Henry Tilney’s Diary by Amanda Grange

Henry Tilney’s Diary by Amanda Grange

Publisher: Robert Hale (June 2014)

192 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $7.99)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

This is Northanger Abbey from Henry Tilney’s point-of-view. The diary is divided into three parts: the first being Henry at sixteen as the family is going through the loss of the mother, the second part is the year preceding the events of Northanger Abbey, and the third and largest part follows Henry’s view of the events from the book Northanger Abbey. One of the things I liked best about this interpretation is the way Frederick is portrayed and his reasons for pursuing Isabella Thorpe directly under her fiancé’s nose. Of all of Austen’s heroines, I probably have always liked Catherine least (too naive, almost to the point of being stupid) and could never understand Tilney’s fascination with her, but I rather liked the idea that given all the artful flirts both Tilney brothers must have been exposed to over the years, that the marked contrast in Catherine would make a huge impression. I believe you could read this book without ever having read Northanger Abbey and still fully enjoy it (it contains many extensive passages from the book verbatim, in fact, I could have done with a little less). Very entertaining take on a great classic!

Brutewood Minimum Security Penitentiary, Vol. 1 by Curtis Kingsmith and Bubba Marshall

Brutewood Minimum Security Penitentiary, Vol. 1 by Curtis Kingsmith and Bubba Marshall

Brutewood Correctional Facility Series (Minimum Security)

Publisher: Eroticatorium (January 2014)

92 pages, eBook (borrowed from the Kindle Owner’s Lending Library)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

This is a collection of three erotic gay prison stories: Where the Werebears Were, Men of the New Mexico State Prison, and Inmates Downlow. The first is a fantasy/sci-fi involving werebears that must  be kept sated during a new moon or they will become destructive. The second story is about a gay inmate that likes servicing straight men. And the third story is about interracial cellmates and their exchange of pleasure. All three stories were fun, quick reads (Minimum Security-so all consensual), and they provide light entertainment.This collection also contains a bonus story (Love and Lust Between Men Behind Bars), and it was actually my favorite of the four stories, being more about building a relationship, rather than just casual sex.

Intergalactic Bondage Colony: Book 2 by Powerone

Intergalactic Bondage Colony: Book 2 by Powerone

Publisher: Sizzler Editions (January 2015)

98 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)

Book Rating: 3 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Now that they have landed on their new planet and are beginning to get settled in, it is clear that not everyone is falling in line with Michael’s vision, which only spurs him to try and force them into submission. I’m rooting for the rebellion here! There are some very interesting dynamics going on between the different characters involved here. This is a short story. It includes same-sex scenarios, between both men and women, and it contains some dubious consent scenarios (some of which were frankly far too much for me, and they may be uncomfortable for some other readers, as well). There are a lot of things left in the end to be explored in further sequels (personal conflicts, hostile environmental impacts, alien abduction—who knows?).

Intergalactic Bondage Colony: Book 1 by Powerone

Intergalactic Bondage Colony: Book 1 by Powerone

Publisher: Sizzler Editions (January 2015)

75 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

With the imminent demise of Earth looming, Michael sets out to colonize another planet with four other males, eight females, and his co-captain, Ursula, hoping to develop a new social order based on bondage and male domination. Michael’s idealistic plan seems to hit some snags right out of the gate, but he remains optimistic, and it will be interesting to see how it all plays out. He may be in for an unpleasant surprise. This is a very short story and it contains some dubious consent scenarios that may be uncomfortable for some readers. Very interesting idea for a story, and I’m excited to see where it leads.

The Vagabond Vicar by Charlotte Brentwood

The Vagabond Vicar by Charlotte Brentwood

Publisher: Charlotte Brentwood (October 2014)

279 pages, eBook (provided by the Author for review)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

Ever since choosing the church as his profession, William had his heart set on serving God in the far-flung reaches of the world, but he finds himself assigned to a parish in a small English village, and an object of interest for mothers who are looking to marry off one of their daughters, but one young woman, Cecilia, keeps catching his eye despite his intentions to avoid it. As an avid admirer of Jane Austen’s work, this sweet Regency romance was right up my alley. As a young good-looking vicar of marriageable age and a forward-thinker, William and his troubles reminded me a bit of Sidney Chambers (of the TV series Grantchester), despite the difference in time period. The romance between William and Cecilia was nicely woven together with the happenings of the village, which gave it a nice village chronicle feel, similar to Cranford and other such stories. Great story with interesting characters. I look forward to the two follow-up novels that are planned! Can’t wait to read them!