Trip the Light Phantasmic by Judith Sterling

 Trip the Light Phantasmic, Book One in the Gothic Gwyn Mysteries by Judith Sterling.

 About The Book: After inheriting the home of her beloved Aunt Ethel, shy and bookish Gwyneth must decide which road she’ll take next: obtain that PhD in linguistics or explore her dreams as urged by Ethel who herself ignored the trends and mores of her day and—as we said back in the day—sang her own kind of music. In the course of reading one of her aunt’s favorite gothic novels, Gwyn wakens to find herself in the body of another woman, on the doorstep of Thornehaven, a Gothic Revival mansion overlooking the Hudson River. Within hours of her arrival she is knee-deep in a mystery filled with missing persons, family angsts, famous authors and a cast of strange but intriguing characters.

Our Review: Judith Sterling has brought an enviable talent for in-depth research for her medieval historical novels, bringing it forward to celebrate the swinging 60’s—and what a trip to the ‘good old days’ it is. The music of the time, the mode of dress—right down to hair rollers, wool plaid skirts and high heels—and social mores of the time took us back to the days of our youth and…brought both smiles and more than a few cringes.

This is a beauty of a story and we can’t wait for the next of Gwyn’s adventures into the light phantasmic.

 On a scale of 1-5, Trip the Light Phantasmic deserves a 7.

      Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

The Cowboy Duke

About The Book: Love comes to cowboy Charlie Farrow late in life and in the form of a beautiful, shapely English aristocrat, Lady Dorothy Applewhite. After Fate hands the Duchess of Langdon a hard spin at the wheel, the rest comes with the speed of a runaway train.

There are only 24 dukedoms in the United Kingdom, so Dorothy is high on the nobility scale. Every ranch hand thinks she’s beautiful, but her visit to the modern West doesn’t go well—until Charlie steps in. The rest is, as they say, left to Fate.

Our Review: author Nightingale’s talents are legion. In the case of The Cowboy Duke, her ability to create dialogue peculiar to the particular character is unique, eclectic, and outrageously fun to read.

On a scale of 1-5, The Cowboy Duke merits a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

  

Snowfire by Charlotte O'Shay

A hero sure to break your heart

 About The Book: Ballerina Natalya Nieves sacrificed everything, including a social life, to succeed in the high stress world of dance. But when she meets ex-con Luca Fiero, her focus strays to a man who could fulfill her every wish.

          The magic of Christmas doesn’t care if straight arrow Natalya and fallen angel Luca are not the wisest of matches. But with the aromas of holiday baking sweetening the deal, these two cookie-crossed lovers fight for a future neither believes they deserve?

 Our Review: The author’s evocative descriptions put the reader smack in the middle of the sidewalks on 9^th Avenue in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen during the holiday madness unique to the Big Apple. The first meeting of the two mis-matched pair is delightful and delicious. Following that comes the angst and insecurities everyone ever caught up in the throes of first love will recognize and cherish. Then smile. We didn’t want this delightful story to end.  

On a scale of 1-5, Snowfire, deserves an 8.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

  

Path of the Wolf by Tony-Paul de Vissage

 About The Book: In 1499 France, Isabeau de Montaigne, abused and neglected wife of artist Francois de Montaigne is ordered to provide the care and feeding of her husband’s latest “model”. At first, he appears to be a beast of the forest, but in time, Isabeau discovers Giovanni, Gio, is an adult, sadly abused and neglected by others since the moment of his birth.

Spending their days together brings the two closer and a strong passionate devotion develops—until tragedy strikes and the love between a woman and a loup-garou is tested to the ultimate.

Our Review: Path of the Wolf is more than a love story, it is a life lesson to look below the surface to uncover the real person beneath—then nurture and care. Entranced from page one, this is a story for the ages. Author de Vissage shows his talent for describing emotion as well as developing characters. Well done.  

On a scale of 1-5, Path of the Wolf deserves a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Holiday Hitchhiker

 Two strangers, one snow-worthy vehicle, and a cozy cabin in a blizzard

About the Book:

Cole Peters is ready to escape the bustle of the wildlife management symposium and the overpopulated conference complex in Reno, and get back to his solitary, mountain cabin in the state park. What he didn’t plan was a road trip with a stranger, clad in the most unnatural, fluorescent colors, who hops into his truck. With a blizzard approaching, how can he say no to a “hijacker” in tears?

Addy Adams had a rough night. Fired, no place to escape to, and a missing car service, how can she get to her parents for Christmas before the blizzard shuts down the roads? Now stranded on a highway, in a white out, with an accident up ahead, did she trust the right man?

Can two strangers find friendship and more, while stuck in a log cabin with a sweet and welcoming couple and their two kids who are super excited about the arrival of Santa? And will Cole and Addy make their way to their respective homes in time for Christmas? Or will they realize they were meant to celebrate together during the magical season?

Our Review: Once again, author Delsora Lowe offers her readers a sweet, contemporary romance featuring two compelling characters who wish to escape the expectations of family and live the life they want, the one they deserve. And once again, by hook and by crook, Lowe proves home is where the heart is, always was, and always will be.

On a scale of 1-5, Holiday Hitchhiker earns a 4.5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Captive Demon

 Discover a city of demons in Captive Demon, Book 1 from A Dark God Ascends, by Tony-Paul de Vissage

 About The Book: All grad student Tucker Upchurch wants is to earn summer credits on an archaeological dig in Central America so he can graduate, then marry his fiancée. The discovery of a thriving city in the jungle is only icing on the cake.

Millennia ago, after a volcano erupted in the Yucatan, the explosion tossed a group of demons out of Hell and into the Mayan city of Nikte-Uaxac. For five thousand years, the misplaced Dark Lords have ruled the city. Now, one of them is thrust into the 21^st century—against his will.

Semris II wants to escape the monotony of his life and the burdens it brings in his role as Dark Lord of Nikte-Uaxac. Being kidnapped was not in his plan, nor is being stranded far from home at the mercy of a publicity-hungry archaeologist.

A grad student and a demon king. When these two meet, their worlds—separated by thousands of years, culture and custom—will change forever.

Our Review: It’s always a pleasure to read anything created by Tony-Paul de Vissage because we know we’re in for the treat of learning about new worlds and their peoples, their cultures and practices. With Captive Demon the reader is immersed into the world of the ancient Mayans, their customs and beliefs. And when this group of well-drawn, multi-layered characters are abruptly pitched into the modern world, the potential for chaos is enormous.

 On a scale of 1-5, Captive Demon deserves a 6.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Heartsong Hills by Wendy Rich Stetson

 Sometimes to follow your heart, you have to break the rules.

 About The Book: Amish girls don’t dance. Dancing is against the rules and Nora Beiler always follows the rules…until a runaway logging truck shatters her world forever. Desperate to heal from injuries incurred by the accident, she enrolls in a fitness class at a local senior center, never dreaming it might involve tap dancing…or just how much she would come to love to dance.

          Exiled from Nashville, country music star Tucker McClure has no one to blame but himself. Weekly gigs at the local farmers’ market keep the demons at bay. The last thing he expects to find himself is in an old folks fitness class…and dancing with a girl who makes him question everything he thought he wanted.

          Can love bridge the gaps between broken hearts and disparate worlds?

 Our Review: It comes as a joy to relive Wendy Rich Stetson’s rich and evocative phrasing such as what is found in Heartsong Hills, book 2 in her Hearts of the Ridge series, and recent release by the Wild Rose Press. Set in rural Pennsylvania, this sweetly honest love story follows members of the Plain folk who celebrate strong traditions and faith without question in the Ordnung of Amish rules. But what happens when in order to heal and recover, one must consider going outside the rules? Then, after finding healing from world shattering loss, what would one give up to find everlasting love?

 On a scale of 1-5, Heartsong Hills deserves a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

If You Believe in Love

About the Book:

A blizzard … Krista Rhodes has seen a few in her lifetime.

Snowed in for days … once, when she was a kid.

Trapped in a house with Dr. Dreamboat … never saw that one coming. Not only cute, he’s also funny and kind and strong and how can she resist?

Eric Monroe has it all mapped out – drive cross-country to a new job with a brief stop to celebrate a buddy’s engagement. A giant detour with a beautiful, witty, no-nonsense woman makes the journey more fun than he ever thought possible. And bonus – he’s moving to her town.

Except she’s got something she has to do. Maybe. And he can’t ask her to change her plans. Can he? 

 Our Review: A refreshingly sweet, straightforward contemporary romance, with no hidden agendas. This is a story of two people coming together to help a friend celebrate an upcoming wedding but a sudden high-country blizzard traps them in an old, elegant inn. For days. Each discovers something new—about themselves and keeps the reader guessing until the very last page.

On a scale of 1-5, If You Believe in Love merits a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews 

Celtic Nollaig Moon

 

About the Book: Devon MacDougall never expected to find himself in the midst of an assassination attempt on the king. Surrounded by enemies and not knowing who to trust, he vows to find the would-be assassin before a second attempt is made. But when the lovely daughter of the MacCollum laird becomes involved, he's torn between protecting her and finding the culprit.

 

Our Review: Long standing traditions, compounded by family loyalties flavor this story of a man more in tune to the land than ‘soldiering’. In his heart, Devon is a man of the land and is secretly looking for a woman with a penchant for the same. Keeping Brigid safe and under his care becomes a balancing act as treachery abounds and few men can be trusted.

 

Based on a scale of 1-5, Celtic Nollaig Moon merits a 4.5

 

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

A Gift From the Sea

 About the Book:  A shipwrecked son of a clan chieftain, Monroe hides his full identity from the young lass who saves him from the waves, and her brothers. An attack by seafaring warriors puts all their lives in danger and the resulting deaths place a shadow over the upcoming Christmas Festivities. Leading Gwyn and her family toward his home far from the coast of Scotland’s North Sea could be a mistake yet be the only way to keep them all alive.

