Famous Once: A Short Story Kindle Edition by Jane Green

 Book Excerpt:

"From New York Times bestselling author Jane Green comes an unforgettable tale of redemption and reunion, where the echoes of rock and roll fame and the secrets that came with it lead a mother and daughter back to each other.

Former model Astrid Lane lives a quiet life as a caterer, far from her days as the famous wife of rock star Callum Blake. When a retrospective on the 1970s music scene sparks renewed interest in that era, Astrid's estranged daughter, Zara, reaches out about a podcast discussing her father's career—and a long-buried tragedy that changed their family forever.

After a mysterious break-in at Astrid's cottage, mother and daughter find themselves drawn into an unexpected collaboration. Through a collection of old recordings and shared memories, they begin to piece together a story far bigger than their family's past. What they uncover will shake the foundations of rock music history and the influential people who shaped it.

But amid the investigation, something unexpected blooms. As Astrid and Zara work to unravel decades-old secrets, they find themselves building something they'd both given up on: the chance to be mother and daughter again, this time on their own terms."

Title:  Famous Once

Author:  Jane Green

Publisher:  Amazon Original Stories

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Famous Once" by Jane Green

My Review:

"Famous Once" is a captivating, swift read that elegantly weaves together threads of joy and melancholy, delivering a compelling narrative that will keep readers eagerly turning the pages until the very last line. The way the rock star, his estranged wife, and their journalist daughter converge at the story's climax is particularly intriguing, especially as the pivotal tapes reveal hidden truths. Though a short story, it unfurls a rich tapestry of glamour and profound complexity, making it an unexpectedly powerful experience.

The Guesthouse of Befania (The Royals of Kéra Asnela) Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris

 Book Excerpt:

"One bed.

Forty-eight hours.

Irresistible attraction.
Unadulterated passion.
Jasir’s the second in command—A guard from the strongest monarchy in East Africa.
Amara was the only one to make him bend to her will in this Royals of Kera Asnela spin-off."

Title: The Guesthouse of Befania
Author: Stephanie Nicole Norris
Publisher: Love Is A Drug Ink LLC
Series: [Spin-Off] The Royals of Kera Asnela
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Guesthouse of Befania" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Sentiments:

I enjoyed this short good and steamy spin-off read about Amara and Jasir who finally get together in their newfound love. They were servants and security for the Royals of Kera Asnela. Who knew that watching from afar and helping Amara learn the right stand in using a bow and arrow would finally get them together? Pick up this short read to see how it will all come out for these two.

Bliss Way by Garnet Wells

 Book Excerpt:

"Who knew a dog's bark could bring two people together. Kamari Simmons is looking to settle into her new home with her little boy Jarrell when she butts heads with her new neighbor Devin Clark. Find out if Kamari finds Bliss on Bliss Way."

Title: Bliss Way
Author: Garnet Wells
Publisher: Hustle & Write Publishing; 1st edition
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Bliss Way" by Garnet Wells
My Assessment:

This was a beautiful short story, presenting the reader with a beginning of a romance for Karari after the death of her husband. I loved the ending!

The Sunset Before Dawn Kindle Edition by Theresa Hodge

 Book Excerpt:

"One Night.

A stranger.
Sweeps in like a hero.
The past and the future collide.
My heart remembers him the moment we meet. My head does not. He's tall, charismatic, and seductively attractive; before I know it, I'm falling fast.
The harder I felt, the more entranced I became.
What is it about this stranger that makes my body ache as well as my heart?
The truth shatters me like a sudden storm…
Nothing in my life will ever be the same after the sunset before dawn."

Title: The Sunset Before Dawn
Author: Theresa Hodge
Publisher: Theresa Hodge
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"The Sunset Before Dawn" by Theresa Hodge

My Assessment:

"The Sunset Before Dawn" was an interesting short story...a sci-fi, fantasy story. Be ready for a tale filled with twists and turns and surprises in its unique creativity in its love story of how Adian Masters finally searches to find his Anatasia. And in the end, all of Anatasia's questions are answered.

The Wedding Setup: A Short Story Kindle Edition by Sonali Dev

 Book Excerpt

"From USA Today bestselling author Sonali Dev comes with a heartfelt short story about one woman's journey of self-discovery and what it means to be happy.

Ayesha Shetty lost her brother seven years ago; at the same time, she lost everything else important to her: her dreams, her fierce independence, and the man she loved. So, not wanting to see her mother hurt anymore, she put her wild self away and became the dutiful daughter her mother needed and took on her brother's role in the family business.

Now her best friend's big, fat Indian wedding is a chance to get away from her endless duties at the restaurant and maybe even have some fun (if she remembers how). But a setup arranged by her mother, with a doctor no less, is the last thing she needs. The fact that he checks all her mother's boxes just makes everything better…and worse.

Then Emmitt Hughes shows up. Her brother's best friend. The love she once chose over family duties and her responsibilities. The one she asked to leave, and who did. The one who knows the real Ayesha. Torn between a love from the past that could cost her the only person she has left and her sense of obligation to her mother, will Ayesha find the strength to stop thinking about what everyone else wants and finally put herself first? Or is the old Ayesha genuinely gone for good?"

Title: The Wedding Setup
Author: Sonali Dev
Publisher: Amazon Original Stories
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Wedding Setup" by Sonali Dev

My Assessment:

'The Wedding Setup' was a short, sweet light romance of getting the love on the second time around. It seems like all was going well for Ayesha Shetty, then a tragedy happens...her brother dies. For some reason, she was left thinking she needed to change for the sake that her mother needed her. So, what does she do... she sends her friend [Emmett] away, giving up her independence and love. However, Ayesha's best friend Bela, who was getting married, was determined to do something special for her friend. The author did an excellent job in how Bela's wedding becomes the focal point of how the story comes together for Ayesha and Emmett. I don't want to share too much because I think you will enjoy how the story all comes together, as it seems like even Ayesha's mom was aware of certain essential things about her daughter. The story was beautifully set up in how these two find their way back to each other and happiness of finally getting what they wanted, and that was each other.

Wait For Tonight (A Holiday Snack 2) Kindle Edition by Amber Ghe

 Book Excerpt:

"Wait For Tonight is a Holiday Romance, HEA.

Moving into the new year, Chelle Howard is offered a long-term position in Mazatlan, Mexico, to assist with the opening of Design-Build Houzz. She's been on a long road to recovery and believes this position will provide her with a much-needed solace to face her past transgressions.
However, when she realizes she's not going to be alone, Chelle is perturbed but decides to make the best with her unexpected guest—Zentavio Basir.
Knowing Zentavio is a dishonest and resentful man from uncovered truths, trusting him with her heart is her biggest worry to date.
If he could change one thing, it would be writing down his secret…
Zentavio Basir jumps at the opportunity of a lifetime to work abroad and spend time with a woman that intrigues him—Chelle Howard.
Unfortunately for Zentavio, he didn't act fast enough with the pure intention of burying his secret. And after Chelle discovers what he wanted to keep hidden, Zentavio finds himself troubled and overwhelmed but desperate to show Chelle that he is worth redemption."

***Chelle and Zen are spinoff characters from the Mergers & Acquisitions Series. It can be read as a standalone HEA.***

Title: Wait For Tonight
Author: Amber Ghe
Publisher: Hustle & Write Publishing
Series: A Holiday Snack 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Wait For Tonight" by Amber Ghe

My Assessment:

Chelle Howard had a lot going on in her life as 'she's been on a long road to recovery.' But it seems like things are looking up for her as she is 'offered a long-term position in Mazatlan, Mexico, to assist with the opening of Design-Build Houzz.' Everything seems great until Chelle finds out who will be accompanying her on the trip...Zentavio Basir.

What had happened in Basir's life that he kept to himself, and what will happen when Chelle finds out about his secret as she goes snooping around?

How will this work out for them [Chelle and Basir] when everything comes out? Will they be able to deal with it? Also, what all had gone on in Chelle's life that she had overcome? So this is where I say you must pick up this story, and possibly since these characters are from the spinoff from the Merger & Acquisitions Series, maybe take a look at those series to help fully understand this story entirely.

Dirty Takedown : AmBw Standalone Enemies-to-Lovers Romance Kindle Edition By: Amarie Avant

Book Excerpt:

"Amarie Avant presents a steamy, witty romance between a UFC fighter and a kick-ass black heroine!

RENEE RILEY

I'm at the pinnacle of my career, and I don't have time for games.

Not even training matches between the MMA fighters at my family's famous gym.

But when my brother's enemy wipes the floor with him, I want no parts of it.

It's just a game.

Until the muscular god, with intense dark eyes, makes me his enemy too.

I'm ashamed to admit, it's gotten dirty between Jhang and me.

JHANG LI

I'm the king of the octagon and lack a worthy adversary.

I've got a vice-grip on my championship belt.

But when Renee Riley returns to town, I devise a plan to make her family pay for their sins.

The tiny, feisty beauty will be the easiest takedown ever.

I'll worship my enemy's sister for now.

Renee can hate me tomorrow."

Title: Dirty Takedown

Author: Amarie Avant

Publisher: A. A.     

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Five  

Review:

"Dirty Takedown: AmBw Standalone Enemies-to-Lovers Romance" By: Amarie Avant

My Assessment:

The title says it all in how these two Jhang and Renee got together, with the MMA fighter meeting the traveling nurse. From a one-night encounter that was supposed to be just one night, but fate had a way of turning things around for them. This situation was definitely out of the norm for Renee, and it turned out revenge on Jhang's part. Why did Jhang want revenge on this family? You will have to pick up this good read to find out.

  

The author did an excellent job of bringing out Renee's sickle cell situation. Unfortunately, the story ended rather quickly, so I am sure there will be more about this family series, especially Malcolm and maybe even Nicolette. Thank goodness Renee had support from her mom that added calmness to this situation.  

All in all, this was an excellent AMBW read.

Eight Naughty Notes: Baes of Christmas Kindle Edition by Aja

 Book Excerpt:

"Tori Clark knew at a very young age that she'd have to make sacrifices to reach her goals of becoming one of the most trusted Pediatricians in Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, Tori didn't have the luxury of partying, traveling, or even falling in love. But she did, in fact, fall in love with Christian Powers, a man going through his residency training right alongside her. They were both among the best and brightest stars in their program with very few chances to take R&R, but somehow they managed to sneak in a few moments that brought them closer together. With Christian, Tori learned to laugh and cry out in pleasure. However, when Tori receives a reminder of her first passion, she decides to break things off with Christian to preserve herself and her life goals.

Years later, Christian, now a top Pediatric Intensivist, returns to the place of his residency, not only for an opening at the Children's Hospital but also for a second opportunity at love.

Warm-up your holiday with this hot second chance romance.

Tori Clark first appears in For Once; however, you can enjoy her story without reading it."

Title: Eight Naughty Notes
Author: Aja
Publisher: She Loves Words Publishing LLC
Series: Baes of Christmas Series
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
'Eight Naughty Notes' by Aja

My Opinion:

'Eight Naughty Notes' was a sweet holiday read that featured Tori Clark and Christian Powers, seeing them get their second chance at love. This beautiful story stored how Christian didn't give up on whom he wanted in his life. It was so wonderful that many people around Tori knew that something was going on with her as she began to listen and give love a second chance. The story was adorable about these two doctors who worked with children. As they came together, one could see that there was so much love and passion and a beautiful romance, as this author gives her readers.

Where Hope Grows Kindle Edition by Aja

Book Excerpt:

"This is not a romance. I repeat it's not a romance.

Hope Chandler holds the weight of the world on her shoulders. She is a wife and mother of two and the caregiver to an ailing mother fighting an advanced stage of cancer. In the midst of helping her mother with the battle she is fighting, Hope must learn to win the war raging inside herself. The one having trouble believing all things are possible. The one struggling with allowing someone who loves her to hold her through her fears. The battle Hope must win is the one she is fighting with herself.

Where Hope Grows is a story of inspiration, hope, and unfailing love for the people we cherish most in our lives, including ourselves."

Title: Where Hope Grows
Author: Aja
Publisher: She Loves Words Publishing LLC
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Where Hope Grows" by Aja

My Opinion:

'Where Hope Grows' started somewhat sad, but by the end of this short story, it was quite a different story, as it turns out for Hope's mom Marie. I was glad this was a short story because the way the story starts, I am not sure I would have made it through. But, for some reason, Hope felt like she had to do it all even though her mother tried to tell her she would be alright... for Hope to go home and take care of herself and her family. However, it was so good seeing Hope finally realizing and accepting help that had been there for her all along this journey. All she had to do was ask for it.. with Hope having a wonderful husband who was willing to help. And with this doctor giving out a different diagnosis... well, this is where I will stop and say you much pick up this good read and see how well this author gives us a story that one will think of about it long after the read. For this story, the genuineness and realness of what can happen when diagnosed with any disease, especially battling cancer and their caregiver.

 

BACKFIRE - a short story (originally in the 4 Secrets Anthology) Kindle Edition by Brian W. Smith

 Book Excerpt:  

"**Be advised - this short story was originally published in the 4 Secrets Anthology**

Mitchell Victor, a struggling writer, suspects his wife, Tasha, is cheating. His suspicions are confirmed when he snoops through her emails and finds a message from her lover—the Police Chief. The email details the date, place, and time of their next rendezvous. Victor concocts a clever plan to crash their private party. Armed with a gun and a heart filled with rage, he carries out his plan. But, no plan is perfect—and neither is Mitchell’s. As a result, he learns a harsh lesson…never look for trouble unless you’re prepared to handle the secrets that come with it."

Title:  Backfire

Author:  Brian W. Smith

Publisher:  B.W.S.  

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"BackFire" by Brian W. Smith

My Opinion:

'Backfire" will keep your interest from the start till the finish.  The author knew how to give it to the reader, being very intriguing with twists and turns.  The characters gave the reader quite a short storyline with an ending that will have you shaking your head and saying I didn't see that coming definitely I was surprised at that friendship.

Nobody's Replacement (Victory Gospel Short Book 4) Kindle Edition by Tyora Moody

 Book Excerpt:

"Sequel to The Replacement Date: A Short Story (Victory Gospel Short, Book 1)

She’s definitely nobody’s replacement.

Donna Madison has been enjoying a whirlwind romance the past nine months with her childhood friend, Maxwell Anderson. Despite her budding relationship, she has fought to reign in her insecurities. Maxwell had a wife and a family before she entered his life again. The occasional tension between Donna and Maxwell’s teenage daughter painfully reminds her of the Anderson family's devastating loss.

Tensions increase when an unexpected visitor comes to town. The presence of Maxwell’s sister-in-law, a woman who looks hauntingly like his deceased wife, throws Donna for a loop. Will Donna trust God, or will she make a move that she may regret for the rest of her life?"

Title:  Nobody's Replacement

Author:  Tyora Moody

Publisher:  Tymm Publishing LLC             

Series:  Victory Gospel Short Book 4

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Nobody's Replacement" by Tyora Moody

My Opinion:  

I enjoyed 'Nobody's Replacement' that went along the series 'The Replacement date.'  It was nice seeing Donna and Maxwell coming together again; however, there will be, as always, some drama that will enter in, and could you believe it was from Maxwell's deceased wife's half-sister?  Well, Donna will have to go through that problem before it seems to finally work itself out.  I definitely agree that Maxwell should have shared more with Donna about Keri, but as life goes, something just has to work itself out in its own time and place.  Hopefully, it will all turn out OK and be for good.

Owen's Heart Kindle Edition by Theresa Hodge (Author), Shani Greene-Dowdell (Author)

 Book Excerpt:

"She left me, but I never wanted her to go...

He hurt me, so I couldn’t stay.

Rania
I left my hometown of Prattville, Alabama, a while ago. That was until my aunt Mildred needed me to help her at her Café. I didn’t plan to still have feelings for my old boyfriend that I broke up with his senior year of college. I wanted to avoid him, but he didn’t have it.

What do I do when my first love... my only love broke my heart but never mended it?

Owen
The only woman I ever loved came back to me. Rania just doesn’t know it yet. Once upon a time, she was my everything, but she abandoned the love we shared. I won’t let her go a second time. She means the world to me. Rania is the owner of my heart.

What do I do when I come face to face with my one true love?

I grab on and never let go."

Title:  Owen's Heart

Author:  Theresa Hodge & Shani Greene-Dowdell

Publisher:  Theresa Hodge 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review: 

"Owen's Heart" by Theresa Hodge & Shani Greene-Dowdell

My Opinion:  

We find Owen and Raina were college sweethearts until a lie separated them.  Will this be the end for these two?  Well, it seems like Raina will go home to help out with her Aunt Mildred's cafe while she has knee surgery.  Rania goes back to go to Prattville to where her aunt lived, and also we find that Owen also lives there in the area.  Will  Raina and Owen get together to talk out what had happened at the college?  With a little help from Owens's brother, it looks like something good will happen for these two and some help from Raina's friend, Janae. Will Owen get his heart healed after all that had happened?  Well, this is where I say you will have to pick up this sweet short read to see how this story will all come out for Owen and Raina.  

Please Don't Go Kindle Edition by Tesa Erven

 Book Excerpt:

"Sincere Lewis is a young business owner who was lucky to find “the one.” After a short courtship, he and his love were married. Life was good, and he was happier than he ever had been. When tragedy strikes while Sincere is on a cross-country trip, he loses his beloved wife. Unable to cope, he spirals downhill.

During a hospital stay, Dr. Vanessa Stevens, an ambitious therapist, is called in to take on his case. Unable to engage with him, she returns soon to find he’s checked out. An unsolicited home visit reveals he’s not the only family member attempting to handle grief on their own. As the pair work to find common ground, sparks fly, and neither is ready to pursue the meaning.

Will they eventually act on their feelings? Or will they run away from their fears? Find out in the Please Don't Go trilogy."

Title:  Please Don't Go

Author:  Tesa Erven

Publisher:  T.E.  

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Please Don't Go" by Tesa Erven

My Opinion:  

I enjoyed how this story was about Sincere Lewis and Vaness Stevens in how they met up after Sincere's wife's traumatic death.  It was good seeing how in the story, Sincere's mother was finally able to get the help that she needed since her husband's death. Then as the story went on, there seemed to be another character that was finally able to get the help she needed from a stalker.  All in all, this story is quite an emotional read with some suspenseful parts that will keep you turning the pages to see what was coming next.  Get ready for a good, well-written, well-developed, and short read.

Never Knew Love Like This: A Second Chance Romance (Love Bites Book 1) Kindle Edition by Shani Greene-Dowdell

 Book Excerpt:

"They say if you love something, let it go. If it comes back to you, it’s yours. If it doesn’t, then it was never meant to be yours.

Because of a misunderstanding, college sweethearts Ryan Rogers and Chrissy Underwood have torn apart. A year later, they reconnect at Valentine’s Day Masquerade Party. With the lights low, the music humming, and their faces hidden underneath a mask, they’re still able to recognize one another. And the love they once felt is still there and strong as ever. As they sway to the music and reminisce, Ryan can clear up the misunderstanding that forced Chrissy to leave.

However, will Chrissy have the guts to reveal the secret she left town with?"

Title:  Never Knew Love Like This:  A Second Chance Romance

Author:  Shani Greene-Dowdell

Publisher:   Imperial Publishing House      

Series:  Love Bites Book 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"Never Knew Love Like This" by Shani Greene-Dowdell

My Opinion:  

A sweet and short romantic read that featured Chrissy and Ryan.  From the read, these two had great chemistry with some interesting characters in the story.  However, I did get somewhat tired of the heroine where she appeared to be rather childish in her behavior, definitely very immature of a twenty-some-year-old.  When the problems came into play, a lot of it was from childlike immaturity that can happen in any relationship.  Will these two ever be able to talk to one another and get back together?  Well, to find out what all is going on with these two, you will have to pick up 'Never Knew Love Like This' to see how it will come out.  

Here's to Us: An Ali Addition Kindle Edition by Celeste Granger

 Book Excerpt:

"He loves without condition.

She loves with reckless abandon.
With a kiss at midnight comes wedding bells for Naomi Singleton and Tareef Ali.

This story is a bonus to the Brothers Ali Series and ends with a happily ever after."

To read Naomi and Tareef's full story, read Tareef: Brothers Ali Book 4.

Title:  Here's to Us: An Ali Addition

Author:  Celeste Granger

Publisher:  C.G.      

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  5

Review:

"Here's to Us" by Celeste Granger

My Opinion:  

What a beautiful story 'Here's To Us' featuring Naomi Singleton and Tareef Ali.  I loved all of the love shown, dedication, and commitment to the families in this series.  This was a good conclusion to series four: Tareef [The Brothers Ali Books]. Look for a story with a great storyline, well-defined characters, and a hot sexy romance. It was great seeing how their HEA turns out.