Gaming Hell Christmas, Volume 2

Mysteries abound at the newest Hell in town

In keeping with our Books In A Series events, Wild Women Authors is pleased to offer Gaming Hell Christmas, volume 2, two short Georgian romances plus an epilogue for volume 2/prologue to volume 3.

In Amanda McCabe’s The Thief Who Stole Christmas, the reader meets Rhys Neville, a man who has never broken the rules and Victoria Lanford. a woman who just might break his heart.

As one of Miss Greensley's Girls and [in]famous author Lady L, few people realize how Victoria’s unhappy childhood and anxiety led her to a compensating habit of picking pockets. When she comes face-to-face with a flame from that same miserable childhood, Rhys Neville, Earl of Hammond, she comes to realize the kind-hearted but strait-laced young man is the right man for her—especially when her past comes back to haunt them.

Kathy L. Wheeler reintroduces readers to two intriguing characters from Volume 1 in The Kerse Who Saved Christmas: Davin Barlowe, Viscount Kerse, he of the no nonsense approach to life and Philomena Staunton, one of Miss Greensley’s Girls, a woman long past prime marriageable age. Feeling he needs a keeper more than he requires a wife, the dreamy-eyed and impractical Philomena steals his heart despite her unrealistic beliefs and trust in fortune tellers. Then, the fun really begins.

Last, but not least, in The Front Side of the Christmas Shilling, a very short, sweet bridge between Volumes 2 and 3, Lady Philomena's happy ending is marred by the disappearance of her twin, Thomasina. It's been almost a year since anyone has seen Thom and Phil misses her desperately. The pain of that loss brings Philomena to her knees, literally and physically.

 Our Review: Gaming Hell Christmas, Volume 2, is more than two well written, cleverly plotted romances between two women and the men who love them beyond distraction. It is a love story between The Greensley Girls—eight young women from drastically different backgrounds who, at a crucial time in their lives, forge bonds that go on to last a lifetime. Bonds which every woman searches for and, for a few, are lucky enough to find, then cherish forever.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Gaming Hell Christmas, Vol 2, merits an 8.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Authors 

Gaming Hell Christmas, Vol 1

                 Mysteries abound at the newest Hell in town.

 In keeping with our Books In A Series, Wild Women Authors presents a two in one offering with Gaming Hell Christmas, Vol 1.

In A Gift for the Duke's Illegitimate Daughter, Alexandra Blessing, the Duke of Winsome’s illegitimate daughter, longs for anonymity and a home of her own where her younger half-siblings don’t commandeer every moment of her day. Escape is imminent—right after her family’s annual Christmas fete. But Alexandra goes missing from the ball, and Theodore Millburn must find her before he loses something important: his chance for love.

Following Alexandra’s adventures is The Merry Christmas Adventure, where Alex’s best friend Belle, Lady Ranstruther, is ready for new love after a year of lonely widowhood. In spite of the machinations of her nasty stepson, she knows exactly who she wants—the gorgeous William, Lord Deansley—whom she fears doesn't want her. When they meet again at the exclusive, discreet gaming hell la Sous Rose, will it turn into a future of love—or the end to the dreams of both Will and Belle?

Our Review: Ordinarily, this die-hard contemporary romantic suspense/political thriller devotee wouldn’t be caught dead reading a romance populated by dry as dust characters constrained by the stagnant and rigid rules of Georgian England. But…during an afternoon by a roaring fire, our favorite adult beverage at hand, we discovered two fun, fast-paced romances set in London’s gaming hells during the Christmas season. This looks like a series that is based on the adventures of eight girls who became fast, loyal friends while attending Lady Greensley’s School of Comportment for Young Ladies of Quality—and the men who come to love them to be an adventure with each succeeding story.

Volume 1 is loaded with fun, lively characters who literally jump off the pages, and features romance that is sensual and real. The gorgeous setting is described in detail right down to the hovering servants, street wise miscreants, and a few ne’er do wells. Enjoy this one—it’s a beauty.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Gaming Hell Christmas, Vol 1 merits a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chance's Return by Lucy Naylor Kubash

 When an ex-rodeo champ and a young widow, both with tragic pasts, meet beneath the splendor of the Grand Teton Mountains, they find the road to love is a rocky path

About the Book Widowed single mother Casey Girard feels a summer in Wyoming will help her and her six-year-old son recover from the tragic loss of husband and dad. Working as a cook at the North Star Ranch offers an opportunity to start life over near the beautiful Grand Teton Mountains.

          Chance McCord, ex-rodeo champ and prodigal son of the North Star, returns to face a family still divided by their own painful past. To overcome the estrangement, he must find a way to face his own haunting memories—or lose everything.

          When Chance and Casey meet the attraction is undeniable but each soon learns they need to put the past to rest and start to trust—themselves and each other so a new love and life may grow.

Our Review: Fans of western contemporary fiction will attach themselves to this bigger than life story and not let go. The setting, lush and large, jumps off the pages as do the varied and colorful characters. Author Kubash knows how to tell a story.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Chance’s Return merits a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Love Between Times by Beth Ford

 When her 21st century life falls apart, a chance to start over and find love comes from an unexpected source: a stranger who needs her help and who may actually be a 14th-century knight.

About the book: When Ashley Winston’s conventional 21st century life falls apart, she returns to England to write the book she shelved years ago, determined to take control of her life.

       Meanwhile, in 1377 Wiltshire, Thomas de la Warr fights his family’s desire that he become a priest and plots to chase his dream of knighthood instead. While Ashley and Thomas search for answers, he suddenly appears in the modern day. Unable to communicate, his first encounter with Ashley ends with the police demanding his immigration papers. All Thomas wants is to return to the world he understands, but he and Ashley are drawn together again and again.

How will they find the answers Thomas needs before the authorities close in without losing each other forever?

Our Review: There are several reasons why fans of time travel stories, as well as12th century historical fiction, will adore Love Between Times. It is more than a romance between two people who have suffered loss in the love department. It is the coming together to help another person survive under totally foreign and often difficult circumstances.

Imagine Thomas’ horror when he first encounters something as mundane as an elevator ride, the oddities—to him—of hot and cold running water out of the tap and flush toilets—and a routine pat-down by the local coppers. All of these everyday events clearly show the reader that Thomas is a man to contend with. As well, Ashley’s patience and kindness with him ring true from the very beginning.

And that she would give up, without a second thought, her life in modern day in order to keep him safe, is an omen for the next book in this series.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Love Between Times merits a 4.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Along the Trail by Kaci Curtis

 

        A perilous journey – An untamed spirit.

 

Wild Women Authors focus is on Along the Trail, a rose length YA western, written by Kaci Curtis, and a current release by The Wild Rose Press.

About the Book: In 1847, Winnie and her family are traveling west to start a new life in the Oregon territory. While many in their wagon train fret over river crossings, disease, and encounters with Native tribes, she relishes the unexpected freedom of life on the trail.

Threatened by storms, wild animals, and outlaws, Winnie must rely on the bonds she’s made and all she’s learned in order for them to make it to Oregon alive. She also must decide if she is ready to risk forming an attachment to Hal, the cowhand who has a knack for showing up just when help is needed, or whether she will emulate Mae, the free-spirited daughter of their trail guide.

Our Review: With acute attention to historic detail for setting, customs and practices, the author brings the trials and tribulations of the wagon trains of that era. Faithful fans of historical fiction will glom onto this one and put it on their Keeper Shelf.

 

Based on a scale of 1-5, Along the Trail merits a 4.

 

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

The Tomato Jam Murder

 It’s burro-racing season, but there’s murder on the mountain. Can Roxy  find the killer in time to save her friend from a corrupt cop?

 About the Book: It’s burro racing season in the Rockies, and Roxy Constantine is all for it. Now if she can come up with a good recipe for tomato jam, her summer will be complete. But when Roxy finds a body on the burro racecourse, she’s suddenly plunged into a murder investigation.

And when her innocent friend is accused of killing her ex, Roxy must challenge a corrupt police chief who wants to shut her up. Now she needs to find the real killer and save a neighboring town from a plot to ruin its mountain magic.

 Our Review: As an avid reader, with few exceptions, of all genres of fiction, these past 60+ years, we always appreciate a fast-paced story that keeps the pages turning, as well teaching us something new and interesting. In the case of The Tomato Jam Murder [#6 in the Luscious Delights cozy mystery series], we discovered the intricacies of burro racing, the infinite varieties of jellies and jams, as well as the ins and outs of the catering business. As a plus, the author’s spot on descriptions of the art of selling handmade goods at local farmers’ markets and, sad but true, how to cope with members of local law enforcement when they behave in a less than professional manner.

