A Pride of Brothers: Rick

. . . Elite bodyguard and P.I. Rick Bannerman's job is to protect. He doesn't get emotional with his clients, but when a woman from his past is threatened, his next job becomes personal. Family lawyer Abigail Laine is the target of a client's vengeful husband, but refuses Rick's offer of protection. He walked away from her four years ago, and she swore to forget him.

Now her reluctance to accept his help could cost Abby her life . . .

A Pride of Brothers: Rick

It's never a dull moment with any book written by Peggy Jaeger. With A Pride of Brothers: Rick, she has stayed with the trope she has become known for: strong women, the families who support them, and the men who love them.

Abby Laine, an attorney specializing in family law, is a survivor and refuses to let any man, friend or foe, “take care of her”. Rick Bannerman, one of Jaeger's strong men, firmly believes long term relationships will never figure into his life story. Then, of course, as the gods will do, the one thing both of these stubborn people need desperately is thrown into their paths and the fun begins.

A Pride of Brothers hooked me from page one and proved Jaeger can hold her own whether she's writing short and sweet or long and complicated. One question: who's up next in the Pride series?

On a scale of 1 through 5, A Pride of Brothers: Rick deserves a 6

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Bound By Love, Toni V. Sweeny

Bound By Love, a contemporary romance with paranormal elements, written by Toni V. Sweeney, a 2019 release by Boroughs Publishing Group.

Dylan Roth is back home, and not by his choosing. After a nasty divorce, he wants to find his footing and his place in the world. He joins his dad and brother in the family construction business and is assigned to the renovation of the old Mercier house, which is being filmed for the TV show, Dream Homes, Unlimited. The last thing Dylan wants is to fall for Scarlett “Letty” Mercier, but an undeniable attraction is making it hard for him to say no to the redheaded beauty. When he learns the Roths and the Merciers pasts are entwined, he starts digging, and family history can no longer stay buried. Dylan and Letty are bound by a haunting secret that threatens to tear them apart unless they can break the ties of the past.

Our Review:

Bound By Love captured me by the end of page one. Told in Dylan's point of view with a self-deprecating tone flavored by a whippy sense of humor, the former investigative reporter's struggles to maintain a balance amidst past personal turmoil, rings true and drew me in immediately. Over lying the basic plot line is a vague aura of mystery which surrounds the “old Mercier house”.

Enter Scarlett Mercier, every man's wet dream, a gorgeous self-directed woman who intrigues Dylam from the first exchange of looks.

Adding in the rich history of rural Georgia with its unique architecture and internal detailing of local homes, the reader will have themselves a time searching out who, or what, is trying to prevent Dylan and Scarlett from learning the truth about the past. Until they uncover the past, these two won't have a chance for the future they deserve.

On a scale of 1 to 5, Bound By Love earns a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Waiting For a Miracle

...He's holding a menorah in one hand. Is he going to throw it or club someone with it?

Our review: You gotta love a woman who thinks like this.

Author Jennifer Wilck has incorporated two essential plot techniques by creating characters who are direct opposites, then throwing them into the deep end of the pool—sans life preservers.           It's a delight to watch Rachel and Benny battle their way out of the water, ably abetted by two charmers—six year-old Jessie and Harriet, Benny's matchmaking mother. Throw in the background and customs associated with the celebration of Hanukkah, and you've got yourself a charmer of a story. Well done, Ms. Wilck.

On a scale of 1—5, Waiting for a Miracle rates a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Uncovering the Past

How far will she go to discover the truth?

Author Julie Howard concludes her Idaho-based Wild Crimes series with Book 3: Wild Crime, a contemporary mainstream mystery series out of the Wild Rose Press. Meredith Lowe, raised by a sad, chronic alcoholic, has always harbored questions about her mother's murky past--and the family she never knew. After her grandmother dies and leaves her a legacy, Meredith takes the opportunity to travel to Florida to learn more about her past. Who is or was her father? Did her mother kill him>
     In finding the answers, Meredith uses the grit and determination readers of this fine series have come to depend on, rooting along with her as she uncovers truths few want to be revealed. 
. 
Do not miss this exciting and satisfying end to a stunning mystery series. On a scale of 1-5, Wild Crime deserves a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Forever In A Moment

. . . A honeymoon for one . . .

     One can't help but love Samantha DeMartino, a tax attorney, who describes herself as “. . . even my desktop finds me so boring it yawns and shuts down on a regular basis. . .”

     After being jilted a short two weeks before her wedding—to an equally boring business partner—Sam decides to use the pre-paid honeymoon trip to the Deerbourne Inn and treat herself to a well-deserved vacation. There she meets Jed Armstrong, dairy farmer and part-time ski instructor. And the fun begins.

     This contemporary romantic suspense set in picturesque Vermont is filled with a host of quirky, well-drawn characters, each with their own unique voice. We've had the privilege to read other novels by Charlotte O'Shay and were not disappointed with this one. Her unique sense of humor, along with her phenomenal ability to create a scene, is to be envied. Well done all around and a nice addition to the Deerbourne Inn series out of the Wild Rose Press.

On a scale of 1 to 5, Forever In A Moment deserves a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

The Very Thought of You, Claire Marti

          Mix a perfectionist equine vet with a gorgeous fireman. Throw in an unrequited high school crush which blazes hot twelve years later.

          Amanda McNeill tutored Jake Cruz back in the day and helped him during a difficult time in his life. Now, his professional future depends on her helping him again. This time he has something to offer her—in more ways than one.

         And so the fun begins.

Our Review: Author Claire Marti has built on her fascinating first book in her Pacific Vista Ranch series and offered us a shining example of her talent with The Very Thought of You. Again, hero Jake Cruz and heroine Amanda McNeill have compelling goals, realistic motivation and seemingly unsolvable conflict. As for the setting, she has painted a glorious picture for readers with each scene. Makes me want to travel to Southern California.

          This is a fun read with terrific characters and a gorgeous location. What's up next, hmm?

On a scale of 1-5, The Very Thought of You deserves a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

A Stranger in the Family by Nancy S. Reece

“. . . when she walked down the aisle after that lecture at Georgia Tech, it was like the other half of my heart walked in . . .”

How can you not appreciate a man who describes the love of his life in such a manner? And so we begin the adventure of Colonel Takeda and aerospace specialist, Lyric McKinney as told by Nancy S. Reece in her latest release from the Wild Rose Press, A Stranger in the Family, Book 2 in Reece's The Family Devlin series.

Our Review:

A contemporary romantic-thriller, set in various parts of the world, describes Yuri and Lyric's struggle against barriers to them developing a heretofore unimaginable feat in aerospace engineering. At their first meeting, their attraction is instant and powerful. External conflicts erupt on multiple levels: professional, familial and political. Many hope they will fail at all levels—personal or professional—most of all the pair's powerful fathers.

Perhaps the best part of this story is when Lyric and Yuri work as a team—none of this hero pulling the damsel from the pits of distress—thank you very much. They are a team from the start to attain their own happy ever after ending. If you like adventure set in exotic locales and spiced with hot hot hot sex, this is the story for you.

On a scale of 1 to 5, A Stranger in the Family deserves a 4.5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Sinners' Opera by Linda Nightingale

          Vampire Morgan D’Arcy has everything except what he most desires…a woman he has loved since the day she was born…Isabeau.

And thus begins an adventure in love, betrayal and the lush setting of Charleston, South Carolina. Morgan has loved Isabeau for more years than most of us mortals can count. She, knowing him under a different pose of Gabriel, has adored Morgan since childhood.

Author Linda Nightingale has many talents, one of the stronger and more enviable ones is her ability to describe the setting. Each scene, each occurrence puts the reader “right there”--and in the mood. A second gift, and equally important, is the lush, vibrancy she puts into each sentence, each description.

Our review:

If you are a fan of romance and the South, as well as the paranormal, Sinners' Opera is the book for you. Out of 5 stars, Sinner's Opera earns a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

The Rancher Needs a Wife by Delsora Lowe

A big lug of a man lumbers into a “fancy lady's shop” with strict orders to buy a gift for his much-loved step-mother. A place filled with “naughty lingerie” is the absolute last place he wants to be and isn't afraid to show his thoughts. 

          Then he meets the proprietress of said shop and everything in his life takes a one-eighty turn.

Our Review: Just as in the first book of this fun series, author Lowe has utilized the tried and true, and always successful, premise of opposites do attract. We started smiling in the very first scene and never stopped throughout this delightful story.

Delsora Lowe learned two of the cardinal rules for writing romance, committed them to memory, then put them into action with this book: First: Make the hero and heroine meet within the first five pages and keep them together in the ensuing pages. Second: Make their goals, motivation and conflict realistic, compelling and seemingly unsolvable.

Again, Lowe has done it all, and brilliantly. Start a fire to offset these cool Fall days and sit down with this fun, easy read, enjoying terrific characters and an especially terrific setting. We can't wait for the next in this series.

On a scale of 1-5, The Rancher Needs a Wife deserves a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Spring Tides by Jill Allyson Keene

She doesn't want the fortune or the hot attorney who comes with it.

Beverly Winslow's life is exactly how she wants it . . . until the grandfather she never met dies and leaves her a three-hundred million dollar fortune. As far as she's concerned, the Winslows can take their money and shove it.

Attorney Finn Callahan considers his new client to be the most stubborn, infuriating woman he's ever met. Before he can answer the questions surrounding her, someone tries to kill her.

While Bev struggles to carve a place as CEO at her grandfather's conglomerate, she copes with charity balls, a testy board of directors, and snarky relatives. As romance heats—the target on her back grows.

Finn and Bev must figure out who wants them dead. . . before it's too late.

Our Review: Author Jill Allyson Keene has many gifts. The first is the ability to create diverse, interesting characters, ones that readers will recognize as people in their own lives. We've all known of a jealous, conniving in-law, and crusty, damn-the-torpedoes-full-speed-ahead Uncle Moe. With biting, laugh a minute humor, combined with the mine fields of tricky family relations, Jill Keene has created heart warming, fun story. Well done.

On a scale of 1 to 5, Spring Tides deserves a 6

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Nobody Else But You by Claire Marti

When a feisty horse breeder, still recovering from the high price demanded by the film industry, meets a too-hot-for-Hollywood stuntman, tempers flare and sparks fly hotter than a Santa Ana wind.

          Samantha McNeill wants nothing to do with any part of the Hollywood and all that comes along with it. She knows what fame can do to those she loves and will go to any lengths to protect them. Holt Ericson has his own reasons for needing what Samantha has to offer—and it has everything to do with keeping his family safe and comfortable. Both have to make concessions to reach their goals—and that's where the fun comes in.

Our Review: Once again, opposites do attract, sparks really do fly, and fans of contemporary romance are in for a treat with the first book of a series based in Southern California. Ms. Marti honed her craft well in her Laguna Beach series, then put those lessons into action with Nobody Else But You. First: she created a hero and heroine with compelling goals, realistic motivation and seemingly unsolvable conflict. Second: she made the setting as compelling as the humans and kept up the pace. One does not forget the constant threat of fires when it comes to the unpredictable Santa Ana winds.

This is a fun read with terrific characters and a gorgeous location. We can't wait for the next book in this series.

On a scale of 1-5, Nobody Else But You deserves a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

If Wishes Were Horses, a debut novel by Jayne York

          Artist turned advertising specialist Emily Converse returns to the place where she was raised to save her ill brother—and face down, once and for all, the demon who made their childhood a living hell: Senator Ray Domenico, her stepfather and likely her mother's killer. Almost immediately she meets Michael McCandlis. Sparks fly—in more ways than one.

Our Review:

For those who consider returning to the small town where they were raised with the same enthusiasm one faces root canals, but who also knows once it's over healing can finally take place, this is the story for you. For those who like hot sex thrown into the mix of retaliation and revenge, taking—this one is a huge bonus.

With biting wit, author York knows has created a whole cast of characters ranging from scream-a-minute drag queens to hold-your-breath-for heroes to a villain anyone would love to hate. In her first novel, Jayne York has hit a bases loaded home run.

On a scale of 1 to 5, If Wishes Were Horses, deserves a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

The Angel and the SEAL

     Navy SEAL Sean MacKay's teammate is murdered after stealing a deadly nerve-gas formula from Syrian terrorists. Naval Intelligence believes MacKay's teammate was a traitor and shipped the stolen formula to his sister in the states for safekeeping. MacKay is given orders to find the sister before the terrorists do and to retrieve the stolen formula at all costs.
     Foreclosure looms for Cory Rigatero as she fights to keep her rustic resort near Mt. St. Helens afloat after her brother deserted her to join the SEAL Teams. Cory's whole world dives into a tailspin when Sean MacKay shows up at her resort with the news of her brother's death and the wild suspicion her brother may have sent her traitorous classified documents. No way will Cory trust MacKay -- the man who once seduced her and then vanished into the night without a trace.

Our Review:

          We have ourselves a hero for the ages: tough because he had to be in order to survive a childhood riddled with abuse and neglect. He's handsome as sin—of course—and resourceful as all good SEALS need to be. Then there's the heroine whom we all want to head the list of Best Pals Forever: loyal, courageous and devoted to the family of her heart. And, last but not least, a small town with all the mandatory “joys”: bullies, bimbos, and bad guys.

          I picked up The Angel and the SEAL, thinking I'd read the first 100 pages before going to bed. Guess what? I could not put this one down. It's a must read for those into military men, gutsy women and the necessary terrorist, foreign and domestic.

On a scale of 1-5, The Angel and the SEAL deserves a 5.

No Angels For Christmas

          Child psychologist Rachel Kelly isn't quite sure how to handle the situation with her newest client -- a six-year-old boy who says he can talk to angels, one is coming to help Rachel. She already has her hands full of trouble this Christmas season, and things quickly take a turn for the worse when a stalker crashes Rachel's Christmas party and takes her young clients hostage.

          Police negotiator, Lt. Jake Dillon, walked away from his fiancée Rachel when she suddenly balked at having kids. His kids. Yet when the hostage crisis erupts, Rachel calls Jake first. Now he has a choice to make -- stand back and wait for the cavalry to save Rachel or step in and try to save her himself. Time is running out, and Jake may be their only chance for rescue.

          Unless Rachel's little angel-spying client is telling the truth…

Our Review:

This is a delightful story for any season of the year and quite timely in the content. A woman with a heart almost too big for all the ills this world presents her is forced to face a challenge on a personal level—one that has many answers, none of which is pleasant.

Kudos to author McCarty for doing her research, not only on the dread disease of Duchenne's MD but also child abuse—in all its ramifications, including abuser profiles and the effects on victims. Well done.

On a scale of 1 to 5, No Angels For Christmas deserves a 5+

No Cowboys No Angels

     Financial analyst Kellen Brand reluctantly returns to Riverside, West Virginia to sell the family homestead her late mother kept safe for her and her brother. Kellen harbors few good memories of Riverside—with good reason the reader learns as the story moves along—and a few new ones to add to her ambivalence. Someone wants the land and they'll go to any lengths to get it. Enter Luke Thornton for some added spice and a guardian angel to show Kellen even the bad things in the past can work for the good in the future.

Our Review:  

For those who liken the thought of returning to the small, petty-minded town where they were raised with the same enthusiasm of root canals, this is the story for you. Author McCarty knows how to tug at the heart strings, so bring a box of tissues before you crack the pages of No Cowboys, No Angels.

This contemporary romantic suspense set in picturesque West Virginia is filled with a gamut of quirky, well-drawn characters, each with their own unique voice. We've had the privilege to read and review other novels by Petie McCarty and were not disappointed with this one. In fact, we see a honing of her skills as well as an added finesse to her unique her writing style. Well done all around.

On a scale of 1 to 5, No Cowboys, No Angels deserves a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Love Proof by Luanna Stewart

Love Proof, a contemporary romance, by Luanna Stewart, part of the Deerbourne Inn series out of The Wild Rose Press

          Unemployed photojournalist Raynor Elliot stops at a bakery near the famous Deerbourne Inn. Not only does he get a lead on a job but the bakery’s owner is that awkward kid he knew in high school, only now she has fabulous curves and an irreverent sense of humor. The cozy bakery, with its aroma of sugar, vanilla and spice, has more to offer than tasty cookies.

          Fiona MacLeod has been plagued for years by the need to make amends for telling The Big Lie. When the lie’s victim strolls into her bakery with his icy blue stare and killer charm, she feels like she’s standing too close to a hot oven.

          Between running her bakery and frosting cupcakes for the Mad River Garden Party, she's pretty sure she's falling in love with this infuriating, sexy man. Can Fiona dredge up the courage to confess, face the consequences, and hope for forgiveness?

Our review: The person who never made The Mistake of the Century at age 17 should not read farther. We all did it; made a colossal goof, that is. We all know how poor choices have a nasty habit of haunting us into our adult years until . . . the day came when we had to make amends or suffer for the rest of eternity.

          Luanna Stewart leads us through the vagaries of re-found friendship, then love, between two most deserving people, Fiona and Ray. With the back drop of the charming Deerbourne Inn and the enchanting town of Willow Springs, we have a special, modern day love story. And this one is a beauty.

          On a scale of 1—5, Love Proof earns a 5+

Mystic Maples by Tena Stetler

          Magic abounds at the Deerbourne Inn when earth-fire witch Mercy Rose encounters half fae-half Rom Silvanus Forrest. She has a “hand” with flowers and other plants while he reigns over the land and his magic maple trees. 
          She's recovering from betrayal by a man whom she loved and trusted; he's looking for someone to accept him for what he is.

Our Review: The charming New England village of Willow Springs comes to life through the authors deft descriptions of its various celebrations as well as the infusion of Gypsy lore into the hero's past. Adding to the picture is a special appearance by Bertha, the Inn's resident ghost. Mystic Maples is a terrific addition to the Deerbourne Inn series out of the Wild Rose Press.

Stetler has done it again, making us all wish for a bit of magic in our lives.

On a scale of 1-5, Mystic Maples earns a 4.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

The Prince's Son by Delsora Lowe

          A first meet, royalty and the nanny romance between a self-exiled prince with a royal chip on his shoulders and the local rancher’s daughter who rails against any man who tries to tell her what to do. When she tries to tell the prince how to raise his son, tempers flare and sparks fly.

Our Review: As in the best of stories, opposites do attract and sparks really do fly. Ms. Lowe learned two of the cardinal rules for writing romance, then put them into action with in The Prince's Son. First: Make the hero and heroine meet within the first five pages and keep them together in the ensuing pages. Second: Make their goals, motivation and conflict realistic, compelling and seemingly unsolvable.

Lowe did it all, brilliantly, making this a fun read with terrific characters.

On a scale of 1-5, The Prince's Son deserves a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Two Heroes on a Mission

A Soldier's Honor, a contemporary romantic suspense by debut author Evelyn Timidaiski, released by The Wild Rose Press on April 4, 2019.

Two strong-willed people, each with their own mission to accomplish no matter the personal consequences, slam head on in the dank, humid jungle of Honduras, while fighting rebel soldiers—and each other—at every turn.

In her debut novel, Evelyn Timidaiski has accomplished something many dream of but few accomplish. She has created a rich setting, complete with the usual “accoutrements” associated with jungle living, layered characters—including the warts—and put them together in a fun story that hits the ground running on page one and lasts at the no surprises ending but one richly deserved on all sides.

Brandon Falcon is a hero by anyone's definition while Dr. Mira Phelps—no faint-hearted pushover—will leave no leaf or exotic plant unturned in order to find the Blue Orchid and its miraculous healing properties. When these two meet on a rescue mission it is a knock-down, drag out brawl from beginning to end. We can't wait for the sequel.

On a scale of 1 to 5, A Soldier's Honor earns a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Love In Season, a romantic anthology by Pamela S. Thibodeaux

Love In Season, a collection of novella length romances written by Pamela S. Thibodeaux and published by Pelican Book Group. Eight romances of varying lengths revolving around love and family, love lost and found, love refurbished.

          From Winter Madness, about a woman who has survived the death of a spouse and child and maintained her faith, to Choices about a country music star and a best-selling novelist and songwriter who pursued their dreams in different ways.

          In Cathy’s Angel, a self-employed computer geek runs into, literally, a single mother and learns up close and personal the challenges of raising four kids all alone. Perhaps the one that rang most true for us on a personal level is The Big Catch—about a woman who steps out of her comfort zone for the simple joy of spending time with the new man in her life.

