Reviewed by Dianna Skowera for Readers' Favorite

“Fealty” by Rowena Portch is the tale of a modern day fantastical world within our own that crosses the plains of multiple genres. Rae, born with the misfortune of highly sought after powers, is the daughter of Drake, the powerful and cruel clan leader of the Shadows. As Rae’s impending arranged union to a wealthy Shadow member approaches, one man realizes he can’t let her suffer any more of the unspeakable abuse that the women of the Shadow clan endure. Seth, the future leader of an opposing clan, has watched enough from afar of the pain endured by Rae, a woman who for all intents and purposes should be his enemy due to lineage and bitter histories. Seth and Rae break traditions and ago old cultural norms by refusing to accept what their natures view as injustice and become ensnared in a volatile clash between two clans with powers as strong as their hatred for each other. The most plausible fantasy elements you will read today will have you looking over your shoulder after this jolt of fiction.

Portch introduces and builds character after lovable character in a book full to the gills with admirable faces. “Fealty” sucks you into a surreal world that manifests before your eyes like an enticing history lesson. This story is a modern day "Romeo and Juliet", battles with the intensity of Braveheart, and creatively shames True Blood powers. Don’t like fantasy? – Don’t fear, you are going on an epic adventure! Like a critical current conflict you are ashamed to have been unaware of “Fealty” transforming fantasy to impending reality. A chilling race through drama, action, comedy, and romance, all cleverly buckled in for the same tumultuous ride.

Reviewed by Maria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

"Monster" is the story of a man's struggle with a difficult childhood and how his early experiences with love transform him into a heartless human being. As the story unravels, we see a once sensible human being turn into a playboy who shuns away from attachments and uses sex to appease his ego and insecurities in life. After a life of endless one night stands, affairs with married women and various promiscuous activities, Ken Ferguson meets Ashley and his views about love seem to change. What follows is a twist that is both compelling and surprising.

Fast-paced and exciting, the novel "Monster" by Ben Burgess Jr. is an entertaining read. Here is a troubled man whose life is forever tormented by his childhood scars. Ken Ferguson's character is well-developed so that even after learning how he treats the women in his life, the reader can still feel sympathy for him. He is on a journey of self discovery and seems to have it all: a flashy car, beautiful women, and an enviable lifestyle. His life experience has made him an empty man, however, and this will be the stumbling block in his search for life's meaning. The story unravels quickly because of a writing style that is both crisp and vivid. The author's use of realistic dialogue should not fail to engage the reader. Reading this book is also like taking a glimpse of what is behind a man's vulnerability. It compels the reader to look deeper and try to understand why people behave the way they do.