Healing Eden By: Rhenna Morgan

Book Description....

"In a world divided by war, falling in love is the ultimate betrayal.

Galena Shantos has never questioned her loyalty to Eden. As sister to the Myren king, she serves as a healer, one of the best in the army fighting to suppress the brutal Lomos Rebellion. She’s never doubted the importance of stopping the rebels bent on enslaving humans, until she spots a warrior across enemy lines—and knows instinctively that their destinies are entwined. . .

Rebellion warrior Reese Theron has nothing left to lose. He’s been forced to fight on the wrong side of a war he abhors in order to protect his family secret. His honor lost, as well as the trust of his own people, Reese has thrown himself into a battle he cannot possibly hope to survive. But after being rescued by a beautiful woman whose exquisite eyes seem to see him for more than the traitor he’s become—he may have just found a new reason to live. . ."

TItle:  Healing Eden

Author:  Rhenna Morgan

Publisher:  Lyrical Press

Series:  The Eden Series # 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Healing Eden" by Rhenna Morgan

My Thoughts.....

I liked how this paranormal romance story picks up where the first series left off, so I would definitely suggest you read the first series so you will know what has happened in the past especially for two main characters Lexi and Eryx [the king and his wife]. Now, we find this this series is featuring Reese and Galena.  It was quite a interesting journey for Reese who becomes a prisoner and Galena seeming to be falling for him.  Will these two be forced to come to some decisions that will change their lives as 'Individuals and as a couple?  This was one interesting read of where 'the world is divided basically into those who wish to overthrow the rulers and enslave humans against the Myren's of Eden.'  This rebellion issue that involved Maxis [Reese's half brother] was quite a interesting one seeing how it all plays out  with its twist and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat turning the pages to see what is coming next. Will Reese and Ery's sister, Galena find their HEA?  I don't want to tell to much other than say if you like a good paranormal series you have come to the right place to get a good read.  Now on to the next series for me: 'Waking Eden.'

Under the Tuscan Sun By Francis Mayes

Book Description....

"A CLASSIC FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF UNDER MAGNOLIA

Frances Mayes—widely published poet, gourmet cook, and travel writer—opens the door to a wondrous new world when she buys and restores an abandoned villa in the spectacular Tuscan countryside. In evocative language, she brings the reader along as she discovers the beauty and simplicity of life in Italy. Mayes also creates dozens of delicious seasonal recipes from her traditional kitchen and simple garden, all of which she includes in the book. Doing for Tuscany what M.F.K. Fisher and Peter Mayle did for Provence, Mayes writes about the tastes and pleasures of a foreign country with gusto and passion."

Title:  Under the Tuscan Sun

Author:  Frances Mayes

Publisher:  Trade Paperback

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Under The Tuscan Sun" by Frances Mayes  

My Thoughts....

What a interesting delightful read that was definitely well written by this author that will keep your attention with all of its very detail descriptions of the 'local and lifestyle of Tuscany.'  I found the writing style very relaxing and very descriptive.  There were even some inspiring scrumptious recipes [Italian food] that were included in this read that one may what to even try out and for anyone interested in visiting this place on a trip to Tuscany, Italy would definitely benefit from this read especially since it is a true story that will lift your spirits.  I did even find some comedy and a little drama that added so well in this story even making you feel that you are there as the people seem to come alive.  By end the read I felt I got one beautiful look at Tuscany and YES I would recommend this novel as a good read.

Bang [B Squad #2] By: Avery Flynn

Book Description...

"Freelance investigator Isaac Camacho has a weakness for bitchy blondes, and no one fits the bill quite like former beauty queen and gold digger Tamara Post. She’s sexy, feisty and on the run from a cult leader. Complicated women? Oh he loves them almost as much as he loves watching Tamara act like a total ice queen when he knows she burns white hot.

Calculating opportunist Tamara Post never cared what anyone thought about her—except for her sister. But when her sister dies, it’s up to Tamara to hide her teenage niece so the girl’s dictatorial father can’t marry her off to one of his disciples. The last thing Tamara has time for is Isaac—a man who flirts as well as he fills out a pair of worn jeans and whose stubborn determination to help makes it hard to act as if she’s really as cold as she appears.

When the bad guys find her, there’s only one person Tamara can depend on to help keep her alive until her niece is safe. But once the life and death chase is on, it’s not just their lives Tamara and Isaac are risking…but their hearts."

Title:  Bang

Author:  Avery Flynn

Publisher:  A. F.

Series:  B Squad # 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Bang" by Avery Flynn

My Thoughts....

