The Sweetheart Deal by Miranda Liasson

Book Excerpt:

"From the bestselling author of the Angel Falls series, two enemies say "I do" in the first irresistible book about Blossom Glen.

Pastry chef Tessa Montgomery knows what everyone in the tiny town of Blossom Glen says about her. Spinster. Ice Queen. Such a shame. It's enough to make a woman bake her troubles away, dreaming of Parisian delicacies while she makes bread at her mother's struggling boulangerie. That is until Tessa's mortal enemy—deliciously handsome (if arrogant) chef Leo Castorini, who owns the restaurant next door—proposes a business plan…to get married.

Leo knows that the Castorinis and the Montgomerys hate each other, but marriage might just force these stubborn families to work together and blend their businesses for success. So the deal is simple: Tessa and Leo marry, live together for six months, and go their separate ways. Easy peasy.

It's a sweetheart deal where everyone gets what they want—until feelings between the faux newlyweds start seriously complicating the mix. Have they discovered the perfect recipe for success…or is a disaster on the way?"

Title: The Sweetheart Deal
Author: Miranda Liasson
Publisher: Entangled Publishing LLC
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"The Sweetheart Deal" by Miranda Liasson

My Opinion:

'The Sweetheart Deal' seemed to be somewhat updated from the Romeo and Juliet story, a delightful novel set in a small town. To see these two families [the Mongomery's and the Castorini Clan] who have been feuding for generations are now coming together. However, will this six-month fake marriage work for Tessa and Leo? What will happen as the love bug sneaks itself into their plans? What had happened early in their lives as these two, Tessa and Leo, were high school rivals?

The characters were well-developed for the most part; however, some of the secondary characters [Tessa's sisters] got on my nerves at times.
For most of the story was a sweet and intriguing fun read, with some 'mystery, drama, and romance' that will keep your attention as you are kept turning the pages. However, to see how this relationship will grow and see if these family members will finally forget about this long-held feud and become friends, you will have to pick up "The Sweetheart Deal" and see how well this author brings it all together to the reader.

In the end, the reader will get a heartwarming story that I would recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Last House on the Street A Novel by Diane Chamberlain

 Book Excerpt:

"A community's past sins rise to the surface in New York Times bestselling author Diane Chamberlain's The Last House on the Street when two women, a generation apart, find themselves bound by tragedy and an unsolved, decades-old mystery.

1965

Growing up in the well-to-do town of Round Hill, North Carolina, Ellie Hockley was raised to be a specific type of proper Southern lady. Enrolled in college and all but engaged to a bank manager, Ellie isn't as committed to her expected future as her family believes. Instead, she's chosen to spend her summer break as a volunteer helping to register black voters. But as Ellie follows her ideals fighting for the civil rights of the marginalized, her scandalized parents scorn her efforts, and her neighbors reveal their prejudices. And when she loses her heart to a fellow volunteer, Ellie discovers the frightening true nature of the people living in Round Hill.

2010

Architect Kayla Carter and her husband designed a beautiful house for themselves in Round Hill's new development, Shadow Ridge Estates. It was supposed to be a home where they could raise their three-year-old daughter and grow old together. Instead, it's the place where Kayla's husband died in an accident—a fact known to a mysterious woman who warns Kayla against moving in. In addition, the woods and lake behind the property are reputed to be haunted, and the new home has been targeted by vandals leaving threatening notes. And Kayla's neighbor Ellie Hockley is harboring long-buried secrets about the land's dark history where her house was built.

Two women. Two stories. Both on a collision course with the truth--no matter what that truth may bring to light--in Diane Chamberlain's riveting, powerful novel about the search for justice."

Title: The Last House on the Street
Author: Diane Chamberlain
Publisher: St Martin's Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Last House on the Street" by Diane Chamberlain

My Opinion:

'The Last House on the Street' was quite a historical fiction. Mystery, suspenseful read with grief, and romance will draw one into Kayla Carter and Eleanor [Ellie] Hockley's story. Yes, this was about 'family, love, racism, and injustice.' We find that this was from Round Hill, North Carolina, in a neighborhood called Shadow Ridge Estates... of two timelines, 1965 and 2010. What was it about these two timelines that will direct how these characters are linked? Be ready for many surprises, along with twists and turns that will keep the reader turning the pages. For example, what will happen as Kayla finds out about her town and family. "What had happened on this land in 1965 that Kayla's father was trying to warn her about moving to this area that Kayla's husband had built for her?"

And with Ellie living next door, how will these two connect? What did Ellie working with SCOPE do with it, and what happened to her family? One thing that is for sure this author did her research to give the reader quite a story. I'm not sure whom I felt sorrier for...With the subject being so involved with intense racism, Kayla or Ellie, the root of it all is emotional and heartbreaking. To get all of the answers to these questions and more, you must pick up "The Last House on the Street' to see how well this author brings us this read. It may take a while, but these two-time timelines do come together, giving the reader one heck of a story by the end.

This story wasn't an easy read, definitely will stay with me, but it was a story worth telling, and using these dual timelines and multi-generations was well-done.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC and my leaving my honest opinion.

Wait For Tonight (A Holiday Snack 2) Kindle Edition by Amber Ghe

 Book Excerpt:

"Wait For Tonight is a Holiday Romance, HEA.

Moving into the new year, Chelle Howard is offered a long-term position in Mazatlan, Mexico, to assist with the opening of Design-Build Houzz. She's been on a long road to recovery and believes this position will provide her with a much-needed solace to face her past transgressions.
However, when she realizes she's not going to be alone, Chelle is perturbed but decides to make the best with her unexpected guest—Zentavio Basir.
Knowing Zentavio is a dishonest and resentful man from uncovered truths, trusting him with her heart is her biggest worry to date.
If he could change one thing, it would be writing down his secret…
Zentavio Basir jumps at the opportunity of a lifetime to work abroad and spend time with a woman that intrigues him—Chelle Howard.
Unfortunately for Zentavio, he didn't act fast enough with the pure intention of burying his secret. And after Chelle discovers what he wanted to keep hidden, Zentavio finds himself troubled and overwhelmed but desperate to show Chelle that he is worth redemption."

***Chelle and Zen are spinoff characters from the Mergers & Acquisitions Series. It can be read as a standalone HEA.***

Title: Wait For Tonight
Author: Amber Ghe
Publisher: Hustle & Write Publishing
Series: A Holiday Snack 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Wait For Tonight" by Amber Ghe

My Assessment:

Chelle Howard had a lot going on in her life as 'she's been on a long road to recovery.' But it seems like things are looking up for her as she is 'offered a long-term position in Mazatlan, Mexico, to assist with the opening of Design-Build Houzz.' Everything seems great until Chelle finds out who will be accompanying her on the trip...Zentavio Basir.

What had happened in Basir's life that he kept to himself, and what will happen when Chelle finds out about his secret as she goes snooping around?

How will this work out for them [Chelle and Basir] when everything comes out? Will they be able to deal with it? Also, what all had gone on in Chelle's life that she had overcome? So this is where I say you must pick up this story, and possibly since these characters are from the spinoff from the Merger & Acquisitions Series, maybe take a look at those series to help fully understand this story entirely.

Sloppy by Jasmine Farrell

 Book Excerpt:

"Classic preacher's kid, Roxanne felt like the oddball in her environment.

By age 22, she found herself compromising and settling in various avenues of her life- including love.

Will Roxanne be brave enough to end her relationship with a man who ails her? Will she take the path towards her purpose no matter how sloppy it looks? Or will she allow the world and her family to dictate right and wrong?"

Please note:  This is a galley copy with watermarks.

Title:  Sloppy

Author:  Jasmine Farrell

Publisher:  Independently Published  Just Breathe Jasmine LLC

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Sloppy" by Jasmine Farrell

My Opinion:

The title kept me intrigued as I read through this thought-provoking story that dealt with the main characters...Roxanne, her mother, and Johnson. It seemed like Roxanne was very much into homosexual relationships, which was unacceptable to her mother, especially with her being a minister. Then Roxey starts dating Johnson, and it seems like he knew of her previous relationships and still supposedly loved and wanted to marry her, but will that happen? Johnson was quite a character that was only for what he wanted, and that was total control. What will happen when he finally gives her a ring?

As time went on, Roxanne decided not to marry Johnson, which was a good thing; however, she was also wishy-washy, which made this story enjoyable to see if she would finally do what Roxanne did want. Then Johnson was still coming around and trying to get what he wanted, which was Roxy's control. Will that happen? 

What will happen when Roxanne has a new love in her life? Will, her mother, accepts this as Roxanne chooses a new love. To get the answers to these questions and more, you will have to pick up 'Sloppy' and see how this author brings it all out to the reader.  

By the way, I did see the reason for the title because a lot of what happened in this story was 'Sloppy' [with mother & daughter, [Roxanne & Johnson] and [Roxanne and a few ex-friends] even though it was a good and decent read.    

A Time for Justice: A Legal Thriller (Zoe Caine Legal Thriller Series Book 1) Kindle Edition by Freya Atwood

 

Book Excerpt:

"A terrible crime was committed in a facility for troubled youth. When a lawyer decides to unveil it twenty years later, she must fight against her family and city to find the truth…

As a stubborn and quick-witted lawyer, Zoe Caine has been trying to catch her big case for far too long. And the chance presents itself, the moment a traumatized woman begs her to uncover a horrifying injustice committed by the town's beloved people. An unspoken crime Zoe knows firsthand.

Contemplating whether she should risk her career, Zoe soon learns that nothing remains secret. So when the woman is found injured and near-dead, she decides to investigate. Only to find a truth that should have remained hidden away. They were raised in the same abusive facility. Twenty years ago.

The case has turned personal, and Zoe knows she only has one chance to make this right. And when people threaten her life, the court is her only hope. Until the corruption that follows…

A Time for Justice is Freya's 1st novel in the Zoe Caine 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 "A Time for Justice" today to discover Freya's new intriguing crime mystery!

Title: A Time For Justice
Author: Freya Atwood
Publisher: F.A.
Series: Zoe Cain Legal Thriller Series Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"A Time For Justice" by Freya Atwood

My Assessment:
'A Time for Justice' was another excellent read that this author presents. We find that lawyer Zoe Caine got a visit from Rosamund Verity wanted Zoe to take her case against Solemn Acres for abuse, a re-hab facility for the mentally ill. The strange thing about this was that Zoe had once been in this facility, under another name, where she didn't remember much from her time there and was left with some horrible dreams from the incident. When Rosamund is attacked and ends up in a coma, Zoe decides to look into the case because too much was going on...like a fire from the Solemn Acres facility, Rosamund in a coma, and her job asking her to stop investigating over this incident. Along with all of that, Zoe's brother David was having a few problems of his own, and naturally, Zoe was there to help if she could. A long history goes with this Zoe's family, starting with their mom's death, and the father was nothing but an alcoholic that abused his children. This is why Zoe was in [Midhard Institute] now called Solemn Acres facility...her father had her placed there for no definite reason other than he was a horrible abusive person, especially toward Zoe.

As the story moves on, we find Zoe and her assistant Hadijah working hard on the Solemn Acres facility case. Will Zoe be able to find the evidence she 'needs to prove that the patient abuse did happen and be able to bring this former doctor and his staff to justice?' Again, I will say that the judge, lawyers, and courtroom drama will keep your attention following this story. Be ready for lots of entwinement that will go on in this suspenseful legal thriller courtroom drama.

Well, you will have to pick up "A Time For Justice" to see how this author brings it all out to the reader especially providing us with an extended epilogue that lets the reader understand a little more of what all Zoe had gone through with her father and her finally taking a stand to do something that would make her life somewhat better.

Boss Women: Seven African-American Women Who Built Their Businesses From the Ground Up by Gwen Richardson Jan10

Book Excerpt:

"Boss Women features seven African-American women who started their businesses by
themselves or as co-founders with family members. Although some of these women may
not have high public profiles, they represent a variety of industries, and all of their
businesses are successful. Some enterprises are relatively new; others have been
established for decades.

The businesswomen profiled in this book are Janice M. Adams (JMA Solutions),
Valerie Daniels-Carter (V&J Holding Companies), Bea Dixon (Honey Pot), Janice
Bryant Howroyd (The ACT One Group), Garnetta Sanders (Neta Scientific), Janell
Stephens (Camille Rose Naturals), and J. C. Sykes (90 Degree Construction).

Boss Women uses poetic phrasing, making it easier for children to read and understand.
While reading each poetic profile, children will see themselves in these
women's successes and dream big dreams for the future. The book also is a motivational
tool for adults who are seeking encouragement on their entrepreneurial journeys."

Title: Boss Women
Author: Gwen Richardson
Publisher: Cushcity Communications
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Boss Women:" Seven African Women Who Built Their Business From the Ground Up" by Gwen Richardson

My Opinion:

How enjoyable 'Boss Women' was that an enjoyable and informational read for all to read.
These African American women were...Janice Adams of JMA Solutions, Valerie Daniels-Carter of V & J Holdings, Bea Dixon of Honey Pot...I have tried these products and love them, Janice Bryant Howroyd of ActOne Group, Garnetta Sanders of Neta Scientific, Janelle Stephens of Camille Rose Naturals, and J C Sykes of 90 Degree Construction.

I love this short story of 'Two Janices, Jc, Garnetta, Bea, plus Valerie and Janell...with humble beginnings...how they've risen to new heights determined to excel.'

'Believe in yourself is what they all say. Your grit, guts, and courage will ultimately pave the way for the path you'll leave for others to follow. Your destiny will manifest a brighter tomorrow.'

The author did an excellent job of giving the reader information on these 'Boss Women who are Tomorrow's Boss Women of the future generation.' Would I recommend 'Boss Women?' YES, especially to the younger children.

Dirty Takedown : AmBw Standalone Enemies-to-Lovers Romance Kindle Edition By: Amarie Avant

Book Excerpt:

"Amarie Avant presents a steamy, witty romance between a UFC fighter and a kick-ass black heroine!

RENEE RILEY

I'm at the pinnacle of my career, and I don't have time for games.

Not even training matches between the MMA fighters at my family's famous gym.

But when my brother's enemy wipes the floor with him, I want no parts of it.

It's just a game.

Until the muscular god, with intense dark eyes, makes me his enemy too.

I'm ashamed to admit, it's gotten dirty between Jhang and me.

JHANG LI

I'm the king of the octagon and lack a worthy adversary.

I've got a vice-grip on my championship belt.

But when Renee Riley returns to town, I devise a plan to make her family pay for their sins.

The tiny, feisty beauty will be the easiest takedown ever.

I'll worship my enemy's sister for now.

Renee can hate me tomorrow."

Title: Dirty Takedown

Author: Amarie Avant

Publisher: A. A.     

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Five  

Review:

"Dirty Takedown: AmBw Standalone Enemies-to-Lovers Romance" By: Amarie Avant

My Assessment:

The title says it all in how these two Jhang and Renee got together, with the MMA fighter meeting the traveling nurse. From a one-night encounter that was supposed to be just one night, but fate had a way of turning things around for them. This situation was definitely out of the norm for Renee, and it turned out revenge on Jhang's part. Why did Jhang want revenge on this family? You will have to pick up this good read to find out.

  

The author did an excellent job of bringing out Renee's sickle cell situation. Unfortunately, the story ended rather quickly, so I am sure there will be more about this family series, especially Malcolm and maybe even Nicolette. Thank goodness Renee had support from her mom that added calmness to this situation.  

All in all, this was an excellent AMBW read.

Much Ado About a Latte by Kathleen Fuller

 Book Excerpt:

"A coffee war is brewing in Maple Falls, where Anita and Tanner are serving up plenty of sparks to keep the town buzzing.

Anita Bedford needs to face reality. It's time to decaffeinate the dream that she and Tanner will ever be more than friends. Growing up in small-town Maple Falls, she's had a crush on Tanner for years. But he'll only ever see her as good, old, dependable Anita. So now, she's finally ready to make her own goals a reality. In fact, that deserted building next door to Sunshine Diner looks like an excellent location to open her own café . . .

Tanner Castillo may know how to operate a diner, but he doesn't know beans about love. After pouring his life savings into buying the Sunshine Diner, he needs to keep his mind on making a success of it and supporting his widowed mother, not on kissing Anita Bedford. First order of business: improve his customers' coffee experience. Next, he should probably find out who bought the building next door . . .

It's a bitter cup to swallow when ambition turns longtime friends and coworkers Anita and Tanner into rivals. Now that they own competing businesses, how could they ever compete for each other's hearts? Or will the two of them come to see what's obvious to the whole, quirky town of Maple Falls: potential for a full-roast romance with an extra splash of dream?

Welcome to Maple Falls, where everyone knows your name, your coffee order, and your relationship status."

Title: Much Ado About a Latte
Author: Kathleen Fuller
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Series: Maples Falls # 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Much Ado About a Latte" by Kathleen Fuller

My Opinion:

'Much Ado About a Latte' was a sweet story of how two people knew each other in school but didn't have any real connection other than Tanner Castillo had once tutored Anita Bedford with her studies due to some learning disabilities. Oh, yes, there was that childhood kiss. However, there had been no other communication with each other. After ten years in Maple Falls, they are coworkers working at Sunshine Diner, where Tanner is the assistant manager and head cook and Anita a waitress. As the story goes on, we find a space next door to the Sunshine Diner, and Anita is thinking of buying it and opening up a coffee cafe. Will this present a problem for the already established Sunshine next door...a competing business? By Tanner and Anita not talking about this situation, what will happen when he finds out her plans for the next-door property? The story had some intriguing characters that will put a smile on your face and have you shaking your head as you are reading through the story. Be ready for a read that will let one see what can happen when there isn't enough communication, therefore, bringing on lots of drama as it did in this romantic story. By the end of the story, will Tanner and Anita be able to get to move forward and get to that happy place for a HEA? You will have to pick up this read and see how well this author brings it all out for the reader.

Thank you, Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing, for the opportunity to read this book and share my honest opinion.

Brown Girls A Novel by Daphne Palasi Andreades

 Book Excerpt:

"If you really want to know, we are the color of 7-Eleven root beer. The color of sand at Rockaway Beach when it blisters the bottoms of our feet. Color of soil . . .

Welcome to Queens, where streets echo with languages from all over the globe, subways rumble above dollar stores, trees bloom and topple over sidewalks. The funky scent of the Atlantic Ocean wafts in from Rockaway Beach. Within New York City's most vibrant and eclectic boroughs, young women of color like Nadira, Gabby, Naz, Trish, Angelique, and countless others attempt to reconcile their immigrant backgrounds with the American culture in which they come of age. Here, they become friends for life—or so they vow.

Exuberant and wild, together they roam The City That Never Sleeps, sings Mariah Carey at the tops of their lungs, yearns for crushes who pay them no mind—and break the hearts of those who do—all while trying to heed their mothers' commands to be obedient daughters. But as they age, their paths diverge, and rifts form between them, as some choose to remain on familiar streets, while others find themselves ascending in the world, beckoned by existences foreign and seemingly at odds with their humble roots.

A blazingly original debut novel told by a chorus of unforgettable voices, Brown Girls illustrates a collective portrait of childhood, adulthood, and beyond and is a striking exploration of female friendship, a powerful depiction of women of color attempting to forge their place in the world today. For even as the conflicting desires of ambition and loyalty, freedom and commitment, adventure and stability risk dividing them, it is to one another—and to Queens—that the girls ultimately return."

Title: Brown Girls
Author: Palasi Andreades
Publisher: Random House Publishing
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Brown Girls" by Palasi Andreades

My Opinion:

'Brown Girls' was quite an exciting collection of vignettes in the way this author brought it all out to the reader of the stories of these brown girls [friends] growing up in Queens, New York. This author did an excellent job as she 'depicted the lives of these teenagers through adulthood.' From middle school until ...as the journey consists of from middle school, on through college, going to their 'motherlands,' and then through their motherhood, the reader is given an insightful story.

These brown Girls [Nadira, Gabby, Naz, Trish, Angelique], and others showed their uniqueness coming alive. Seeing the relationship they had with their moms was beautifully explored as they needed their commands. I loved the part where the girls were now women saw the sacrifices and the stories their moms had with them... now seeing their mothers as women with their own stories to tell.' To understand this part of the story...the reader will have to pick up "Brown Girls" to see how the author brings it all out.

It saw the girls try to reconcile their backgrounds with the American ways as they came of age. What happens as their paths change as they ascend the world? As the Brown girls went from childhood, motherhood, and beyond there will be quite an exploration, seeing the hardship, and by the end seeing all they had gone through, but they did return.

The author's works give the reader a poignant book that tells us well of 'Brown Girls' lives as the reader will be immersed in their stories. This was a good read, and I would recommend it to others.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.

Chasing Love on the Run: A Historical Western Romance Book Kindle Edition by Aurora Hanson

 Book Excerpt:

"Growing up in an abusive family has made life hard enough for Sarah Cole, but being promised to her father's boss becomes the final straw. He is a dreadful man, with a terrible reputation and old enough to be her father. But, being resourceful, bright, and unwilling to succumb to a life of despair, Sarah decides that the only way out for her is to run away from home...

Stepping bravely into an unknown future, she has no idea whether it holds peace or more danger...

Aaron Wilder has overcome many sticky situations in his life, but he is in dire straits this time around. So he broke a cardinal rule and befriended his crooked boss's pregnant wife. She has begged Aaron to help her escape, knowing that her husband will surely kill her if she bears a girl. Aware of the risk and against his better judgment, Aaron agrees...

Can he manage to smuggle them both out of New York City without anyone knowing?

The fates align when Sarah and Aaron find themselves in a sleepy little fishing village off the Oregon coast. Sparks fly between them as they try to settle in, and before long, their attraction is impossible to deny. Have they indeed escaped their pasts, though? Caught in a turmoil of intrigue, gun battles in the streets, and a love that can never be, can they dare hope for a happy ending?

"Chasing Love on the Run" is a historical western romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after."

Title: Chasing Love on the Run
Author: Aurora Hanson
Publisher: A.H.
Reviewed by: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Chasing Love on the Run" by Aurora Hanson

My Opinion:

'Chasing Love on the Run' was quite a read of how three people, Sarah, Amelia, and Aaron, will leave their homes for better lives. Sarah, from Seattle, had been running from a dangerous father who wanted to hook her up with one of his horrible bosses. Then we find Amelia from New York was pregnant and was married to a dangerous man and proceed to convince Aaron, who had been employed by her husband, to leave and protect her and act as husband and wife. All there of them were running away from their past.

What will happen when all three of them end up in 'in a little sleep fishing village of the Oregon coast in Belleville Bay?' What will happen as the three become good friends.
However, something odd will be happening that will soon be noticed about Amelia and Aaron. What will happen as their secret comes out? Be ready for lots of twists and turns that will come out changing their lives forever and end up turning the town against ...well, I will stop here and say this is a good read that you will have to pick up 'Chasing Love on the Run' to see how this fast-paced, filled with action and suspense and love will all come out for the three.

Also, this author gives the reader an extended epilogue that will add more to this story. I only wish we could have found out more about Sarah's brother and how his life had gone for him after talking with Aaron.

Pause by Sara Stamey

 Book Excerpt:

Women's Fiction

"Dear Diary,
Shall we pause to take stock?
Female (liberated, at least from fraught marriage). Age 52, height 5'5", weight 120, bone density excellent, minimal cellulite, maximal hot flashes. One and ¾ breasts.
Months since sex: 27

Lindsey Friedland, former river-rafting guide and avid outdoorswoman, has hit the worst stretch of water she's ever faced: divorce from an abuser, breast cancer, menopause symptoms that her friends seem to have paddled serenely by. And she's lost sight of her dream of becoming an environmental journalist.

Lindsey needs to get her spark back.

Dear Diary, Disastrous blind dates so far: The walking cologne bottle. The "really want a gal to give me babies" guy. The pushy past-life reintegration facilitator.

Will Lindsey make it past the rocky shoals of family upheavals, job crises, sexism, and ageism... not to mention toxic love traps? Does "happily ever after" now mean settling for occasional (but hot!) sex with Mr. Maybe? Can she reclaim her journalism dream?

Dear Diary, I'm tired of being tragic. I'm sending off my article about the bulldozers versus the baby owls."

Title: Pause
Author: Sara Stamey
Publisher: Book View Cafe
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Pause: by Sara Stamey

My Opinion:

We find 'Pause' was indeed an engaging, inspiring story about what 52-year-old Lindsey Friedland had to endure in her life. How will this all work out for Lindsey from an abusive father, Arlen, ex-husband Nick, navigating around menopause, breast cancer, medical malpractice, and now seeming to want to get back into the dating scene? Will she get the new beginning of what she wanted after finally getting rid of that abusive husband? Where will she go from here? Be ready for a story filled with a commotional ride filled with emotions along with many ups and downs, with heartbreaking, heartwarming, and still where I did find me laughing and crying at some of it. I enjoyed how this author had Lindsey's as she 'fights to answer the questions or at least find a way to put them on pause.' Now, to understand all that is about, you must pick up 'Pause' and read it yourself. Would I recommend this read? YES!

Family First: a Black Romance Box Set Kindle Edition by Iris Bolling (Author), Sharon C. Cooper (Author), Delaney Diamond (Author), Sherelle Green (Author), Tina Martin (Author), Stephanie Nicole Norris (Author), Candace Shaw (Author), Kiru Taye (Author)

 Book Excerpt:

"Inside the pages of this limited edition box set is an introduction to 8 family series containing 8 contemporary romance novels from bestselling authors. Get ready for captivating stories of passion, family ties, and Black love!

INVESTED by Iris Bolling

Myles Dunning, the thirty-five-year-old CEO of Dunning Bank and Trust, is fighting off one takeover attempt after another to save his family's historical bank. Chrystina Price is a voluptuous, lovable powerhouse whose sole purpose in life is to uplift and protect the man she has loved from the first day they met. When the integrity of the family always comes first, is it worth Investing in love.

LOVE UNDER CONTRACT by Sharon C. Cooper, Award-winning and bestselling author

Sumeera Robinson refuses to settle for less than she desires, even if she craves the sexy Nicolas Jenkins-Moore. She's ready for marriage and a family, but his five-year plan has those items at the bottom of the list. So when Sumeera walks out of his life, Nicolas realizes what he's lost and will stop at nothing to win her back.

UNFORGETTABLE by Delaney Diamond, USA Today Bestselling Author

Ivy Johnson is stunned when Lucas Baylor makes an appearance at her family's event in Seattle. When her deception is revealed, it throws his life into a tailspin and forces them to face the truth of their feelings for each other—feelings they've both tried in vain to forget.

#BLESSED BY MALAKAI by Sherelle Green

Overnight, Malakai Madden becomes a social media legend after the #BlessedMyMalakai hashtag starts trending. Avery Nightingale is the perfect image consultant to get his life back on track. However, avoiding their explosive chemistry proves to be a more significant distraction than either of them bargained for.

EVENINGS WITH BRYSON by Tina Martin, Three-time Emma Award Winner, including Author of the Year, Book of The Year Award Winner, multiple Amazon #1 new release

Kalina Cooper doesn't believe in love since watching her father walk out on her mother years ago. But when she meets Bryson Blackstone in her aunt's cafe, he challenges everything she thinks she knows about life and love and reveals secrets about her family that she otherwise would've never known.

SAFE WITH ME by Stephanie Nicole Norris 

Samiyah Manhattan is mourning the death of her six-year marriage when she vows never to trust men again. Celebrity ex-boxer turned business mogul Jonas Alexander Rose never takes women too seriously. However, when he meets the beautiful Samiyah mulling over a mimosa, Jonas is overwhelmed by the heart throbbing heated attraction, and now he is on a mission to explore this thing called love.

COOKING UP LOVE by Candace Shaw

When Shelbi Arrington foregoes her medical residency, the last thing she's searching for is love. However, that's just what the doctor prescribes when she meets chef Justin Richardson, who is leery of doctors because of his mother's death years ago. As their relationship heats up, Shelbi learns of a shocking revelation that may extinguish their flame.

KEEPING SECRETS by Kiru Taye

Have you ever loved someone and didn't know it? That's the dilemma facing Felix when he wakes from a coma to find he is married to the most beautiful and most sensual woman he's ever known. However, will he still feel the same way when he regains his memory and realizes she's been keeping secrets and their marriage is not what he thinks it is?"

Title:  Family First

Authors: by Iris Bolling,  Sharon C. Cooper, Delaney Diamond, Sherelle Green, Tina Martin, Stephanie Nicole Norris, Candace Shaw, and Kiru Taye

Publisher:  Garden Avenue Press; PublishDrive edition

Series:  Black Romance Box Set

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Family First" by 'Several Wonderful Authors'

My Opinion:  

These are some beautiful eight collections of black romances that will leave one in awe of it all... from one mystery, suspense, and hot chemistry starting with...

Invested by Iris Bolling...featuring... Myles Dunning and Chrystina Price. 

Love Under Contract by Sharon C. Cooper featuring Sumeera Robinson and Nicolas Jenkins-Moore

Unforgettable by  Delaney Diamond featuring Ivy Johnson and Lucas Baylor

#Blessed by Malakai by Sherelle Green featuring Malakai Madden and Avery Nightingale

Evenings with Bryson by Tina Martin featuring Kalina Cooper and Bryson Blackstone

Safe With Me by Stephanie Nicole Norris featuring Samiyah Manhattan and Jonas Alexander Ross

Cooking Up Love by Candace Shaw featuring Shelbi Arrington and Justin Richardson 

And ending lastly with...

Keeping Secrets by Kiru Taye featuring Felix and Ebony

Now I will leave it to you to open up 'Family First' and see what these authors have delivered to the readers.  It will be a good read!

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

All of these stories will definitely catch one's eye as you read through each of them.     

Now which one will be your favorite one?  I couldn't pick my favorite because I liked a little bit of all of these romances as they captured my interest.  So, I recommend all of them.

By the end of these beautiful collections of romance reads, the reader is given some "captivating stories of passion, family ties, and Black love" that will put a smile on your face.