Lies And Solace by Jana Richards

Lies And Solace, Book 1 of the Love at Solace series by Jana Richards.

          Harper Lindquist is a single woman operating Solace Lake Lodge, a run-down inn in rural Minnesota. The Lodge is her life--figuratively and literally--and she's desperate to find someone to breathe live back into it with fresh capital. Harper is a woman with secrets, ones she's keeping and others kept from her. Enter Ethan James, a self-made man with a painful past dating back to childhood, and secrets of his own.

          Both will need to overcome the tragedy of their pasts in order to forge a future filled with love and trust and truth.

Our Review:

          It's hard not to be fascinated by both lead characters: Harper, a strong and independent woman, desperate to salvage the one thing in her life representing strength and structure. And Ethan, the true hero of this story, a man who wants to help Harper fulfill her dreams but driven to hide his secrets.

          Lies And Solace will hook any reader from page one. It did us. Well done, Ms. Richards.

On a scale of 1 to 5, Lies and Solace earns a 5

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Tough Prospect: A Buffalo Steampunk Adventure by Laura Strickland

Tough Prospect: A Buffalo Steampunk Adventure by Laura Strickland, a December 10, 2018 release out of The Wild Rose Press

Mitch Carter's a hard man. He's clawed his way up from Buffalo's gutter through a combination of ruthlessness and stark loyalty to become the King of Prospect Avenue. But when he sees lovely Tessa Verdun, a crack appears in his tough veneer. He wants her for his wife even if making it happen requires coercion, dirty dealing, and a touch of blackmail.

Mitch is the last man Tessa would choose to wed, but he's forced her into marriage, even though she's ready to give her heart to another man. Now he tries to win her with lavish gifts and watches her with veiled passion in his eyes. But when everyone else turns against Tessa, it's Mitch who's there offering strength. And when vying factions in the city place Tessa in danger, it's Mitch for whom she longs, though loving such a man is certainly a tough prospect.

Since we read Last Orders an earlier novel in the Steampunk Adventure series--and devoured it in one sitting--we were interested in seeing if author Strickland would create an intriguing, alluring hero to beat the last one. She did not disappoint us. In fact, Mitch Carter now tops our list for Hero to be Emulated.

He is tough, resolute and absolutely one of those men women want to take home and nurture--in all ways possible. Tessa holds her own with him--with unbeatable motivation--and is a most honorable match for this man.

Well done, Ms. Strickland!

On a scale of 1-5, Tough Prospects earns a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Flotsam and Jetsam: The Amelia Island Affair

Who's littering the park with corpses?

          State Park Rangers Simon Ribault and Ellie Ironstone are used to dealing with messy campers and ravaging raccoons, but when three bodies wash up on the beach, they mobilize all their powers of deduction. Who are they and how did they get to the shore of Amelia Island? Are they connected to the secretive League of the Green Cross? Or linked to a mysterious Jamaican drug ring?

          Ellie, new to Amelia Island, must penetrate a close-knit community if she wants to find answers to the mystery, all while deciding between two rivals for her affection: Thad, the handsome local idol, and Simon, the clever, quirky bookworm.

          Simon, for his part, will have to call on his not-so-well-honed romantic prowess to lure Ellie away from Thad and at the same time use his wide-ranging research skills to solve the case.

Flotsam and Jetsam: The Amelia Island Affair; is a contemporary mystery written by M. S. Spencer; a December 17, 2018 release out of The Wild Rose Press

Our Review:

One of the charms of this contemporary mystery is the manner in which the author weaves the history of Amelia Island and the local culture into the plot, lending the book flavor and local color of the Sea Islands. One caution: we suggest the reader take their time with this latest release by M.S. Spencer in order to absorb the myriad named characters, their occupations and relationship to the two leads, Ellie and Simon.

Out of 5 stars, this book rates a 3

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Through The Red Door by Sadira Stone

          Clara Martelli clings to Book Nirvana, the Oregon bookshop she and her late husband Jared built together. When rising rents and corporate competition threaten its survival, her best hope is their extensive erotica collection, locked behind a red door. In dreams and signs, her dead husband tells her it's time to open that door and move on. When a dark and handsome stranger's powerful magnetism jolts her back to life and he wants a look at the treasures of that secret room, she can't help but want to show him more.

          Professor Nick Papadopoulos is looking for historical erotica. Book Nirvana's collection surpasses his wildest dreams, and so does its lovely owner. A widower, he understands Clara's battle with guilt, but their searing chemistry is too strong to resist. Besides, he will only be in town for two weeks, not long enough for her to see beyond the scandal that haunts his past.

Our Review:

          Through The Red Door is erotica at it's best: a story of two people who come together, enjoying each other while developing an intense romantic relationship. For a terrific story with hot, passion tossed in for the reader's pleasure, this is the book for lovers of erotic fiction. Well done, Ms. Stone!!

          On a scale of 1-5 stars, this book deserves a 5

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

A Magic Redemption by Tena Stetler

     A Magic Redemption, Book 5 in Tena Stetler's A Demon’s Witch Series, a Wild Rose Press release, Black Rose line. December 2018.

     Synn, a demon, carries extraordinary magic and power, but there is more within her than she dreams. Kidnapped as a child, her captors murdered her family and forced her into training as a warrior assassin. When an assignment goes horribly wrong, she finds herself at the mercy of the friends and family of her intended target.  Offering valuable information in exchange for protection, she gains her freedom, but it is not without its challenges.

     Gavin Shaughnessy is the publican at his family’s Irish pub.  He is certain Synn is meant to be his and isn’t bothered by her past.  He must find a way to convince her, their future together is stronger than the dark memories that haunt her dreams.

     When her past comes calling for revenge, will their love survive the raging inferno she brings down upon them? Or will the searing path of destruction destroy all they hold dear?

Our Review:

     Devoted followers of this dark fantasy series won't be disappointed in the latest in the Demon Witch's series, A Magic Redemption. Tormented by her past, everything she did and was done to her, Synn is fearless and selfless, determined to live the rest of her life--which could well end at any moment--in peace and redemption. She is everything any woman would want for a daughter. 

     Gavin, stubborn to a fault, proud as only ten Irishmen can be, is the man we'd want for her--even when both drive those who care for them crazy with their stubborn willfulness. Author Stetler has not reached her full potential, we are sure of it.

     On a scale of 1 to 5, A Magic Redemption earns a 5

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Captive Hearts by Gina Leuci

          Grace Adams has discovered the true reason she was brought to the gated town of Wellington. Now she wants to leave more than ever.  With the security level of the town raised to fortress level she is forced to marry the town's Police Chief. Hoping to gain the trust of the townsfolk, they pretend to make their marriage look real. It isn’t long before their game of deceit and reality blur together.

          When Police Chief Caleb Wellington returned to his hometown, he had his own reasons for increasing the town’s security. Now, he sees the town for what it is: a prison. His relationship with Grace opens feelings he hasn’t had in a while. The last thing he wants to do is say goodbye. But he made a promise to get her home and he is a man of his word.

* * * * 

          As much as we loved Caged Souls, Book One of the Well of Lies series, author Gina Leuci has outdone herself with Captive Hearts. The biting wit and clever character portraits is sharp and on point. The conundrum Grace an Caleb find themselves in to effect Grace's escape is an old one, but well written and cleverly played out. 

If there is a third book to the Well of Lies series, we can't wait for it!!

On a scale of 1 to 5, Captive Hearts earns a 6+

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Daughter of the South Wind, KD DuBois

. . . .As if grad school wasn’t hard enough, Dawn Wynham battles her bossy sister’s interference with her private life and resists divulging one secret—her very realistic dreams about tornadoes and the man who morphs out of them, Nino. After chasing twisters for her meteorology degree, why not indulge in a little sexy fantasy to enhance the adrenaline highs?

Daughter of the South Wind, a July 2018 fantasy romance release out of Soul Mate Publishing, written by KD DuBois.

Our review: One of the strong points of this story--and there are many--is the author's extensive research into the science and technology surrounding the study of tornadoes and the warning systems in place to save lives. The second most obvious strength is Ms. DuBois' imagination in terms of the manner in which she created a world of demi-gods and goddesses. The names and responsibilities alone are mind-boggling.

If fantasy and science are your bailiwick, Daughter of the South Wind is the book for you.

Out of 5 stars this book earns a 3

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Learning To Love by Jennifer Wilck

Learning to Love, a contemporary romance by Jennifer Wilck, due for release on November 28, 2018 by The Wild Rose Press.

The most beautiful love hides beneath the surface. . .

          For Adam Mandel, a young, hard-working attorney in his father's well-established practice, learning to love means learning to trust himself, and others, even when those “others” have not and do not always behave in honorable ways. Dina Jacobs' kind and generous heart leads her to helping others--often to a disadvantage--needs to let go of the past and take that one last step in learning to trust.

          Watching these two people find their way to each other is a joy. The addition of Jewish customs, phrases and traditions is a lovely attraction to this contemporary story.

Out of 5 stars, Learning to Love earns a 4

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Eye of The Eagle by Sharon Buchbinder

Soar like an eagle. Strike like a thunderbird. Fight like a warrior. Love like there’s no tomorrow.

Eye of The Eagle, by Sharon Buchbinder, a Contemporary Fantasy Romance  released by The Wild Rose Press, November 2018.

          Anomaly Defense Director and shape-shifter Bert Blackfeather doesn't need a boss with no experience. So what if she's beautiful or gives him a jolt when she shakes his hand? He never plans to get seriously involved with another woman—not in this lifetime.

          Phoebe Wagner, an empath with psychometric abilities and an advocate for the deaf, gets more than she bargained for with Bert. One touch and she relives his IED injuries. So what if he's handsome and hot? She doesn't need to add his secrets to her own. Phoebe's are bad enough.

          When his niece goes missing from Hotel LaBelle, Bert goes to Montana to help—and Phoebe insists on going with him. Can these two hard-headed people share their darkest secrets in order to work together? It may be the only way to save an endangered child—and their own hearts when Bert's past rears its ugly head.

Our Review:

For first dates, you gotta love a man who takes a woman to the local drag queen competition--which goes to show the author's skill for weaving wry humor into her writing. Bert Blackfeather is the hero of a lifetime: brave, selfless, honorable. Phoebe Wagner is gutsy, fearless and driven, a woman who thinks on her feet. And after you meet her mother, you know immediately the apple didn't fall far from that tree. This is a fast-paced read, the pages turn so fast you almost regret reaching the last page.

It is clear Ms. Buchbinder spent an incredible amount of time researching this story a few of which include several physical disabilities, Native American myths and beliefs, missing and exploited children and human trafficking. For us this novel was a two-fer: a page turner which teaches us a few things along the way.

One question: when's the next in the Hotel LaBelle series due out?

On a range of 1 to 5, Eye Of The Eagle rates a 6+

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Witch Wish by Jacqueline Seewald

          Val Williams believes she will never be as pretty or popular as her older sister Ailene. When Ailene dumps her on an unfamiliar road after an argument, Val decides to ask directions of the only person she sees, an old woman engaged in a garage sale. Val purchases a music box which the old woman claims has magical qualities and will grant Val one wish. Val wishes that that her sister would stop being so perfect.

         When Ailene starts acting weird, breaks up with her boyfriend, stops talking to her friends, starts dating a “bad” boy, and cuts classes, Val is troubled. Val begins to fear she caused all this to happen by making her wish. She suffers a guilty conscience. How she goes about setting matters right makes for some unusual complications and surprises.

     If we weren't a younger sister, we all know someone who was. We knew their struggles, their hopes and dreams as well as the conflicts connected with having a “perfect” older sister.

     If we didn't come from a dysfunctional family, we all know someone who did. We remember the everyday rejection, shame, guilt and blaming tactics common among such toxic systems--all too well.

     Witch Wish is a blend of hopes and dreams, struggles and triumph. While we watch Val struggle to carve her place in this world, we see her work through the normal stressors of adolescence. It is a joy; it is a heart breaker. If you know a young person in a similar situation, do them and yourself a favor: give them a copy of Witch Wish. You'll be better for it, as we are for having read it.

