Metal and Mistletoe by Brooklyn Ann

Profile:

"Fighting the darkness of their pasts, talented heavy metal musicians Curtis Scrimm and Dezra Hopkins seek holiday solitude but find each other.

A HOLIDAY REDEMPTION

Curtis Scrimm and Dezra Hopkins have lived both the highs and the lows of life—literally. They’ve both known the joy of performing to hordes of screaming fans and the horror of betraying all that they love and admire. They’ve both just gotten out of rehab.

But things are always darkest before the dawn, and with this Christmas comes redemption. It arrives in an unlikely place, in the solitary and deadly beauty of Yellowstone Park. It comes in the form of desperation and unquenchable desire, though things are never so black and white. The spark is a good bass line, the hottest lick from an electric guitar, and a primalistic roar like a furious lioness, and it will ignite an inferno of inspiration that both had been seeking. But that flame needs to be fanned. Curt and Dezra can nurture it with each other. Then they’ll need to find enough trust to make it burn forever."

Title:  Metal and Mistletoe  

Author:  Brooklyn Ann

Publisher:  Boroughs Publishing Group               

Series:  Hearts of Metal Book 4

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five  

Review:

"Metal and Mistletoe" by Brooklyn Ann

My Thoughts....

This was another one of this authors series that I loved 'Hearts of Metal Book 4 " Metal and Mistletoe" that featured Curt Scrimm and Dezra Hopkins  who had been involved deeply in metal music  were now recovering addicts where they met in rehab, working to stay sober while staying to find themselves in what was ahead of them in their careers.  I loved how this author puts these two together on a wonderful retreat in the Yellowstone National Park during Christmas and presenting us with a woman of color into the story.  You might say they were two opposites in the way they were raised but when it came down to it I would say these two were made for each other even though their music was of a different genre.  However, there music will draw them together so will they find redemption and comfort in each other?  I loved how this story brings in many characters from the former series that ties this story so well together. and especially how we find out what had happened with Curtis before rehab.  This was indeed a beautiful read of a  'A Holiday Redemption... of a story of addiction, recovery, metal music and in the end a beautiful love.'       

A Wedding One Christmas by Therese Beharrie

Profile:

"Of all the weddings in all the world, Angie Roux had to be mistaken for a bridesmaid in this one.

Caledon, South Africa, is supposed to be just a stop on the way to Christmas in Cape Town, part of Angie’s long-avoided homecoming. She never expected to star in a bizarre comedy of errors, but here she is: convincing a handsome stranger to be her fake boyfriend for the day.

Ezra Johnson, the handsome stranger in question, turns out to be a pleasant distraction from both the wedding and thoughts of her first family Christmas without her father. And he seems to loathe weddings just as much as she does. He’s the perfect temporary companion.

But a lot can happen in twenty-four hours. Including a connection so strong it tempts them both into thinking of something more permanent…

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!"

This book is approximately 70,000 words

Title: A Wedding One Christmas
Author: Therese Beharrie
Publisher: Carina Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"A Wedding One Christmas" by Therese Beharrie

My Thoughts.....

This was a good read of how a hero and heroine who had their own demons came together to over come them while helping one another heal. The author really gives the reader quite a interesting story that deals with a good 'dialogue banter, humor, beautiful couple and a wonderful holiday...Christmas.' 'A Wedding One Christmas' will really get the reader ready for this holiday. I loved how this story starts "with Angie continuously being mistaken for a bridesmaid, because she's wearing a dress similar to what the bridesmaid are wearing." What will happen when "Angie seeks Ezra's help to flee the wedding party since they are under the misconception that she is a bridesmaid?"

It was wonderful how these two Angie and Ezra were able to converse so well together in this romantic read. In the end one can see how well Angie and Ezra were perfect for each other. So, what will happen as "Angie is returning home for the first time in years since her father’s death and Ezra is teacher, returning after a failed 7-year relations?" Well, to found out how this story will turn out you will have to pick up this well written sweet romance read to see how well this author brings it out so well to the readers. It will be a beautiful story of 'personal growth that will be surrounded by humor and some hot chemistry' and definitely by the end of this story one will be left with that 'warm and fuzzy feeling.' 

Give Me A Reason (In The Heart Of A Valentine Book 3) Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris

Profile:

"Always the optimist, TV assignment editor Allison Sullivan makes no excuses about the enthusiastic life she leads. As doors of opportunity present themselves, whether in her profession, in her love life, or her friendships, Allison is one to take the task on full speed ahead. But when Allison meets the man she’s investigated in person, the world around her seems to pause as she fumbles to recover from the dynamic energy that clings from him to her. She’s never felt desire forge so deeply within, and the chance at a clandestine meeting raises the stakes on an ensuing love affair.

Award-winning film director Lance Valentine isn’t looking for love, but in the midst of filming a new motion picture, he meets Allison Sullivan in an impromptu dinner at the home he was raised in. At first sight, her beauty takes his breath away, and he finds himself unable to explain the flutter in his heart or the battle in his spirit at the crescent curve of her smile. Career driven and focused on building his empire, Lance has never taken a chance on anything other than his creativity. Until Allison.

While neither of them is looking for romance, they’ll both soon find that an endless possibility of love is within their reach."

Title: Give Me A Reason
Author: Stephanie Nicole Norris
Publisher: Love Is A Drug Ink
Series: In The Heart Of A Valentine Book 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Give Me A Reason" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Thoughts....

Another beautiful read of the Valentine series that was indeed a good read. With Lance being s0 protective of Allison was really a beautiful thing. I will say that Allison's thought pattern got to me some but by the end I was finally able to understand her reasoning in the way she did a few things. Truly when it came to their chemistry these two were definitely on point being so hot and steamy! I will say this author really knows how to present those love scenes to the reader! Now that I am at the end of this story I am only left wondering if Raphael will be the next Valentine in these beautiful series. Well done to the author!

Awakening by Jackie Goldman

Profile:

"Romantic Thriller

Is it possible that the entirety of one's life has been steered by the hand of fate towards a single moment? For Brooklyn French program teacher - and single parent of two- Tess Shapiro, it would certainly seem so. After discovering that her life and her marriage were artificial constructs based on lies and deceit, Tess must undergo the ultimate reality check. She delves deep into her subconscious, venting her frustrations by indulging in a lifelong habit of drawing graphic novels starring her glamorous alter ego, an international spy by the name of Andrea Chambers. Meanwhile, in the real world, anti-French terrorism is taking the world by storm. What, and who, is behind the vile attacks against French-speaking people everywhere from Brooklyn to Burundi? As she suspects that her new lover may not be who she thought he was, Tess's ability to perceive truth through a distorted collage of deception, brings comic book fantasy and real world tragedy crashing together in a whirlwind of romance and political intrigue. When, in a single moment, Tess realizes the totality of the lie she has been fed and believed, and the impossibility of the truth, she makes a staunch decision that will change her life, and how she perceives the world, forever."

Title Awakening
Author: Jackie Goldman
Publisher: J. G.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Awakening" by Jackie Goldman

My Thoughts.....

I found 'Awakening' quite a good read that present us with a 'strong feminist as our protagonist' who was Tess Shapiro. I will say her life really takes a turn in that she was divorced from a no count husband, learns a little more about her father to finding out that 'her new lover was not who she thought he was.' Now all the time she vents by indulging in graphic drawings of comic book fantasy's that presented her in a glamorous alter ego.' What will happen for Tess when she finds out that this fantasy and the world around her comes crashing together around her in 'romance and political intrigue.' I will say that Tess's ex husband and new lover were highly no .... well I will stop here and say you will just have to pick this novel up to see how well this author brings it all together for the reader. The story will definitely give you another look at life as it was for Tess. I enjoyed by the end of this novel that definitely Tess Shapiro finally had awaken throwing out what she didn't need to hang on too and was seeing life as it really was for her with her two children.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of 'Awakening.'

Lady Guardians: The Ultimate Risk Kindle Edition by Sheena Binkley

Profile:

"Raven Howard has always lived life on the edge. No matter what, she is always willing to try new things and just enjoy life. While her personal life is adventurous, she does have a balance with her professional life by being a kindergarten teacher. She loves kids and hope to have some one day. 

Despite her family's disapproval, one of the things she loves to do is ride her Street Triple R on the weekends. It's a great way for her to relax and just be on the open road for a few hours. When her best friend, Tess, mentions a new Lady Guardian chapter opening in Houston, she is all for becoming a member, but a past incident regarding her brother may havoc memories that she or her family doesn't want to relive. She is willing to move on, but it could destroy the little relationship she has with her family. Is she willing to make a choice that is best for her, or to please her family?

Ryan Baxter is going through a lot while being a single father to his five-year-old daughter, Kendall. His wife passed away a year ago and is trying to pick up the pieces of his life. He's trying to be strong for Kendall, but sometimes he wonders if he can with the emotions he's still carrying from his wife's death. When he meets Kendall's teacher, Raven, during a parent/teacher conference, he is instantly smitten with her. As the two slowly connect, the attraction they have is undeniable, but also scary.

When Ryan finds out about Raven's passion, he immediately disapproves, which is an issue for Raven. When she finds out the reason why, she understands, but will not change her views because of it. If she didn't for her family, then she won't for Ryan. Will her decisions drive away the man that she has fallen in love with?

Raven has a lot to deal with from all different directions. Will she be able to keep everything under control, or will it all come crashing down around her?"

Title: Lady Guardians: The Ultimate Risk
Author: Sheena Binkley
Publisher: S. B.
Series: Lady Guardians
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Lady Guardians: The Ultimate Risk" by Sheena Binkley

My Thoughts....

I will say that is was one risk that only Raven was willing to take. Would this risk be worth it for Raven? Who would have thought that Raven would meet someone like Ryan that would disapprove of her being a motorcycle rider and a Lady Guardian? What was up with that? Why was Raven so sure of what she wanted and wouldn't let anyone stop her...not even her parents!

Well, you will have to pick up this good read to get all of these questions answered and so much more from this interesting read. In the end one will be able to see why Raven's brother Michael had been very important in her life and that "even in the afterlife, he was the glue that kept everything together, from her riding, to her meeting Stephanie and to meeting Ryan." This was indeed a good read that I enjoyed! 

Lady Guardians: Born to Ride Kindle Edition by Janae Keyes

Profile:

"Josephine McDonald engaged to a man she can’t love and living a life she is only existing in. Josephine has nowhere to escape until she’s introduced to the off the path biker bar and the Lady Guardians. Under the wing of the Lady Guardians, Josephine is reborn as, Jo, and finds the path she’s always belonged on and a love stronger than any drink she’s ever had.
Jo knows one thing to be true, she was born to ride. The Lady Guardians have unlocked the door, but taking the path is Jo’s decision.
Is she willing to defy her family and embark on the ride of her life, or will she shrink back into her hole of depression and submission?"

Title:  Lady Guardians:  Born To Ride

Author:  Janae Keyes

Publisher:  J. K.                      

Series:  Lady Guardians

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Lady Guardians:  Born to Ride" by Janae Keyes

My Thoughts.....

I enjoyed how this story changed for the good for the heroine Josephine McDonald and karma coming for that fiance William.  It was a delight to see Jo's sister [Harriet] stepping in to help her sister because she really needed it along with the Lady Guardians and Evan being right there when it was so needed. By the end of the story we find Jo was able to finally tell her horrible story and it was even more of a delight to what her mother finally did that added to this story and proving that Jo was definitely a 'Lady Guardian who was 'Born to Ride.'   

Lady Guardians: Black Money (Mystic Belles) Kindle Edition by Taisha Demay

Profile:

"Losing her parents was hard, even for a tough biker chick like Ah-lay-yay Forster. It's a double shock when she learns that they've bequeathed half their estate to her sworn enemy Kavan Black. Riding as a road captain for the Lady Guardians motorcycle club, she can temporarily forget her dilemma. But sooner or later she knows she'll have to fight the entrepreneur to get what's rightfully hers.
Kavan is on Cloud Nine. He's hit the jackpot by inheriting half the Forster's substantial estate. True to his unsavory reputation, the mogul is ready to use every dirty trick in the book, including seduction to get Ah-lay-yay to sell her portion to him. But when a blizzard strands them in a remote mountain cabin, their rivalry morphs into a fierce passion. Kavan begins to have second thoughts about deceiving his new lover. To win her trust, he must convince Ah-lay-yay that they are better together as partners than as adversaries."

Title: Lady Guardians: Black Money
Author: Taisha DeMay
Publisher: New York City Girl
Series: Lady Guardians
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"Lady Guardians: Black Money" by Taisha DeMay

My Thoughts......

Good storytelling with some very interesting complex characters that will definitely keep you turning the pages to see what will be coming next for these two Ah-lay-yah Forster and Kavan Black. This was quite a interesting read of what can happen due to an inheritance having to been shared by two people that did not care for one another other due to what had happened during their childhood. Well, as one reads through this story one will see how a blizzard will bring them together, however, things will not go as maybe Ah-lay-yay thought it would. Why was that? You will have to pick up is novel of "Lady Guardians: Black Money" to see how it will all turn out for these two families....the Forsters and the Blacks. By the end will 'the truce Ah-lay-yah's parents had wanted so desperately, and her grandparents be pleased in how this was finally resolved?'