Mine Kindle Edition by Kenya Wright

Profile:

"A new smoking-hot standalone from Amazon Erotica bestselling author, Kenya Wright.

He would do anything to protect her.

For Hunter, guarding celebrities and moguls has always been easy, but watching over Zola could be the one job that ruins him. She’s a different type of danger—the sort that could break his heart.

Although they grew up together, in their adult years, they lost contact. Now, Zola is an up-and-coming runway model and has a psychotic stalker who's been ransacking her apartment and sending threatening letters.

Hunter rushes to New York to protect her. He’s the best in the business, but one couldn’t tell as his desires for Zola get in the way of him doing his job. What happens between them is scorching hot and could set the entire operation up in flames. With every hungry glance, every accidental caress, Hunter begins breaking rules.

But the threat is going nowhere, and the days get more and more dangerous. As Hunter gets closer to finding Zola's psycho stalker, he’s wondering if falling in love could be the greatest risk of all."

Title: Mine
Author: Kenya Wright
Publisher: ZachEvans Creative LLC
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Mine" by Kenya Wright

My Rationalization....

I enjoyed this novel that gave the reader quite a interesting story from action, intrigue, tears, laughter, suspense, murder, childhood issues, fear, strength, friendship, grief, stalking, romance, happiness, love, steamy love scenes and at the end a sort of redemption. The author really knows how to do her thing by giving the readers a well written engaging mystery read that will keep your attention and adrenaline flowing. I will say that the two main characters [Hunter & Zola] had one amazing love for one another and was interesting in seeing if they would have a HEA. So, if you are looking for a beautiful love story "Mine" will give it to you all wrapped up.

Southern Comfort (The Bakery Romance Series Book 5) Kindle Edition by Cecelia Dowdy

Profile:

"Blind since birth, Carl Warner is devastated after his girlfriend rejects his marriage proposal. As he struggles to deal with his pain and humiliation he encounters Miriam Beech via a local food ministry. A victim, Miriam is healing from a recent trauma. She finds solace working in her bakery, and she’s determined to raise her teenage daughter, Jessica, in a wholesome environment. When problems with Jessica arise Miriam asks God for direction. Can Carl convince Miriam to take a chance on love?"

Title: Southern Comfort
Author: Cecelia Dowdy
Publisher: Divine Desserts Publishing, LLC
Series: The Bakery Romance Book 5
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Southern Comfort" by Cecelia Dowdy

My Thoughts....

The story starts out very hard for Carl Warner who had just proposed to his girlfriend Leslie and she turned him down. But the story doesn't stop there because there will be some else that will caught Carl's heart. I enjoyed how this author was able to bring in Miriam Beech who hadn't had a wonderful life due to what had happened to her some eighteen years ago which was on her birthday. And now on her birthday at this present time she had been mugged. What will have to happen for her to be able to let all of these bad things that had happened to her stop her from living her life? Will Miriam be willing to seek help for herself? Why was Miriam so protective of her daughter, Jessica? Well, from the story one will see how well she provides working at her Bakery shop along with her partner Patty -Lynn and this was mainly to support for her teenage daughter Jessica. Having a good friend who was her partner and her good friend Woody from back in the day was definitely one of the pluses Miriam did have in her life. I loved how Miriam thought she was going to be able to protect her child wanting her to go to a certain school [Holy Grace University], live at home and work for her at her bakery truly just not wanting Jessica to be to far away from her. Wow, Miriam may have had it all planned out but had she spoken to Jessica about any of these plans, so how will this come out for them? I will say that Miriam really thought she had it all worked out. I thought to myself we do things like this for our children wanting to protect them but yet not looking at the whole picture.

But will this be enough as it seems like her daughter is giving her mother some problems when she found out what plans her mother had for her. We find Jessica definitely seeming to want to shut that down all of her mother's dreams. This story will really go into a lots of drama with her daughter and mother to the part that even when her friends tried to give Miriam advice she doesn't want to hear anything from them. Well, one can see which way the daughter was going so naturally bad things did happen. How will Miriam handle this big problem that her daughter is now into? Will Miriam seek help for herself due to the fact she really needed someone to talk and listen to. What will happen when Miriam is introduced to Carl? I will say at this part of the story I felt sorry for Woody because of how he had felt for so long about Miriam. The two had fallen out a few times in the story but I was glad to see them finally back talking with each other again. I will say Carl was quite a interesting person being blind. I really enjoyed this part of the read due to the fact I guess I had never really thought of all the problems a blind person would have as this story was so well presented to the reader by this author. I could definitely understand some of Carl's reasoning to why he thought about certain things as he did. I loved how Carl and his friend Paul conversed together. I want to think and believe as Carl had thought of his friend [Paul] in the end that all had been work out for him [his beliefs] in the end.

I was glad that Miriam finally decided to tell Jessica about her father which should have been done so long ago. Finally seeing Miriam changing some of her ideas for the good was a real treat in the story and seeing Jessica growing up and taking on responsibility was wonderful. The was definitely one good read that will give one much thought long after the read.

All of the characters were all well developed from Carl, Miriam, Woody, Patty, Lynn, Paul, Jessica, yes, even Tyrese, Carena, Lisa, Marlene, baby...Mary, Mason, Sheila and Tyrese's mom to name a few. There will be a few that may not be liked but over all well defined giving the reader quite a interesting read.

Well, how will this story turn out for: Carl, Miriam and Jessica? Will there be a HEA? Well, to find out I will say you will just have to pick up the wonderful read of "Southern Comfort" and see just how well this author bring this story out so well to the reader. By the end of the story there will be definitely a thank you for all of the blessings that were received from this story. 

Hollywood On Trial by Dale E Manolakas

Profile:

"Industry secrets uncovered—drugs, sex, betrayal, murder … the power elite exposed and hunted down … murder on trial 
Sexual currency, extortion, and murder—the hidden life behind the cameras in Hollywood. Josh Stein, the industry’s top entertainment lawyer, represents star power—the price for ingénues is sex. After Josh’s favorite ingénue dies on a stormy set, he replaces her in the coveted role with Kaitlin O’Keefe, a sultry gray-eyed red head beauty. On set, off set, and at locations shoots, the famous director Nick Claren vies for Kaitlin’s favors. The door open, Kaitlin mingles with Hollywood’s elite and pits man against man, as she willingly and unwillingly does what it takes to claw her way into the inner circle. After Kaitlin goes one step too far, she’s found dead on Josh’s Malibu Colony estate. A murder investigation rips apart the lives of the industry elite, and the murder trial of the century shocks the world."

Title: Hollywood On Trial
Author: Dale E. Manolakas
Publisher: D. E. M.
Series: Rogue Legal Thriller Book 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Hollywood O Trial" by Dale E. Manolakas

My Rationalization.....

What a good mystery-thriller-suspenseful read that will keep you turning the pages to see what is coming next in this well written novel that was fast moving. I will say it is quite a long read but it will be worth reading to get this whole story of just how in Hollywood 'the games lawyers played not only in the movie industry but also in court.' I liked how this author was able to give us the details as well as the descriptions that leads the reader to see it all so vividly as if you were there. The characters were all well developed [even if you liked or disliked them, some flawed], defined and oh so very believable giving the reader a good read. This story is just like you would take in as in watching a movie. Be ready for a little bit of it all in this Hollywood film industry were there will be plenty of 'drugs, money, plenty of sex, greed, lust, jealousy, pride, to murder' that will tie this entire engaging story altogether. I will say that ending was quite one that was somewhat shocking so, to get the whole story you will just have to pick up this fascinating good read read to see how it all comes out. 

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You Know How To Love Me: Book Three in The Lake Trilogy Kindle Edition by Chicki Brown

Profile:

"Chelsea Olson has always been a rebel. Growing up as the daughter of a conservative southern preacher, she never accepted his narrow-minded views, especially those about interracial dating and marriage. In fact, since high school her preference has been black men. But she’s never had a serious relationship with anyone. Then she meets Isaac “Ike” Sloane. 

Ike is handsome, successful and family-oriented, everything Chelsea has ever imagined in a man, and she wants him. Will outside forces and attitudes stop them from experiencing the love they have both wanted?"

Title: You Know How To Love Me
Author: Chicki Brown
Publisher: Chicki Brown
Series: The Lake Trilogy Book 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"You Know How To Love Me" by Chicki Brown

My Thoughts.....

This was a good story that featured Chelsea Olson and Isaac 'Ike' Sloane. The story evolves around Chelsea who was white and had been raised by a 'conservative southern preacher' but never would she let that blind her to not only having black friends but to even interracial dating. Having friends who were black was who Chelsea was all about. However, never having 'a serious relationship with anyone' after meeting Ike Sloane who was her boss will that change? The story really plays out very well somewhat predictable at times in the story, however, still a good read. How will 'outside forces and attitudes that Chelsea will experience in this relationship with Ike turn out for her? I enjoyed how this author was able to give the reader some knowledge of how life can be in situations that Chelsea had to face. However, there will also be some things that will be an eye opener for Ike as he too had been through some things also in his life. Will these two be able to make it together as one? Will they both know how to love one another due to the pressure they are in? Well, this is where I say you will have to pick up this good read of "You Know How to Love Me" to see how this author will bring it all out to the reader. I will say I loved the ending of 'The Lake Trilogy' that brings the series all together so very well. If you haven't read this series please do so ...you will enjoy them! 

Two Hearts, One Stone (Boots and Babies) Kindle Edition by Leslie Scott

Profile:

"Horse trainer Stone Dempsey’s life is all about the ride—with horses and women. He uses his equine talents to impress the country club set and earn money for Smoky Mountain Reining Horses. When his drug-addicted sister deposits her sick baby on his doorstep, he’s suddenly saddled with real responsibility. 

Dr. Emmersyn Cole’s goal of starting a practice in her favorite place on earth is finally coming to fruition and she is not going to be sidetracked. Everything is going great until Stone swaggers into her life, half-dressed with a smile that could melt her insides. She's determined to keep her distance…until he rushes into her grandfather’s home, clutching a feverish baby, terrified and vulnerable, and her heart’s hard shell begins to crack."

In only a few short weeks, Stone’s wayward heart suddenly relies on two women—one who needs him—and one that he might not be able to live without.

Title: Two Hearts, One Stone
Authors: Leslie Scott
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc
Series: Botts and Babies
Review: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Two Hearts, One Stone" by Leslie Scott

My Thoughts....

Ah, this was a sweet quick romantic read where the cowboy horse trainer falls in love with a pediatrician. How these two came together was rather cute.
Stone Dempsy is left a sick baby by his drug-addict sister. It’s a huge responsibility for a man whose just not ready for that lifestyle. He hopes that Dr. Emmersyn Cole will help him out of this tight situation.
The author pulls readers in with the situation and the baby. Plus she gives readers some steamy sexual chemistry. We also get two very interesting characters and a nice setting.
This is definitely one of those reads where the cowboy will be brought to his knees. I enjoyed this read that showed Stone's past and Emmersyn's insecurities. Readers get to see their lives come full course and how quickly one’s life can change for the good.

Always, 'Twas You Kindle Edition by Jennifer Moore

Profile:

"With Connor Flynn's promises of a future together and an antique pendant clasped close to her heart, Kaitlyn Donovan left Ireland eight years ago. But they lost touch and her dreams of a lasting love died. Now that she's back, Kaitlyn won't risk her heart again. But fate has other plans. She and Connor reconnect and he realizes the pendant makes her a target. 

As a government agent, Connor is conflicted between his duty protecting Kaitlyn and feelings he never got over. As the two race to find a centuries' old treasure, they discover first loves aren't easily forgotten."

Title: Always, 'Twas You
Authors: Jennifer Moore
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Always, 'Twas You" by Jennifer Moore

My Thoughts....

“Always, 'Twas You” is a romantic suspense novel that is sure to please romance readers.
This book pulls you in with adventure and mystery. You get a kidnapping, murder and more. Our hero (Connor) and heroine (Kaitlyn) are an interesting pair. They have known each other since childhood and have been more than friends. It’s been eight years since they have seen each other after Kaitlyn left Ireland for the USA. They loved each other. After eight years, do they still feel the same?
Author Jennifer Moore pulls us into this tale as these two are drawn back together due to the mysterious death of a loved one. I loved how the author tied this all to a mysterious pendent that Connor had given Kaitlyn many years ago. What a wonderful gift… that might lead to trouble for her.
When Connor tries to explain why he needs the pendent back he’s met with resistance as Kaitlyn won’t listen to him. There are misunderstandings and Connor is a government agent.
I truly enjoyed this story filed with mystery. Add this Irish adventure to your must-read list. Believe me, this is an adventure story with very complex characters and a believable end.

I've Got to Write! It's Like Fire Shut Up In My Bones By: Anthology Chosen Pen Writers' Group

Introduction:

These are a 'literary anthology of diverse collection of stories' that these authors are  sharing with the reader. "I've Got to Write! It's Like Fire Shut Up in My Bones" includes: works of fiction creative nonfiction, poetry and cross-genre pieces from members of the Chosen Pen Writers' Group."  "This anthology fills a gap for emerging authors who would not have an opportunity to share their God-given words otherwise."

Starting with...Author[s]....

Florence Levy... She 'writes poems and stories that others can relate to or enhance their lives.'
You Don't Know Me...
     "I am the one who knows hurt and feels the sorrow the pain that feels like no tomorrow."
This was indeed a beautiful poem and its ending is indeed well done...
     "Day after day I wait patiently for you to come home.  It's dreary and cold outside.  Come in I will say, I will tenderly tuck you in."

next...we have Darlene B. Fair...She is a short story writer.
Turn Around Surprise...
     A sweet story of what can happen when everyone pitches in to help one another  ...as it was for the Murphy family whose house had burn down.

next...we have Doris Willis Harvin
Tying the Knot...
Will Tricia White ever be finally tying the knot?  Being single hadn't been much fun for Tricia especially around her hometown and at her church in Charleston.  Being from Atlanta will she find someone to date?  What will happen after Tricia decides to double date with her friend and meets  William Watson who was tall, dark and handsome?  Will he be the one for Tricia?  Well, you will have to pick up this good one to see what will happen between William and Tricia.  In the end what did Tricia now wish for?


next...we have Dr. Norma McLauchlin
Free to Choose, Worthiness and Free to Choose Journal...
Chosen...
Baptized at a early age [6], avid reader, loved to read the Bible, having plenty of questions about the scriptures and that God was the Savior of her soul.   How important was education to the Black students...going to a integrated school in Wentworth, North Carolina seeing she was the best choice.  Would God be with her for the next four years?  What an experience the first day of school and on through the next four years.  In the end Norma Tucker knew  God was there with her all the way through her HS years she spent at this white school.  Why had she been bless to do this?   After HS, Norma 'served in the military, gotten married, earned degrees from both an HBCU and other major predominantly white universities and taught school on the Navajo Indian Reservation.'   God has always been there for Norma. However, Norma knew that there was something just for her.  Finally Norma found where her spiritual gifts were and that was being a 'administrator, exhorter, giver and in the end 'helping minority students excel in today's world.'  Indeed she was truly a chosen one!

next we have...Florence Levy
Silent Tears
     "Come, now let's dance the night away.  slippery feet sliding on the soft green grass tossing worries and fears in the air.  The roses in the garden grew up and the fragrance is so sweet.
Oh, how good it feels; those silent tears.
Beautiful written poem

next we  have Suzetta Perkins
Trouble Don't Last Always
Malika Price was a teacher  was accused of  molesting a student of hers by the child's [Justus]
and his mother Celeste Miller.
Arrested, tired and hung by a jury of people who populated the social media.
Malika soon learned that people can be so cruel! But Malika knew that God was with her and would see her through all of this mess and he did just that.

next we have ... Nicole Smith
write on subjects that would encourage singles in their walk with God.
Passion Fruit..
The Invitation...
Helen had been involved with Keith but not any more.  Now it seems like he wants to get back together.  This was a no for Helen.  She wanted nothing to do with Keith.
 Helen's friends .... Jennifer , Brian, Tammy  Now she meets Brian's cousin Anthony.
 Helen has a daughter Lori.  It looks like Helen as finally met someone nice...Anthony.  Will this last?  What will happen when Keith comes back around?  Will Anthony still be their for Helen?

and lastly... we have a beautiful poem by Florence Levey
Touched By Love
     'Take my hand and let me guide you further,
 my beloved  Oh, how great it is to be touched by his amazing grace.'

These have been some very well written 'God-given stories' that will keep your attention and leave you wanting more.