Unexpected By: Aja and Roy Glenn

Title:  Unexpected
Authors:  Aja and Roy Glenn
Publisher:  She Loves Words Publishing
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  4
Review:

"Unexpected" by Aja and Roy Glenn...
 

Maya Taylor has been left stung by the arrow of love one too many times for her liking. Swearing off heartache she decides that the staid and boring life is just fine for her. But a well-meaning friend points out that she isn’t really living at all and helps Maya embark on a journey with a new attitude. This leads to a chance encounter with a handsome gentleman that is all about living in the moment.

Roman Newsome has constantly been on the search for the perfect woman. She needs to look beautiful, have something to talk about other than herself and be able to keep up with his prowess in bed. But having found out that most women pretend to have it all only to reveal their true unappealing colors, he’s decided the perfect woman must not exist. Until he meets Maya. . .

Can these two fundamentally different people make their romance work? Will he settle his spirit long enough to realize that “perfect” really just means, perfect for him? And will Maya accept that she has to take a chance at love in order to truly live her life.

What happens between them may just be . . . unexpected.

What I liked about "Unexpected" was that it was a good short romantic story and once you start reading you will find it hard to put down until the end and oh my what a ending!  I loved how the these author was able to give the reader a good sweet story of Maya and Roman who had both been through bad relationships.  It was   quite interesting that "Unexpected" was so very relatable in today's world where you will find these two people who were both accountants being able to come to a resolution to their issues, talking to one another and in so finding....  but  before that will happen we will see from the read where  Maya's pass hasn't been lucky in love situations and then we will also  see from the read that even Roman  has had some problems too. Getting this all figured out will be interesting read. 

In His Eyes By Nina Pierce

Title:  In His Eyes
Author:  Nina Pierce
Publisher:  Seaside Publications
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 4.5
Review: 

"In His Eyes" by Nina Pierce was one scary suspenseful thriller read!  I was kept saying wow, I didn't see that one coming all the way through this well paced intense mystery read.  I read it in one setting because I wasn't able to stop reading "In His Eyes" until the very end.   I will say up front that several times I thought I know who this serial killer was but this author really knows her stuff at keeping the reader at bay guessing with there being so many twist and turn...points of views coming from all directions.  So, as I read "In His Eyes"  there is a search for a serial killer , a couple  is also trying to repair a marriage (Maggie & Alex Callaghan) and a obsessed FBI agent is on the line for possibly losing his job while he is hunting  for this serial killer. 

What I liked about "In His Eyes"

I felt this novel was more  of a psychological suspense rather an a romance so if you are looking for a sexy romance this isn't the case.  Now,  I believe there was a little romance but believe me it wasn't under the main plot in this thriller read.  I  found the characters  for this novel very interesting even well developed  but somewhat confusing in being able to  keep up with.   But as I was able to continue to read I did find a certain patterns that was taken that finally help me understand just what all was going on and with whom. That was simply one of those  ha ha moments for me because I had to reread several chapters again for understanding of the character development!  I did find the FBI wrap up was some what too rushed and fast  for me leaving quite a few questions that I needed to be answered questions on who did it.    I will say this author really worked her magic and certain degrees in keeping me (the reader) deceived on just who this killer was... always there throwing a curve balls keeping me  guessing.  This read was full of suspense and  definitely a thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.  If you are a suspense lover you have come t the right place for "In His Eyes" will give it to you and more and with that being said I would definitely recommend this worth while novel to you. 

I will say this is my first read by this author  Ms. Pierce and was glad to have met her in a Night Owl chat room where she featured her novel "In His Eyes."    I  found this novel a well written script that presented many surprises, twist and turns that continued until the end. 