          Our favorite is A Hero for Jessica: One look at Anthony Paul Seville and Jessica Aucoin knows he is the champion she needs—for more reasons than one. And this guy does not disappoint. In His Sight, about a woman on the run and a man with a gift, ends this anthology in the Christmas season with a gift for any reader.

On a scale of 1-5, Love In Season earns 6 stars

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lyrical Embrace, Deerbourne Inn series

    Out of work violinist Erica Timberly decides enough is enough. She leaves her abusive boyfriend and flees the big city, but then her car breaks own in the  middle of the night. Tough wary of men, she accepts help from Dylan Haynes a stranger driving by on the road and soon recognizes him as the sexy former drummer of her favorite indie rock band. Maybe, just maybe, her run of bad luck is finally turning around.

     Music teacher Dylan Haynes knows Erica is in trouble, and her black eye is only the first clue. The stubborn yet vulnerable woman needs a friend, but he's determined to give her everything she deserves.
     Will Erica listen to the musci in her heart and trust Dylan, or will her past always threaten her future? 

     Our Review:     

     We've followed Ms. Daulton's career over the past few years from her earlier time travel romances to Arresting Mason and now Lyrical Embrace. We are pleased to see a smooth evolution from choppy plots to a smooth flowing story line. Dylan Haynes is a true hero: loyal to family and friends, a valued contributor to the welfare of his community, all the while searching for that perfect someone who will complete his life. To him, Violinist Erica Timberly is that woman. Their struggles from initial mis-understandings and mis-reading situations to full blown relationship is a fast ride. 

     One of the nice undercurrents of this story is the infusion of musical elements with the student percussion and string players. As well, the progression of violence is cleverly presented, slowly increasing by increments and building to a satisfying black moment.

Nice job, Ms. Daulton.

On a scale of 1 to 5, Lyrical Embrace earns a 3.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

The Echo Holders by Lance Hawvermale

The Echo Holders, a contemporary romantic suspense, by Lance Hawvermale, released January 2019 by The Wild Rose Press.

Set deep in the forests of Colorado, anthropologist Emily Radsco searches for runes she believes were carved into the bases of trees by ancient peoples. Her goal: save the runes, save the trees. There's only one problem: the same trees are due to be cut down and soon by a local logging operation. It is a race against time . . . and an enigmatic force of nature, logger Mason Hitapwa. Eloquent, charming, wise in the ancient lore of his native people, Mason adds a definite flair to this fast paced novel.

It will keep you on the edge of your seat as these two lovers race to save symbols and the source behind them. With laugh out loud moments infused with sensual romance, we're very glad we didn't miss this one.

On a scale of 1 to 5, The Echo Holders earns a 6

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

His Magic Touch by Debby Grahl

. . . . The night before Jared Dupre's wedding , a specter warns him the demonic with, Adam Montief, has kidnapped his brother in a centuries-old vendetta unknown to Jared. A powerful witch himself, Jared tracks Adam from New Orleans to a remote island off the coast of Connecticut where he's given no choice. He must rescue his brother and break his engagement to Kendra O'Connell, or they both will die.

. . . . After complying, Jared engages in a sword fight and believes he has vanquished his foe, but when he returns to New Orleans, he finds evil still threatens all he loves. Kendra, not knowing why Jared broke their engagement, devastated, finds solace in another's arms.

. . . . With help from an ancestor's spirit, can Jared defeat the dark magic descending over the Big Easy while winning back the woman he loves?

Our Review:

     This contemporary fantasy set in and around the city of New Orleans is filled with witches and other unworldly things. There are several strong points to this story: the dialogue is crisp and natural among all the characters; a most intriguing setting and best of all--a cast of well-drawn characters:

          * Jared Dupre, a man among men, who doesn't hesitate to rescue his idiot brother. Again. Despite what the woman he is about to marry feels.

          * Kendra O'Connell, also a witch, with a crew of gal pals who aren't only there for comic relief, is a woman with a brain. Any man would be advised to be wary of her temper.

          * Adam Montief, a demon witch who just doesn't know when to quit and go home.

The best part of all is when Kendra and Jared work together--none of this hero saving the damsel in distress type of ending, thank you very much--to fight their battle as a team in order to attain their own happy ever after.

On a scale of 1 to 5, His Magic Touch deserves a 4.5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews