Jewelle's Christmas Chance: An Enemies to Lovers Romance (BWWM) by Shani Greene-Dowdell

 Book Excerpt:

"Jewelle and Chance enter the doors of LaFlare Fashionista each morning with guns blazing, prepared for their latest showdown. They can't explain their rivalry but can't stop it either.

A trip to Paris in the middle of the Christmas holidays could transform their relationship from rivals to lovers in the blink of an eye. Will the splendor of the holiday season fade away when they return to the office? Or will they finally tear down the wall between them and let romantic bells ring in the New Year?"

Title: Jewelle's Christmas Chance: An Enemies to Lovers Romance [BWWM]
Author: Shani Green-Dowdell
Publisher: Imperial Publishing House
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Jewelle's Christmas Chance" An Enemies to Lovers Romance [BWWM] by Green-Dowdell

My Opinion:

'Jewell's Christmas Chance' was a sweet holiday read about how her life changed after really getting to know Chance, whom she [Elle] thought was her enemy. Jewelle Denay and Chance Thigpen both worked for this fabulous LaFlare Fashionista, so how will this relationship from these two rivals, who were also interracial, make it to one to pleasure during this holiday season. You will have to pick up this good read and see how this author will give the reader a perfect ending. So, will these two make it to a HEA?

The story has well-developed and defined characters that brought out so well... with those Penn women...Laura and her grandmother Penn, Gustavo, and, yes, Nancy, to name a few. So would I recommend 'Jewelle's Christmas Chance?' Yes!

DIMA (Filthy Rich Alphas): (Illustrated BMWM Dark Mafia Romance) Kindle Edition by Kenya Wright

Book Excerpt:

"FILTHY RICH ALPHAS is a series of standalone interracial romance stories featuring sexy men falling in love with kick-ass black heroines. All books explore different tropes, have steamy illustrations, and will have you laughing as you read.

________
MEET DIMA.
_______

A mind-blowing enemies-to-lovers romance that will set your kindle on fire!

DIMA rules the North of Paradise—a city for the darkest alphas. The only gangster heaven on Earth. Due to his unique talent for capturing brutal enemies, he also heads the Diamond Syndicate with other Paradise Mafia Kings.

However, a serial killer has come to Paradise. And this sicko is targeting top Syndicate members. And Dima has a challenging time finding the killer due to a sexy reporter constantly getting in his damn way.

ROSE is a Pulitzer prize journalist. Last year, she created political earthquakes in New York from reporting on government corruption. Now that she's moved to Paradise, her mission is to expose the Diamond Syndicate and all their wrongdoings.
Too bad Dima won't let her.
He blocks.
She pushes.
Sometimes she wins.
But most of the time, she submits.
And dark erotic attraction blazes between them, so hot they can't ignore it. And she's catapulted into Paradise's criminal underworld, where gangsters are heroes, and the villains are the most unsuspected people. Meanwhile, a killer sits within the shadows, waiting to kill them both."

Title:  DIMA

Author:  Kenya Wright

Publisher:  K.W.                      

Series:  Filthy Rich Alphas  Book 5

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"DIMA" by Kenya Wright

My Opinion:

'Dima' was a good read that featured the alpha Dimitri and Rose.  We find Rose new in Paradise City had been brought there to investigate and expose the Diamond Syndicate in which Dimitri was the boss. So what happens when a serial killer starts killing off many of the members of the Dimi's syndicate, which will bring these two together. It seems that Rose was there to get information about this syndicate but was stopped in her tracks quickly by Dimitri.  The story was rather long, and I was left feeling that some important things were left unknown; however, it seemed like Rose and Dimi were made for each other, especially with their steamy sex scenes. There were a lot of scary characters that kept me turning the pages to see what was coming next for these gangs. Be ready for many twists and turns as 'Dima' will have it all there for the reader and an epilogue that will take one into the future. 

Heard It in a Love Song A Novel by Tracey Garvis Graves

 Book Excerpt:

"From Tracey Garvis Graves, the bestselling author of The Girl He Used to Know comes a love song of a story about starting over and second chances in Heard It in a Love Song.

Love doesn’t always wait until you’re ready.

Layla Hilding is thirty-five and recently divorced. Struggling to break free from the past—her glory days as the lead singer in a band and a ten-year marriage to a man who never put her first—Layla’s newly found independence feels a lot like loneliness.

Then there's Josh, the single dad whose daughter attends the elementary school where Layla teaches music. Recently separated, he's still processing the end of his twenty-year marriage to his high school sweetheart. He chats with Layla every morning at school and finds himself thinking about her more and more.

Equally cautious and confused about dating in a world that favors apps over meeting organically, Layla and Josh decide to be friends with the potential for something more. Sounds sensible and way too simple—but when two people are on the rebound, is it heartbreak or happiness that’s a love song away?"

Title: Heard It in a Love Song
Author: Tracey Garvis Graves
Publisher: St Martin's Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Heard It in a Love Song" by Tracey Garvis Graves

My Opinion:

"Heard It In A Love Song" was a good read where Layla is an elementary school teacher of music, her first passion—divorced how Layla will make it with her teaching job now that she doesn't have that ex around and the band she once played and sung. It was good seeing Layla, finding herself as she dedicates her time to her music.

As time goes on, Layla will meet Josh and his daughter Sasha, along with his ex. We find that Sasha attends the school that Layla teaches. What was unique about these two [Layla & Josh] was that they are both finalizing their divorces...or at least one of them was. The author gives the reader a sweet read of what happens when these two pair up, while all seems to be going well between Layla and Josh until specific facts come out that Josh and his wife are still married. What will come of that situation?

Pick up this well-written read to see how well this author brings it all out as the book will move back and forth, giving their backstories. If you like stories with ... 'seconds chances with happiness, self-growth, going after one's dreams and finally having one hopes rekindled,' then you have come to the right place for this kind of story and the strengths that both the heroine and hero gained by the end of the read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

After She Falls by Carmen Schober

 Book Excerpt:

"She's always had that fire in her. She just needs to find it again.

Strong-willed Adri Rivera nearly achieved her goal of being a professional mixed martial artist, but then she fell in love with a man who knocked all the fight out of her. When their abusive, tumultuous relationship finally comes to a head, Adri flees with their young daughter to her small hometown in the mountains of Pennsylvania. There, she must face the people she left behind and put her broken life back together again.

A hardened Max Lyons can't believe Adri is back in town after abruptly cutting him and everyone else off years ago. Yet, despite the distance that grew between them, he feels compelled to help her regain her independence and offers her a job at his gym. But regaining each other's trust is another matter, made even more complicated by the lingering spark between them. As Adri dares to pursue her dream again, she trains for a big tournament with Max's help, but they'll both have to confront their own doubts to rise victorious."

Title: After She Falls
Author: Carmen Schober
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"After She Falls" by Carmen Schober

My Opinion:

"After She Falls" was a heartfelt and emotional story that keeps one turning the pages. Adri Rivera had been a martial artist, but her life changed after several incidents in her life. Being married to an abusive ex-fighter, Adri decides to return to her hometown of Sparta with her daughter, Eva, and their dog Rocky. Will Adri be able to pick up the life that she had left? Well, as the story continues, we find that MMA Fighting is still in Adri's blood, and so it seems like she is set for fighting again but will it be an easy road for her? Especially now that it looks like her life with her ex appears to rear its head back into her life. Yes, we know she was a Christian and all, but sometimes common sense wasn't used...like when she dealt with some of the issues with her friend Max Lyons and her reason for breaking up with him six years ago in the first place was rather strange. Yes, maybe Adri thought her ex-husband [Owen Anders] had changed for his daughter stake, but really, with everyone telling her differently and for her to be careful. Oh, well, sometimes people have to learn the hard way! The characters, especially Uncle Roman, Aunt Yvonne, Eva, Max, Boom, and others, added so much to this good story.

By the end of the story, it looks like Adri has finally found her way but will it be with...this is where I say pick up "After She Falls" to see how this author will bring it all out to you, the reader.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers, with this review being entirely my own opinion.

For Once Kindle Edition by Aja

 Book Excerpt:

"Carina Clark had been on the dating scene for longer than she cared to admit. It had been such an unsuccessful journey that she was absolutely, positively done with it.  Until sexy Salik ... and his offer to take her out to see one of her favorite vocalists. She figured, at the very least, she'd enjoy good music and his smile, but definitely not more. Why would she want that? Men never stayed past a toss in the sheets.

But things take a turn that night, and Salik ... he actually stayed long enough for coffee in the morning.

For once, one stayed. 

For Once is a sexy love story and a standalone."

Title: For Once
Author: Aja
Publisher: She Loves Words Publishing LLC
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"For Once" by Aja
My Opinion:

'For Once' was a sweet good romantic read. It was good to see how Carina and Salik got together...with her paying for his drink. I will say at least she found someone more interesting than that Richie fellow. It was a plus for Salik to meet Carina because he needed a change made in his life. I enjoyed the importance that Khalil Berry [his boss] had with Salik and for him to listen to the advice given. It was good to see this transformation being made and see that Dominique [Salik's office friend] got what she desired since she wasn't willing to take no for an answer. Carina came into the picture at the right time for Salik, and seeing them come together was a beautiful thing.

