Divorce, Interrupted By: Jill James

Title:  Divorce, Interrupted
Author:  Jill James
Publisher: J.J.
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Review:

"Divorce, Interrupted" by Jill James....

What was this novel about?

Book 1 - The Lake Willowbee series

"Newly-divorced Todd and Lisa Miller are stranded at their mountain cabin. There to divide a lifetime of memories, they soon are in danger from more than the anger between them. A vicious storm forces them to rely on each other to survive.

Can they trust the one person they lost belief in? Or are their hearts in danger from more than floods and frigid weather?"

Romance heat level: Hot

Book 2 is Dare To Trust
Book 3 is Defend My Love

What I liked about this novel.....

This was a good read of  about Lisa and Todd who thought their  twenty year marriage  was all over, 'Divorced,' however having to come  together for the weekend  and listening to each other  will  they be able to  reconcile, forgive and move on.  I liked how this author was able to deliver a well written story that showed how second chances  could exit  even after all the drama.  Yes, divorce is a very touchy issue and I thought the story line showed real life problems that can happen in any marriage. I liked how this couple's children tried to help in this story.  The ending well I will just say you much pick up "Divorce, Interrupted" to see how the story ends.

If you are looking for a story of love and forgiveness you have come to the right place for a good read about a second chance.

I Had To Do It By: Mrs. T. Nichole

Title:  I Had To Do It
Author:  Ms. T. Nicole
Publisher:  Ms.T.N.
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"I Had To Do It" by Ms. T. Nicole....

What was this novel about?

"Follow Bridget as she copes with the devastating discovery of her husband, high powered attorney Paul Moody betrayal- a family bond is torn, friendships advance, and fear is always lurking. Is Bridget strong enough to survive...will she survive?"

What I thought about this read....

This author did a wonderful job with this well written short quick read.  This heroine(Bridget) was really put in a very delicate situation that turned out simply horrible for her where she will be found in many twist and turns before the end of this story.  This is not a predictable story as you will see from the read.  This author really knows how to keep your attention because once you start reading "I Had To Do It" I couldn't put it down until I had finished reading it.  I don't want to spoil any of this story line other than say you must pick up the novel and read it for yourself.  Once you start reading you will see how, why, where and what of this novel.  Be ready for a read of a husband (ex)(Paul),  a family member(cousin) and a boyfriend(James) whatever can really put Bridget through some of  it all.  Be ready for a page turner with of a lots of  drama, romance, mystery, suspense and some real crazy people.' 

What I especially liked about this read...

The characters were all a interesting ,memorable bunch of people that were richly developed, well portrayed that seemed to come alive on the pages especially Bri's sorority sisters.  In the end we will be left with a cliff hanger where we will have to wait for this author's part two to see how this will end for Bridget.  This is definitely one novel that I would recommend.  Well done to the author!

Disconnected By J. Cafesin

Title:  Disconnected
Author:  J. Cafesin
Publisher:  Entropy Press
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Disconnected" by J. Cafesin ....

What was this novel about?

"Ever drank too much, ate too much, indulged in excess? Ever fall for someone you knew you shouldn't?

Rachel was an artist, an obsessive, straddling the line of addiction. She sought what most women did—to be successful, married and in love, have healthy kids. It was hard enough attracting a man when she wasn't heroin thin and perfectly chic like most L.A. women, sparkly but not too bright, as her mother insisted females need be. But in the 1990s, finding a man looking for an equal partner, wanting a woman beside him instead of behind him, seemed the impossible dream.

Then along came Lee…

Disconnected is an L.A. story, an addicting contemporary romance that never should have been, and like the city itself embodies a very sharp edge."


What I liked from this read....

All I can say is this author really told the reader quite a interesting story.  It was really interesting seeing how this author would bring it all out in this well written script.  It was really interesting how this author was able to incorporate the 'LA life....with the 'Rodney King' riots into this well detailed read.   The heroine (Rachel) was really committed to her stand...putting it out their just what she wanted in her life..."to be successful, married, in love, and have healthy kids."  Then Rachel meets Lee.  Will Lee be all that Rachel wants and needs in her life?  Was Rachel Lynn to have all of this and just when will she did she realize before its to late for her if this would even be for her?   The characters in this novel were all richly well developed, well portrayed, where each one seemed to come alive on the pages.  I did find Rachel's family quite a interesting bunch...the father, mother and sister.  I will say they were not my favorite characters.  I will say it took me a minute or two understanding Rachel Lynn thought patterns  but in the end I was able to  understand it more clearly.  Be ready for a read of a little of it all... romance, family relationships, drugs,  realism, and definitely self worth.  Now, I don't want to give away too much away other than say you must pick this read up and see how this author will bring it all out to the reader. 

What I especially liked about the read...

'Disconnected" was a  well captivating powerful story line and once you start reading it will be  hard to put down until the end.  In the end will Rachel will she be able to move on with her life alone
having a different mirror of herself...definitely disconnecting?  Again you will have to read it to see!

Ride to Restoration (Ride Series Book 2) By D.J. Wilson

Title:  Ride to Restoration (Ride Series Book 2
Author:  D. J. Wilson
Publisher:  Riscatto Publishing
Series: Ride Series Book 2
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Ride to Restoration" by D.J. Wilson....

What was this novel about?

"In this second book, D learns that paying it forward is not without costs, toss in Candi Parker, the girl of D’s dreams gone rogue, along with vivacious Victoria Lawson, attorney at law, who willingly steps in to fill Candi’s thong, and D’s hilarious misadventures continue across Canada. Reality sets in and the bullets begin to fly just two days after he returns to the states.

D sends Victoria away to keep her out of harm’s way, before tackling his real life demons, aka A.J. Standford, the Ponzi scheming banker who has a bounty on D’s head, and Candi’s extended family, the Gambinos, who will profit from his demise.

The romantic side of the story poses multiple questions: Will D settle for Victoria after being royally screwed by Candi or will his feelings for Candi propel him back into her life and the crime family’s ongoing chaos? Will Candi take back her sleazy ex-husband Joseph or will she somehow manage to break with her powerful family and come crawling back to D’s loving arms?

With all of this going on, there’s bound to be hell to pay sooner rather than later. Like momma always said, “When you play with fire, you’re gonna get burned.”

What I liked from this novel....

First of all I will say I think it is best to read 'Ride to Redemption' book one of this author's novels before reading this one because it will explain a lots that continues on in this read 'paying it forward" 'Ride to Restoration.'  Get ready for a read with a little bit of it all and you will have to keep up with it because it is easy to get lost especially who is who? This author uses a lots of narratives  along with some subconscious thoughts of the different characters.  The chapters will jump around from one area to another as this author will lead you  on a long ride as we visit with Candice, Joseph, Victoria, and D(Jon David).  Be ready for a journey of steamy sex scenes, traveling...riding the motorcycle, romance, hunts, bantering between them  and even beautiful scenery described in  this read  as you will  'play it forward' throughout the read. So, will we learn what is going on with "that diamond story that's flooding the news channels that was making instant millionaires to so many people?" How will V come out of all of this mess he has gotten himself in...with Candi and V? Be prepared for a long read because this author will not leave anything out in his seventy some chapters. 

What I also  liked from this read...

The main and secondary characters were really off the chart... all very interesting, well developed and even believable as the reader gets many sides of them as you read about their present and future. 
I liked the feeling of being able to seem that you were there with each of them.  This was definitely a unique way of deliverance of a read given to us by the author.  The are a lots of questions to all of the Ponzi scheming  that is brought out in the read.  I don't want to give any of this good story away so you will just have to pick up 'Ride to Restoration' to see how this author will bring it all out to the readers.  Believe me it will be one  interesting ride!  Now, I will say a little something about the ending...yes, you will be left having to wait and see what's next in this author's  Ride Series... Book 3  'Ride to Retribution.'

Closing Books By Trisha Grace

Title:  Closing Books
Author:  Trisha Grace
Publisher:  T.G.
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Closing Books" by  Trisha Grace...

What was this novel about?

* * * New Edition: 29 Aug 2013 * * * Reworked into Christian-based book * * *

"The traditional role of man and woman becomes twisted with Dan and Evelyn.

Dan wasn't a playboy. He didn't have any commitment issues. In fact, he wanted it all. Relationship and family. Only problem? He wanted it with someone who didn't want anything to do with him.

Evelyn didn't fool around in relationships because she had never been in one. She was certain that things like love and happily-ever-afters weren't meant for people like her. There was simply too much darkness in her past.

A past she thought she'd buried.

But she was wrong.

After more than a decade, her nightmare returned to haunt her, forcing her to face up to memories she couldn't seem to shake.

Could she ever close the books to her past and let go of the horrors she had been through? Could she ever learn to trust again?"
 and more.... from the author.....

"This is the second book in the Ghost of the Past series by Trisha Grace, I brought to you yesterday book one Moving On yesterday. This continues the story of the group that is made up of Tyler and Kate, (first book) and then this one focuses on Evelyn and Dan, but you still get Lydia (Kate’s sister), Ryan, Joseph, Marianne, and Mr. Sawyer who play a major part in the first and second books. I will say this one had a lot more dark aspects to it. It brings up subjects such as rape, murder, attempted murder, and kidnapping. Some of which happen to characters that you love. It also has some blackmail and splashes of the evil past that Evelyn went through as a child. It opens up your eyes to why her character is the way it is. You understand all things Evelyn by the time this book ends. You also start to see what kind of man Dan is, he is a true hero in this book. He doesn’t give up on her and that is just what Evelyn needs. It gives you glimpse of what can happen if you let go of your past. It’s much easier to live the way you do because of your past instead of letting go of that past and living the way you ought to. I hope Ryan get’s his story soon, after what he went though in this book he needs someone who understands him. I hope that you all take your time and read this really great series, that in my opinion just keeps getting better. Oh and there are a few surprises regarding Kate and Tyler that you wont want to miss if you have read the first one."

What I received from this read.....

One thing is for sure...the author knows how to get and keep your attention.  Yes, I read this author's book... Ghost of the Past Book 1 and I am so glad I did because it really helped me understand a little more of what was going on in this author's next book... "Closing  Books."  Now, first of all I will say this read is a very dark read that has some issues with rape, child abuse, human trafficking, torture, blackmail, attempted murder and kidnapping, so if this is not your kind of read maybe you had better stop now!  If not,  then welcome to this author's masterful well written captivating story.  The story may be a little hard to understand at the beginning especially if you haven't read the first book by this author but if you stick with the read it will finally let you figure who everyone is and how they fit in the story.    I was really caught up with this authors vivid descriptions of her characters.  The main characters Dan and Evelyn were very well developed,  colorful, authentic, well portrayed and definitely believable.   There were some other characters  such as Tyler and Kate  who were very interesting and I will stop here and not give any of the story away other than say you to pick up this good read and see for yourself how this author brings it all out about what all is  truly going  on with Evelyn and Dan in this this well plotted story.  Many questions will be answered such as why, what, how and even who as you read "Closing Books."  This author first book left us with a cliff hanger...and I will say I never expected how this read turned out.    

 

Under His Skin By: Sidney Bristol

Title:  Under His Skin
Author: Sidney Bristol
Publisher:  Ellora's Cave
Series: So Inked # 1
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Review:

"Under His Skin" by Sidney Bristol

What is this novel all about?

A woman who doesn’t believe she deserves love…

Toe-curling kisses and enough sex to fill a weekend were all Pandora wanted from a fling with her teenage crush. She’s never forgotten how he played the knight in shining armor to her damsel in distress. She’s ready to say thank you in several naughty ways, so long as she can walk away when it’s over with her heart intact.

A man...more "A woman who doesn’t believe she deserves love…

Toe-curling kisses and enough sex to fill a weekend were all Pandora wanted from a fling with her teenage crush. She’s never forgotten how he played the knight in shining armor to her damsel in distress. She’s ready to say thank you in several naughty ways, so long as she can walk away when it’s over with her heart intact.

A man moving on from tragedy…

Brian has no intention of allowing the feisty tattoo artist to leave him after one taste. He hasn’t had enough of her inked curves. The packaging might have changed, but Pandy is the woman he hasn’t been able to excise from his memory. He’s ready to put together a new life, one that includes her. But he’s not the only one vying for her attention. Someone else wants her, dead or alive."


What I got out of this read....

Who would have thought that Brian would find someone of his pass(after ten years) during this Convention to give him a tattoo that would be a memorial to his lost band mates.  Then Brian spends the weekend with Pandora (tattoo artist) and it seems for a while everything seemed to go alright for these two.  However, Pandora and Brian both had some pasted troubles that were presenting itself having been scarred physically, emotionally and even some secrets.  I don't want to leave out the chemistry of the steamy and hot sexy erotic scenes that were off the chart!  Now, to get past all of these issues is their a villain out there who has other plans for Pandora and her business?  I found this a interesting read seeing this heroine come to terms with her past and learn to trust and support Brian.  

What I liked about this novel...

I like how this author brings out the suspense along with the romance and you will be lead to wonder will their be any happiness between Pandora and Brian.  To get it all you will have to pick up this good read "Under His Skin" to see how this author will bring it all out to the readers.  You will definitely find yourself rooting for these two main characters.  Also the secondary characters ...Kellie, Autumn and Mary were all supporting and well developed which only helped give the reader a well written novel.  I really liked how the author headed the chapter with an important tattoo definition that related to each chapter. 

Overall Impression...

So, my overall impression of  "Under His Skin" was a  good drama,  mystery, suspenseful  romance novel that  I would recommend  to you as a good read that will leave you wanting the next novel by this author. 









 

This Ain't A Love Story: Rock City II By: K'Aliyah Knight

Title:  This Ain't A Love Story:  Rock City 2
Author: K'Aliyah Knight
Publisher:  Alana's Book Line
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"This Ain't A Love Story:  Rock City 2" by K'Aliyah Knight

What was the novel about?

"Enter Rock City. Drugs, hustlers, youngbloods, OGs, and the beautiful women that…feel something like love for them. Y'all met the crew in "A Crazy Hood Love" so you know their full of drama. It had you all #TeamRico&Rockwell, but "This Ain't A Love Story" Who team will you be on Now?


There's a thin line between d*ck dizzy and love. Don't cross it. That’s the motto.
27 year old Leelee has never been in love. Don't get it twisted tho, this dark beauty can break necks when she walks past. And her husband, Marcel, puts in the type of work that makes all the chicks delirious. That’s just it. She's tired of his dog ways so any other d*ck will do. Now she's on a mission. She ain't looking for love she just want some sex. Will the dudes in the H put their fear of Marcel to the side to get a taste of her good?

On the opposite end of the spectrum is her niece, Rockwell, who knows she has found love. Matter fact, her boyfriend comes from a rich family and is on the path to being a doctor. Then enters Rico, From the moment she met him at age twelve, Rico had her heart. Whenever he’s near, she can’t be without him. Leelee has warned her to separate love from sex. The warning signs she gets when Rico's around, and her gut feeling that he hasn't knocked the hustle, still can't help her from falling... Will Rockwell play the title "This Ain't A Love Story" and fall in love or will she take Leelee' advice and wear her heart on her sleeve."

What I thought about this novel....

Well, I liked this novel much more than the first one...'A Crazy Hood Love Story: Rock City.'  I don't know why but I was able to understand this one so much more.  Once I started reading I wasn't able to put it down until the end...and then I was left wanting more!  The two main characters Rock and Rico are simply amazing characters along with Big Bo, LeeLee,  Marcel and Blu  to name a few.  This author did a wonderful job at being able grab the reader and hold your attention because there will be a lots going on in this dramatized story. 

My overall impression....

If you are looking for a good urban novel with lots of  drama and lots of twist and turns... you have come to the right place.  Be ready for a read full of  lies, infidelity, shadiness and even some love that leaves one to say  is  'WoW, that was a ending that will leave you wanting more from the next novel to see how in the world  this all with end!