This was another good series B Squad #2 by this author of 'Bang' that was definitely a attention grabber and being a 'bang' of a good read by this author.  I would really suggest that you read B Squad # 1 Bazen to really understand what has happened earlier for some of these characters.    I loved this story that was about Tamara [Taz's ex from B Squad #1]former beauty queen {who was on the run from her brother in law's {Jarrod's} henchmen} and Isaac Camacho [private
investigator/security specialist, and ex marine] that was truly a sweet love story.  Be ready for fun, 'action packed read, with suspense, humor, intrigue and some sexy steamy scenes.'  I loved how this author brings out that southern charm that Isaac seems to bring out to the reader in the read.  I also loved how the author brings to us a true Tamara. This author brings two very unlikely people together who seem to be the perfect match for each other as the reader is given the 'depth, heart, passion and true personalities' of each of their own story.  But is that to be?  Will Isaac be able to protect and rescue Tamara's sixteen year old niece as well as Tamara?   I loved how the reader is able to visualize from this author's storytelling of what's happening as they read through this good read. I found all the characters very well developed, portrayed and very intriguing giving the reader quite a good read in this series #2.  Will Tamara and Isaac finally get their HEA?  This is where I say you will to pick up this good read to see how well this author presents it to the readers.  It will be one entertaining good romantic suspenseful read!

Brazen [B Squad # 1] By: Avery Flynn

Book Description:

"Falling in love is the easy part, staying together…now that’s the biggest challenge of all.

Everything is finally working out for Bianca Sutherland and Taz Hazard. They’re in love and running B-Squad Security and Investigations. They’ve planned the perfect operation to take down the dangerous drug kingpin who’s kidnapped one of Bianca’s best friends. Then Taz’s wife—who was supposed to be his ex-wife—shows up on the eve of the big rescue mission and threatens to blow up his and Bianca’s happily ever after.

The last thing Bianca wants after the revelation that Taz might still be married is to have to spend time with her former live-in boyfriend who never told her he’d ever been married in the first place. But it’s too late to change plans. To save her friend, she has to swallow her hurt and go undercover with Taz as a newlywed couple at an exclusive resort. The only thing Taz wants is Bianca and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to win her back. But when it’s his life on the line, will it be too late for him to show her that his past is over and she’s the only woman for his future…

Brazen is a stand alone novel and the first full novel in the B-Squad series. However, if you want to find out how Taz and Bianca met, check out Bulletproof, a novella set in Liliana Hart’s MacKenzie Security world."

Title:  Brazen

Author:  Avery Flynn

Publisher:  A. F.

Series:  B Squad # 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Brazen" by Avery Flynn

My Thoughts....

I loved B Squad #1 series...'Brazen' that definitely is 'bold and pacts quite a punch.'  It is definitely one of those read that once you start reading you will not want to put it down until the very end.  For this read is full of a little bit of it all from being a not only a heart pounding ride, fast paced read, lots of fun banter, insults, revenge plots, betrayal, blackmail, kidnapping, drama, twist and turns and plenty of hot steamy erotica sex from the two main characters [Taz Hazard {alpha kickass hero}and Bianca Sutherland{kickass heroine}] that will keep your attention.  There are some interesting secondary characters[from the B Squad Security and Investigations] who are on a mission to find their missing kidnapped friend Gidget.  Will this be a easy mission for them?  What all will happen when Taz's ex wife appears?  This will turn quite interesting when the 'Coven' girls [who were 'Five women, strong, independent, best friends and had been through a horrible experience at the high class boarding school they had once attended] believe their friend Bianca has been wronged by Taz.  I loved that wax shave given by Elise!  It seems like Taz had forgotten to tell Bianca about his ex wife. Now, why was that? Was Taz married or not?   Now I don't want to leave out the six men in B Squad who were mostly 'tall, dark, muscular and gorgeous.'  I did find all the characters well developed, portrayed and oh so believable that will keep you turning the pages to see what will be happening next in this fast paced read.  Anyway it seems like this team are on a case that deals with a dangerous drug kingpin [who had kidnapped one of their best friends] and dealt with a horrible drug called 'Genie's Wish'[a hallucinogenic drug].What will happen when Taz and Bianca go undercover at a 'Lifestyler Resort, where clothing is optional?   While this is a romantic read be ready for a sexy suspenseful romantic read. I don't want to spoil it for the reader other than to say this is one good read to pick up and the reader will get all the answers to the previous asked questions.  It will be quite a interesting read to see how this will all turn out for Taz and Bianca.
 

The Twilight Wife By: A.J. Banner

Book Description.....

"From bestselling author A.J. Banner comes a dazzling new novel of psychological suspense in the vein of S.J. Watson’s Before I Go to Sleep and Mary Kubica’s The Good Girl that questions just how much we can trust the people around us.

Thirty-four-year-old marine biologist Kyra Winthrop remembers nothing about the diving accident that left her with a complex form of memory loss. With only brief flashes of the last few years of her life, her world has narrowed to a few close friendships on the island where she lives with her devoted husband, Jacob.

But all is not what it seems. Kyra begins to have visions—or are they memories?—of a rocky marriage, broken promises, and cryptic relationships with the island residents, whom she believes to be her friends.

As Kyra races to uncover her past, the truth becomes a terrifying nightmare. A twisty, immersive thriller, The Twilight Wife will keep readers enthralled through the final, shocking twist."

Title:  The Twilight Wife

Author:  A.J. Banner

Publisher:  Touchstone

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"The Twilight Wife" by A. J. Banner

My Thoughts....

What a good mystery thriller with psychological suspense read that will keep your attention and definitely have you guessing all the way till the end keeping you on the edge of your seat.  The author gives the ready quite a story of what happens to Kyra Winthrop after an accident steals her memory for the past four years. But what will happen as Kyra begins to piece her life back together again?  This is definitely a read that will give you a 'tale of confusion and deceit' as the twist and turns with clues that are brought out in this well written story.  I liked the way this author gives the reader such a story that you will not see that ending coming definitely giving the reader a real shocker.  I liked the descriptions used in the story with 'details of marine creatures, birds and trees on this Pacific Northwest island [Mystic Island].'

"The Twilight Wife" is one of those stories that you will just have to pick up this good read to find out the truth that will be webbed in the lies and deception of it all.  The characters were all well developed, portrayed and defined giving the reader one easy read of a incredible story.  Will Kyra be able to finally get more of her memory back and becomes more confident in her own abilities to finally connect the dots?  In the end will it all work out for Kyra?  Well, this is where I say you will have to pick up this good read to see just how this author will bring it all out to the reader.  If you like a good mystery thriller with psychological suspense, then I would recommend "The Twilight Wife" for you.

This ARC was given by the publisher and NetGallery in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.

Secrets She Keeps By: Amarie Avant

Book Description....

"Dangerous connections and deadly roots...

All twenty-seven-year-old Reese Dunham wants is to focus on creating a successful boutique bakery that her sordid past can't destroy. But with secret connections tied so intricately to her family's history, she may never escape the reality of her life.
When she encounters Italian LAPD narcotics detective, Evan Zaccaro, their chemistry is undeniable, but he represents everything that she wants to forget. As the web of deceit and betrayal engulf them, Evan and Reese are entangled in a perilous trap that unearths their past and threatens their future. Suddenly, with her enemies closer than she ever realized, Reese becomes a pawn in a deadly game. But who is on her side?"

Title:  Secrets She Keeps

Author:  Amarie Avant

Publisher:   Prism Heart Press

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Secrets She Keeps"  by Amaie Avant

My Thoughts....

Who would have thought as Reese Dunham is visiting her friend at a dive bar she would encounter the likes of a 'druggie' Riker when Detective Evan [Tino] Zaccarro[undercover cop & alpha] notices that someone [Riker] has slipped a mickey in her drink?  Now, what will come of this will definitely keep your attention as you read through this well written story that had lots of drama.  What will this bakery owner do as Evan [the man in a suit] comes to her rescue? There will be a lots of secrets and lies that are interwoven into this read of many twist and turns. I loved how this author brings it all out to the reader as one will see from the read these are 'true soulmates' but will they be able to get to their HEA when all comes out? I found most of the characters [Reese, Evan, Jamie, Sandra, Tony, Lolita, Riker,Tyrone, Milo, Salvatore] to name a few were a rather colorful group...but Reese's mom Lolita was another story with all of her selfishness that was off the chart...horrible.  I did find the read slow starting but yet very intriguing that does pick up its pace giving the reader a little bit of it all from 'dirty cop with ties to the mob, crazy mom, biker gang, the Russian Mob to Italian Mob' taking the reader to a real interesting ride. As the explosive secrets and lies start coming out and I don't want to leave out the hot steamy sex that this author is well noted for having in her well told stories, and in the end the reader does receive a completed well plotted story of a good suspenseful mystery romance.  Would I recommend?  YES!

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.