Swanna in Love: A Novel Jennifer Belle

 Book Excerpt:

"It's the summer of 1982, and fourteen-year-old Swanna Swain is the only one left at camp. The place is a ghost town when her mother, Val, finally shows up six hours late—stoned and radiant—in a Ford pickup driven by Borislav, her new young Russian lover. Assuming she is headed home to her air-conditioned Upper West Side apartment, Swanna and her lovable younger brother Madding are dragged to Vermont—to an artist colony where kids are not welcome and are forced to sleep in the back of the truck. At the same time, Val is cozy inside the house with the Russian.

Then Swanna meets Dennis, a handsome married father of two, at a bowling alley, and, knowing a thing or two about seduction from Judy Blume, her best friend at camp, and her own parents' many affairs—she sets out to convince Dennis to help her. But love seldom obeys rules, and even a tough, intelligent city girl like Swanna might be unable to handle falling in love.

Novelist Jennifer Belle returns with a kind of inverse Lolita that explores adolescent desire from the girl's point of view. In turns hilarious and wildly shocking, Swanna in Love will keep your feathers ruffled and the pages gliding by."

Title: Swanna in Love
Author: Jennifer Belle
Publisher: Akashic Books, Ltd.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Three
Review:
"Swanna in Love" by Jennifer Belle
My Thoughts:

'Swanna in Love' was quite a read that had me thinking, should I have chosen this particular reading?
I am not sure who I felt more sorrier for...Swanna and her little brother Madding? I had no feelings for Swanna's mother and her boyfriend, along with her father and his dominatrix, and that 30-some-year-old older man who had a family of his own who seemed not to care about being with this 14-year-old girl. He had to know she was young, which didn't stop him from bothering with Swanna. Now, for Swanna, who understood this was wrong, but living with someone like her mom and dad, what could one expect in this situation? I didn't find anything funny about the novel besides being sad and full of ickiness and wanting to kick some sense into all those so-called adults.

As I finished this read, I was left shaking my head and thinking what a coming of age-this story was for this poor girl, Swanna, from this dysfunctional family. Will she learn anything from it? Well, in the world we live in today, probably not. When one sees parents dating children and Swanna dating a parent, what else is there to think?

Lunchtime Chronicles: Room Service: Sweet & Spicy, Curvy Girl, BWWM, Second Chance, Instalove, Billionaire, Mafia Romance Kindle Edition by Imani Jay

Book Excerpt:

"They say you never forget your first…

Zina

For fifteen years, I've been walking with a hole in my heart. It was carved by a man larger than life, way out of my league. We parted on terrible terms. Now, fate has granted us a second chance…

Mateo

Zina Washington was the quiet bombshell I fell for hard, fast, and irrecoverably. But I messed things up royally between us. Now we're brought back together. And this time, I'm never letting her go."

Tag along for a swoony and steamy, curvy girl, BWWM, mafia, second chance romance novella with no cheating, no cliffhanger, and a guaranteed HEA!

Title:  Lunchtime Chronicles:  Room Service

By:  Imani Jay

Publisher:  I. J. & Lunchtime Chronicles

Series:  Lunchtime Chronicles Series

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: 4

Review:  

"Lunchtime Chronicles" by Imani Jay and Lunchtime Chronicles

My Sentiments:  

For Zina and Mateo, this was their second time taking a chance at love. Will it work this time? There is no question about it...Mateo will make it happen? Will Zina let it be? To get all of how it is answered, you must pick up this Lunchtime Chronicle:  Room Service to see! Good quick read.

Tell Me It's Mine: A Naughty Novella Kindle Edition by A. Marie Johnson

 Book Excerpt:

"FORBIDDEN. That was the only way Lynnae and Rahmir's relationship could be described.

Carrying on a secret relationship with her brother's best friend was never in Lynnae's plans, but Rahmir had a way of taking over her mind, body, and soul in ways she never imagined to be possible.

He is everything her heart desires, but his lifelong friendship with her older brother keeps her from allowing Rahmir to have her wholly and freely. Yet… secrets can only last so long, and Rahmir has grown tired of being Lynnae's best-kept one.

Will an ultimatum he delivers put an end to their steady private affair? Or will Lynnae finally listen to her heart and overcome her fears?

Title:  Tell Me It's Mine

Author:  Marie Johnson

Publisher:  Everything A. Marie

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:, Four

Review:

"Tell Me It's Mine" by A. Marie Johnson

My Sentiments:  

'Tell Me It's Mine' was a sweet erotica read of how Lynnae and Rahmior finally get their secret out of being in love; however, someone they hadn't expected already knew. What will happen when it all is out for these two? Pick up this good read to see how this author brings it all out.

Because of Her (Jack & Jill Series) Kindle Edition by Jewel E. Ann

 Book Excerpt:

"If sin weren't pretty, it wouldn't be so tempting."

I was an accomplished music professor.

Happily single.

Perfectly content.

Now, I'm unemployed.

Pining for a dark, brooding guy named Jack who lives in a garage with a piano.

And I'm plotting to seduce a married man because his daughter is responsible for my nephew committing suicide.

I don't know why teenage girls are so mean.

I don't know why rich men cheat on their wives.

And I don't know why Jack has serial killer vibes, even though he leaves me speechless every time he speaks.

All I know is that I feel safe in a stranger's arms and understood by someone I don't comprehend.

"You should be a little scared of everyone because humans are unpredictable."

How far will I go for revenge? More than that …

How far will he go to save me?"

*This book contains material involving sexual assault and suicide. Reader discretion is advised.

Title:  Because Of Her

Author:  Jewel E. Ann

Publisher:  Jewel E. Ann LLC 

Series:  Jack & Jill Series

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Because Of Her" by Jewel E.  Ann

My Sentiments: 

The title...'Because of Her' says it all about this particular couple...Jackson and Francesca [Frankie] had a beautiful and tormented love story. Let's not leave out some other colorful characters...Eloise, Molly, Corinne, Archer, Slade, Jessica, Livy, and I will stop here...because there are even more interesting ones that help keep this story going...

This was some read that the reader will have to keep up with as we find Frankie has come to take care of her family's death wishes; however, what will she discover that will start her needing some answers about her nephew's death? Jackson also has some secrets as a trained assassin on his final mission. Will he be able to accomplish it? What I loved most about the story was seeing how Jackson's family came to help him when it was much needed. Now, what is all that about? The reader will have to pick up this read to find out.

Be ready for a twisted, intriguing, suspenseful, secretive, well-written, haunting story and an ending that will... Pick this one to understand how this author delivers it to the reader.  

By the end, you will get quite an outstanding, fantastic read.  

 

His Big, Quadruplets Joy: BWWM, BBW, Plus Size, Quadruplet Pregnancy, Billionaire Romance (Plus Size Loving Billionaires Book 31) Kindle Edition by Samantha Drake

 Book Except:

"A sexy BBW, quadruplets romance by Samantha Drake of BWWM Club.

When ambitious medical student Sofia finds herself in a medical emergency, fate throws her into the path of billionaire playboy Derek Collins.

Soon, they're caught in a whirlwind romance that neither expected!

But their love is tested when Sofia lands her dream research job miles away—especially when they discover they're expecting quadruplets!

Long-distance love and multiple little ones are more stressful than any couple should have to handle…

When Sofia's health is precarious, can Derek become the partner and parent he never expected to be?

And can true love really conquer all, even from miles apart?

Find out in this emotional yet sexy romance by Samantha Drake of BWWM Club.

Suitable for over 18s only due to sizzling hot sex scenes with a billionaire!"

Title:  His Big, Quadruplets Joy

Author:  Samantha Drake

Publisher:  BWWM Club

Series:  Plus Size Loving Billionaires Book 31

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"His Big, Quadruplets" by Samantha Drake

My Sentiments:  

This story, where Sofia and Derek met due to an emergency, was quite sweet. One thing led to another where these two, after two years, were still dating, being an interracial couple, and then the relationship changed again when Sofia became pregnant...not only with one child but four! All was going well for them until Sofia was offered a position in L.A. They were living in New York. So, after a move. Sofia moves to L.A., and at the job, an old boyfriend, Liam, will be working there also. How will this come out, and with Derek with all of this long distance, they would have to do? As time passes, we find ... this is where I will stop and say you must pick up this good read to see how well this author brings this beautiful story of 'Plus Size Loving Billionaires Book 31.  

Temptations of Tomorrow Kindle Edition by Compton Carlotta

 Book Excerpt:

"In Temptations of Tomorrow, a sultry urban fantasy romance, a woman named Christiana Cobb possesses a remarkable gift – she can see the future through her visions, a talent that proved invaluable to her powerful crime family.

But as her family's fortunes rise, their rivals can't help but wonder how Christiana's family always stays one step ahead. In a daring move, the leader of the rival family's son, Zephyr Harper, infiltrates Christiana's world, getting dangerously close to the woman with extraordinary abilities.

As Zephyr and Christiana's worlds collide, sparks fly in ways neither could have foreseen. With his intentions based on secrets and a deadly game of deception, Zephyr is torn between his loyalty to his family and his growing feelings for the tempting and beautiful Christiana Cobb.

When Christiana stumbles upon Zephyr's true intentions and the chilling plot to eliminate her because of what she can do, the delicate balance between love and danger unravels. Christiana must decide who to trust, and Zephyr must choose where his loyalties lie.

Temptations of Tomorrow is a story of love, betrayal, and the blurred lines between right and wrong in a world where visions can save lives or seal fates. Will Zephyr and Christiana's love be strong enough to survive the treacherous shadows of the criminal underworld, or will it be lost forever to the veils of deception?"

Title:  Temptations of Tomorrow

Author:  Compton Carlotta

Publisher:  B. Love Publications 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:
"Temptations of Tomorrow" by Compton Carlotta

My Sentiments:  

'Temptations of Tomorrow' was quite an exciting read about Christiana Cobb and Zephyr. Along with Zephyr's ex and his father, we get one intriguing read. Let's not leave out the Cobb siblings as this story comes together, giving the reader, in the end, a romantic and suspenseful story by this author.

This was a journey for Christiana and Zephyr as they came together. By the end, did Zephry get what he wanted? To find out, you will have to pick up this good read to find out.

Love is Hopeful: A Christian Romance Kindle Edition by Faith Arceneaux

 Book Excerpt:

"She never relied on faith to get her through her challenges.

It's no different with her latest—overcoming betrayal. Despite everything, Zora will find the inspiration she needs to create a worthy work of art.

He lost all hope the day he lost his wife. Pastor Clayton spends every Sunday preaching about faith and trust. But he finds it harder and harder to believe it for himself. Especially as his daughter, Serena, starts to rebel.

There is one person Serena respects. And she believes creativity will help Serena overcome her grief.

If Zora can help his daughter, can she help him too? He might remain hopeful.

Love is Hopeful is a sweet Contemporary Christian Romance."

Title:  Love Is Hopeful

Author: Faith Arceneaux

Publisher:  Not The Last Page 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Love Is Hopeful" by Faith Arceneaux

My Sentiments:  

'Love Is Hopeful' was a fantastic read about two people, Zora and Clayton, finding each other and Clayton's ten-year-old daughter Serena bringing them together. This was a read where God can give one what they need at the right time, where broken hearts and wounded souls can be restored. Yes, hope can lead to happiness from grief and divorce, as it did for Zora, Clayton, and Serena.

Secret, Secret: Katrina Jacobs Murder Suspense: (Katrina Jacobs Murder Suspense Book 1) (Katrina Jacobs Murder Suspense Series) Kindle Edition by Danyelle Scroggins

 Book Excerpt:

"Dive into a riveting murder suspense series that's a perfect blend of cozy mystery and fearless crime fighters in the tight-knit community of Kickapoo. In this town where secrets are scarce and everyone's business is on display, crime-solving runs in Katrina Jacobs' blood.

For Katrina Jacobs, all she wants after a long day is a good night's sleep, but that will not happen tonight. A cold-blooded murderer is stalking the streets of Kickapoo, and it's up to her to bring them to justice. What troubles Detective Katrina Jacobs most about this case is not just the murder itself but the hate that fueled it.

Marcus Darby, an up-and-coming LGBT influencer and queen, has been brutally killed, and it's a hate crime that sends shockwaves through the community. Katrina vows to stop at nothing to unmask the perpetrator behind this hateful act, even if it means putting her own life on the line.

Unraveling this twisted murder won't be a straightforward task. It will require the right pieces of the puzzle to come together at the most unexpected moments. In murder mysteries, the perpetrator is often the most unlikely suspect.

The lingering question remains: who among them is capable of committing such a heinous murder?

Join Katrina Jacobs on a thrilling journey through the heart of Kickapoo, where secrets hide in plain sight, and danger lurks behind every corner."

Title:  Secret, Secret

Author:  Danyelle Scroggins

Publisher:  Divinely Sown (DS Publishing) 

Series:  Katrina Jacobs Murder Spense Book 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Secrets, Secrets" by Danyelle Scroggins

My Sentiments:  

'Secrets, Secret' by this wonderful author gives us a real-life read of what happened to an 'LGBT influencer and queen,' Marcus Darby, who was murdered. Detective Katrina Jacobs, who took on this case along with Detective Regina Owens, worked hard to solve it, and with God's help...they will bring it all out. Well, I will stop there and say you must pick up 'Secret, Secret' and see how well they did with others helping and getting to the end of who had done this horrible deed. I was surprised by one of the people that was guilty. It shows you that one can never tell what is genuinely in one's soul. I especially enjoyed how this author could tie this story together so well; she brought in the biblical aspect of one of the detective's belief in God and how she used it in her daily prayers.

Say You'll Be Mine A Novel by Naina Kumar

 Book Excerpt:

"A teacher with big dreams joins forces with a no-nonsense engineer to survive an ex's wedding and escape matchmaking pressure from their Indian families. Their plan? Faking an engagement, of course.

Meghna Raman defied her parents' wishes and followed her life's passion, becoming a theater teacher and aspiring playwright. When she discovers that her beloved writing partner, best friend, and secret crush, Seth, is engaged—and not to her—she realizes he's about to become the one who got away. Even worse, he's asked her to be his best man. And worse than that, she's agreed. Determined to try and move on, Meghna agrees to let her parents introduce her to a potential match. Maybe she could marry the engineer her parents still wish she'd become.

Grumpy engineer Karthik Murthy has seen enough of his parents' marriage to know it's not for him. He agreed to his mother's matchmaking attempts to make her happy, never dreaming he would meet someone as vibrant as Meghna. Though he can't offer her something real, a fake engagement could help Meghna soothe the sting of planning Seth's wedding festivities and Karthik avoid the absurd number of set-ups his mother has designed for him.

As the two find common ground, grow protective of each other's hearts, and fall for the traits they initially thought they hated, an undeniable chemistry emerges. But soon, their expectations and insecurities threaten something that's become a lot more accurate than they'd planned.

Say You'll Be Mine is a delightful trip back to the heyday of swoony romantic comedies from the nineties but with a deep and poignant look at the effects of culture and family in our most intimate relationships."

Title: Say You'll Be Mine
Author: Naina Kumar
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Dell
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Say You'll Be Mine" by Naina Kumar

My Thoughts:

Say, You'll Be Mine is an intriguing, unique, sweet romance book featuring Meghna, a teacher and aspiring playwright, and Karthik, an engineer. Their romance started as a farce due to wanting their parents to let up on them finding someone; they decided this was the best way to go for both of them. But will this stop their parent's matchmaking efforts? However, will this work out for them, with both seeming to need help in the love area, Karthik having no interest in getting married, and Meghna wanting to get married? We find Karthik has a lot of daddy issues, and Meghna seems to have feelings for a friend who is now engaged to someone else. Be ready for an interesting fake engagement, chemistry, friends, and family drama that will keep one's attention turning the pages to see what is coming next.

As time goes on in this story, what will happen between them? This is where you will have to pick up this good read to see how this author brings it all out ...as sparks begin to fly between them.



Thanks to NetGalley and the publishing teams for the ARC!

The Justice Countdown: A Charles Lawson Legal Thriller (Charles Lawson legal thriller series Book 3) Kindle Edition by Freya Atwood

 Book Excerpt:

"Lawyer Charles Lawson is shot while attempting to uncover the secrets of his dark past.

In a strategic move, Charles takes on a routine divorce case, using it as a cover for his real mission. However, the illusion of simplicity is quickly shattered as he discovers that this seemingly straightforward divorce holds the key to the enigma he has been tirelessly investigating.

As Charles strives to win the case, his deadly countdown begins, and he must race against time to find the answers and deliver justice before he becomes the next victim of the town's most chilling secrets..."

The Justice Countdown is an exciting, blood-pumping legal thriller written by Freya Atwood and published by Cobalt Fairy.

If you are an avid fan of strong characters, action-packed courtroom drama, and mind-blowing murder mysteries, then you'll love Freya's intriguing story."

Title: The Justice Countdown
Author: Freya Atwood
Publisher: Cobalt Fairy LLC
Series: Charles Lawson Legal Thriller Series Book 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"The Justice Countdown" by Freya Atwood

An Engaging Read:

'The Justice Countdown' was an excellent continued series that Charles was accused of. Next, he decides to take on a divorce case; however, this case has several catches to this story. Will Charles be able to define this client with all that was hanging on him with his family and what has happened in the past? Be ready for lots of action as Charles works hard on this divorce case; what will happen when he starts digging into the company his father once worked for?

As the story ends, from the extended epilogue, we find out there will be more with Charles Lawson as it seems now that someone is out to get him, and his family has to go into hiding. So, we will have to wait and see what will be coming next in this series for this Larson family.

Rent A Bae: A Sweet Romance (Away To Africa Book 1) Kindle Edition by Unoma Nwankwor

 Book Excerpt:

"He's an award-winning actor, so pulling off this charade should be easy, right? Except he didn't count on his pretend "girl" being... her.