 On a scale of 1-5, The Tomato Jam Murder merits a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

The Hannah Document

 Wild Women Authors recently took a look at The Hannah Document and discovered: A brilliant scholar, ancient libraries in danger due to war, suppressed women’s religious history, a renegade monastery and a global picture of misogyny dating back to before women knew what it was called—and why it was the order of things.

About the Book: A doggedly determined Sofia Papandréou pursues long ignored evidence of women in leadership in early Christianity in the dusty corners of libraries worldwide—or worse—actively hidden away in order to deny women their heritage and their power.

Hot on the trail of the lost letters of Deacon Olympias, an important leader in Fourth-Century Constantinople, Sofia stumbles onto two parchments that even she finds incredible. Her quest to authenticate the documents involves her in a perilous journey that leads to theft, murder, unexpected allies, and attempted murder as her discoveries threaten to transform the revealed history of Christianity.  

Our Review: Sophia Papandréou is infinitely more than a dogged and determined young woman. She is brave, resourceful, imaginative and driven to uncover the truth. Worthy of respect, she is everything any woman—or man—hopes their daughters and granddaughters will strive to become. This is a book for the Keeper Shelf. It’s that good.

Based on a scale of 1-5, The Hannah Document merits a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

His Sweet Obsession by Twilla Kay Lamm

 Zigzagging through a treacherous maze of compelling questions with unpredictable answers, truths embedded within lies, people hiding behind masks, and in the end, discovering a true and lasting love.

About the Book: Following the Civil War, Captain Ethan Reed is recruited to find the truth behind the Lincoln Conspiracy. The facts are not as they appear. John Wilkes Booth pulled the trigger, but did someone else point the gun? Ethan’s job is to answer this question and see justice served, no matter the personal cost. Tormented with no answers about the death of her fiancé, Doctor Sabrina Clay seeks the truth—was it suicide or murder? If there is an answer, she must find it. 

     On a hot day in Fort Hex, Kansas, Sabrina’s and Ethan’s lives intersect. They’re soon entangled in a web of deceit as attraction simmers. They each risk a second chance at love while discovering the truth.

Our Review: Author Lamm may be new to the publishing world but she already demonstrates the skills to engage fans of historical romance by the first pages. Infusing details pertinent to the plot—such as continued questions surrounding the Lincoln assassination, Reconstruction, everyday life in the Indian Territories and, of particular interest to us as a retired medical provider, accepted medical practices of the day. The attention to the fine details of what is today’s accepted practices such as blood transfusions, Cesarean Section deliveries, and post-partum care are spot on and very interesting.

          For historical romance fans, Twilla Lamm is the one to look for.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, His Sweet Obsession merits a 6.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Seeing Things by Jana Richards

 In order to find a missing child, an embattled librarian must learn to trust her visions—and her heart.

 About the Book: As she is ‘seeing’ the actual abduction of a small boy, librarian Leah McKenna knows she must expose herself to trauma on several levels in order to save this child. She hates the visions and wishes for them to go away forever. David Logan, the boy’s uncle, doesn’t believe in much—particularly psychic phenomenon. In fact, he convinces himself she knows who took the child and plans to stick close in order to discover the boy’s whereabouts.

As the two search for Jeremy, they uncover truths about themselves, their torturous pasts, and the way they truly feel about each other. Leah must convince David that the visions, as well as her feelings for him, are real. All this while time runs out in their search for this missing six year old.

Our Review: In a break from her usual small town romances where strong families are at the core of everything, inventive author Jana Reynolds treats her fans with a new talent for writing edge of your seat suspense. In this case, a child abduction—fed by long standing greed and nourished by long standing family secrets—is filled with understated, profound grief and misunderstanding.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Seeing Things merits a 6.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stone of Faith by Margaret Izard

              The heart’s most extraordinary battle is the one fought for love.

About the Book:

A cursed pirate captain and an enslaved siren defy a power-hungry madman—and fate itself—to claim a love that spans centuries as they strive to save the human and Fae realms from which they come.

Haunted by a family legacy that threads magic through the ages, Captain Ewan MacDougall and his ghostly crew sail between worlds, freeing enslaved peoples. While a worthy goal, Ewan longs for what eludes him—true love. After he crosses paths with a legendary siren of the sea who is bound to a cruel, power-hungry madman, he knows he has found the woman who is destined to claim his heart.

Forced to use her voice to lure ships into the clutches of evil, the spark in Ewan MacDougall’s eye awakens hope in Lorelei’s soul—and the chance to protect her Fae family. Yet, the wicked monster who is holding her captive will stop at nothing to kill the human who touches and loves her as no one has done before.

Before they can claim a life together, Ewan and Lorelei must break the chains of dark magic and find the Stone of Faith before they become two more victims.

Our Review: Author Margaret Izard, a master at time travel romance as well as historical fiction, has done herself proud with this latest addition to the Stones of Iona series. Ewan is a true hero, brave and intrepid but with a whippy sense of humor. His honesty and courage draws loyalty in others like a magnet—and when he spies Lorelei for the first time, all bets are off. The setting, as always, is breathtaking as is the particular attention to details of the past as well as the present. Well done!

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Stone of Faith merits a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Under the Tree of Life by Ruben Gonzales

Boy and girl rebels can start a war; it takes a queen to end it.

 About the Book: After a brutal military coup shuts down a Central African country, Family Medicine practitioner, Dr. Thema Book, is hired to lead a medical mission to aid desperate villagers, aided by a team of former special ops veterans who come along for protection.

Beneath a stand of Baobab trees, which the locals call the Tree of Life, Dr. Book and her crew are drawn into a civil war between villagers and the military. Treating the locals as well as wounded child soldiers puts the mission in jeopardy—while pitting crew members against each other.

Faced with the decision to run or stay, Dr. Book discovers her roots in the village stretch deeper than she thought possible. Thema decides to stay and with the help of the ops team, they fight for the people she's come to love

     Our Review: Filled with non-stop action on the part of the “team”, the heart wrenching desperation of villagers, too long the victims of political upheaval, and the plight of child soldiers, this is a fine addition to the Men of Valor series out of the Wild Rose Press. Author Gonzales brings his years with the Peace Corps to this story, creating Thelma Book: the physician we all hope would care for ourselves, our children and grandchildren—and our world. Plus, with the snappy dialogue and back and forth banter, fans of special ops adventure-fiction will glom onto this one. Do Not Miss.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Under the Tree of Life merits a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

  

Winter's Kiss by Darlene Fredette

 When her high heels flattened the snow, his defenses didn’t stand a chance.

 About the Book: Danielle Lerato adores the ocean breezes of Victoria, on Canada’s west coast, the comfort of her routine, and a life that requires minimal interaction with snow boots. But when her company relocates to Redford Falls, with a population of unpredictable charm, she agrees to train her replacement with one goal in mind: get in, get out, and never look back.

      Andrew Bailey, a local restaurant owner with a fierce protective streak, doesn’t believe in second chances. Yet, Danielle’s fiery spirit, stubborn streak, and snow-fueled scowls shift his expectations and crack open the door to a future he never dared to imagine.

      As mutual chilly glares and sarcastic banter thaw into cozy glances and unexpected flirts over shared cups of hot cocoa, Danielle suspects the town’s snowy landscape is warming more than her toes. Add in a legendary matchmaker-bunny named Thumper, Redford Falls is stirred into a romantic frenzy, and maybe this snowy wonderland isn’t a detour.

        Maybe it’s destiny.

Our Review: This update of a previously published story is just as much fun as the first time around—especially the scene where Danielle and Andrew ‘meet’ up again. The characters—all of them—are unique and fun [including the infamous Thumper]. This is a short story that cries out for a warm fire, an adult beverage of choice, and a crocheted afghan. Our last comment is this: why hasn’t the Hallmark Channel not picked up this series?

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Winter’s Kiss merits a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter

 Every teenager has his or her own secrets. What else is this small Georgia town hiding?

 About the Book: Karin Slaughter, no stranger to man’s inhumanity to women, does not spare the details when it comes to describing the anguish incurred on the family and friends of victims of child sexual abuse and human trafficking. This time, when it hits a small Georgia town, it doesn’t stop with one incident. When a similar crime repeats after twelve years, small town cop Emmy Clifton struggles to maintain herself midst perceived failures to friends, family, and mostly herself as she takes the back roads of North Falls Georgia in her professional role as chief deputy sheriff—always thinking ‘if only I’d done this…said that…” .

Our Review: Having thoroughly enjoyed the author’s wonderful Will Trent series, when we heard author Slaughter had a new one in the making, we glommed onto it and did not want to let go. This holds one surprise after another, keeping the reader thinking, wondering, trying to ID the bad guy—as every good mystery writer wants us to do. We can only hope that Slaughter has more in store for Emmy, her sister Jude and son Cole. Keep them coming, because #1 in the new North Falls series is a winner on every count.

Based on a scale of 1-5, We’re All Guilty Here merits an 8.

 Veronica Lynch, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Phantom Algebra by Dan Rice

      On the run from her abusive father, a teenage MMA fighter finds love and opponents she can’t strike in ghosts.

About the Book:

Zuri and her mother settle in Pinedale, North Carolina, to start over. For years, they’ve been on the run from Zuri’s father, a retired boxer and full-time gangland enforcer. In Pinedale, Zuri finds a gym where she can train in mixed martial arts in order pursue her dream of becoming a champion fighter. At Pinedale High, she discovers friends among the outcasts while battling academic challenges and something unexpected…ghosts.

After she encounters a tween phantom haunting the library, Zuri’s life is turned upside down and inside out as she attempts to help the spirit. This incurs the wrath of devils, living and dead. Zuri will need her martial arts prowess, heart, and the aid of friends to protect everyone she loves.

Our Review: It’s always a treat to read something out of the creative mind of Dan Rice. This one in particular, a part of the Haunting of Pinedale High series, features teenagers and ghosts, a specialty of author Rice who knows how teens think, talk, feel. How they ‘work’ the system whether we’re talking MMA training, school hierarchies or family systems. Zuri has a mind of her own and knows how to use it. Her sensitivity to others—whether corporeal or ghostly—shows through loud and clear. We can’t wait for the next one from this talented writer.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Phantom Algebra merits a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

Undeveloped Memories by Karina Bartow

      We assume we know everything there is to know about those who raised us…until we discover that we don’t. . .

About the Book:  Freelance photojournalist Lorelei Carmichael returns to her hometown of Sedona, Arizona to check on her aging uncle Reed who interrupted his life to raised her and her brother after the tragic deaths of their parents. While searching through the attic, Lorelei comes across evidence of her uncle’s past life as a photographer covering an Alaskan earthquake—then finds more clues which give her the impetus to search for those people, places and things Reed may have given up all in the name of family responsibility.

In an ironic twist, she is offered the assignment to go to Alaska for a story commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of that very disaster. Many people step up to the plate to help Lorelei on her journey which includes a tour to witness the lasting impact of the fifty year-old catastrophe. During her rare free time, she reads one of Reed’s letters to a local woman; this leads her to meet Azalea, the woman Reed knew fifty years ago and never stopped loving.

Torn between her desire to make up for all he sacrificed for her and her brother—as well as her concern over inflicting more heartache, when she returns home and finds a note that his lady love snuck into her bag, Lorelei admits all to her uncle who now has a second chance at love with the woman he lost.

Our Review: This story is much more than a second chance at lost love; it is one of familial devotion and sacrifice. It is also a life lesson in despite all the odds and common sense rearing its often ugly head not being afraid of trying one more time. Sweet and sad at times, it is also filled with sly humor and snappy dialogue spoken between two men of a certain age that readers will relate to immediately. Do not miss this one; it’s a beauty.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Undeveloped Memories merits a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

The Wine Jelly Murder by Meg Benjamin

 Weddings can be murder—this time, for the father of the bride, Now, Roxy needs to find out who hated him most.

 About the Book: Roxy Constantine and Nate Charbineaux are into weddings, both for work and family. But after the obnoxious father of the bride is murdered at the engagement party, they learn more about his business than they bargained for.

     Now someone wants to stop Roxy from investigating even as she pulls out all the stops on a super New Year’s Eve wedding celebration for her uncle and his new wife.

     She’ll need more than wine jelly favors and wedding cake to stop the killer.

Our Review: The Wine Jelly Murder was our first exposure to this fun cozy mystery series out of the Crimson Rose line for the Wild Rose Press—and it definitely won’t be our last. For those who find cooking in any form and all it entails frightening to the extreme, this is a textbook for using ingenuity and imagination. For those who appreciate crusty characters straight out of a casting call for cops, Ethan Fowler is a special treat. Roxy and Nate, who jump off the page from the start, are the picture of lovers who’ve both been around the block a time or two and are finally ready to settle down. This one’s a beauty!!

Based on a scale of 1-5, The Wine Jelly Murder merits an 8.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Paw Prints in the Ledger

 She’ll tell you all about embezzlement and fraud—when she’s not hip deep in training her faithful dog.

About the Book:  Irene Lisner is dedicated to her job as a forensic accountant with Oregon’s Justice Department. Recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, she battles every day to make her body do the things she needs it to do while managing a high-stress job. Training her dog for the next agility trial helps her blow off steam, but he’s at the end of his career as an agility dog—and she’s not feeling as good as she’d like.

Being assigned a politically fraught case forces her to work even longer hours instead of getting the rest her doctor recommends. But when checks are discovered missing during a standard audit for the city of West Linn, Irene is sure the city’s problems go beyond staff turnover and the political drama created by the new media hound mayor.

While coping with the often ambiguous, always unrelenting symptoms of MS, Irene and her team confront corruption, embezzlement, and political maneuvering. Under enormous stress, she identifies underlying problems for city officials, confronts the embezzler, and seeks to reconcile a future with a potentially debilitating diagnosis.

Our Review: It’s always a treat when you read a book that features not only well-drawn and layered characters but offers the opportunity to learn something new. In the case of Paw Prints in the Ledger, this math dummy learned about forensic accounting, what goes into the training and care necessary to succeed in the competitive world of canine agility trials, and—perhaps most important—the latest in effective treatment options for Multiple Sclerosis. Best of all, we hear there’s more coming in this forensic accounting series, so hang on. We can’t help but wonder what we’ll learn next.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Paw Prints in the Ledger merits a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

A Life Came Calling by Ann Howard Creel

 "We both want this. We both need this. This is what people live for."

About A Life Came Calling: Before she can accept a marriage proposal from a new suitor, secretary Janey Nicol feels she must travel to a small town in the Tennessee in order to put to rest her feelings for Cole, her fiancé lost in the Pacific Theatre of World War II. There in the lush Smoky Mountains she comes to learn and respect the customs and people Cole spoke of—pays her respects to his grieving parents, learns some important life lessons, gains courage to follow what’s in her heart—and finds new, everlasting love.

Our Review: This is more than a love story, of recovery from loss and grief, of finding a path to new adventures and opportunities. It is a study of history on the very last days of WWII, where the setting of the lush Smoky Mountains stands out as a colorful secondary character, and cuisine and customs of the region flow slow and smooth. It is the type of book one should read slowly, in front of a fire or beach chair, with an adult beverage of choice at hand. It is lovely and sweet and enduring. 

Based on a scale of 1-5, A Life Came Calling merits a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Painted Dreams by Darlene Deluca

After artist Katlyn Andrews is hit hard by a devastating career setback, she has to decide if following advice from up-and-coming television star Nick Summers will lead to success and fulfillment—or send her back to square one with an embarrassing thud.

About Painted Dreams:

 Katlyn Andrews is a talented artist on her way to fulfilling a dream—her own show at a New York City gallery. Focused on her career, she left her hometown for the bright lights of the Big Apple. When she’s drawn back to Denver to check on her beloved grandmother, she finds a surprise—Nick Summers, a woodworker bidding on a job at her parents’ upscale home. His gorgeous smile and easy-going manner charm her immediately. Too bad he lives in Colorado.

Nick adores the mountains of Colorado, but NYC is on his radar. He’s auditioning to be a guest host on a home-builders network there. Since that’s a long shot, he’s still pounding the pavement closer to home to secure jobs like the high-end Andrews project. Meeting his client’s intriguing daughter has his thoughts going in other directions. Too bad she lives in New York.

Distance does not dim their attraction. Unfortunately, it turns out dreams can be shattered. While Nick’s career is on an upward trajectory, Kat’s unexpectedly takes a big hit. Devastated, she struggles to find a path forward.

Our Review: This intriguing story which offers the reader a behind the scenes peak into the intricacies of woodworking as well as the many styles of fine art, also showcases a hero we’d all want for ourselves, our daughters or our granddaughters. Then there’s Nana Kitty, a grandmother we wish we’d had, or would strive to become. Author Deluca’s attention to the details surrounding fractured family dynamics captured our attention from page 1, then kept us turning the pages to attain a most satisfying conclusion. Thank you!

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Painted Dreams merits a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

  

Ghosted by Lori Matsourani

      A haunted inn, a first crush, and a second chance for love with “help” from the resident ghost…

About the Book: When her fiancé’s infidelity prompts Bethany Hendren to map out a new path forward, her plans are disrupted by an unexpected encounter with Nick Dorsey, who convinces her to help search for the remains of a troubled eighteenth-century ghost. Nick is the handsome summer boyfriend who ghosted her years ago, and now he wants to rekindle their relationship.

Despite her reluctance to trust him, Bethany discovers he’s still the funny, caring person who captured her heart as a teen, but giving him a second chance is risky—it could lead to love and happiness or result in another devastating heartache.

Although Bethany wants a happily ever after with Nick, does she have the courage to trust him with her future?

 

Our Review: Going beyond the solving of a centuries old mystery and resolution of lost love and betrayal, Ghosted offers glimpses into pre-Revolutionary War activities on Maryland’s eastern shore as well as favorite dishes peculiar to the locale and rich descriptions of the setting. It is also more than the typical vengeful ghost seeking the truth behind his death and betrayal by his best friend. As author Matsourani infuses the speech patterns and customs/mores unique to the period—both living and dead lead characters learn important life lessons while uncovering the truth of the past. Warning: the final confrontation between the grieving ghost and [current] deceitful fiancé is not to be missed.

 

Based on a scale of 1-5, Ghosted merits a 6.

 

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

Lucky Genes

 Running away is the only life Cheyenne knows. Archer can’t let another woman leave him. A chance meeting sets off their libidos. . . but before their romance takes root, an abuser starts exacting revenge.

About the Book: He’s a successful real estate attorney, relationship-shy and focused on creating his niche as the owner of a small firm. His distrust of others keeps him from forming intimate relationships. She’s a newcomer to town, currently working as a building inspector for the city, hoping to elude her abusive father by changing cities, names, and appearance as needed. Flings for sexual kicks suit her just fine because close relationships are not safe. It’s best to leave no trace, endanger no one else, and share as little personal information as possible.

          Until someone from her past tracks her down—with the intent of  silencing her for good.

Our Review: Packed with non-stop action and incredible suspense, this fast-paced story features two anti-heroes who, often unlikeable and occasionally irascible, are persons whom you know without a doubt are the ones you want at your back for anything, anywhere.     

Based on a scale of 1-5, Lucky Genes merits a 6.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

A Long Way From Eden by Jana Richards

 An abused woman, running from her past. A man, sick of secrets and lies. To set themselves free, they must take a huge leap of faith.  

 About the Book: Two single parents of college age children, find themselves, finally, able to take deep breaths and pat themselves on the back for raising two terrific kids, watching them making their way to establishing lives of their own. Until the unimaginable happens and all that each have overcome comes back to bite them where it hurts the most. How each learns to cope, adapt, and survive is a study in every parent’s fear.

 Our Review: This is a story about things that could happen to those of us of ‘a certain age’. We’ve been there and done that—and we’ll be damned if we’ll sit by and allow similar things to happen to our kids just as they’re getting a start on building their futures. Meg Evans and Zane Martin, each in their own way, survived some of the worst things that can happen to anyone. They’ve overcome the unimaginable and finally are seeing the light. Until their precious children do something stupid, something careless—and it all comes back in brilliant technicolor, flashing lights, and blaring sirens.

          This is a story that will make any reader sit back, take a deep breath, and wonder ‘how would I handle this?’ or maybe ‘what would I do if I were Meg or Zane?’   

 Based on a scale of 1-5, A Long Way From Eden merits a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

The Bleed Through Effect by AA Dasilva

 Amidst a complex web of love, betrayal, and the quest for power, morality is tested, and two soulmates must face the consequences of choices they make across multiple lives.

About the Book: Charlotte and Simon are ready to move on with their lives after dismantling the black-ops agency known as Quantym. But Charlotte begins suffering from nightmares and disturbing visions, and she fears events on the Periphery—her parallel life—are impacting her via the bleed-through effect.

In a dual timeline between the main reality and the Periphery, Charlotte and Simon must confront the blurred lines between strength and weakness, love and loyalty, and their past and future.

As they struggle to regain control over their lives, a catastrophic secret is revealed, a vengeful lover on a quest for power closes in, and Charlotte must figure out a way forward...even when the past refuses to let go.

Our Review: If non-stop action, dystopian theories and super evil bad guys make the top three spots on your To Be Read list, anything by AA Dasilva are the ones for you. In book 2 of her Periphery Series, she takes things to a higher level as Charlie and Simon work to solve the problems created by Mitch and Jared Cardoza, masterminds of Quantym and world domination in general.

If you are into letting your imagination run wild, if you don’t mind a little—to—a—lot of violence, this is the one for you.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, The Bleed Through Effect merits a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Authors