An Innocent Murder: A Legal Thriller (Amanda Dames Legal Thriller Series Book 2) Kindle Edition by Ellis Keler

 Book Excerpt:

"A sixteen-year-old boy is brutally murdered in the school bathroom. Lawyer Amanda Dames is the only one who can help him.

Austin Wood, a handsome, popular boy, made young Julian's life hell. But what's behind the hate is beyond imagination. Amanda has no margin for error and will do anything to prove his innocence. When she finds out that her boss is involved in this case in the worst way...

After overcoming lies, secrets, and betrayal, Amanda discovers the missing piece of the puzzle. But she's in extreme danger when she realizes that someone has been watching her from the beginning...

An Innocent Murder is an exciting blood-pumping legal thriller written by Ellis Keler and published by Cobalt Fairy.

You'll love Ellis' intriguing story if you are an avid fan of strong characters, action-packed courtroom drama, and mind-blowing murder mysteries.

Buy "An Innocent Murder" today to discover Ellis' new intriguing crime mystery!"

Title:  An Innocent Murder

Author:  Ellis Keler

Publisher:  ‎ Cobalt Fairy LLC

Series:  Amanda Dames Legal Thriller Series Book 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"An Innocent Murder" by Ellis Keler

My Assessment:  

'An Innocent Murden' was a legal thriller that seemed all over the place when it came to Lawyer Amanda Dames trying to find out the truth from a sixteen-year-old boy, Austin Wood. If only Austin had told the truth from the beginning, things would have gone much smoother for him. James Gilton was there to help Amanda in helping to defend Austin, but would that be enough? What was up with Amanda and her brother's Alberto situation? Who was after Amanda? As the story went on, I was left wondering why Amanda didn't seem to want help, and then with that ending, the story left me saying wow! If only she had gotten the weapon that had been spoken of several times in the read. Oh, well, I guess maybe the reader will find out more about what happens with Amanda in another read.  

Spirit: The Billionaire Bae Book 4 (The Billionaire Bae Series) Kindle Edition by Amber Ghe

 Book Excerpt:

"Hustle and heart set them apart.

Spirit: My life was going nowhere with the Urban Spirits, Resort, Spa, and Dispensary, sending me on a mission to find my life's purpose.

When I met Indio Grey, a sexy, strong-minded man with a desire for sports, he took my breath away.

When he showed me his vengeful heart, I knew he was forbidden. It caused me to back away. Still, I was intrigued.

Determined to get myself on track, I opened up to the idea of dating.

Indio: As the first deaf NBA player, I refused to accept the limitations that others placed on me.

I wasn't willing to settle.

Spirit immediately disapproved of me and the rude ways I learned during the years I hid in my bubble.

I learned early that I would have to do something extraordinary to earn love, so I never tried. The burdens of being in the NBA left me unaware of Spirit's affection.

When entrepreneur, Liam Carver, threatened to come between us, I had to act fast."

Title: Spirit
Author: Amber Ghe
Publisher: Hustle and Write Publishing
Series: The Billionaire Bae Series Book 4
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Spirit" by Amber Ghe

My Assessment:

'Spirit' was an excellent sweet short read where she finds something in her life besides 'Urban Spirits, Resort, Spa, and Dispensary.' Spirit meets Indio Grey, who was a deaf NBA player. What will happen when these two meet? It was interesting how Indio decided to do something about his hearing problem, as this author brings it out so well.

What problems will a co-worker [Liam Carver] try to invoke himself into Spirit's life? To get all these answers and more, pick up 'Spirit' and see how this story will all come out.

HERoine Addict: Women's Journal Kindle Edition by Lakisha Johnson

 Book Excerpt:

"HERoine - a woman admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.

Now, you are probably asking, why is this journal different from all the rest? Yes, it's another book filled with blank pages for your thoughts, affirmations, poems, and scriptures. Yes, it's another book to add to the pile you already have.

However, this journal is different because it was created with the hope you will become addicted to HERoine. No, not the drug, but the woman you are destined to become. The woman is admired by others, held in high regard, favorable, and filled with courage. The an honorable woman and of good quality.

To do that, we've taken the word HERoine and broken it down, explaining the meaning of each word and how they relate to you.

H - Habitable | E - Embody | R - Refine | O - Outward | I - Inward | N - Notwithstanding | E - Effectual

When broken down, they may not mean much, but they help you become addicted to YOU ... the HERoine!"

Title: HERoine Addict: Women's Journal
Author: Lakisha Johnson
Publisher: Twins Write 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"HERoine Addict: Women's Journal" by Lakisha Johnson

My Assessment:

What an enjoyable read of how this author brings out this motivational self-help and self-esteem read. It was interesting how 'HERoine' was broken down and related to all. The author uses the word 'HERoine'...H- Habitable...E- Embody...R-Refine...O- Outward... I- Inward... N-Notwithstanding and E- Effectual. '

This is a short read but be ready for how this author breaks it down so naturally for the reader that one will enjoy the read to the end, finding it an excellent healing tool. So be ready to be motivated!

Be Mine Kindle Edition by Carmen Lawrence

 Book Excerpt:

"The phrase Friends with Benefits takes on new meaning for Gee and Zoey when their relationships go south, and they find themselves in each other's arms seeking comfort and healing. Gee isn't satisfied with being her friend and sets new rules that leave the ball in Zoey's court.

Left brokenhearted by her ex-boyfriend, Zoey wants no part of anything Gee's cooking up. After all, her ex was a man, and she won't trust men anytime soon. Zoey just wants to have some no-strings-attached fun and be left alone.

With Gee's deep love, patience, and caring attitude, will he wear down Zoey's resistance? Will Zoey realize how much she cares about Gee before it's too late? Or will she set her own rules and live life on her own terms to protect her heart?"

Title:  Be Mine

Author:  Carmen Lawrence

Publisher:  Imperial Publishing House 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Be Mine" by Carmen Lawrence

My Assessment:  

'Be Mine' was a sweet read of how close friends...Gee and Zo became even closer after all was said and done. However, it took a while for Zoey to finally understand the situation with her ex-boyfriend, and after her heart was broken again, will she finally see who is right there in front of her and who truly loves her? 

 

 Pick up this good read and see how well this author brings it all out to the reader.

Justice for Elona: A Legal Thriller Kindle Edition by Freya Atwood

 

Book Excerpt:

"Every year, thousands of Native American girls go missing. This is Elona's story. Ellie Reid must help her best friend against a case everyone tries to keep a secret. Elona, a young teenage girl, went missing weeks ago, and the authorities have been doing nothing. Her only suspect? Her own boyfriend, a man the authorities refuse to suspect. Ellie is the only one that can help. Desperate to get to the truth, she will fight with her life to prosecute the ones truly guilty. Even if it means fighting the corruption of the state. Even if it means risking everything she's ever held dear…Justice for Elona is an exciting blood-pumping legal thriller written by Freya Atwood and published by Cobalt Fairy. You'll love Freya's intriguing story if you avid fan of strong characters, action-packed courtroom drama, and mind-blowing murder mysteries. Buy "Justice for Elona" today to discover Freya's new intriguing crime mystery!"

Title: Justice For Elona

Author:  Freya Atwood

Publisher:  Cobalt Fairy LLC 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Justice for Elona" by Freya Atwood

My Assessment:  

'Justice for Elona' is another of this author's good stories that she delivers so well to the reader. We find the lawyer Ellie Reid was taking on a case where her friends Lenora and Askook's daughter, Elona, had gone missing. However, the story didn't turn out well because later, her body was found dead. Who had done this to Lenora and Askook's child? Be ready for lots going on in this story, from intriguing characters, prejudice, suspense, and thriller, to an exciting ending. Will this be an enjoyable story due to its content? The storyline dealing with how in our American culture, [Navajo] were treated will give one a lot to ponder long after the read.

Marlowe Banks, Redesigned A Novel by Jacqueline Firkins

 Book Excerpt:

"In Marlowe Banks, Redesigned, Jacqueline Firkins wonderfully captures the messiness of failure, forgiveness, and embracing a second chance at life and love.

Marlowe Banks's life has come apart at the seams. Her engagement ended abruptly. Her latest costume design was shredded by critics. Her student loans are overdue. Her parents have never been more disappointed. Desperate to hide from her failures, Marlowe flees New York City to embrace invisibility in Los Angeles as a menial Production Assistant on a popular TV show. While sorting socks and taking care of her boss' spoiled Weimaraner, no one can confront her poor artistic choices or the end of her engagement, the end her ex refuses to accept.

When a costume mix-up requires Marlowe to step into a scene, the camera catches a heated look between her and Angus Gordon, the show's arrogant lousy boy, thrusting Marlowe into the spotlight. But, as the pair are forced together on set, Marlowe learns she's not the only one hiding. Walls come down for both of them, revealing a life Marlowe isn't sure she's ready for, and when her past comes calling, she has to decide if she's going to stay invisible or if it's time for a redesign."

Title: Marlowe Banks, Redesigned
Author: Jacqueline Firkins
Publisher: St. Martins's Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Marlowe Banks, Redesigned" by Jacqueline Firkins

My Assessment:

'Marlowe Banks, Redesigned' featured Marlowe and Angus, an exciting romance of how the two came together. We find that Marlowe was a New York costume designer and moved to LA, leaving that ex-fiance, Kelvin, behind. First, Marlowe worked as an errand girl; then, she moved on to working as a TV PA show. It is at this TV show where Marlowe's world is turned upside down and where she gets to know the leading actor, Angus. The novel had many intriguing characters that kept one interested in turning the pages to see what was coming next. Marlowe's parents were quite a trip in the expectations of their ideas of success which didn't match up to what she wanted to do with her life. So, how will all of this work out for Marlowe, as it seems there is an interest in a particular actor? Will there be a lot of learning and mistakes...well, this is where the reader will have to pick up this good novel and see how it all comes out, especially for Marlowe and Angus. Enjoy this fun read where the reader can see Marlowe and Angus becoming their own.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book.

Enzo DeLuca: Mafia Romance (Savage Bloodline) Kindle Edition by M'Renee Allen

Book Excerpt:

"Don Enzo DeLuca is on a rampage.

He's determined to find out which family member betrayed them. That mission sends Enzo down a dark path of bloodshed and tears. However, there's a light waiting for him at the end of the tunnel, and her name is Eve. Kidnapping her is the best decision he's ever made. Having her close calms his inner demons and makes him yearn for a future he never thought possible. Though he promised to release her when the dust settled, he's changed his mind. What the don wants, the don gets.
And they don want Eve.
Now and forever.

Note to readers: Enzo DeLuca was previously released in the Savage Bloodline box set. The Brutal Bloodline novella is the beginning of Enzo's story. After you read that introduction, sit back and enjoy Enzo's book to find out who betrayed the family, what Enzo did about it, and experience his love for Eve."

Title:  Enzo DeLuca

Author: M'Renee Allen

Publisher:   Driven Independent Media

Series:  Savage Bloodline 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Enzo DeLuca: Mafia Romance" by M'Renee Allen

My Assessment:  

'Enzo DeLuca' was a Mafia Romance that featured Eva and Enzo. These two were definitely to be together. So be ready for a little bit of it all for being in the mafia, which brought on 'sadness, loss, defiance, suspense, love, hot steamy sex, and some exciting bantering that went on in the midst of it all.'  

Eve was quite a challenge for Enzo. Who was the warrior who took nothing from anyone? His main goal was getting back at the one who had messed with his grandfather and keeping Eve safe. After all, it is said and done... two... Enzo and Eve were made for each other. Pick up this good read and see how well this author brings it all out to the reader.

Built to Last A Novel by Erin Hahn

 Book Excerpt:

""I loved this delightful romance about makeovers of old homes, old personas, and relationships that never had a chance to launch. A sweet, charming reminder of what you can build with a strong foundation." - Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Two Ways

Erin Hahn's Built to Last is a sparkling second-chance romance about owning what you’re worth and fighting for the one who got away.

Shelby Springfield has spent the last ten years trying to overcome her past, sanding it away like the rough spots on the vintage furniture she makes over. But as a former child star, it’s hard to forget a widely documented meltdown and huge public break-up with her former co-star Lyle Jessup. It’s also hard to forget her other co-star and childhood sweetheart, Cameron Riggs—the one who got away.

Anytime Shelby has called, Cameron has come running… And then he runs right off again to chase stories worldwide by making documentaries, too scared to admit what he really wants. But when Lyle stirs the pot, getting the two back in the spotlight with a home renovation show, Cameron can't help but get on board.

There's something in it for everyone—almost. Cameron wants to set down some roots. Shelby wants to prove she's not the messy party girl anymore. And a jealous Lyle can’t help but try to get in the way. But for his two childhood friends, who had more chemistry than he could ever dream of, nothing is getting in the way of their second chance at love.

“Thank you, Erin Hahn, for making me laugh and swoon and cry sweet, happy tears. Can I live in this book?" - Jen Doll, author of Save the Date and Unclaimed Baggage.

Title: Built to Last
Author: Erin Hahn
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Built to Last" by Erin Hahn

My Assessment:

'Built to Last' was an excellent rom-com love story of what happens when two child actors who loved each other meet years later and fall in love again. The two main characters, Shelby Springfield and Cameron Riggs, had quite a backstory that finally developed into some fine adults in this second chance at love.

Be ready for quite an exciting story from 'toxic and exploitive parental relationship, cheating evil, manipulative ex, strained family relationships, unrequited love, reality TV, redemption, and let's not leave it's a little spicy.'

To find out what this story is about, pick up 'Built to Last' and see how well this author brings it out to the reader.

Thank you so much to Netgalley for the eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Misadventures of Itchy Izzy By N.Y. Dunlap

 Book Excerpt:

"Life has imploded for Isabelle Chavalier, MBA, knocking the silver spoon from her mouth.

Her cushioned inheritance can buy her anything, almost anything. She desperately desires another moment with her mother. Now, a family feud has threatened to rip apart the little sanity Isabelle has left. And with it, all she ever believed in . . . hope. At the edge of hopelessness, the sudden return of an old childhood friend, Peter Stephens, offers Izzy peace. He has heaven in his heart and challenges her disbelief. The once confident Izzy throws all her effort into Peter instead of mourning her mom, leading to mishaps and other desperate measures. And sort of smothering her old best friend too. But is Isabelle Chevalier's obsession with the Spirit of God residing in Peter Stephens or just the man himself? 

If you enjoy Christian Romance stories that pull at your heartstrings, making you laugh, shed a tear, and root for the characters, this is the story for you.

Her cushioned inheritance can buy her anything, almost anything. She desperately desires another moment with her mother.

Now, a family feud has threatened to rip apart the little sanity Isabelle has left. And with it, all she ever believed in . . . hope.
At the edge of hopelessness, the sudden return of an old childhood friend, Peter Stephens, offers Izzy peace. He has heaven in his heart and challenges her disbelief.
The once confident Izzy throws all her effort into Peter instead of mourning her mom, leading to mishaps and other desperate measures. And sort of smothering her old best friend too.
But is Isabelle Chevalier's obsession with the Spirit of God residing in Peter Stephens or just the man himself?

If you enjoy Christian Romance stories that pull at your heartstrings, making you laugh, shed a tear, and root for the characters, this is the story for you.

Title: The Misadventures of Itchy Izzy
Author: N.Y. Dunlap
Publisher: N.Y. D.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Misadventures of Itchy" by N.Y. Dunlap

My Assessment:

'The Misadventures of Itchy Izzy' was a good story featuring Isabelle and Peter. Interestingly, this author delivered her story so well to her audience. Both of these characters had lost their mom in one way or another. Izzy had lost her mom through heart complications, and Peter, well, that is quite another story that I will just let you read for yourself. Both of these characters were complex; however, Peter was able to get God into his life, and things were looking up for him. Will Peter be able to help Izzy along this road? Now for Izzy, things were somewhat different, but God had a plan for these two childhood first lovers. Both of these characters had some family members that were off the chart in what was happening, and the reader will have to pick up this novel to see what all that was about. It was great seeing how Peter and Isabelle got back together and how, with God, they were able to ... well, again, I will stop here, not wanting to give too much away. The central part of the story was how faith allowed Izzy and Peter to return to each other at the right time after all that had gone on with their damaged parents. The story is loaded with some very intriguing secondary characters that will have one shaking their heads and saying wow!

'The Misadventures of Itchy Izzy' read it was very entertaining, clean, and wholesome, which will keep one turning the pages to see what was coming next with these two families. So be ready for a good read.

Mistakes Were Made A Novel by Meryl Wilsner

 Book Excerpt:

"From the critically acclaimed author of Something to Talk About comes Meryl Wilsner's Mistakes Were Made, a short and sexy rom-com about a college senior who accidentally hooks up with her best friend's mom.

When Cassie Klein goes to an off-campus bar to escape her school's Family Weekend, she isn't looking for a hookup—it just happens. But, unfortunately, buying a drink for a stranger turns into what should be an uncomplicated, excellent one-night stand. But then the next morning rolls around, and her friend drags her along to meet her mom—the hot, older woman Cassie slept with.

Erin Bennett came to Family Weekend to get closer to her daughter, not have a one-night stand with a college senior. But, in her defense, she hadn't known Cassie was a student when they'd met. To make things worse, Erin's daughter brings Cassie to breakfast the following day. And despite Erin's better judgment—how could sleeping with your daughter's friend be anything but evil?—she and Cassie get along in the day just as well as they did last night.

What should have been a one-time fling quickly proves impossible to ignore, and soon Cassie and Erin are sneaking around. Worst of all, they start to realize they have something real. But is being honest about the love between them worth the cost?"

Title: Mistakes Were Made
Author: Meryl Wilsner
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Mistakes Were Made" by Meryl Wilsner

My Assessment:

Wow, what will happen when Cassie, 21, a college senior, hooks up with one of her best friends, Parker's mom, Erin, 38, who just happened to be a doctor, during a family weekend? Will this be something that will continue between Cassie and Erin after these two find out who was who, or will it 'escalates into something more than either of the two had planned?'

Be ready for a very spicy situation that will bring it all together 'sapphic age gap, family, taboo relationship, friendship, sexy scenes, love, happiness, and finally, a HEA.' There will be many points of view in this moving reading and secrets one will have to keep up in this LGBTQ read. And this story will give one plenty of thought long after the read. So, if this is your kind of read, pick up "Makes We Made" and see how this author brings it out to the reader.


Thank you, Netgalley & St. Martin's Press, for an eARC of Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner!

On the Way to Christmas Three Stories by Sheila Roberts; Melissa Ferguson; Amy Clipston

 Book Excerpt:

"Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, anything can happen.

In this glittering and heartwarming collection, three of today's bestselling sweet romance novelists offer up the gift of cheer for the winter holiday season.

A Christmas Do-Over by Sheila Roberts

Darby doesn't want to go home for the holidays, but a career fail sends her slinking back to the small town she always wanted to escape. No one there is happy to see the former mean girl—especially not her sister, Erica, or childhood best friend, Gregory. Darby is working hard to be a better person, but has she eaten enough humble pie to make amends?

Dashing Through the Snow by Melissa Ferguson

When Willow's boyfriend of seven years dumps her on the eve of a romantic getaway, she decides to take the two-week train trip on The Christmas Express alone. But, hurt as she feels, she can't anticipate how the hilarious rebound ride with conductor Oliver, elf Ian, and aging world adventurer Clarence will heal her heart—and renew her sense of worth.

A Perfectly Splendid Christmas by Amy Clipston

Kacey adores the urban life, but when she gets away to help her sister during a family crisis and run her bakery, she falls in love with former classmate Drew. The problem: he's a small-town man, and she's a big-city woman. Is their love big enough to overcome such a significant difference?

Curl up with your favorite holiday drink and sink into three worlds where dreams once thought long gone are still within reach.

"Filled with Christmas spirit, and a little chaos, too, all three stories left my heart filled with joy . . . Five stars overall!" —Nancy Naigle, bestselling author

• Three stand-alone romantic holiday novellas
• Book length: 70,000 words
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Title: On The Way To Christmas: Three Stories
Authors; Sheila Roberts; Melissa Ferguson; Amy Clipston
Publishers: Thomas Nelson--FICTION, Thomas Nelson
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"On The Way To Christmas" [Three Stories]: Sheila Roberts; Melissa Ferguson; Amy Clipston

My Assessment:

"On the Way to Christmas" was three entertaining short stories, each about the holiday.

We find the first story: "A Christmas Do-Over," was about how a mean girl finally changes her ways and, after returning home, puts it into practice letting the reader see if she had changed her ways. It will be good to see if Darby can make amends, ask forgiveness, and get second chances and maybe a HEA. We find Darby needed forgiveness from her sister...and her friend Gregory. I will stop there and say pick up this read and see how it all comes out. Let's see if Darby will be able to eat humble pie and make amends?'

The next holiday read, 'Dashing Through the Snow,' was a different kind of read where one will find it exciting and engaging fantasy story, "Dashing Through the Snow" deals with a Christmas-theme Polar Express train trip for grownups" which was a very creative story. What will happen when Willow has been Dumped by her boyfriend [Jonas] of seven years and meets a few other interesting characters on that train ride? The story involves 'taking chances, new beginnings, and maybe a HEA.'

The last holiday read was 'A Perfectly Splendid Christmas,' where two childhood best friends [Kacey & Drew] meet up again in their hometown. Will they be able to express their love for one another this time? The story was somewhat predictable but still a good holiday read. There was so much enjoyment in how these family and friends got together during the holidays and had a wonderful holiday. But will Darcey and Drew get what they want in the end?

How will things work out for the three-holiday stories? The reader will have to pick up this good package and well-written read to see how well these three authors bring out these sweet Christmas stories to the reader.

Thank you to NetGallery and Thomas Nelson for the reads and my giving my opinion for each of the three short reads.

Before I Do by Sophie Cousens

Book Excerpt:

"A heartwarming and playful novel about the ones we love and the ones we lose by the New York Times bestselling author of This Time Next Year. 

What would you do if 'the one that got away' turned up the night before your wedding?

    Head-in-the-stars Audrey is about to marry down-to-earth Josh. Though they are opposites, they have a healthy, stable relationship; Josh is just what Audrey needs. But romance should be unpredictable and full of fireworks, and as the big day approaches, Audrey wonders if Josh really is "The One."
 
    So, when Josh's sister shows up at the rehearsal dinner with Fred, Audrey's "What If? Guy"—the man she met six years ago and had one fantastic day with—Audrey finds herself torn. Surely Fred's appearance the night before she is due to get married can't be a coincidence. And when everything that could go wrong with the wedding starts to go wrong, Audrey has to ask herself: Is fate trying to stop her from making a huge mistake? Or does destiny just have a really twisty sense of humor?"

Title: Before I Do
Author: Sophie Cousens
Publisher: PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Before I Do" by Sophie Cousens

My Assessments:

'Before I Do' was quite an engaging, unexpected contemporary romance. We find Audrey contemplating which one she wants to marry...Josh or Fred? The story will leave one wondering 'who is your soulmate, and what if? The author did an excellent job of telling the story in alternating timelines that will keep one's interest throughout the read. Miss Audrey was quite a complex character being 'liable, witty, and relatable,' to say the least. After finishing up the story, one will conclude that Audrey finally came into her learning to appreciate what she had.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.