Hidden Enemy (Evanescence Book 5) Kindle Edition by J.L. Campbell

Book Excerpt:

"Mia's gift is memory. Maxine's curse is prophecy. 

Their uncommon abilities make them a force to be feared … and controlled. For these twins, The Castle has always been a sanctuary—a place where they are nurtured and protected,  until their mother is murdered.

Escaping to the distant land of Durabia, they find fleeting peace—but their enemies have not forgotten them. On their return to the States, the past and the future collide in a deadly reckoning. Shadowy forces infiltrate The Castle, and the sisters are kidnapped by those who would use their powers to reshape destiny, no matter the cost.   

Together, they carry the weight of all that ever was and all that will ever be.

 

The Castle's origin story starts with a spiritual battle that transcends time and space, ending with a war on two sides of the world and beyond."

Title:  Hidden Enemy

Author:  J.L. Campbell

Publisher:  The Writer's Suite

Series:  Evanescence Book 5

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Hidden Enemy" by J.L. Campbell

My Insight:

Mia possesses an extraordinary gift: her memory is a vivid tapestry woven with intricate details, allowing her to recall moments with breathtaking clarity. In contrast, Maxine grapples with the haunting burden of prophecy, her visions often casting shadows on their future. Together, these twins form an unparalleled alliance, a dynamic force that demands careful stewardship. For as long as they can remember, The Castle has been their sanctuary—a majestic refuge filled with warmth and familiarity—until the shattering loss of their mother sends ripples of grief through their lives, altering everything they once knew.

In search of solace, the sisters embark on a journey to the distant land of Durabia, where the sun-drenched landscapes and gentle breezes offer a temporary balm for their aching hearts. However, the tendrils of their past are relentless, and peace proves elusive. Upon their return to the United States, they find themselves at a treacherous crossroads, where the wounds of history collide with an uncertain future, leading to a gripping confrontation. Dark forces, sinister and relentless, infiltrate The Castle, and the sisters are ensnared by those seeking to exploit their remarkable gifts, willing to manipulate fate at any cost.

Bound together by the weight of their heritage and the shimmering promise of what is yet to come, Mia and Maxine must summon every ounce of strength. Their tale unfolds within the backdrop of a profound spiritual battle that transcends time and geography, paving the way for an epic conflict that reverberates across continents and beyond. Join them on their arduous journey as they navigate daunting challenges with unwavering courage and indomitable determination!

The Reckoning (Evanescence Book 4) Kindle Edition by U.M. Hiram

 Book Excerpt:

"Martina Isabella Rossi has beauty, brilliance, and billions. She is a former assassin and the visionary behind Rossi MedTech Innovations, a company that is a leader in revolutionizing medicine and technology. Beyond success and power lies a secret she has kept hidden: her healing energy. With a single touch, she can mend shattered bones or cure terminal diseases.

Her gift comes at a cost. After being suspected of murder at the Castle and realizing that her healing energy is no longer a secret, she becomes the primary target of forces beyond her control because she is the direct descendant of one of the original nine Talas. The killer instinct she has suppressed resurfaces as Martina juggles protecting her relationship, identifying enemies closer than she realizes, and fighting for her freedom.

Torn between the limits of her mortal body and the boundless call of her destiny, Martina must decide how much of herself she's willing to sacrifice for it all.

The Castle's origin story starts with a spiritual battle that transcends time and space, ending with a war on two sides of the world and beyond."

Make sure to check out the entire Evanescence Series

This series is designed to be read in order:

Title:  The Reckoning

Author:  U.M. Hiram

Publisher:  D2R Management Group LLC

Series:  Evanescence Book 4

Reviewed By:

Rating: Five

Review:

"The Reckoning" by U.M. Hiram

My Insight:  

Martina Isabella Rossi is a remarkable individual who radiates beauty, intelligence, and impressive wealth. As the brilliant mind behind Rossi MedTech Innovations, she stands at the forefront of transforming medicine and technology. However, she harbors a captivating secret: her extraordinary healing energy. With just a gentle touch, she can mend broken bones and even cure terminal illnesses.

Yet, such a powerful gift comes with its challenges. After becoming embroiled in a murder investigation at the Castle, Martina realizes that her abilities are no longer a secret, making her a target for powerful adversaries. With her lineage tracing back to one of the original nine Talas, the fierce instincts she has kept at bay begin to resurface.

Martina now faces the daunting task of safeguarding her loved ones, uncovering hidden enemies, and striving for her own freedom. Caught between the limits of her humanity and the call of her extraordinary destiny, she must weigh how much she is willing to sacrifice for the sake of those she cherishes.

The Castle's origin story reveals a profound spiritual battle that transcends time and distance, culminating in an epic conflict spanning continents and beyond. This journey promises to be an exhilarating adventure filled with intrigue, courage, and a quest for true identity.

Be ready for a perfect fantasy short that will keep one turning the pages till the end.

The Scratch: An Accidental Pregnancy Romance Story (The Lovers Series) Kindle Edition by Aja

 

Book Excerpt:

"Rayna Whitaker thought her cue and her carefully erected walls would keep her steady—until Quentin Hale stepped up and changed the whole game. Quiet strength, slow fire, and a touch that left her undone… he wasn't just playing for her body, he was playing for her forever.

This story is tender, messy, and grown—where love runs just as deep as the heat.

The Lovers Series: Tales of passion, play, and undeniable chemistry—where every romance is an experience you'll never forget. These are STANDALONE stories. Visit ajathewriter.com for more information about her work."

Title:  The Scratch

Author:  Aja

Publisher:  She Loves Words Publishing LLC

Series:  The Lovers Series

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"The Scratch" by Aja

The Insight:  

"The Scratch" is an enjoyable and steamy addition to the series, focusing on the relationship between Rayna and Quentin. How will Rayna, an electrician, and Quentin, a physics teacher, come together as one? Will Quentin be able to win Rayna's heart? Besides their skills as pool sharks, they share a more profound connection that brings them closer. You must pick up this captivating read to discover what that connection is. The author skillfully develops both main characters, who have each faced significant challenges in their lives, leaving readers eager for more from this series.

 

The Fire In Us: A Friends to Lovers Romance (Lunch Break Series Book 9) Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris

 Book Excerpt:

"Falling for your best friend is a dangerous game—especially when losing means breaking your own heart.

Brandon Donovan and Brooke Parker have been everything to each other for as long as they can remember—confidants, partners-in-crime, the one person who never lets them down. Their friendship is easy, effortless, and unshakable. Until one night changes everything.

A kiss that lingers too long. A touch that sparks something neither of them is ready to name. Suddenly, the rules they've lived by don't make sense anymore, and pretending nothing has changed feels impossible.

If they take the risk, they could have everything. But if they're wrong… they could lose the one person they can't live without."

Title:  The Fire In Us

Author:  Stephanie Nicole Norris

Publisher:  S.N.N.

Series:  Lunch Break Series Book 9

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"The Fire IN Us" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Insight:  

"The Fire In Us" is an engaging erotic novel featuring Brooke and Brandon that will keep you turning the pages. Will their marriage work out? Both wanted this union, but Brooke's indecisiveness raises questions about its future.

To find out what happens between them, you'll need to pick up this quick read. It promises to be intriguing once everything unfolds.

Taming a Heartbreaker: Spicy Black Romance Kindle Edition by Brenda Jackson (Author), Synithia Williams (Author)

 Book Excerpt:

"Taming a Heartbreaker by New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson—Part of the bestselling Westmoreland Legacy series!

A steamy opposites-attract story about a playboy CEO determined never to settle down and a hopeless romantic who knows it just takes the right person to reform a rake.

He's closed off to love. She's set on taming his wild ways. Let the sparks fly!

Redford St. James is having too much fun to settle down with just one woman. Until a Westmoreland family wedding reunites him with Carmen Golan. He can't get Carmen—gorgeous, sweet, and a hopeless romantic—out of his mind. Even though she's outright said he's husband material! Him! And she believes any heartbreaker can be tamed—by the right person. Well, it's his duty to set her straight!

But an intimate conversation becomes an intimate evening and a night that makes them wonder who's taming whom. And that night could have consequences in nine short months…"

Title:  Taming A Heartbreaker

Author:  Brenda Jackson & Synithia Williams

Publisher:  Harlequin

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Taming a Heartbreaker" by Brenda Jackson & Synithia Williams

My Insight:  

"Taming a Heartbreaker" is an engaging romantic novel that will keep readers eagerly turning the pages to discover what happens next for the characters Redford and Carmen. As their lives are transformed by love, the story highlights the challenges of commitment and responsibility. Throughout the narrative, you'll witness the evolution of their relationship and the struggles they face as opposites trying to unite. This compelling read invites you to explore how the author skillfully unfolds their journey. Don't miss the chance to see if Redford and Carmen can come together as one!

Some Girls Drown Kindle Edition by Jessica Bell

 Book Excerpt:

"She wrote the truth they told her to forget.

Ayanna has been quiet for long enough.
It started on her eighth birthday. A hallway. A family who looked the other way. Now in her twenties, Ayanna is finally ready to speak the truth they tried to erase.

Some Girls Drown is a powerful, emotionally charged novel based on actual events. It follows one woman's fight to reclaim her voice after a childhood spent shaped by silence, and the betrayal of those who should have protected her.

This is a story of fury, memory, and the love we fight hardest to find: our own."

Title:  Some Girls Drown

Author:  Jessica Bell

Publisher:  J.B.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Some Girls Drown" by Jessica Bell

My Insight:

"Some Girls Drown" is a deeply emotional and challenging read that will leave readers reflecting on the sheer scope of Ayanna's heartbreaking journey.

This compelling narrative showcases how well the author conveys a message that will resonate long after finishing the book.

The Marriage Narrative by Claire Kann

Book Excerpt:

"A love just for show grows into something more in this swoon-worthy romance from the author of The Romantic Agenda.

Zinnia is an ambitious, successful businesswoman who is not about to wait around for her One True Love. She turns her dating profile into a marriage-merger proposal: a few strategic meetings, move in together, get married—all within thirty days. Her friends think it will never work… until she meets Jordan, a near-perfect applicant with a big secret.

Jordan’s family has spent the last decade starring in a massively popular reality show about their lives. He has finally agreed to join the cast, but production wants him to marry an actress (his ex) in a romantic storyline to boost viewership.

Convinced Zinnia is perfect for the role, Jordan proposes a mutually beneficial marriage agreement: she gets her business partner-husband, and he gets to help his family on his terms. Together they face strict schedules, wild plot twists, and behind-the-scenes hostilities, all while acting like besotted newlyweds—an intense performance that evolves into a relationship they never expected.

As the line between reality and show blurs, Zinnia and Jordan must choose between a clean contract or a beautifully messy love story."
 

Title:  The Marriage Narrative

Author:  Claire Kann

Publisher:  Berkley

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"The Marriage Narrative" by Claire Kann

My Insight:  

"The Marriage Narrative" is an absolutely enthralling story that will hold your attention from start to finish! It beautifully delves into the unexpected journey of Zinna and Jordan as they navigate a marriage of convenience for a reality TV show. The drama surrounding family dynamics truly brings the story to life, especially with the fascinating Jordan family adding depth and intrigue. I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive into this tale and witness how the relationship between two strangers blossoms into something much more meaningful, set against the captivating backdrop of a reality TV show. You’ll find yourself reflecting on their journey long after you turn the last page. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this read!

Thank you, NetGalley, and Berkley Publishing Group, for the ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Father Stranger Slave Kindle Edition by Jessica Bell (Author)

 Book Excerpt:

"Adedayo is a young boy in 1950s Nigeria, full of hope, told he is on the path to manhood. But the world that awaits him is one of silence, cruelty, and control. Stripped of his identity and forced into servitude, he learns that obedience is survival and speaking out can be deadly.

Yet even in the harshest conditions, he refuses to give in. Beneath the fear, a quiet determination burns; the hope that one day he will be free.

Inspired by actual events, Father Stranger Slave is a powerful story of stolen youth, resilience, and the unbreakable will to survive."

Title:  Father Stranger Slave

Author:  Jessica Bell

Publisher:  J. B.  

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Father Stranger Slave" by Jessica Bell

 My Insight:   

"Father Stranger Slave" is an emotional and gripping read that keeps the reader turning pages to discover what happens next in Adebayo's journey, as he faces a mix of fear, hope, and ultimately, some change. The characters in this story are compelling and complex, adding depth to the narrative. You'll have to pick up this book to see how the author masterfully brings everything to life.

By the end of the book, you will be left shaking your head, saying, "Wow, that was an incredible read!"

Calling All Blessings A Blessings Novel by Beverly Jenkins

Book Excerpt:

"NAACP nominee and USA Today bestselling author Beverly Jenkins celebrates her beloved Blessings series with a heartwarming novel set in Henry Adams, Kansas.

"If you haven't yet gotten your hands on [this] author's work, you should do so immediately."—Shondaland

Tamar July, town matriarch of Henry Adams, KS, is being haunted by dreams of her humiliating wedding day, sixty years ago, when she discovered her intended, Joel Newton, was already married. The truth left her furious, heartbroken, and carrying a child, her son Malachi "Mal" July. Why are these dreams coming to her now? And is the great horned owl perched on her backyard shed somehow connected? When Joel's legitimate son, Henry Adams, comes to Mal seeking his half-brother, Tamar must confront her past and her anger, and explore what it means to truly forgive.

Tamar isn't the only one being tested. Teenager Devon July wants to be anyone but himself. When he first arrived in Henry Adams as an eight-year-old foster child, he wanted to be a preacher. Then, to be like his adopted brother, Amari. Now, he's decided to be a variant of James Brown—wig included—rather than who he really is, a boy who lost his beloved grandmother and is the son of a mentally challenged woman. Will Tamar be able to guide his spirit quest and place him on the road to finally being at peace within himself?

As the big August 1st celebration nears, town owner Bernadine Brown has a lot on her plate, chief among them, what to do with former mayor Riley Curry's monstrous tribute to his hog Cletus. There are no secrets in Henry Adams, but there's never a dull moment either."

Title:  Calling All Blessings

Author:  Beverly Jenkins

Publisher:  Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four 

Review:

"Calling All Blessings" by Beverly Jenkins

My Insight:  

"Calling All Blessings" is a truly enchanting and heartwarming tale that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the final page. As the concluding installment of Beverly Jenkins' beloved Blessings series, it beautifully encapsulates the essence of love and resilience. The characters, particularly Tamar and Devon, embark on a profound journey of growth that unfolds seamlessly throughout the narrative. Watching the blossoming connections within this family and witnessing their genuine expressions of friendship, humor, hope, and love is a captivating experience. This story is not just well-crafted; it is a powerful and inspirational read that resonates deeply. It is a celebration of life and the enduring bonds that shape us, making it a truly unforgettable read.

Thanks to NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for the ARC!

The Christmas Ring A Holiday Romance by Karen Kingsbury

 Book Excerpt:

"Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

While searching for her family's long-lost heirloom ring, military widow Vanessa Mayfield meets handsome antique dealer Ben Miller. The two are drawn to each other and forge a friendship that soon becomes a profound and breathtaking romance. But neither are sure that what they've found can last.

As Vanessa organizes her annual Columbus Cares Christmas Military Dance, she looks forward to her daughter's return from college. But Vanessa hasn't told Sadie about Ben. After all, Vanessa hadn't anticipated finding love again after losing her husband. And now she wrestles with feelings that are becoming hard to ignore.

Just as Ben is about to declare his love for Vanessa, he learns more about her missing Christmas ring: her great-grandfather found it in France on D-Day, and engraved on the band is a single meaningful word. The details confirm a terrible truth, one that Ben cannot ignore.

Certain he now knows where Vanessa's ring is, Ben leaves town in a frantic rush. But can he stop a certain sale, or will Vanessa's ring be lost forever? Days before Christmas, when all seems hopeless, Ben and Vanessa learn an important eternal truth: Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Title: The Christmas Ring
Author: Karen Kingsbury
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Fiction
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
'The Christmas Ring' by Karen Kingsbury

My Insight:

'The Christmas Ring' is a heartwarming holiday Christian romance that will keep you turning the pages, eager to discover what's next for Vanessa and Sophie. Vanessa Mayfield, a widow, has found love with Ben Miller, a fellow widower who owns an antique shop. However, she has yet to reveal this to her daughter Sophie. The story also revolves around a lost family heirloom ring. Will this ring be found, and how will Sophie adapt to her mother's new relationship? To find out, immerse yourself in this heartwarming read, 'The Christmas Ring.'

Prepare to be inspired by 'The Christmas Ring', a captivating story with a rich cast of characters. This tale is a tapestry of 'military spouse, devotion, faith, redemption, friendship, and love.' It's a story that is steeped in prayer and scripture, seamlessly woven into the Christmas narrative, offering a source of inspiration and hope.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an advance copy for my honest review.

I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm by Mariama J. Lockington

Book Excerpt:

"When snow falls, sparks fly in this irresistible queer romance from Schneider Family Book Award and Stonewall Honor winner Mariama J. Lockington—for fans of She Gets the Girl and Jennifer Dugan.

High school senior Lyric has always found Christmas to be the hardest season. While other kids got presents and family time by the fire, she was in and out of foster care. An up-and-coming make-up influencer and aspiring cosmetology student who loves a bold lip, Lyric definitely isn't looking for romance—not when opening up to someone feels a lot like asking to get hurt.

Christmas is Juniper's favorite time of year. At least, it was, until her moms' separation. They're back together now, and Juniper hopes they'll stay that way. Because if they're happy, that means Juniper can leave for her gap-year trip after graduation (the one she has yet to tell her parents about, and can't really afford without their help).

When a chance meeting brings these two opposite personalities together, they should clash . . . only they don't. Instead, Lyric strikes a deal with Juniper: pose as her fake girlfriend in a series of holiday-themed social media posts, and they can split the money from her beauty sponsorships. But soon the lines between what's real and what's not start to blur. Are sparks flying both in front of the camera and behind it?

Told from dual perspectives, one in prose and one in verse, I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm is a cozy and modern love story from acclaimed author Mariama J. Lockington that's perfect for the winter holidays or all year round."

Title: I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm

Author:  Mariama J. Lockington

Publisher:  Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" by Mariama J. Lockington

My Insight:  

"I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" was an enjoyable and charming read set during the winter holidays. Although I don't typically read this genre, I was drawn to it by its beautiful cover. The themes of fake dating, queer chaos, and holiday connections were quite engaging. I loved the characters, especially Lyric, a foster care survivor, and Juniper, who is vibrant and filled with holiday spirit. They felt relatable, and I appreciated how they navigated their relationship, ultimately finding their way thanks to their love. The dynamic of their fake dating added an interesting layer to the story! 

Thanks to @netgalley, the publisher, and Mariama J. Lockington for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Best Worst Thing A Novel by Lauren Okie

Book Excerpt:

"From a stunning new voice in romance, Lauren Okie's The Best Worst Thing is an intimate story about starting over, second chances, and two people who cannot help falling into each other's orbit once again.

Nicole Speyer has a fantastic life. At least that's what she tells herself. She's got a beautiful house, a relatively successful fertility podcast, and a perfect husband, Gabe. The only thing that's less than ideal is her years-long struggle with infertility—and how, with every passing day, she and Gabe seem to drift a little further apart.

But then, mere hours after a Hail Mary embryo transfer to her gestational carrier, Nicole discovers Gabe's been sleeping with their dog walker, and her world turns upside down. Suddenly, a jobless, childless, and now-husbandless Nicole finds herself at the doorstep of somebody she tried to say goodbye to a long time ago.

Logan Milgram: a former colleague with serious golden retriever energy who happens to be laugh-out-loud funny, a colossal nerd, and legitimately hot. When Logan opens his door that night, it's like no time has passed. And as they fall back into each other's lives, Nicole starts recognizing herself in the mirror again. She even begins to like what she sees. And then, like a cruel joke, she gets the news she's spent a lifetime waiting for: her surrogate is finally pregnant. 

As her relationship with Logan evolves from a casual fling into something deeper, Nicole finds herself struggling to balance her past, present, and future. Racing against the clock, she must learn to forgive her body for falling short and recognize that sometimes, it's the biggest betrayals in life that set us free. With everything on the line, can Nicole accept love from the most incredible man she's ever known . . . even if it's nothing like the story she'd written for herself?"

Title:  The Best Worst Thing 

Author:  Lauren Okie

Publisher:  Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"The Best Worst Thing" by Lauren Okie

My Insight:  

"The Best Worst Thing" is a profoundly emotional and heartwarming romantic read. The main character, Nicole, faces numerous challenges, including infertility, a cheating husband named Gabe, and a divorce. Throughout her journey, she not only finds love again but also discovers herself. What a powerful story this is! It takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, but the banter between Nicole and Logan is delightful and adds charm to the narrative. Prepare yourself for a novel with short chapters that is hard to put down until the very end. I highly recommend it!

 Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for offering the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Oct 7th Overdue A Novel by Stephanie Perkins

Book Excerpt:

"Ingrid Dahl, a cheerful twenty-nine-year-old librarian in the cozy mountain town of Ridgetop, North Carolina, has been happily dating her college boyfriend, Cory, for eleven years without ever discussing marriage. But when Ingrid's sister announces her engagement to a woman she's only been dating for two years, Ingrid and Cory feel pressured to consider their future. Neither has ever been with anybody else, so they make an unconventional decision. They'll take a one-month break to date other people, then they'll reunite and move toward marriage. Ingrid even has someone in mind: her charmingly grumpy coworker, Macon Nowakowski, on whom she's secretly crushed for years. But plans go awry, and when the month ends, Ingrid and Cory realize they're not ready to resume their relationship—and Ingrid's harmless crush on Macon has turned into something much more complicated.

Overdue is a beautiful, slow-burn romance full of lust and longing about new beginnings and finding your way."

Title:  Overdue 

Author:  Stephanie Perkins

Publisher:  St Martin's Press

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"Overdue" by Stephanie Perkins

My Insight:  

'Overdue' is a charming read, promising a romantic and humorous journey that may unfold at a leisurely pace. What will happen when Ingrid and her long-term boyfriend, Cory, finally discuss marriage? And how will things change when her sister gets engaged? With Ingrid and Cory deciding to date other people for a month, the story takes a humorous turn. And when Ingrid starts dating Macon, her coworker, the situation becomes even more entertaining. Stick with it to experience the enjoyable ending. Brace yourself for a 'slow-burn romance' as 'Overdue' finally arrives.

Thank you, NetGalley & St. Martin's Press, for the advanced ebook copy of this book.

Mind of Milya Kindle Edition by Bess Hendrick

Book Excerpt:

"When a woman chooses complete autonomy, what does that mean for the man who loves her?

Confident and adventuresome, Milya Hart plunges into life with arms open wide. Chris Nelson, drawn to Milya's unconventional style, happily accepts her preference for a relationship free of formal commitments.

When Milya takes a chef's position in Anchorage, everything changes. Chris, who stays behind in Olympia to run his new bookstore, needs the security of a more traditional arrangement. Milya won't even consider it, declaring that things are good the way they are.

As the couple struggles to find common ground, Mind of Milya opens a window into the family legacies and personal experiences that mold their beliefs about relationships—experiences that will either lead to new growth, or break them apart."

Title:  Mind of Milya 

Author:  Bess Hendrick

Publisher:  B.H.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Mind of  Milya" by Bess Hendrick

My Insight:

The pages of *Mind of Milya* pulse with energy, compelling readers to dive right in and experience the journey. The characters are vibrantly crafted, each showcasing unique traits that make them both endearing and relatable. Bess Hendrick brilliantly weaves rich descriptions that highlight the delicate balance between love and independence, inviting readers into the heartfelt emotional journeys of the characters. The narrative strikes a deep chord, examining life choices and the complexities of human relationships that resonate strongly in our own lives.

If you're seeking an engaging and thought-provoking read, *Mind of Milya* excels on every level, leaving you with plenty to ponder long after you've turned the final page. It's a journey worth taking!

THE GARBAGE MAN by Tessa Pacelli

 Book Excerpt:

"What if your dream job became a nightmare without end?

Fresh out of Harvard Business School, Kayla Mousavi lands a coveted job at General Recycling, beating out thousands to work for Americaʼs hottest tech company and its legendary CEO, Frederick Douglass Monahan. It seems like a golden opportunity. GRʼs trash-eating bacteria gobble up refuse, rescuing a world choking on garbage. And her job, as the right-hand analyst of a global business celebrity, guarantees a glittering future. But Kayla should have remembered what her father, in prison for insider trading, always said. Inside every great company is a great crime.

It's not long before Kayla stumbles onto the kind of dirt that not even the magic GR bugs can disappear. Soon, she's witness to a professional hit — a hit meant for her — and on a collision course with the truth behind the trash: deep in the bowels of a Wall Street darling is an extraordinary and terrifying business that will reshape everything we believe about psychology, security, privacy, and human nature. Now, to live, Kayla will have to outsmart a ruthless genius with unlimited resources. A man who absolutely intends to change the world…just not exactly as advertised."

Title:  The Garbage Man

Author:  Tessa Pacelli

Publisher:  Tessa Pacelli | Zero Day Books, LLC

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"The Garage Man" by Tessa Pacelli

My Insight:

"The Garbage Man" is a fascinating blend of suspense, thriller, and science that truly sparks curiosity! While you might need to stay alert to follow the twists and turns, the journey is enriching. Kayla Mousavi, our determined protagonist, brilliantly unravels the mysteries she encounters at General Recycling. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure that promises to surprise and delight you by the end. You won't want to miss this captivating techno-thriller experience!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC and for my giving my honest opinion of the read.