On a scale of 1 out of 5, Witch Wish earns a 4

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Legacy of Magic by Denise Carbo

Legacy of Magic, a contemporary romance, Fantasy Rose line, The Wild Rose Press

      Divorced, jobless, and homeless, Cory Bishop moves to Connecticut to begin anew. She gets lost along the way and causes a car accident which does not bode well for the next chapter in her life. However, the reconnection with her great aunt provides her with direction and purpose.

      

      While solving a mysterious family secret, she is pursued by a charming lawyer and her exasperating neighbor who thinks arguing is a form of foreplay. But those circumstances are the least of her problems.

      

      Cory soon discovers she is a witch and must learn to control her new-found powers. An ally, a confidant, and a surprise supporter guide her, but she is almost out of time. An immortal evil wants her powers and will stop at nothing to obtain them. When the battle lines are drawn, Cory must choose who is friend and who is enemy. Will love save her or endanger her even more?

______________________________________________________

       One of the strengths of this story—and there are many—is the author’s innate talent for creating snappy dialogue, especially when it occurs between Cory and the local high-end car mechanic Finn D’Orsey, a man who takes confrontation to new and interesting heights.

     

       Another perk to the fun of Legacy of Magic is Cory’s discovery she is a witch and how she handles it. Bumbling and fumbling all the way is a joy to read.

     On a scale of 1 to 5 Denise Carbo’s Legacy of Magic earns a 4+

                         Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Hope's Dream by Peggy Jaeger

          Hope's Dream tells of a young woman who gives up her dream to become a nurse practitioner after her mother is critically injured in a car accident. Enter Tyler, an attorney representing the estate of long-estranged family members, who offers Hope the ability to fulfill her dream as well as find resolution and forgiveness.

          A sweet, fast-paced romance, this is a fabulous addition to the picturesque series set in Vermont's Mad River Valley. Hope is the daughter we all wish for: devoted and selfless; she never feels sorry for her lost dreams and makes the most of each day. Tyler is the man we all want for our daughters: hard working, loyal, responsible. Too bad stubborn pride and ego will sometimes rear their ugly heads and put the skids to a budding romance. With the help of well-developed secondary characters this couple comes together and thrive. Well done, Ms. Jaeger.

On a scale of 1 to 5, Hope's Dream earns a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Light Untamed by Bonnie Gill

Pet lover and animal activist Pepper Peterson has a secret: she's the caretaker of the notorious Hell Hounds and on each Halloween, she opens the gates to hell and sets them free to mark the souls of the damned. One problem: this year's she lost the magic whistle to call them home and the massive black beasts are running amok throughout Haber Cove, New Jersey

Hunky Australian, Ottar Jones, senior officer at L.A.M.P.S. (Legends and Myths Police Squad), is the most barbaric man Pepper's ever met--and she can’t stop thinking about the sexy brute. Ottar’s To Do list is packed full of mythical beasts to capture and Haber Cove is infested with flesh-eating, ankle-biting Jack-a-lopes as well as a pack of large black Hell Hounds. Will all hell break loose when he finds who let the dogs out? Or will Pepper turn out to be the one woman who can tame the savage Aussie hunter?

CAUTION: keep the tissues handy because once you start reading this fun sequel to Tempting The Light, you'll be howling. If you're like us, once you start, you won't be able to stop.

            We envy author Gill for her vivid imagination which includes the ability to create a fast-paced story with one complication after another. Her verbal plays on every day words and phrases is enviable. Pick this one up--then find the two prequels to Light Untamed. You won't be sorry. We weren't.

Out of 5 stars, this one earns a 4+

Six Months by Mona Sedrak

Six Months, a contemporary mainstream fiction, a 2018 release by The Wild Rose Press.

. . . . For twenty years, Mikala Jacobson had it all: loyal friends, a precious little girl, and a man who adores her. Then double tragedy strikes and her perfect world shatters. Good friends, Rena and Jake are instantly by her side, protecting her from her husband David’s sordid secret life and his final drunken confession.

. . . . With their help, Mikala finds strength to rebuild and redefine her life. As her spirit and heart heal, she not only finds closure, but the beauty of a new love built upon an old friendship.

     We were struck by two particular chapter titles from this precious story which tells of one woman's recovery from a hideous tragedy: Surviving the Un-Survivable and Men Don't Run; Men Don't Hide. 

       Somehow, some way, Mikala survives what to most of us would be un-survivable: the loss of a child.

       Jake Cardona is a man who doesn't run, nor does he hide--even when Mikala, steeped in insurmountable grief, tells him to go away and leave her be. He doesn't go far--and not for long. This reader is better for it.

Six Months is a Put On Your Shelf and Re-Read it. Over and over again. Do not lend it to friends or family; you'll never get it back. It's that good..

On a scale of 1-5, Six Months deserves a 7

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Living The Dream by Larynn Ford

. . . Lynzi Lancaster Brady is, at long last, living her happily-ever-after with the man of her dreams. Their honeymoon bliss is interrupted when an innocent family visit drops her in the middle of the deadly situation they’ve been dodging for so long. 

. . . The trouble making relative with a vendetta against the family forces them into a final showdown with a disastrous ending that threatens to take the elder of their family from them forever. Will an ancient sorcerer to able to bring her back from death’s door?

Living The Dream, Book 3 of the Dream Trilogy, a contemporary paranormal romance, written by Larynn Ford, released by Soul Mate Publishing.

Our Review: Within hours of returning from a blissful honeymoon, newlyweds Lynzi and Layne Brady are devastated to learn evil has struck Layne’s family—and it doesn’t stop there. Subsequent attacks are vicious and relentless, one on top of another and without relief. The Fae Brady clan bands together to combat the power of one lone member. In the end, right overcomes evil but the Bradys will never be the same.

The deep and everlasting love between Lynzi and Layne is the strongest point of this story. Author Ford has created two compelling leads. The secondary characters, especially Aunt Pet, proved to be of great support to the leads and lent a bit of welcome comic relief. We recommend readers take on the Dream Trilogy in chronological order to obtain full benefit of this series.

Out of 5 stars, this earns a 3.

Numbers Never Lie, Diane Burton

          As kids, the Sinclairs, Jack and Maggie, along with Drew Campbell were known as the fearless threesome. As adults, Jack's an accountant; Drew a criminal attorney; Maggie a teacher and camping troop leader. Upon returning from a primitive weekend camping trip, Maggie is horrified to learn her brother Jack is dead--and refuses to believe law enforcement's decision his fatal car crash was an accident. If they won't take it any farther, she will. Convincing Drew to help is almost as difficult. . .

       Settle in with your beverage of choice, a comfy cushion or couch or divan, and get ready to laugh. If it is true opposites attract, this is one for the books when it comes to intrepid nature lover Maggie and the workaholic Drew who wimped out back in the day as a cub scout. Diane Burton builds a case for murder in solid, careful detail. Along the way she uses an enviable talent for writing dialogue.

CAUTION: haul out the tissues when you hit the scene between widower Drew and his adolescent daughter as they retell a fractured fairy tale of how he came to meet Jack and Maggie. It is real; it is human; it will rob you of breath.

Out of 5 stars, Numbers Never Lie earns a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

An Angel's Unintentional Entanglement by Tena Stetler

An Angel's Unintentional Entanglement, Book 4, the Demon's Witch Series, released by the Wild Rose Press

. . . . Fallen warrior angel, Caden Silverwind, lives alone in Colorado's rugged Rockies, healing from physical wounds as well as the mental anguish suffered during his many battles with dark demons. Then he finds a woman barely clinging to life after a horrendous beating. He is not prepared for the entanglement Mystic Rayne, an agent for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, brings to his life--or the feelings she instills in his heart.

Our review:  Caden and Mystic's quest to uncover her attacker takes them, along with his cadre of mystical beings, from the pristine mountains in Colorado to the wilds of Wyoming. This is one ride you don’t want to miss.

     Tena Stetler has woven a cast of diverse characters, infusing wry humor and their life-long loyalty to each other into the various secondary plot lines. Best of all, she does it with ease. 

     If you are into the paranormal, serious romance, and laughter, An Angel’s Unintentional Entanglement is the book for you.

Out of 5 stars, this earns a 5

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Crime Times Two by Julie Howard

When divorce is out of the question, can murder be forgiven?

Wild Women Review Crime Times Two, Book Two in the Wild Crime Series by Julie Howard, a contemporary romantic suspense, released by The Wild Rose Press on 10/08/18

Caution: Keep a box of tissues at hand. Whether laughing or weeping, they'll be necessary.

         In rural Idaho, a young widow raises her two small children with little or no support, surviving on wits and guts alone. Sound familiar? We've all known someone like Meredith Lowe. You can't help but admire this brave young woman. The kids are a delight; the quirky secondary characters will make you chuckle. And the hero, local sheriff Curtis Barnaby is thoroughly sigh-able. We're really looking forward to Book 3 in this timely and heart-warming series.

         Do yourself a favor and invest in Crime Times Two. You won't be sorry. We weren't.

         Out of 5 stars, this earns a 6

Kay Henry Dora, Wild Women Reviews

The Last Vampire Standing by Tony-Paul de Vissage

The Last Vampire Standing, by Tony-Paul de Vissage, a 2012 release by Class Act Books.

According to long time vampire aficionado, Tony-Paul de Vissage, Savannah, Georgia is now the capital of Vampire-land. Join the diverse characters in this witty story, one filled with eroticism, humor, pathos and flavored with the deep South. This is a story of one vamp's attempt to right a wrong committed six centuries ago.

Do not miss this one. It's a blast.

Out of 5 stars, The Last Vampire Standing earns a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

A Murder of Principle, by Susan Coryell

A Murder of Principle, by author Susan Coryell, a March 2018 release out of Wild Rose Press.

For fans of cozy contemporary mysteries, A Murder of Principle is the book for you. Caution: once you pick it up, you'll be hard pressed to put it down.

After Principal Wendy Storme dies, few at Harding High--students, faculty, staff and parents-- lament her loss. As told in cleverly plotted flashback by author Susan Coryell, the story shows the evolution of Principal Storme's escalating reign of terror. By the time the witch finally breathes her last, it almost comes as a relief. Naturally the list of suspects ranges from the above-mentioned students and abused faculty members and staff to parents and a few fellow administrators.

Without giving anything away, many had reason to kill Wendy Storme. A Murder of Principle shows the secrets and machinations which are apparently common to any school system. It was great fun to discover a different side of an educational system.

Out of 5 stars, A Murder of Principle earns a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

The Cowboy's Embrace by Kara O'Neal

The Cowboy's Embrace, a Pike's Run novel written by Kara O'Neal, released by Supernova Indie Publishing Services, LLC.

Our Review:

. . . . At age eleven Lily Spero lost her parents and younger siblings in an attack perpetrated by a gang of masked riders. The only thing that saved her was fourteen year-old Deacon Tolbert. Days later Lily was rescued by a kind family who raised her as their own. Watching from afar, and realizing he would never be able to provide for her as these folks could and would, Deacon faded from Lily's life.

. . . . . Neither forgot the other and sixteen years later, on a ranch outside Houston Texas the two meet again. Love blossoms then blooms. Unfortunately, the man who directed the annihilation of Lily's family learns of her existence and conspires to do away with the only witnesses to the carnage, Lily and Deacon.

. . . . . The Cowboy's Embrace explores racial intolerance, love, redemption and acceptance. It is a story of love and joy and acceptance. If other stories in the Pike's Run series is anything like The Cowboy's Embrace, this is a series for serious historical romance lovers.

Out of 5 stars, this earns a 5

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Tempting The Light by Bonnie Gill

. . . . Bad luck magnet Abby Fitzpatrick gets fired, catches her boyfriend cheating with a mime, and is cursed by an evil genie who pops out of a tampon box. She's bound and determined to remove the spell and, as fate would have it, the hottest guy she's ever met is out to kill her.

. . . . River Stone, a Cryptid hunter for Legends and Myths Police Squad (L.A.M.P.S) poses as sheriff for Abby's hometown of Haber Cove, New Jersey. He's out to find and capture a man-eating gnome and bag the legendary Jersey Devil monster. Little does he realize, the woman who catches his heart is the same creature that he was sent to destroy.

Our Caution: This hoot of a story keeps you turning the pages long after you should stop for the night and pick it up in the morning. Trust us, you won't be able to put this one down.

