The SEAL's Beautiful Nanny The Admiral's SEALs: Book 2 by Leslie North

Book Excerpt:

"Former Navy SEAL Colin Vale is looking for a woman. Not just any woman, though. He wants one who will be a good mother to his adopted daughter, Sofia. Someone steady and reliable who will give Sofia the kind of stable, happy childhood he didn't have. That woman is not Lily Rhodes, Sofia's new nanny—a free spirit whose top priority is chasing her dreams. But despite Lily not checking off any of the marks for what he wants, Colin can't fight his attraction to her. To Colin, who thrives on regimentation, Lily's priorities seem utterly alien. So why does he find her whimsical nature so darned appealing? Even while he goes out on a series of dates to find the perfect wife and mother, he can't stop thinking about Lily…

As the oldest of eight children, Lily's early life was full of responsibility and expectations. The last thing she wants is to settle down before she has a chance to explore, to live. That doesn't mean she isn't wildly attracted to Colin, though. How could any red-blooded woman not be invited to a man like him? He's the hottest guy she's ever met and a loving father to Sofia… but this gig as a nanny is temporary, just a way to make money until she can do what her heart truly wants. The problem is, the longer she stays, the more her soul is turning in another direction—and that scares the daylights out of her. She doesn't want to be tied down, yet how can she even think of leaving? 

So when she's offered an opportunity that would bring her time with Colin and Sofia to an end, Lily is forced to make a life-altering decision and decide what her dreams genuinely are."

Title: The SEAL's Beautiful Nanny
Author: Leslie North
Publisher: Relay Publishing
Series: The Admiral's Seal's Book 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:

"The Seal's Beautiful Nanny" by Leslie North

My Speculation:

With Colin being a single dad, what will happen when he finds a nanny named Lily to help him raise his adopted daughter Sofia? Even though this wasn't supposed to be a permanent job for Lily due to her aspirations she had in mind of wanting to do after her teaching job didn't work out. But what will happen as things start to change and to make her may want to reconsider something entirely different for her well being? What will happen when it seems there may be sparks between Lily and Colin? Will Colin be able to protect Lily from a stalker who seems to have his sights on pressing her against her will?

Well, to get all of these questions answered, and much more, you will have to pick up this good read to see how well this author will bring it all together to the reader. Be ready for some romance and suspense as we will see if Colin, Sofia, and Lily will get a HEA in the end.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Moment of Forever (Lunch Break Series Book 4) Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris

Book Excerpt:

"She never believed in love at first sight, until...

Shaken into submission after colliding with a man who makes her heart stutter, Vanessa Monroe inwardly battles whether to face reality or an uncertain yet hopeful future."

Title:  A Moment of Forever

Author:  Stephanie Nicole Norris

Publisher:  Love Is A Drug Ink

Series:  Lunch Break Series Book 4 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"A Moment of Forever" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Speculation:

A beautiful love story of Vanessa and Jeremiah, that was quite one exciting meeting.  Will this be a love situation at first sight? Then adding Drea, who was a hopeless romantic, Vanessa's friend, then she will have all the help needed.  Well, this is where I say you will have to pick up this lunch break series to see if these two get their 'Moment of Forever?'  Also, will Drea and Shawn have a brewing romance too?

Unplanned: A 'Snowflake' Drop-in Kindle Edition by Nia Forrester

Book Excerpt:

"A brief drop-in on the couples from 'Snowflake' and 'Courtship' ...

Ibrahim Carter has a plan; to learn from his family's mistakes and make for himself and his new wife, Jada, the perfect life he never had. But she has something else entirely in mind.

Kal Carter is disciplined and focused, and those things have served him well while training for the Olympics. But in preparing for fatherhood, he learns that neither one of those traits is worth a damn."

Title: Unplanned: A 'Snowflake' Drop-in
Author: Nia Forrester
Publisher: Stiletto Press, LLC
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Unplanned: A 'Snowflake' Drop-in" by Nia Forrester

My Speculation:

If you have read any of these stories by this author, you will know 'the Carter' are wonderfully told read. The two couples Kal, Asha, and Jada, and Immunuel, are full of love that is so real and relatable. All of this only will leave you wanting more! If you haven't read 'Snowflake and Courtship,' I would highly recommend you read them before reading ' A 'Snowflake' Drop-in.' 

Island Heir Kindle Edition by S.I. Hayes

Book Excerpt:

"Left at the altar on her wedding day, Autumn Elizabeth Ashley, angry and broken hearted, takes off on what should have been her Honeymoon with her Maid of Honor and best friend, Nadia Havarti.

Autumn tries to just drown her sorrows, but Nadia won't stand for it. Instead, she helps Autumn to remember what single is supposed to feel like. So, when a big mountain of unidentified local man shows interest, Autumn takes a cue from her BFF with the repercussions to match.

Dalian Emeterio grew up between worlds. His family moved from their Pious and beautiful home in Georgetown, the Cayman Islands to the United States when he was just a boy. Memories of his birthplace lead him to dream of one day opening a place on the island, letting him take care of the parents that worked so hard for him.

One winter night, while working at a Rum Point Hotel, he meets Beth, and the sparks fly, leading to an explosive New Year. Waking alone on the sand, he thought he'd never see her again.

Ten years have passed, he is now the owner of The Georgetown Heirs, a chain of intimate hotels along with the most popular Port of Calls in the Caribbean, Bahamas, and the Western Atlantic.

Faced with the woman who left him on the beach, he's about to find out that getting what you wish for always comes with strings."

Title: Island Heir
Author: S. I. Hayes
Publisher: Haney Hayes Books
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Island Heir" by S. I. Hayes

My Speculation:

"IslandHeir" was quite an entertaining read with some very intriguing characters that will grip your
attention till the end, primarily as the story deals with Autumn Elizabeth Ashley [Beth] and Dalian Emeterio. I love how they met and were brought together once again that produces [ten years later] a son is introduced to his father. I enjoyed the best friend of Beth...Nadia Havarti. To have a BFF, like Nadia, was something in this day and age.

Be prepared for lots of drama with emotions that will lead to some unforeseen twists and turns as you are traveling through the read. Be ready for some hot detailed spicy, sex scenes as only these two authors can give so well to their readers. 

Liberation: Secrets of the Soul: Short Stories By: Lina Girgis

Book Excerpt:

"These insightful short stories reveal hidden existential moments in the lives of women as they journey to self-fulfillment. "

Title:  Liberation:  Secrets of the Soul: Short Stories
Author:  Lina Girgis
Publisher:  Pedra Books
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Four
Review:

"Libration: Secrets of the Soul:  Short Stories" by Lina Girgis

My Speculation:

I enjoyed these short stories that engaged in a "story that will leave you with some powerful emotions, an influential reflection, a hopeful inspiration,  or a logical question." Not only will these
short stories leave you entertained, but I loved how they state you to "different parts of the world at different eras, stimulating imagination and all of the senses." Each of these sixteen short stories, one
will receive a little something from each of the read.  So, sit back and enjoy the journey!


   A Glimpse Inward................................................. Page 3
Will Alena finally learn what she needs for her life?

   The Truth Is One................................................ Page 21
Dr. Caroline Wright... presented educated debates with open discussions that were now causing
problems.

   Imprisoned by a Mirror....................................... Page 42
What will happen when the mirror breaks?

   Guilt, or Grace....................................................Page 51
What will happen after Virginia and Jeffrey breakup?

   Hope.................................................................. Page 63
After Christine finds out about her illness, who will be there for Hope?

   Between Two Streams ........................................Page 76
Will Kisharat follow her brother Ansarin?

   Bitter Melodies................................................... Page 86
How will life be for Marguerite when she finds out about her husband, Sebastien?

   Doubts and Desires............................................ Page 97
Will Emmanuel finally realize the word doesn't vibe only around him?

   Love, Learn, and Laugh..................................... Page 112
What will Marissa learn on love, learn, and laugh as she travels on the plane to Seattle and meets George?

   Home and Heart............................................... Page 123
How did Shiva and Hamed's date go with there being many descriptions concerning Muslins and various other subjects?

   Despair............................................................ Page 135
What will happen when you put off things of importance, and in the end, it is too late?

   Time Heals....................................................... Page 145
Upon getting ready for marriage, will Julia be able to leave her father, moving away with David and
going to another state?

   Liberation ........................................................Page 156
What will happen as Marab listens to the preacher, Yesham and how did this influence her life with
his inspiring words?

   Stubborn Hues................................................. Page 173
Once Lisa and Roberto had been in love, but what has happened to stop it? Could she turn her dream
into a reality?

   Homeward........................................................ Page 183
Lucy is ill from cold, flu, to know unconscious in hospital with Leukemia being visited by her husband, Edmond and daughters, Catherine and Cecile. Preparing for the worst, the girls knew they
would miss there mom, where one girl adored her mom while the other one where at times choose not to listen.

   The Language of Love.......................................Page 191
What will happen when Hirini, a linguist, meets Joseph?

To get all of the answers to the above questions, please pick up Liberation:  Secrets of the Soul!" Did I have a favorite short story...No, I enjoyed them all!


Thank you to the author for a good read.

The Trustworthy One by Shelley Shepard Gray

Book Excerpt:

"Kendra Troyer always knew she would leave Walnut Creek the first chance she got. When she was accepted into design school, she tried her best not to look back at the four siblings she was abandoned, but ahead to Columbus, where she was determined to stay—far away from her abusive home and far away from Nate Miller, the boy she vowed to despise for the rest of her life.

Though she suffered through dark times in Columbus, Kendra found her faith in the Lord again, and years later, when she learned one of her good friends had died, she realized it was time to go home to those she left behind.

Back in Walnut Creek, Kendra has a life she never could have imagined: her own design shop, a pretty little house, and a tight-knit group of friends. After she settles down, though, unexpected visitors come knocking and dark memories begin to resurface. Complicating things even further is the ever-present Nate Miller, who now owns the hardware store two doors down and whose very presence stirs in Kendra a fierce need to turn away and hide from her past. But Nate is persistent in setting things right between them.

As Kendra tries to come to terms with the anger she holds from her childhood, will she be able to open her heart to forgiveness and find the comfort she has always longed for in Walnut Creek?" 

Title:  The Trustworthy One

Author:  Shelley Shepard Gray

Publisher:  Gallery Books

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"The Trustworthy One" by Shelley Shepard Gray

My Speculation:

A read that significantly affected a horrible abused Amish child and also showed how one could overcome the many obstacles to achieve one's dream as it was for Kendra Troyer. We find Kendra had left Walnut Creek but returned with many bad memories of growing up with an abusive father and mother. With opening her store, she still held on to lots of bad memories, but will she find peace through her faith with her friends [The Eight] support? Will one person in particular [Nate Miller] be able to change her mind about him from things Kendra had heard him say about her long ago? The theme of the read is all about trust. Will Kendra be able to learn to trust again after all she had been put through the hands of her abusive parents and learn to move on to a new life? Well, to find out the answers to all of these questions and more, the reader will have to pick up the reader to see how this author will bring it all out.  This story is not a lighthearted one but one that will make you ponder over long after the read.  


Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy of this book and my giving my honest opinion of the read. 

SIN CITY COWBOY (HOTEL RODEO Book 1) Kindle Edition by Victoria Vane

Book Excerpt:

"(Originally published as two novellas, HELL ON HEELS and TWO TO WRANGLE) "

"He's willing to stake everything…

Ty Morgan, former professional cowboy, now managing partner for the Las Vegas, Hotel Rodeo, is determined to restore the struggling place to its former glory— whatever the costs. The problem is convincing his silent partner to invest millions in his vision.

Monica Brandt is all business and no play, just the professional standard required to protect her billionaire father's most important investments. And her first order of business is to dump a money-trap hotel in Vegas. But what she never expects is to be thrown together with an iron-hard cowboy who has his own ideas. But what does a cocky rodeo cowboy know about business? All Monica knows is that she doesn't dare trust him—or is it herself she doesn't trust.

But his heart…

Maybe it's just her money he needs, but Ty can't deny his iron-hot attraction to the tough-as-nails Monica, but cowboys and city girls never last. Although Ty Morgan is willing to lay it all on the line for his dream—he isn't about to take any chances with his heart."

Title:  Sin City Cowboy

Author:  Victoria Vane

Publisher:   Vane Publishing LLC      

Series:  Hotel Rodeo Book 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Sin City Cowboy" by Victoria Vane

My Speculation:

I enjoyed how this author put 'Hell on Heels and Two to Wrangle' together, giving the reader a good read with this one, 'Sin City Cowboy.' By reading both of these first reads, this last story just put the two so well together.  Still, Ty Morgan, who was a professional cowboy and managing partner for Las Vegas, Hotel Rodeo, and Monica Brandt, a professional businesswoman who was there to protect her father's investments since his illness. Will these two be able to work together when it seems like Monica had a lot of distrust for this rodeo cowboy, and why was that?  I  will say many times Monica got on my last nerves the way she treated Ty with all of her distrust.  However, it did seem like when it came to a specific attraction, they both seemed not to be able to resist one another.  But will this be enough when it looks like Ty may not be able to hold on to what he had worked so hard for over the many years at this Hotel Rodeo? This will be a good read to see how this author, in the end, brings it all out so well to her readers.