Tilt A Novel by Emma Pattee

Book Excerpt:

"Set over one day, a heart-racing debut about a woman facing the unimaginable, determined to find safety.

Last night, you and I were safe. Last night, your father and I stood fighting in the kitchen in another universe.

Annie is nine months pregnant and shopping for a crib at IKEA when a massive earthquake hits Portland, Oregon. There's nothing to do but walk with no way to reach her husband, no phone or money, and a chaotic city.

Making her way across the wreckage of Portland, Annie experiences human desperation and kindness: strangers offering help, a riot at a grocery store, and an unlikely friendship with a young mother. As she walks, Annie reflects on her struggling marriage, her disappointing career, and her anxiety about having a baby. If she can just make it home, she's determined to change her life.

A propulsive debut, Tilt is a primal scream of a novel about the disappointments and desires we all carry and what we will do for the people we love."

Title:  Tilt

Author:  Emma Pattee

Publisher:  Simon Element | S&S/ Marysue Rucci Books

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

'Tilt' by Emma Pattee

My Insight:  

'Tilt' was quite a suspenseful read,  as was what happened to Annie during an earthquake in Portland, Oregon. While at the store, an earthquake occurred while Annie went shopping for a crib.   Being pregnant in her 37th week, her first baby, while looking for her husband, what will happen after this disaster? Annie will have many flashbacks as we are given a story of what happened before the earthquake. Be ready for wanting more of this story after reading about what happens when a natural disaster happens, how it will be taken in with how people react, and especially what happens while one is pregnant. This was a good read, but an epilogue would have been nice at the close of this story.  

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

The Love Simulation by Etta Easton

 Book Excerpt:

"A passionate vice principal and a guarded science teacher compete for a grand prize, only to realize their budding relationship might be the actual jackpot.

Brianna Rogers has been told a time (or six) she needs to stop jumping into things head first. But when the principal rescinds his approval for a library upgrade, deciding to spend the money on a football field instead, she sees red. Literally, Brianna throws her hat in the ring and joins a team of teachers who will spend their summer in a Mars simulation. As the sister of an astronaut, this should be easy, right? What she didn't count on was the last-minute addition to the team—Roman Major: science teacher, son of the principal, and too handsome for his own good.

Roman and Brianna have been hot and cold all year, and living in close quarters intensifies their animosity and attraction. Brianna is sure he's been sent by his father to sabotage them, foiling their chance at prize money that will cover all of the school's actual needs. But each day, Roman proves himself to be a dedicated teammate—and Brianna finds herself falling harder and harder. While it's clear the feeling is mutual, she can't shake the sense that he's hiding something. As the simulation nears its end, Brianna realizes she may have to make an impossible choice between the school she's dedicated herself to and the man who has won his way into her heart."

Title: The Love Simulation
Author: Etta Easton
Publisher: Berkley
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"The Love Simulation" by Etta Easton

My Insight:

"The Love Simulation" is an enchanting romance that masterfully navigates the delicate dance from rivals to lovers while weaving in the complexities of workplace dynamics and the struggles of unspoken feelings. Brianna and Roman's relationship transformation is heartwarming, especially as they bravely peel back their layers and reveal their genuine emotions. I was particularly impressed by how the author skillfully managed conflicts, crafting natural and deeply satisfying resolutions.

At the heart of the story is Vice Principal Brianna Rogers, who embarks on a thrilling journey with her fellow teachers in a Mars simulation, eager to win a substantial prize that would revitalize her school's neglected library. Despite the obstacles created by the principal's misguided choices, Brianna is relentlessly determined to make a meaningful difference for her students. The underlying tension between her and Roman adds a tantalizing layer to the narrative, sparking chemistry amidst their rivalry.

Are you curious about how it all unfolds? This delightful story beckons readers to dive in and experience the author's captivating storytelling and richly developed character. It's a must-read that promises to charm and inspire!

The Weekend: A Snowed In Story (The Lovers Series) Kindle Edition by Aja

 Book Excerpt:

"Janelle Carter's birthday escape to Aspen becomes an unforgettable affair when she meets Malcolm Pierce, a man whose gaze burns as hot as the firelight between them. What begins as an accidental collision of lives in the snowy mountains turns into a weekend of raw passion and undeniable connection. But when the storm ends, will they walk away, or will this be the start of something they've both been waiting for?

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 Weekend

Author:  Aja

Publisher Date:  January 18, 2025

Series:  The Lovers Series

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

'The Weekend' by Aja

My Insight:

'The Weekend' is another great romance from this author. I found it interesting how Asha Sinclair and Ezra Bishop met, especially since Asha thought she would be spending her birthday alone. But will she really be alone? What will happen when Asha and Ezra cross paths? Their encounter leads to one steamy adventure.

Please pick up this captivating series to see if these two can make it work. You'll be eagerly awaiting the next installment!

The Arrangement: A Friends With Benefits Story (The Lovers Series) Kindle Edition by Aja

 Book Excerpt:

"Asha Sinclair doesn't do relationships. Ezra Bishop has been waiting for her to change her mind. Their casual, convenient, and complication-free arrangement was supposed to be enough. But when Asha needs a date for her sister's wedding, lines blur, rules break, and suddenly, pretending feels like something real."

Title: The Arrangement
Author: Aja
Publisher: She Loves Words Publishing LLC (February 20, 2025)
Series: The Lovers Series
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Arrangement" by Aja

My Insight:

If you are looking for a captivating erotic romance, then "The Arrangement" is definitely for you. The journey of Asha and Ezra as they navigate their feelings and eventually come together is beautifully written. I appreciated how Ezra, with great patience, reached his limit, forcing Asha to confront the reality of potentially losing something significant by clinging to her past. This installment in the series is engaging, and I found it hard to put down. There's so much more to explore, so get ready for a thrilling ride!