Indie Author Spotlight Saturday: Aurelia St. James

Author: Aurelia St. James Title: Taming the Viking Date Published: 05/08/2025

Read Dates: 08/07/2026- 08/08/2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Taming the Viking is a single POV sports romance (MMA fighter). Kerrington has a successful career in finance, but no luck with relationships, which she’s been avoiding since leaving behind a particularly traumatic and abusive one. She’s wary of Logan, a cocky MMA fighter who’s pursuing her, but she eventually gives in and accepts a date. She wants to trust and let her guard down, but they have more than one fight ahead of them!

I was really torn on this one. On the one hand, I admired Kerr’s growth as she stood up to a sleazy coworker and her awful ex. On the other, Logan’s hobbies include buying coffee, losing his temper, and waving bright red flags. The coffee was cute, the repeated cycle of yelling/getting angry with her and then apologizing was not. This somehow managed to be an Instalove story AND fit in an incredible amount of conflict and obstacles for such a short read. I think it’s a good choice for readers looking for a quick read with lots of drama but easy resolutions. If possessive, “alpha” heroes are your thing it might be a good fit!

Kerrington has a sharp eye for numbers, but when it comes to love, she doesn’t trust her instincts. After surviving an abusive relationship, she’ll never ignore red flags again.

And Logan “The Viking” Caswell—a dangerously charming MMA fighter—might be a walking red flag. But, he awakens desires she’s fought hard to bury, and he seems hell-bent on breaking through her defenses. She knows he could ruin her, but maybe some risks are worth taking.

As fear and passion collide, Kerrington is forced to confront her deepest wounds if she wants a future with Logan. But in a world where love can hit as hard as any opponent, can they survive the final round—or will her scars cost them everything?

Taming the Viking is the first in a series of interconnected standalones. This opposites-attract steamy romance features found families, an OTT alpha hero, and a guaranteed HEA.