Our Review:  this rollicking adventure features poor as a church mouse Gwynn who, while out foraging for firewood to keep the home fires burning—literally if not figuratively—she encounters a shipwreck. With the dead strewn over the beach, she does not run from the blood and gore, but discovers one of the men is still alive—and sets out to save him—if not from other raiders, then her ne’er do well siblings. Gwynn is clever, intrepid and brave beyond her years. Monroe, destined to become laird of his clan—should he make it back home alive and in one piece—protects Gwynn and her family when raiders descend. This plunges all into a race for survival, as well as a forever love.

Based on a scale of 1-5, A Gift From the Sea merits a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Authors

Christmas Reunion by Sue Ward Drake

 About the Book: City girl and dedicated Christmas-aholic, Rebecca MacDonald returns to Angels Glen to operate her family’s inn over the Christmas holidays. She needs to do something right after a costly mistake and plans to create the perfect holiday for visiting VIP guests. The last person she wants to meet is Alec Stewart, her gorgeous, childhood nemesis.

Alec, retired dot-com millionaire and local Scrooge, loves his quiet life as a fishing guide in his small hometown. He’s always had a crush on Becca, his best friend’s baby sister, so when he’s asked to  keep her safe while she’s in town, he knows he’s heading for trouble.

As they work together to get the inn decorated, can they admit the real magic of the season is love… and lock their own in time for the town’s caroling on Christmas Eve?

 Our Review: with snappy dialogue and inventive, energetic characters, this fun story of enemies to lovers story is perfect for that snowy afternoon, curled up in front of a fire, enjoying your favorite adult beverage. The only thing we’d wish for would be that it was longer.

 On a scale of 1-5, Christmas Reunion earns a 4.5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

Rogue the Durum by Steven J. Kolbe

 If social media teaches anything, it’s that everyone lies.

 About the Book:  On a cold spring night in a quiet suburb on the banks of the Chicago River, the vice president of an international social network, is found stabbed to death. That same night, the Finnish heiress to the latest social media craze disappears from an all-night masquerade party on Lake Michigan. How are these incidents connected—and what did the dead man mean when he warned a group of South Pacific islanders plan to “rogue the durum”?

Aided by rookie detective, Lucia Vargas, and Fr. Remy Mbombo, a local priest with a history he’s desperate to keep under wraps, FBI agent Ezra James takes on the case. He must work fast to uncover the secrets before more people die. And if “rogue the durum” means what the experts fear, then the social network moguls behind it are capable of anything.

 Our Review: Once again, author Kolbe delivers a real whodunit for the intrepid Agent James to solve all the while supported by a cast of complex characters who literally jump off the page. The ending is one to savor, hinting the best is yet to come.

 On a scale of 1-5, Rogue the Durum deserves a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

His Christmas Angel by Aurrora St. James

 About the Book: Reclusive Laird Dougal de Giffard knows that no woman will have him. Thanks to his infamous father, rumors of black magic have overshadowed his life until even strong men avoid him. When he’s ambushed and left for dead just days before Christmas, he’s rescued by his neighbor's feisty daughter. Slaine de Morham might be enticing, and raising every one of his protective instincts, but he intends to keep her at a distance. That is, until she’s threatened. Suddenly, Dougal finds himself with an unexpected wife, new enemies, and an assassin drawing near. The more time he spends with Slaine, the more he wants to protect her, and love her. But it’s going to take a Christmas miracle to keep her. Who could ever love the devil of Goblin Hall?

Our Review: With compelling goals, motivation and conflict, His Christmas Angel is a story of love and devotion two scarred souls have for each other, as well as those they stand for. This is a powerful read from the first page, one you won’t be able to put down.

On a scale of 1-5, His Christmas Angel deserves a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

Keep the Yule Fire Burning by Allison Butler

 Keep the Yule Fire Burning by Allison Butler

About the Book: Finley Blalock has always loved Mor Forester. But when her brother Liam confronts him, he can’t reveal the truth. After losing his mother, he refuses to ever tell someone he loves them. When Liam’s quest to find a husband for Mor pushes Fin to breaking point, a fight ensues. As punishment, they are challenged to keep the Yule fire burning for twelve days. If they fail, the tension between them will be dealt with using swords instead of fists. With his love for Mor and friendship with Liam at risk, Fin will need Yuletide wishes and the magic of mistletoe to find the courage to tell the woman he loves how much she means to him before he loses her – and his best friend – forever.

Our Review: This delightful story offers readers a detailed picture of customs surrounding the Yule season—and more. Keep the Yule Fire Burning is a story of family, and filled with honor, devotion, respect, love. And we are better for it.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Keep the Yule Fire Burning deserves a 4.5

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven by Jennifer Ivy Walker

 Mirror, mirror, on the lake.  Reveal the path the queen will take.

 About the Book: In this dark fairy tale adaptation of a medieval French legend, Issylte must flee the wicked queen, finding shelter with a fairy witch who teaches her the verdant magic of the forest. Fate leads her to the otherworldly realm of the Lady of the Lake and the Elves of Avalon, where she must choose between her life as a healer or fight to save her ravaged kingdom.

Tristan of Lyonesse is a Knight of the Round Table who must overcome the horrors of his past and defend his king or lose everything. When he becomes a warrior of the Tribe of Dana, a gift of Druidic magic might hold the key he seeks.

 Our Review: lush descriptions and details of the rigors of medieval life abound in this adaptation on an old French tale of love and betrayal and resolution. The author clearly knows the characters and the setting very well—and it shows on every page.

 On a scale of 1-5, The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven deserves a 4.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

Victoria & Violet by Rachel Brimble

  It should be a dream come true to serve the Queen of England…

About the Book: When Violet Parker is told she will be Queen Victoria’s personal housemaid, she cannot believe her good fortune. She finally has the chance to escape her overbearing mother, a servant to the Duchess of Kent. Violet hopes to explore who she is and what the world has to offer without her mother’s schemes overshadowing her every thought and action.

Then she meets James Greene, assistant to the queen’s chief political adviser, Lord Melbourne. From entirely different backgrounds and social class, Violet and James should have neither need nor desire to speak to one another, yet through their service, their paths cross and their lives merge—as do their feelings.

Victoria’s court is not always the place for romance, but rather secrets, scandals, and conspiracies…

Our Review: Rachel Brimble is known for her lush descriptions of both setting and characters right down to their innermost hopes, dreams and plans. In Victoria & Violet the author brings all of that and more for the reader, this time adding an in-depth portrayal of fears and hesitancies carried by adult survivors of abuse and neglect. Well done!

 On a scale of 1-5, Victoria & Violet deserves a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

The Inn on Gooseneck Lane by Delsora Lowe

 About the Book:  Nat Thomas calls Mistletoe Falls, Vermont home where summers were magical, her aunt became the parent she needed, and high school love bloomed. Sixteen years later, that love lost, Nat returns home for a much-needed break. She’s recruited to revitalize her aunt’s picturesque inn. Will the boy who broke her heart be the man who rallies to save her home and capture her heart…for good?

Brad Matthews returns home to buy Green Mountain Sports, after years as an outdoor adventure guide. He’s thrown into partnering an event to revive the town’s inn and boost his business. Can he work with the woman who demolished his heart and ran with no explanation?

In a small town where everyone knows your business and interfering relatives revive snicker-doodling, the lost art of matchmaking, Nat and Brad may not stand a chance. Can the two find enough heart to forgive and accept love again?

 Our Review: Family. The emotions, responsibilities and strings that accompany that one single word can often turn into a time bomb looking for a place to go off. No one describes the emotions linked to ‘family’ better than Delsora Lowe. BTW—the first ‘planning’ meeting between Nat and Brad is a pip. Watch the steam rise off the page.

Based on a scale of 1-5, The Inn on Gooseneck Lane deserves a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Authors

Shattered Promises by Linda Trout

 About the Book: 

While investigating a plane crash in rural Arkansas, FBI Agent Wade Malone is stunned to find the only woman he ever loved living close by. As a hardened criminal closes in, putting Miranda in the crosshairs, he’s conflicted on how to protect her, yet keep his well-guarded emotions from resurfacing.

Miranda Johnson loves the life she has carved out as an artist, but she never expected to see her former lover again. Can they reconnect and move past the hurts each inflicted on the other, or will the secret she has kept from him all these years cost them everything?

 Our Review: Author Trout again proves her unique talent for describing small town life, right down to dialogue unique to the rural Ozarks. Additionally, this follow-up to the first book in her Rock Ledge series, showcases her ability to bring suspense and intense emotion to the reader. This is a true page turner.

 On a scale of 1-5, Shattered Promises deserves a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Buried Hearts, book 4, Laurel Ridge novella series

 After an archeologist, who reads the dead from what they leave behind, meets a psychic balloonist talks to the dead, the attraction is instant and intense. But can two vastly different people meet in the middle, shed their walled-up exteriors, and expose hidden longings and buried hearts?

About the Book:  When archeologist Clint Anderson meets balloonist Gabby King, he is immediately smitten. Unexpected emotions flare when the straight-laced, hyper-organized academic finds her footloose, fancy-free lifestyle interesting.

          By circumstance, Gabby becomes involved with Clint’s current restoration project—a VW beetle that's been underwater for a decade and was recently fished out of a local lake. After she finds an expensive bracelet hidden under the floor mat, they uncover another part of a mystery and leads to even more questions.

As they get better acquainted, their emotional walls crumble and their buried hearts are exposed. Can two eccentrics handle a discovery of unexpected love and allow those walls to finally fall?

 Our Review: No one who’s read the earlier Laurel Ridge novellas would pass up a chance to spend time with the folks inhabiting the small mountain town of Laurel Ridge. And along the way, discovering new clues to the mystery behind the classic VW bug that was hauled out of the local lake just a few days ago, just adds frosting to the delicious cake. Walls start coming down for the two seriously different Clint and Gabby, right up there with the others who came before, in the delightful Laurel Ridge series. Well written with snappy, realistic dialogue, the times may change but honest emotions stay the same. No one writes emotions better than Diana Stout.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Buried Hearts deserves a 6.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder

 Her ex-stepmother may be a piece of work…but is she a killer?

 About The Book: Miami travel agent Andi Anna Jones loved her father with all her heart, her stepmother…not so much. With few skills for drawing the line when it comes to the flamboyant wingnut Ruby Jones, Andi rushes to the rescue after Ruby is charged with homicide while on a Mexican cruise. Enter a cast of characters including, but not limited to, three besties who’d just as soon stick a knife in your back as blink, a rambling gambling fast-talking man who disguises himself as an attorney, and the hunkiest of cops this side of Cancun. It’s up to Andi Anna to save the day,  keep the looney tunes stepmother out of prison, and not get herself killed in the process.

 Our Review: In Margaritas, Mayhem and Murder, author Mary Cunningham has created the first in an adventure series featuring ace Miami travel agent, Andi Anna Jones. Unable to pay attention to the common sense button inside her head or the warnings of those in the know, she barges ahead in an effort to solve the murder, keep the unworthy stepmother out of jail, and often puts herself and others at risk for serious physical injury. For all that, I should not have liked this book—yet it’s filled with snappy dialogue, a variety of well-drawn whacko characters, and terrific descriptions of the cruise ship industry and tourist havens of Las Vegas and the Mexican Caribbean.

 On a scale of 1-5, Margaritas, Mayhem and Murder deserves a 4.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Jazz House by D. V. Stone

 One woman’s choices. One man’s impact.

 About the Book: After escaping a brutal husband and the minions comprising his vast criminal enterprise, jazz singer/chanteuse Jordan Vasilakis spends months on the run. Too frightened to seek haven with her family for fear of putting them in danger, she sets out on a lonely, isolated course. Surviving on wits and guts, she is ready to run at the first hint of danger. After landing in the small Northeast Pennsylvania community of Slate Quarry, she emerges from the shadows by taking a job as the featured singer at Jazz House, a retro family-run showplace. Finally feeling marginally safe, Jordan opens her mind to possibilities of normal. Enter police officer Michael Machau who, while falling instantly for the beautiful “Madeline” senses something isn’t right. She’s frightened, lonely, and in need of someone unafraid to take a chance and give Jordan the life she deserves.  

 Our Review: Employing multiple and diverse characters, complex plotting and snappy dialogue, in Jazz House author D. V. Stone has created an edge-of-your-seat thriller featuring domestic abuse, international corruption, and down-home family relations. This one’s a winner.

 On a scale of 1-5, Jazz House deserves a 5.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Derailed Hearts by Darlene Fredette

 Two lonely survivors of life altering tragedy discover reasons to trust—and love—again.

 About the Book: ER physician Ethan Marley decides to give his small daughter a chance at a new life with a large, loving family and, hopefully, recovery from horrendous trauma. While on a cross-country train trip from Alberta on the west coast of Canada to Redford Falls, Nova Scotia, he and his daughter Avery meet Jenn Martini, a talented fashion designer, herself a victim of recent physical trauma. As the days pass both adults new hope and reasons to try love and trust again.

 Our Review:  Ethan Marley is a hero any woman would want to take home and nurture. The delightful Avery is in serious need of consistent and patient nurturing. Jenn deserves a partner to appreciates her for her skills, talents as well as her true value. This is a heart-breaking as well as heart-warming story, well written with compelling goals, motivation and conflict, snappy dialogue and well-drawn, multilayered characters.

In short: this is that one story all romance writers wish they’d written.

 On a scale of 1-5, Derailed Hearts deserves an 8.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Forging Forgiveness

 Forging Forgiveness, a contemporary romantic suspense, written by C. B. Clark.

 About the Book: When small-town college instructor Candace Cooper discovers bloody, bare footprints in the snow while running in a state park deep in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, it brings back the horrific nightmare of her past.

Detective Aiden Farrell is determined to redeem himself in his new position in Colorado, even if that means ignoring his growing feelings for the beautiful professor he meets during an investigation. His fear that the footprints she saw are connected to a recent spate of missing teens intensifies when Candace is assaulted on campus.

Aiden and Candace join forces, but as they start unraveling the truth, they get closer to each other—and to a killer who'll stop at nothing to achieve his nefarious goal. 

Caught between duty and love, Aiden fights in a race against time to save the woman he loves.

 Our Review: With complex and intricate plotting, author Clark takes the reader on a wild ride through the glorious Colorado Rockies. While the suspense and mystery is clearly evident, this is also a story of redemption and forgiveness of self. As well, the plight of the families and loved ones of the ‘missing’ is always there, raising our awareness of the many forms of evil in this world.

 On a scale of 1-5, Forging Forgiveness deserves a 5.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Wrong Line, Right Connection

 A switch gone wrong turns into love gone right.

 About The Book: It is the turbulent 1960’s when women are expected to go along to get along–in the workplace as well as in marriage—but Mabel Banks has had enough of the abuse and neglect doled out by her husband. She makes the difficult and—for those times—the often unacceptable decision to leave the marriage and start over. It’s not easy but she perseveres with the aid of dear friends, family and her faithful dog. Enter businessman Roy Stentz whose voice sends Mable over the edge as she strives to connect his call to the right location. After a series of misconnections, success is achieved but mortification abounds. Roy does not give up, and neither does Mabel, as he shows her the value of her spirit and drive and courage.  

 Our Review: Writing in the voice of a woman with a brain, something not often accepted in the swinging sixties, author Bartow brings readers into the mind and heart of a courageous, intrepid woman, Mabel Banks—and we are better for it.

 On a scale of 1-5, Wrong Line, Right Connection deserves a 5.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

A Very Modern Marriage by Rachel Brimble

 About the Book: 

He needs a wife...
Manchester industrialist William Rose was a poor lad from the slums who pulled himself up by his bootstraps, but in order to achieve his greatest ambitions he must become the epitome of Victorian respectability: a family man.

She has a plan...
But the only woman who's caught his eye is sophisticated beauty Octavia Marshall, one of the notorious ladies of Carson Street. Though she was once born to great wealth and privilege, she's hardly respectable, but she's determined to invest her hard-earned fortune in Mr Rose's mills and forge a new life as an entirely proper businesswoman.

They strike a deal that promises them both what they desire the most, but William's a fool if he thinks Octavia will be a conventional married woman, and she's very much mistaken if she thinks the lives they once led won't follow them wherever they go.

Our Review: In this historical take on Pretty Woman, multi-published and vastly talented author Rachel Brimble brings sensitivity and in-depth research to the plight of homeless women and children in 19^th century England and the routes they were forced to take in order to survive. Octavia, brave and self-directed, will let no one and nothing stand in her way. If that means living alone and lonely, so be it. In his own way, William is the of the same mind. How lucky for them they came together and flourished. This is a joy to read!

 Based on a scale of 1-5, A Very Modern Marriage earns a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Authors

From Brick & Darkness by J. L. Sullivan

 The most powerful wishes aren’t said with words.

About the Book: Teenager Bax Allen always fantasized something remarkable would happen in his life. So when decrepit man with glowing purple eyes offers him a ring intended for his estranged father, Bax accepts. This simple action sets off a series of events, including the appearance of two djinns, one helpful, the other not so much. With everyone he loves in danger, Bax and his band of loyal friends scramble to solve the puzzle that will banish both spirits forever.

Our Review: One of author Sullivan’s strengths—and they are legion—is his ability to infuse all those things adolescents experience, putting the reader into the mindset of the typical teenager without wishing for a lexicon of ‘teenspeak’. Emotions run the gamut of genuine humor and loyalty to others, a boy’s sensitivity to the everyday struggles of his single mother, and absolute bone crunching fear when faced with life threatening danger. This one’s a winner!

Based on a scale of 1-5, From Brick & Darkness earns a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Reinventing Riley by Liz Flaherty

 Are second chances just a pipedream…or a real possibility?

 About The Book: While recovering from the death of her husband, Riley Winters is finally ready to ‘reinvent’ herself by relocating from small town Indiana to the urban crush of Chicago. That’s the place for her to start over, she reasons. But during a short visit in Fallen Soldier, a unique historic community in rural Pennsylvania, she discovers a reason for and mode of reinvention while testing out second chances with minister Jake McAllister.

 Our Review: In Reinventing Riley, Author Liz Flaherty continues the theme of women in transition in her Second Chance series [see our May 2022 review A Year of Firsts]. Her talent for evoking emotions is enviable as well as tossing in one more roadblock finding lasting love to make the reader turning the pages to a most satisfying end.

 On a scale of 1-5, Reinventing Riley deserves a 5.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Tangled Promises by Linda Trout

 About the Book: Melody Rose lost one man to guns and violence and won’t put herself through that again. At first, Sheriff Jake Bennett wants nothing to do with the taciturn café owner, but Melody intrigues him. When a stalker targets her, he’s determined to protect the woman he has fallen for. But can Melody overcome her greatest fear and save a man she never dreamed would claim her heart?

 Our Review: The characters—including the small Ozark Mountain town—grab the reader’s attention from page 1. Then, author Trout doesn’t let up. She keeps the action keeps coming, in one form or another. Best of all, who can resist a man who thinks of himself as a …sheriff in a nothing county, living in a nothing town—and pathetically grateful to be there…? Tangled Promises is a gem of a story, sure to win the attention of those who appreciate well written romantic suspense. Nice job.

 On a scale of 1-5, Tangled Promises deserves a 6

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Return to Wylder by Maria Imbalzano

 Is it ever too late to come home?

 About The Book:  The untimely death of EJ Hampton’s father kills her dream of practicing law with him in her hometown of Wylder. Heartbroken, she now has two weeks to organize the practice for sale. When she meets her father’s millionaire client Dylan Addison, he is demanding and entitled—yet his charisma captivates her.

Dylan is under pressure to renovate the Wylder Hotel before his father pulls the plug on his project. He needs EJ’s expertise, but she is bent on returning to her life in San Francisco despite the fireworks between them. EJ walks a tightrope trying to balance Dylan’s needs against her own, but doing so is far more complicated when emotions get in the way.

 Our Review: Return to Wylder showcases author Imbalzano’s ability to create layered, interesting characters as well as play to the lushness of rural Wyoming. Both, and we consider the setting as an important character—jump off the page and into the readers’ hearts. EJ and Dylan are driven and relentless in their pursuit of success; both have hearts, covered by steel and determination. This is a fun and welcome addition to the interesting Wylder West series. Well done!

 On a scale of 1-5 Return to Wylder deserves a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

The Case of the Missing Botticelli

 About the Book: American art history major Hadley Evans joins an art detective agency in Florence, Italy, working for Massimo Domingo, once a major player, now the Inspector Clouseau of the art world.

          Determined to save the flailing agency and prove her worth, Hadley and her sexy carabiniere boyfriend, Luca Ferrari, take on a mysterious client behind her boss’ back.

          While hot on the trail of a missing masterpiece, they discover a cache of stolen Nazi art in a Venetian villa and encounter a dangerous enemy with a link to an evil past.

 Our Review: This cozy mystery will appeal to readers on many levels. Author Baron brings extensive knowledge of art history as well as events occurring during the early twentieth century. The settings of several European cities add a richness and flavor to this interesting story. The pace is non-stop; the characters are well-drawn and intriguing. A winner all around.

 On a scale of 1-5, The Case of the Missing Botticelli deserves a 5.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Morning Tryst by Ellen Parker

 About The Book: During a San Francisco visit, photographer Serena Carter sights arresting potential in the hotel bartender and invites him to model. Later, in San Diego, they meet at a beach, and she discovers his personality as fascinating as the images her camera captures.

Self-made millionaire Zack Sans usually avoids cameras. He prefers the world of scientific laboratories and engineering students. But something intrigues him about the petite photographer.

When realistic Serena accepts an opportunity to photograph Missouri State Parks in all seasons, she expects the budding friendship to die. Will Zack’s ties to Missouri overcome cyberstalking, a wildlife encounter, and opposite views of family?

 Our Review:  This is a story of romance between two people of a certain age who, relying on life experiences and past mistakes--or perhaps better phrased as ‘mis-steps’, decide to take things slowly and carefully. Parts of California and Missouri come to life under the author’s hand, giving the reader a look into places most will never have the opportunity to see. Descriptions of setting and a cast of secondary characters are layered and interesting. Well done!

 On a scale of 1-5, Morning Tryst earns a 6.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

Arrested Pleasures by Diana Stout

           Can a bad boy womanizer win the heart of a woman who'd rather see him in handcuffs?

About the Book: Cutter Logan has been in love with Annie Martin since they were kids, but after one disastrous high school date, she's been keeping him in the friends-only zone. At least, they have an honest relationship or so both believe based on the Truth or Dare game they play.

Cutter has a reputation for taking little in this life seriously. As the area game warden, Annie has worked hard to build a career. The last thing she needs is a jokester like Cutter tarnishing that career.

Then she discovers a life-changing event that took place early in her life that turns her life upside down and inside out. Is Cutter really the only one who can help her find the answers she needs? Is anything true anymore?

 Our Review: Arrested Pleasures is a too-short, very fun read that follows the characters and events over the course of 8 to 9 days. Adding to the lush setting of beautiful Laurel Ridge, Georgia, the dialogue and snappy, leading to more than one laugh-out-loud moments. The characters are diverse and well written. The reader can’t help but turn those pages to learn the mystery behind Annie’s origins. Plus, there’s more to look forward to with this series: the story behind the discovery of a 1969 VW beetle at the bottom of the local lake. Because our first car was a “bug”—ours was red—we’ll be back.  

 On a scale of 1-5, Arrested Pleasures deserves a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Prosecution's Protection

 About the Book: After prosecuting attorney Desmond Graves is targeted by an aggressive, violent stalker, Remi Archer is hired to keep him alive, whether he wants it or not. As tempers clash and danger escalates, Desmond and Remi start to grow closer—and so does the stalker.

          Falling in love among a backdrop of threats, courtroom theatrics and gunfights wasn’t part of Remi’s plan but Desmond is the exception to her ideas of love. Drawing each other out of their self-imposed isolation and into the eye of danger, they must work together to survive, even if it means putting the other at risk.

Our Review: This is a different kind of love story, with different kinds of characters: A man in a high-power position, haunted by a past filled with pain and terror. A woman used to living dangerously is hired to keep him safe. With no tolerance for his need to control every aspect of his life, personal and professional, she’s the one in charge—and he damned well better pay attention. Prosecution’s Protection is a study in opposites attract—who then discover they can’t live without the other, literally and figuratively. A beauty.

On a scale of 1-5, Prosecution’s Protection deserves a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews.

Double Dipped

 About the Book: Accepting second best is good for her career but first-grade teacher Retta Curt delays signing up for the disappointment. Given two weeks to reconsider the contract renewal, she retreats to her grandmother’s cottage on Moon Lake, the last place Retta felt content. But the cottage is a derelict; her cousins are distant; her childhood beau is bitter and stand-offish; and Sweet Picks, the family ice cream stand, is in danger of folding. A surly newcomer has bought, then neglected properties until nothing remains of the idyllic lakeside community Retta remembers.

        When vandals target Sweet Picks, Retta’s dreams to recapture her happy childhood collapse, and the return to Moon Lake becomes a decision worse than accepting the teaching contract. Can she save the family business and rediscover happiness, or is Retta destined for a second-best future?

 Our Review: Double Dipped is a sweet treat for a summer read at the beach or a chilly evening at the lake. Author Terry Korth Fischer knows how to build emotions and hopes, then play on them till you are rooting for more than one of the quirky characters who populate this small lake community. And the ending is not what we expected—and well deserved.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Double Dipped deserves a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Strong Enough, Book 4, The Masonville Series

       Love can make you strong enough, if you let it.

About the Book:

Charlotte Saunders has a full life—a rewarding career as a nurse, meaningful volunteer work at a dog shelter, family and friends and pets she adores. But no matter how hard she tries, she can’t forget the horrible event that’s haunted her for the last ten years.

A survivor of child sexual abuse, Damon Greyson now helps others who have suffered trauma. His experience and intuition alerts him to trouble in Charlotte’s past, and he wants to help her, if only she’ll let him.

As they work together to help veterans suffering from PTSD and neglected dogs needing loving homes, their feelings for each other deepen. But when the trauma from Charlotte’s past roars back to life, both are forced to confront their painful histories or die trying.  

Our Review:

          Just when we thought this author couldn’t get any better, she comes back with a gem like Strong Enough. Richards’ ability to weave issues of long-term effects of PTSD, acquaintance rape, child sexual abuse, and alcoholism into a story that features lasting family ties, enduring friendship and boundless love is enviable. This one’s a beauty—and we are better for it. 

Based on a scale of 1-5, Strong Enough deserves a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

A Glimpse of Music by Sydney Winward

About the Book:

Joel Harrington has been in love with the same woman for as long as he could remember. But he had to watch her court his best friend, and then marry his king. Now that she’s once more unattached, he refuses to let her slip through his fingers for a third time.     

Darkness torments Nyana Everdon’s memories, and even after her cruel husband is killed, he still haunts her from the grave. When her past refuses to leave her alone, it puts not only her, but her daughters in danger. She has no choice but to lean on the man she has called a friend for the past eight years, a friend whose charms she tries hard to resist.

But along with the growing threat to her family, she keeps an even more dangerous secret—a secret that could change her life forever.

Our Review: Having previously read a few of author Winward’s novels, we expected detailed descriptions of setting, well-drawn and multi-layered characters, intense emotions and conflict so well written the reader wonders if resolution will ever be accomplished. A Glimpse of Music is a delight to behold. Sydney Winward never fails to amaze us with her imagination and courage to ‘push the envelope’. Well done!

Based on a scale of 1-5, A Glimpse of Music earns a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Authors 

Home Waters by Elizabeth Devlin

 About the Book: An invasive toxic algae threatens to decimate the entire Narragansett Bay and its surrounding shoreline. Reclusive oceanographer Becket Fallon is trying to stop the toxic algae threat while simultaneously dealing with an urgent family crisis. He needs help from a non-profit expert Lainey Carmichael who comes at a price. She’ll help get the funding critical to stop Black Tide, but only if he lets her and 3-year-old twins stay with him for the summer. The same twin granddaughters he’s felt duty-bound to avoid.

        Home Waters explores the conflicting demands of work to save the bay’s future and a family who needs Becket now.

Our Review: It is rare when we find a book, then read it “cover to cover” in one sitting. Learning something new, no matter the topic, is always a treat—and something we look for to classify it a terrific read. We found that with Home Waters. The concept of a toxic algae, and Black Tide is no different, threatening our home waters is frightening. Author Devlin made this issue easy to understand, then root for Becket and his crew to solve the problem. At the same time, the escalating custody battle over two delightful little girls kept us going. The kids, along with their intrepid Aunt Lainey are forces to behold. And we are better for it.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Home Waters deserves an 8.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Dragons Walk Among Us

 About the Book:  Shutterbug Allison Lee is trying to survive high school while suffering the popular girl's abuse. Her life is often abysmal, but at least her green hair is savage. Her talent for photography is recognized by the school paper and the judges of a photo contest.

While visiting her friend Joe, a homeless vet, Allison's life irrevocably changes after an attack leaves her blind. All her dreams as a photojournalist are dashed as she realizes she'll never see again. Despair sets in until she is offered an experimental procedure to restore her vision. But there are side effects, or are they hallucinations? She now sees dragons accompanying some of the people she meets. Can she trust her eyes, or has the procedure affected her more than she can see?

Our Review: This remarkable story is perfect for those who have ever suffered abuse simply because they’re different in some way, either by appearance or abilities—or for those who understand the helplessness and despair of watching the young person they love suffer, knowing there is little they can do to make things better. 

 On a scale of 1-5, Dragons Walk Among Us merits a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews