When the Vows Break 2 Kindle Edition by Lakisha Johnson

Book Excerpt:

"When the Vows Break, tears will surely fall, but will the marriages and friendships survive the damage of it all?

All hell broke loose, and it has unleashed damage and chaos in the lives of these six friends.

For Shelby, Ray, Kerri, Chloe, Lyn, and Cam, the storm clouds are rolling in, and there doesn't seem to be an end. For some of them, they'll find their way back to God, but for others, inner turmoil will push them further away.

More secrets, more lying, more cheating, and more temptations still prove that not everything is what it seems.

Will they be able to get through the pain and make their way to forgiveness, or will it be more than they can take? Find out in part 2 of When the Vows Break."
 

Title: When the Vows Break 2
Author: Lakisha Johnson
Publisher: Twins Write 2; 2nd edition
Series: Part 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"When the Vows Break 2" by Lakisha Johnson

My Opinion:

Hopefully, if you are reading book 2, you read book 1 to understand what has gone on with these six friends. Be prepared to get another intended dramatic read as the story continues with these ladies' lives seem to be feeling about through every chapter. I did enjoy the prayers and sermons [Bible references] that were given; hopefully, it will help those that will be willing to take it all in. It does seem like one of the ladies doesn't want any help, or it seems like she doesn't realize she needs help, and until that happens...oh well! This will show how the struggles were for each of these six individuals' battles with their lives. Will they make it? Again, we will have to pick up the next part 3 to hopefully get the ending to bring it out about each of these individuals.

When the Vows Break Kindle Edition by Lakisha Johnson

 Book Excerpt:

"Dearly beloved, that’s how it begins.

What God has joined together, let no man put asunder; that’s how it ends.
Happily married, wedded bliss and with these rings, we do take;
But what happens to happily ever after, when the vows break?

Shelby, Raylan, Chloe, Lynesha, Kerri, and Camille have been friends since freshmen year of high school. They’ve been together through college, failed relationships, deaths, and sickness. They've watched each other grow and become business leaders and owners, wives and mothers.

They've survived when most people say women can't be friends.

Then, all hell breaks loose in each of their marriages.

Secrets, lying, cheating, drugs, alcohol, and temptations prove that not everything is what it seems.

Will the chaos of it all be more than they can take? Find out in part 1 of When the Vows Break."

 

Title: When the Vows Break
Author: Lakisha Johnson
Publisher: Twins Write 2
Series: Part I
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"When the Vows Break" by Lakisha Johnson

My Opinion:

This was quite a real story that you had to keep up with to understand what was going on for six best friends truly...Camille, Shelby, Raylan, Chloe, Kerri, and Lynesha. I will also say that each of these characters had their significant other from Thomas, Brian, Justin, Chris, Michael, and Paul. The story will have a little bit of it all from 'homosexuality, adultery, careers, cheating, lies, secrets, deceit, drama, unfaithfulness, flirtation, fakery that one may not expect from so-called friends, but believe me. It can happen. What I wondered about as I was reading this novel how could this happen to these well-educated friends? Even some Christianity was brought in, but I am not sure it was enough to help in these ladies' situations.

Well, to find out, all that is left to say is that you will have to pick up "When the Vows Break" so see how this author will bring it all out; however, be ready to need to purchase part two to get the next part of the story. I will say you will have to stay with the story[I had to keep notes] because the connection is spread among all six of the characters with lots of twists and turns that will give the reader quite an interesting read to the end, leaving one wanting more.

Between Now And Forever (Callaways Book 4) Kindle Edition by Barbara Freethy

 Book Excerpt:

""Heartbreaking, tender, and romantic. This one tug on the heartstrings." Karen 

Nicole met Ryan when he was a handsome, cocky teenager with a desire to fly high above the clouds. Ryan encouraged Nicole to dream big and promised her a lifetime of happiness, but several years into their lives together, they were faced with obstacles bigger than either had ever imagined. Their love faltered. They lost their way and considered what had once been unthinkable—the end of their forever. 

