Pause by Sara Stamey

 Book Excerpt:

Women's Fiction

"Dear Diary,
Shall we pause to take stock?
Female (liberated, at least from fraught marriage). Age 52, height 5'5", weight 120, bone density excellent, minimal cellulite, maximal hot flashes. One and ¾ breasts.
Months since sex: 27

Lindsey Friedland, former river-rafting guide and avid outdoorswoman, has hit the worst stretch of water she's ever faced: divorce from an abuser, breast cancer, menopause symptoms that her friends seem to have paddled serenely by. And she's lost sight of her dream of becoming an environmental journalist.

Lindsey needs to get her spark back.

Dear Diary, Disastrous blind dates so far: The walking cologne bottle. The "really want a gal to give me babies" guy. The pushy past-life reintegration facilitator.

Will Lindsey make it past the rocky shoals of family upheavals, job crises, sexism, and ageism... not to mention toxic love traps? Does "happily ever after" now mean settling for occasional (but hot!) sex with Mr. Maybe? Can she reclaim her journalism dream?

Dear Diary, I'm tired of being tragic. I'm sending off my article about the bulldozers versus the baby owls."

Title: Pause
Author: Sara Stamey
Publisher: Book View Cafe
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Pause: by Sara Stamey

My Opinion:

We find 'Pause' was indeed an engaging, inspiring story about what 52-year-old Lindsey Friedland had to endure in her life. How will this all work out for Lindsey from an abusive father, Arlen, ex-husband Nick, navigating around menopause, breast cancer, medical malpractice, and now seeming to want to get back into the dating scene? Will she get the new beginning of what she wanted after finally getting rid of that abusive husband? Where will she go from here? Be ready for a story filled with a commotional ride filled with emotions along with many ups and downs, with heartbreaking, heartwarming, and still where I did find me laughing and crying at some of it. I enjoyed how this author had Lindsey's as she 'fights to answer the questions or at least find a way to put them on pause.' Now, to understand all that is about, you must pick up 'Pause' and read it yourself. Would I recommend this read? YES!

Family First: a Black Romance Box Set Kindle Edition by Iris Bolling (Author), Sharon C. Cooper (Author), Delaney Diamond (Author), Sherelle Green (Author), Tina Martin (Author), Stephanie Nicole Norris (Author), Candace Shaw (Author), Kiru Taye (Author)

 Book Excerpt:

"Inside the pages of this limited edition box set is an introduction to 8 family series containing 8 contemporary romance novels from bestselling authors. Get ready for captivating stories of passion, family ties, and Black love!

INVESTED by Iris Bolling

Myles Dunning, the thirty-five-year-old CEO of Dunning Bank and Trust, is fighting off one takeover attempt after another to save his family's historical bank. Chrystina Price is a voluptuous, lovable powerhouse whose sole purpose in life is to uplift and protect the man she has loved from the first day they met. When the integrity of the family always comes first, is it worth Investing in love.

LOVE UNDER CONTRACT by Sharon C. Cooper, Award-winning and bestselling author

Sumeera Robinson refuses to settle for less than she desires, even if she craves the sexy Nicolas Jenkins-Moore. She's ready for marriage and a family, but his five-year plan has those items at the bottom of the list. So when Sumeera walks out of his life, Nicolas realizes what he's lost and will stop at nothing to win her back.

UNFORGETTABLE by Delaney Diamond, USA Today Bestselling Author

Ivy Johnson is stunned when Lucas Baylor makes an appearance at her family's event in Seattle. When her deception is revealed, it throws his life into a tailspin and forces them to face the truth of their feelings for each other—feelings they've both tried in vain to forget.

#BLESSED BY MALAKAI by Sherelle Green

Overnight, Malakai Madden becomes a social media legend after the #BlessedMyMalakai hashtag starts trending. Avery Nightingale is the perfect image consultant to get his life back on track. However, avoiding their explosive chemistry proves to be a more significant distraction than either of them bargained for.

EVENINGS WITH BRYSON by Tina Martin, Three-time Emma Award Winner, including Author of the Year, Book of The Year Award Winner, multiple Amazon #1 new release

Kalina Cooper doesn't believe in love since watching her father walk out on her mother years ago. But when she meets Bryson Blackstone in her aunt's cafe, he challenges everything she thinks she knows about life and love and reveals secrets about her family that she otherwise would've never known.

SAFE WITH ME by Stephanie Nicole Norris 

Samiyah Manhattan is mourning the death of her six-year marriage when she vows never to trust men again. Celebrity ex-boxer turned business mogul Jonas Alexander Rose never takes women too seriously. However, when he meets the beautiful Samiyah mulling over a mimosa, Jonas is overwhelmed by the heart throbbing heated attraction, and now he is on a mission to explore this thing called love.

COOKING UP LOVE by Candace Shaw

When Shelbi Arrington foregoes her medical residency, the last thing she's searching for is love. However, that's just what the doctor prescribes when she meets chef Justin Richardson, who is leery of doctors because of his mother's death years ago. As their relationship heats up, Shelbi learns of a shocking revelation that may extinguish their flame.

KEEPING SECRETS by Kiru Taye

Have you ever loved someone and didn't know it? That's the dilemma facing Felix when he wakes from a coma to find he is married to the most beautiful and most sensual woman he's ever known. However, will he still feel the same way when he regains his memory and realizes she's been keeping secrets and their marriage is not what he thinks it is?"

Title:  Family First

Authors: by Iris Bolling,  Sharon C. Cooper, Delaney Diamond, Sherelle Green, Tina Martin, Stephanie Nicole Norris, Candace Shaw, and Kiru Taye

Publisher:  Garden Avenue Press; PublishDrive edition

Series:  Black Romance Box Set

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Family First" by 'Several Wonderful Authors'

My Opinion:  

These are some beautiful eight collections of black romances that will leave one in awe of it all... from one mystery, suspense, and hot chemistry starting with...

Invested by Iris Bolling...featuring... Myles Dunning and Chrystina Price. 

Love Under Contract by Sharon C. Cooper featuring Sumeera Robinson and Nicolas Jenkins-Moore

Unforgettable by  Delaney Diamond featuring Ivy Johnson and Lucas Baylor

#Blessed by Malakai by Sherelle Green featuring Malakai Madden and Avery Nightingale

Evenings with Bryson by Tina Martin featuring Kalina Cooper and Bryson Blackstone

Safe With Me by Stephanie Nicole Norris featuring Samiyah Manhattan and Jonas Alexander Ross

Cooking Up Love by Candace Shaw featuring Shelbi Arrington and Justin Richardson 

And ending lastly with...

Keeping Secrets by Kiru Taye featuring Felix and Ebony

Now I will leave it to you to open up 'Family First' and see what these authors have delivered to the readers.  It will be a good read!

                    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

All of these stories will definitely catch one's eye as you read through each of them.     

Now which one will be your favorite one?  I couldn't pick my favorite because I liked a little bit of all of these romances as they captured my interest.  So, I recommend all of them.

By the end of these beautiful collections of romance reads, the reader is given some "captivating stories of passion, family ties, and Black love" that will put a smile on your face.  

Trust God Period. James V. Daniels

 Book Excerpt:

"Trust God period. We have to trust Him each and every day. We have to trust God for everything. "Trust God Period" is a must-read for all. Read this book and receive the blessing that God has planned for you. It teaches us why it's important to know God and to love Him with all your heart. And not to love the things of the world but the things of God. It teaches you how to avoid the things which are not of God that will lead you down the path of self-destruction."

Title: Trust God Period.
Author: James V. Daniels
Publisher: J. V. D.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Trust God Period." by James V. Daniels

My Opinion:

'Trust God Period.' was an undeniable and inspirational view of our love of God. It was an enjoyment to read how this author guides the reader through wisdom and principles on how we should live in this world as not only followers of Christ but wholesome believers of His word who trust our God. When one 'Trust God Period' that says it all which is out there for all ages to read and leave one with an enjoyable read of God's love. By the end, the reader is left with a clear understanding of us 'to love our God as well as our sisters and brothers as we so love ourselves and become much better individuals.' Would I recommend this read? YES!

Eight Naughty Notes: Baes of Christmas Kindle Edition by Aja

 Book Excerpt:

"Tori Clark knew at a very young age that she'd have to make sacrifices to reach her goals of becoming one of the most trusted Pediatricians in Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, Tori didn't have the luxury of partying, traveling, or even falling in love. But she did, in fact, fall in love with Christian Powers, a man going through his residency training right alongside her. They were both among the best and brightest stars in their program with very few chances to take R&R, but somehow they managed to sneak in a few moments that brought them closer together. With Christian, Tori learned to laugh and cry out in pleasure. However, when Tori receives a reminder of her first passion, she decides to break things off with Christian to preserve herself and her life goals.

Years later, Christian, now a top Pediatric Intensivist, returns to the place of his residency, not only for an opening at the Children's Hospital but also for a second opportunity at love.

Warm-up your holiday with this hot second chance romance.

Tori Clark first appears in For Once; however, you can enjoy her story without reading it."

Title: Eight Naughty Notes
Author: Aja
Publisher: She Loves Words Publishing LLC
Series: Baes of Christmas Series
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
'Eight Naughty Notes' by Aja

My Opinion:

'Eight Naughty Notes' was a sweet holiday read that featured Tori Clark and Christian Powers, seeing them get their second chance at love. This beautiful story stored how Christian didn't give up on whom he wanted in his life. It was so wonderful that many people around Tori knew that something was going on with her as she began to listen and give love a second chance. The story was adorable about these two doctors who worked with children. As they came together, one could see that there was so much love and passion and a beautiful romance, as this author gives her readers.

A Southern Delights Christmas (Victory Gospel Short Book 5) Kindle Edition by Tyora Moody

 Book Excerpt:

"Sequel to Southern Delights short story.

Author Nia Michaels lives a blessed life, celebrating her highly anticipated romance novel. Her own real-life romance with Brendan McCormick has been a delight for the past six months. However, Nia's hypersensitive emotions flare up when Brendan shows signs of not being into her anymore. Is her history with men about to be repeated?

To make matters worse, her ex-boyfriend returns to town, and he doesn't seem to care that Nia has moved on with a new man. With Brendan is acting lately, Nia is wondering if a break-up is inevitable.

With her favorite holiday around the corner, all Nia wants for Christmas is the same happily ever after she writes about in her books.

Victory Gospel Shorts are sweet Christian romance stories from 8,000 to 25,000 words or 32-100 book pages. Meet a different member from the Victory Gospel Church family. Don't be surprised if you see a character from the Victory Gospel Series or the Reed Family Series in a story."

Title: A Southern Delights Christmas
Author: Tyora Moody
Publisher: Tymm Publishing
Series: Victory Gospel Short Book 5
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:
"A Southern Delights Christmas" by Tyora Moody

My Opinion:

Everything seemed to be going prodigious well for Nia Michael, an author and doing well with writing her romance novel. Plus, Nia had been dating Brendan McCormick, and all seemed to be going well for these two. However, things started turning sour for these two when Nia was finally told that Brendan would be laid off from work. What will happen as Brendan is looking for a job in three different states? Also, it looks like Nia's ex-boyfriend has come back to town and wants to talk with her...about what? Will this present a problem for Nia and Brendan, and why was that? I believe that Nia should have shared a particular fact with Brendan, but, as usual, it wasn't a surprise in the way the story went for them.

It was good seeing Brendan finally finding something that he liked right there in the area he was from and seeing how he was working at it.

