Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Featuring Debut Novel: Finding Euphoria

Finding Euphoria, a mainstream thriller by C. Becker, released March 13, 2019 by The Wild Rose Press.

Tormented by events in her past, mother of two and part-time graduate student, Hailey Langley, responds to a panicked call from Parker, her former partner in a highly secretive federal agency. The child she gave up for adoption so many years ago is dying from a drug overdose; Parker needs her help to search out the chemical formula of the drug as well as track down the pushers. The request sets Hailey on a journey which endangers not only her life but her marriage.

Our Review:
Finding Euphoria is an energetic novel, filled with danger and suspense and a varied cast of characters. Hailey is brave, intrepid and driven to right wrongs of the past—none of which were caused by her—but like many crime victims feels she is responsible for choices made at a time in her life when options were few and none of which were pleasant.
For a first release, Ms. Becker should take pride in accomplishing a feat of which many dream, but few see come to fruition. With time and experience, we see great things in her future.

On a scale of 1 to 5, Finding Euphoria earns a 3.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews



Friday, March 8, 2019

The Secret of Breathing Deeply


The Secret of Breathing Deeply, a contemporary romance by Lance Hawvermale, released March 4, 2019 by The Wild Rose Press.

          Quick-witted, with a smart mouth, Jessie Alomar arrives in Costa Rica to learn the causes and reasons behind the death of her father, beloved medical missionary, Archie Alomar. Using what her father taught her from an early age: do not let impaired hearing become an impediment, she relies on Rubio Mora, Archie's paramedic assistant, to help in the search as well as interpret for her. Romance ensues just as a battle royal with the medical conglomerate financing the clinic threatens to pull the plug—literally and figuratively—heats up.

          As with Mr. Hawvermale's first TWRP novel, The Echo Holders, this story offers a wealth in setting, wry humor and multi-layered, diverse characters. Even the 'dead guy' Archie is treat to meet—albeit through the eyes of those who loved and respected him. This is a treat of a book. We consider ourselves lucky to have read it.

On a scale of 1 to 5, The Secret of Breathing Deeply earns a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews




Monday, March 4, 2019

The Co-Parent Project by Sandra Dailey


The Co-Parent Project, a contemporary mystery with romantic elements, by Sandra Dailey and released today [!] by The Wild Rose Press.

. . . . .Luca Wolff and Joy Sullivan are competing for guardianship of their estranged, teenage nephew, Eric after his parents are killed in a plane crash. Evidence shows the crash wasn't an accident. Neither was a recent explosion that destroyed Luca's house. When a fire is intentionally set in Joy's home, suspicion points to Eric—and that's not the end of their trouble.
. . . . .Eric has been in his share of mischief, but now he has a chance to clean up his reputation. That's hard to do when the only people who believe in you are the ones you're accused of targeting. Just as Luca and Joy give in to romance, new information comes to light that could tear them apart along with Eric's dream for a happy family.
. . . . . The three have to set aside their grief, personal issues, and disagreements to figure out who is out to kill them . . . and why.

Our review:
          With a family like the senior Wolffs, one does not need enemies in sunny Jacksonville, Florida, a beautiful setting for a unique story. Luca, a war hero, commands respect of his men, unfortunately not his father and brothers. Joy is a true heroine, to herself and her dead mother and Eric whom she loved beyond all else—until tragedy separates them. Perhaps for good.
          Enter one of the most unique and entertaining secondary characters we've ever met—and thoroughly enjoyed: The Judge. We won't give anything away, but he's just one more reason to pick up this book. For those who like sweet romance mixed in with a real whodunit—and why-done-it—pick up The Co-Parent Project. You won't be sorry.

On a scale of 1-5, this book earns a 4.5

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews




Monday, February 25, 2019

Here With You by Marianne Rice


. . . he didn't need a sexy woman with a vibrant laugh and fancy clothes to make him feel otherwise. . .

     To learn how Grace LeBlanc shows Brady Marshall how very wrong he is, read Marianne Rice's contemporary romance, Here With You, a February 2019 release out of Star Hill Press.

     Grace LeBlanc is every woman, every sister, every daughter. She touched my heart from page one, and kept me turning the pages so I'd learn more about the scandal that made her flee Europe and come home to Crystal Cove in central Maine to set up her own business—while fighting the small town who will never forget a few of her teenage antics.

     Brady Marshal is every man, every brother, every son. Caught between running Marshall Farm, the 45 acre family operation, taking care of his critically ill mother and desiring a personal live, he cries out for a woman who will appreciate him for his strengths and ideals. Plus, he made me laugh. In my book, any man who brings a smile to my face is worth a second, or third, look. And this one's a looker.

For a fun, down to earth look at small town life—with all the crap that comes with it—Here With You is worth a look. We're glad we did.

On a scale of 1 to 5, Here With You earns a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews




Thursday, February 21, 2019

A Hundred Breaths by Jean M. Grant


A Hundred Breaths by Jean M. Grant, a February 2019 release out of The Wild Rose Press, Tea Rose line.

We were first introduced to historical romance in the middle 70's when a co-worker recommended The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen Woodiwiss. Immediately hooked, I went on to devour each one of the divine Ms. W's novels—and never thought I'd find another historical romance as engaging.

I learned I was wrong when I read A Hundred Breaths and discovered a world created by Jean M. Grant. This is one stupendous experience—if you are into well drawn characters with realistic goals, motivation and conflicts—and settings that take your breath away.

Outstanding, Ms. Grant.

On a scale of 1 to 5, A Hundred Breaths earns a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews




Monday, February 18, 2019

About Those Fallen Angels

          Angels in slavery? Brit Montgomery cannot believe it, until she is sent on a rescue mission to another dimension and witnesses the cruel practice first hand. The angel, Gyldan is the most beautiful being she's ever seen. Brit is drawn to him but sometimes beauty disguises wicked secrets. This man who rocks her world seems more demon than angel. 
Our Review:
          Having read other works by Linda Nightingale, we were pleased to have an opportunity to read her latest fantasy and were not disappointed. With her usual lush writing style and thrilling descriptions, Gylded Wings soars—no pun intended. The budding relationship between the fallen angel and his 'rescuer' is rocky and layered as awareness grows.
For lovers of fantasy, particularly those with an affinity for angels in all forms, this is the book for you!
On a scale of 1 to 5, Gylded Wings earns a 4

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Spirited Quest by Julie Howard


She’s chasing a ghost, but who is chasing her?

Paige Norman believes in a tangible, explainable world. When her ghost-hunting niece comes for a visit, she tries not to scoff. But someone, or something, is stirring up trouble at the Deerbourne Inn and her niece, Jillian, is at the center of the mystery. Certain the handsome Aussie photographer is behind the unexplained disturbances, Paige warns her niece to stay clear. Meanwhile, Jillian gets to know the otherwordly Lady of the Deerbourne, who foretells an encounter with "two men." Then the pranks turn dangerous. Has her niece attracted a stalker or has she conjured an evil presence? Can the culprit be the man who has captured her heart?  
Our Review:
Paige Norman isn't the usual heroine, but then Spirited Quest, the latest release out of the Deerbourne Inn series from the Wild Rose Press isn't the usual “romance”. Paige, in the lexicon of “women of a certain age” has been around the block a time or two—and she's a breath of fresh air in this mainstream novella with romantic elements.
Julie Howard's descriptions of the Inn and its guests are vivid, complex and varied. The mystery behind who's stalking Paige's niece will keep readers guessing till the last page.
Nice job, Ms. Howard.

On a scale of 1 to 5, Spirited Quest earns a 5

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews