Bearing the Monster’s Baby by Monica Thornton

Bearing the Monster’s Baby by Monica Thornton

Publisher: Oynx Publishing (August 2015)

232 pages, eBook (available for FREE on Amazon, Aug. 27-29)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Margery is a college student with an unhealthy attraction to bad boys, drama and a lust for being treated badly, which serves to make brusque and extremely anti-social Martin the most attractive man on the planet, enhanced repeatedly by everyone she meets warning her off of him—including Martin himself. When I started reading this, I was expecting a typical shape-shifter romance—but this story was dark, gritty, weird, and disturbing—almost to the point of being comical at times. I’ve never read anything like this. Margery is borderline insane and her line of reasoning is disconcerting throughout much of the story—she has very little drive for self-preservation—but I liked that she (and the narrator) knew she was insane (or at the very least abnormal). Martin was a complex, interesting character himself, struggling with his “demons” while trying to ward off a stalker (Margery) for her own good. I loved the ending! Will Angela get her own story? Great read!

Touch of Amber by Jayne Rylon

Touch of Amber by Jayne Rylon

Hot Rods, Book 7

Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.(April 2015)

174 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.49)

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

As a brother-in-law of one of the Powertools crew and a soon-to-be sister-in-law of one of the Hot Rods crew, Gavyn and Amber are somewhat thrown together by virtue of the fact that they are the only unattached people in attendance at the joint weddings Amber has been planning for the Hot Rods crew, and the pull is only enflamed further by their instant and intense attraction to each other. Unfortunately Gavyn is still struggling with sobriety and the uncertainties regarding the direction of their relationship only test him further, while Amber is dealing with insecurities of her own. The psychological complexity of this story was so great, really delving into Gavyn’s addiction and its implications for a fledging relationship. Despite the rest of the series containing lots of ménage action, this book is strictly about a traditional relationship between Gavyn and Amber (no group extracurriculars here), and I thought that separateness from the rest of the group was part of what made this story interesting. Great story and I’m looking forward to the last book in the series, Long Time Coming!

Savage Construction by Becca Van

Savage Construction by Becca Van

A Man’s World Series, Book 1

Publisher: Siren Publishing (June 2014)

154 pages, eBook (purchased myself for $4.61)

Book Rating: 4 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

With her mother out of the picture from a young age, Gypsy followed in her father’s footsteps and learned all there was to know about construction, but a fight and stubbornness separated father and daughter for years, only to bring them back together after almost losing him to an accident at work. Now Gypsy needs take the reins while her father recovers, but the three Chadwick brothers ( Leo, Perry and Ivan) are a distraction she doesn’t need on the worksite, especially since it looks like what happened to her father wasn’t an accident and the culprit seems to be coming after her now. I liked Gypsy, but she could be REALLY frustrating, largely owing to the huge chip she has on her shoulder regarding men. I would have preferred her being a little less abrasive. The three brothers were great and I instantly liked all of them. If you have read other books by this author and enjoyed them, you’ll like this one, too. Quick read!

Song of Springhill by Cheryl McKay

Song of Springhill by Cheryl McKay

Publisher: Purple PenWorks (August 2014)

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

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: White Heart

Hannah is running from an abusive fiancé and hoping to start fresh in the small mining town of Springhill, her birthplace, where she still has family. The death of her father in a mining accident has haunted Hannah all her life, but as she gets to know the people, place and life that her father lived, she gains a new outlook on his death and what he would have wanted for her in her own life. There were so many great, complex characters in this story, many of which were dealing with problems that have no easy answers. Josh was such a constant, steadying influence throughout the story, and despite having troubles of his own, I liked how he persisted in his pursuit of Hannah. I wish Bryce could have a story of his own—he was such an interesting character. This story did such a great job of showing the camaraderie between the miners and the reasons they do what they do, in such dangerous conditions. It made me think of all the service members in the military that reenlist when their tour is up, despite having family responsibilities back home. This book is labeled as “inspirational” and deals heavily with Hannah’s struggle of faith with a God that lets bad things happen to good people, but I wouldn’t say the story was overly religious (definitely not preachy). This story is inspired by three disasters that happened in the town of Springhill, Nova Scotia, in the late 1950’s. For more information on the mining disasters and the town of Springhill, be sure to check out the companion book, Spirit of Springhill.

Sparked by Lily Cahill

Sparked by Lily Cahill

Independence Falls, Book 1

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (July 2015)

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

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

With their families involved in a generations old feud and the deep societal divide between rich and poor, Cora is the last person anyone expected to see with Clayton, but a chance meeting and a mysterious fog bring them together. I loved this story! Cora is working so hard to make an honest, respectable life for herself and her little sister, while trying to distinguish herself from her father’s and brother’s indiscretions. After a wild first year of college, Clayton is fighting to regain his family’s respect, while trying to avoid his mother’s matchmaking. The 1950’s rich/poor backdrop made a great setting for the story. Both characters were so complex and I liked that most of the conflict came from outside forces. Clayton and Cora made such a great team, bringing out the best in each other. Great read and I look forward to reading June’s story in Exposed! Hope to see it out soon! Don't forget to check out the Sparked Bonus Story (a fun Wedding short) available as a free download from the Author's Website!

Enthralled by Emma Prince

Enthralled by Emma Prince

Viking Lore, Book 1

Publisher: Emma Prince (August 2015)

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

Book Rating: 5 Stars

Sensuality: Red Heart

Eirik’s dislike for the practice of enslaving people during a raid is well-known among his men, but when his cousin takes Laurel as his thrall then mistreats her repeatedly, he can think of no other way of saving her from her fate then to take her as a thrall himself when the opportunity presents itself. Exciting adventure set in a richly painted Viking world. While Laurel is adjusting to the Viking way of life, Eirik’s ambitious relatives are causing problems for everyone involved, and they are both struggling to come to terms with their feelings for each other. Eirik and Laurel had great chemistry together, their different yet similar internal struggles interesting to follow. I loved Eirik’s loyal friends, Alaric and Madrena!  I hope to see more of both Alaric and his sister, Madrena, the lone female warrior that went on the raid. Madrena was such an interesting character! Great story and I look forward to further Viking tales!