Wedding Bells in Christmas By: Debbie Mason

Book Description....

To have and to hold from this day forward...

"Wedding bells are ringing in the charming town of Christmas, but not for Vivian Westfield. She's just had her heart trampled under the cowboy boots of Chance McBride and lost her dream job at a big-city newspaper. But when she returns for a wedding, she stumbles on a story that could resurrect her career. First, though, she'll have to deal with the handsome man standing in her way... and a still-burning flame that's too hot to ignore.

Chance recognizes trouble when he sees it. He just didn't expect to find it in the first-class cabin on the flight home for his father's wedding. Yet there she is, as gorgeous as ever. Vivi dared Chance to want things he knew he could never have. It's why he left her. But Christmas's meddling matchmakers have them firmly in their sights. So if they want to survive the next week, they'll have to play the part of an adoring couple—an irresistible charade that may give them a second chance at the real thing..."

Title:  Wedding Bells in Christmas
Author:  Debbie Mason
Publisher:  Forever
Series:  Christmas Colorado # 4
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Wedding Bells in Christmas" by Debbie Mason

What I liked about this novel...

What I liked about this novel... was even though this was a  fourth in the series... Christmas, Colorado, it was a  wonderful standalone read that you were able to understand all that was going on in this town called Christmas, Colorado.  The storyline has two main characters Vivi and Chance
however, the reader will soon discover that there are several stories in this novel that will keep you turning the pages to discover that you will encounter some romance, suspense, crime and even maybe a murder, second chance at love all happening in this fast paced read  at this town called Christmas.  I did find that once I got into the read I found it hard to put down with all of the interesting characters.  What will happen now that Vivi is now back in Christmas for a wedding and since loosing her dream newspaper job, now planning to stay and run the local newspaper and now  that Chance is back in Christmas for his father's wedding and is in  the picture...what all will happen with these two?

I loved how the author presents the story dealing with what had happened with Chance and his on and off relationship with Vivi. Will these two be able to save their ambivalent feelings which are definitely there for each other.  What I also found so very interesting was how the town people helped in the matchmaking of these two?  Will they be able to have a second chance at the real thing this time?  To get all of these answers you will have to pick up the good read "Wedding Bells in Christmas" to see for yourself how this author brings it all out to the reader.

Home To You By: Robin Kaye

Book Description....

"From the award-winning author of the Bad Boys of Red Hook series, a new novel about finding love where you least expect it…

Jackson Sullivan III has always lived up to his uncle’s expectations, until his career is sidelined, leaving him lost and in need of a retreat to his family’s cabin. But his solitude is interrupted by a beautiful visitor whose combative feelings about the Sullivans lead Jax to a surprising declaration: he pretends to be someone else.

Though she hasn't seen the privileged scion since she was a child, Kendall Watkins hates everything Jackson Sullivan represents. She should know: her parents have managed the Sullivan estate for years. In need of her own peace and quiet, she heads to the cabin, never expecting to come face to face with the most handsome man she’s ever met. Soon stranded by a violent nor’easter, Jax and Kendall end up sharing more than they dreamed. But Jax knows that when the storm clears, his true identity will be revealed, and Kendall will be left with a betrayal that may be too great to forgive…"

Title:  Home To You
Author:  Robin Kaye
Publisher:  Signet
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Home To You" by Robin Kaye

What I liked about this novel...

What was there not to like in this story of Kendall and Jack in the author's new series?  This author gives us a sweet story of two people in Harmony, New Hampshire with one hiding his identity.  Now, why was that?  We find that both of these two people had some real problems of there own.  What will happen when they come together and there seems to be intense chemistry between the two however, when the truth comes out and Kendall discovers who Jack really is what happens next.  I liked how this author was able to give the reader a rather intensed story that will keep you turning the pages to see what will go on next for these two.  The hero and heroine in this story were very fascinating and interesting that will keep you turning the pages where you will find that each one of these characters have some wounds that needs are in need of some help.  Will they be able to get this from each other after all is said and opened?   I did like the way this author presented  them sharing with one another especially at the beginning when they really didn't know that much about each other
but as things progress will there be issues [secrets] that  gets in the way of their relationship?   "Home To You" was definitely a read of two people who had gone through and had some hard blows in their life's.  I did find the read rather slow paced at times that left me wondering about that, however, I could see how this author was building the plots and creating this relationship.  By the end these two characters will have to make some very important decisions and with saying that  you the reader must pick up this good read to see for yourself just what that decision  will be for these two.

Hot Summer Nights By: Lisa Marie Perry

Book Description...

"California's hottest resort just got hotter

Recently promoted to executive chef of California's hottest high-end resort, free-spirited Gabrielle Royce is ready for anything…except the gorgeous stranger who bursts into her kitchen. Despite her hands-off policy, Gabby's intrigued—until she discovers he's record mogul Geoffrey Girard, one of LA's most eligible bachelors. Now the man who always gets what he wants has decided he wants her.

It was a long road from the inner city to Beverly Hills, and Geoffrey has never forgotten his humble roots. Gabby is a refreshing change from the material girls who always pursue him. And the sensual night they share only makes him hungry for more. Then he uncovers her secret. As a series of accidents plague the Belleza Resort, Geoffrey has to choose: walk away or entrust his future to the woman who has transformed his life."

Title:  Hot Summer Nights

Author:  Lisa Marie Perry

Publisher:  Harlequin Kimani
Series:  California Deserts Dreams 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Hot Summer Nights" by Lisa Marie Perry

What I liked about this novel...

Wow, what a well written story that this author gives the readers. I found this story was somewhat predictable however there will be some twist and turns that will really will  have the reader do on the edge of your seat wondering what is coming next.  I found "Hot Summer Nights" a contemporary romance about [Gabrielle]Gabby and Geoffrey.  I loved how this author brings these two people together..with Geoffrey thinking Gabby was a waitress instead of an executive chef of this resort. Now why was that?  With Gabby trying to do it all  but will she be ready for what Geoffrey wants to offer her?  What was it about Gabby that Geoffrey was so intrigued with?  Will she be able to handle these feelings that she has for Geoffrey or will she keep herself in the shell that she seems to have been in for quite a while? I found the characters in this read were for the most part well developed, defined and believable giving the reader a interesting read.  Truly friends like Gabby has with Robyn, and Kimberly really added to this wonderful story and I will not forget the some of the staff employees.  I will say I didn't care for Gabby's family at all and that is all I have to say about that!

By the time I got to the ending  of this read I was however left wondering is there more to come of this story especially after the strange phone call that was received?  Well, I guess we will just have to wait and see!

I was gifted this read for my honest opinion.

Love VS Trust 2 By Ms. T. Nicole

Book Description...

"When I give you my time, I’m giving you a portion of my life that I will never get back. Please don’t make me regret it….
Come back on this ride with Erica as she search for the truth on what’s really going on with her husband Richard. After reconnecting with her sisters Ebony and Elise, Erica is finding her voice and learning the true meaning of Love VS Trust. What will happen when love is tested, and bonds are broken? Can it be mended, will this marriage last? With death always lurking; sometimes, love is blind, and will have you sleeping with the enemy, or is he the enemy? Does Richard love Erica? Do Erica trust Richard? Let’s find out the answers as we embark on this journey of Love VS Trust 2."



Title:  Love VS Trust 2
Author:  Ms. T. Nicole
Publisher:  Pleasure Principle Publications
Series:  Love VS Trust Book 2
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Love VS Trust 2 by Ms. T. Nicole

What I loved about this novel....

I loved the way this author was able to keep the reader on the edge of their seats turning the pages to see what was coming next especially after reading the first  'Love VS Trust.'  Truly the two main characters had so much drama going on as in the first read.  I enjoyed the humorous parts that 'Randy' brought in to the read because there was indeed a need of some humor  needed to balance out this intriguing read.  What a connection  the story presented with all of these well developed, defined and believable characters!  

What I also liked about this novel....

I definitely liked how this story kept you guessing what would be coming next only to be surprised with a different results with all the twist and turns which showed that this author put a lots of thought and planning with this well written urban novel.  That ending was the bomb definitely leaving the reader speechless... saying ....what, who, how and why?

What I hated about the novel....

Another Cliffhanger!  Sorry, I just hate them...but I  will be waiting for 'Book 3' to see how this all ends.

Fear 2: Falling in Love with An Alpha Billionaire (BWWM Romance) [Fear: Falling in Love with An Alpha Billionaire] By: Amarie Avant

Book Description....

Fear 2: Falling in Love with An Alpha Billionaire (BWWM Romance) (Fear: Falling in Love with An Alpha Billionaire)

Luxury's sole desire is to love Victor, a man that cannot love her. She once feared him. Mysterious and dark, Victor's cerulean eyes hypnotized Luxury's mind and commanded the drumming of her heart. The Duke has claimed her. Victor will keep Luxury against The Queen's order.
As the palace echos with footsteps, the English dare to whisper the horrible truths.
Suspense cresc Luxury's sole desire is to love Victor, a man that cannot love her. She once feared him. Mysterious and dark, Victor's cerulean eyes hypnotized Luxury's mind and commanded the drumming of her heart. The Duke has claimed her. Victor will keep Luxury against The Queen's order.
As the palace echos with footsteps, the English dare to whisper the horrible truths.
Suspense crescendos along with intoxicating sex.
The beast has made it clear who Luxury belongs to and how much of him he will allow: Money. Sex. Nothing more.
The stakes are high. Now fear... love.

BWWM, interracial romance, suspense, thriller, erotic, drama, alpha male

Title:  Fear 2:  Falling in Love with An Alpha Billionaire [BWWM Romance]

Author:  Amaire Avant

Publisher:  Shan Presents

Series: Fear:  Falling in Love with An Alpha Billionaire # 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Fear 2:  Falling in Love with An Alpha Billionaire [BWWM]" by Amaire Avant

What  I loved from this read...

There is only one thing I can say and that is this author did it again and that is giving a reader a second read that will keep you entertained till the end.

What I liked from the read.... Drama, drama and more drama from these two main characters and let's not forget some of those amazing secondary characters that will keep you on the edge of your seat turning the pages!  You, the readers are really getting a story of  a  erotic romance, suspense, mystery, thriller, action,  family secrets, twist and turns but in the end wow what a alpha male.  This author really worked her magic with this storyline  with all of the details she presented...you will have to keep up!

What I hated from this read....

The Cliffhanger!  We, the reader will just have to wait for part 3 to see how this story will unfold!

Circling The Sun By: Paula McLain

Book Description....


"Paula McLain, author of the phenomenal New York Times bestseller The Paris Wife, takes readers into the glamorous and decadent circle of British expats living in Kenya in the 1920s. Circling the Sun tells the story of the beautiful young horse trainer, adventurer, and aviator Beryl Markham, from her childhood in British East Africa to her relationship with hunter Denys Finch Hatton and rivalry with Out of Africa author Karen Blixen—a notorious love triangle that changed the course of Beryl's life."

Title:  Circling The Sun
Author:  Paula McLain
Publisher:  Random House Publishing Group
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Circling The Sun" by Paula McLain

What I liked about this novel:

"Circling The Sun" was definitely one of those reads where you will put quickly pulled into the story line.  We are told a well beautifully written story of a simply amazing women by the name of Beryl Markham who was very strong willed, lived and raised in Kenya after moving from London, who became the first female horse licensed trainer in Africa in the early 20th century.  Later in her life we find Ms. Markham taking up aviation and was the first person to fly a solo run from England to New York.  I really liked how this author was able to bring in a lot of historical facts in which the book is based on.  The descriptions of Africa in the 20's, with the wilderness and even the beauty to the harsh living conditions, along with the wild descriptions of the animals, the natives and the colonist were really brought to life in Kenya at that present time in history was vividly delivered very well  to the reader.  By the end of this read one will note that Ms. Markham was definitely 'ahead of her time.'

The Truth According To US By: Annie Barrows

Book Description....

"From the co-author of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society comes a wise, witty, and exuberant novel, perfect for fans of Lee Smith, that illuminates the power of loyalty and forgiveness, memory and truth, and the courage it takes to do what's right.

Annie Barrows once again evokes the charm and eccentricity of a small town filled with extraordinary characters. Her new novel, The Truth According to Us, brings to life an inquisitive young girl, her beloved aunt, and the alluring visitor who changes the course of their destiny forever.

In the summer of 1938, Layla Beck's father, a United States senator, cuts off her allowance and demands that she find employment on the Federal Writers' Project, a New Deal jobs program. Within days, Layla finds herself far from her accustomed social whirl, assigned to cover the history of the remote mill town of Macedonia, West Virginia, and destined, in her opinion, to go completely mad with boredom. But once she secures a room in the home of the unconventional Romeyn family, she is drawn into their complex world and soon discovers that the truth of the town is entangled in the thorny past of the Romeyn dynasty.

At the Romeyn house, twelve-year-old Willa is desperate to learn everything in her quest to acquire her favorite virtues of ferocity and devotion—a search that leads her into a thicket of mysteries, including the questionable business that occupies her charismatic father and the reason her adored aunt Jottie remains unmarried. Layla's arrival strikes a match to the family veneer, bringing to light buried secrets that will tell a new tale about the Romeyns. As Willa peels back the layers of her family's past, and Layla delves deeper into town legend, everyone involved is transformed—and their personal histories completely rewritten."

Praise for The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

“A jewel . . . poignant and keenly observed . . . a small masterpiece about love, war, and the immeasurable sustenance to be found in good books and good friends.”—People

“Affirms the power of books to nourish people enduring hard times.”—The Washington Post

“This is a book for firesides or long train rides. It's as charming and timeless as the novels for which its characters profess their love.”—San Francisco Chronicle

“A book-lover's delight, an implicit and sometimes explicit paean to all things literary.”—Chicago Sun-Times

“A poignant, funny novel that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit . . . This one is a treat.”—The Boston Globe

“Smart and delightful . . . Treat yourself to this book, please—I can't recommend it highly enough.”—Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love and The Signature of All Things

Title:  The Truth According to Us
Author:  Annie Barrows
Publisher:  Random House
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Five
Review:

"The Truth According To Us" by Annie Barrows

What I liked about the novel....
This was a very well written story of just how secrets were kept in this Depression era West Virginia town that were brought out by a young woman assigned by the Roosevelt Writer Project to research this towns Macedonia history for its 150th birthday.  The stories that were brought out were simply amazing especially for one family ...The Romeyn's.  I found the characters were well developed, defined, well portrayed and believable giving the reader a fascinating read up to the point of making the reader feel  that they are engaging into some of the conversations.

"The Truth According to Us" was quite a read of what loyalty was to a family, along with family love, and characters with secrets.  Then by the end of the read  we will see redemption, forgiveness and most of all hope  that will come into play....All  giving the reader a good read.