Ayesha At Last By: Uzma Jalaluddin June 4

Profile:

"A modern-day Muslim Pride and Prejudice for a new generation of love.

Ayesha Shamsi has a lot going on. Her dreams of being a poet have been set aside for a teaching job so she can pay off her debts to her wealthy uncle. She lives with her boisterous Muslim family and is always being reminded that her flighty younger cousin, Hafsa, is close to rejecting her one hundredth marriage proposal. Though Ayesha is lonely, she doesn't want an arranged marriage. Then she meets Khalid who is just as smart and handsome as he is conservative and judgmental. She is irritatingly attracted to someone who looks down on her choices and dresses like he belongs in the seventh century.

When a surprise engagement is announced between Khalid and Hafsa, Ayesha is torn between how she feels about the straightforward Khalid and the unsettling new gossip she hears about his family. Looking into the rumors, she finds she has to deal with not only what she discovers about Khalid, but also the truth she realizes about herself."

Title:  Ayesha At Last

Author:  Uzma Jalaluddin

Publisher:  Berkley

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean           

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Ayesha At Last' by Uzma Jalaluddin 

My Rationalization:

I found this novel one that really lets one know what goes on involving culture that was what all goes into the tradition of arranged marriages as it was for Ayesha and Khalid.  We find Ayesha who was 'feisty, smart and yes, bull-headed.  With dreams of becoming a poet, we find her passionate about that art.  However,  after a misunderstanding a local mosque she will take on her cousin Hafsah identity only trying to help in that situation that did present quite a bit of drama. This author gives us a read set in a Muslim community in Toronto, creating a heroine and hero who have their very own prejudices about not only marriage but religion, life goals that will need to be worked out.  

We find Khalid a devout and conservative being quite.  I loved how he seemed to be a very kind person.
This author really works magic in Ayesha and Khalid's romance that would definitely take turns back and forth presenting the reader with some adorable and heartwarming scenes putting a smile on your face.  However, as the story continues the reader will get where one see that they both had a lot to overcome on their path to the HEA.  I enjoyed Ayesha's grandparents who presented the story one of beauty along with a wonderful supporting cast of characters from 'Ayesha's flaky cousin, supportive best friend, grief-stricken mother to Khalid's overbearing mother and the party friends.' 

Both Ayesha's and Khalid's traditions were so well presented all through the story.  It was simply wonderful seeing all the different shades of Muslims from this novel.  What I really enjoyed was the fact I was able to learn so much about Muslim culture. It was also hard at times seeing the racial bias from others and even the people in their own community.  I guess this isn't too surprising in the world we live in today!

If you are looking for an intriguing plot, with great characters and just one interesting story you have come to the right place for this author Urza Jalaluddin gives it to you in "Ayesha At Last." 

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Burning of the Cross Kindle Edition by Niki Jilvontae

Profile:

"Things are rarely what they appear to be. This is a truth Brielle Mason learned first hand as she finds herself in love with a mysterious boy from the other side of the tracks. She falls for Ayden Conway and lets her guard down only to find out that the old saying is true. Everything that glitters ain't gold, quickly becomes the backdrop of her life as she's led right into the clutches of the man from her nightmares. Brielle and her friends become trapped in a cabin with racist predators all around them. Will they survive? Or will the terror cell Ayden led them to take the crew out? Find out in this heart wrenching, humorous, bloody tale of love, hate, racism, and hard decisions. Find out what happens in this Affair of Jefferson County... Burning of the Cross."

Title:  Burning of the Cross

Author:  Niki Jilvontae

Publisher:  Niki Jilvontae Presents 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Burning of the Cross" by Niki Jilvontae

My Rationalization:  

I will say that the title really got my attention.  I found "Burning of the Cross" one good read that will take the reader through a little bit of it all 'from raw emotions, to love, hate, anger, despair to hope.'  This was definitely one of those reads that will take one through quite a few twists and turns to the very end.  I felt sorry for all of the abuse than Ayden and his mom had been subjected to for years by this hateful evil person. The novel really covers how evil a racist clan can be.  What an ending!  You will only have to pick up this well-written novel and read it for yourself to see how these characters make it out of this horrible situation.  To the author... job well done!

Lady Guardians: Curvalicious Kindle Edition by Celeste Granger

Profile:

"Six degrees of separation; that's what people say, right? But is that true for Naima and Ezekiel?

She was an anesthesiologist at Atlanta’s Grady Hospital; spending her days working to save lives. He was a professor of philosophy at the historic Morehouse College; spending his days educating leaders of tomorrow. At night, Naima Foster spent much of her time alone quietly content; a contention resulting from a painful past. At night, Ezekiel Hampton rode his custom Harley with the brothers of the Dirty South Riders, trying to avoid fixating on a current pain he couldn’t seem to shake. The two didn’t seem to have much in common at first glance. But there were only a few degrees of separation between the two.


They traveled in similar circles, yet those circles never converged until Naima stepped out of her comfort zone accompanying her best friend, Kai Jefferson, president of the Lady Guardians to an annual function. Ezekiel and Naima were destined to meet there. Those circles that never converged before would finally intersect, bringing Naima and Ezekiel together. Would that chance encounter be enough?"

Title:  Lady Guardians:  Curvalicious

Author:  Celeste Granger

Publisher:  C.G.
Series:  Lady Guardians Book 6                         

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Lady Guardians:  Curvalicious" By Celeste Granger

My Rationalization:

I will say that this author gives the reader a sweet fantastic read featuring Ezekiel and Naima.  I loved how these two were brought together and especially how Ezekiel wouldn't allow Naima to put herself down with her showing her lack of self-esteem. He was always there to let her know that 'no matter what her size was she deserved to be loved' and indeed he loved her and she loved him.  This author did a wonderful job of bringing out what had happened in Naima's and Ezekiel's life up to this present time.  

 I enjoyed seeing how the importance of Naima being brought into the Lady Guardians 'who  were a group of incredibly empowered, supportive and amazing women that were there for her.'  Pick up this well written read to see how well this author brings out this story as 'the very curves that others teased Naima about and used as a tool to hurt her were now celebrated' and see how Naima Foster who is now known as 'Lady Guardians, Curvalicious.' 

  

   

Rhyme & Reason Kindle Edition by Nia Forrester

Profile:

"“Maybe friendship is all that’s realistic for us right now.”

With those words, Zora ended their long-distance relationship, shattering Deuce’s vision of a life with the only woman he’s ever loved. But after months of silence, he thought he was over it. He’d moved on, hadn’t he? And as far as he knew, she might have done the same. Now Zora is back from California, and he’s thrown into an immediate tailspin. Nothing’s changed.

She’s the one, the only, his rhyme, and his reason …

But this ain’t no college romance.

There are serious, grown-folks’ obstacles standing in the way, and the other woman in his life isn’t even half of it.
And sometimes growing up might mean moving on …

Over a few short summer weeks, Deuce and Zora will have to decide whether the great love they shared in the past, is enough of a foundation to build a future."

Title: Rhyme & Reason

Author:  Nia Forrester

Publisher:  Stiletto Press, LLC                   

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"Rhyme & Reason" by Nia Forrester

My Rationalization:

I found this read a good one featuring Deuce and Zee however it did take me a minute to get into this story.  I will say it seemed like a lot of the time these two were not on the same page which presented many problems for them.  It was so good for finally see Zee finally catching up with Deuce with his feelings, thoughts and especially being there for him when tragedy hit. The way the story ended I can only say I hope the best for Deuce and Zee.  I would have like to have had an epilogue of a few years later to see what is going on with these two.

The Many Facets of Me by Dr. Wendy Hall Sims

Dr. Wendy Hall Sims in The Many Facets of Me shares how she moved From A Heart of Hurt to The Joy of Jesus. She expounds upon how God allowed the facets of her life to building her character and faith. Dr. Sims encourages her readers to put their trust securely in God, who will always channel every situation into one that will ultimately work for your good. Being mocked (for the color of her skin) and molested at a very young age, she identifies with those who have been hurt but encourages them like her, to use their hurt to their advantage by spreading a message of love and hope. She attributes her relationship with Christ for helping her to move from a heart of hurt to the joy of Jesus.

Title:  The Many Facets of Me:  From A Heart of Hurt To The Joy of Jesus 

Author:   Dr. Wendy Hall Sims

Publisher:  DS Publishing                          

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"The Many Facets of Me" by Dr. Wendy Hall Sims

My Rationalization:  

I found 'The Many Facets of Me' by this author was absolutely well written and I was even able to identify with [understand] some of the things she had gone through in her life.  From being bullied,[I was as a child too] rape, molestations, and divorce 'all things were meant to work together for the good.' Learning to forgive and seeing  that 'God trusted her to 'Win' in the midst of all of her facets.'  I loved how well this author was able to not only forgive the one who had molested her but also I loved how she was able to deal with her own mother through that whole situation.  

Going through many facets in her life there was through prayer that she learned to see just how the power of prayer was able to register in her mind.  She was able to 'know that God having chosen her was the reason that she survived.'  I loved how this author was able to back all of her testimony with some powerful beautiful scriptures.  Here are a few that are some wonderful reads:  Isaiah 43:10, John 16:13, Jeremiah 1:4-5, Revelations 13:8, Romans 8:28, and Psalm 45:7.  I read all of them and enjoyed all of them. I would definitely recommend for all to read 'The Many Facets of Me because you will get a lot out of this Christian Non-Fiction read.  

Take Me Slow Kindle Edition by Shani Greene-Dowdell

Profile:

"Yandy Martin is a new FBI Agent with plans to dedicate her life to protecting young girls against sex trafficking. After her friend is murdered for chasing her dream of being a model, she is left with a renewed sense of purpose. She takes it in her own hands to fix a broken system that leaves so many young girls shattered and broken. It’s not the safest of jobs, but it’s where her heart leads her until he propositions her.

Blaze Wells is a workaholic cop with no time for women. When a woman standing on the side of a rundown alley turns out to be the woman of his dreams, his life is flipped upside down. He’s fascinated with her beauty, and suddenly, something he never thought would ever be on the line is out there—his heart. But, she’s on the other side of the law, and every alarm bell tells him he can’t have her.

Warning: Take Me Slow is a steaming hot novella with syrupy sweet goodness to savor at every turn. There are dirty propositions, fast money, sexy cops and an epilogue with a twist that even Yandy and Blaze’s don’t see coming."

Title:  Take Me Slow

Author:  Shani Greene-Dowdell

Publisher:   Imperial Publishing House               

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Take Me Slow" by Shani Greene-Dowdell

My Rationalization:  

Who will finally catch on to who was whom in this fun interesting romance featuring Yandy and Blaze?  It was quite interesting seeing how these two fell in love meeting while each were on a sake out. This quick read will keep your attention all the way to the end and definitely leaving a smile for these two.

Love Levels 3 (West Virginia Bachelors) By: Falon Gold

Profile:

"Carter Ramirez wanted out of the family’s illegal side of business in Charleston bad enough to do a job he wasn’t skilled in two thousand miles away in Laramie. Though hating being out of his depth, screwing up even more, he wasn’t about to pass up a chance to open his own security firm. But, there was no map for the trip he took into a land with no easy exits.

Kendall Reyes wanted to run her store and life free of threats and her ex. Divorce, a big move, and a big gun she wasn’t even remotely qualified to use made her more secure in her future. When she was tracked down for debts she didn’t owe… again, she and her twitchy trigger finger took a stand, starting with the man who meant her the most harm in surprising ways.

Will the enforcer she meets become what she needs to get the life she wanted? Or, is he the beginning of her losing everything, including her life if she doesn’t ever remember to take the gun’s safety off?"

Title: Love Levels 3
Author: Falon Gold
Publisher: Imperial Publishing House
Series: West Virginia Bachelors
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Love Levels 3" by Falon Gold

My Rationalization:

I found "Love Levels 3" a good read staring Carter, Kendall, Desire, Tyrell, and even little Tyra. Let's not leave out Carter's parents. This was definitely one of those reads that will keep you turning the pages to see what was coming next especially for Stephen and Kirk. Be ready for plenty of drama, suspense, humorous banter, and some hot steamy sex scenes that will put a smile on your face. In the end, I loved how these two, Carter and Kendall were finally getting their forever HEA.