Tangled Passions by Diana Stout

. . . They both hate liars and yet both are being deceived. Will the truth tear them apart or bring them together?

About the Book:

When Georgia State Senator Jefferson Jackson first meets Madison Butler, he's immediately smitten. Then he learns she's a lobbyist. Getting involved with her could be trouble, and the last thing he wants is a scandal while in office. Besides, after being betrayed by his last serious relationship, he's sworn off all but casual dating.

Madison Butler isn't about to let Jefferson Jackson deter her from meeting with him and pitching her company’s product. At stake is her job, one she can ill afford to lose. He tells her she's been lied to by her employer, then almost dares her to ‘check it out’.

When Madison and Jefferson meet again, can trust that she isn't involved with anyone else, despite what he's seen and heard? Can he finally put a past filled with lies behind him so he can find love once again?

Our Review: It is always a pleasure to read something by the talented Diana Stout and Tangled Passions is one of her best. Tying the past and present lives of the colorful characters with the charming Southern town where most were raised—and have returned to—is a pure delight. The conflict between Jefferson and Madison is clear and obvious from the first page—as is the immediate and intense mutual attraction. Humor abounds as does the deep emotion underlying everyone in this series. Do not miss Tangled Passions—it’s a beauty.

 On a scale of 1-5, Tangled Passions merits a 6.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews 

The Seventh Mothman by Toni V. Sweeney

 The Leonesse saga continues with Antoinette duCleau, the first to break the male only order of daring warriors known as The Mothmen  

 About The Book: After the death of her beloved father to side effects brought on by his tour with The Mothmen, Antoinette duCleau is left alone, penniless, and heartsick. She sets out to find her long lost brother, urge him to return and claim his inheritance then rule with her in peace and harmony for their small but close knit Sans Solange. Little does this small but mighty young women know what’s in store—particularly after she joins forces with the remaining Mothmen and Etienne Betancourt.

 Our Review: Over the years as we’ve read and enjoyed the imagination of author Toni V. Sweeney, we’ve come to expect complex plots, carried out by driven, complex characters amid lush settings and flavored with snappy dialogue. With each book we think, ‘she can’t get better’—and with each new book we’re proved wrong. ‘Toinette and Etienne are the perfect lovers, facing societal and family constraints, yet carrying on for life, liberty and country.

 On a scale of 1-5, The Seventh Mothman deserves a 7.  

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Polly's List by Kim Janine Ligon

 About the Book: CJ Reynolds couldn’t wait to escape his hometown. He’s loving his bachelor life as a software developer in California. So much so that he hasn’t been back in years to see the grandmother who raised him. Single mother, Mikal Benson, believes her small town is the perfect place to raise her son. After Mikal finds her neighbor, Polly Rogers, sprawled on the floor in a pool of blood, barely clinging to life, she calls Polly’s grandson—CJ Reynolds—and insists he must come home. Now. Emotions erupt between CJ and Mikal—setting off a perfect storm of love and reconciliation when, from her coma, Polly whispers three words that change everything. Did she fall or was she pushed?

          CJ, Mikal, and her little boy form an unlikely team, coming together to discover the truth as danger engulfs them and love transforms them into a family.

 Our Review: Rarely do we find a debut mystery so perfectly constructed. Author Kim Janine Ligon has mastered the art of putting the seeds on page one, then compounding the suspense with each scene. Adding to all this are the spot-on descriptions of a small town and the ‘denizens’ inhabiting it. It’s like going home again—and smiling at the memories. The characters are varied and well drawn. Looking forward to the next in this cozy mystery series. Congratulations!

 On a scale of 1-5, Polly’s List merits a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

The Firstborn Son, Book 1, The Renzi Affairs

 Mafia marriage—may the best wiseguy win

 About the Book: Becoming a ruthless mob boss like his father is the last thing Frankie Renzi wants, but when Sofia Ciambetti’s father is gunned down, Frankie must become the very thing he loathes to protect the woman he loves. Sofia was devoted to Frankie, until he stood her up and she questioned his fidelity. Now that she’s alone and an heiress, mafia suitors slither around her. Marriage to him might be her only hope.

 Our Review: this high-intensity love story, fueled by non-stop action and generational feuds, will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Anyone familiar with the close-knit neighborhoods of cities will relate to the way this debut author has crafted the setting and action. Characters, both lead and supporting, jump off the page. Dialogue is spot on for its realism. We’re looking forward to the next Renzi Affair.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, The Firstborn Son merits a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

A King Like Procelain by Toni V. Sweeney

 All is not what it first might appear. . .

 About The Book: The Lion of Purdha has died, leaving five cubs, four of them warriors tried and battle and not found wanting. But the youngest, Crispin, an invalid from birth is, by law of the land, is chosen to become heir to the throne. His older brothers send a message to the commanders of Purdha’s army: Select your best warrior to guard the King.

Janel Redhu, child of two warriors, a Follower sworn to the Goddess from her 12^th year, is as brave and fearless as any of her brothers in the fighting unit known as Sword Squad. It is her honor to be chosen to protect the King.  

 Our Review: Once again, Toni V. Sweeney has created diverse characters, each with their own layers and driven by internal forces they might not recognize—until they are tested to their limits. From the start Janel suspects Crispin du Lance might not be the invalid his mother and brothers consider him to be. Only after she rescues him from a murderous plot does she realize just what some of his forces might be. Just as their feelings start to bud, they are ambushed again—and spend five long years apart, honing the skills each was unaware they possessed. When they finally are reunited, it is magic.  

 On a scale of 1-5, A King Like Porcelain deserves a 6.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

The Lady of the Mirrored Lake

 About the Book: Accompanied by two knights, both wrongly accused of treason, Issylte, a healer who possesses magic of the forests, flees Avalon. The trio travels to Bretagne, where Issylte heals a critically injured wolf and obtains fiercely loyal, shapeshifting allies. While in Brocéliande, Issylte discovers a passion with Tristan which transcends all bounds. When she becomes the Lady of the Mirrored Lake, sworn to defend the sacred waters of the Goddess Dana, Issylte must undertake a perilous quest to discover what priceless object lies hidden in its murky depths. As a nascent evil emerges, the two lovers face a diabolical trio which threatens their lives, their love, and their kingdoms.

Our Review: An epic story populated by elves and dwarfs; knights, both black and white; Priestesses of the Tribe of the Goddess Dana, is a study of the author’s devotion to history as well as her talent and imagination. The writing is fluid and descriptive, the settings lush and colorful, the characters varied and interesting. Kudos to author Jennifer Ivy Walker for her strength and perseverance.

On a scale of 1-5, The Lady of the Mirrored Lake merits a 4.5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews