Learning To Twirl (The Twirler Quartet Book 3) Kindle Edition by Claudia Severin

 Book Excerpt:

"Two devout teenagers faced love amid tragedy circa 1969. An Army enlistment during the Vietnam Conflict promised career opportunities but tore their dreams apart.

As a Roman Catholic, Nancy knew better than to succumb to temptation. She was following the example of her two older sisters: one a nun and the other a wife who'd had three children in quick succession. But when a sweet-talking devilishly-handsome boy began charming her, it wasn't just her baton that was twirling. It was her heart.

Peter knew he shouldn't resent his older brother, the golden boy. Terry excelled in sports, academics, and winning friends while Peter was stuck at home milking cows. Their parents expected Peter to hold down the farm when Terry's world was upended by a horrible accident. But, once Peter fell for a beautiful red-haired angel, he knew his prayers had been answered.

Later, while Peter performed his patriotic duty in Vietnam, he discovered his brother was ambushing him on the home front, about to steal his cherished wife and daughter. Did his devotion to the Army's cause create an unbridgeable rift in his marriage?

Return to the mythical Capital High School in Lincoln, Nebraska, for the third in the Twirler Quartet series that delivers more heartbreak and joy at a time when naïve teenage boys were being drafted, surprised college students were being attacked at protest marches. The president promised peace and love to the yTitle: Learning To Twirl

Author: Claudia Severin
Publisher: Pella Road Publishing
Series; The Twirler Quartet Book 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Learning To Twirl" by Claudia Severin

My Opinion:

'Learning To Twirl' was quite a read drawing out what happened to Nancy and Peter in what they were put through in 1969. Nancy and Peter had been friends, but things took a turn, and something blossomed between them. Do we find Nancy knew it was wrong as she succumbed to temptation not only with one but also his brother? I don't want to tell too much of the story, but we see that Peter's brother had been in a horrible accident, and a lot was thrown on Peter as he helped on his family's farm. During this time, Peter falls for the lovely red-haired angel. Both of them were in HS, and she was a 'Twirler' and a beautiful person; however, Peter's brother Terry noticed her. What will come of this and as Nancy and Peter become more involved? What would happen when he chose to serve in the Army in Vietnam doing his patriotic duty? Oh, did I mention that now Nancy and Peter are married after they just had turned eighteen?

Well, there was a reason for that quick marriage. Anyway, as the story continues will these cause problems in their marriage [new baby & him going into the service]? A few things caused me some concern, and this was as strong Roman Catholics needed more guidance from somebody. Nancy even had a nun as a sister, and a priest had been around...so what was the problem? Now my biggest concern was with Peter's brother Terry. What Terry was doing with his brother's wife Nancy ...I didn't care for at all. Now, I will not blame it all on Terry because Nancy was part of the problem too. It was hard to believe that she was that naive not to know just what she was doing and what trouble it would cause if it got out. I know things did come together by the end of the story, but this did cause me to have some problems with how it all came out in the end.

'Learning To Twirl' is one read to pick up and get a story with "heartbreak and joy at a time when naive teenage girls, boys were being drafted, college students being attacked at protest marches, and even the president comes into play as he promises peace and love to the youth of America."youth of America."

Read less

Ronnie and Clyde Kindle Edition by Jade Jones

Book Excerpt:

"A New Urban Fiction Romance From Bestselling Author, Jade Jones

The gang war for control of Kifort Grove has been raging for generations, with neither the Black City Bloods nor the Bridgewood men giving an inch when it comes to territory. But, when Clyde, the leader of the Black City Bloods, falls hard and fast for Ronnie, the daughter of the notorious kingpin who holds Bridgewood in his iron grasp, things start to get even more complicated.

With Clyde having clashed with Ronnie's father Rondo time and time again for control of the streets and the drug game, can the pair put their differences and misgivings behind them to let themselves fall in love?

"Ronnie and Clyde" is an African American urban romance packed with action, thrills, and chills that will keep you on the edge of your seat till the very last page."

Title: Ronnie and Clyde
Author: Jade Jones
Publisher: Jaded Publications
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Ronnie and Clyde" by Jade Jones

My Opinion:

After thirty-one chapters, the reader will still have to get part 2 to know what has happened to certain characters from the read. From 'Ronnie and Clyde,' we find a story of gang wars where each leader tries to outsmart the other. How will this turn out for Clyde, who was the leader of Black City Bloods, and Rondo, the leader of the Bridgewood's? There will be so many twists and turns in this story that you will have to keep up with who is doing what to whom. Things seem to turn on both of these leaders. Be ready for lots of 'action, thrill, and chills' that will keep you turning the pages as you will be left wanting to know more.

The Lewis Family (The Lewis Series Book 1) Kindle Edition by Niki Jilvontae

 Book Excerpt:

"Old Habits Die Hard is an understatement for this gory, bloody, grisly spin-off of The Misfits Series! Now that The Lewis Siblings & Crew have grown older, the new generation of natural-born killers is dying to take the reins. CJ, his sisters, cousin Serenity, and her brothers all set out to show their parents that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree as they pick up where they left off. Now killers with a mission, the New Misfits start a horrific journey as they seek out a killer known as Abaddon, who's just as dangerous as the murderers they have at home. Will the new generation of Misfits become another victim of Abaddon destined for a bleak, painful existence locked inside a cage in one of his dungeons? Or will the children of Jeremiah & Double D team up with the offspring of Sakina and make their little lights shine once again? Find out if you dare…."

Title: The Lewis Family: Old Habits Die Hard
Author: Niki Jilvontae
Publisher: N.J.
Series: The Lewis Series Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
The Lewis Family: Old Habits Die Hard" by Niki Jilvontae

My Opinion:

All that's left to say the older generation had it, but now it's the new generation turn [the misfits], and will they be ready for it? But, of course, since the misfits are so clever with all of their planning, it's no wonder what all will happen next for them in part 2. And as always, we will have to wait for the next installment to get the rest of the story.

Blind Trial: A Legal Thriller (Robin Lane Legal Thriller Series Book 3) Kindle Edition by Freya Atwood

 

Book Excerpt:

"Robin Lane's brother is murdered, and it's up to her to find out who did it.

Robin Lane takes a case that could tear her career to pieces. Her young and impulsive brother, Landis, is accused of homicide against her younger brother, Kit. The evidence is overwhelming, but Robin refuses to accept it. Could her family be capable of murder?

As Robin digs up the truth, dark clues come to the surface. And to find out what happened, she has to put her life at risk...

Blind Trial is Freya's 3rd novel in the Robin Lane series of blood-pumping legal thrillers. If you are an avid fan of strong female leads, action-packed courtroom drama, riveting characters, and mind-blowing murder mystery, then you'll love Freya's intriguing story."

Buy "Blind Trial" today to discover Freya's new intriguing crime mystery!

Title: Blind Trial
Author: Freya Atwood
Publisher: F.A.
Series: Robin Lane Legal Thriller Series Book 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Blind Trial: A Legal Thriller" by Freya Atwood

My Opinion:

'Blind Trial' was indeed a story of what a Robin has to do when she gets a call from her older brother Kit was arrested for killing their younger brother Landis. With Robin being an attorney naturally, she gets involved with finding out what was going on as she "refuses to accept that her brother was capable of murder." What will Robin do as she searches for the truth and as she goes forth what starts happening to her that let her know that wasn't about her brother but of ...? Be ready for an intriguing crime story that will be filled with twists and turns, "strong female leaders, action-paced courtroom drama, emotional, well-developed, and defined characters, kidnapping, and by the end of this story... one mystery that will have some much involvement from all over the place." It was good to see Robin's friend Charlotte [a lawyer] from series book two come in to help this family in the courtroom.
As this author gives us her extended epilogue, it was so good to see what finally happened and put a stamp on what all had gone on, letting the reader know how it all came out for Robin and her brother, Kit. Will these two ever be happy again? To get the answers to all of these questions and more, the reader will have to pick up 'Blind Trial' to find out.

All in all, this was another good series that you will not want to put down until the end.

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.