Review: The Legacy Family (Father, Son, and Holy Coach)

Synopsis:

You’ve seen it, heard the stories, and maybe it has happened in your family–the dissension, fighting, greed, and legal actions when an inheritance is up for grabs. You’re thinking, “That won’t happen in our family.” Think again! It has been statistically proven that 70 percent of wealth is lost each time it transitions to the next generation and is completely gone when the third generation passes. Two primary factors are loss of trust and breakdown in communications. Working with families of all sizes and levels of wealth, but especially with high net-worth families, for almost twenty-five years, we learned the only way to overcome this deterioration is through a holistic, combined, and integrated financial and personal coaching program that builds a cohesive team of all living generations.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Legacy Family: Father, Son, and Holy Coach by Kip Kolson is a great read. His book is a nonfiction guide that can help save many families from financial situations. Wealth is passed on to generation to generation. However, the family’s wealth can be lost within this process. Kip Kolson provides this read to help others prevent that loss from happening. He has the experience as banker, real estate developer, financial advisor and as a personal coach to back up his writing. The Legacy: Father, Son, and Holy Coach addresses wealth for families and family businesses. It’s also good for young and older couples. Learning how to manage many, life, and the estate is not easy. But reading this book helped me. It was like having a mentor, who walked me through each step with examples and tools along the way. Overall, I highly recommend this writer’s book to readers worldwide. It’s definitely a must have for all. 

Review: A California Closing

Synopsis:

Big M OK Used Car–magnate Michael Mulroney never set out to be heroic. He lives at the top, naturally, thanks to instinct, wit, and the will to win. Insolvency is not the same as poverty; poverty is for poor people. And a man of proven dexterity is not poor. He beats the practical challenges of life in the golden state—of fickle markets, lowballers, long-toothed real-estate women, name droppers, fitness compulsives, sexual-molestation charges, and the ten-percent grade up Hazel Dell on a bicycle four days in a row—at sixty!
Samson slew a thousand philistines with the jawbone of an ass. Michael Mulroney may be more deliberate in sussing out a situation, measuring a mark for front-end warmth, background development, schmoozing up and hosing down. But soon he’ll step back in deference to his inner Samson, who will swing away, going in for the close.
If the ledger won’t balance, give it a few days with some hustle and scramble and judiciously placed phone calls. That’s the difference between a poor man and a man of the worldly class.
Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Arcade, Yucca, and Good Books imprints, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in fiction—novels, novellas, political and medical thrillers, comedy, satire, historical fiction, romance, erotic and love stories, mystery, classic literature, folklore and mythology, literary classics including Shakespeare, Dumas, Wilde, Cather, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

A California Closing by Robert Wintner is a hilarious yet realistic telling of man in business. The story reads well. However, the beginning felt dragged out in slow motion. I didn’t feel as entertained until I got further into the novel. Life isn’t easy nor always a party. But here, readers get a glimpse into Big M’s life. Living each day as it comes and goes. Everybody strives not to be poor. The reach for the highest point possible. This book was different than my normal reads…but it offered work, dreams, and desires. There interesting points woven into this book. 

Review: Regolith

Synopsis:

Elle is a sales superstar at Aspen-Hayward Inc., a company specializing in consumer products and medical supplies. To her surprise, she is hand-picked by the company’s board to run the Research and Development department with an impossible mandate: deliver an industry-leading adaptive learning program to anticipate consumer needs, or else. Aspen-Hayward—languishing in the shadow of its nearest and largest competitor, Rossigland Inc.—is wagering its future on Elle’s leadership.

Meanwhile, Daniel and Greggory work for a security team responsible for loss prevention along Rossigland’s far-reaching and treacherous supply chain. During a routine delivery run, Daniel and Gregg encounter an unusual threat that leads them through a wild ride of adventure.

Elle hires Noam, a developer-savant who quickly brings her department to the verge of something great: the world’s first artificial consciousness, capable of creating humanity’s most needed solutions— saltwater agriculture, a cure for aging and cancer, and sustainable energy.

What none of them know is how their two worlds will collide with an impact of unprecedented scale.

Characters

Elle

Ellison Cole is a tough young woman: a joy with friends but tenacious at the office. She relies heavily on her underachieving but lovable confidant, Cy. Elle has a complicated past and her present becomes more conflicted after meeting Victoria, a more tenured executive at Aspen.

Daniel Brevier

Daniel is a field manager for Rossigland security. If there is one person you can count on to solve a problem, Daniel is your guy—but don’t expect him to avoid making a mess in the process.

Noam

Noam Cohen is much more than a developer and has effortlessly excelled since a young age. He is nothing short of a prodigy at his job and is “a natural” when the team is off-duty.

George McPherson

George is Rossigland’s low-profile COO and, over the course of the book, emerges as much more important than he first appears.

Major Themes

Chaos vs. Order

Evolution: Does a superintelligence present a risk or a benefit to humanity, or both?

What does it mean to be human? Is our purpose to be purely objective, or is humanity defined by an imperfect but vibrant subjective experience?

Advanced physics: an abundance of Earth-like planets in our galaxy; quantized super-vacuum theory related to the AI’s power once born.

Ellison Cole and Aspen-Hayward

Aspen-Hayward wants to rise to the level of sophistication of Rossigland Inc., a larger and much more successful competitor. Senior leadership promotes Elle to bring a sales-oriented focus to Research and Development. She hires Noam and later directs him to take the program to the limit, even if her methods and motivations are compromised in many ways. Then things become complicated.

Daniel Brevier

Daniel and his crew suffer an attack and soon gain valuable intelligence from the crew of another ship. Greg returns to his family, while Daniel smells danger and wants a piece of the action.

Action he finds in a series of adventures, at a classified armory to a battle at an energy processing facility to the brink of an epic battle for humanity’s survival.

The Two Stories Converge

We later discover the problem Daniel discovered is much larger than anyone had imagined while Elle and Noam struggle to realign their project. The two stories weave together in an intricate and beautiful conclusion that will leave you wanting more.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

H. William Glenbrook has masterfully woven two tales combining them into a super novel. Each story has its own set of characters and consequences. Both of these will soon be emerging together. Suspenseful, intense, and well-written. I haven’t read a novel like this one. There is a lot of action happening. Trouble ahead. Regolith is like having Star Wars collide into our real world.  The danger is a huge threat. No one will just realize the extent until they’re pressured into trying to stop it. The writer has combined business, technology, and fantasy into one interesting story. Like with all businesses choices are made and it can break or make the people involved. The plot is clever and fast-paced. Regolith is full of action and intrigue. It kept me keep reading until I reached the last page. The characters are the most fascinating group, ever. Smart, savvy, and bold. Their personalities make them believable. H. William Glenbrook has taken the impossible and made into something that could be possible. Quite frightening. The reality of the future…will keep readers engaged. Overall, I highly recommend this book, to all. 

Review: Challenge Your Assumptions, Change Your World

Synopsis:

Andy Cohen, New York Times notable author of Follow the Other Hand, introduces the Assumpt!, a breakthrough way to make better business decisions, faster and smarter.

Orville Wright, co-founder of modern aviation, dismissed the idea of creating a landing strip. He assumed that if man had to smooth out the airstrip, he didn’t deserve to fly. Houdini, master of escapes, didn’t know how to exit a new model car. He assumed that all door handles operated in the same way.Even the smartest, most successful and talented people make assumptions. 

Yet good decisions are often stymied by assumptions that go unchecked.So why does this book encourage you to make assumptions? It turns out your assumptions are a key component in your daily decision-making process. But how do you identify your assumptions? How do you separate out those that help or hurt? Build or destroy? Solve problems or create new ones? 

This book shows you how to utilize your assumptions productively and in ways you haven’t imagined. Challenge Your Assumptions, Change Your World is full of big ideas–it’s a unique book that will change how you make decisions and in turn increase your success in business and life. 

Reviews

“Decisions are only as good as the assumptions they are built on. Cohen shows you which ones to use and which to watch out for. ” –John Danner, UC Berkeley and Princeton faculty member, global advisor and keynote speaker.

“Andy challenged the thinking and attitudes of my team with some real eye-opening consequences. In my experience, it is rare that such an impactful person can translate these skills into written form. Reading this is like he is in the room with you.” –Irene Dorner, former President and Chief Executive Officer of HSBC USA

“The vast majority of security issues we face today stem from misplaced trust assumptions. This is a must-read for the security professional.” –Colonel (Ret.) Greg Conti, Ph.D.

About the Author

Andy Cohen is a popular and recognized TEDx speaker, author, and international thought-leader. He has a degree in experimental psychology and a room full of prestigious advertising awards. Andy has taught at the world’s most respected universities including New York, Cornell, Duke, UC, Berkeley; ISB (India); and CKGSB (China).

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Challenge Your Assumptions, Change Your World by Andy Cohen is exactly that. This is one nonfiction guide that challenges, provokes, and teaches readers. The principles and content inside are based on the writer’s experience. His background in the business world is shown throughout the pages. Easy to follow along. I’m a full-time student and an entrepreneur. This book helped me understand a lot. I always make assumptions more so than my peers. Weeding through the good versus bad assumptions was made easier after reading, Challenge Your Assumptions, Change Your World. Andy Cohen’s book is indeed the best tool for all. Whether you’re a student, work in business, or an entrepreneur, you can easily learn what it takes to keep from making the wrong assumptions. Mistakes happen all the time. But if one could help prevent a good handful from being repeated, then it’s worth it. I really enjoyed following along. The chapters and writing style were well-done. Overall, I highly recommend this book to readers everywhere. 

Review: The Making of a CEO

Synopsis: 

There’s a lot on your shoulders when you’re at the top of a business.
Your employees rely on you—and so do your customers. But to navigate your company to the best of your abilities, you can’t always go it alone. Management expert Oswald R. Viva wants to be your coach.
The Making of a CEO: Helping You Deal with the Issues of Running Your Company gives you practical tips for effectively running your business. Targeting his advice to leaders of small and midsize businesses, Viva shows how to evaluate yourself and your decision-making process to see if you’re doing what’s best for your organization.
In easy-to-read, simple language, Viva demonstrates how to set goals, communicate effectively, and empower your employees. Also included are sections on family businesses and planning for your successor, as well as a business owner’s personal roadmap and exit planning questionnaire.
Viva, the founder and president of V&A Management LLC, a consulting business dedicated to helping small and midsize businesses, has more than twenty years of top corporate management experience in large and small companies. Put his expertise to work for you.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Making of a CEO by Oswald R Vivia is indeed the perfect tool for readers. Those.ooking for jobs in the field of business or thinking of climbing the ladder than this is a must read. The book is broken down into parts. Each part goes over necessary information. The knowledge and research put into this book was phenomenal. Advice, experience,  and hands-on-skills demonstrated on every page. It was easy to read, follow, and understand. The writer, Oswald R Vivia, coaches readers with an ease that will make others jealous. Step-by-step guide and education into becoming a CEO.  Overall, I highly recommend this nonfiction title to readers worldwide. 

Review: Unleashing the Intrapreneur

Synopsis:

Millennials desire to be autonomous, be creative, and live meaningful lives. But because current company landscapes impede on that, their career is driven elsewhere, to companies that support their priorities. Companies that welcome and provide Millennials intrapreneurial opportunities entice employees to stay and help the company move forward. Millennials will dedicate futures to companies that stake their confidence in and allocate resources to them. The future of corporate America belongs to the individuals and the companies that embrace the idea of the intrapreneur.

This book is about helping Millennials find their voice, their passion, their vision and aligning these ideas so that they can allow their intrapreneurial spirit to soar and lead them towards a fulfilling career.
Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Unleashing the Intrapreneur by Debbie Wooldridge is an interesting read. This book focuses on the millennial succeeding. This how-to-book isn’t just a business inspiration to the millennial who will be in charge of this world but a way for them to get out there and be successful. It more than just a reading guide that lists and walks them through steps. It gives them critical information to be analyzed and learned. I loved how the chapters were set-up like a workbook. It’s like okay here’s the lecture now, let’s see what you obtained from that lecture. Business won’t work unless there is a passion, voice, and vision behind it. This guide not only informs, but teaches and allows individuals to recognize what they are passionate about and how to go from there. It’s the building block to get up and move forward in the business world. I loved reading Debbie Wooldridge’s book. Her experience and leadership is present throughout this guide. Overall, I recommend it to readers everywhere. 

 
 

Review: Bootstrapping 101

Synopsis:

Many unemployed Americans are discarding their résumés to pursue their dream of owning their own business. Many existing entrepreneurs are struggling to make ends meet in the current economic downturn. Bob Reiss has written Bootstrapping 101 to help these wannabe and existing small business owners improve their odds of success. He shows entrepreneurs how to grow their business with less money than they thought they needed and steers them to free quality advice.

His tips are based on practical experience in the trenches. Topics covered in the book include:

– Cash Free Ideas on Barter, Publicity Advertising, Internet, Selling, Outsourcing, Networking, Factors.
– Acquiring and Keeping Customers.
– Places to Find Free Quality Help.
– Maximizing Profits through Correct Pricing.
– Creating and Understanding a Cash Flow Statement.
– Non-traditional Ways to Get Money.
– Key Factors for Entrepreneurial Success.
Rating: 5 stars

Review: 

Bootstrapping 101 by Bob Reiss is an excellent source to go to for all business people and entrepreneurs. I found the informations useful and detailed. This is another nonfiction guide book that will help others build their business with limited cash and free outside help. I like how the book targets individuals with a business sense or creativity and helps those you don’t have the necessary budgets to to get started. I liked how it discussed topics like zeroing in on the right people, selling, and understanding the desired target. Bootstrapping 101 also, explains the sales, business, and non-traditional ways to get money. Special key factors to help others succeed. This how-to-book had everything to understand, learn, and grow a business. I really liked how organized and easy it was to read and learn the content. Bob Reiss is a writer who has the experience and knowledge to guides his readers into the right areas. Overall, I highly recommend this read to all. Perfect for starters who want to join the world of business. 

Review: The Homeless Entrepreneur

 

Synopsis:

 If you’re homeless you don’t have to get a job – you can start a business and make twice what most jobs pay you. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme. It will take work, but millions have done it. This book gives you the basic steps, resources, and inspiration you need to start a business. It’s packed with information anyone can use, but it’s targeted to those with little to no money. The author was homeless for more than a year and used many of these suggestions to make/earn money herself, so she knows they work. Instead of giving the homeless money, hand them a copy of this book and $5 seed money. Step back and see what happens.

Rating: 5 stars

Review: 

The Homeless Entrepreneur by Becky Blanton is indeed a must read for all. This book would make a great gift for anyone homeless or not. Most of us, are interested in setting up our own business; however, we don’t always have the funds. Or the knowledge to get it started. The Homeless Entrepreneur does. It gives us ideas, steps, and the the knowledge we need to make it happen. The job starter book. It’s inspiring to read. The writer herself, was at one point living in her own car. But she stay determined to make her career. She kept going and now, she’s employed and a famous TED speaker. Her life and the challenges she met was fascinating to read about…Becky Blanton wasn’t just talking the talk but lived it. I highly recommend this resourceful yet business starter book to all readers. It is truly a great book to read. 

Review: Amelia’s Children

 

Synopsis:

In 1985 Amelia Davis is brutally murdered in the woods outside of Laurel Hill. Her killer is never caught. Thirty years later, David Jenson comes to town on what he calls “personal business”, though he won’t tell anyone what that business is. Could he have some connection to the town’s most infamous cold case?

Sarah Hathaway has just returned to her hometown in the wake of a failed acting career. When she meets David, she is immediately drawn to him. But it is the mystery of what exactly brought him to Laurel Hill that keeps her up at night. Determined to find the answer, she embarks on a journey into the unknown that will change her life forever. Along the way, she discovers truths about Amelia’s death that prove more sinister than anyone ever could have imagined.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Amelia’s Children by Greta Cribbs is a fascinating paranormal tale. I loved it from the beginning. Here, readers get involved in the investigation of a cold case murder. From there an unexpected stranger lures a woman into extreme curiosity. A murderer that was never caught…and things about the murder leave more questions than answers…

This novel was well-written. It was easy being sucked into its depth. The characters picked my curiosity as well as the murder mystery. Suspenseful, intense, and addictive to read. The journey was one that readers won’t be forgetting. It felt so real. The danger and paranormal activity were the perfect combinations for this book. Amelia’s Children is indeed an intriguing tale that has captivated me. I loved Greta Cribbs writing style. Her words carried me through her wonderful world of fiction. There isn’t anything better than when the past collides with the present. Overall, this book is highly recommended, to readers worldwide.

 

Review: Mastering Online Marketing

 

Synopsis:

Mastering Online Marketing is the most comprehensive and up-to-date book available on advanced web marketing. It reveals the secrets that can help take your Internet marketing to a new level.

Hundreds of books have been published on online marketing, so what makes this one special? Whether you are new to the subject and looking for a comprehensive overview, or are familiar with the concepts but want to get more from your marketing efforts, with this book, you will learn state-of-the-art techniques and get an actionable and practical knowledge to set up an efficient online marketing system to support and improve your business.

This book describes the latest developments in Internet marketing and provides detailed and practical knowledge that can help you improve your campaigns to get more visitors, leads, and customers. By using these tools and techniques, you can quickly outperform your competition.

Mastering Online Marketing will turn you into an online marketing expert and teach you everything you need to know.

* Learn more about current trends in Internet marketing, including inbound marketing

* Create success by attracting more visitors, improving your leads generation, and using refined leads nurturing with effective email marketing

* Understand what marketing automation is and how new integrated marketing automation systems are changing the game with visitor tracking, progressive lead profiling, and hyper-personalized content

* Get details on search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing, display advertisements, retargeting, remarketing, and search keyword analysis

* Learn best practices in key areas such as blogging, calls-to-action, landing pages and registration forms, and leads nurturing and marketing emails

* Leverage content marketing and learn how to create effective marketing assets like blog articles, eBooks, infographics, white papers, checklists, video tutorials, templates, podcasts, webinars, and more

* Use social media marketing on popular social media and content publishing channels such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and SlideShare

* Measure website user behavior, online and offline campaign results, and goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) with web analytics using Google Analytics

* Learn more about other tools for Internet marketing, including how to run web surveys and questionnaires, virtual web meetings, and more

* Get an insight into the future of online marketing, where technologies like adaptive media, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT) may enable new ways to profile your audience and send more personalized marketing messages

Mastering Online Marketing covers everything you need to know about advanced web marketing. This is the book to read if you want to quickly learn state-of-the-art techniques and best practices. Build your online marketing success and improve your business right away!

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Mastering Online Marketing by Magnus Unemyr is one of the best nonfiction books I have read. The material covered is plentiful. It covers everything people like myself are deeply interested in as well as what I would need to know. Perfectly packed with useful knowledge. I was amazed at all the topics covered. Magnus Unemyr has created a wonderful book that I can read time and time again. His marketing information is useful for every situation. How to get results, how to work on keeping those results and what to do with those results. A powerful tool for all. Mastering Online Marketing is like taking a college course and hands-on experience all wrapped into one brilliant book. The writer has organized the book into easy to read sections. Readers will have no trouble understanding the material presented. A lot of work went into creating this masterpiece…as a blogger mastering online marketing is a must need skill. I felt more prepared after reading this book. Overall, I highly recommend Mastering Online Marketing by Magnus Unemyr to readers everywhere.

Review: Live Free or DIY

 

Synopsis:

Live Free or DIY is the time-starved small business owner’s survival guide!

From startup to growth to pivoting in a changing marketplace, Live Free or DIY reveals that small-business owners in every industry hit the same roadblocks — and that the solutions are within reach. Whether wrestling with customer acquisition, budgeting, time management skills, work-life balance, the headaches of red tape, or how to build a team,

Live Free or DIY is the ultra-practical guide you’ve been searching for.

The vast majority of small business owners encounter the same problems, on their road, to success: you feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything you need to do in order to make your business as great as you know it can be; you know you need to focus on how to get more customers; you know you need to delegate and build a team to make operations hum; you know that better productivity habits and a few key management tools could go a long way; and you know you’ve got to improve your time-management skills — or you’ll never sleep again. In fact, after months and years of trying to build your business, you’re downright desperate for the work-life balance that will finally make your job sustainable.

It’s all here. In an easy-to-use format that systematically tackles the small business owner’s greatest challenges, Live Free or DIY answers all the questions you’ve been asking: How do I build a team — on a shoestring budget? How do I get more customers? How can I do the kind of marketing that will nail customer acquisition once and for all? How do I improve at time management? Is it possible to be a small business owner and achieve work-life balance?

In Live Free or DIY, you’ll find a simple strategy for properly valuing and allocating your time. You’ll also find the difference between “cheap” and “efficient,” how passion equals efficiency and boredom equaled bankruptcy, how breaking up “the value chain” is key to running a smart business, how the Business nModel Canvas can help you focus and build, and how you can develop a marketing plan that finally cracks customer acquisition.

Live Free or DIY is helping thousands of small business owners unleash the kind of explosive growth they had only dreamed about.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Live Free or DIY by Justin E. Crawford is the must have book for all business people and entrepreneurs. It’s the essential guide on how to do it all. Gain more customers,increase profits, achieve that great life and work balance and how to DIY as a small-business owner.

Live Free or DIY gives readers the step-by-step ladder with all the tools necessary to be successful. Our markets are constantly changing…starting a business is a scary mess and then keeping the business going is even harder. But with this book, it basically walks readers through it all. Start here…then go here…then here’s what you do. The chapters are well-written and easy to follow along.  It also is a great help for our digital  age and the toughest competitions that we have within our markets. When readers go into the business world, it’s a dog against a dog kind of war. Brand names can easily take smaller businesses out in a matter of time. Time, management and marketing strategies are discussed inside this stunning book. I loved it.

Live Free or DIY is a book that I will be keeping forever in my possession. It gave me tips, ideas, and a deeper understanding, in how to be more successful, within the business realm. This not just for those in business but for anyone including bloggers and others who have something to share or sell with the world. Justin E. Crawford’s book is one that I highly recommend to everyone worldwide. This was and is definitely a must read for all.

Review: Must Love Wieners

 

Synopsis:

Piper Summers works like a dog juggling three jobs to put herself through veterinary school—driving taxis, delivering pizzas, and singing telegrams. Thankfully, Piper has her devoted dachshund Colin to help her keep things in line. That is, until she gets fired…and someone throws her a bone that is too good to resist.

Aiden Caldwell is an Armani ad come to life—a billionaire CEO who’s just adopted a dachshund from the rescue center where Piper volunteers. He’s hot on Piper’s tail to be his personal dog walker…but he may be after more than a walker for his wiener. The gorgeous, spirited Piper is everything he’s ever wanted from a woman—and more. But can Piper ever love, and trust, a man who has never learned to open his heart—or has she bitten off more than she can chew?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Must Love Wieners by Casey Griffin is a good laugh-out-loud romantic comedy with danger added to it. I love good romance stories that bring out some of the things I love. I love animals…especially dogs. The main character, Piper, is close to becoming a vet. But until then she’s barely scraping by with the odd ends jobs. Her job as a pizza delivery didn’t work out…then her job singing customized telegrams led her to a crazed male stalker and even a possible love match…Yep, Piper’s life is an interesting roller coaster from the beginning to end. Casey Griffin’s writing is superb. I can’t wait for book two to come out to read the next best adventure. Every page was filled with excitement, humor, heat, and suspense. I, like Piper, had suspicions on who was behind the crimes but couldn’t put my finger on it. Absolutely, a great romance that is hot sexy and perfect for all. Readers won’t be forgetting this romantic story. Overall, I highly recommend Must Love Wieners to readers everywhere.

 

Review: A Thuggish, Ruggish Love

 

Synopsis:

Mackie Carter was ten years old when she put a bullet in her mother’s skull, taking her life. At age fourteen, she learned everything she could about her family’s drug connections. When she turned eighteen, she jumped heavily into the Carter family drug operation.

Blaze Carter had been groomed by his father to be the next Carter family kingpin. It was an inheritance that he rather not claim. But when circumstances beyond their families control left him and his little sister to fend for themselves, he steps up and takes the reigns.

Xavier Thomas proves that the apple never really does fall far from the tree! He grew up watching his mother suffer at the hands of his father. He was brutal in his treatment of her and his entire family. Xavier swore that he would never treat another human the way that his father treated them. Now all grown up and with a wife if his own, that old saying is proving true.

Aleah was on the fast track to success. Valedictorian of her high school class, she set out to make her mark on the world. Freshman year in college, she met her soulmate. She and Xavier were inseparable. The next logical step was marriage.

As the stress of finding a job and taking care of a family begin to weigh in on Xavier, they must decide if their love is strong enough to stand the test of domestic violence, infidelity and just plain old selfishness.

Xavier’s little sister Keya is trying her best to keep her brother and his wife together. Although she knows that the relationship is toxic, she tries to keep hope alive believing that all things eventually work out for good.

As these characters’ paths cross and solace is sought where it shouldn’t be, who will be left standing and reaping the benefits of a million dollar operation?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

A Thuggish, Ruggish Love by Regina Swanson is out of this world. Readers are taken deep into the shadows of a much darker and harder lifestyle. Like that of a drug gangster operation. Regina Swanson brilliantly brings the urban street life to reality within these pages. Her characters are to die for…siblings looking out for another after they lost their parents. With only each other they turn, to a life,that could drag them down or bring them up in the world. The plot thickens with danger and an intensity that blew me away. I was held in suspense as the danger of inner family turmoil as well as the cheating and drug handling operations swayed from good to bad…and then back. The ending will have readers on the edge of their seats holding their breath.

A Thuggish, Ruggish Love is a romance that carries a lot of sex, drugs, and other adult material. However, it shows what the lives of the characters were like and how they struggled day to day with everything. From family to business to relationships…nothing is easy. Especially, when there are violence and others waiting to take the characters down…Regina Swanson’s writing is well told and highly entertaining. There’s never a boring moment in her plot. I never knew what to expect nor what would happen on the next page. I finished this incredible urban street romance in one sitting. Cannot wait to read her second and third novels in this exciting series. A Thuggish, Ruggish Love is addictive….the characters stay with you forever. Overall, I highly recommend this new title to readers everywhere.

 

Review: Reign & Chase (Game by the Pound)

 

Synopsis:

Reign is a young up and coming mogul, a salon owner who is busy trying to build an empire. She’s faced tragedy at an early age but always felt she wasn’t told the entire truth about what happened. But still, she bounced back and stayed on top.

Reign met her soul mate Chase at a young age but due to the tragedy she faced, contact was lost until he felt the need to reach out to her. Once he does they see the chemistry was never lost.

Chase has become a property owner who is very well known by the ladies. But once Reign is back in his life, all that seems to be shut down. Reign’s BFF London, couldn’t be happier about her friend’s new relationship and plans to be involved every step of the way. Although London is focused on the new couple, she is trying to keep what she has going on in her life a secret.

Chase and Reign’s romance is a sudden and unexpected one. With trying to juggle a business, enjoy life, dodge haters, check groupies, and make big moves, there is always something or someone in the shadows waiting to shut it all down….

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Reign & Chase by L. Monique is a powerfully deep novel with tons of real life issues. Both Reign and Chase instantly became my new favorite couple. Life tosses crap our way…and these two definitely have experienced it in heavy doses. Their journey is far from over. The beginning of this emotional thrill ride, I got a glimpse into Reign’s younger life style and her backstory. I can only imagine how hard it was for her to lose someone close at that age. The main character Reign puts on a tough face and attitude but she’s really more caring then she lets everyone believe. Then there’s the chemistry of the two main characters that is beyond hot and steamy. I really liked how L. Monique brought the all the characters to life by giving them real flaws and fears. It just shows that even fictional characters are human too. They have to struggle and survive like the rest of us. This novel was my first one that I have read by this talented writer. She brilliantly puts in enough action, emotions, and spice that carried me through until the ending. Suspense and intrigue hang thickly in this well-written plot. I wasn’t sure what secret Reign’s best friend was hiding or the danger that pops out from nowhere…Overall, I highly recommend this urban tale to readers everywhere.

 

Review: Someone Like You

 

Synopsis:

Single mom Julia Dare has a lot on her plate. A brand new Christian, she’s busy trying to run her own business, spend time with her widowed mother, and raise her young son, Max, despite his father’s less-than-ideal influence on him. When a big account from her event-planning business sends her to the Caliente Springs resort, she’s shocked to come face-to-face with Zeke Monroe, the resort’s general manager, and her college sweetheart.

With his faith in tatters, Zeke Monroe is determined to keep the historic Caliente Springs resort running despite financial difficulties. But when Julia walks back into his life, he can’t ignore the feelings she stirs up. As they work together on an important client’s dream wedding, the fate of the resort soon depends on their success. When Zeke and Julia are pushed to their limits both personally and professionally, will their history put up walls between them or bring them together?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Someone Like You by Victoria Bylin is an extraordinary novel that had me laughing and falling in love. The characters had their own life struggles like a single mom with a kid battling the kids father on everything…and then there’s the guilt of never telling the guy that was super nice to her about the night a long time ago…felt like she betrayed the amazing man, Zeke. Then, there is Zeke. He’s a preacher’s kid but since his parents’ death and his business degree, he became a manager for a resort. A beautiful old resort that is fastly falling apart and needing major repairs as well as a flood of guests to keep it afloat.  But that’s not all…there’s this super bad ass goat that eats everything and attacks people like Zeke’s woman crush whom he still has deep feelings for…but it’s up to fate if they’re paths will entwine. As for the romance that blooms and the state of the resort, Victoria Bylin brings humor, adventure, and good clean romance that I absolutely loved. Someone Like You definitely fits in perfectly with this well-written plot and the characters lured me in instantly. Overall, I highly recommend this beautiful heart melting story to readers everywhere.

 

 

 

Review: The Change Up

Synopsis:

Commercial real estate mogul Rachel Reed followed her workaholic father’s footsteps to success, so when he’s diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she vows to rise to the occasion. She’ll help her father get the Arlington Aces independent professional baseball team up and running, then sell the franchise off to recoup their investment. It’s a tall order, but Rachel knows one thing for sure: a few acres of trees aren’t going to stand in her way of building the facility they need.

Landscaper Sam Sutter is surprised to find his brother’s high school girlfriend lurking in the woods behind his secluded log house. This former minor leaguer’s even more upset to learn “his” trees are on her chopping block. There’s no way he’ll help her erect a painful reminder to his failed career in his backyard. But butting heads with the beautiful businesswoman proves to be a tricky task, and before long, he finds himself heading up the grounds keeping crew at her father’s stadium.

Working, under Rachel’s watchful – smoldering – eyes might be Sam’s undoing. Can he cut into her plans without feeling their chances at a home run in love?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The Change Up by Elley Arden is definitely a hot sexy read. One that will blow readers away with every flick of a page. The characters go head-to-head battling for a cause that they want…until their hearts get in the way of their relationship. Elley Arden brings readers a novel that portrays characters with real life issues that make it easy for readers to connect with the characters. The scenes are well-developed and the story is brilliantly well-written.  A strong businesswoman determined to follow her father’s orders even as with each day his health gets worse…and then there’s the sexy alpha sports guy that will just complicate things worse…can one juggle a business deal and romance at once?  The Change Up is a contemporary romance that features baseball, romance, and intrigue. Sparks fly high and the heat will make any reader fall in love. This was the first novel, I have read by this talented writer, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future. Overall, I highly recommend this beautiful romance to all.

 

 

Review: Truly, Madly, Sweetly

 

Synopsis:

Sugar and spice and love that’s oh-so nice…

An inherited parking spot. That’s all it took to make Natalie Moran’s food truck dreams come true. But her dream space is attached to a bakery inherited by someone else—drop dead gorgeous Eric Schneider, a financial consultant who wouldn’t know a cupcake from a cannoli. And he wants to buy Nat out, no matter what she has to say about it.

Eric’s determined to build his own business, but he needs the super cute klutz with the cupcake truck to help. If Nat will teach him the basics of running a bakery, he’ll give her free kitchen time. Except…neither expects the heat burning between them or the possibility that their arrangement might become permanent.

When it all blows up, Nat is convinced his actions mean betrayal. It’s up to Eric to regain her trust and show her he’s a man who is truly, madly in love with her, before she disappears from his life forever.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Truly, Madly, Sweetly by Kira Archer will scoop readers up by the dozens and trap them inside this delightfully funny read. A romance that is sweet, fast-paced, and realistic. Readers will laugh out loud at the all the crazy moments…that the main character Natalie seems to have. She’s always doing something bad but accidently to…non other than the ice cream man who gets her heart racing. But her heart isn’t the only one that is pumping like mad everything…Eric seems incapable of calming his heart nad his thoughts. She makes him want to pick her up and drive right into those fantasies of his…but he doesn’t nor does she until fate brings them together. It’s a miracle in getting these two together and tying their hearts together will be a whole different matter. Can they mix business and pleasure or will they unravel what they already got? Truly, Madly, Sweetly will leave readers asking for the next hilarious adventure by the talented Kira Archer. Overall, I highly recommend her novel to readers worldwide.

Review: The Second Chance Shoe Shop

 

Synopsis:

All Riley Flynn wants is to meet someone who makes her happy. But attracting the right kind of man is not easy, and with her heart still hurting from her last break-up, Riley believes she’ll never find love again.

A year ago, Sadie Stewart’s whole world was shattered when her husband, Ross, died. She has struggled to keep herself together for the sake of their young daughter, but with the anniversary of his death approaching, Sadie finds herself overwhelmed by grief.

Sadie and Riley work at Chandlers shoe shop, in the charming town of Hedworth. But when Chandlers is threatened with closure, the friends are confronted with the loss of not only their jobs but also their support network – the glue that holds them together when they are close to breaking.

As they put together a plan to save their beloved shop, Sadie realizes that she might just be learning to live again. Could it be that new beginnings are just around the corner? The campaign also finds Riley unexpectedly crossing paths with the charming photographer, Ethan. Maybe her second chance at love is right under her feet …

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The Second Chance Shoe Shop by Marcie Steele is one adventure readers will definitely enjoy. A realistic telling of how life operates even for those who start off with everything and end up with nothing…Friendships that bond and form, at work that keep the characters together like one big family. I loved how the romances inside this brilliantly well-written tale kept me guessing and made it feel real. I can definitely see everything in the book happening to any human being. Sometimes it takes one tragedy to unite us all to pull through all of our tragedies. One person’s help may lead to another…and another. Soon the impossible starts to look a little less scary…but there’s still a long way to go yet. Marcie Steele has masterfully brought the reality of life into a highly entertaining read for all. There are both inner and outer struggles for each of the characters, even the bad guy changes in the end…and the sparks are flying high on every page. Readers won’t be able to get enough of this title nor of Marcie Steele’s characters. I loved reading The Second Chance Shoe Shop and hope that there is another book featuring the same cast of characters. Once you pick up this read, you won’t be able to stop reading. Overall, I highly recommend it to readers worldwide.

 

Review: Off the Hook

 

Synopsis:

Welcome to The Buoys, a West Coast haven where love comes in with the tide. Perfect for readers of Jill Shalvis and Susan Mallery, the Fishing for Trouble series features three unforgettable brothers—each of whom is a great catch.

Major league pitcher Liam O’Donnell knows his best days are probably behind him, but that doesn’t mean he’s ready to retire and become a fishing guide. Still, after all the time he’s spent chasing his dreams, he owes it to his brothers to pull his weight around the lodge. The Buoys is their father’s legacy, and they can’t let some developer take it from them. The one snag Liam isn’t counting on is a blast from the past: his ex-wife.

The moment Kate Hadley steps out of the seaplane, she knows this assignment is going to be trickier than she thought. She has to persuade the owners to sell—and one of them is Liam O’Donnell. Ten years ago, she made the biggest mistake of her life when she married Liam during a fling in Vegas. Now he’s her only lifeline in the middle of nowhere. Kate’s trying to keep things cool, but Liam just reminds her of the scorching few nights they spent together—and tempts her to make new memories that are just as steamy as the old.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Off the Hook by Laura Drewry is one hot sexy read that will leave readers falling in love.Three amazing men, a family legacy, and trouble in the form of an ex. One of the brothers will be surprised and everything from the past will hit him harder than he thinks. A once upon a time romance that seems to not have died out at all…Laura Drewry sure knows how to lure readers in deep. The plot is addictive and moves by fast. The characters are well-developed and leave you following them along as the story unfolds.

Off the Hook is an extraordinary journey that readers won’t be forgetting anytime soon. Laura Drewry’s novel captivates readers from the beginning and holds onto them throughout the pages. Every page builds up, with an intense emotion that will soon break between two interesting individuals. The family roots and the way they all work hard together to pull up…is amazing. I love family relationships that were portrayed within this exciting read. The romance is enticing…and so is the brotherly love. Overall, I highly recommend this beautifully written story to readers everywhere.