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.