The Christmas Gift Kindle Edition by LaCricia A'ngelle

 Book Excerpt:

"We often wish for what we don’t have. The Christmas Gift is a short story reminding us that the greatest gift is priceless."

Title: The Christmas Gift
Author: LaCriscia A'ngelle
Publisher: His Pen Publishing LLC
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Christmas Gift" by LaCricia A'ngelle

My Speculation:

What a sweet short story of the real meaning of Christmas. I enjoyed how this author brought this subject matter as these two families are compared. For one family who had the necessities and the other one having it all, but who was the happiness in the end? In the end, material things really aren't that important as it was brought out in the story and the greatest of all is love that is shown.

The Wife Upstairs A Novel by Rachel Hawkins

 Book Excerpt:

"A delicious twist on a Gothic classic, Rachel Hawkins's The Wife Upstairs pairs Southern charm with atmospheric domestic suspense, perfect for fans of B.A. Paris and Megan Miranda.

Meet Jane. Newly arrived in Birmingham, Alabama, Jane is a broke dog-walker in Thornfield Estates––a gated community full of McMansions, shiny SUVs, and bored housewives. The kind of place where no one will notice if Jane lifts the discarded tchotchkes and jewelry of her well-heeled clients' side tables. Where no one will think to ask if Jane is her real name.

But her luck changes when she meets Eddie Rochester. Recently widowed, Eddie is Thornfield Estates’ most mysterious resident. His wife, Bea, drowned in a boating accident with her best friend, their bodies lost to the deep. Jane can’t help but see an opportunity in Eddie––not only is he rich, brooding, and handsome, he could also offer her the kind of protection she’s always yearned for.

Yet as Jane and Eddie fall for each other, Jane is increasingly haunted by the legend of Bea, an ambitious beauty with a rags-to-riches origin story, who launched a wildly successful southern lifestyle brand. How can she, plain Jane, ever measure up? And can she win Eddie’s heart before her past––or his––catches up to her?

With delicious suspense, incisive wit, and a fresh, feminist sensibility, The Wife Upstairs flips the script on a timeless tale of a forbidden romance, ill-advised attraction, and a wife who just won’t stay buried. In this vivid reimagining of one of literature’s most twisted love triangles, which Mrs. Rochester will get her happy ending?"

Title:  The Wife Upstairs 

Author:  Rachel Hawkins

Publisher:  St. Martin Press

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"The Wife Upstairs" by Rachel Hawkins

My Speculation: 

The author gives the reader quite a thriller read that will have you guessing while turning the pages to see what is coming next for Jane Bell, [Helen Burns], Eddie Rochester, Bea, Blanche, and Tripp.

Be ready for a well-written story where you will be taken back and forth with many twists and turns before you get to the end of the read. From the story, we find that Jane is a doy walker and meets a widowed man named Eddie.  Eddie's wife was supposedly drowned in a boating accident along with her best friend.  Eddie is rich, handsome, and everything Jane could have wanted.  Will Eddie fall in love with Jane?  Well, if you are into a good thriller where cheating, crafty, and cunning connivers set in a southern gated community, then 'The Wife Upstairs' would be a good read for you.  This was quite an interesting read where the story is told from three perspectives, Jane, Eddie, and his wife, Bea.  Ok, prepare yourself for secrets as the story pulls you in that will come out and have you saying, wow, I didn't see that coming!  

I enjoyed the read and loved how the author broke down the story into sections that left no room to wonder whose story was being conveyed.  Would I recommend 'The Wife Upstairs?'  YES!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

Ghosts of Christmas (Steamy BWWM Holiday Romance) Kindle Edition by Kenya Wright

 Book Excerpt:

"This is A Christmas Carol with an erotic romantic twist.

Bestselling author Kenya Wright is heating the holidays up with a steamy standalone novel full of magic. 

_______________

Leaning forward, Saint put his mouth close to mine. “Your kisses are my favorite part of Christmas. My favorite part of you.”

“Why?” I whispered.

“Because they’re the first door to your body. The first way I can open you up and look inside. . .”

______________

• Curvy, sassy heroine. √


• Dominant, possessive alpha. √


• Emotionally twisted plotline. √


• Three ghosts promising adventure. √


• Hot illustrations that will melt your kindle. √

Due to a traumatic family event in the past winter, Ivy doesn’t do emotions, love, or Christmas. Unfortunately, this year her best friend is having a destination Christmas wedding in Lapland, Finland—a winter wonderland full of holiday spirit. There, the air is fresh, crisp, and full of magic.

Additionally, Ivy is the maid of honor, and she’ll be walking down the aisle with her best friend’s brother, Saint. He’s the only man in this world that has been able to warm her cold heart. Somehow, she’ll try to avoid this wretched holiday and her feelings for Saint.

But Christmas is a time for miracles, and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future can be pretty convincing.

★Treat yourself to this sexy, heartwarming story that will have you laughing, crying, and grabbing the closest man around you for a quick holiday romp!" ★

Title:  Ghosts of Christmas

Author:  Kenya Wright

Publisher:  K.W.  

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Ghost of Christmas" by Kenya Wright

My Speculation:  

This was a wonderful Christmas Story that featured Ivy and Saint.  What had happened to make Ivy that made her so bitter when it came to the Christmas holiday and let's not leave out her father?  Will Ivy's best friend Holly's wedding held in Finland make a difference in this situation? Well, I think there will become some changes for Ivy, especially when Saint appears, who is a long-time friend.   I enjoyed how this author delivered a read that presents a 'Christmas past, present, and future' using ghosts to teach the heroine some vital lessons that will bring it all out. I love this story comes together that puts a real Christmas spin on this holiday.  Be ready for a good read as you will find yourself laughing at lots of what is going on with this group of friends... Ivy, Saint, Holly & Nicholas.  This story will have some 'sadness, hurt, love, forgiveness, and some hot sex scenes' that will keep you turning the pages to see what is coming next.  You will have to pick up "Ghosts of Christmas" to see how well this author brings it all out to the reader.  

Before We Say I Do (In The Heart of A Valentine Book 9) Kindle Edition by Stephanie Nicole Norris

 Book Excerpt:

"A dilemma stands in the path of their happily ever after when an unlikely visitor raises suspicions that can’t be ignored.

Can Kyle Valentine and London Jones overcome the obstacle that stands to interrupt the bliss they share, or will their first test of adversity shatter their future before it can begin?"

Title:  Before We Say I Do

Author:  Stephanie Nicole Norris

Publisher:  Love Is A Drug Ink LLC 

Series:  In The Heart of A Valentine Book 9

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Before We Say I Do" by Stephanie Nicole Norris

My Speculation:  

I enjoyed this holiday Christmas novella. This gives us a beautiful read of Kyle and London's story.  Will the secret that London held be a problem for them?  I loved how Kyle could get it all straightened out in how he helps his father-in-law after London shared with him what was going on with the secret she held.  

It was great seeing the last Valentine finally getting their HEA.

With All My Heart: A Holiday Short (The Reed Family) Kindle Edition by Tyora Moody

 Book Excerpt:

"What happens when your worst enemy reaches out for your help?

Vanessa Reed had been at odds for years with Evelyn Underwood. But, despite the woman's affair with her husband, Vanessa had moved on and forgiven Justice Reed. She's even accepted Jax Reed, the son born of the affair as if he were one of her own children.

As Vanessa prepares to bring her family together for the holidays, she contemplates one of her greatest tests of faith and the consequences."

NOTE: This short story takes place during a chapter from Relentless Heart (Reed Family, Book 3).

Title:  With All My Heart:  A Holiday Short Read 

Author:  Tyora Moody

Publisher:  T.M.   

Series:  The Reed Family

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"With All My Heart" by Tyora Moody

My Speculation:  

This was a beautiful novel of the Reed family, especially featuring Vanessa Reed.  I will say that she was quite a woman who listens to God for all he had for her to do.  It was a good read about how Vanessa was able to work things out with her husband with his faults, his ex-girlfriend, and his son Jax. I thought there was a powerful move in what Jax asked his second mom to do when it came to Evelyn's mother.  

What a remarkable story that shows that one can endure some of the very complicated things in life with God's grace.

Vengeful Justice: A Legal Thriller (Megan Corver Legal Thriller Book 3) Kindle Edition by Freya Atwood

 Book Excerpt:

"Lawyer Megan Corver never expected her traitor father to make an appearance.

When his request for help turns her life upside down, she’s forced to investigate the most traumatizing case of her career: her own mother’s cold-case murder. Her conviction that nothing new is found is shattered when an anonymous package changes everything; the murder weapon with her father’s fingerprints on it.

Torn between their familial bond and the staggering proof against him, she must fight to get to the truth. A truth that might prove too much even for her to handle. Buried in unmarked graves, her past is tainted with the blood of a vengeful fiend that is back with the promise to kill...

Vengeful Justice is Freya's 3rd novel in the Megan Corver series of blood-pumping legal thrillers. If you are an avid fan of strong female leads, action-packed courtroom drama, riveting characters, and mind-blowing murder mystery, then you'll love Freya's intriguing story."

Buy "Vengeful Justice" today to discover Freya's new intriguing crime mystery!

Title:  Vengeful Justice

Author:  Freya Atwood

Publisher: F. A.     

Series:  Megan Corver Legal Thriller Book 3

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Vengeful Justice" by Freya Atwood

My Speculation:  

All that is left to say if to get all of this story, I would suggest you read this author's novels: Reaper of Justice, Ruthless Justice, and then end with Vengeful Justice to get the complete story featuring Lawyer Megan Corver with her family Cathy, her son Lucas, and their father.  The secondary characters were absolute well developed and defined: Uncle Jime, Aiden, Taylor, and Jasmine.  Be ready for lots of courtroom drama, twists,  and turns all over the place, with a strong female lead with suspense that will keep you turning the pages.  All that is left to say is by the end, will we find out who killed Megan's mother?    

What is left to say about this series is that the conclusion and the extended story really put the icing on the cake, giving the reader an excellent read.  

Santa's Baby (Sweet Spot Shorts Book 4) Kindle Edition by Aja

 Book Excerpt:

"Santa doesn’t just deliver gifts; he receives them as well. This Christmas, he’ll be getting his best one yet. 

Charlie and Chaz have returned to heat up those cold holiday nights. ♥

Read TEASE for an introduction to this couple.

The Sweet Spot Shorts are all about quick, hot, romance that knocks each couple off their feet because love & desire must have their way."

Title:  Santa's Baby

Author:  Aja

Publisher:  She Loves Words Publishing LLC 

Series;  Sweet Spot Shorts Book 4

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  5

Review:

"Santa's Baby" by Aja

My Speculation:  

I loved reading 'Santa's Baby' featuring Charlie and Chaz.  Truly these two were made for one another.  It seems like there is always someone who will try to come in and show out as it was for that, Ms. Petite.  With all of the hot sexy steam around Charlie and Chaz, no one was going to break this attachment they had with each another. And now it seems like their life is still going stronger.  This is where I say you must pick up 'Santa's Baby' to see what is next for them.