Will these two be able to get everything solved, and they finally get their HEA? To get all of these questions answered and more, you will have to pick up this good short Christian romantic read to see how this author will bring it all out to the reader. Would I recommend it? Yes, but I also believe you need to read the series for even more of an understanding of what had gone on in the lives of Nia and Brendan.

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When A Man's Fed Up-Unlocking the Soul of a Few Good Men By Denise Cook-Godfrey

 Book Excerpt:

"Xavier Taylor was a man who had lived most of his life chasing shadows. Shadows of things that never quite came to fruition in the days of his prime. Most of those days were spent building walls and suppressing the pain, anger, and confusion surrounding his father and the family he never bonded with)."

Title:  When A Mn's Fed Up-Unlocking the Soul of a Few Good Men

Author:  Denise Cook-Godfrey

Publisher:  D.C.G.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

When A Man's Fed Up- Unlocking the Soul of a Few Good Men  

By Denise Cook-Godfrey

My Opinion:  

If you are looking for a novel that explains it all to the reader, then you have come to the right place. "When A Man's Fed Up" shows what happens when a person is fed up as it was for Xavier Montel Taylor, and it wasn't only him...but his friends Ezra and Maverick seemed to have some problems in that direction also. What was it with Xavier, who had  spent most of his life "building walls and suppressing the pain, anger, and confusion surrounding his father and the family he never bonded with."  Now, why was this? We find that the other two boys had fathers...but were they any happier with that fact?  

To get into the story without giving too much away, we find Xavier is having quite a life dealing with problems he only had to deal with. Let's start with the dreams he had been having for a long time that manifests much later in his life. What was that about? Along with having a mom who had to work hard and dealing with her live-in boyfriend who seemed to dislike him, or let's say they disliked each other, did cause problems.   One good thing that Xavier had in his life was his Christian Grandma Sweet, and that was such a good thing to have, and oh how he loved her and listened well to her.  

Moving on to Xavier's two best friends... Ezra and Maverick, we find  Ezra seemed to be content somewhat helping take care of the children, helping his mom and aunt Josie; however, his father seemed to treat him...well, you will have to pick up this read and see for yourself what that was all about. As time went on, Ezra married, and as he began to have dreams, as Xavier did, his life changed drastically from what he had wanted. Now, why was that? 

Oh, yes, the three friends were a rapping group through high school and seemed to enjoy rapping together until what happened? Will anything come of this for Xavier, Ezra, and Maverick? What happened in this situation caused Xavier to be blamed for something he didn't do, and he even stopped going to that church?  

Then there was Maverick, who had it all so well, being the son of pastor Malcolm Price [and let's not leave out his mother [that first lady] but was he pleased,  and delighted at their decision of his life? And if not, why was that? What did Maverick want to do with his life? What was it about Maverick's parents, as they seemed to be the only ones who knew what Maverick needed? Why did they choose not to listen to what Maverick wanted to do with his life?  

I know I ask many questions in my review. However, I don't want to tell you the answers because I was hoping you could pick up this fantastic read and find out all the answers to the many questions asked.

As the reader continues, one will find out how well the story has well-developed and defined secondary characters that explained just who they were that added so much to the story like Sue, Grandma S, Shep, Megan, Mr. Culpepper, Aunt TT[Josie], Tyler, Pebbles, Taisha, Treyvon, and Raven, to name a few.

As the story moves on, what will happen when after the three...Xavier, Maverick, and Ezra have a reunion of sorts after not being in contact for quite a while. What will come of that?  

What will happen when the WayMaker Church has a men's conference day with the theme being 'Fed-Up'  "When a Man's Fed Up Unlocking the Soul of a Few Good Men..." where Ezra and Xavier spoke from their hearts on what had been bothering them...but as this Fed Up session was proceeding an unexpected visitor appears. With so many secrets coming out from this conference, wow, the reader will be led to keep turning the pages to find out more. So now, will all of the above questions that have been asked be answered? YES!

Who all will this be a 'Judgement day' be for...? I was left thinking WOW!! Will all of their answers to the many secrets that had been all over the place be resolved? Also, will the dream that Xavier had been having forever be revealed to what was going on in that dream? By the end of 'When A Man's Fed Up,' who will be together as friends, married, and pursuing a new occupation?  

AGAIN, to get all of the questions answered and more, you, the reader, will have to pick up this excellent story and see for yourself how well this author brings it all out to her readers.

Would I recommend it?... Yes, but not only for the man but for some women too!

Thank you to the author for an excellent read!

Thank you to the author for an excellent read! 

 

 

The Great Gatz by Lauren Baratz-Logsted, Jackie Logsted

 Book Excerpt:

"A dog tries his best to keep his two co-parenting owners and their happiness afloat in this hilarious and touching sequel to Joint Custody by Lauren Baratz-Logsted and Jackie Logsted.

The Man is happy. The Woman is happy. That means Gatz is happy. He'd like to forget about the trouble he made to get them back together—only slightly ashamed at his antics—and focus on the future. The Woman and New Man are about to get married, after all. But when The Woman loses her job because of some bad press about the two of them, her confidence is broken, and she can't help but feel resentful towards New Man when his own career stays intact. Gatz has to give it to him; New Man remains as patient as a saint (of course he does).

The Man is doing better, too, thanks to the New Woman in his life, who just so happens to be a writer as well. But two authors in the same relationship can sometimes be one too many, and they find themselves getting quite competitive with each other. But Gatz has faith in them—The Man did learn from his mistakes, didn't he?

Gatz doesn't know what happened to these two perfectly happy couples, but he knows one thing is for sure: not all families are alike, and happiness can be found in the unlikeliest pockets—just like treats!"

Title: The Great Gatz
Authors: Lauren Baratz-Logsted & Jackie Logsted
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Series: Gatz Chronicle #2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
The Great Gatz" by Lauren Baratz-Logsted & Jackie Logsted

My Opinion:

'The Great Gatz' continues from the first series, 'Joint Custody,' where the authors have done an excellent job with this Gatz's story. We find Gatz's has two owners where The Man has custody Monday thru Friday...who is a writer and The Woman has him on the weekend...who is an editor. What has happened that has presented this situation? Well, that's a story you will have to read in the first series but now what is happening in this story...'The Great Gatz' as we find that since The Man and The Woman have split, it looks like she has moved on to a New Man in her life. And what will this mean for The Gatz as he [the dog] realizes that there will be some changes going on, so what will he do as 'drastic times call for extreme doggy measures?
Be ready for laugh-out-loud times that will have you doing just that...l o loud!

As we move on into this story...will Gatz be able to "keep his two co-parenting owners as their happiness afloat in this hilarious and touching sequel?" By the way, you know the dog is narrating this story...right! If only he could keep both Man and Woman happy ...he will be satisfied too but will that happen now that The Woman has a New Man and they are engaged to be married! But all in all, all looks good until some bad press about them causes The Woman to lose her job; however, nothing happens to The New Man's career. How will The New Man handle this situation?

Moving on, we find The Man has a New Woman in his life, and all seems to be going OK until competitiveness starts among them and my, my, my will this couple begins to have problems where it leaves poor Gatz wondering...someone 'did not learn from earlier mistakes? Will the therapy be the answer? Gatz's will be only left wondering 'what had happened to these two happy couples.' How, if anything, can Gatz help fix things for them? You will have to pick up 'The Great Gatz' to see how well these authors will bring it all out to the reader as they create a 'fun dog's eye view of a good romance.'

I would suggest one pick up the first series first to get ahead of what has previously gone on with Gatz and his owners.

Thank you to NetGallery and Berkley for an early copy of this read and for giving my opinion.