Bed of Lies Review

• Series: A Chesterton Scandal Novel (Book 2)
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Dafina (April 26, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1617734039
• ISBN-13: 978-1617734038
• Price: $9.95

Synopsis

Secrets and scandals are a way of life for the Murdochs of Chesterton, Virginia. But the lies that bind them may end up tearing them apart…

With his drama-filled marriage behind him, Evan Murdoch has finally found happiness with his longtime friend turned fiancée, Leila Hawkins. But when his party boy brother, Terrence, is seriously injured in a car accident, a gossiping press puts the family back in the spotlight. Soon Terrence could face a lawsuit--and much worse, if his vengeful half-brother, Dante, has his way. Terrence's only bright spot is journalist C.J. Aston--but is she really on his side, or does she have another motive?. . . 

While Terrence struggles to recover from his injuries, Paulette, the little sister of the family, is struggling with a secret: she's pregnant, and unsure whether the father is her blackmailing ex or her husband. Amid the turmoil, Evan does his best to stay above the fray, but a shocking revelation makes that impossible--he's a Murdoch after all, and trouble seems to be their business…

My Review

Bed of Lies is full of drama! When I tell you drama...I mean drama. If you love soap operas (daytime & nighttime), you'll probably love this book. Shelly Ellis does a great job of showing vs telling the story. I felt like I was in every scene. But after a while, I really got tired of the men in the story...more so than the ladies. Okay, well I got tired of the ladies as well. But my problem that I had with this novel was that the male characters all had the same voice. Each time one of the brothers spoke, it was profanity was always near. They all used the same profanity, chapter after chapter. I mean, I know there are families who curse all the time, day in and day out but, everyone in the family doesn't curse the same way. The more I read the book, the more difficult it became for me to read and really get into it therefore, I gave this book three stars. I would still read another book by this author.

***I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.***

Dearest Prince...Guest Blog Post by Nicole Jones

Last week the world took a major hit smack dab in the face when the news broke that Prince Rogers Nelson had suddenly passed away at the age of 57. Another musical icon gone. The first person that I thought of was my sister from another mother, Nicole. I posted a picture with the word, "HUGS" and typed seven letters..."No words," because I didn't have any. My mouth was open but the words refused to leave. It was as if they were in as much shock as I was.

My sister, Nicole is Prince's #1 fan. So, I asked her if she would write something for the world to read in honor of Mr. Prince Rogers Nelson.


Thank you Nicole for a beautiful tribute! Yes, his music IS immortal.

Dearest Prince,

I have been under your spell forever. I knew when I first heard you speak the words "Dearly Beloved" in the beginning of Purple Rain, I would never be the same. Who was this man? The purple. The lace. The heels. The hair. The shiny guitar. The falsetto. The swag. 

You exploded into my world. I had never seen anyone like you. I would buy your records and sit in my room for hours, reading the lyrics on the backs of the albums. I started writing like you - 2's, 4's, 8's, U's. I devoured your music. I became your fan.

I loved you when I was too young to understand your genius. All I knew was that I was listening to magic. I remember being around nine years old, locking myself in my room and playing the Sign ‘o the Times album over and over and over again. I thought you were speaking to me. Just me. I didn’t think I’d ever hear a song as beautiful as Adore. I wanted to walk down the aisle to Forever In My Life. When I heard you manipulate your voice, the way you’d stretch in a million different directions within the span of a few seconds, it was as if you were trying to reach every part of all of us. I would listen and listen until I was intoxicated, exiting my room, head spinning.

Your music became my safe place. I could drown out the whole world – family, school, stress. Your music was the very first thing I reached for when I needed something to cheer me up, when I was in mourning, when I wanted to celebrate, when I wanted to dance, when I wanted to vent, when I wanted to smile, when I wanted to cry and get it all out.

Last week’s news knocked the wind out of me, like I’d lost a family member. It seems crazy to feel so devastated about a person who I've never officially met, or have never had a real conversation with. But your impression on my life is indelible and permanent. My life’s memories are interwoven with your music. You provided my soundtrack. I guess I naively thought you were immortal and would never die. Seeing your name linked with past tense verbs makes my head spin. I don’t think I’ll ever fully comprehend.

I’ve been in deep thought this past week, trying to figure out why this loss has been so profound for me. I read somewhere that each and every person has someone who resonates with them. Oftentimes, it’s someone of a creative nature. Artists have a way of reaching the most inner core of our souls, that place that identifies our actions, feelings and sense of self.When the creative entity one identifies with passes away, it rocks ones fragile core. Equilibrium must be reestablished. It’s almost like I needed to reboot.

But I promise not to wallow too much. I will listen to your music because that IS immortal. Your beautiful, eclectic, brilliant, weird, genius music. It's an inspiration to us all to know the effect we can have on people that we don’t even know. It’s a motivation to be great at what we do without shortcuts and staying 100% true to ourselves. Our passions can outlive us and mold millions. Our days can be up long before we are ready and all that’s left is the impression we’ve left. And my sweet Prince, what an impression you've left. I hope you’re playing in the sunshine.

Love,

Darling Nikki

"I want to live life to the ultimate high. Maybe I'll die young like heroes die". -"Under the Cherry Moon" 1986

Nicole Jones is a wife and mother who resides in Atlanta, GA. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, exercising, reading, and of course – listening to Prince.

Friday Finds-Virtuous Deception 2 by Leiann Wrytes

Each Friday I'll share a book that I've read or has piqued my interest to wear the crown as Friday Finds. Today it's Virtuous Deception 2 by Leiann B. Wrytes. This is a book that has peeked my interest. 

Print Length: 288 pages

• Publisher: A Million Thoughts Publishing (N'Tyse Enterprises Presents) (March 15, 2016)
• Publication Date: March 15, 2016

Virtuous Deception 2 Synopsis

Teetering along the edge of hopelessness, Michelle's grasp on reality is rapidly thinning as her world collapses. When infidelity strikes her last safe place, the effects of the betrayal are brutal, pitting Michelle against everyone and everything she loves.

Sophie Lewis is in the midst of building a relationship with her estranged daughter, Brianna, when an old love returns, bringing a consortium of hurts along with him.

After narrowly escaping death at the hands of her ex-lover, Javan, Brianna views life in a completely different light. Struggling to recapture the peace she once enjoyed, Brianna seeks comfort in all the wrong places. Desperation permits the unthinkable as she finds herself on the wrong end of a love story.

Author Bio

Leiann B Wrytes is an author, poet, and playwright. Leiann found a love for words early on as a spoken word poet and was inducted into the International Society of Poets at 15 years of age. She has served as an editor for several small publications, mentors aspiring writers, and manages a small custom poetry business. Leiann's debut novel, Virtuous Deception, named one of the top 100 books of 2014 by Conversations Book Club, garnered her a nomination for AAMBC author of the year, AMB Ovation Award for Outstanding Debut Author In Urban Literature nomination, and glowing reviews. Leiann B. Wrytes currently resides in Dallas TX with her family, feverishly working on her next novel and preparing to take on her next role as Associate Producer for the fascinating documentary, Behind The Mask, which goes into production this summer.

Leiann is very active on social media. Reach her on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook: @leiannbwrytes, via email leiannbwrytes@gmail.com, or through her website www.leiannbwrytes.com.

Her Kind of Man Launch Day Blitz

Today is the release of Elle Wright's new book, Her Kind of Man. The third book in her Edge of Scandal series.

ABOUT HER KIND OF MAN

When Mr. Right is oh so wrong...

I'll never let you go . . . Allina had always dreamed of hearing those words. But when her fiancé, Isaac, utters them, it isn't a promise-it's a threat. Scared and confused, with only moments before the wedding, Allina knows what she must do. Forget walking down the aisle; it's time to run. Back to Michigan. Back to Kent.

Kent has loved Allina for longer than he can remember. Out of respect for their friendship, he's never crossed the line, but when she turns up on his doorstep wearing her torn, tearstained wedding gown, the fire inside him ignites. He'll do whatever it takes to make Allina feel safe-like the beautiful, desirable woman she is. But as Kent and Allina grow closer, and their passion pushes deeper, it's clear that something bigger than a botched wedding still lingers between them . . .

Amazon:  Click link to purchase

B&N: Click link to purchase

iBooks:  Click link to purchase

Kobo: Click link to purchase

IndieBound: Click link to purchase

Goodreads:  Click link to purchase

ABOUT ELLE WRIGHT

Born and raised in Southeast Michigan near Ann Arbor, Elle learned the importance of reading from her mother. It was also her mother who, later on in her life, gave Elle her first romance novel:  Indigo by Beverly Jenkins.  From that moment on, Elle became a fan of Ms. Jenkins for life and a lover of all things romance.  An old journal she wrote back in college became her first book (which she still wants to publish one day).

Website: Click here to visit Elle's website

Facebook: Click here to find Elle on Facebook

Twitter: Click here to find Elle on Twitter

HER KIND OF MAN by Elle Wright

Forever / On Sale: April 26, 2016

Release Day Blitz Excerpt

Allina got up and carried her dishes over to the sink. She turned on the faucet and filled up the basin with water. “I’m going to clean up and get ready to go to the store.”

He finished up his plate and joined her at the sink. Not thinking, he dropped his mug into the dishwater, splashing the soapy water on Allina. She screeched and stumbled back. He reached for her, sensing she was getting ready to fall. Instead of preventing her fall, she ended up pulling him with her and they both landed on the floor, her on her back and him on his side.

“Ouch,” she groaned from her where she lay on the tile. “That hurt.” She wiped her face and pushed her hair back, leaving a few suds on her face.

He chuckled. “That was . . . clumsy.”

She laughed then. “It was crazy. How did I fall? There was no water on the floor.” She pointed at him. “It was your fault.”

He grabbed her finger. “It was not my fault you can’t stay on your feet.”

She flicked some remaining soap on him. It was a running joke with their crew. Syd was dramatic, Cali had no filter, and Allina was clumsy as hell. It didn’t matter where they were or what they were doing, Allina always seemed to get hurt.

Before he knew it, they were both laughing in earnest. She turned to him. “I needed this.”

He tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “Glad I could help. I’ve never met anyone who is more accident-prone than you.”

She grinned, her eyes gleaming. “Hey. Don’t say that.”

He stood up and held out a hand to her. When she placed her tiny palm in his, he pulled her to her feet.

Brushing off her clothes, she murmured, “My body is al- ready sore from that run. Now my back is throbbing.”

“Maybe you should go lie down for a little bit before we go to the store,” he suggested. “I have a heating pad some- where if you need it.”

She waved him off. “I’m good.” Peering up at him, she smiled again. A wide grin. “I need to keep moving.”

Kent observed her. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes dancing and he found himself inching closer to her. A piece of her hair was stuck to her forehead and he pushed it to the back.

“I must look crazy,” she said, smoothing a hand over her hair.

One of the things Kent found so attractive about Allina was her sultry, deep voice. She talked like she was singing a lullaby. It was low, even, and sexy as hell. And what made it even better was she had no idea it could have an effect on a man.

As if he had no power or control to stop himself, he leaned closer. She peered up at him and froze. Instead of retreating, she stayed where she was, her eyes on his.

The air changed in that instant. He brushed her cheek with his thumb and she gasped. Their noses were almost touching. He knew he should step back, walk away, but he couldn’t. His body had a mind of its own.

His nose bumped into hers. Her breath still smelled like the honey from her tea. It was warm against his skin. He wanted to kiss her, more in that moment than ever before. Then her lips brushed against his. It wasn’t a full-on kiss, but enough to make him want more. He framed her face with his hands and kissed the corner of her mouth, enjoying her sharp intake of breath. She squeezed his biceps, her nails digging into the sensitive skin.

“Kent,” she whispered. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

“Do you want me to?” he asked, unable to keep his eyes off her mouth. It was amazing how one simple touch had opened up the box that labeled them “very close friends.” He imagined how it would feel to really taste her, to feel her tongue against his, to touch her the way he wanted.

But then where would that leave them? Confused and awkward around each other? Allina wasn’t just any woman. He couldn’t do her first and ask the hard questions later, be- cause she deserved better than that. They had never really talked about sex with each other before, but knowing her the way he did, he figured she was careful about who and what she did. Being with her, or even kissing her, was a game changer. But, damn-it, I want to.

Sighing, he stepped back. He scratched his head. “I’m sorry. This isn’t right. We better get going.”

Then he left her standing there in the kitchen.

© 2016, by Elle Wright

Want to read more novels like Her Kind of Man? 

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Confess Review

Winner of the 2015 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover, a new novel about risking everything for love—and finding your heart somewhere between the truth and lies.

At age twenty-one, Auburn Reed has already lost everything important to her. In her fight to rebuild her shattered life, she has her goals in sight and there is no room for mistakes. But when she walks into a Dallas art studio in search of a job, she doesn’t expect to find a deep attraction to the enigmatic artist who works there, Owen Gentry. 

For once, Auburn takes a chance and puts her heart in control, only to discover that Owen is keeping a major secret from coming out. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything important to Auburn, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it.

To save their relationship, all Owen needs to do is confess. But in this case, the confession could be much more destructive than the actual sin.

My Review

This is the first book that I've ever read by Colleen Hoover but, it definitely won't be my last. This is a true romance novel. I loved how Colleen made the characters seem real. There were a few times when I wanted to reach in and just shake some sense in Auburn. But, I loved how did what she needed to do to finally get full custody of her son. I loved Emory! Everyone needs a friend like Emory. I was hoping that Trey would be found out and handled better. I loved Owen and everything that he brought to the story. My favorite line from the book was when Owen was talking with Auburn and said, "Sometimes in order to save a relationship you have to sacrifice it first." The ending left me with a lot of unanswered questions. Does Auburn every find out the connection with the painting? Do Auburn ever find out the real reason Trey doesn't like Owen? There really should have been more story line at the end. 

My Rating

Mama's Boy by ReShonda Tate Billingsley AVAILABLE TOMORROW

ReShonda Tate Billingsley is back and with a page turner that will leave you holding your chest...gasping for air. ReShonda stepped up her writing game in this book, tackling a current headline that is all to familiar.

 

A Note from ReShonda

As a journalist, I have come across an array of stories in my twenty-five-plus years in the industry. Some of them have provided fodder for just plain ol' good drama. Many of them-no, most of them-have sparked that little "What if?" light bulb in my head. This book was born from one of those "What ifs?"

I'm always posing questions to my readers on social media as I travel: What if you won the lottery and your ex-husband came back and said your divorce was never finalized and he and the woman he left you for want half? (The Devil Is a Lie); What if you have a one-night stand with your best friend's husband and he dies in the hotel room? (What's Done in the Dark); What if your son commits a crime, can you turn him in? I'd like to think that as a law-abiding citizen, that answer would be a resounding yes. But as a mother, that answer isn't so black and white, especially if you throw in something that has been dominating the news: race and law enforcement. I don't know about you, but for me, that changes the dynamics. And that's where Mama's Boy was born.

I hope you will enjoy the story, even if you don't agree with all the characters' decisions (hey, what kind of writer would I be if you liked everything?).

ReShonda

Paperback: 336 pages

Publisher: Gallery Book (Simon & Schuster)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1476714959

ISBN-13: 978-1476714950

Click here to pre-order from Amazon

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About the book

When her son is in trouble, a heartbroken mother finds the courage and faith to save him, in ReShonda Tate Billingsley’s powerful family drama—a novel as timely as today’s headlines.

The breaking TV news rocks Jasper, Texas, to the core: a white police officer is fatally shot in a scuffle with three black youths—and a cellphone video captures Jamal Jones, the sixteen-year-old son of esteemed Reverend Elton Jones, escalating the tragic encounter. Now, as the national spotlight shines on a town already rife with racial tension, Jamal is a murder suspect on the run. And all of Jasper—even the Reverend’s congregation—rushes to judge the boy they thought they knew.

But Gloria Jones knows her son best, and she races to find Jamal before the law does—to the outrage of her workaholic husband. Once she finds him, she has to decide whether to turn him in or help him run. With ruthless prosecutor and Houston mayoral candidate Kay Christensen hungering to put another young thug behind bars, Gloria will face her biggest battle yet. And when long-hidden secrets and shocking lies come to light, throwing Jamal’s case and his destiny into a tailspin, all Gloria can do is pray that the truth—and a mother’s unconditional love—will be enough to redeem the mistakes of the past and ultimately, save her son.

If this isn't enough to peek your interest, you can read the first chapter by visiting www.reshondatatebillingsley.com.

Mama's Boy get's five stars and a fist pump.

The Monkey on My Back by Debbi Morgan Available Now

I've been a Debbi Morgan fan the first time I saw her on an episode of What's Happening. Even though she only had a recurring role, she lit up the room. I remember saying to myself, "I want to be like her when I grow up." I mean, what child doesn't want to be like someone that they see on television? Years later, she was cast as Dr. Angela Baxter on All My Children...later becoming Dr. Angela Baxter Hubbard. Again, her presence lit up the room. I was happy when I found out she's a Tweeter(Twitter). But, I was beside myself the first time she responded to one of my tweets. I mean I think I had to regain my composure...guess you can say I'm groupie. 

Debbi has a new title to add to her resume...Author. When Debbi tweeted that her memoir, The Monkey on my Back would be released this summer, I immediately added the date to my calendar. I had to have it. Today is that day. The Monkey on my Back is available nationwide.

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Infinite Words-Simon & Schuster Imprint (June 23, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593096429
• ISBN-13: 978-1593096427
• Click here to purchase from Amazon
• Click here to purchase from Barnes and Noble

About the book: A deeply personal memoir spanning three generations of women, this is the intimate autobiography of Emmy Award–winning actress Debbi Morgan, best known as Angie Hubbard on the long-running soap opera All My Children.

Raised in the South Bronx and beloved for the diverse and captivating characters she’s played, Debbi Morgan enjoyed a thirty-year tenure on All My Children before joining the cast of The Young and the Restless and later appearing opposite Denzel Washington and Samuel L. Jackson in several films. But this book is not about her career, and it’s not about Hollywood. It’s not even about her rise to stardom. Charting her family history as well as her own life from childhood to the present in this compelling memoir, Debbi reveals the fear, doubt, and insecurities she’s struggled with for much of her life—and how she escaped a vicious cycle of pain to find self-confidence, happiness, and success.

Early on in her family history, an ugly pattern of abuse developed into fear, insecurity, self-doubt, and emotional trauma, which passed down from one generation to the next. From her maternal grandmother, who was beaten by her husband as they struggled through the Great Depression, to Debbi’s mother, who became pregnant as a young teen and suffered the same abuse as her mother, down to Debbi, who internalized the physical abuse she watched her mother endure, a deep-rooted fear plagued all three generations of women. But through it all, Debbi endured, and with a good dose of humor and self-compassion, she emerged with the deepest love of herself—and her mojo quite intact!

Told with intense emotion, candor, and a barrage of belly laughs, Debbi shares a deeply moving, explosive, yet inspirational journey about what it took to break the cycle and emerge as a confident, fearless woman.

My review: Without a doubt, one of the best memoirs that I've read in a very long time. I applaud Debbi for her transparency. It takes a lot open up to the world and discuss personal issues that not only happened to you, but other family members. I could feel the "monkey" that Debbi spoke of as I turned each page. As I read the final page...the last sentence, I felt that I was able to exhale with Debbi. The "monkey" was gone. I recommend this book to everyone. It receives a five star review and a fist bump. 

**I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**