Arinze Kalu
The continuation of the Kalu name lay on my shoulders.
At least, that's what my grandmother claims. And she's on a mission to ensure it won't die there.
I wasn't planning on visiting Nigeria anytime soon, so I'd been doing an excellent job of tap dancing around her threats to find me a wife.
After a scandal that almost engulfed me at the beginning of my career, I'm determined to take my time choosing a partner.
I only have a little time between establishing my company, filming, pressuring, and traveling for my new movie.
My sister is getting married, and I'll be face-to-face with my grandmother. It would have been good if. I met on New Year's good if things had worked out with the caramel goddess. Since it didn't, my cousins suggested I rent a bae.

Jasmine Bowman
My life is a bad horror film, and I'm ready to change the channel.
Something had to give between my job, where I'm overworked, underpaid and skipped over for promotion, and my tired, played-out situation with my boyfriend.
Let's remember Mr. Butterscotch, whom I met on New Year's Eve. I could've bet money there was a vibe, but not. I tell myself I don't need him anyway. I need my mind to get the memo because my more immediate priority is to stop being a disappointment to the Bowman name. I'm getting back into the director's seat of my life. The cost, however, is costly. I need money, and my best friend has the craziest idea.

Title: Rent A Bae: A Sweet Romance
Author: Unoma Nwankow
Publisher: KevStel Publications
Series: Away To Africa Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Rent A Bae" by Unoma Nwankwor

Intriguing Read:
"Rent A Bae" was a sweet romance as we find Jasmine and Arinze starting off with faking this idea, but what will happen when things change between them? Will Arinze's grandmother get her wish? Yes, problems will come up, but with the help of Jamsine's friend, Aubree, and Arinez's cousins, things will shape up, especially after their trip to Nigeria. This author gave us an actual cultural visit to her African country, especially in Nigeria. The places Arinze took Jasmine to were lovely. The blending of the two countries was beautiful.
We find the one thing Arinze asked Jasmine not to do to him...well, she did. Will they be able to work past that situation? This is where you must pick up this well-written, good read that the author gives the reader. Will there be a HEA? You will have to see how it all turns out.
With this 'Away To Africa' being a series, we will get to learn more about Arinze's other two cousins, so let's get ready for more of this Kalu Family.

Love, Just In by Natalie Murray

 Book Excerpt:

"In the vein of Emily Henry's You and Me On Vacation, Love, Just In is a friends-to-lovers romance with just enough spice to heat up the summer.

Sydney TV news reporter Josephine "Josie" Larsen is approaching 30 and dangerously close to failing at life. Lost in a vortex of other people's career milestones, engagement parties, and baby showers, Josie is perennially single, abandoned by her globetrotting family, and invisible to her boss - except when he tuned in. At the same time, she was in a mid-panic attack on live TV. As a punishment, Josie is shipped off to cover another reporter's six-month leave at a regional bureau in Newcastle.

But Josie has more waiting for her in Newcastle than yawn-inducing stories about bicycle lane protests. The city is also the domain of Zac Jameson – her best friend since high school. This should be a happy turn of events, but Zac has barely spoken to Josie for the past two years. Not since his fiancée tragically died in his arms in a car accident, and he left Sydney to try and cope with his grief.

Now thrown back into each other's lives, Josie and Zac have to navigate their neglected friendship and secret attraction to each other while struggling with their careers and mental health.

Hilarious, sexy, and heart-warming, this is the perfect romcom to sit on the shelves alongside Emily Henry, Sally Thorne, and Ali Hazelwood."

Title:  Love, Just In 

Author:  Natalie Murray

Publisher:  Allen & Unwin

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Love, Just In" by Natalie Murray

My Sentiments:

"Love, Just In" was a beautiful love story featuring Josie and Zac, who had been friends while growing up till it fell apart. Will this be a read of a friend-of-lovers romance? This is where you must pick up this good read to see where this author will take the reader. What will happen when these two have so much tearing them apart, especially with all the flashbacks we were given to observe during the read?   What will happen now that Josie, from Sydney, moves close to Zack in Newcastle? Will they be able to get together and renew their friendship? Will it turn into a new thing and turn into love?  

The story works very well with the portrayal of grief and health anxiety. Zac and his trauma and Josie's health concerns really brought out what was going on for these two. This author brought it out so well in the story in a very positive, intense way that the reader will have a good understanding of what has happened with these two. I enjoyed the ending, where communication started coming forth.

If you are into good friends to lovers...you may enjoy this read.  

Thanks to Netgallery and Allen & Unwin for the ARC and my review of the read.