The Honey-Don't List by Christina Lauren

Book Excerpt:

"Carey Duncan has worked for home remodeling and design gurus Melissa and Rusty Tripp for nearly a decade. A country girl at heart, Carey started in their first store at sixteen, and—more than anyone would suspect—has helped them build an empire. With a new show and a book about to launch, the Tripps are on the verge of superstardom. There's only one problem: America's favorite couple can't stand each other.

James McCann, MIT graduate, and engineering genius were hired initially as a structural engineer, but the job isn't all he thought it'd be. The last straw? Both he and Carey must go on a book tour with the Tripps and keep the wheels from falling off the proverbial bus.

Unfortunately, neither of them is in any position to quit. Carey needs health insurance, and James has been promised the role of a lifetime if he can just keep the couple on track for a few more weeks. While road-tripping with the Tripps up the West Coast, Carey and James vow to work together to keep their bosses' secrets hidden, and their own jobs secure. But if they stop playing along—and start playing for keeps—they may have the chance to build something beautiful together…"

Title: The Honey-Don't List
Author: Christina Lauren
Publisher: Gallery Books
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"The Honey-Don't List" by Christina Lauren

My Speculation:

What a rather exciting story this author gives us. We find this reality t.v. Couples Melissa and Rusty Tripp have their design show and are on tour with a new book out of 'their marriage and how they keep their love alive.' However, this is not true because these two are no longer in love with each other. So, what will happen next? Carey and James, who are employed assistances by the Tripps, are there to keep them in check. To see these two assistants, Carey and James, are now 'babysitting' Melissa and Rusty on this book tour trying to fight the bad press was quite interesting as they are trying to 'reign in their bosses and manage stressful situations.'

Be ready for romance, comedy, some mystery, and yes, even heartfelt emotion coming out from this story. After recognizing the situation, we find Carey and James were stuck in what went from 'enemies to partners, working to keep the Tripps' from any public meltdowns.' I felt somewhat sad over Melly and Rusty's situation at times, especially Melissa, in the way she treated people! What a hot mess! The beautiful part of this story was watching James and Carey fall in love with each other ... from 'cute, sweet, lovely, tend even to the scorching sexy' stuff!

Now, get ready to be entertained immensely by a read of some fun characters and chapters that will take you on quite a trip, or should I say 'disastrous book tour.' 

The Floating Feldmans By Elyssa Friedland

Book Synopsis:

"Sink or swim. Or at least that's what Annette Feldman tells herself when she books a cruise for her entire family. It's been over a decade since the Feldman clan has spent more than twenty-four hours under the same roof, but Annette is determined to celebrate her seventieth birthday the right way. Just this once, they are going to behave like an actual family.

Too bad her kids didn't get the memo.

Between the troublesome family secrets, old sibling rivalries, and her two teenage grandkids, Annette's birthday vacation is looking more and more like the perfect storm. Adrift together on the open seas, the Feldmans will each face the truths they've been ignoring—and learn that the people they once thought most likely to sink them are actually the ones who help them stay afloat."

Title:  The Floating Feldmans

Author:  Elyssa Friedland

Publisher:  E. F.  

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"The Floating Feldmans" by Elyssa Friedland

My Rationalization:  

I found "The Floating Feldman's" quite a story that lots of families have gone through in one way or another.  For this family, this matriarch was turning seventy and invited her son,  daughter, son-in-law and the two grandchildren to come along with her and her husband on a week's Caribbean cruise for her birthday that she would pay for.  I will say that these characters were really something that will definitely keep you turning the pages to see what was coming next in trying to understand them.  

It seems like everyone wanted to come on this cruise but omg what kind of attitudes, trust issues, resentments, insecurities, and secrets did this family seem to have among themselves? How will this vacation turn out for this  Friedland/Connelly family?  With the uncle having business with his selling of pot, a daughter being a shopaholic whose bankrupted the family, their father being ill and this story will continue on and will leave you shaking your head and saying Wow!  And it seems like this family wasn't alone in having problems for the cruise director had problems not only with his cruse people [this family] but in  his own personal life too.  I could definitely understand his thoughts of if getting married would be the best thing for him after seeing and hearing what all goes on in some families.  

Be ready to find some humor in this good read that will definitely add to the storyline. It will be really interesting to see how all of these secrets will come out by the end of the cruise.  So to see how this family drama all comes out you will have to pick up "The Floating Feldmans" to see how well this author presents to the reader a well-written story.  I enjoyed how well this author will answer all the questions of everyone's situation by the end of the story.     
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC of this book.

Hell in Heels (A Sex, Drugs and Rock Romance Book 2) Kindle Edition by J. Haney &,‎ S.I. Hayes

Book Description...

"They call me a bitch, and I own that shit... My Name is Angelica Fontaine, though I’m known to the world as Angelica Joplin, the Lead Vocalist of the Southern Rock Band Fallen Angels. I’m a fireball in a tiny package but I can carry my own and take care of myself. Have been for years now. Unfortunately, a nasty bit of binging and an overdose has gotten my mates in a bit of a tizzy landing me in rehab… Again. Now it’s all let’s talk about your feelings and why you want to kill yourself. Fuck me, it wasn’t exactly on purpose. Not totally… I’ve heard that rock bottom tastes like shit, well I’ve been served a big heaping pile of it that’s for sure. The guys say I need to finish rehab and then I need to consent to a new kind of bodyguard. They are talking a full-blown MANNY!! Somebody to watch everything I do, all the time! They can’t be serious? Can they?"
*Trigger warnings

Title:  Hell in Heels

Author:  J. Haney & S. I.Hayes

Publishers:  J. H. & S. I. Hayes                        

Series:  Hell in Heels

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Hell in Heels" by J. Haney & S. I. Hayes

My Thoughts...

I really enjoyed reading this second book of 'Hell in Heels' by these two authors which featured Angelica [Rock Singer] and Maverick [Manny].  How these two were brought together...' a self-proclaimed Queen Bitch and a dominate Manny' [OCD Therapist/Bodyguard] was really one steamy hot story that will keep you turning the pages.  Will this Manny be able to help Angelica by watching over her every step of the way after she comes out of rehab?  Will, they b able to help each other in this emotional difference that is between them?  

Be really for lots of drama with {omg} craziness and secrets as these two come together giving the readers a delightful as well as an entertaining story.  These authors really put together quite a read which showed their magic of what it is truly like on a 'road to recovery' as it was for Angelica. In the end, the reader will get it all on Angelica background in what really made her tick and will the help of Maverick helping make her the best that she will be especially now that it seems like she has someone else who has come back into her life.  Now, to truly understand all that has gone on I would suggest you read book one, two and the last book 3 to fully understand the whole series from the 'A Sex. Drugs and Rock Romance.'     

11-11-11 (End-Of-The-World Trilogy #1) by John Rachel

Book Description...

"Noah was turning 23 and desperate to get out of town. Pulnick, Missouri had always been a hopelessly hayseed blemish on the pallid face of rural Bible-belt America. Always bland and soporific, it was now being invaded by white supremacist meth heads, visited by an unprecedented crime wave, exploited by spiritualists and local politicos, and driven to hysteria by paranoid rumors that the world would end on November 11th. Moreover, Noah's personal life was becoming more convoluted by the day. Everything seemed to conspire against his singular need to go somewhere where he could begin a new life and learn how to dream."

Title:  11.11.11
Author:  John Rachel
Publisher:  Melange Books, LLC N Schumacher 
Series: End of The World Trilogy # 1
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"11.11.11. by John Rachel

My Thoughts....

If you are looking for a humorous and even a few tears then you have come to right place for '11-11-11'  will give it to you and so much more. This was quite a interesting read with Noah Tass who grow up in a small town in the Midwest [Pulnick, Missouri] and wanted to leave this 'Bible belt America.'  Will Noah who was turning twenty three get his wish and be able to finds 'a new life and truly learn how to dream?'  I enjoyed how this author was able to give us a read that had some real events that came together in a type of up and downs that are usually found in a lots of small towns.  If one even lived in a small time and wanted to get out I would definitely suggest this read for you.  This story will definitely charm and keep you laughing at all the going on in this story.  There were quite a few characters that will keep your interest turning the pages to see what was coming next in this well written 'who-dun-it' read.  Now, this story will not stop here and continues on for more adventures for Noah in the next trilogy  '12-12-12.' 

We're All Damaged By: Matthew Norman

Book Description...

"Andy Carter was happy. He had a solid job. He ran 5Ks for charity. He was living a nice, safe Midwestern existence. And then his wife left him for a handsome paramedic down the street.
We’re All Damaged begins after Andy has lost his job, ruined his best friend’s wedding, and moved to New York City, where he lives in a tiny apartment with an angry cat named Jeter that isn’t technically his. But before long he needs to go back to Omaha to say good-bye to his dying grandfather.
Back home, Andy is confronted with his past, which includes his ex, his ex’s new boyfriend, his right-wing talk-radio-host mother, his parents’ crumbling marriage, and his still-angry best friend.
As if these old problems weren’t enough, Andy encounters an entirely new complication: Daisy. She has fifteen tattoos, no job, and her own difficult past. But she claims she is the only person who can help Andy be happy again, if only she weren’t hiding a huge secret that will mess things up even more. Andy Carter needs a second chance at life, and Daisy—and the person Daisy pushes Andy to become—may be his last chance to set things right."

Title:  We're All Damaged
Author:  Matthew Norman
Publisher:  Little A
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"We're All Damaged" by Matthew Norman

My Thoughts...

What a read that will give you a little bit of 'hilarity and seriousness' that will keep you turning the pages as you read about some people who are  'heart wrenching, heart rending, heart breaking, witty, and hilarious people. As you read through "We're All Damaged" I was let wondering if Andy Carter will finally get his life together and find happiness in a world that seem to thrown definitely down a 'gauntlet against such simple wants' because it seems like Andy can't catch a break by fooling around in his life after his wife leaves him for a paramedic, he loses his job, he relocated to NYC, leading him to a sad drunken existence...then a trip back home to Omaha whose  grandfather is...well, I will stop here and say pick up this good read to see how this author presents it so well to the readers.  With all that has happened to Andy over the last past year will he finally get a 'righteous rainbow' arrive for him?  What a story that is about 'family, hope and dreams.'  The list of characters where some are all well developed, quirky, portrayed and some even being multi-dimensional...from Andy, to his mom[Nancy], his brother [Jim], his ex wife [Karen], his dad,  his grandpa, best friend, [NEAL] and then there is Daisy [what a character!] to name a few that will keep you turning the pages to see what is coming next.  If you are looking for a well written read that has 'perceptions, dysfunction,  love and even second chances' then this is definitely a read for you to enjoy.

Run To You By Rachel Lacey

Book Description....

"ONE LITTLE LIE. A WHOLE LOTTA TROUBLE.

Moments after meeting the most gorgeous guy ever, Gabby Winters promptly gets stung by a zillion yellowjackets and falls-not gracefully-into a stream. Yup, Ethan Hunter is trouble with a capital "hot," and Gabby definitely needs to keep her distance. Except in the small town of Haven, there's nowhere to hide from Ethan's sexy, infectious grin . . . and all the residents are conspiring against her.

At the center of the town's matchmaking is Ethan's grandmother, who's convinced their relationship is a done deal. Rather than break her heart, Gabby and Ethan find themselves cornered into pretending to be falling in love. The problem: there's serious sizzling attraction between them. And if this charade continues, they won't fool just the entire town - they might fool themselves too . . ."

Title:  Run to You

Author:  Rachel Lacey

Publisher:  Forever

Series:  Risking It All

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Run To You" by Rachel Lacey

My Thoughts...

What will happen when a meddling grandmother [Dixie] interferes in this romance of her grandson Ethan  Hunter and such a lovely girl Gabby Winters. Now the measures Dixie will go to to see her grandson 'settled and happy' will be quite interesting.  We find Gabby was running from an abusive relationship where she really only wanted was to put her life back together after a bad relationship
and finding her strength.  For Ethan he is dealing with "trying to get his Off the Grid Adventures business off the ground, finding out that his grandmother has an aneurysm that could burst at anytime, and the baggage of having an abusive father who ended up killing his mother."

