Before I'm Gone Kindle Edition by Heidi McLaughlin

 Book Excerpt:

"New York Times bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin tells a poignant story about living life to the fullest—and savoring the small moments along the way.

Palmer Sinclair has always needed someone's help. A successful loan officer, she's all work and no play. But when splitting headaches and blurred vision begin to affect her job, she begrudgingly sees a doctor and receives a diagnosis that leaves her shaken to her core and with little time left. Facing an uncertain future, Palmer makes a bucket list, determined to do the things she'd only dreamed of before she goes.

Kent Wagner has dedicated his life to helping others. An army medic turned paramedic, he's a regular at Palmer's bank who makes his monthly car loan payments in person just to see her radiant smile. After responding to not one but two 911 calls involving Palmer, he learns about her bucket list. Touched by her circumstances—and needing a distraction from his own—Kent offers to take Palmer to the places on her list.

Neither is prepared for the emotional journey ahead…or how little time they have left together, but the friendship they find in that brief time might be the most lasting legacy of all." 

Title: Before I'm Gone
Author: Hedi McLaughlin
Publisher: H.M.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Before I'm Gone" by Heidi McLaughlin

My Sentiments:

'Before I'm Gone' was quite a story with emotions running all over the place for Palmer Sinclair. To be told that your life is ending...wow...and going after one thing she wanted for her bucket list to be fulfilled. But to have a friend...Kent assured Palmer that he would do whatever he could to give her the one she wanted, and that was to fulfill her bucket list if he could do so in keeping his promise. This author did an excellent job of giving the reader one unforgettable read. I liked how Instagram worked so well for these two in getting her story out about her condition.

The story was a sad one but still a good one that showed who cared for Palmer. I only want to tell a little about the story, other than saying this story was one excellent one, even due to the way it ended.

All the Little Raindrops: A Novel Audible Logo Audible Audiobook – Unabridged Mia Sheridan (Author), Jesse Vilinsky (Narrator), Aaron Shedlock (Narrator), Christopher Lane (Narrator), Thom Rivera (Narrator), Andre Santana (Narrator), Brilliance Audio (Publisher)

 Book Excerpt:

"The chilling story of the abduction of two teenagers, their escape, and the dark secrets that, years later, bring them back to the scene of the crime.

It's senior year spring break, and Noelle Meyer and Evan Sinclair have been kidnapped. Neither knows why they were chosen, only that they share a tragic past: Evan's father got away with killing Noelle's mother, effectively ruining her family when the death was ruled an accident.

Despite the connection that should have made them enemies, the teens instead unite to face their other common denominator—their abductors. Noelle and Evan survive one sadistic circumstance after another, eventually creating a harrowing escape. But every happy ending comes at a price…

Years later, Evan, now a private investigator, revisits the crime when he learns it may be ongoing. He reaches out to Noelle for help, and they discover that the answers lie with a man known only as the Collector. To close their case and solve the following, Noelle and Evan must unmask this mysterious spectator—the only man with enough secrets to take their captors down."

Title: All The Little Raindrops
Authors: Mia Sheridan
Publisher: Brilliance Audio ‎Book
Narrators: Jesse Vilinsky, Aaron Shedlock, Christopher Lane, Thom Rivera, Andre Santana
Listening Length: 13 hours & 51 minutes
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"All the Little Raindrops" by Mia Sheridan

My Sentiments:

"All the Little Raindrops" is quite a story dealing with Noelle and Evans, who are both kidnapped and now living in a cage in a dark room. To find out that all of this comes down to organized crime from this psychological ... ok, I will stop here and say pick up this read...it's a good one whether you are reading or listening to the story. The narrators are great...giving one a good read as you listen to this phenomenal, intriguing story.

The reader will get a story that is twisted all over the place. Be prepared to keep up because there will be a lot to take in from this dark story that will keep one's attention as you will be kept turning the pages as you get it all from 'The Collector, The Players, and even the Viewers' from this wicked game. We are presented with two parts to the story, which helps us understand what is going on from the kidnap to the escape and then on to trying to rebuild their lives who just wanted to get back to everyday life. Will this happen to them? I like how the author throws a little romance between the two main characters. I don't want to leave off the characters...they were all well-developed and oh-so-very enjoyable for the most part.

And just finding out who was behind this whole mess presents us with quite a story! This is where you must pick up this good story to see how we will deliver an unexpected ending.

Mobsters & Mistletoe Kindle Edition by Kenya Wright

 Book Excerpt:

"My crew betrayed me.

Had me thrown behind bars and ripped away from the woman I loved.
Too bad they underestimated my thirst for revenge.

This Christmas, I vow to paint these wintry streets with blood.
Make it all red snow.
But there's just one problem.
Zuri.
The woman I was forced to abandon.
The one who still haunts my dreams.

Now, as the snow blankets the city in white and revenge burns hot in my veins, I'm faced with a choice.
Do I follow the path of retribution?
Or do I dare to reclaim the love I lost?

Title:  Mobsters & Mistletoe

Author:  Kenya Wright

Publisher:  K.W. 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Mobsters & Mistletoe" by Kenya Wright

My Sentiments:  

"Mobsters & Mistletoe" was a good read of a bit of it all, from action, romance, and violence. The main characters give the readers a story that will keep their attention as you turn the pages to see what is coming next for Dante, Zuri, Carmen, and a few other interesting ones. I enjoyed seeing how well Dante went after what he wanted: getting revenge for what had happened to him having to go to prison in the first place. I believed he deserved to do so under what had happened to him. One thing he learned his lesson of not opening up the letters he had received from Zuri, which had been a big mistake on his part. After all is said and done...will she take him back, or will he have to work for it? Now that a little child is in the picture...all that is left to say is to pick up this good read to see how this will all come out for Dante, Zuri, and little Carmen. Will they get their HEA?

Snack Frost Kindle Edition by Torryn Santana

 Book Excerpt:

"Christopher 'Frost' Bell is a man head over heels for his fiancée Evelyn James. When he discovers Evelyn is battling leukemia, Frost's world goes upside down. He's all in, but fate's got its own plans.

Fast forward a year, Frost sees Talon Gibbs at a student basketball game. Sparks fly, and they vibe over Christmas break. Frost realizes he's falling in love with Talon, but he can't shake the ghost of Evelyn and Christmas past. Talon takes it upon herself to show Frost the joy of Christmas by planning daily activities that bring him closer to the holiday.

Can Frost let go of the past and unwrap a new beginning with Talon? In this heartwarming holiday novella, feel love, loss, and the magic of Christmas vibes filled with second chances."

Title:  Snack Frost

Author:  Torryn Santana

Publisher:  B. Love Publications 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Snack Forst" by Torryn Santana

My Sentiments:

Will Frost finally be able to move on after Evelyn's death? It had been a year since her death, and now he was involved with Talon. Would he continue to grieve for Evelyn or start to be relieved that Talon was there for him and allow her into his heart?   Will Frost finally realize that Evelyn has 'molded and shaped the perfect man?'  Now, what had that been about?

To discover how this story will come out, the reader must pick up 'Snack Frost' and see how this author brings it all out.   

The Love Strategist by Torryn Santana

 Book Excerpt:

"Harper Lovejoy is the ultimate love guru who has cracked the code to finding true love. With her renowned consulting firm and foolproof strategies, Harper has become the go-to love strategist.

But when the captivating and elusive Breon Torres enters the picture, Harper's expertise is tested. Harper is drawn to his mysterious demeanor yet wary of his player reputation as they evolve from friendly competitors in the game of love to something more profound.

Quickly becoming fan favorites on a popular show, they must confront their fears, insecurities, and the pressures of fame to achieve their own happily ever after. Sometimes, surrendering to the heart is the best way to win at love."

Title: The Love Strategist
Author: Torryn Santana
Publisher: B. Love Publications
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Love Strategist" by Torryn Santana

My Sentiments:

'The Love Strategist' is a good read that, once you start reading, you will find hard to put down until the end. You will want to know what is happening with Harper and Breon as they seem to have that instant chemistry after meeting. Will they find happiness after all is said and done, especially after discovering Breon's illness? Breon was quite one to leave Harper so upset at how he was treating her...but this was due to his illness...right? However, seeing how he finally started acting like he had some sense was good because his pushing her away wasn't working for either one. I enjoyed how the author brought this health problem out to the reader. As we get to the end, we go through an extra chapter epilogue that sums up everything for these two in a beautiful package. To find out what happens with these two, the reader must keep turning the pages until the end to get that information. Be ready for a good read by this author.

A Christmas with Cameron Kindle Edition by Jade Jones

 Book Excerpt:

"A Long-Awaited Holiday Spin-Off From Bestselling Author Jade Jones

Cameron and Jude host a festive Christmas party, hoping to bring friends and family together. The celebration turns unexpectedly when mysterious masked guests arrive, revealing intimate knowledge about Cameron's past. As the night unfolds, hidden agendas surface, with old acquaintances adding tension to the atmosphere. Meanwhile, fresh from prison, Justin seeks redemption in the eyes of his wife's skeptical father, Soul.

"A Christmas with Cameron" navigates a tapestry of secrets, revelations, and personal growth as characters confront their pasts. By the night's end, the mysterious guests' identities are unveiled, prompting a dramatic confrontation that forces the characters to forge a path toward a brighter future despite an unexpected tragedy."

Title: A Christmas with Cameron
Author: Jade Jones
Publisher: Jaded Publications
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"A Christmas with Cameron" by Jade Jones

My Sentiments:

'A Christmas with Cameron' was quite an exciting read. We find Cameron and Jude hosting a Christmas party and how things went wrong at that party. Poor Cameron wanted a nice gathering, but it seemed like some masked guest came, and everything went well. Oh, let's not forget how Soul acted a fool just because his daughter didn't tell him about her being..well...you will have to pick this novel up to see what that was all about.

The characters, for the most part, were all well-developed. If you have read any of Cameron's stories from her books, they were all right there...from Cameron, Jude, Justin, Madison, Soul, Diana, Journeen, Roxie, Rain, Reggie, Letitia, Hector, Milani, Eve, Blessyn and Swole. I am sure I have left someone out. But these characters made up the story...for the most part.

Well, there are a lot of questions that will be answered from the reading. What happens when the party goes horribly? What and why were these mask people doing this at Cameron's party? How will this story turn out? Who will come out of this situation alive? Who will be the saver of this mess?

This is where you must pick up this holiday party read to see how a 'tapestry of secrets, revelations, and personal growth will come out as things are confronted from their past by some of the characters.'

You will be satisfied if you are familiar with this author's Cameron series. It is delivered to the reader very well, as always.

Her Royal Professor: Elite Alliance (The Royals of Kéra Asnela) Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris

 Book Excerpt:

"He was her teacher, and she, his student.

Princess Cadence Winthrope had to pass the ultimate test to become a member of the Elite Alliance. However, with the desire between her and her professor painstakingly palpable, a distraction of this magnitude could cost Cadence a significant role in society. Having this knowledge doesn't make Cadence refocus. Instead, she wrestles with her heart's demands to fall in love, and her surrender may change her future trajectory."

Title: Her Royal Professor
Author: Stephanie Nicole Norris
Publisher: Love Is A Drug Ink LLC
Series: Part of The Royals of Kera Asnela
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Her Royal Professor: Elite Alliance" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Sentiments:

Princess Cadence and Prince Darien are coming together passionately, which isn't surprising. As you read, one can see how this romance will take on from the journey and adventure the story takes on, being somewhat predictable; however, it is still a good story that will keep one's attention, turning the pages to the end. In the end, the reader will be delivered a sweet love story.

Sleeping With My Sister's Husband: What She Don't Know Won't Hurt Her...Or Will It?! Kindle Edition by Niki Jilvontae

Book Excerpt:

"Envy, secrets, and hidden resentment are any relationship's three most destructive factors. This is especially true when it comes to sisters. Meet Kalice Michael, a 25-year-old once successful TV up-and-coming personality turned home health nurse for her mother. Kalice, also known as Kay, was once an up-and-coming journalist for CNN with an expensive New York penthouse and taste to match. However, once her mother, Betty, is diagnosed with cancer, Kalice gives up her dream to move back home and care for her. Back home in Memphis, Kalice is forced to face all of her old demons and the tormentor who turned her into an introvert, her older sister Malika. Malika, the bougie-stuck-up and stuck-up sister, wife, and mother of two, wastes no time reminding Kalice why she is unloved. The only problem is, after a brief argument with Malika, Kalice discovers the beast within her and sets out to get revenge on the one who hurt her the most. Kalice knows that the perfect life Malika pretends to have is just a façade, and she formulates a plan to shatter that glass house all around her. Soon, secrets and envy lead to revenge, and revenge leads to murders in this twisted tale of sibling rivalry. So, sit back and enjoy as we go on a turbulent thrill ride to discover how Kalice began…Sleeping With Her Sister's Husband!" 

Title: Sleeping With My Sister's Husband
Author: Niki Jilvontae
Publisher: N.J.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Sleeping With My Sister's Husband" by Niki Jilvontae

My Sentiments:

I was hoping that the two sisters Kalice and Milika would be able to get together before their mother died, but that didn't happen in all the chaos surrounding both of them. This story was a real tearjerker in what went on between these two sisters. As the story ends on a cliffhanger, we find out that there was more to this story as karma shows its head through someone who was supposed to be Kalice's best friend. The author did an excellent job of giving the story some characters off the chart that would keep the reader turning the pages to see what was coming next. The ending will definitely leave you wanting more of this story.

In the next series, we want to discover what it was all about that motivated this best friend to turn as she had done.