After She Falls by Carmen Schober

 Book Excerpt:

"She's always had that fire in her. She just needs to find it again.

Strong-willed Adri Rivera nearly achieved her goal of being a professional mixed martial artist, but then she fell in love with a man who knocked all the fight out of her. When their abusive, tumultuous relationship finally comes to a head, Adri flees with their young daughter to her small hometown in the mountains of Pennsylvania. There, she must face the people she left behind and put her broken life back together again.

A hardened Max Lyons can't believe Adri is back in town after abruptly cutting him and everyone else off years ago. Yet, despite the distance that grew between them, he feels compelled to help her regain her independence and offers her a job at his gym. But regaining each other's trust is another matter, made even more complicated by the lingering spark between them. As Adri dares to pursue her dream again, she trains for a big tournament with Max's help, but they'll both have to confront their own doubts to rise victorious."

Title: After She Falls
Author: Carmen Schober
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"After She Falls" by Carmen Schober

My Opinion:

"After She Falls" was a heartfelt and emotional story that keeps one turning the pages. Adri Rivera had been a martial artist, but her life changed after several incidents in her life. Being married to an abusive ex-fighter, Adri decides to return to her hometown of Sparta with her daughter, Eva, and their dog Rocky. Will Adri be able to pick up the life that she had left? Well, as the story continues, we find that MMA Fighting is still in Adri's blood, and so it seems like she is set for fighting again but will it be an easy road for her? Especially now that it looks like her life with her ex appears to rear its head back into her life. Yes, we know she was a Christian and all, but sometimes common sense wasn't used...like when she dealt with some of the issues with her friend Max Lyons and her reason for breaking up with him six years ago in the first place was rather strange. Yes, maybe Adri thought her ex-husband [Owen Anders] had changed for his daughter stake, but really, with everyone telling her differently and for her to be careful. Oh, well, sometimes people have to learn the hard way! The characters, especially Uncle Roman, Aunt Yvonne, Eva, Max, Boom, and others, added so much to this good story.

By the end of the story, it looks like Adri has finally found her way but will it be with...this is where I say pick up "After She Falls" to see how this author will bring it all out to you, the reader.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers, with this review being entirely my own opinion.

For Once Kindle Edition by Aja

 Book Excerpt:

"Carina Clark had been on the dating scene for longer than she cared to admit. It had been such an unsuccessful journey that she was absolutely, positively done with it.  Until sexy Salik ... and his offer to take her out to see one of her favorite vocalists. She figured, at the very least, she'd enjoy good music and his smile, but definitely not more. Why would she want that? Men never stayed past a toss in the sheets.

But things take a turn that night, and Salik ... he actually stayed long enough for coffee in the morning.

For once, one stayed. 

For Once is a sexy love story and a standalone."

Title: For Once
Author: Aja
Publisher: She Loves Words Publishing LLC
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"For Once" by Aja
My Opinion:

'For Once' was a sweet good romantic read. It was good to see how Carina and Salik got together...with her paying for his drink. I will say at least she found someone more interesting than that Richie fellow. It was a plus for Salik to meet Carina because he needed a change made in his life. I enjoyed the importance that Khalil Berry [his boss] had with Salik and for him to listen to the advice given. It was good to see this transformation being made and see that Dominique [Salik's office friend] got what she desired since she wasn't willing to take no for an answer. Carina came into the picture at the right time for Salik, and seeing them come together was a beautiful thing.

The Many Facets of A. Starr: Purifying Truths Paperback – by Amelia Isom (Author)

 Book Excerpt:

"None of us can control the circumstances we are born into. However, how we deal with our circumstances and the trials we encounter determines our triumph or the reality of looming tragedies.

Amelia Isom chose the former, her life was riddled with uncertainty, rejection, and violence/death, but her life has been a series of incredible triumphant moments.

This memoir will take you through a whirlwind of emotions from the beginning until the end. But, most importantly, you will know that life is not what happens to you... But How you MAKE LIFE happen for You!"

Title: The Many Facets of A. Starr: Purifying Truths
Author: Amelia Isom
Publisher: Amelia Isom
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"The Many Facets of A. Starr: Purifying Truths by Amelia Isom

My Opinion:

"None of us can control the circumstances we are born into. However, how we deal with our circumstances and the trials we encounter is the determining factor of our triumph or the reality of looming tragedies."

The memoir 'The Many Facets of A. Starr: Purifying Truths' was a real 'powerful and remarkable story that will keep one turning the pages. This story was well-written and told by this author will draw one into the situation that shows such heart-wrenching tragedies of her life that featured all the good and evil.

The reader will get a little bit of it all from 'poignant memoir of the women & events that shaped her life' making her who she is today.

Be ready for "This memoir to take one through a whirlwind of emotions from the beginning till the end." But, to get all that this author delivers to the reader, one will have to pick up this good read, "The Many Facets of A. Starr," to see how it will come out...especially that exciting ending.

Peanut Blossoms and the Matchmaking Kitten (Christmas Cookies) Kindle Edition by Claire Davon [Booksprout]

 

Book Excerpt:

"Oriana's first Christmas away from her family promises to be a lonely one—until a two-pound bundle of kitten trouble shows up! When the kitten's owner, her neighbor Jet, takes Oriana under his wing, she tries to tell herself that he would do this for anyone, but she can't help but hope for more.

Will she find her Christmas miracle at the paws of a mischievous kitten? Or will the holiday be as lonely as she anticipated? She expects the latter but wishes for the former. Anything is possible at Christmas."

Title: Peanut Blossoms and the Matchmaking Kitten
Author: Claire Davon
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Peanut Blossoms and the Matchmaking Kittens" by Claire Davon
My Opinion:
"Peanut Blossoms and the Matchmaking Kitten was a sweet short Christmas Holiday short read featuring Oriane and Jethro [Jet] with them meeting due to a Meow...Buster. Oriane had just moved to a new Portland during the Christmas holiday and didn't know everyone. So, from a meow, Buster is found at Oriane front door. Later, Jet, who lived a few apartments down from Oriane, came to her apartment asking about Buster...that was what they called him at that time. Anyway, after recovering that Buster was there at Oriance's place, they talked, and he let her know that he had found the cat had crawled into a guy's pickup's engine and had fallen asleep. Since the guy didn't want the cat, Jet brought him home with him, and that's where he was until he had slipped outside of his apartment. Now, Jet was looking for him and found him at his neighbor [Oriane's apartment]. After visiting with Oriane, Jet told her about finding the cat, and the name Buster came up for the cat.

After leaving for his apartment, Buster gets loose again and appears at Oriane's apartment...when Jet comes, the cat is there. 'Was this a cat with a mind of his own?' Had Jet decided whether or not he was going to keep Buster?

As the story continues, Oriane likes to bake and had her apartment smelling so good and offered cookies to Jet and let him know she loved to bake and didn't make them for anyone in particular. That was when Jet invited her to a Christmas Eve party with his friends. Will this be a good invite? After Oriane and Jet get there, the hostess Gail, wasn't too pleased that Jet had invited Oriane. Did she have feelings for him? Oh well, the evening didn't go as planned...I will stop here and say you will have to pick up this story and see for yourself what went on at that get-together. I was glad to know that Jet used common sense in the way he handled that situation.

As time went on, Jet volunteered at a homeless shelter soup kitchen the next day[Christmas Eve] and invited Oriane to attend with him, and she accepted. Oriane had a good time the next day; she took three dozen baked cookies, helped prepare the stuffing, and sliced the meats. All went well, but Oriane felt something sad about Jet in his actions toward her. Had she done something wrong?

Questions to be answered... What was up with the ugly Christmas sweaters? Did Jet have feelings for Gail? What was Buster's new name, and what did it have to do with the Peanut Blossoms? And will there be an HFN for these two? The reader will get all of these questions will be answered as the reader reads this story.

The next day being Christmas, will Oriane but alone? To get to that ending, I will stop here and say you will have to pick up "Peanut Blossoms and the Matchmaking Kitten" to see how the story will end.
Indeed, I enjoyed how this kitten helped make this Christmas Story a fantastic sweet read!

With Every Breath (McCall Family Series Book 1) Kindle Edition by Natasha D. Frazier

 Book Excerpt:

"She has nothing to lose, but loving her could cost him everything. Is he willing to risk it all a second time around when she has less than thirty days to live?

Renowned motivational speaker Nina Marie Robinson has received a grim prognosis. With the little time she has left, she's giving one last commencement speech at her alma mater Jackson State University and taking a well-deserved vacation to the Bahamas. Nina is also determined to show her college sweetheart she's still in love with him, but can she convince him to drop everything and board that plane with her?

Andrew McCall is one step away from being promoted to professor at Jackson State University. If anything goes wrong, Andrew will find himself in the last place he wants to be—the chief executive officer of McCall Resorts as his father's successor. When Nina comes to town and requests that he accompany her to the Bahamas, will he have to choose between the woman he's always loved and everything he's worked for?"

Title: With Every Breath
Author: Natasha D. Frazier
Publisher: N.D.F.
Series: McCall Family Series Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"With Every Breath" by Natasha D. Frazier

My Opinion:

'With Every Breath' was quite a story with many twists and turns in this second chance romance read. It was inspirational and entertaining how these two [Nina and Andrew] got back together. Finding out that you have a terminal disease that will take your life was sad in all Nina had gone through with those doctors who were wrong, and I will stop there, bringing in a past relationship and dealing with Andrew's toxic family. But, will there be 'compromise, communication, and yes, learning to lean on God' to get them to their happy place? Oh, well, this is one story that you will have to pick up to see how things can change with God in the midst of it all.

Fighting Temptation: A BWWM Romance Limited Edition Collection Kindle Edition by Peyton Banks (Author), Sydney Aaliyah Michelle (Author), M'Renee Allen (Author), Karine Saint Jacques (Author), Yolanda Olson (Author), Amarie Avant (Author), Reana Malori (Author)

 Book Excerpt:

"A Fighting Temptation is a collection of sexy, BWWM romance that will light a fire in your soul.

These sizzling stories will keep you captivated for hours on end. Be prepared to be led into heart-thumping, breathtaking romances that will leave you craving for more.

The heat from these steamy enemies to lovers' romances will leave a lasting impression on you. So please don't say we didn't warn you! This compilation is exclusive and can't be found anywhere else.

Don't wait.

This box set will only be available for a limited time before it is gone forever!

Note: Fighting Temptation contains material for mature readers (18+ and older) only.

Authors featured:

Peyton Banks

M'Renee Allen

Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

Karine Saint Jacques

Yolanda Olson

Amarie Avant

Reana Malori

* * * * * * * * * * *

Title: Fight Temptation: A BWWM Romance
Authors: Peyton Banks, M'Renee Allen, Sydney Aaliyah Michelle, Karine Saint Jacques, Yolanda Olson, Amarie Avant, and Reana Malori
Publisher: RNB Publishing
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Fighting Temptation" by Authors: Peyton Banks, M'Renee Allen Sydney Aaliyah Michelle, Karine Saint Jacques, Yolanda Olson, Amarie Avant, and Reana Malori

My Opinion:

Be ready for seven anthologies...

Amarie Avant: Dirty Takedown

This story is a beautiful story of how these two people were once 'enemies to lover romance' as it was for Renee Riley and Jhang Li. This author does what she does so well, and that is to give the reader one hot steamy read.

Peyton Banks: Unfortunate Hero

What will happen when Travis's childhood friend's sister Kassidy starts working for the Eagle Force? Why did Travis not want Kass to work there, and why was he so overprotective of her? What will happen when these two finally realize that there is a mutual attraction between them? To find the answers to all of these questions...you much pick up a good read.

Sydney Aaliyah Michelle: Misconstrued

Will Collin and Harford, who had been school sweethearts be able to get back together after what Collin had spoken during an altercation during a fight? After seven years had passed and Collin and Hartford had met up again, would he be able to own up to his mistake? Find out through this good story how 'love and forgiveness' come together for these two.

Reana Malori: Compulsion

It's so true that these two... Janice and Steven were made for each other. Why? Because as one could see, even though it seemed like they hated each other, something else what definitely in the picture going on for these two. Why did the uniform bother Janice so much? When it all comes to a head, wow is all that can be said to describe what happens for these two.

Yolanda Olson: Vicious Saint

Well, all I can say about this one is that you will have to pick up to see what happened between a brother and stepsister in teaching her a lesson. This one left me saying, wow!

Karine Saint Jacques: Dirty Logan

Will Logan and Olivia be able to heal from what had happened between these two many years ago? Will Olivia be able to get her book published about the ordeal that she had gone through with dealings with Logan? Get ready for an exciting story of what happens when there is no trust.

M'Renee Allen: Dangerous Vows

With Andrei's life being so caught up with the Soldiers affiliation and a contractual marriage, will he be able to get the woman whom he loved? Andrei had an adorable grandmother whom he listened to about the three fates rule. Will this come true for him?

I am not sure if I had a favorite anthology because all of the stories kept my attention turning the pages to see...all of the 'heat, chemistry, angst, and back and forth from enemies to lovers.' However, there was one that did give me cause to wonder somewhat about its story.

I have read from all of the authors except two and was glad to finally read what they offered in this hot BWWM Romance filled with enemies to lovers.

If the reader likes to see how these enemies became lovers through many twists and turns, then you have come to the right place to get a little bit of it all of how it all comes about for these heroines and heroes.

A Year of Loving Kindness to Myself by Brigid Lowry

 Book Excerpt:

"Named one of Apple Books' Best Books of 2021 so far.

A beautifully presented and uplifting collection of contemplative, wry, sometimes funny essays about living thoughtfully and with care amidst life's challenges. If you're struggling to maintain grace and good humor amidst daily potholes and pitfalls, Brigid Lowry may be just the warm, wise, and witty companion you need. Informed by contemporary psychology and Zen Buddhism, Brigid's essays offer reflections on everything from friendship to grief and gratitude to self-care. Give this audiobook to a friend or gift it to yourself. A Year of Loving Kindness to Myself is all the encouragement you'll need to nurture yourself and those around you._

Title: A Year of Loving Kindness To Myself
Author: Brigid Lowry
Publisher: OrangeSky Audio
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"A Year of Loving Kindness To Myself" by Brigid Lowry

My Opinion:

Wow, what good audio read. 'A Year of Loving Kindness To Myself' was well-written about this person deciding to live her life no matter what all she had gone through from her horrible childhood with some strange parents to being who she is today. It was good to see how she changed, which was good for her ... making life peaceful for her and accepting things the way the universe is... what can be done about it. The story is quite a good read, even short but having something go to say about life...'ideals, job, loving-kindness, friendship, grief, gratitude, self-care, sadness, fun, loneliness, two failed marriages, and let's not leave out some priceless poetry' that was well presented in the read. Month by month, she told the reader what was going on at that present time. I laughed at that speeding ticket...excepting it, paying the ticket, and going on with her life.

One thing enjoyed was how she spoke about staying out of other people's business managing hers was more than enough. Amen to that! The saying ... I have enough... I am enough when shopping...do I need this at this time? Why try to impress others... Let go of unnecessary stuff, do things myself, give away things I don't use and can't wear, research first, and present love and kindness to myself...

Looking after one shelf is essential, but one's family is important too, even the animals, and let's not leave out dear friends that sometimes one has to say no.

Staying busy can help keep one's mind free and get some joy out of life and fun. But after all is said and done, we all have troubles of some sort. Dealing with it well... know everyone does have some problems and how we handle it is well...? She learned she didn't have to apologize for being herself ... she is stronger and happier. After all, she had been through...' now a strong one, a funny one, the smart one, loving mother, the joyous grandmother, loyal friend, dreamer, seeker, optimist, writer, wow...moving forward...not a fixer project'...appreciating all that is around her. Doing healthy things...any things that drain you stop...May she get those green velvet slippers with roses on them...Wow, this was one read that I couldn't put down until the end... A good read for anyone wanting to love kindness for themselves.
There is a lot more left in this story that gives one a different way of looking and dealing with life, with this being a good collection 'of contemplative, wry, sometimes funny assays about living thoughtfully and with care amidst life's challenges.' So, pick up this read and start reading.

"A Year of Loving Kindness to Myself" would be a wonderful gift to give to a friend.

Thank you, NetGallery and OrangeSky Audio, for an audio read and my giving you my review.