The Many Facets of A. Starr: Purifying Truths Paperback – by Amelia Isom (Author)

 Book Excerpt:

"None of us can control the circumstances we are born into. However, how we deal with our circumstances and the trials we encounter determines our triumph or the reality of looming tragedies.

Amelia Isom chose the former, her life was riddled with uncertainty, rejection, and violence/death, but her life has been a series of incredible triumphant moments.

This memoir will take you through a whirlwind of emotions from the beginning until the end. But, most importantly, you will know that life is not what happens to you... But How you MAKE LIFE happen for You!"

Title: The Many Facets of A. Starr: Purifying Truths
Author: Amelia Isom
Publisher: Amelia Isom
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Many Facets of A. Starr: Purifying Truths by Amelia Isom

My Opinion:

"None of us can control the circumstances we are born into. However, how we deal with our circumstances and the trials we encounter is the determining factor of our triumph or the reality of looming tragedies."

The memoir 'The Many Facets of A. Starr: Purifying Truths' was a real 'powerful and remarkable story that will keep one turning the pages. This story was well-written and told by this author will draw one into the situation that shows such heart-wrenching tragedies of her life that featured all the good and evil.

The reader will get a little bit of it all from 'poignant memoir of the women & events that shaped her life' making her who she is today.

Be ready for "This memoir to take one through a whirlwind of emotions from the beginning till the end." But, to get all that this author delivers to the reader, one will have to pick up this good read, "The Many Facets of A. Starr," to see how it will come out...especially that exciting ending.

Peanut Blossoms and the Matchmaking Kitten (Christmas Cookies) Kindle Edition by Claire Davon [Booksprout]

 

Book Excerpt:

"Oriana's first Christmas away from her family promises to be a lonely one—until a two-pound bundle of kitten trouble shows up! When the kitten's owner, her neighbor Jet, takes Oriana under his wing, she tries to tell herself that he would do this for anyone, but she can't help but hope for more.

Will she find her Christmas miracle at the paws of a mischievous kitten? Or will the holiday be as lonely as she anticipated? She expects the latter but wishes for the former. Anything is possible at Christmas."

Title: Peanut Blossoms and the Matchmaking Kitten
Author: Claire Davon
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Peanut Blossoms and the Matchmaking Kittens" by Claire Davon
My Opinion:
"Peanut Blossoms and the Matchmaking Kitten was a sweet short Christmas Holiday short read featuring Oriane and Jethro [Jet] with them meeting due to a Meow...Buster. Oriane had just moved to a new Portland during the Christmas holiday and didn't know everyone. So, from a meow, Buster is found at Oriane front door. Later, Jet, who lived a few apartments down from Oriane, came to her apartment asking about Buster...that was what they called him at that time. Anyway, after recovering that Buster was there at Oriance's place, they talked, and he let her know that he had found the cat had crawled into a guy's pickup's engine and had fallen asleep. Since the guy didn't want the cat, Jet brought him home with him, and that's where he was until he had slipped outside of his apartment. Now, Jet was looking for him and found him at his neighbor [Oriane's apartment]. After visiting with Oriane, Jet told her about finding the cat, and the name Buster came up for the cat.

After leaving for his apartment, Buster gets loose again and appears at Oriane's apartment...when Jet comes, the cat is there. 'Was this a cat with a mind of his own?' Had Jet decided whether or not he was going to keep Buster?

As the story continues, Oriane likes to bake and had her apartment smelling so good and offered cookies to Jet and let him know she loved to bake and didn't make them for anyone in particular. That was when Jet invited her to a Christmas Eve party with his friends. Will this be a good invite? After Oriane and Jet get there, the hostess Gail, wasn't too pleased that Jet had invited Oriane. Did she have feelings for him? Oh well, the evening didn't go as planned...I will stop here and say you will have to pick up this story and see for yourself what went on at that get-together. I was glad to know that Jet used common sense in the way he handled that situation.

As time went on, Jet volunteered at a homeless shelter soup kitchen the next day[Christmas Eve] and invited Oriane to attend with him, and she accepted. Oriane had a good time the next day; she took three dozen baked cookies, helped prepare the stuffing, and sliced the meats. All went well, but Oriane felt something sad about Jet in his actions toward her. Had she done something wrong?

Questions to be answered... What was up with the ugly Christmas sweaters? Did Jet have feelings for Gail? What was Buster's new name, and what did it have to do with the Peanut Blossoms? And will there be an HFN for these two? The reader will get all of these questions will be answered as the reader reads this story.

The next day being Christmas, will Oriane but alone? To get to that ending, I will stop here and say you will have to pick up "Peanut Blossoms and the Matchmaking Kitten" to see how the story will end.
Indeed, I enjoyed how this kitten helped make this Christmas Story a fantastic sweet read!