Saturday, September 28, 2024

Book Club Kit: My Beautiful Black Hair by St. Clair Detrick-Jules by We Are Bookish


 Book Excerpt:

"This is a downloadable and printable resource for book clubs reading My Beautiful Black Hair by St. Clair Detrick-Jules. The kit includes an author interview, discussion questions, and more. This is not the actual book. This kit was sponsored by Chronicle Books."

Title:  Book Club Kit:  My Beautiful Black Hair

Author:  St Clair Detrick-Jules

Publisher:  We Are Bookish

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"My Beautiful Black Hair" by St. Clair Detrick-Jules

My Perception:  

This was quite an exciting kit, including the interview with the author, which kept the subject on track during the open discussion questions. The book suggestions and bookmarks were excellent for use during the discussions. This was well put together for a book club meeting with you, and you have everything you need. This was definitely helpful for anyone 'starting to look after their hair' and a fantastic kit that any book club could use.  

Thank you to NetGalley, We Are Bookish publisher and the author of the book club kit!







Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Twisted Law: An Alex Peterson Legal Thriller by: Ellis Keler


 Book Excerpt:

"When a powerful lawyer is accused of murdering his wife, Alex Peterson has no choice but to help him.


Alex's life is a never-ending battle for justice, but he knows that sometimes the law must be broken. Even if it's to aid his worst enemy…

To keep a devastating secret hidden and protect his ex-wife, Alex must walk a perilous path where every decision could be his last.

Twisted Law is an exciting, blood-pumping legal thriller written by Ellis Keler 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 Ellis' intriguing story."

Title:  Twisted Law
Author:  Ellis Keler
Publisher: Cobalt Fairy LLC  
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Five 
Review:
"Twisted Law" by Ellis Keler

My Perception:

'Twisted Law' was quite a read. Once you start reading about how lawyer Alex Peterson handles this client he didn't like for murder, you will keep turning the pages until the end. Indeed, this attorney, Mark Anderson, who wanted Alex to defend him for murder, was something else.   However, Alex never trusted him, and it all came together so well in the end.  This was indeed a good story that ended just right!



Twined Law: An Alex Peterson Legal Thriller (Alex Peterson Legal Thriller Series Book 6) Kindle Edition by Ellis Keler


 Book Excerpt:

"When a powerful lawyer is accused of murdering his wife, Alex Peterson has no choice but to help him.

Alex's life is a never-ending battle for justice, but he knows that sometimes the law must be broken. Even if it's to aid his worst enemy…

To keep a devastating secret hidden and protect his ex-wife, Alex must walk a perilous path where every decision could be his last.

Twined Law is an exciting blood-pumping legal thriller, written by Ellis Keler and published by Cobalt Fairy.

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

Title:  Twined Law
Author:  Ellis Keler
Publisher:  Cobalt Fairy LLC
Series:  Alex Peterson Legal Thriller Series Book 6
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:
Review:
"Twined Law" by Ellis Keler

My Perception:

'Twined Law' was quite a read. Once you start reading about how lawyer Alex Peterson handles this client he didn't like for murder, you will keep turning the pages until the end. Indeed, this attorney, Mark Anderson, who wanted Alex to defend him for murder, was something else.   However, Alex never trusted him, and it all came together so well in the end.  This was indeed a good story that ended just right!

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Heartless (Carolina Heat Book 1) Kindle Edition by Cassie Verano


 Book Excerpt:

"Dance instructor and studio owner Meadow Maxwell was raised to understand that anything worth having has to be earned. Married to the man of her dreams, she only has one wish: to become a mother. Meadow's seemingly carefree and perfect life is upended when a stranger walks into her studio and assaults her, setting the stage for the beginning of her downfall.

Onyx Maxwell was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He's never been denied anything that his heart desires. The one thing he and his wife want seems dismissed and rejected, and he doesn't understand why. Incapable of handling the senseless attack on his wife or her ensuing depression as she pushes Onyx away, he finds comfort in the arms of his first love.

