Going Pecans By Gina Henning

Title: Going Pecans
Author: Gina Henning
Publisher: Metanovel
Series: Holiday Sugar # 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Going Pecans" by Gina Henning

What is the novel about?

"A warm pie. A tasty guy. Happy Thanksgiving indeed.

Homecomings for Lauren Hauser are always filled with delicious food and hopes for a distraction from her quirky family. The only exception with this visit: she’s been given the challenge of preparing her grandmother’s pie.

Set out on a journey for pecans, Lauren stumbles into Jack a guy who despite his charm (and kissable lips) appears to be in a committed relationship…with his career. His main concern is taking care of a last minute errand for a client, not Lauren or her quest for the key ingredient.

Frazzled in more ways than one, Lauren’s journey improves when Jack rescues her from an icy walk. Attraction and tension rise and soon pecans aren't the only things getting toasty in the kitchen."


What I liked from this novel....

"Going Pecans" was a quick wonderful delightful seasonal read about Thanksgiving and a letter from a sweet grandmother to Lauren. When Lauren inherits this pecan pie recipe from her grandmother that had a stipulation...would Lauren be able to master the art of baking that precious and important pie for the holiday? What was up with those special pecans which will become an adventure for Lauren to get? Who was this mysterious guy who seemed to be a business guy with ties from Texas that Lauren would have to deal with? Well, these questions will definitely be answered as you read "Going Pecans."

What I especially liked about this read...

"Going Pecans" will definitely leave you smiling as these two characters (Lauren and Jack) come together in this sweet romance, with humor, mystery and oh my goodness that pecan pie. This would be a good Thanksgiving holiday read I would recommend to you.

Keep Calm and Kill Your Wife By Luck Stevens

Title:  Keep Calm and Kill Your Wife
Author:  Lucky Stevens
Publisher Mill City Press, Inc.
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Keep Calm and Kill Your Wife" by Luck Stevens

Book Description...

"What if you just found out that the man you've been sleeping next to all these years is going to kill you? Or even worse. What if you didn't find out...until it was too late? Summer Smith's romantic vacation for two is about to go terribly wrong. Not only does her husband, Hart, have a mistress, but it's someone she knows--her first cousin, Brandy, who is conspiring to kill her on this little "trip for two." With her back against the wall, can Summer keep it together while she figures out what to do about her would-be killer and husband of ten years, before it's too late? And will she even get the chance? In an odd twist of fate her problems may be solved by a freak occurrence. But at what price? One part Double Indemnity, two parts "The Postman Always Rings Twice," and multiple parts twists, turns and surprises, "KEEP CALM AND KILL YOUR WIFE" is Stevens' latest high-tension Hitchcockian suspense thriller that will keep you guessing until its very last nail-biting page."

What I liked from this novel...

This novel was exactly what the title implies.  What a thriller read!  This author gives the reader a intriguing story that was well written and once you start reading you will find it hard to put down.  The characters...Summer, Hart and Brady along with some secondary characters were really helped give the reader  a script that were richly developed in that they seemed to come alive on the pages.  Along with being well developed, well defined, well portrayed,  believable in the end and you have simply one good story.  I must say the title did cause me to wonder what?  After picking up this read you will see how it will call come out and wow does things change for Summer in the end.  Who would have thought that Summer's taking  paralegal courses, taking karate and flying lessons would   I don't want to spoil it other than say you must pick up "Keep Calm and Kill Your Wife" and see for yourself as you read through a smooth sailing suspenseful read. 

What I also liked from the read....

I liked how the story kept you on the edge of your seat...being full of suspense.  This author does a good job plotting this suspenseful thriller novel.

Ryder: Every Man Needs A Ryder By: Angel Williams

Title:  Every Man Needs A Ryder
Author:  Angel Williams
Publisher:  Star City Publications
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Book 1
Rating: 4
Review:

"Every Man Needs A Ryder"  by Angel Williams

Book Description.....

"Take a ride with Asia as she takes you on a wild ride throughout her drama filled life.

Asia wasn't looking for love but found her Romeo, Stanley, due to a tragic situation she’d gotten herself caught up in.

Stanley was every woman’s dream. He had it all from the hot-boy looks, the demanding demeanor, right down to the life-long line of money.

After seeing Stanley’s true colors and all the drama he came with, Asia got fed up being Stanley's "Ryder" and her eyes landed on the wrong prize!

Will Asia continue being Stanley's Ryder or will she take her love elsewhere?"

Why I read this novel...

I met this author through Facebook and I just wanted to see what she was writing.

What I liked from this novel.....

This was a interesting urban read that will keep your attention from the start till the finish. The author's opening was really a eye opener leaving me to say wow!   This author really knows how to keep you right on the edge of your seat with her presentation of this read.  There will be so much going on that I found myself taking notes because I didn't want to miss any of just who was doing hat in  this read.    What a life for Asia, Stephanie, Stanley, Tayvon (Ty) Mr. Big, Killer Sean, Rome Tangie to name a few characters. The characters were all over the chart but for the most part were well portrayed, developed and oh so believable as this author gives us a interesting read.  Be prepared for lots of drama, sex  as well as lots of killings.  This is definitely not for the younger readers. 

Will Asia get the  genuine love she needs and wants  so badly.  Her life had been so awful...mother dying, her father leaving without a trace of being found, living on the streets... but one thing for sure her friend Stephanie her best friend.  Her friend was there  for her no matter what came about.  But was this true?  With them being so tight would there be anything to separate them? Then there was Stanley who seemed to be a God send at first but as time went on was he? Did he not know that he had a 'ryder' in Asia?   What was up with Ty to had held something so close that he was just waiting for the right time to....  well,  this is where I say you must pick up "Every Man Need A Ryder" to see how this author will bring it out to the reader. Oh... I'm sorry this will be one of those reads that will leave you hanging so I guess we will have to wait for Book 2 to see where, who, what, how and the why for the ending of this read. 

What I didn't like about this novel...

There were sections in the read that I was left saying who is saying what....who is the person that is talking now?  I found myself having to go back and reread to find out the answer.  This was probably due to the fact that there is so much going on you could miss something important and I didn't want to miss any of it.   Then there was that best friend of Asia...Stephanie...I don't know but I do have some questions about her.  Hopefully I am wrong... Well, I will say for Asia sake  I hope I am!

My overall impression...

By the end of this read... "Ryder:  Every Man Needs a Ryder" will have  taken the reader on a roller coast ride with Asia and a few more characters  as  you will  be lead on some interesting spins on and off.   Be ready for a  wild ride that will be filled with so much drama and  I am sure  the reader can expect even more to  come in this author's next  Book 2 read.

Ring in the Holiday By: Katie Lane

Title:  Ring in the Holidays
Author:  Katie Lane
Publisher:  Forever
Series:  Hunk for the Holidays #2
Reviewed  By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 4.5
Review:

"Ring in the Holidays" by Katie Lane

Book Description...

"THE BEST NEW YEAR'S EVE . . . EVER
Psychologist Ellie Simpson is about to get a healthy dose of sex therapy. Leaving her cheating boyfriend behind, she has everything she needs for a quick rebound: Vegas, plenty of champagne, and a proposition from the sexiest man she's ever seen. As her handsome stranger helps her ring in the New Year-over and over again-Ellie finds herself blissfully losing all of her inhibitions.

Attorney Matthew McPherson is good at making women lose things, like their minds and underwear. With his athletic build and soulful eyes, he doesn't need to use his powers of persuasion or famous last name to get a woman into bed. But when morning comes, Matthew finds Ellie is the only woman he can't bear to leave-ever. It's enough to make him wonder if what happens in Vegas really has to stay there."


Why I Read This Book:

I liked the book cover

What I like about this novel:

It was a good entertaining holiday read that will keep your attention from the start to finish.    This author really knows how to give the reader a interesting romance.  Who knew when this heroine (Elle) would meet up with this hero (Matthew) in Vegas and it seemed to be the right time for each of these two.  Why was that?  It seems like Ellie was at her lowest point when her life wasn't going the way she thought it should go especially after her boyfriend had dropped her.  Now, she had a night with a hot man in Vegas thinking that what happens in Vegas stays...well this wasn't what happened. It was after Ellie's book tour  was over when she and her best friend Sidney decides to  move  to the same city that this guy she had met in Vegas lived.  But what chance would they ever meet?  Well from her book that this heroine Dr. Ellie Simpson has written....'Virginal Love: Separating Lust from True Emotions' who would have thought this would bring the hero Matthew McPherson and his family altogether in a really emotional dramatic romantic read.  This author really worked her magic with the characters in her story as you will see that they are all richly developed where each one comes alive on the pages along  being so well developed, engaging, depicted, memorable, well portrayed and most of all giving the reader a believable good read. 

What I Also Like:

The humor that this author brings out in this read from the character Louis McPherson Douglas...known as Wheezie was really amazing!   I will say this one character had me laughing so hard in several interesting scenes. 

Be ready for the interesting read from "Ring in the Holiday" where you just may find... that from their meeting of the two in Vegas ...then on to Chicago...meeting the hero again...the crazy friend with some ideas for a new novel...seeing  Matthew and meeting his family... and that interesting aunt with a agenda of her own....Ellie's mom's visit  finally facing her problem head on and on to the end that will answer the question.  Again,  you will have to pick up "Ring in the Holiday" to see if Ellie and Matthew will have a future together. 
 
My overall impression:

This was a good humorous heartwarming romance that would be a perfect holiday read that I would definitely recommend to you. 

It Happened at Christmas By: Debbie Mason

Title:  It Happened at Christmas
Author:  Debbie Mason
Publisher:  Forever
Series:  Christmas, Colorado #3
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"It Happened at Christmas" by Debbie Mason

Book Description...

"Christmas, Colorado, will get you in the spirit for love all year long." --- Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author

Love is the best Christmas gift of all.

"Free-spirited activist Skylar Davis is out of money and out of options. After using up her trust fund trying to save the world, she hides out in Christmas, hoping the kindness of friends will help her forget the reckless actions of her past. All goes well . . . until she comes face-to-face with one of her mistakes: the town's gorgeous young mayor.

Ethan O'Connor likes his life drama-free and predictable now that he's about to make the move from small-town politics to the Colorado State Senate. Then Skye blows back into town, as impulsive and passionate as he remembers. If word ever got out about their night together-the night he's never been able to forget-the scandal could cripple his career. Yet as he starts his campaign, Ethan finds that, like the town of Christmas itself, he can't get Skye out of his head . . . or his heart."



What I liked about this novel....

I liked this series with the love story dealing with Skylar Davis and Ethan O'Connor.  The first two series by this author had been of the friends...Madison Lane and Grace Flaherty...now we get Skylar's love story and what a beautiful place to have it happen in Christmas, Colorado.  The description of this area as you read through this novel  was simply beautifully presented.

This author gives the reader a excellent love  story  that can not only be read during the holidays but all year round.  I really enjoyed reading this novel and how it was all presented in the well written story.  It seems for a minute  as though Skylar was at her lowest point in her life being out of money, but it was sheer enjoyment seeing the out come of it all.  Ethan thought he had it all until he came involved with Skylar.  With all his politics...running for the Colorado State Senate, his campaign
 manager, his mother and now his involvement with Skylar his life was about to change.  Did Ethan  see  it all coming?   Possibly not but when it  all comes out what a life change for all of them all there in Christmas. Colorado. 

I love how this author was able to bring in many of her  characters from the first two series where you will find them all so lovable(some), well developed, interesting, funny, colorful, believable and in the end just a fascinating story to read.  I found that these characters seem to come alive on each page as you read through the story. 

There were several areas in this read that caused me to laugh out loud.  The situation was so funny and  I don't want to give any of it away other than to say you must pick up "It Happened at Christmas" to see for yourself how well this author gives us such a wonderful love story. 

Writing Skin By: Adriana Kraft

Title:  Writing Skin
Author:  Adriana Kraft
Publisher: eXtasy Books
Genre: Erotica
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Writing Skin" by Adriana Kraft

Book Description:

'What would it be like to be romanced by not one but two potential partners, simultaneously? Luci Parker has finally achieved the career of her dreams as an erotic author – but the only romance in her life these days is in the books she writes. Long attracted to both men and women, Luci despairs of ever finding just one person to settle down with. Owners of a South Side Chicago bookstore, Chai and Frank Ferguson eagerly devour Luci's books as fast as she can write them, and now they wonder."

What I liked about this novel....

I liked how this novel continues on from this author first novel...'The Diary' with this second novel "Writing Skin" being about three people who will have to sort it all out in the end to be in a erotic ménage relationship. But was it really to be?  We find that Luci Parker was a erotic writer, single and was being sort on by a wife and husband that was interested in forming a relationship with this erotic writer. But, before all of this can happen Luci will have to seek a spiritual awakening with the spirits...of the 'east, west, north and south.'  To farther understand all of this you must understand the Ferguson's and what their desire was to meet this author.  Was Luci the one they have been looking for after many nights of reading  Luci's novels to each other?  Would Frank want to go along with his wife's thinking of being attracted to other women and even having lesbian encounters in their marriage?  How will they gather it all in in order to get what they desired most?   The real question is will Luci be up for all of this for what the Ferguson's have in mind?  You will find the answer to this and more as you read to see just what the Ferguson's are looking for. 

Luci had been raised by her older sister Kate and wants a relationship but nothing seemed to be happening for her since her friend has now marriage.... however, she did have a 'collection of sex toys and knew well how to use them.'   We find that Luci did want someone in her life but would she be able to find the right person to fit in with her personality.  All I can say is wow did she meet someone after meeting Chai and Frank Ferguson!  Who knew after meeting Chai at a book read things were about to change for Luci. Would this be a good thing?  This will be a interesting journey as Chai will take Luci on a 'spiritual ride' ... an adventure that will teach her about the true meaning of life.  I really thought this was rather intriguing ...the Fox, the Raven, Grandmother's, Stag, Doe, Eagle and Feather to name a few.  Now, to understand all of this you will have to pick up "Writing Skin" to find out what all is going on with Chai as she presents this to Luci.  Will Luci be willing to receive it?  Be prepared for some real interesting sex scenes in this setting with these three characters as this author does so well with there erotica novels. 

What I also liked about this novel...

I like how this author was able to bring it all together to the reader explaining this 'spiritual encounter' that did help understand the forethought of this journey that Luci, Chai and even Frank went on.   It really help to understand how this author came up with the title...'Writing Skin.'  Also I did like how Luci was able to write and finish up her novel that she had been working on as she was able to learn so much about herself.  It was quite interesting seeing  Chai and Frank who were restaurant and bookstore owners and Luci who was a erotic writer ended meeting up.  In the end will this  be a permanent arrangement for these three people?  Oh, I did also like how close Luci had become with her sister Kate, especially after what had happened between the two in this author's previous novel 'The Diary.'   Now, I don't want to spoil too much other than say to find out if this will all comes together you will have to see for yourself by picking up 'Writing Skin'  by this  author who really gives the reader a well written fascinating  read. 

Mistletoe on Main Street By: Olivia Miles

Title:  Mistletoe on Main Street
Author:  Olivia Miles
Publisher:  Forever
Series:  The Blair Creek Series #1
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 4.5
Review:

"Mistletoe on Main Street" by Olivia Miles

Book Description...

"Sleigh bells, snow, and second chances . . .

Briar Creek's quaint shop windows, cozy homes nestled in snow, and neighborly residents are what Christmas dreams are made of--for everyone except Grace Madison. She left her hometown years ago to pursue a writing career. But when her father's death leaves his bookstore empty, Grace must return to face why she fled Vermont in the first place: Luke Hastings, who still heats her up like a shot of smoky whiskey on a cold winter's night.

Grace is back, and Luke is worried. How much has she changed as a bestselling author in the big city? What memories will she stir up? And was the choice he made five years ago the biggest mistake of his life?

Now, with their past, present, and future rocking around the Christmas tree, it's time for Grace and Luke to face the music . . . and the mistletoe."

What I liked from this novel.....

This author really gives the reader quite a interesting place in 'Briar Creek'  and definitely a good Christmas read that will keep your attention from start to the finish.  The two main characters Grace and Luke will keep you entertained as they find their way through his love story.  It seems like Grace after being gone five years is trying to make up her mind will she stay in Briar Creek after this Christmas holiday with her family or return to NY?  Did she even have anyone waiting for her back in New York after she had dropped  Derek?   Then there is her father's book store that is not opened any more. What had happened after her father's death to the book store and why wasn't see told about it being closed.  I found this  love  story was about Grace and Luke. What had happened to cause her to want to leave  Briar Creek five years ago in the first place and what happened when she came back (seeing only Luke)...leaves again...then back for her father's funeral... leaves.....now back again for this Christmas holiday?   In all of Grace's coming and going would she stay this time and run the book store that seems to have closed and just what all did Luke Hastings have to do in all of this?   Between these two there will be a lots of drama going on.   I don't want to leave out Grace's sister Jane who  also seemed to have quite a bit of drama going on in her life and their mother Kathleen. I don't want to spoil it  by telling too much of the story.  I know I have presented a lots of questions and all of the answers will be answered in this well written novel:  "Mistletoe on Main Street."  I found this author really worked it with such a beautiful description of the snow during   Christmas holiday season  of  Briar Creek really making me what to find this beautiful place with such unique characters which I found were richly developed that seemed to come alive on the pages presented as  Ray, Mark, Sophie, Anna and Rosemary Hastings to name a few.  Be prepared for a long read because this author leaves nothing out even a little hot sex scene.     

What I also liked about this novel....

I liked how this author was able to give us a story that showed a lots of emotions along with the drama of  a real love story showing the past and the present of how it is from one reaction can  bring on another reaction. In the end will it be a good decision for all involved at this point in their  life's?  I thought this was a very interesting read and I really enjoyed how this author closes the story.