But now fate throws them a curve, an event that forces them back together, that strips their emotions bare and is both terrifying and strangely unifying. For the first time in a long while, they have to face each other and talk and listen because their lives depend on it—not only their lives but also the life of their six-year-old son. 

Secrets and lies frame a perilous journey to the truth that takes Nicole and Ryan to Angel's Bay, a place where miracles sometimes happen. But to get that miracle, Nicole and Ryan must work together and learn how to trust and love each other again. Only then will they be able to save their family and find their way to happily ever after."

Title: Between Now And Forever
Author: Barbara Freethy
Publisher: Fog City Publishing, LLC
Series: Callaways Book 4
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Between Now And Forever" by Barbara Freethy

My Opinion:

"Between Now and Forever" was quite an interesting story that dealt with autism. We find two parents that are brought back together due to what happened when their son was kidnapped. As the story continues, we find that another boy [Kyle] had been kidnapped, which ended up being twins separated at birth. There will be many twists and turns in the story as the two boys [Kyle & Brandon] are united together due to this kidnapping. The story will be one riveting tale where families and friends will rally together. Also, Nicole and Ryan look like they will find their way back together again as they search and found their son Brandon. It was good seeing the story come together as the two boys were now living close to each other, where one would be there to help support the other brother.

Coffee and Kisses (The Candy Beach Series Book 4) Kindle Edition by Cecelia Dowdy Jan 15

Book Excerpt:

"When Rainy Jackson embarks on a cruise to escape her two-timing ex-fiancé, she meets handsome, charming Winston Michaels. Winston is trying to deal with his pain. A recovering alcoholic, he's not emotionally strong enough for a relationship. Can he assist Rainy with her ministry and learn to lean on God instead of alcohol?"

Title:  Coffee and Kisses

Author:  Cecelia Dowdy

Publisher:  Divine Desserts Publishing LLC 

Series:  The Candy Beach Series Book 4

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"Coffee and Kisses" by Cecelia Dowdy

My Opinion:

'Coffe and Kisses' was a romantic read that featured Rainy Jackson and Winston Michaels.  We find that both of these two people had something that had gone on in their lives that had caused them both personal problems.  For Rainey meeting, Winston on a cruise was just what her best friend thought was need after separating from her ex-fiance, and for Winston, who was giving over alcoholism after his twin sister had died of cancer.  I enjoyed how these two comings together where they had God in their lives; however, it seems like, for Rainy, she had a problem with trust.  After what Rainy had gone through with her ex Jordan, one's faith can be somewhat shaken, but I will say at times she really needed to give it to God and leave it there for Him to work it all out. Thank goodness she did listen to her friend.   I do feel if Rainy hadn't changed, she would have lost Winston.  Thank goodness for Winston because he definitely had the patience to stick with Rainy in all of her ups and downs till the very end.

The story comes together very well by the end, giving the reader a good read.  

Shipped by Angie Hockman

 Book Excerpt:

"The Unhoneymooners meets The Hating Game in this witty, clever, and swoon-worthy novel following a workaholic marketing manager who is forced to go on a cruise with her arch-nemesis when they’re up for the same promotion.

Between taking night classes for her MBA and her demanding day job at a cruise line, marketing manager Henley Evans barely has time for herself, let alone family, friends, or dating. But when she’s shortlisted for the promotion of her dreams, all her sacrifices finally seem worth it.

The only problem? Graeme Crawford-Collins, the remote social media manager and the bane of her existence, is also up for the position. Although they’ve never met in person, their epic email battles are the stuff of office legend.

Their boss tasks each of them with drafting a proposal on boosting bookings in the Galápagos—the best proposal wins the promotion. There’s just one catch: they have to go on a company cruise to the Galápagos Islands...together. But when the two meet on the ship, Henley is shocked to discover that the real Graeme is nothing like she imagined. As they explore the Islands together, she soon finds the line between loathing and liking thinner than a postcard.

With her career dreams in her sights and a growing attraction to the competition, Henley begins questioning her life choices. Because what’s the point of working all the time if you never actually live?"

Perfect for Christina Lauren and Sally Thorne's fans, Shipped is a fresh and engaging rom-com that celebrates the power of second chances and the magic of new beginnings.

Title: Shipped
Author: Angie Hockman
Publisher: Gallery Books
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Shipped" by Angie Hockman

My Opinion:

'Shipped' was an enjoyable read that was about female empowerment that goes on in the workplace. Definitely, in the end, the jerk gets what's coming to him. I loved how this author puts this story together, featuring Henley working as a cruise line market manager and Graeme as a social media manager.

What will happen when their boss decides to send them on a cruise together to come up with the best digital marketing campaign? Why did Henley hate Graeme so much? When it's all said and done between these two, Henley and Graeme, who will get the promotion? What's up with the chemistry between these two? This is where I say you will have to pick up 'Shipped' to see how this story will turn out.

Be ready for a fun read with an enjoyable journey to the Galapagos Islands while on the cruise, along with some romantic comedy, which was beautifully told.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.

Here's to Us: An Ali Addition Kindle Edition by Celeste Granger

 Book Excerpt:

"He loves without condition.

She loves with reckless abandon.
With a kiss at midnight comes wedding bells for Naomi Singleton and Tareef Ali.

This story is a bonus to the Brothers Ali Series and ends with a happily ever after."

To read Naomi and Tareef's full story, read Tareef: Brothers Ali Book 4.

Title:  Here's to Us: An Ali Addition

Author:  Celeste Granger

Publisher:  C.G.      

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  5

Review:

"Here's to Us" by Celeste Granger

My Opinion:  

What a beautiful story 'Here's To Us' featuring Naomi Singleton and Tareef Ali.  I loved all of the love shown, dedication, and commitment to the families in this series.  This was a good conclusion to series four: Tareef [The Brothers Ali Books]. Look for a story with a great storyline, well-defined characters, and a hot sexy romance. It was great seeing how their HEA turns out.  

Nailing Mr. Nasty (Campy Romances Series Book 2) Kindle Edition by Deborah Camp

 Book Excerpt:

"They call him Mr. Nasty . . .

Jack Nast knows better than to date an employee, especially a curvy, sexy employee like Samantha Striker. Sam knows better than to tug the tail of a lion-like Jack Nast, but she just can't help herself. He's big, brawny, and teeming with testosterone. How's a girl supposed to resist that combination? Besides, he doesn't scare her!
Much."

Another fun, sexy "Campy Romance" for your reading pleasure!

Title: Nailing Mr. Nasty
Author: Deborah Camp
Publisher: D.C.
Series: Campy Romances Series Book 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Nailing Mr. Nasty" by Deborah Camp

My Opinion:

'Nailing Mr. Nasty' was quite a sweet romantic read that will keep the reader turning the pages to see what is coming next for Samantha [Sam] Striker and Jack Nast. I enjoyed how well this author puts the story together in just why was Jack called 'Mr. Nasty' in the first place. What will happen when these two meet with Sam being an employee of Jack. I will say it was quite a meeting with Sam being a little more than what Jack thought. Now, why was that? Sam is working for contractor Jack Nast during the time for her best friends during her maternity leave.

So, how did Jack get this name of being called 'Mr. Nasty?' What will all go on between these two as Sam works as Jack's office manager? What will happen as these two seem to have some funny bartering going on, and oh, I don't want to leave out the hot chemistry that these two seem to have toward each other. I will stop here and say you must pick up this good read, 'Nailing Mr. Nasty,' to see how this author answers all the questions above, giving the readers a well-written story that will keep you turning the pages.

I will say that this story involved a subject that I found somewhat sad about how the story was processed with the way the story all turned out. However, at least Jack could get the help he needed to move forward in his family situation.