Gone Astray by Terry Korth Fischer

           A heart attack sends detective Rory Naysmith reeling. Too young to retire, he accepts a position in small-town Winterset, Nebraska. Handed an unsolved truck hijacking, With the assistance of a rookie, Rory sets out to prove he is still able to go toe-to-toe with younger men. When the body of a Vietnam veteran turns up, he dons his fedora and spit-shines his shoes. But before he can solve the murder, an older woman disappears, followed closely by a second hijacking. He doggedly works the cases, following a thread that ties the two cases together. But can Rory find the mental and physical strength to up his game to bring the criminals to justice before disaster strikes and he loses his job?

Gone Astray, a contemporary cozy mystery written by Terry Korth Fischer is a February 2021 release out of the Wild Rose Press.

Our Review: Rarely do we find a hero like Rory Naysmith, a man who uses his brain before resorting to brawn. His dry humor and wry comebacks are an absolute hoot. Author Fischer has created a team to support Rory in his efforts to solve crime in rural Nebraska. Each is well-drawn, special in their own right and great fun to read.

On a scale of 1-5 Gone Astray deserves a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

Return of the Raven by Judith Sterling

 … A woman desperate to outlive a curse. A man anxious to help. As they forge a bond, they reshape the past as well as the future...

          In January 2020, we read Night of the Owl, for us the first of Judith Sterling's time traveling historical romances. There we met Ardyth Nightshade, a woman with a brain, imagination and courage. Fast forward to February 2021 as we met her parents [Margaret, Lady Ravenwood, and Griffen Nightshade], we knew immediately where Ardyth got her spunk.

In Return of the Raven, Margaret is functioning under the ages old Ravenwood Curse: unless a child is conceived in love, the mother will die in childbirth. Sadly, she is saddled with a brute of a husband who not only loathes her but is after her holdings. Not exactly what we’d call a loving union. Enter, by accidental discovery of Woden’s Stairs on his newly inherited Elizabethan manor, Griffen Nightshade, concert pianist and newly conferred PhD in medieval studies. The attraction is immediate and intense. Their actions to break the curse—and save their love and the lives of future children—is inventive and action-packed.

We have often said, writing historical fiction of any sub-genre is not for the wilting lilies of the world. Author Sterling entertained us with her intensive research into herbs and medicinals of the day as well as her delicious sense of humor. Imagine an 11^th century woman viewing a telephone, then an automobile, followed by the workings of an electric light switch. A complete and utter hoot.

          On a scale of 1-5, Return of the Raven, bk 5 of the Novels of Ravenwood, earns a 6

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Home in Wylder

           Home in Wylder, written by Jane Lewis is a recent release for the Wylder West series out of the Wild Rose Press.

To escape gossip about her disastrous engagement, Sarah Miller flees to Wylder, Wyoming where her aunt owns a dress shop. But the danger she discovers in the wild west has her ready to board the next stagecoach out of town.

Daniel Taylor rescues a damsel in distress only to fall in love with her at first sight. The past has taught him that gentle women don't make Wylder their home. He intends to court Sarah, but braces himself for a broken heart, knowing she will eventually leave town.

When Sarah is forced to face down the men who have tormented her since her arrival in Wylder, she will have to make the most difficult decision of her life.

Our Review: There are many good qualities to this story. Perhaps one of the strongest is the author’s ability to create a colorful setting, paying particular attention to the details surrounding the “old west”, then populating it with multi-layered, compelling characters—each one different from the next and equally enchanting. Well done, Ms. Lewis.

On a scale of 1-5, Home in Wylder deserves a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews. 

 

Rocked by Love

      “…Tell Mr. Santiago I don’t like being summoned…”

 Rocked by Love, Book 2, The Love and Chaos series, written by M.J. Schiller, and released by Kissmer Publishing, late 2020.

      The life-road of a rock star never runs smooth, a lesson rock guitarist Raphael Santiago learns the hard way after coming face to face with proud, self-confident reporter Mia Love. And like the first stages of any relationship, be it personal or professional, one must tread carefully or those hidden land mines—and there’s always a few hanging around—will explode in one’s face.

      At first glance, Mia Love might look and act self-confident—just as Rafe Santiago wears the persona of a hard-living, hard-loving rock star as if he was born to it. Both learn quickly, and often painfully, the familiar axiom about what happens when one assumes anything.

      Following on the heels of Rocked by Grace, Book 1 in M.J. Schiller’s Love and Chaos series, Rocked by Love teaches two lovers the power and hazards of mixing instant attraction with quick tempers, the dangers of buying into first impressions and assumptions. No two people deserve love and acceptance more than Rafe and Mia—it just takes them a while to figure all that out. And what a ride author Schiller takes her readers on.

            On a scale of 1-5, Rocked by Love deserves a 6.

          Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Clockwork Gypsy

 . . . Join magician-illusionist Leopold Kazsmer as he searches the dangerous streets of late nineteenth century London on a quest to rescue his long-missing father while redeeming misdeeds of his youth in Clockwork Gypsy, Book 2 of the Enchanter Chronicles, written by Jeri Westerman, a September 2020 release out of  Dagua Press.

      For fans of steampunk with a twist, this is the book for you. Magician—illusionist Leo enjoys the respect and loyalty of a host of human and not-quite-human pals who are there to help, no matter the nature of his quest. The reader is reintroduced to characters from Book 1 of this energetic series: two Scotland Yard inspectors, one an Asian woman, the other a spirit with a whippy sense of humor. Add a few more varied species to the mix in the form of goblins and fairies, demons and trolls in this fast moving, page turner of an adventure. The fun never ends with this one.

 

On a scale of 1-5, Clockwork Gypsy deserves a 5.  

        Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Spirit in Time

 Time is not on her side

Spirit in Time: Book 3 in the Spirited Quest series, a February 2021 release out of the Wild Rose Press, written by Julie Howard as part of the Fantasy Rose line.

 Time travel isn’t real. It can’t be real. But ghost-blogger Jillian Winchester discovers otherwise when an enigmatic spirit conveys her to 1872 to do his bidding. Jillian finds herself employed as a maid in Sacramento, in an elegant mansion with a famous painting.

The artwork reveals another mystery: Why does the man within look exactly like her boyfriend, Mason Chandler? Morality and sin live side by side, not only in the picture, but also within her. As her transgressions escalate, she races the clock to find the man in the painting, and hunt down a spirit with a disconcerting gift.

 Our Review:  Once again, Julie Howard takes the reader on a wild ride with protagonist Jillian Winchester as she hunts out spirits in need, helping them in their quest for resolution or closure—whatever their needs might be. This time we travel back in time to Sacramento.  One of Howard’s gifts—or talents if you will—is her attention to historic detail whether it be architecture and background of the city of Sacramento, the mores and customs of late nineteenth century, or the plight of immigrant Asian populations. A delightful read and even more, a terrific addition to this most original series.

 On a scale of 1-5, Spirit in Time deserves a 6.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews.

 

The Warrior's Progeny

 If love dies, can it be reborn…only stronger?

The Warrior’s Progeny, Book 2 of the Heaven & Earth series, written by Jeny Heckman and was released in July 2020 by the Wild Rose Press.

 Overview:

Colton Stone is a newly traded tight end whose reputation is as battered as his football helmet. When he receives a vacation invitation from his new teammates, he accepts. There he collides with Dr. Lillian Morgan, a pediatric cardiovascular surgeon, and doesn't know what to think.

 A widow with two children, Lilly is looking forward to her friends' wedding. When she meets Colton Stone, his arrogant attitude only makes her long for the love she took for granted. Lilly struggles between letting go of her perfect past for an uncertain future.

Strange events occur, out of the realm of normal consciousness. When black energy touches their world Colt and Lilly become the pawns of the immortal Greek gods. Is the love developing between them natural, or part of a larger prophecy?

Our Review:

          As with  the first book in the Heaven & Earth series, The Warrior’s Progeny is a remarkable undertaking, notable for the author’s depth of research into the variety of complicated sub-plots included in this story. In particular, two difficult topics: toxic family systems and chronic traumatic encephalopathy or CTE are handled with subtlety and grace. Credit should be given both to the author and her editor.

We would be remiss if we failed to mention a crucial scene which, in our opinion, made this book worthwhile. Given the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, the conversation between Colt and Lilly’s young children turned into something trite and maudlin. Instead, as told in a child’s view of life and death, it is filled with joy and humor, and opens the eyes on the jaded professional male athlete. Talk about being tossed into the deep end of the pool without a life vest.  

On a scale of 1-5, The Warrior’s Progeny deserves a 4.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Authors

 

Heart of Ash

           In the skies over France during the Great War, the life expectancy of a pilot in the Royal Flying Corps is measured in days. Captain Elliot "Ash" Bainbridge is certain he'll be the next pilot sent spinning to earth in a ball of fire. Not because the Germans will shoot him down, but because God will punish him for daring to love another man.

When Ash met Lieutenant Harry March, their attraction was instant. But Harry hates Ash's fatalistic attitude. He believes in capturing the moment. Can Ash set aside his fear of death and take a chance on love? Or should he try to keep his heart safe from hurt forever?

Heart of Ash, written by Kathy Otten is a January 2021 release for the Vintage Rose line out of the Wild Rose Press.

 Our Review:  one of the most powerful stories detailing the many facets of early attraction leading to love we’ve had the pleasure to read. It does not matter who the characters are for the heart does not dictate who to love but when.

 On a scale of 1-5, Heart of Ash deserves a 6.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

God Chosen by T.S. Snow

Trygare kan Ingan: destined to be father of kings

     T.S. Snow’s latest fantasy/family saga, God Chosen, is a tale filled with adventure, populated by monsters of all species, and spiced with unending loyalty.

On the day young Trygare kan Ingan leaves his parents and the small village of Glynkillen, he takes three things: a sword called the Deathbringer, an amulet, and a horse named Mistian. From there, with the gifts faithfully serving, and as directed by the over-seeing, all-knowing gods and goddesses, he makes his way his way in the world. Throughout the rest of his life Trygare learns many lessons, the strongest of which is family.

            As with her previous Star Smuggler series, author Snow shows her enviable skills for world building which she populates with diverse, multi-layered characters. And what a job she’s done with this new series. Well done!  

 On a scale of 1-5, God Chosen deserves a 5.

      Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews