No more Secrets Kindle Edition by Breanna J

Profile:

"Who said there's no problems amongst people in the church. Harmony is proof of that. With being a pastor's daughter, she has always lived in a glass house along with the rest of her family. But she quickly finds out that even in a glass house secrets are kept. From murder to adultery, to homosexuality. Harmony world goes upside down, and no matter how much each person prays to keep their secret cover, they all keep unfolding. Lines will be crossed; lies will be told to cover the truth and hearts will be broken. The only thing to determine is if faith can keep a family that supposes to be following Christ together when all is said and done."

Title: No More Secrets
Author: Breanna J.
Publisher: B. J.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"No More Secrets" by Breanna J.

My Rationalization:

"No More Secrets" was quite some read that will leave you really having feelings for Harmony. It seems like this pastor daughter, girlfriend and sister had so much on her plate that when all of these secrets came tumbling out it will only put Harmony in such a state at the end that she was tired of it all. With her feeling, she had no one to turn to how will this story end for Harmony? Well, be ready for a cliffhanger because you will have to get the rest of the story from the next read by this author. All that is left to say is wow what a well-written read about this church family that will leave you shaking your head and thinking "The only thing to determine is if faith can keep a family that supposes to be following Christ together when all is said and done."

1st Forty-Eight: Welcome to Memphghanistan Kindle Edition by Niki Jilvontae

Profile:

"The hood has a way of sucking you in and never letting you go. Even if it's not the life you chose but rather the environment you were thrust in... The hood can trap you. This is true for the four friends and teenage mothers this book is based on, growing up in the hood. Each from different family demographics, they find themselves trapped in similar situations. After one tragic night, one of the girls dies while another goes to jail. The remaining two are left to pick up the pieces while raising their five kids. We'll ride through the tough streets of Memphis with Nyema, Nyeer, Audrika, Rondavious, and Shyeem, and find out how their city was dubbed the 1st Forty-Eight aka MEMPHghanistan. Poverty, violence, pain, despair, and murder is the backdrop of these five kids lives while growing up in Memphis. Come on this turbulent ride and find out if it's true that your environment can determine where you will go. This is the raw, gritty story of life in Memphis beyond Beale Street and Elvis's mansion. So welcome reader... Welcome to MEMPHghanistan‼️

Title: 1st Forty-eight: Welcome to Memphaghanistan
Author: Niki Jilvontae
Publisher: N.J.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"1st Forty-Eight: Welcome to Memphghanistan" by Niki Jilvontae

My Rationalization:

This was really some read that will keep you turning the pages to see what was going on in the streets of Memphis as we are dealing with 'Nyema, Nyeer, Audrika, Rondavious, Shyeem' along with a few others and how their city was dubbed the 1st forty-Eight aka MEMPHghanistan.' What had and did happen as these five kids grew up in the hood of Memphis? How had their life turned out to be a nightmare? What was the background of their story? Be ready for a 'raw, gritty story' of their life in Memphis. Will they make it out before it's too late for each of them? Well, you will have to pick up "1st Forty-Eight" to find the answers to all of these questions and you will have to get the rest of the story as this story will continue! 

Cry Baby Cry..... or Not by Dewandus Johnson

Profile:

"Trina is a young girl raised by her deaf and mute mother named Jackie. Jackie is so mad at the world because of her curse that she pours unimaginable hate into her daughter. Trina grows in hate until she finally has enough and stands up for herself. She runs away and finds herself subject to a world filled with murder, gangs and extreme violent behavior. Trina knows nothing about the game so all that she learns is by trial and error until she meets Mistro. Mistro, a young gangbanger blessed with royalty in his mob, sees something in Trina that makes him infatuated with her persona. After she witnesses him murder a mark, the question that she asks catches him completely off guard..... (How does it fill to kill someone!?) Unable to shake the first murder he witnesses, a bond is formed in his mind with Trina and he sets out to find her and they find love. Mistro tries to find a flaw within Trina because of his own battles with trust issues and finds that her loyalty is real and untainted. Mistro starts a new hustle and Trina starts to question his love. Tee Tee introduces Trina into her own hustle and all hell brakes loose. Will Mistro understand or will Trina find her own way into a world of selling dreams and orchestrating her own survival."