                                   

Under My Thumb By: Abby Reynolds

Title:  Under My Thumb [Serenade Series #1]
Author:  Abby Reynolds
Publisher: A.R.
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Review:

"Under My Thumb" by Abby Reynolds was definitely one of those novels that would keep your interest as well as attention  due to so much was going on in this unique story. I will say up front be ready for a rather long story and I hate to spoil it for you...you will not get a ending (left hanging) so  you will have to pick up the next series  for that part of the 'Serenade Series.'  Now, with that being said I liked the story line of "Under My Thumb" by this author showing how the hero and heroine )Pru and Cash) had both been hurt  in the past and now being brought together only...will they fall in love?  The story seems  to alternate between these two main characters and it was interesting seeing this relationship develop and wondering if they will ever just talk to each other and telling how each one feels.  The characters in this novel were all over the place...many flawed at times...others were more well developed, liked and maybe even believable but all mostly being so well portrayed only helping to give this novel some uniqueness in the read that will keep your attention for wanting to know what was going to happen next. I loved this author's presentation of the steamy love scenes where the hero and heroine will develop a friendship and fall in love but will that be enough for Pru?  For a billionaire and a rock star ...two people who weren't supposed to fall in love, however who knows when the heart knows differently. 

"Under My Thumb" was a good story told with portraying a little of it all.. 'friendships, losses, trust
and love.'  Would I recommend  this novel?  Yes!

Quick No-Cook Low Carb Recipes (Low Carb Reference) By: Lisa Shea

Title:  Quick No-Cook Low Carb Recipes (Low Carb Reference)
Author:  Lisa Shea
Publisher:  Minerva Webworks LLC
Series:  Low Carb Reference
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Quick No-Cook Low Carb Recipes (Low Carb Reference)" by Lisa Shea...

"This 112-page book on Quick No-Cook Low Carb Recipes features 42 recipes ranging from easy cheese-plate ideas that any college student or after-school kid can try to more advanced recipes like tuna tartare which involve more complex flavors. Explore a new recipe every day for a month and expand your menu choices!

This book provides easy ideas for preparing quick, healthy meals that you will love. Every recipe can be made without cooking. If you've only got five minutes, this book has the answer. Kids who want to eat healthy can make these dishes without any cooking. Whether you're at an office without a microwave or living in a college dorm, you can make these healthy foods to keep your body energized and happy.

These recipes are perfect in power failures and other no-power, no-stove, no-microwave situations! As long as your e-reader works, you're all set! Perfect as part of your emergency kit.

In addition to the recipes, all of my low carb books provide appendices which explain how to successfully manage a low carb diet.

Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions! I frequently update all my low carb books based on your recommendations."

What I liked from the read....I found this  was a good read for helping with tracking your low carbs.  I liked the presentation...of what  you can do with an egg, tuna, and many other items such as cheese. From simply ingredients and lots of information on ...what, how to do with  celery, olives, low cal. mayonnaise, low carb tortilla, lettuce, cottage cheese, mozzarella balls in oil, nuts in the correct portions, salads, Cole slaw, Ginger Salad Dressing, Spinach, humus and all the way to good salads as well.  Then there are vegetables, bean sprouts to even  pickles were added.  I did like the list of carb counts for a lots of vegetable that I use some even daily.  Juicing was interesting for me because I do have one but haven't use it lately. Smoothies that provide great fiber, protein and Vitamin C are so easily made.  Then I like the introduction of dips and sauces that are so easy to make and even learned about making guacamole dip using  'Edamame.'  I enjoyed the salsa recipe...that was so easy to make. Being told to eat nitrate free turkey, ham and roast beef are good for you along with tuna fish and  shrimp and cocktail sauce was also discussed. For deserts  the Berry Plate  were really quite interesting to make along with Cheese Plates.  I loved this  quote "It's time for us to regain control over our time by connecting with fresh, healthy eating styles"  and this can only be done by each one of us watching what we eat.  The last portion of this book  talked about 'carbohydrates' being one of the four main types of energy that our  body needs  in order to physically burn for fuel also explaining fats, proteins and alcohols.    The summary toward the end dealt with low carb food list, meat/fish, vegetables, fruits, milk, dairy and eggs, nuts and seeds.  When stocking in your low carb pantry you need to clean out the junk food!  OK, my ice cream has to go!   So, to sum it up...things to have in the house is water, lots of cheese, greens and broccoli, (snacking veggies), fresh meat...with nitrates.  Also Vitamins are needed  in your daily diet. This author even went on to explain about low carb spices...I was happy to see I had quite a few of those already in my cabinet. This was interesting...having slow music can even reduce your appetite...wow!  I will try that!  And then the last point given by this author: Reduce Stress to Reduce  Carb Cravings... I found was a interesting read because I really need to reduce stress as well as my carbs. 

When I first started reading "Quick No-Cook Low Carb Recipes (Low Carb Reference)" I wasn't sure just what I would be getting from the low carb recipes and all  but I will truly say after reading and thinking about it,  I thought this read was well written by this author.  This author goes into a lot of details and I was made to feel that by  reading this book  it will help me and maybe even you if you are in need to lower your low carbs intake.  Thank you to the author for an inspiring read!

Shattered Imperfections: Miss Perfect Part II (The Shaw Family Saga Finale) By Nicole Dunlap

Title:  Shattered Imperfections: Miss Perfect Part II
Author:  Nicole Dunlap
Publisher: N.D.
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:
 
"Shattered Imperfections:  Miss Perfect Part II (The Shaw Family Saga Finale) by Nicole Dunlap...
 
"Nobody is perfect. Through the scandalous family lies that bind them all together the Shaw women have survived. Four generations of women have tackled ups and downs: now, Annette is perfectly comfortable wither life. Charlene has tasted the bittersweet notes of success. Raven is preparing for the wedding of a century, and a life rich in love afterward. Beautiful, young Royael has all the pleasures of a princess…
While Dallas is in uproar over a gruesome rape-homicide, a lead Detective transforms into the ultimate stalker. A hitman lurks nearby. And death will surely come. The list of those wanting vengeance has reached its peak, but the Bible says that “God will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.”
Take one last roller coaster ride with the Shaw and Devereux families. Will there be rest for these souls?"

 What I enjoyed from the novel....

This was one excellent read that I wasn't able to stop reading until the end.  This author really knows how to connect this series along with the first one that left the reader not needing anything else but to
except that this was the 'The Shaw Family Saga Finale.'  This novel was so well written bringing the four Shaw ladies (Annette, Charlene, Raven and Royael) going from the grandmother, mother, daughter to granddaughter... all together with each one having their own story that was told and the reader being able to get a closure for each one of these characters. It was beautifully done!  I will say that the characters in this series were simply off the chart good...well there were a few that will cause one to wonder about but for the most part by the end of this novel it all came together so well in all of that drama that was presented.  At this point that I would suggest you get this author's whole series to  get the realness of the  series.  "Shattered Imperfections: Miss Perfect Part II" the finale was definitely not one of those predictable reads because when you think you have it figured out this author found a way to bring it all out quite different to the reader.  I found that ending of this novel was some unique ending keeping you on the edge of your seat.  That ending turned out differently only leaving me only to say that was very  well done Ms. Dunlap.  I found 'Shattered Imperfections" was one journey that proved that these Shaw Ladies could  and did make it through a rough road.  Well done to the author and thank you for giving the readers an excellent series and especially the finale.

Thirty Days Have September By: Bibi Paterson

Title:  Thirty Days Have September
Author: Bibi Paterson
Published By: Bronwyn Paterson
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Review:

"Thirty Days Have September" by BiBi Paterson

Set in London and Brighton, Thirty Days is a fabulously provocative romance series that gives you a very steamy love affair between a hot guy and an unsure heroine, baked goods and some rather unexpected twists and turns along the way.

Shy and unassuming, Abigail James loves to bake. She dreams of opening her own dessert café but instead she spends her days working as a data analyst and sneaking in her cakes as the company’s ‘diet assassin’ on the side.

Taylor Hudson, the enigmatic owner of Hudson International, has been captivated by Abby’s innocence and quiet charm since the day she started working for the company. However, his history with women is marred by personal circumstances and he has vowed to stay away.

A chance meeting sees Abby’s world turned upside down when, drawn in by Taylor’s chocolate brown eyes and unexpected kindness, she starts on a journey of attraction that will see her heart and soul laid bare.

While their attraction is mutual, both Abby and Taylor have their own inner demons that they need to overcome if their relationship can move forward for them to find their own happily ever after.

Due to the nature of the content this book is intended for mature audiences.

What I liked from the read....

"Thirty Day Have September" may have started similar to 'Fifty Shades' starting off but it wasn't and the more I read there were many surprises that came from this novel. Be prepared to be on a emotional ride where you may even tear up a bit from some of the chapters. I thought this novel was very intriguing and was well written producing a enjoyable read with some hot, steamy heat wrenching moments. This novel was really interesting of it being produced in a thirty day concept of twist and turns telling this story. The characters for the most part will keep your attention in this story line and keep you turning the pages till the end. I was sad at the end which was done brilliantly.. only you will soon find that the story left you hanging for the next novel. 

Heat Wave By: Adriana Kraft

Title:  Heat Wave (Riders Up #2)
Author:  Adriana Kraft
Publisher:  B & B Publications
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Heat Wave" by Adriana Kraft ...

"During an oppressive Iowa summer of drought and farm foreclosures, widowed Maggie Anderson makes a bold decision: She’ll merge her love of horses and her family’s three hundred and twenty acres into a horse farm and try her hand at nearby Prairie Meadows Race Track, where racing purses have just been augmented by the recently added casino gambling.

Down on his luck after being falsely accused in a racing scandal and banned from training, former Arlington Race Track trainer Ed Harrington has skulked home to Des Moines to drown his sorrows and wait for the dust to clear. He’s unprepared for the piercing robin’s-egg-blue eyes of pint-sized Maggie Anderson, who finds him at a flophouse and offers him a job. Can he pull himself together and meet the challenge?

As the two forge a tumultuous working partnership, they soon discover someone is out to get Maggie’s farm and will stop at almost nothing to force her off the land. Can they find and stop the culprit before someone is killed? Can they survive the far greater danger unleashed by the raw passion simmering just beneath the surface of their relationship?"

What I simply loved from reading 'Heat Wave'

This was a story of two people who were in  need of something...for Maggie not losing her family farm and taking care of her two children and for Ed after being falsely accused of cheating was band from racetracks had turned to the bottle (alcohol).  How these authors were able to bring it all together was really turned out to be a awesome read.  I really enjoyed how Maggie was a go getter not letting anyone stop her from what was important of her.  Ed with his personal problems had only tried to drown his sorrow away but after being offered a job would this give  him something else to think about?   It was very interesting seeing these two people learn to trust each other and even more for one of the Maggie's children to see that one of these people really could be trusted. 

The characters in 'Heat Weave' were really off the chart good...there were many showing to be well developed, rounded, colorful, believable and all in all being down right well portrayed giving the reader one fantastic read with many twist and turns. One of my favorite characters other than Maggie and Ed was Ben Templeton.  I will stop there not wanting to give too much away. 

"Heat Wave" was definitely one of those reads that will be hard to put down because these authors has given the reader such a intriguing and captivating mystery  read of who is trying to get Maggie's property. I found myself laughing out loud at some parts of the read to even becoming  very intense with other parts leaving me  wondering what and who had caused that situation to have happened.  But in the end...well this will be the time to say you will have to pick up the good read to see how it will be brought out to you.

My overall view:

"Heat Wave" by Adriana Kraft was not only  one well written  researched read but if you are into horse racing this is a read for you.  This read was definitely one of those that will give you a lots of  information not only the love of  horse racing but also the inside track of it all.  Very well done to the authors!