Sunday, November 23, 2025

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.


Tuesday, November 18, 2025

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.


Tuesday, November 11, 2025

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.




Thursday, November 6, 2025

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!"


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 … a...