What brings these two together was Gabby the attack by hornets and Ethan rescued her. This was funny especially 'Trespassing on his land and getting stung by a bunch of yellow jackets and jumping in the river.'  How will this play out especially when Ethan asks Gabby out?  Why wasn't  Gabby in for a relationship with Ethan?  However, with that grandmother pushing what will these two do? This is where I say you will have to pick up this well written read to see what is in store as complicated situation will be in store for these two especially with that humorous meddling grandmother. What will happen when a 'fake relationship becomes more than just a fling' as these two figure it all out.  I love the three main characters [Gabby, Ethan and Dixie] and that beautiful Haven, Carolina setting was just beautiful done.  In the end the reader gets one fun, sweet, and entertaining romantic story that is full of 'angst, passion and much heart'  that will keep your attention all the way to the end.

Thank you to the author for your gift of your read and my giving my honest opinion of the read.

If I Loved You By: Mary J. Williams

Book Description...

"Welcome to Harper Falls, Washington. A place where everything you ever dreamed of can be yours. Especially love.

If all you wanted was one night would you take a chance on a man who wanted forever?
Rose O'Brian wants to spice up her love life, and she knows that Jack Winston is just the man to help her. Unfortunately, Jack has a secret that is keeping his from the one thing he wants more than his next breath--Rose.

Rose has never believed in a happily ever after ending for herself; emotional scars run too deep. She tells Jack it's one night or nothing, but what she can't admit to him or herself is that he is the first man that has ever had her dreaming of more. When a demon from her past rears its ugly head will Rose have the strength to reach for what she wants? Can Jack convince her they have a future worth fighting for?

Book one in the Harper Falls series."

Title:  If I Loved You

Author:  Mary J. Williams

Publisher:  M. J. W. 

Series:  Harper Falls, Book 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"If I Loved You" by Mary J. Williams

My Thoughts....

I loved this sweet romantic novel that takes place in Harper Falls, Washington.  If anyone needed love it was Rose O'Brian who had been tormented from childhood and had thoughts that she would never love anyone.  Now why was that?  What had happened in Roses life that had her thinking that way?    This will definitely be a page turner as the reader finds out what had happened in Rose's life that made her think the way she had about love.  Will things change  after she meets Jack Winston

Will he be able to change her mind about love?  I loved Rose's friendship she had with Dani and Tyler. This story will be a very emotional ride for Rose and Jack. This is one of those stories that will break you heart with all that has gone on with Rose and will she be able to rise above it? Well, to see what all goes on you will have to pick up the good romantic read to see will there be a HEA for these two?   

Copy provided by the publisher through Net Galley for an honest review.

    

From Fake to Forever By: Kat Cantrell

Book Description....

Bride: Meredith, soon-to-be co-owner, wedding dress business

Marital Status: Victim, Vegas wedding mix-up

Action Required: Divorce, ASAP

After one night of tequila and sex, their impromptu Vegas wedding shouldn't be valid. But Meredith Chandler-Harris just discovered she's still tied to irresistible businessman Jason Lynhurst. She needs out of their marriage, but to become his company's new CEO, he needs her as a bride. Let the newlywed games begin.



Title:  From Fake To Forever
Author:  Kat Cantrell
Publisher:  Harlequin
Series:  Newlywed Games # 2
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"From Fake To Forever"

What I liked from this novel...

Wow, this was quite a read of two people [Meredith & Jason] who came together after meeting in Vegas decided to have a 'pretend' wedding after much tequila and sex, knowing this was a big mistake only to go their separate ways thinking that the marriage had not been filed? Therefore it wouldn't need to be annulled,  however it wasn't until Meredith some years later needing a loan from her Father and needing to make sure that her slate was clean before she did this that she finds out that she and Jason are still married [after TWO years!]  To further add to this Jason is currently engaged to his finance. You talking about what a surprise for these two.   This author really knows how to give the reader a interesting and captivating read because this really turns out to be one big mess before it all comes together!  The story had some strange areas to me that left me wondering...after a few years they were married and didn't know it?  And I found this story still a awe one...for what Jason will do next...giving Meredith a job? Why did he do this?  What did he want from Meredith?   I must say that this aspect of the fashion designer aspect of the story that Meredith worked seemed that she did a good job at it.     Will these two find some undiscovered attraction that will bring them together again?  The characters for the most part well developed and charming which gave the reader quite a storybook romantic read.  Well this is where I will not spoil it for you and just say you will have to pick up "From Fake to Forever: to see how this all comes together giving the reader quite an interesting read  that when all is said and done I did find "From Fake to Forever" an enjoyable,  fun, humorous and sexy romantic read.