Their marital tension mounts as the thermostat creeps into three digits this summer. Meado will make a decision that alters them forever, forcing Onyx to face the consequences of his actions.

He has to turn away from the only woman who's ever understood him and chase after the only woman he pledged his life to. Will his love be strong enough to save their marriage, or will their shattered hearts be too far apart to reconcile?"

Title:  Heartless
Author:  Cassie Verano
Publisher:  C.V.
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Heartless" by Cassie Verano

My Perception:  

"Heartless" is an exciting story. Meadow and Onyx Maxwell's journey certainly seems to be full of twists and turns, especially with their differing desires and the challenges they face. It's interesting to see how they navigate through their issues and find a way to come together, with the involvement of other characters adding to the complexity of their story. The author did a great job of portraying the inner workings of the characters' minds and how their decisions impact their relationship. It seems like "Heartless" is a compelling read, and I appreciate your insightful commentary on the book's themes and character dynamics.

When Love Gets Real: BWWM, Pregnancy Of Convenience, Billionaire Romance (The Elites Book 27) Kindle Edition by Constance Michael (Author), BWWM Club (Author)


 Book Excerpt:

"A sexy pregnancy of convenience romance by Constance Michael of BWWM Club.

Kelly Carver’s professional and personal life hits a snag when her secret lover announces his engagement to her rival.

Amid this drama, she meets Gabriel Lavigne, a French businessman who proposes a too tempting deal to pass up: pose as his wife and have his baby to please his dying grandmother in Paris.

Despite her doubts about his arrogant demeanor, Kelly agrees, hoping for a fresh start and a hefty payday.

In Paris, Kelly charms Gabriel’s grandmother and finds an unexpected friend in her.

As their time together unfolds, Gabriel and Kelly's connection deepens, blossoming from a simple arrangement into a passionate romance...

But when tragedy strikes, Gabriel pushes Kelly away, leaving her to face her life alone and pregnant.

Can their fabricated romance turn into something real?

Or will the pressures of their original agreement pull them apart?

Find out in this emotional yet sexy romance by Constance Michael of BWWM Club.

Suitable for over 18s only due to sex scenes so hot, you'll want to book the next flight to Paris!"

Title:  When Love Gets Real: BWWM, Pregnancy of Convenience
Authors:   Constance Michael (Author), BWWM Club (Author
Publisher:  BWWM Club 
Series:  The Elites Book 27
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"When Love Gets Real" by Constance Michael & BWWM Club Author

My Perception:  

"When Love Gets Real" was an enjoyable romance read about how these two people [Kelly and Gabriel] came together, with one having a goal in mind.  Gabriel knew what he wanted to do for his grandmother before she died due to cancer.  Will he be able to work this out with Kelly?  Why would Kelly even consider doing this for Gabriel?  With what had happened between her boss and finding out he was cheating on her, what will happen if she does this for Gabriel?  What will she get out of it?

The story gets interesting as one continues to read until the end.  Although I felt that the story cut off quickly, it all came together by the end.









Monday, September 9, 2024

The Royals Upstairs by Karina Halle


 Book Excerpt:

"He's the royal bodyguard. She's the royal nanny. The annoyingly hot attraction that simmers between them—that's a royal pain.

James Hunter has made a tactical error. His new role as protection officer to Prince Magnus of Norway was supposed to be an exciting change. Instead, he's marooned on a royal estate in the middle of nowhere, charged with chasing after demon children and dodging the machinations of meddling staff. And the crowning jewel in this little drama—the children's nanny- is Laila Bruset. The woman whose heart he broke. The woman who still holds his.

When Laila took the job as a nanny for the Norwegian royal children to be closer to her ailing grandmother in Oslo, the last thing she expected was to have her life upside down—again. But as much as James gets on her nerves, he's also getting under her skin, and the tension between them sizzles just as devastatingly as before.

As undeniable sparks turn James and Laila's battle royal into a more serious game of hearts, the nanny and bodyguard must decide just how much they're willing to risk for a second chance at love.

Title:  The Royals Upstairs
Author:  Karina Halle
Publisher:  Berkley
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"The Royals Upstairs" by Karina Halle

My Perception:  
'The Royals Upstairs' was a good read about the nanny [Laila Bruset, a Norwegian nanny] and the bodyguard [James Hunter, a Scottish bodyguard.] in Norway's royal estate. These two once had a relationship, but things didn't end well for them. Now, they have been thrown back together after some years apart. Will they be able to get back together after admitting their true feelings to one another?   It was a well-written read with complications, but seeing how they worked things out between the two by the end gave the read heartwarming in this second chance romance. 


Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, and NetGalley, for the ARC!



Tuesday, September 3, 2024

No One Does It Like You by Katie Shepard


 Book Excerpt:

"College sweethearts reunite to restore more than just an old inn in this new romance by Katie Shepard, author of Sweeten the Deal.

When's the best time to tell your ex that you want them back?

Probably not in the middle of a Category 3 hurricane. But when Broadway actor Tom Wilczewski is about to dive into the floodwaters to rescue his co-lead, he calls the ex-wife he hasn't seen in ten years to swear he still loves her and ask for a chance to make things right.

Two months later, Rose Kelly is tired of seeing pictures of her ex-husband Tom rescuing Hollywood darling Boyd Kellagher. Not that she's jealous. Of course not. She's far too busy caring for her elderly aunt and worrying about the storm damage to the family B&B on Martha's Vineyard to miss the love of her life. But after belatedly hearing Tom's voicemail, Rosie asks him to follow through on his promises for once by helping her fix the inn. Thinking this is the perfect way to win her back, Tom agrees.

When they get there, things are…less than ideal. Rosie expected the inn to be in better shape. She expected it to have more beds. And she expected more help from her actual family—not from Tom and the rest of his Broadway cast. But Rosie wonders if the life she expected isn't what she wants. If she and Tom can repair the inn together, can they possibly repair the damage to the relationship they both thought was long gone?"

Title: No One Does It Like You
Author: Katie Shepard
Publisher: Berkley
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Review:
"No One Does It Like You" by Katie Shepard

My Perception:

'No One Does It Like You' was a sweet romantic read by Tom Wilczewski and Rose Kelly. Seeing what Tom would do to save his ex-wife back was attractive. Will he be able to do it after all they have been through? You will enjoy this second chance at romance in how this author brings it out to the reader. You will be given a heartwarming reunion by the end as things come together for these two. Be ready for a good read of a 'mix of romance, family dynamics, and home repair chaos' that will make you smile as you see how these two work it all out in the end.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC, which was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Monday, September 2, 2024

The Lawyer in the Dock: An Island of Secrets Legal Thriller (Island of Secrets Legal Thriller Series Book 5) Kindle Edition by Freya Atwood


 Book Excerpt:

"Accused of crimes that could imprison him for life, Benjamin Wolfe is no longer the star in the courtroom—he's The Lawyer in the Dock.

He's willing to betray anyone to survive, even if it means teaming up with a corrupted lawyer—a man with his own agenda.

As the trial intensifies, Benjamin faces a haunting question: Can justice be won through betrayal and deceit? His answer is yes.

Title:  The Lawyer in the Dock

Author:  Freya Atwood

Publisher:  Cobalt Farry

Series:  Island of Secrets Legal Thriller Book 5

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"The Lawyer in the Dock" by Freya Atwood

My Perception:  

'The Lawyer in the Dock' was an excellent continuation of the series about what Benjamin Wolfe had to endure to escape his mess. His attorney, Coates, was quite an interesting character who did his job well in helping Ben get out of his situation. I felt somewhat sorry for Ben's brother Nicholas, but he brought many of his problems on himself in all he was involved in.

As the story approaches its end, we see that the extended epilogue will contain more.   I am tired and hope Ms. Brown finally gets what she desires because it seems like she is getting away with it all as the story continues on and on! Indeed, will there be someone who can bring her down? 





Daycare Santa, By J.L. Campbell

Book Excerpt: " The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but Regina Wright's world is unraveling. A split with her busi...