Our Review: In a matter of hours, smart-mouthed, take-no-crap-from-anyone Abby Fitzgerald loses her job, finds her boyfriend in bed with a mime, then gets hit with her period. Enough? Sorry, the trauma just keeps on coming when an ugly genie bursts out of a box of tampons and puts a curse on her. No joke. Enter a to-die-for hunk in the form of the local sheriff named River Stone whose job, unfortunately, is to trap a Gnome terrorizing the community and kill the notorious Jersey Devil. Care to guess what the genie's curse entails? You got it: Abby turns into the Devil on the first day of her period.

And . . . you won't find out until the very last page if these two end up in a happily ever after ending. Another no joke. Read it. It's worth it.

Out of 5 stars, this earns a 6

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Love Is Silent by Icy Snow Blackstone

Love Is Silent, a historical romance by Icy Snow Blackstone, a 2016 release by Class Act Books.

Anna Leighton, fluent in educating the deaf and hard of hearing, takes a position as teacher to twenty year-old David Woods, the 27th Baron Mayfield. She is given six months to teach him to communicate effectively in order to make his way in British society or be declared incompetent, losing both his title and the inheritance to a greedy, ne'er do well cousin.

While Anna is a young but talented teacher, she's never taken on an adult student and her work is cut out for her--especially after David balks at the thought of returning to the classroom. She doesn't put up with his tantrums and sparks fly--on both sides. Together, the two teach other several important life lessons and manage to forge a future.

The love story is sweet, sensual and filled with wry humor. The characters are layered and compelling in their goals, motivation and conflict. Beyond those important qualities in any work of fiction, the detailed research by author Blackstone is impressive. Love Is Silent comes with an added bonus of teaching the reader about the history of education of the hearing impaired. We applaud Ms. Blackstone for her extraordinary effort.

Out of 5 stars, this earns a _6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

For Love of Hawthorne by Diana Rubino

      Salem, Massachusetts witnessed horrific and shameful events in 1692 that haunted the town for three centuries. Accused as witches, nineteen innocent people were hanged and one was pressed to death. Judge John Hathorne and Reverend Nicholas Noyes handed down the sentences. One victim, Sarah Good, cursed them from the hanging tree: “If you take away my life, God will give you blood to drink!” She then set her eyes on Judge Hathorne. “I curse you and your acknowledged heirs for all time on this wicked earth!”

       In 1717, Nicholas Noyes choked on his own blood and died. Every generation after the judge continued to lose Hathorne land and money, prompting the rumor of a family curse. By the time his great great grandson Nathaniel was born, they faced poverty. Ashamed of his ancestor, Nathaniel added the ‘w’ to his last name. His novels and stories explore his beliefs and fears of sin and evil, and he based many of his characters on overbearing Puritan rulers such as Judge Hathorne.

Our review:

         This is a touching love story between two people, one of whom would eventually reach world wide acclaim for, among other works of fiction, The House of the Seven Gables. Told in journal style, in the voice of Sophia Peabody Hawthorne, this story tells of a life long romance between two people whose love was thwarted at every turn by manipulative family members who, for selfish reasons, did not want to see the romance blossom. Against intense negativism and manipulation, it survived, because of strength and perseverance ion on the part of Sophia. So many times, Nathaniel erected barriers; each time Sophia knocked them down and moved forward, determined to help the love of a lifetime.

          If you are a fan of historical based fiction, particularly early 17th Century Massachusetts, appreciate detailed research which is cleverly woven into the prose, For The Love of Hawthorne is the book for you.

          We are better for having read it. Congratulations Ms. Rubino on an incredible feat.

Out of 5 stars, this earns a 5

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Sunset in Laguna, Claire Marti

Sunset in Laguna, a contemporary romance by Claire Marti, released by the Wild Rose Press

.....Returning to Laguna Beach after four tours in the Middle East, Christian Wolfe leaves the military behind and buys a wine bar, vowing to keep his life simple. He fights to keep his devastating PTSD a secret and refuses to burden anyone else with his baggage. When stunning Kelly Prescott and her red stilettos saunter into town, she drives him past the bonds of his self-control.
.....Successful in her father’s stuffy law firm, Kelly’s too compassionate to survive in the cutthroat world of corporate litigation. Leaving behind both family and courtroom drama, she moves to Laguna to become general counsel for a nonprofit veterans’ organization.
.....She didn’t bargain on a gorgeous modern-day Heathcliff, and in Christian, she sees another kind of challenge—one she can’t resist.

Caution: Grab your favorite beverage, assume a comfortable position and settle in for the read of a lifetime. Once you start, you won't be able to put it down.

     Iraqi War veteran Christian Wolfe is trying his best to heal while suffering from violent panic attacks, crippling headaches and a boatload of survivor's guilt.

     Kelly Prescott has resigned a position in her father's high-pressure law firm rather than work with a dishonorable client who put profit above customers' well being and relocates to Laguna Beach when a veterans outreach center calls her name.

     Sparks fly the instant they meet but Post Traumatic Stress threatens to be the ruin of a beautiful romance. For poignant characters, emotional relationships and a darling therapy dog named Olive, do not pass on Sunset In Laguna. We didn't and we're better for it.

Out of 5 stars, this earns a 6

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

UnBound by Kendra Greenwood

You’re not allowed to be a coward and be in love. You must choose one.

     Special Agent Laura Logan had a difficult childhood and that’s putting it mildly. Laura channeled her buried rage into her studies, earned a law degree and joined the FBI. As a member of the new human trafficking task force, Laura wants to impress and she wants to make the bad guys pay.

     Detective Lieutenant Steve Moretti moonlights at a very exclusive adult club, his reward is a free membership along with other perks. His family is pressuring him to find a nice woman and settle down, but that bridge was burned by his ex. His new view: Marriage is betting half your stuff that you’ll love someone forever.

     A kidnapping shocks Steve’s town and the FBI is called in. Steve and Laura meet at the crime scene, sparks fly, and they work the case together. As passion ignites, their no-love commandment is tested. Can they overcome the heartbreak of betrayal and learn to love before it’s too late? Are they so afraid they refuse to love at all?

UnBound, a contemporary romantic suspense, a June 2018 release out of Blushing Books.

Caution: steamy, adult sex scenes.

Wow. Wow. Wow.

       FBI agent Laura Logan meets local law enforcement officer Steve Moretti in the middle of a difficult case involving the abduction of 3 teenagers, and their nun caretaker. for purposes of sex trafficking. Through detailed and thorough police work, the case is solved in a quick, efficient manner; the victims are rescued, unharmed. Unfortunately one of the kidnappers eludes capture by local law enforcement and sets out to exact revenge on Laura.

       After the case is closed, Laura and Steve undertake a whirlwind romance which is incredibly hot and oh-so steamy, romantic and fulfilling. This is a terrific story of redemption and rebirth. If you like your suspense stories hot and steamy with well drawn characters, this is a book for you.

Out of 5 stars, Unbound earns a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Four by Moonlight

Four by Moonlight, a 2016 release by Class Act Books, by author Linda Nightingale, is an anthology of four novellas by an amazing author with a fluid writing style. The passages are imaginative and lush in the descriptions of persons, places and things.

Gypsy Ribbons, portrays a powerful, enduring love between the brigand Simon and Lady Victory “Tory” Darby. Heartbreaking in its intensity; driven to its sad end. A winner for sure.

In Star Angel, Lucy Spears, a lonely Idaho housewife, is tied to a man who is good but is not good for her. One night, a nameless man appears at her side and shows her what love can be in all its private intimacy, innately rich and desirable. One night only and he's gone. Will he return as Lucy wishes? Perhaps. . .

New Orleans, 1944. Newlywed Meggie Richelieu, on the evening of her grand wedding escapes the festivities of the wedding reception to go to the one place on earth she cannot resist where the ghost of her beloved brother Yves draws her. Gatekeepers Cottage is an alluring story of forbidden love, too passionate to ignore. Too dangerous to endure.

The Night Before Doomsday is the longest and most detailed in the collection tells the story of Azazel of the Grigori, one of the fallen angels. Banished to Earth he lives as he has always wanted--by his heart, by his will. A beautiful and tragic story of will over duty.

Out of 5 stars, this earns a 5