let themselves fall in love?

"Ronnie and Clyde" is an African American urban romance packed with action, thrills, and chills that will keep you on the edge of your seat till the very last page."

Title: Ronnie and Clyde
Author: Jade Jones
Publisher: Jaded Publications
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Ronnie and Clyde" by Jade Jones

My Opinion:

After thirty-one chapters, the reader will still have to get part 2 to know what has happened to certain characters from the read. From 'Ronnie and Clyde,' we find a story of gang wars where each leader tries to outsmart the other. How will this turn out for Clyde, who was the leader of Black City Bloods, and Rondo, the leader of the Bridgewood's? There will be so many twists and turns in this story that you will have to keep up with who is doing what to whom. Things seem to turn on both of these leaders. Be ready for lots of 'action, thrill, and chills' that will keep you turning the pages as you will be left wanting to know more.

The Lewis Family (The Lewis Series Book 1) Kindle Edition by Niki Jilvontae

 Book Excerpt:

"Old Habits Die Hard is an understatement for this gory, bloody, grisly spin-off of The Misfits Series! Now that The Lewis Siblings & Crew have grown older, the new generation of natural-born killers is dying to take the reins. CJ, his sisters, cousin Serenity, and her brothers all set out to show their parents that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree as they pick up where they left off. Now killers with a mission, the New Misfits start a horrific journey as they seek out a killer known as Abaddon, who's just as dangerous as the murderers they have at home. Will the new generation of Misfits become another victim of Abaddon destined for a bleak, painful existence locked inside a cage in one of his dungeons? Or will the children of Jeremiah & Double D team up with the offspring of Sakina and make their little lights shine once again? Find out if you dare…."

Title: The Lewis Family: Old Habits Die Hard
Author: Niki Jilvontae
Publisher: N.J.
Series: The Lewis Series Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
The Lewis Family: Old Habits Die Hard" by Niki Jilvontae

My Opinion:

All that's left to say the older generation had it, but now it's the new generation turn [the misfits], and will they be ready for it? But, of course, since the misfits are so clever with all of their planning, it's no wonder what all will happen next for them in part 2. And as always, we will have to wait for the next installment to get the rest of the story.

Blind Trial: A Legal Thriller (Robin Lane Legal Thriller Series Book 3) Kindle Edition by Freya Atwood

 

Book Excerpt:

"Robin Lane's brother is murdered, and it's up to her to find out who did it.

Robin Lane takes a case that could tear her career to pieces. Her young and impulsive brother, Landis, is accused of homicide against her younger brother, Kit. The evidence is overwhelming, but Robin refuses to accept it. Could her family be capable of murder?

As Robin digs up the truth, dark clues come to the surface. And to find out what happened, she has to put her life at risk...

Blind Trial is Freya's 3rd novel in the Robin Lane series of blood-pumping legal thrillers. If you are an avid fan of strong female leads, action-packed courtroom drama, riveting characters, and mind-blowing murder mystery, then you'll love Freya's intriguing story."

Buy "Blind Trial" today to discover Freya's new intriguing crime mystery!

Title: Blind Trial
Author: Freya Atwood
Publisher: F.A.
Series: Robin Lane Legal Thriller Series Book 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Blind Trial: A Legal Thriller" by Freya Atwood

My Opinion:

'Blind Trial' was indeed a story of what a Robin has to do when she gets a call from her older brother Kit was arrested for killing their younger brother Landis. With Robin being an attorney naturally, she gets involved with finding out what was going on as she "refuses to accept that her brother was capable of murder." What will Robin do as she searches for the truth and as she goes forth what starts happening to her that let her know that wasn't about her brother but of ...? Be ready for an intriguing crime story that will be filled with twists and turns, "strong female leaders, action-paced courtroom drama, emotional, well-developed, and defined characters, kidnapping, and by the end of this story... one mystery that will have some much involvement from all over the place." It was good to see Robin's friend Charlotte [a lawyer] from series book two come in to help this family in the courtroom.
As this author gives us her extended epilogue, it was so good to see what finally happened and put a stamp on what all had gone on, letting the reader know how it all came out for Robin and her brother, Kit. Will these two ever be happy again? To get the answers to all of these questions and more, the reader will have to pick up 'Blind Trial' to find out.

All in all, this was another good series that you will not want to put down until the end.

Jewelle's Christmas Chance: An Enemies to Lovers Romance (BWWM) by Shani Greene-Dowdell

 Book Excerpt:

"Jewelle and Chance enter the doors of LaFlare Fashionista each morning with guns blazing, prepared for their latest showdown. They can't explain their rivalry but can't stop it either.

A trip to Paris in the middle of the Christmas holidays could transform their relationship from rivals to lovers in the blink of an eye. Will the splendor of the holiday season fade away when they return to the office? Or will they finally tear down the wall between them and let romantic bells ring in the New Year?"

Title: Jewelle's Christmas Chance: An Enemies to Lovers Romance [BWWM]
Author: Shani Green-Dowdell
Publisher: Imperial Publishing House
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Jewelle's Christmas Chance" An Enemies to Lovers Romance [BWWM] by Green-Dowdell

My Opinion:

'Jewell's Christmas Chance' was a sweet holiday read about how her life changed after really getting to know Chance, whom she [Elle] thought was her enemy. Jewelle Denay and Chance Thigpen both worked for this fabulous LaFlare Fashionista, so how will this relationship from these two rivals, who were also interracial, make it to one to pleasure during this holiday season. You will have to pick up this good read and see how this author will give the reader a perfect ending. So, will these two make it to a HEA?

The story has well-developed and defined characters that brought out so well... with those Penn women...Laura and her grandmother Penn, Gustavo, and, yes, Nancy, to name a few. So would I recommend 'Jewelle's Christmas Chance?' Yes!

DIMA (Filthy Rich Alphas): (Illustrated BMWM Dark Mafia Romance) Kindle Edition by Kenya Wright

Book Excerpt:

"FILTHY RICH ALPHAS is a series of standalone interracial romance stories featuring sexy men falling in love with kick-ass black heroines. All books explore different tropes, have steamy illustrations, and will have you laughing as you read.

________
MEET DIMA.
_______

A mind-blowing enemies-to-lovers romance that will set your kindle on fire!

DIMA rules the North of Paradise—a city for the darkest alphas. The only gangster heaven on Earth. Due to his unique talent for capturing brutal enemies, he also heads the Diamond Syndicate with other Paradise Mafia Kings.

However, a serial killer has come to Paradise. And this sicko is targeting top Syndicate members. And Dima has a challenging time finding the killer due to a sexy reporter constantly getting in his damn way.

ROSE is a Pulitzer prize journalist. Last year, she created political earthquakes in New York from reporting on government corruption. Now that she's moved to Paradise, her mission is to expose the Diamond Syndicate and all their wrongdoings.
Too bad Dima won't let her.
He blocks.
She pushes.
Sometimes she wins.
But most of the time, she submits.
And dark erotic attraction blazes between them, so hot they can't ignore it. And she's catapulted into Paradise's criminal underworld, where gangsters are heroes, and the villains are the most unsuspected people. Meanwhile, a killer sits within the shadows, waiting to kill them both."

Title:  DIMA

Author:  Kenya Wright

Publisher:  K.W.                      

Series:  Filthy Rich Alphas  Book 5

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"DIMA" by Kenya Wright

My Opinion:

'Dima' was a good read that featured the alpha Dimitri and Rose.  We find Rose new in Paradise City had been brought there to investigate and expose the Diamond Syndicate in which Dimitri was the boss. So what happens when a serial killer starts killing off many of the members of the Dimi's syndicate, which will bring these two together. It seems that Rose was there to get information about this syndicate but was stopped in her tracks quickly by Dimitri.  The story was rather long, and I was left feeling that some important things were left unknown; however, it seemed like Rose and Dimi were made for each other, especially with their steamy sex scenes. There were a lot of scary characters that kept me turning the pages to see what was coming next for these gangs. Be ready for many twists and turns as 'Dima' will have it all there for the reader and an epilogue that will take one into the future. 

Heard It in a Love Song A Novel by Tracey Garvis Graves

 Book Excerpt:

"From Tracey Garvis Graves, the bestselling author of The Girl He Used to Know comes a love song of a story about starting over and second chances in Heard It in a Love Song.

Love doesn’t always wait until you’re ready.

Layla Hilding is thirty-five and recently divorced. Struggling to break free from the past—her glory days as the lead singer in a band and a ten-year marriage to a man who never put her first—Layla’s newly found independence feels a lot like loneliness.

Then there's Josh, the single dad whose daughter attends the elementary school where Layla teaches music. Recently separated, he's still processing the end of his twenty-year marriage to his high school sweetheart. He chats with Layla every morning at school and finds himself thinking about her more and more.

Equally cautious and confused about dating in a world that favors apps over meeting organically, Layla and Josh decide to be friends with the potential for something more. Sounds sensible and way too simple—but when two people are on the rebound, is it heartbreak or happiness that’s a love song away?"

Title: Heard It in a Love Song
Author: Tracey Garvis Graves
Publisher: St Martin's Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Heard It in a Love Song" by Tracey Garvis Graves

My Opinion:

"Heard It In A Love Song" was a good read where Layla is an elementary school teacher of music, her first passion—divorced how Layla will make it with her teaching job now that she doesn't have that ex around and the band she once played and sung. It was good seeing Layla, finding herself as she dedicates her time to her music.

As time goes on, Layla will meet Josh and his daughter Sasha, along with his ex. We find that Sasha attends the school that Layla teaches. What was unique about these two [Layla & Josh] was that they are both finalizing their divorces...or at least one of them was. The author gives the reader a sweet read of what happens when these two pair up, while all seems to be going well between Layla and Josh until specific facts come out that Josh and his wife are still married. What will come of that situation?

Pick up this well-written read to see how well this author brings it all out as the book will move back and forth, giving their backstories. If you like stories with ... 'seconds chances with happiness, self-growth, going after one's dreams and finally having one hopes rekindled,' then you have come to the right place for this kind of story and the strengths that both the heroine and hero gained by the end of the read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.