The Doctor's Western Bride" by Florence Linnington

Before Mabel's father died, he asked her to find her half-brother Collin and deliver his inheritance. She has never met Collin, but her father had told her about what a wonderful man he was, and promised that Collin would take care of her. Unfortunately, when she arrived at his home, she met a drunken, angry, and violent man. He only agrees to allow her to stay because of the money that her father had sent. And given how much he drinks, that money isn't likely to last very long.

Thomas is the town's doctor. He lost his wife and child during childbirth and has been alone and still grieving two years later, believing that he can't face falling in love & losing anyone else the same way.

I enjoyed reading about these two lost and lonely souls finding each other and finding love and a family despite the obstacles they face. (If you've read any of her other mail order bride tales, then my telling you that this book has a happy ending shouldn't spoil any of the book's surprises for you. I love reading Ms. Linnington's well-crafted tales. And even knowing there is always a happy ending, it is the way that the characters get to that happy ending that I enjoy.

If you enjoy maul order bride tales, stories about finding love despite hardships and other obstacles, or have enjoyed any of Ms. Linnington's other books, then you should enjoy this book.

If you would prefer to purchase this book from a retailer other than Amazon:

https://books2read.com/u/4ENLXY

"Making Monsters: Dark Origins" by AJ Parnell

Born to poverty and living in a South African shanty town, Vander may be small for his age, but is also smart enough to be able survive the dangerous life he is stuck in, hiding his supernatural gifts from those who wouldn't understand. When he meets and befriends a wealthy English gentleman, his life will never again be the same, uf he can survive the dangers in front of him long enough to find a way out.

I read an Advanced Review Copy of this book and greatly enjoyed it. It held me captivated from beginning to end as I tried to figure out who the serial killer was. (All I will say on that part is that the ending both did and did not surprise me.) I am very definitely looking forward to reading book two in this series.  The author did a fantastic job of leaving me a lot to consider as I was reading. And honestly, I'm still not entirely sure who the worst monster of the story was. But I am looking forward to seeing where the author is going to take the story from here.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys dark and gritty urban fiction stories. Especially if you enjoy ones with just a touch of horror and a fair amount of suspense. But be warned, this book does contain instances of sexual assault and abuse. It is, unfortunately, a part of the plot that cannot be removed from the story, so if this is something that you might find triggering, then this may not be the book for you.

This book is also available through:

https://books2read.com/makingmonsters01

"I'm in Love with Mothman"

Heather was a video influencer who needed a break from all the negative comments about herself and her channel. But it's the personal attacks that have been getting to her the most. So what does she do? She sells everything and buys a small isolated cabin in the woods. The locals warned her about the dangerous winged monster that lives out there, but who would really believe such stories? At least not until he shows up and catches her as she falls out of a tree?

I received an Advance Review Copy of this book and really enjoyed it. The title caught my attention as there is a Mothman museum & statue in my state. My family and I have been to see both. So how could I not want to read this book? The story was a fun romance with two people from very different worlds, but who find more in common than one might at first think possible. This is an adult romance, so is definitely not a book meant for younger readers. It is the first book in a series, and I am very much looking forward to reading book 2 in the series.

If you enjoy somewhat unusual romances, paranormal romances, are at all familiar with Mothman, or fantasy novels, then I think you might enjoy this book just as I did.

If you would prefer to buy this book from a retailer other than Amazon, just follow the link below:

https://books2read.com/ILoveMothman01

"An Ideal Vessel" by Sarah Hans

Zuzanna had a job cleaning an exhibit in 1893. One night, after everyone else has left, one of the automatons in the exhibit comes to life. It claims that it is a spirit possessing the form and needs help. It is on a mission to hunt down a demon who has escaped from another realm and is wreaking havoc and death wherever it goes. The demon must be found and destroyed before it can commit even more harm than it already has.

This was a shorter book with a darker theme than I normally read, but I enjoyed this story. It ended feeling like there is or will be a sequel and I may have to hunt it down. But even if there isn't one, this story is a complete tale, even if the theme is a bit darker than my usual tastes. In my opinion, it carries a bit of a Frankenstein's monster theme about it that I believe many would likely enjoy.

Looking for this book from somewhere other than Amazon? The link below should take you to everywhere else it is available.

https://books2read.com/u/bQNyyd