Title: Cry Baby Cry...or Not
Author: Dewandus Johnson
Publisher: Royal Roar Publishing
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Cry Baby Cry...or Not" by Dewandus Johnson

My Rationalization:

I will say this was my first read by this author and all I can say is this story was one that will keep your attention turning the pages to see what was coming next. There was 'never a dull moment from cover to cover.' My heart really went out to the main character Trina with her life spent with her mother Jackie who was born deaf and mute. Then we see as Trina moves on with Mistro and on to many other ones that greatly affected her life in one way or another. By the end of this story I was left still wondering will Trina ever get it all together with the person she was not with? Would Trina listen to what Yentl had told her? I found that this author was able to give the reader a story with the use of 'graphic details and oh yes an intriguing storyline' with lots of drama, twist/turns excitement and loads of action along with much despair. Be ready for quite a 'raw and gritty read' of 'Cry Baby Cry ...or Not' that definitely featured the bad and ugly of the life of Trina.

Thank you to the author for the read and my presenting my opinion of the read. 

With Your Permission (In The Heart Of A Valentine Book 5) Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris

Profile:

"It was their first encounter that landed them in newfound territory.

Up and coming wedding planner Bri St. James is in the height of her career. As the CEO of Building Bridges LLC, Bri is driven by determination for success, and each day makes for new opportunities abound. However, while planning the wedding of one of Chicago’s hottest couples, Bri’s focus is shifted when the strum of a nocturnal voice captures her attention. Being an empath has empowered her sense of compassion for others, so she’s not only drawn to him because of his broken heart but also from a fierce attraction that sparks her interest and tap dances on a groove on her heart. Getting involved with someone who’s not open to love may prove to be the most difficult road Bri has ever journeyed, but she’s unable to stop herself from falling into an irresistible tango of love.

World-renowned photographer Raphael Valentine hasn’t been in the public eye since the tragic death of his fiancée four years prior. To date, his time is spent helping his charity of choice—educating the community about the dangers of driving while intoxicated. For him, love is a thing of the past until meeting Bri St. James at his brother’s rehearsal dinner made Raphael question what he’d always believed to be true. There was no explanation for the riot of pulsing sensations that ripped through his core when his eyes met hers. The unquenchable heat that followed stirred his soul, sending his heart on a quest he himself hadn’t agreed to venture on. As a friendship between the two flourishes, and they're cloaked in a dynamic surge of desire, Raphael is met with the ultimate challenge: surrender to a second chance at love or abandon his happily ever after for a lifetime."

Title: With Your Permission
Author: Stephanie Nicole Norris
Publisher: Love Is A Drug Ink
Series: In The Heart Of A Valentine Book 5
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"With Your Permission" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Rationalization:

What an enjoyable read "With Your Permission" was of Raphael and Bri's love story. I loved how this author was able to present another one of her series, In The Heart Of a Valentine" in how both of these two main characters were able to help each other heal. As always this author's love scene is off the chart: HOT! All in all the story will have you on the edge of your seat as you are continually turning the pages to see what was coming next for these two. The reader will be taken through quite a journey of 'grief, friendship, seduction, and in the end love' to a HEA where they were definitely made for one another.

Down and Dirty By Rhenna Morgan

Profile:

"“A slow burn from the very first page. These boys have the perfect amount of sweet and heat. Every woman needs her own Haven brother.” —Audrey Carlan, #1 New York Times bestselling author

The Men of Haven: fierce passion, unyielding loyalty.

Especially when it comes to their women.

A powerful man

Axel McKee abandoned his musical career years ago in favor of becoming a power player on the music scene. His dreams of the spotlight are over—and he’s better off for it. Working with his Haven brothers and building their empire is enough for him.

One who commanded attention with nothing more than a look

And then came Lizzy. A dynamic, beautiful powerhouse of a performer unlike any he’s seen or heard before. Her presence leaps off stage and into the heart of anyone who watches her sing. Axel wants her. Wants to help her and collaborate with her… But more than anything, he wants to be with her.

And every ounce of his attention was locked on her

Two things are immediately obvious: Lizzy’s been burned before, and earning her trust will be Axel’s biggest challenge yet. If he can get this fierce, stubborn, talented woman to see the passion and care that he’s offering, he might get a chance at a new dream—sharing the spotlight with the woman he loves."

Don’t miss the Men of Haven series by Rhenna Morgan! Order your copy of Rough & Tumble, Wild & Sweet, Claim & Protect, Tempted & Taken and Stand & Deliver today!

This book is approximately 93,000 words

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

Title Down and Dirty
Author: Rhenna Morgan
Publisher: Harlequin - Carina Press
Series: Book #6 in the Men of Haven
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Down and Dirty" by Rhenna Morgan

My Rationalization...

This was another enjoyable series Book # 6 of the Men of Haven which featured Axel and his pursuit of Elizabeth. Definitely, the hot chemistry was there among them from the first meeting however from the story Axel will have to gain [Elizabeth] Lizzy's trust due to what all had gone on in her life earlier. I loved hearing from many of the family members we have met from other Haven series with them all coming together giving the reader one heck of a good read. The author really works her magic with Axel and Elizabeth that will keep you turning the pages, especially from those hot steamy sex scenes. Be ready for Axel who is 'big red-haired, green eyes, beard rocking Scotland accent with quite a kinky side and Lizzy a rock star who seemed somewhat shy but yet at the end able to hold her on when it is necessary and definitely the one for Axel.

All in all, this was one good enjoyable read "Down and Dirty' that I will recommend along with the other five Men of Haven series.

*I received an arc via the publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.* 

Going Home By: by Judith Keim

Profile:

"In 1970, Violet Hawkins’ only wish at eighteen is to escape her life in the Dayton, Ohio, foster-care system and make her way to the west coast to enjoy a mellow life and find the love she’s been missing all her life. She makes it to San Francisco, but soon learns she needs a job if she’s to live properly. A kind, young man named Kenton Chandler offers her a sandwich and a job at his father’s inn and vineyards. With nothing to lose, Lettie takes him up on his offer and begins a whole new life in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. She immediately falls in love with the land and is fascinated with the idea of growing grapes in order to make wines. She, Kenton, and Rafe Lopez become friends as she learns about running the small inn on the property. At the same time she marries Kenton, a stroke kills his father. And then before she can tell Kenton she’s pregnant, he dies in an automobile accident. Heartbroken and burdened with the gift of the Chandler Hill Inn and Winery, she’s left with the task of making them a success. Struggling to raise a child alone while working to grow the business, Lettie makes a shocking discovery that changes everything."

Hill ITitle: Going Home 
Author: Judith Keim
Publisher: Wild Quail Publishing
Series: Chandler Hill Inn Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Going Home" by Judith Keim

My Rationalization:

I found "Going Home" a very emotional heartwarming intriguing novel what will simply pull you into the lives of these interesting characters. The main character Violet Hawkins, [Lettie...her nickname] who was simply trying to find her way at eighteen, running to California after coming out of the foster system in Ohio. Lettie will meet a guy [Keaton Chandler] and travel with him to Oregon to Chandler Hill. There Lettie will get a job at his family's bed & breakfast in Oregon and later will come to the winery and her life will change as she grows into a woman. It was simply wonderful seeing Lettie as one will as her love, secrets, winemaking, joy, and innocence will connect so well with all around her giving us what 'Going Home' is truly about. I was a little surprised where I thought some more twist was coming but didn't, however, I was in for some very interesting surprises that did come.

Be prepared for a good read of 'mystery, suspense, romance, tragedy, friendship and family' that will capture your attention through the read about Lettie's life over fifty years. It was so good to see Lettie finding a family she has always wanted but also there will be heartache also. This story of Lettie as we see her through once being an 18-year-old, a foster kid starting with nothing, on to 'dealing with the trails that life can throw at her becoming a strong and knowledgeable woman' who has grows into the woman she is meant to be. Lettie went through adult life and in the end, she not only has her daughter but a granddaughter that simply put the icing on the cake for her. Yes, this is one of those stories that may have you tearing up a bit as well as also laughing out loud. This is one of those reads that will keep one riveted to the very end!

Thank you, NetGalley and Wild Quail Publishing for the read and my giving my honest opinion on the read.nn Series, Book 1

Hill Inn Series, Book 1

From Cleveland To California: My Journey To Becoming A Successful Self-Published Author Kindle Edition by Jade Jones

Profile:

"Jade Jones discovered her passion for creative writing in elementary school. Born in 1989, she began writing short stories and poetry as an outlet. Now, at the age of 29, she's making six figures, lives in Los Angeles, and has published over 70 titles--several of which being chart toppers that have garnered worldwide praise and landed in the Top 100 on Amazon's bestseller's list! Learn how she made a platform for herself in the writing game, as well as some of her favorite marketing tips!"


Title: From Cleveland To California: My Journey To Becoming A Successful Self-Published Author
Author: Jade Jones
Publisher: Jade Publications
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: :Five
Review:

"From Cleveland To California: My Journey To Becoming A Successful Self-Published" By Jade Jones

My Rationalization...

Ms. Jade, you really give the readers a very informative read of just how you got started with your work of writing. Starting with her first royalty check of just $28.00 and 6 months later making $2,000 in a single month. No, it was not an easy task being an author because "no author will be an overnight success."

I love the Tip to Authors: "You Can't Have That Life Until You Put In That Work." I enjoyed this read of this author's journey of becoming a successful self-published author.

Ms. Jade goes on in Chapter three talking about Moving From Cleveland to Atlanta...tip to Authors: "Don't ever be afraid to take a chance."

Chapter Four...The Three D's...Tip to Authors: Ms. Jade lives by the three D's...Drive, Determination, and Discipline. She believes that "if you can conquer all three, you can have whatever it is you desire in the universe!"

Chapter 5. Ms. Jade's tip to Authors: "Hard work and persistence really does pay off."

Chapter 6: Some of her Favorite Promo Items...Bookmarks and she recommends using a professional graphic designer. Her Tip to Authors: "No one's gonna push you like you! Branding is a key factor to success!"

Chapter 7: Website...Her Tip to Authors: 'Shop around and don't settle on the first option. Don't be shy about using sites like Fiverr.'

Chapter 8: To Edit or Not To Edit: "It's okay to cut cost. You have to pay for the cover, fork over a percentage of your royalties to [Amazon] and pay for the ads. If you can save money by any means, do it!"

Chapter 9: Jumpstarting Her Career: Tip to Author: In marketing, you have to spend money to make money!"

Chapter 10: Pen Names: Jade Jones, Chase Moore, Sasha Devenport, Dynasty Dawson, Pandora, and Pebbles Starr. Wow! And with each name having their own unique writing style.

Chapter 11: Books I Highly recommend for New and Aspiring Authors: In this section Ms. Jade gives her "top three favorite books when it comes to learning, perfecting and marketing her craft."

Chapter 12: Copyright Your Novels: Tip to Authors: "Do not ever skip this step when publishing your book!"

Chapter 13: Writing: Outlining...What does this author do for 'writer's block?' I found this part very interesting!

Chapter 14: Promoting and Networking on Social: Tips to Authors: "Be a learner first, a master second and a student always."

Chapter 15: Where Are My Books Sold?: 'Exclusively through Amazon'

Chapter 16: Moving From Atlanta to Denver to California: Currently working on pitching/selling her Cameron screenplay. Hopefully coming to a theater near you soon.

Chapter 17: My Favorite Marketing Strategist/Tool: Blogs...Top 100 Best Selling Urban Fiction Books, Cheap Graphic Design Services, Publishing Platforms, Book Cover Designers, Random Things I do To Achieve Maximum Visibility to Miscellaneous and don't forget that Google is your friend!

and last Her Bibliography...Starting with He Fell From The Sky to My Brother's Keeper [giving a list of all of Ms. Jade's books].

So, if you want to become a successful self-published author this author delivers quite an interesting read that will greatly benefit anyone who would like to get started with becoming a writer. I found this an interesting read even for me the avid reader and reviewer.