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Hand of Thorns
Struggling from her father's recent death, Monica Rockwell needs to find a way to help her mother financially. With being in college full time she knew she needed a quick fix solution and fast. Although becoming a surrogate mother helped the financial burden, suddenly there was an uproar of other difficulties for her to face. Mainly being, Leon Owens.
Leon is dominate, wealthy, and downright sexy, not to mention he's climbing the charts in his Hollywood acting career. It isn't any wonder Monica falls hard and fast for a man the rest of the world swoons over. There is just one problem. Leon is the father to the child in which Monica is carrying. The same child Leon and his long-term girlfriend, Ellie, are paying Monica to have.
Mutual feelings and a scorching hot attraction bring Monica and Leon together in ways they know are forbidden, but they can't seem to resist. Over time emotions become too much to handle, and hearts begin to break. They have to decide if everything they have together is worth the risk in the end.
WARNING: This novel deals with situations hard for some, including but not limited to cheating. It is advised for reader to be at least 18 years of age, due to sexual content, language, and adult situations. Hand of Thorns is a new adult forbidden romance.
Leon is dominate, wealthy, and downright sexy, not to mention he's climbing the charts in his Hollywood acting career. It isn't any wonder Monica falls hard and fast for a man the rest of the world swoons over. There is just one problem. Leon is the father to the child in which Monica is carrying. The same child Leon and his long-term girlfriend, Ellie, are paying Monica to have.
Mutual feelings and a scorching hot attraction bring Monica and Leon together in ways they know are forbidden, but they can't seem to resist. Over time emotions become too much to handle, and hearts begin to break. They have to decide if everything they have together is worth the risk in the end.
WARNING: This novel deals with situations hard for some, including but not limited to cheating. It is advised for reader to be at least 18 years of age, due to sexual content, language, and adult situations. Hand of Thorns is a new adult forbidden romance.
- GenresAmazon
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2016
5 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Beale
24 books607 followersAshley Beale, 30, lives in the beautiful state of Maine with her children. She is an International Bestselling Author of Forgive Me, with over a dozen other titles- and more to come!
Ashley has always had a hidden passion for writing, and a not-so-hidden fixation of telling stories. She followed her dreams by publishing her first novel, Burning Attraction, in July of 2013.
When Ashley isn't writing, you can find her enjoying time with her family and friends- shopping, swimming, going on adventures, traveling, or simply goofing off. There isn't much Ashley won't try at least once, helping create imagination and fun memories!
To better know Ashley, or for updates on her books, visit her Facebook fan group at: www.facebook.com/groups/ashleybealere...
Or Follow her on IG: www.instagram.com/ashleybealewrites
Ashley has always had a hidden passion for writing, and a not-so-hidden fixation of telling stories. She followed her dreams by publishing her first novel, Burning Attraction, in July of 2013.
When Ashley isn't writing, you can find her enjoying time with her family and friends- shopping, swimming, going on adventures, traveling, or simply goofing off. There isn't much Ashley won't try at least once, helping create imagination and fun memories!
To better know Ashley, or for updates on her books, visit her Facebook fan group at: www.facebook.com/groups/ashleybealere...
Or Follow her on IG: www.instagram.com/ashleybealewrites
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 1, 2016
Even though I know Ashley, I consider us bookie friends, that has no way swayed my opinion of this book.
From the first time I read the blurb it was a hook, line and sinker for me. I read because I enjoy it. But I also read to learn. I have never read a book about surrogacy. From the very start I was enthralled.
Lately it's been so hard to find a book to keep my attention. I get bored really quick. But not with this one. I couldn't put it down.
I loved Monica. I felt so connected with her. I cried everytime her heart was shattered. I laughed everytime she laughed. I loved it.
Yes, there were errors in the book. Yes, errors are always annoying, but it didn't take away from the story itself. You have to remember that Ashley is a Indie Author and an amazing one at that. She doesn't have an editor. She has beta readers who sometimes can miss mistakes.
Now, if you don't agree with cheating in books, stay away.
From the first time I read the blurb it was a hook, line and sinker for me. I read because I enjoy it. But I also read to learn. I have never read a book about surrogacy. From the very start I was enthralled.
Lately it's been so hard to find a book to keep my attention. I get bored really quick. But not with this one. I couldn't put it down.
I loved Monica. I felt so connected with her. I cried everytime her heart was shattered. I laughed everytime she laughed. I loved it.
Yes, there were errors in the book. Yes, errors are always annoying, but it didn't take away from the story itself. You have to remember that Ashley is a Indie Author and an amazing one at that. She doesn't have an editor. She has beta readers who sometimes can miss mistakes.
Now, if you don't agree with cheating in books, stay away.
May 9, 2016
I really liked this story but my only problem with it was how young the girl was. I think I would have enjoyed this much more if she wasn't just 18.
May 2, 2016
3.5-4 stars.
“I’d willingly ignore the shards, the pricks, the thorns. For the pain he causes may hurt, but with it my heart actually beats…and I feel alive.”
Overall, this story was satisfactory with one particular moment that made me laugh out loud, some moments that were heartbreaking, and some that were really hot.
I love the front cover and the title of this story, and how the author incorporates it into the story.
Monica is struggling financially and decides to sign up to a surrogacy programme as a way to make some serious money.
Unmarried celebrity couple, Leon and Ellie, choose her to be their surrogate. Monica has briefly bumped into Leon at a huge function very recently, but thinks that he doesn’t remember her. She was attracted to him from the first.
The story follows Monica’s stages of pregnancy, her relationship with her three best friends and her mother, and the mutual feelings growing between her and Leon.
Told purely from Monica’s POV, it’s quite angsty as she deals with her feelings, exacerbated by her pregnancy hormones. I felt that the story felt slightly disjointed, as Monica and Leon went through the trials and tribulations of having an affair.
Monica might have been young but she had her head screwed on – she was a responsible person in terms of looking after her mother and making sure she was financially okay, and making a daunting decision on how to make money. Her desire and love for Leon highlighted her immaturity and inexperience. Leon, himself, was a bit alpha, but he yo-yoed back and forth when it came to Monica. I understood his struggle and there were indications that there were cracks in his relationship with Ellie. The author dealt with Leon’s attraction and desire for Monica very well. I could feel how irresistible he found her. However, I wanted to know more about him, as a person, and more about his relationship with Ellie. She is in her forties and he is in his twenties. There is no real explanation about their history and what motivated him to stay with her. He also keeps telling Monica that he’s flawed and doesn’t deserve her, but we don’t really get what’s behind this. Therefore, I thought that this story might have benefited from having his POV, too. On a positive note, I thought the epilogue was great and I was happy with the ending.
“I’d willingly ignore the shards, the pricks, the thorns. For the pain he causes may hurt, but with it my heart actually beats…and I feel alive.”
Overall, this story was satisfactory with one particular moment that made me laugh out loud, some moments that were heartbreaking, and some that were really hot.
I love the front cover and the title of this story, and how the author incorporates it into the story.
Monica is struggling financially and decides to sign up to a surrogacy programme as a way to make some serious money.
Unmarried celebrity couple, Leon and Ellie, choose her to be their surrogate. Monica has briefly bumped into Leon at a huge function very recently, but thinks that he doesn’t remember her. She was attracted to him from the first.
The story follows Monica’s stages of pregnancy, her relationship with her three best friends and her mother, and the mutual feelings growing between her and Leon.
Told purely from Monica’s POV, it’s quite angsty as she deals with her feelings, exacerbated by her pregnancy hormones. I felt that the story felt slightly disjointed, as Monica and Leon went through the trials and tribulations of having an affair.
Monica might have been young but she had her head screwed on – she was a responsible person in terms of looking after her mother and making sure she was financially okay, and making a daunting decision on how to make money. Her desire and love for Leon highlighted her immaturity and inexperience. Leon, himself, was a bit alpha, but he yo-yoed back and forth when it came to Monica. I understood his struggle and there were indications that there were cracks in his relationship with Ellie. The author dealt with Leon’s attraction and desire for Monica very well. I could feel how irresistible he found her. However, I wanted to know more about him, as a person, and more about his relationship with Ellie. She is in her forties and he is in his twenties. There is no real explanation about their history and what motivated him to stay with her. He also keeps telling Monica that he’s flawed and doesn’t deserve her, but we don’t really get what’s behind this. Therefore, I thought that this story might have benefited from having his POV, too. On a positive note, I thought the epilogue was great and I was happy with the ending.
May 1, 2016
I have read everyone of Ashley's books and this is my favorite so far. This is also in my top three reads for 2016.
I got the pleasure of beta reading this book and couldn't put it down. The first night I read until I was a little more than half way through and was disappointed that I had to get some sleep to work. Oh and I did purchase a copy of the book as well so, that I can support Ashley that way as well.
Monica was a fun loving and carefree eighteen year old until she had to help pick up her mother after the sudden death of her father. With this happening she decided to become a surrogate mother to earn the money to help her mother and to continue school. The only problem she had was Leon Owens and falling in love with him.
Leon was an alpha in many ways. However he was an up-and-coming Hollywood actor and ways always trying to do what was best for everyone. So, how will he handle Monica falling for him and vise versa? When all he does is try to get her to see how wrong he is for her. He also knows he is trying to do what is right by staying and helping his partner Ellie (an actress and also **tch).
I laughed many times in this book even though you may think this was heartless because of the subject of surrogacy but this was not the case because Ashley made it happen with her supporting characters. Even though I did laugh I was heartbroken many times as well.
So, I have to ask will Monica get her Happily Ever After or will Leon continue to crush her heart?
I got the pleasure of beta reading this book and couldn't put it down. The first night I read until I was a little more than half way through and was disappointed that I had to get some sleep to work. Oh and I did purchase a copy of the book as well so, that I can support Ashley that way as well.
Monica was a fun loving and carefree eighteen year old until she had to help pick up her mother after the sudden death of her father. With this happening she decided to become a surrogate mother to earn the money to help her mother and to continue school. The only problem she had was Leon Owens and falling in love with him.
Leon was an alpha in many ways. However he was an up-and-coming Hollywood actor and ways always trying to do what was best for everyone. So, how will he handle Monica falling for him and vise versa? When all he does is try to get her to see how wrong he is for her. He also knows he is trying to do what is right by staying and helping his partner Ellie (an actress and also **tch).
I laughed many times in this book even though you may think this was heartless because of the subject of surrogacy but this was not the case because Ashley made it happen with her supporting characters. Even though I did laugh I was heartbroken many times as well.
So, I have to ask will Monica get her Happily Ever After or will Leon continue to crush her heart?
August 14, 2016
2.5 – 3 Stars
Mmh. I am at loss for words. Not because the book was super great or super bad, it’s just… I don’t know, it’s really hard to explain. I liked parts of the book and there were parts I didn’t like at all. The story itself was unlike every other story I’ve read before. It was interesting but drawn-out at some points, especially the beginning. It took a while for Monica, the main female character, to decide to become a surrogate for a family.
Monica was a little too whiny for my taste and too clingy. The girlfriend of the main male character, Leon, was a total bitch. Seriously, she was only a youtube star, not an A-list Hollywood celebrity! And what’s with her attitude?! I can’t say one good thing about her. Leon was too hot and cold toward Monica – at least for my taste. The chemistry between Leon and Monica was not always present, which was sad. Maybe it’s because the story was set over the entire pregnancy and we only got to “see” them interact with each other during certain days over a long period of months. The ending of the story was too rushed and felt a little forced, like the author had to end this story very quickly.
Overall it was an okay read but nothing that blew me away.
The ebook was provided by the author herself.
Mmh. I am at loss for words. Not because the book was super great or super bad, it’s just… I don’t know, it’s really hard to explain. I liked parts of the book and there were parts I didn’t like at all. The story itself was unlike every other story I’ve read before. It was interesting but drawn-out at some points, especially the beginning. It took a while for Monica, the main female character, to decide to become a surrogate for a family.
Monica was a little too whiny for my taste and too clingy. The girlfriend of the main male character, Leon, was a total bitch. Seriously, she was only a youtube star, not an A-list Hollywood celebrity! And what’s with her attitude?! I can’t say one good thing about her. Leon was too hot and cold toward Monica – at least for my taste. The chemistry between Leon and Monica was not always present, which was sad. Maybe it’s because the story was set over the entire pregnancy and we only got to “see” them interact with each other during certain days over a long period of months. The ending of the story was too rushed and felt a little forced, like the author had to end this story very quickly.
Overall it was an okay read but nothing that blew me away.
The ebook was provided by the author herself.
June 20, 2016
I was given this book in exchange for a honest review. How do I start? I wish I can give 10 stars!! Yes that's how much I love the story. I have a confession I'm literally addicted to your books/writing. You never disappoint me Ashley.. You have become one of my favorite authors.. I loved Leon he is dominant but he has his sweet way that I wouldn't say no to him
July 4, 2016
The concept of the story was interesting and had so much potential, but the execution fell flat for me. The dialogue between the characters made it hard for me to invest in the story. I stuck it out because I wanted to know the outcome.
May 10, 2016
2.5-3 Stars, Ehhhhh
Again, I am in the minority with a popular book but I just wasn't feeling it especially with the h:( Epilogue was best part of the book!
Again, I am in the minority with a popular book but I just wasn't feeling it especially with the h:( Epilogue was best part of the book!
May 1, 2016
Wow!! Ashley has done it again. I laughed. I cried. I loved and hate. I love Leon!!! I don't believe in spoilers so go read it for yourself!!!
May 11, 2016
Great first read for me by Ashley Beale. Leon was Woooo!! I don't think I'll look at a restroom in a doctor's office the same again without thinking about Leon. ;-)
May 5, 2016
4.5 stars
Review by Jen Skewes
I loved this book. This may just be my favorite book by Ashley Beale. And yes I may have said that after reading Selling Satisfaction but this one was just as good. It had a very unique story line that is very differentt from anything that I have read before. When I first saw the teasers for this book I was certainly intrigued. And then Ashley released the blurb and I became very nervous. I mean, all you have to do is read the blurb and I think you could totally understand why. A woman who is falling in love with the father of the baby she is carrying, which is not her child. That has angst fest written all over it. And Ashley Beale certainly delivered. The knots in my stomach and all the emotions that I felt were completely worth it, because the ending was simply beautiful and amazing.
I do not want to give too much away, because honestly the blurb says it all. When something tragic happens in Monica’s life she needs to find a job that will pay enough to help support her mother and herself. When she finds out about surrogating for a couple who is looking to have a baby but cannot, she thinks that is the perfect solution for her. Monica is young and has the opportunity to not only make the money she needs but to be able to give two people the family that they have always wanted. She is doing a really good thing. But what happens when you meet the couple whose baby you will be carrying and realize that the father to be is the man that you met briefly a few weeks ago. The same man that you thought was hot and sexy and could not stop thinking about. That man being actor Leon Owens.
Leon is a hot and sexy actor who has been with his girlfriend Ellie, for quite some time. They want to have a baby and are looking to hire a surrogate. When they have that first meeting with Monica he knows exactly who she is and where he saw her last. There is no denying the physical connection between the two of them. But as they spend time with each other those feelings of lust become so much more. Monica knows that her feelings for Leon are wrong. She is carrying his baby that he is having with his girlfriend. So falling for Leon has disaster written all over it. But a part of Monica is willing to take the risk, knowing full well that in the end someone will get hurt. And that someone will most likely be her. But will crossing that vey dangerous line be worth it in the end?
I loved Leon and Monica together. Leon is hot and sexy and at times he may have made some stupid decisions, or said some words that may have been wrong. But the truth is I felt how much he wanted, loved and cared for Monica. I felt it in his actions. I honestly think that he was stuck in a really bad place, even if he helped put himself there. He was having a baby with his girlfriend who he loved, but at the same time was completely falling for the woman who was carrying that baby. He was in a war between right and wrong, as well as with his heart and his brain. And the question was always; which one will win?
Monica, oh how I felt for that girl even though she knew it was wong to have feelings for Leon. She was so young and you honestly cannot help who you fall in love with. And distancing herself from him wasn’t always easy considering their situation. But I felt for her because of the feelings, her conflicts and the hurt that caused her to even become a surrogate in the first place. She was so strong. Honestly any woman who can put themselves in the position she was, carrying someone else's baby, in my opinion has to be strong to go through it all. But throw in emotions, love, heartache and pain and you see just how strong she is. All though at times I really wanted to see her strength and to see her stick up for herself when it came to a certain person's comments. But most of all I just wanted her and Leon to find a way to make it work and be happy together.
This was such a wonderful and amazing read. There were times where my stomach was in knots and I was so afraid to read what happened next but at the same time I couldn’t read fast enough because I needed to know. I felt so many emotions with this book. I felt the love, the passion, the anger and frustration. There were a few times where I just wanted to slap someone. I felt the connection between Monica and Leon and was rooting for them the entire way. There was a part of me that did not get his relationship with Ellie and think that is the only thing that I had an issue with. It was missing something for me and that was that I needed more of an explanation of Leon and Ellie and their relationship. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I wanted them together because truthfully I was not a fan of Ellie’s at all. But I needed to understand them more, needed to know his emotions and feelings when it came to them and his relationship with her. I think it would have helped in understanding his actions and decisions a little more. Because at times I was not sure why they were together. But many will read this book and not even care about the two of them because all you want is to see Leon and Monica happy together in the end. Which is what I wanted as well.
Another amazing job by Ashley Beale!!!
Review by Jen Skewes
I loved this book. This may just be my favorite book by Ashley Beale. And yes I may have said that after reading Selling Satisfaction but this one was just as good. It had a very unique story line that is very differentt from anything that I have read before. When I first saw the teasers for this book I was certainly intrigued. And then Ashley released the blurb and I became very nervous. I mean, all you have to do is read the blurb and I think you could totally understand why. A woman who is falling in love with the father of the baby she is carrying, which is not her child. That has angst fest written all over it. And Ashley Beale certainly delivered. The knots in my stomach and all the emotions that I felt were completely worth it, because the ending was simply beautiful and amazing.
I do not want to give too much away, because honestly the blurb says it all. When something tragic happens in Monica’s life she needs to find a job that will pay enough to help support her mother and herself. When she finds out about surrogating for a couple who is looking to have a baby but cannot, she thinks that is the perfect solution for her. Monica is young and has the opportunity to not only make the money she needs but to be able to give two people the family that they have always wanted. She is doing a really good thing. But what happens when you meet the couple whose baby you will be carrying and realize that the father to be is the man that you met briefly a few weeks ago. The same man that you thought was hot and sexy and could not stop thinking about. That man being actor Leon Owens.
Leon is a hot and sexy actor who has been with his girlfriend Ellie, for quite some time. They want to have a baby and are looking to hire a surrogate. When they have that first meeting with Monica he knows exactly who she is and where he saw her last. There is no denying the physical connection between the two of them. But as they spend time with each other those feelings of lust become so much more. Monica knows that her feelings for Leon are wrong. She is carrying his baby that he is having with his girlfriend. So falling for Leon has disaster written all over it. But a part of Monica is willing to take the risk, knowing full well that in the end someone will get hurt. And that someone will most likely be her. But will crossing that vey dangerous line be worth it in the end?
I loved Leon and Monica together. Leon is hot and sexy and at times he may have made some stupid decisions, or said some words that may have been wrong. But the truth is I felt how much he wanted, loved and cared for Monica. I felt it in his actions. I honestly think that he was stuck in a really bad place, even if he helped put himself there. He was having a baby with his girlfriend who he loved, but at the same time was completely falling for the woman who was carrying that baby. He was in a war between right and wrong, as well as with his heart and his brain. And the question was always; which one will win?
Monica, oh how I felt for that girl even though she knew it was wong to have feelings for Leon. She was so young and you honestly cannot help who you fall in love with. And distancing herself from him wasn’t always easy considering their situation. But I felt for her because of the feelings, her conflicts and the hurt that caused her to even become a surrogate in the first place. She was so strong. Honestly any woman who can put themselves in the position she was, carrying someone else's baby, in my opinion has to be strong to go through it all. But throw in emotions, love, heartache and pain and you see just how strong she is. All though at times I really wanted to see her strength and to see her stick up for herself when it came to a certain person's comments. But most of all I just wanted her and Leon to find a way to make it work and be happy together.
This was such a wonderful and amazing read. There were times where my stomach was in knots and I was so afraid to read what happened next but at the same time I couldn’t read fast enough because I needed to know. I felt so many emotions with this book. I felt the love, the passion, the anger and frustration. There were a few times where I just wanted to slap someone. I felt the connection between Monica and Leon and was rooting for them the entire way. There was a part of me that did not get his relationship with Ellie and think that is the only thing that I had an issue with. It was missing something for me and that was that I needed more of an explanation of Leon and Ellie and their relationship. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I wanted them together because truthfully I was not a fan of Ellie’s at all. But I needed to understand them more, needed to know his emotions and feelings when it came to them and his relationship with her. I think it would have helped in understanding his actions and decisions a little more. Because at times I was not sure why they were together. But many will read this book and not even care about the two of them because all you want is to see Leon and Monica happy together in the end. Which is what I wanted as well.
Another amazing job by Ashley Beale!!!
September 15, 2016
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
I love Ashley Beale, her stories are always so different and they all captivate me. The blurb alone with this one really caught my eye because I love reading stories that are forbidden in one way or another. I'm a huge sucker for reading these types of books so I will definitely go out of my way to read them if I can.
Monica meets Leon at a party, Leon is an up and coming movie star that Monica found herself attracted to from the first time she saw him. Leon also felt that attraction with Monica, except Leon was a taken man, he was with someone, someone who was much older than him.
Leon and his girlfriend are trying to conceive and they think that the best way for them to do this is by getting a surrogate mother to conceive their baby.
Monica finds herself in a financial bind now that her father is no longer in the picture and she has to find a way to help her mother out, so she decides to look into becoming a surrogate mother.
What are the odds that she would be picked to be a surrogate for Leon and his girlfriend! When Monica goes through with it and helps this couple out, she finds herself spending loads of time with Leon. Little by little she starts falling for this guy knowing that she can't and shouldn't since he's taken. Leon also feels that pull towards Monica and finds himself looking for any little excuse to spend time with her but he refrains himself from doing anything forbidden with her...until the pull is too strong between them.
**Warning** this book does contain cheating. If you feel like you can't handle that or don't like it then refrain from reading it. Don't do it out of spite and give the author a bad review because there is cheating involved and you don't like reading about cheaters.
I, on the other hand, enjoy these types of books because it actually gives it a little bit more of a storyline and it keeps me on my toes and wondering throughout the book as to why they are cheating.
I could see and understand why Leon cheated. I don't condone cheating but unfortunately it does happen in real world.
I found this book intriguing and I was able to finish reading this book in one sitting. I highly enjoyed it and I do recommend it if you are willing to give it a chance!
There is a HEA so that is a bonus for me :)
5 star read
I love Ashley Beale, her stories are always so different and they all captivate me. The blurb alone with this one really caught my eye because I love reading stories that are forbidden in one way or another. I'm a huge sucker for reading these types of books so I will definitely go out of my way to read them if I can.
Monica meets Leon at a party, Leon is an up and coming movie star that Monica found herself attracted to from the first time she saw him. Leon also felt that attraction with Monica, except Leon was a taken man, he was with someone, someone who was much older than him.
Leon and his girlfriend are trying to conceive and they think that the best way for them to do this is by getting a surrogate mother to conceive their baby.
Monica finds herself in a financial bind now that her father is no longer in the picture and she has to find a way to help her mother out, so she decides to look into becoming a surrogate mother.
What are the odds that she would be picked to be a surrogate for Leon and his girlfriend! When Monica goes through with it and helps this couple out, she finds herself spending loads of time with Leon. Little by little she starts falling for this guy knowing that she can't and shouldn't since he's taken. Leon also feels that pull towards Monica and finds himself looking for any little excuse to spend time with her but he refrains himself from doing anything forbidden with her...until the pull is too strong between them.
**Warning** this book does contain cheating. If you feel like you can't handle that or don't like it then refrain from reading it. Don't do it out of spite and give the author a bad review because there is cheating involved and you don't like reading about cheaters.
I, on the other hand, enjoy these types of books because it actually gives it a little bit more of a storyline and it keeps me on my toes and wondering throughout the book as to why they are cheating.
I could see and understand why Leon cheated. I don't condone cheating but unfortunately it does happen in real world.
I found this book intriguing and I was able to finish reading this book in one sitting. I highly enjoyed it and I do recommend it if you are willing to give it a chance!
There is a HEA so that is a bonus for me :)
5 star read
August 12, 2016
I started reading this book, without having read the blurb. Sometimes I like to go in blind, it all adds to the mystery! While I have been disappointed a few times when I have done this, I certainly wasn’t this time!
I have never read a book that includes such a personal storyline about surrogacy. I have to admit, I wasn’t sure that I would be able to read it all at times. I just wasn’t sure my heart would take it!
Hand of Thorns is for me, one of a kind. I loved it, yet at the same time I felt uncomfortable through a lot of it. I felt a bit icky about Monica and Leon’s affair. Though I could understand their feelings, it still didn’t sit right with me at times. Throw in the fact that Monica is a surrogate, carrying Leon and his wife’s baby, it takes that weird feeling to another level.
I’m not going to say I enjoyed the whole story, because throughout most of it I was uncomfortable. HOWEVER, though the storyline was difficult to enjoy, because of the heartache, it has been written incredibly well!!!
I’m so glad I stuck with it. Yes, I found it to be a difficult read, but not because it’s a bad book or is written poorly. But because it covers subjects that not many authors have dared to cover. I guess I do have certain triggers, and they were covered in this book, but I feel like a stronger person for reading it.
So I praise Ashley Beale, and thank her for having the guts to right this book. Yes it’s painful, but oh so worth it!
I have never read a book that includes such a personal storyline about surrogacy. I have to admit, I wasn’t sure that I would be able to read it all at times. I just wasn’t sure my heart would take it!
Hand of Thorns is for me, one of a kind. I loved it, yet at the same time I felt uncomfortable through a lot of it. I felt a bit icky about Monica and Leon’s affair. Though I could understand their feelings, it still didn’t sit right with me at times. Throw in the fact that Monica is a surrogate, carrying Leon and his wife’s baby, it takes that weird feeling to another level.
I’m not going to say I enjoyed the whole story, because throughout most of it I was uncomfortable. HOWEVER, though the storyline was difficult to enjoy, because of the heartache, it has been written incredibly well!!!
I’m so glad I stuck with it. Yes, I found it to be a difficult read, but not because it’s a bad book or is written poorly. But because it covers subjects that not many authors have dared to cover. I guess I do have certain triggers, and they were covered in this book, but I feel like a stronger person for reading it.
So I praise Ashley Beale, and thank her for having the guts to right this book. Yes it’s painful, but oh so worth it!
March 17, 2019
Loved this book so much it had some typos that annoyed me but I thoroughly enjoyed the book I don't condone infidelity but it didn't even seem that way if anything I felt that Monica was the one being hurt the most I loved Leon and Monica had great friends and I was so happy that they got their happy ending
May 3, 2016
4.5 stars
I loved this book. I am not going to lie the blurb had me so nervous but yet so intrigued at the same time. But it was so worth the angst and the knots in my stomach. This may be one of my fave books by Ashley.
Full review coming soon
I loved this book. I am not going to lie the blurb had me so nervous but yet so intrigued at the same time. But it was so worth the angst and the knots in my stomach. This may be one of my fave books by Ashley.
Full review coming soon
May 23, 2016
refreshing, original, keeps the reader interested & i LOVE me some forbidden roman... well, novels!
;)
full review coming soon.
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