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

Monday, February 11, 2019

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