Eight Naughty Notes: Baes of Christmas Kindle Edition by Aja

 Book Excerpt:

"Tori Clark knew at a very young age that she'd have to make sacrifices to reach her goals of becoming one of the most trusted Pediatricians in Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, Tori didn't have the luxury of partying, traveling, or even falling in love. But she did, in fact, fall in love with Christian Powers, a man going through his residency training right alongside her. They were both among the best and brightest stars in their program with very few chances to take R&R, but somehow they managed to sneak in a few moments that brought them closer together. With Christian, Tori learned to laugh and cry out in pleasure. However, when Tori receives a reminder of her first passion, she decides to break things off with Christian to preserve herself and her life goals.

Years later, Christian, now a top Pediatric Intensivist, returns to the place of his residency, not only for an opening at the Children's Hospital but also for a second opportunity at love.

Warm-up your holiday with this hot second chance romance.

Tori Clark first appears in For Once; however, you can enjoy her story without reading it."

Title: Eight Naughty Notes
Author: Aja
Publisher: She Loves Words Publishing LLC
Series: Baes of Christmas Series
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
'Eight Naughty Notes' by Aja

My Opinion:

'Eight Naughty Notes' was a sweet holiday read that featured Tori Clark and Christian Powers, seeing them get their second chance at love. This beautiful story stored how Christian didn't give up on whom he wanted in his life. It was so wonderful that many people around Tori knew that something was going on with her as she began to listen and give love a second chance. The story was adorable about these two doctors who worked with children. As they came together, one could see that there was so much love and passion and a beautiful romance, as this author gives her readers.

A Southern Delights Christmas (Victory Gospel Short Book 5) Kindle Edition by Tyora Moody

 Book Excerpt:

"Sequel to Southern Delights short story.

Author Nia Michaels lives a blessed life, celebrating her highly anticipated romance novel. Her own real-life romance with Brendan McCormick has been a delight for the past six months. However, Nia's hypersensitive emotions flare up when Brendan shows signs of not being into her anymore. Is her history with men about to be repeated?

To make matters worse, her ex-boyfriend returns to town, and he doesn't seem to care that Nia has moved on with a new man. With Brendan is acting lately, Nia is wondering if a break-up is inevitable.

With her favorite holiday around the corner, all Nia wants for Christmas is the same happily ever after she writes about in her books.

Victory Gospel Shorts are sweet Christian romance stories from 8,000 to 25,000 words or 32-100 book pages. Meet a different member from the Victory Gospel Church family. Don't be surprised if you see a character from the Victory Gospel Series or the Reed Family Series in a story."

Title: A Southern Delights Christmas
Author: Tyora Moody
Publisher: Tymm Publishing
Series: Victory Gospel Short Book 5
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:
"A Southern Delights Christmas" by Tyora Moody

My Opinion:

Everything seemed to be going prodigious well for Nia Michael, an author and doing well with writing her romance novel. Plus, Nia had been dating Brendan McCormick, and all seemed to be going well for these two. However, things started turning sour for these two when Nia was finally told that Brendan would be laid off from work. What will happen as Brendan is looking for a job in three different states? Also, it looks like Nia's ex-boyfriend has come back to town and wants to talk with her...about what? Will this present a problem for Nia and Brendan, and why was that? I believe that Nia should have shared a particular fact with Brendan, but, as usual, it wasn't a surprise in the way the story went for them.

It was good seeing Brendan finally finding something that he liked right there in the area he was from and seeing how he was working at it.

Will these two be able to get everything solved, and they finally get their HEA? To get all of these questions answered and more, you will have to pick up this good short Christian romantic read to see how this author will bring it all out to the reader. Would I recommend it? Yes, but I also believe you need to read the series for even more of an understanding of what had gone on in the lives of Nia and Brendan.

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When A Man's Fed Up-Unlocking the Soul of a Few Good Men By Denise Cook-Godfrey

 Book Excerpt:

"Xavier Taylor was a man who had lived most of his life chasing shadows. Shadows of things that never quite came to fruition in the days of his prime. Most of those days were spent building walls and suppressing the pain, anger, and confusion surrounding his father and the family he never bonded with)."

Title:  When A Mn's Fed Up-Unlocking the Soul of a Few Good Men

Author:  Denise Cook-Godfrey

Publisher:  D.C.G.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

When A Man's Fed Up- Unlocking the Soul of a Few Good Men  

By Denise Cook-Godfrey

My Opinion:  

If you are looking for a novel that explains it all to the reader, then you have come to the right place. "When A Man's Fed Up" shows what happens when a person is fed up as it was for Xavier Montel Taylor, and it wasn't only him...but his friends Ezra and Maverick seemed to have some problems in that direction also. What was it with Xavier, who had  spent most of his life "building walls and suppressing the pain, anger, and confusion surrounding his father and the family he never bonded with."  Now, why was this? We find that the other two boys had fathers...but were they any happier with that fact?  

To get into the story without giving too much away, we find Xavier is having quite a life dealing with problems he only had to deal with. Let's start with the dreams he had been having for a long time that manifests much later in his life. What was that about? Along with having a mom who had to work hard and dealing with her live-in boyfriend who seemed to dislike him, or let's say they disliked each other, did cause problems.   One good thing that Xavier had in his life was his Christian Grandma Sweet, and that was such a good thing to have, and oh how he loved her and listened well to her.  

Moving on to Xavier's two best friends... Ezra and Maverick, we find  Ezra seemed to be content somewhat helping take care of the children, helping his mom and aunt Josie; however, his father seemed to treat him...well, you will have to pick up this read and see for yourself what that was all about. As time went on, Ezra married, and as he began to have dreams, as Xavier did, his life changed drastically from what he had wanted. Now, why was that? 

Oh, yes, the three friends were a rapping group through high school and seemed to enjoy rapping together until what happened? Will anything come of this for Xavier, Ezra, and Maverick? What happened in this situation caused Xavier to be blamed for something he didn't do, and he even stopped going to that church?  

Then there was Maverick, who had it all so well, being the son of pastor Malcolm Price [and let's not leave out his mother [that first lady] but was he pleased,  and delighted at their decision of his life? And if not, why was that? What did Maverick want to do with his life? What was it about Maverick's parents, as they seemed to be the only ones who knew what Maverick needed? Why did they choose not to listen to what Maverick wanted to do with his life?  

I know I ask many questions in my review. However, I don't want to tell you the answers because I was hoping you could pick up this fantastic read and find out all the answers to the many questions asked.

As the reader continues, one will find out how well the story has well-developed and defined secondary characters that explained just who they were that added so much to the story like Sue, Grandma S, Shep, Megan, Mr. Culpepper, Aunt TT[Josie], Tyler, Pebbles, Taisha, Treyvon, and Raven, to name a few.

As the story moves on, what will happen when after the three...Xavier, Maverick, and Ezra have a reunion of sorts after not being in contact for quite a while. What will come of that?  

What will happen when the WayMaker Church has a men's conference day with the theme being 'Fed-Up'  "When a Man's Fed Up Unlocking the Soul of a Few Good Men..." where Ezra and Xavier spoke from their hearts on what had been bothering them...but as this Fed Up session was proceeding an unexpected visitor appears. With so many secrets coming out from this conference, wow, the reader will be led to keep turning the pages to find out more. So now, will all of the above questions that have been asked be answered? YES!

Who all will this be a 'Judgement day' be for...? I was left thinking WOW!! Will all of their answers to the many secrets that had been all over the place be resolved? Also, will the dream that Xavier had been having forever be revealed to what was going on in that dream? By the end of 'When A Man's Fed Up,' who will be together as friends, married, and pursuing a new occupation?  

AGAIN, to get all of the questions answered and more, you, the reader, will have to pick up this excellent story and see for yourself how well this author brings it all out to her readers.

Would I recommend it?... Yes, but not only for the man but for some women too!

Thank you to the author for an excellent read!

Thank you to the author for an excellent read! 

 

 

The Great Gatz by Lauren Baratz-Logsted, Jackie Logsted

 Book Excerpt:

"A dog tries his best to keep his two co-parenting owners and their happiness afloat in this hilarious and touching sequel to Joint Custody by Lauren Baratz-Logsted and Jackie Logsted.

The Man is happy. The Woman is happy. That means Gatz is happy. He'd like to forget about the trouble he made to get them back together—only slightly ashamed at his antics—and focus on the future. The Woman and New Man are about to get married, after all. But when The Woman loses her job because of some bad press about the two of them, her confidence is broken, and she can't help but feel resentful towards New Man when his own career stays intact. Gatz has to give it to him; New Man remains as patient as a saint (of course he does).

The Man is doing better, too, thanks to the New Woman in his life, who just so happens to be a writer as well. But two authors in the same relationship can sometimes be one too many, and they find themselves getting quite competitive with each other. But Gatz has faith in them—The Man did learn from his mistakes, didn't he?

Gatz doesn't know what happened to these two perfectly happy couples, but he knows one thing is for sure: not all families are alike, and happiness can be found in the unlikeliest pockets—just like treats!"

Title: The Great Gatz
Authors: Lauren Baratz-Logsted & Jackie Logsted
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Series: Gatz Chronicle #2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
The Great Gatz" by Lauren Baratz-Logsted & Jackie Logsted

My Opinion:

'The Great Gatz' continues from the first series, 'Joint Custody,' where the authors have done an excellent job with this Gatz's story. We find Gatz's has two owners where The Man has custody Monday thru Friday...who is a writer and The Woman has him on the weekend...who is an editor. What has happened that has presented this situation? Well, that's a story you will have to read in the first series but now what is happening in this story...'The Great Gatz' as we find that since The Man and The Woman have split, it looks like she has moved on to a New Man in her life. And what will this mean for The Gatz as he [the dog] realizes that there will be some changes going on, so what will he do as 'drastic times call for extreme doggy measures?
Be ready for laugh-out-loud times that will have you doing just that...l o loud!

As we move on into this story...will Gatz be able to "keep his two co-parenting owners as their happiness afloat in this hilarious and touching sequel?" By the way, you know the dog is narrating this story...right! If only he could keep both Man and Woman happy ...he will be satisfied too but will that happen now that The Woman has a New Man and they are engaged to be married! But all in all, all looks good until some bad press about them causes The Woman to lose her job; however, nothing happens to The New Man's career. How will The New Man handle this situation?

Moving on, we find The Man has a New Woman in his life, and all seems to be going OK until competitiveness starts among them and my, my, my will this couple begins to have problems where it leaves poor Gatz wondering...someone 'did not learn from earlier mistakes? Will the therapy be the answer? Gatz's will be only left wondering 'what had happened to these two happy couples.' How, if anything, can Gatz help fix things for them? You will have to pick up 'The Great Gatz' to see how well these authors will bring it all out to the reader as they create a 'fun dog's eye view of a good romance.'

I would suggest one pick up the first series first to get ahead of what has previously gone on with Gatz and his owners.

Thank you to NetGallery and Berkley for an early copy of this read and for giving my opinion.

Bitter With The Sweet Kindle Edition by Debra Phillips

 Book Excerpt:

"Family drama breaks out between three once-close sisters that have to deal with their ailing mother that ask them to do the "unthinkable."

Title: Bitter With The Sweet

Author: Debra Phillips
Publisher: D.P.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Bitter With The Sweet" by Debra Phillips
My Opinion:

'Bitter With The Sweet' was quite an exciting story of how this family treated each other. Of the three sisters, it only looked like one had any good sense of treating one another. Yes, this was quite a dysfunctional family that will leave one shaking their head and saying, wow! And with them having a sick mother, this gives the reader a complete package for this family. Although it was awful what one sister did to her child and husband, I can say she did receive her karma in the end. For the other sister Pearl, wow is all I have to say about that one. It was good to see one sister finally taking charge of her life and doing what she wanted to do with her writing. Yes, it was about time that the two sisters eventually grew up. At least it seems like Leeray finally got loose from that crazy wife. I am still not sure about that sister at all! I still think she is hanging on by a thread. As for the other sister Pearl, now she has responsibility for a .... all is left is to wish her the best. Glad to see the mom doing better because they will need her prayers for this family.

This author gives a complete story with twists and turns and drama all over the place that will leave the reader saying, wow... now that was some story...'Bitter With The Sweet.'

Courting Mr. Cutthroat (Campy Romances Series Book 3) Kindle Edition by Deborah Camp

 Book Excerpt:

"Deborah Camp penned her third Campy Romance after the success of "Bedding Mr. Birdsong" and "Nailing Mr. Nasty." Now comes "Courting Mr. Cutthroat." Campy Romances are flirty, fun, and feature characters that are so real you'll feel like they're friends of yours. Come meet Cutter and Gemma...

Cutter Forsyth was a hell-raiser in his youth. He's returned to his Georgia hometown as a noted and jaded artist, contracted to create a special sculpture to honor the Cherokee. He was Gemma Summerhill's big crush. When they see each other again, their passionate feelings for each other come rushing back. Cutter, however, has no interest in sticking around, and Gemma has no interest in living anywhere else. He disappeared on her before, and there is every reason to believe he'll do it again. Yet, Gemma also believes that "home" is where loves grows, and her love for Cutter knows no bounds."

Title: Courting Mr. Cutthroat
Author: Deborah Camp
Publisher: D.C.
Series: Campy romances Series Book 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Courting Mr. Cutthroat" by Deborah Camp

My Opinion:

'Courting Mr. Cutthroat' was another excellent series by this author featuring Cutter Forsyth and Gemma Summerhill. Since high school, these two had known each other when Gemma used to Tudor him; also, she had a crush on him. Those were the old days because Cutter had left his Georgia hometown, but now he was back due to the fact he had 'created a special sculpture to honor the Cherokee.' With Cutter having no thoughts of staying in Georgia after this presentation has been made and Gemma's having no interest in living anywhere else, what will happen as there seems to be something going on between these two? Especially with Gemma believing that 'home is where love can grow and with Cutter feeling no bounds for any of it.' What will happen that will change for these two? To find out what all is going on, the reader will have to pick up this good contemporary romance and see where this author takes the reader.

It Starts With A No: The Christmas Entanglement Book 1 (The Anderson Entanglement) Kindle Edition by Trisha Grace

 Book Excerpt:

"Christmas is around the corner. It’s the season of love, joy, and hope.

Not for Clary Fiore—because some people just can’t take no for an answer.

A home invasion made Clary Fiore an orphan, but her benefactor made sure she was looked after and lacked for nothing.

Now, her benefactor has handed her the key to a banking empire. A banking empire that is a complete mess, and one that comes with a long list of enraged customers.

Instantly, she’s on top of the list of most hated people—both inside and outside the bank. Everyone’s questioning her ability to lead and speculating about what she did to get her position. The las
t thing Clary cares about is a billionaire needing an immediate loan.

But of course, billionaire Seth Anderson doesn’t take no for an answer.

Seth hates her benefactor, and by association—Clary. The need for a fast loan, however, triumphs over everything else. They just need to survive a gun-toting lunatic long enough for him to ask her for it.

Love, joy, and hope? Clary will settle for getting through the year without killing anyone.

Seth and Clary are two people on two very different sides. Amid the threats, secrets, and a complicated past, a gun-toting lunatic threatening to end their lives is the least of their worries.

Or is it just the beginning of what is to come?"

Title: It Starts With A No
Author: Trisha Grace
Publisher: T.G.
Series: The Christmas Entanglement Book 1...The Anderson Entanglement
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"It Starts With A No" by Trisha Grace

My Opinion:

"It Starts With A No" was a captivating story with lots of twists and turns, and then, in the end, we are given a cliffhanger. So, I just wanted you to know what to expect in the end. The story had some alluring characters...Clary and Seth, along with some secondary characters that will keep your attention as they interact back and forth, will entertain the audience. The story will give the reader quite a read in how Clary was very well, while the brothers weren't so lucky, having had a lot of trauma in their life due to a certain... I didn't quite understand the thought process of this benefactor. I am sure there will be more about him in future reads. Will the benefactor honor and do as he had promised to Seth? The reader will have to pick up "It Starts With A No" to get more of the story to get this and more. We find as the story continues, there will be threats, suspense, Christian expectations, and some romance involved in the story that will keep one turning the pages to see what is coming next. As we get to the end...well, to get the next part, we will have to get book 2 to see how things will turn out for Clary and Seth, and I guess the rest of his brothers.