Seeker by Jean M. Grant

Nock, draw, release. . . If her arrow hits its mark, will it prevent war…and secure her destined soulmate?

 About the Book:

     Aileana Montgomerie’s bloodline holds valuable gifts of foresight and healing, but with each honor comes a curse. Even though she is descended from the mystical isles’ folk, she lacks the ability of the Scottish Ancients and wonders if she belongs in a magical family. Aileana just wants a purpose. What good is her bow and arrow if she is denied the right to fight for her clan?

     Brodie MacDougall is ordained to be the next war chieftain of his clan. The title is a privilege as long as his brother, the future laird, doesn’t expect him to lift a sword and charge into battle. Chronic pain and nervous vapors force him to spend his days alone. Can his strategic skills keep him one step ahead of his conspiring brother?

     Through a magical Mortar & Pestle, Brodie finds his heart’s desire. But there’s a catch. The seat on his brother’s council is no longer dependent upon his health…but on Aileana’s strength. With rumblings of unrest among their clans, will their love foster an alliance or be a step toward war? 

Our Review: 

          Author Jean M. Grant, who is known for her imaginative descriptions of both setting and characters, goes above and beyond with Seeker. It is one thing to describe what appears to be unrelenting conflict—it is quite another to invent new and clever ways for the lead characters—Lanie and Brodie—to carry it out. This one warms the heart in all ways.

 On a scale of 1-5, Seeker merits a 6.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

  

Strigoi: The Second Species by Tony-Paul de Vissage

 Are they vampires or simply a second species?

 About the Strigoi: The aventurieri are the basis for the legend of the vampire, though they insist they aren’t vampires but a second species of human. Persecuted by the First Species, they have isolated themselves in the Carpathian Mountains of Transylvania, though a few manage to live secretly among humans. When the aventurieri prince sends his assassin to punish Minhea Ravagiu for attacking peasants on his estate, Minhea’s brother Mircea retaliates by attacking Janos Strigoi’s home, killing Janos, his wife and carrying off their children. Eldest Son Marek returns from school to assume leadership of his House and rescue his siblings and begin the quest to find Mircea and avenge the deaths of his parents. His quest will take him from the 18^th century to the 21^st, from Transylvania to Vienna, Paris, London and eventually New Orleans before his vengeance is fulfilled.  

 Our Review: Lush descriptions of the physical setting as well as the familial bindings of the close-knit Strigoi clan fill each page. The relationships both in and outside the clan are detailed, complex—and compelling. Author de Vissage is known for smart and snappy dialogue and he has not failed us with book one of a ten volume series. A fast, interesting read to the very end, this looks to be one of those series readers wish will never end.

 On a scale of 1-5, Strigoi: The Second Species deserves a 6.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Tangled Passions by Diana Stout

. . . They both hate liars and yet both are being deceived. Will the truth tear them apart or bring them together?

About the Book:

When Georgia State Senator Jefferson Jackson first meets Madison Butler, he's immediately smitten. Then he learns she's a lobbyist. Getting involved with her could be trouble, and the last thing he wants is a scandal while in office. Besides, after being betrayed by his last serious relationship, he's sworn off all but casual dating.

Madison Butler isn't about to let Jefferson Jackson deter her from meeting with him and pitching her company’s product. At stake is her job, one she can ill afford to lose. He tells her she's been lied to by her employer, then almost dares her to ‘check it out’.

When Madison and Jefferson meet again, can trust that she isn't involved with anyone else, despite what he's seen and heard? Can he finally put a past filled with lies behind him so he can find love once again?

Our Review: It is always a pleasure to read something by the talented Diana Stout and Tangled Passions is one of her best. Tying the past and present lives of the colorful characters with the charming Southern town where most were raised—and have returned to—is a pure delight. The conflict between Jefferson and Madison is clear and obvious from the first page—as is the immediate and intense mutual attraction. Humor abounds as does the deep emotion underlying everyone in this series. Do not miss Tangled Passions—it’s a beauty.

 On a scale of 1-5, Tangled Passions merits a 6.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews 

The Seventh Mothman by Toni V. Sweeney

 The Leonesse saga continues with Antoinette duCleau, the first to break the male only order of daring warriors known as The Mothmen  

 About The Book: After the death of her beloved father to side effects brought on by his tour with The Mothmen, Antoinette duCleau is left alone, penniless, and heartsick. She sets out to find her long lost brother, urge him to return and claim his inheritance then rule with her in peace and harmony for their small but close knit Sans Solange. Little does this small but mighty young women know what’s in store—particularly after she joins forces with the remaining Mothmen and Etienne Betancourt.

 Our Review: Over the years as we’ve read and enjoyed the imagination of author Toni V. Sweeney, we’ve come to expect complex plots, carried out by driven, complex characters amid lush settings and flavored with snappy dialogue. With each book we think, ‘she can’t get better’—and with each new book we’re proved wrong. ‘Toinette and Etienne are the perfect lovers, facing societal and family constraints, yet carrying on for life, liberty and country.

 On a scale of 1-5, The Seventh Mothman deserves a 7.  

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Polly's List by Kim Janine Ligon

 About the Book: CJ Reynolds couldn’t wait to escape his hometown. He’s loving his bachelor life as a software developer in California. So much so that he hasn’t been back in years to see the grandmother who raised him. Single mother, Mikal Benson, believes her small town is the perfect place to raise her son. After Mikal finds her neighbor, Polly Rogers, sprawled on the floor in a pool of blood, barely clinging to life, she calls Polly’s grandson—CJ Reynolds—and insists he must come home. Now. Emotions erupt between CJ and Mikal—setting off a perfect storm of love and reconciliation when, from her coma, Polly whispers three words that change everything. Did she fall or was she pushed?

          CJ, Mikal, and her little boy form an unlikely team, coming together to discover the truth as danger engulfs them and love transforms them into a family.

 Our Review: Rarely do we find a debut mystery so perfectly constructed. Author Kim Janine Ligon has mastered the art of putting the seeds on page one, then compounding the suspense with each scene. Adding to all this are the spot-on descriptions of a small town and the ‘denizens’ inhabiting it. It’s like going home again—and smiling at the memories. The characters are varied and well drawn. Looking forward to the next in this cozy mystery series. Congratulations!

 On a scale of 1-5, Polly’s List merits a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

The Firstborn Son, Book 1, The Renzi Affairs

 Mafia marriage—may the best wiseguy win

 About the Book: Becoming a ruthless mob boss like his father is the last thing Frankie Renzi wants, but when Sofia Ciambetti’s father is gunned down, Frankie must become the very thing he loathes to protect the woman he loves. Sofia was devoted to Frankie, until he stood her up and she questioned his fidelity. Now that she’s alone and an heiress, mafia suitors slither around her. Marriage to him might be her only hope.

 Our Review: this high-intensity love story, fueled by non-stop action and generational feuds, will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Anyone familiar with the close-knit neighborhoods of cities will relate to the way this debut author has crafted the setting and action. Characters, both lead and supporting, jump off the page. Dialogue is spot on for its realism. We’re looking forward to the next Renzi Affair.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, The Firstborn Son merits a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

A King Like Procelain by Toni V. Sweeney

 All is not what it first might appear. . .

 About The Book: The Lion of Purdha has died, leaving five cubs, four of them warriors tried and battle and not found wanting. But the youngest, Crispin, an invalid from birth is, by law of the land, is chosen to become heir to the throne. His older brothers send a message to the commanders of Purdha’s army: Select your best warrior to guard the King.

Janel Redhu, child of two warriors, a Follower sworn to the Goddess from her 12^th year, is as brave and fearless as any of her brothers in the fighting unit known as Sword Squad. It is her honor to be chosen to protect the King.  

 Our Review: Once again, Toni V. Sweeney has created diverse characters, each with their own layers and driven by internal forces they might not recognize—until they are tested to their limits. From the start Janel suspects Crispin du Lance might not be the invalid his mother and brothers consider him to be. Only after she rescues him from a murderous plot does she realize just what some of his forces might be. Just as their feelings start to bud, they are ambushed again—and spend five long years apart, honing the skills each was unaware they possessed. When they finally are reunited, it is magic.  

 On a scale of 1-5, A King Like Porcelain deserves a 6.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews