Always a Bridesmaid by Jana Richards

 Will she shed the ugly duckling and emerge into a swan—or conform to the wishes of others?

 About the Book: With a short, sturdy frame, larger than ‘pert’ nose, and overly large breasts, in a family of swans Dani DiPietro has always considered herself the ugly duckling. She’s the bridesmaid her friends always count on; but men never consider a bride. To protect her heart, and keep secrets—her own and others—she plays the funny girl. Lonely, unfulfilled, wanting more.

When Zach Morrison was dumped at the altar, Dani was there to help him pick up the pieces. A year later, he comes to her needing help. Will she pose as his girlfriend to help him fend off the unwanted advances of the former dumper-fiancé?

The two play their roles too well and make believe rapidly morphs into reality. In the face of ‘maybe this is the one for me’, old hurts, old wounds and unanswered questions collaborate to sabotage this couple’s finding a forever life.

 Our Review: In keeping with previous stories in this unique, entertaining series, we expected a fun, laugh out loud romp. Boy, were we wrong.

Author Richards shows her skill for delving into long standing and repeated hurts and humiliations—and the effect they wreak on a person’s decision making. Dani is a proud woman, super loyal to family and friends, often to her detriment. She keeps her secrets and promises—often to great personal loss. Her refusal to betray a friend’s most personal secret causes Zach, whose repeated misuse and abuse by the spoiled, selfish former fiancé, to doubt her and break things off.

          But the story doesn’t end there. Just as it looks like these two might have their acts together, Dani’s most important secret rears its head, and is sure to strike a personal chord in many readers. Watching her battle the mis-guided and mis-informed opinions of those who matter the most, demonstrates loud and clear that our own peace of mind and personal approval is what deserves attention. This is a beautiful piece of writing and should not be missed.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Always a Bridesmaid merits an 8.

  Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Broome Enigma by Meryl Brown Tobin

 Who is this intriguing, enigmatic man?

 About the Book: While on a working holiday in Broome, a popular tourist attraction in Australia’s outback, book designer Jodie Winter meets the caravan park’s tersely guarded handyman who goes by the name Joe. Despite a strong mutual attraction, many unknowns about this man and his past—continue to keep them apart.

In an effort to uncover his past and how he came to have amnesia, the two travel to Perth—there to be drawn into a bizarre as well as dangerous situation. Is Joe the person Jodie believes him to be—or is this some alter ego he’s developed as a survival skill?

Before Jodie can trust this relationship is the forever kind, she deserves to know the truth about an enigma.  

Our Review: Author Meryl Brown Tobin is a master at creating suspense—as well as writing characters tortured with unknowns at several levels. Adding interesting bits of historical fact into the touristy Broome adds a delicious flavor to the action. For those readers who glom onto romantic-suspense novels, along with a dash of adventure tossed in for spice, this is the book for you!

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Broome Enigma merits a 5.

   Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

There Goes the Groom by Jana Richards

 About the Book: Eight years ago, Tony left Olivia at the altar because in the days prior to the wedding, she’d changed and was no longer the happy girl he’d fallen in love with. When she denied anything was wrong, Tony concluded he didn’t want to marry him but was too afraid to admit it. So, he gave her a safe way out—and took the blame for the wedding that never was.

          Now, Tony’s back in town and they’re forced to work together. Though sparks still fly between them, Olivia’s not sure she should or can trust him again. Besides, she’s engaged to someone else. Though the fiancé doesn’t light her up the way Tony did and still does, there’s no way she’ll humiliate him in the same manner.

          In order to forge a future, Tony and Live need to resolve their past—or this time will Tony be the one who’s left at the altar.

Our Review: “…she enjoyed making him squirm…” After being dumped at the altar, in front of God and everyone, who wouldn’t feel this way, even years later, when confronted with the ‘dumper’?

Author Richards’ ability to create honest, human reactions—such as the bridal party turning on the groom for his ‘dumper’ behavior—to the family dinners where sibling rivalry never fails to run amok—lets the reader know they should settle in and enjoy the ride. The humor hits gut-busting level; the emotions are real and valid. This beauty of a story speaks to the author's talent, imagination and creativity.

Based on a scale of 1-5, There Goes the Groom merits a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

From Ash & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan

About the Book: After banishing Ifrit, an evil djinn, Baxter—Bax—Allen’s life has returned to normal—sort of. He knows the guilt-fueled nightmares he suffers from will never relent until he musters the courage to return the djinn’s artifact to its rightful location, finally laying the demon to rest. But nothing in the universe of djinn is easy.

Someone has summoned Ifrit back into the real world, placing Bax and friends Ashley, Jason, Scarlett and Warren at the center of a swirling darkness while the djinn fulfills his new master’s wishes. As Ifrit’s attacks grow more deadly, the quartet of adventurers must first uncover the identity of Ifrit’s new master then convince them to banish the evil spirit.

One roadblock: with the powerful lunar eclipse not due another one hundred-fifty years, banishment might be impossible.

 Our Review: In this modernized version of Aladdin and his magic lamp, our first impression that From Brick & Darkness, Book 1 in author J.L. Sullivan’s series, headed the list for YA perfection. It’s successor, From Ash & Darkness, has knocked it from the top spot. With cleverly composed and individualized dialogue, non-stop pacing and crucial motivation, this one hits all the right items on our priority list for excellence in good writing. This one’s a beauty. Do not miss.

Based on a scale of 1-5, From Ash & Darkness merits an 8.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

  

Hot Diggity Spacedogs by Icy Snow Blackstone

                Sometimes, life is completely unfair.

About the Book: Spoiled teenager Jenny Halpen's parents were against her going on a cruise, but her doting uncle didn't see it that way. He thought it a fine graduation gift for his favorite—and only--niece.

Unfortunately, before Jenny has a chance to enjoy the voyage, the Cassandra collides with a meteor shower, and her escape pod is separated from the others.

Landing on an uninhabited world might not be so bad if Jenny's pod-mates were human, but they're not. They're poodles...all three of them...and not just your garden-variety poodles, either. They're the telepathic royal family of Canaris, and they're of the opinion that Jenny is now their servant, existing only to protect and serve them.

Robinson Crusoe had it easy!

 Our Review: This energetic Young Adult Space Fantasy, sub-titled A Teen’s Guide to Being Spacewrecked, shows off the coming of age of a spoiled teenager, throwing one obstacle after another in her path to survival, and showing how she grows and matures into a responsible young adult. The dialogue is inventive and snappy; the three dogs play their roles to a tee. Young readers are sure to enjoy this one. 

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Hot Diggity Spacedogs merits a 4.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Light Weaver by Lusine Torossian

 Some legends refuse to stay buried. Some choices demand everything.

 About the Book: A relic thief with an agenda. A hidden prince with a vendetta. A kingdom lost to the undead. When eighteen-year-old relic thief Satya steals an ancient resurrection artifact from the Golden King, she uncovers his dark secret: he's a puppet to a soul-harvesting sorcerer who is building an undead army—one that includes her fallen family.

       Her escape through the treacherous Sophene Highlands leads her to Rei, an enemy warrior whose haunted history is intricately woven with her tragic past. As forbidden love blossoms amidst a divine war, Satya discovers that the legendary relic holds dual powers. Now she faces an impossible choice: resurrect her family by sacrificing her soul—or save the kingdom and lose them forever.
       Caught between gods and demons, love and duty, Satya must decide what price she's willing to pay for the dead.

Our Review: While creating Light Weaver, author Torossian  used her knowledge of family lore based on Armenian mythology, fairytales and folklore and turned it into a miracle. This fascinating coming-of-age fantasy-adventure is written in clear, fluid prose and follows a young woman who, due to events beyond her control, is compelled to save her family. On her journey, she overcomes personal and cultural trauma and discovers the spirit of her female ancestors. This is a wonderful example for young readers, with a lead character to emulate. This one’s a charmer.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Light Weaver merits a 6.

   Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Demon Amulet by Margo Carey

 Murder and a cursed amulet bring a hotel concierge to a surprising discovery: another Watcher Clan, her soulmate, and a Templar gift that not only erases her comfortable life—but promises to destroy any hope of love.

About the Book: Twenty-eight-year-old Lia Ferguson never expected a wedding to turn deadly, but when magic kills one guest and critically injures another, the celebration morphs into a crime scene. Using skills inherited from her Templar ancestors, Lia saves the injured man, then contacts her Clan.

     Together, Clan members capture the killer and confiscate a stolen amulet with contains deadly magical powers. Trouble follows when an angry, violent warlock tracks his stolen property, while Aiden, the handsome but suspicious brother-in-law of the murder victim, confronts Lia.

     Amid the escalating tension, Lia’s mistrust of Aiden proves as strong as her undeniable attraction. As their connection deepens, so does the peril they face. They must stop the warlock before he unleashes a demonic force into the world.

Our Review: Demon Amulet follows the adventures of the Watcher Clan, in an action-packed tale, fed by non-stop action and populated with diverse characters whose motives might not be exactly what first presents. What’s at the heart of this story is the concept of clan: all for one/one for all. No matter what—no matter who.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Demon Amulet merits a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Her Best Man by Jana Richards

 In keeping with our ongoing Books IN A Series program, today we offer: Her Best Man, Book 1 in the Left At The Altar series: 

What they’re saying about the Left At The Altar series:

·       “…a fun story that will make you laugh out loud…”

·       “…a gifted writer…fall in love with her characters…”

·       “…fun, fast-paced, romantic…thoroughly enjoyed…”

 Our Review: this fun story—Jana Reynolds at her best—opens with a drama queen mother-in-law, wielding a spike-heeled shoe, going after a reluctant groom in front of the minister, a church filled with guests and God. And it only gets better.

‘Abandoned’ bride, Sarah, and stalwart best man, Will, try to cope with the disaster of a ruined wedding by taking advantage of the non-refundable cruise tickets and enjoy the Caribbean over the Christmas holiday. While coping with a host of diverse and witty cruise-goers, the faux ‘newlyweds’ learn volumes about themselves, life, and most important—love for ever after.  

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Her Best Man merits a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

I Have A Story by Colleen L. Donnelly

Heroes aren’t heroes because they are clever or brave, but because they love someone or something deeply.

 About the Book: Jim Turner writes crime but doesn’t live it. He respects his grandfather’s tales of heroes but doesn’t believe them. When his failing grandfather sends him to a remote peninsula to write the end of his own heroic love story, Jim adds an interview with a war criminal to his agenda to maintain his edge.

          Chastity Higgins, the daughter of a local pastor, is an anomaly, a misfit in pre-WWII culture as well as in Jim’s life. Her spritely charm and endearing features turn his world upside down, especially after she reveals his grandfather’s peninsula will be the site of her upcoming wedding.

          Do good journalists flee when their war criminal-interviewee is murdered? Do heroes write fiancés out of another’s story in order to fit themselves in? “The End” become the hardest words for Jim to write.

 Our Review: I Have a Story is more than a novel of intrigue involving spies and traitors from the pre-WWII era. It is also a love story—between a man and a woman, but also the love of a man for his grandfather, surprising for its intensity as well as endurance. Following the words of his beloved grandfather “…the most daring conquests involve the heart. There is no battle, no story, until there is heart…”, the protagonist Jim learns valuable lessons about life, death and the world order. This is an intriguing, compelling read, written by a talented, inventive author.

Based on a scale of 1-5, I Have a Story merits a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

  

Sweet Summer Surprise

 She came to the beach to find herself—and found him.

About the Book: Previously published as Gelato Surprise, this age-gap beach town romance booms with steam and features Danielle who after her cheating ex lures their kids away for a vacation-palooza with his new squeeze, is left with a non-refundable beach rental in Trappers Cove.

Glum and lonely, she settles in to lick her wounds—and some sinfully delicious gelato. Enter Matteo, the ice-cream vendor’s hunky nephew. Mamma mia! The gorgeous younger man is charming, seductive, and utterly undeterred by their age difference. Maybe a no-strings fling is just what she needs.

What starts as a steamy summer escape soon flares into something neither of them expected. Their chemistry sparks hotter than the Fourth of July, and for the first time in forever, Danielle feels truly seen and cherished. But a divorced mom with real-life responsibilities can’t afford to live in fantasyland, and Matteo’s future is in this perfect beach town. The clock is ticking. Matteo has two weeks to convince her their summer love is the start of a happily ever after.

Our Review: Anyone, no matter their age or circumstance will easily relate to this charmer of a story—and we were—all over again. This ‘enhanced’ update of the earlier Trappers Cove story has it all: a woman feeling betrayed—again—who decides to finally do something for herself. And what a time it becomes. No one does romance like Sadira Stone and it’s a joy to rediscover this fun series. Trappers Cove has it all!

Based on a scale of 1-5, Sweet Summer Surprise merits a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Authors

 

Survivors by Toni V. Sweeney

When the chips are down. . . look to family

 About the Book: Rob Chambers and his half-brother, Josh Edenfield, have succeeded in destroying the portal that links Land’s End Island to the dimension of the Other Gods. Expecting to die in the process, both are surprised when they discover they’ve survived and are now stranded in a hostile dimension where the laws of physics don’t apply and the ocean and sky blend in an eye-blinding scarlet.

     There’s a chance of escape if they can find another portal back to Earth. All the brothers have to do is find it while avoiding the giant tentacles in the ocean and the amorphous creatures roaming the sky.

 Our Review: Faced with very real dangers, this is a story of two siblings learning to depend on each other—and therefore themselves—to survive, then return to those who love them most. Toni V. Sweeney at her best.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Survivors merits a 5.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews 

Running to Daylight by Kim Janine Ligon

 Evil dies in the light. Don’t stop running.

 About the Book:  After ten years in witness protection, Morgan Tucker can no longer remain hidden. Evil hasn’t been thwarted by a name change or a move to a small Wisconsin town.

Mark Trask, veteran of Lansdale’s police force, returns from vacation to find his reclusive housemate, Phil Hughes, missing. After the driver of a black pickup truck stalks Mark and nearly kills him, Mark begins to wonder if he is the target—or if it’s related to Phil’s mysterious disappearance.

Elsie Dennis, who lives with her older brother, Hubert, and operates Knitting Pretty in downtown Lansdale. As unexpected danger begins to plague the siblings, they can’t help but wonder now—as well who is behind all this evil.

Mark and Elsie are thrown together to solve the mysteries, trying to determine if they are related to a ten-year-old murder, and encounter evil at every turn as together they find their way toward the daylight.                                                 

Our Review: Author Ligon, known for her sweet, small-town oriented stories does it again with this mystery which will keep the reader on the edge of their seat to suss out the ‘bad guy’ then see if Elsie and Mark will have their relationship blossom. Do not miss this one; it’s another winner from this talented author.  

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Running to Daylight merits a 5.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

Scion by Toni V. Sweeney

 About the Book: Accompanied by his sister, an adult Robbie Chambers returns to Georgia to claim the inheritance left him by Drexl von Dorff. Rob has no idea of his heritage, nor why a stranger left him a fortune, an island, and a deserted mansion. A meeting with Joshua Edenfield brings both clarity as well as more confusion when he learns Joshua is not only his half-brother but of the supernatural heritage both young men possess.

     As Rob learns more about the von Dorffs, he’s bombarded by eerie dreams and frightening waking nightmares that interfere with his growing attraction to Josh’s sister, Anna. Soon he realizes he’ll be unable to stop the Other Gods from returning unless someone takes drastic and terminal steps.  

     Rob has no choice but to enlist his half-brother’s aid in preventing trans-dimensional beings from returning to Land’s End Island.

 Our Review: Author Toni V. Sweeney has always demonstrated a talent for suspending disbelief in her readers. Scion proves it, then moves above and beyond. This plot moves at a breath taking speed, drawing the reader in immediately, grabbing them by the throat, and not letting go until the edge of the seat conclusion. Well done! 

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Scion merits a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Cabana Bay by Ruben D. Gonzales

Solving a mystery is like cleaning a toilet, only easier.

About the Book:  Moli Soto and her three-year-old son relocate from Los Angeles to Florida’s Gulf Coast, taking refuge with her Uncle Manny, a retired ex-cop who is revitalizing a run-down Florida motel. There, mother and son share the spare room with a one-hundred-pound Bordeaux Mastiff, “the Dude”.

While earning her keep by cleaning toilets, making beds and running the check-in/check-out desk, Moli finds a semi-comatose guest in Cottage Fourteen and realizes her everyday routine will be turned on its head. After the local police threaten to close the motel down, Moli has to solve the mystery in the sun, sand, and salt of Cabana Bay, before the new place is forced to close, her uncle loses his retirement savings, and she is homeless.

Our Review: Fans of cozy mysteries will glom onto this fun, entertaining story. All is not what it’s cracked up to be in the retirement communities of Florida’s Gulf Coast. The sun can be brutal, the heat sticky and oppressive—and relaxation is at a premium. The diverse characters are well written, own their own set of mysterious histories, and sparkle with sharp, crisp dialogue. Best of all is “the Dude”, the best au pair in the biz. Author Ruben Gonzales has a bright future ahead of him in this genre. 

On a scale of 1-5, Cabana Bay merits a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews 

Whistle While You Lurk by Judith Sterling

 Listen for the whistler . . .

 About the Book: In this time-travel/cozy mystery, PhD student Gwyneth Camm discovers a gothic romance novel on the foyer floor of her centuries old home—and understands immediately her deceased Aunt Ethel is at it again: Gwyn is to enter the story and stand in for its 1970s heroine.

          While traveling abroad, Gwyn tours the historic home of an English baronet and notes her uncanny resemblance to a supposed seventeenth-century witch in a family portrait. Something of an expert in the history of witch trials, she soon becomes the baronet’s guest—as well as the target of the malevolent force known as “the whistler.”

Gwyn must face the danger head-on, for solving the mystery is the only way she’ll get back home.

 Our Review: this vastly entertaining story offers fans of gothic romances, cozy mysteries, a bit of history and—for this reviewer—flashbacks to the 1970s one real treat. This is the perfect beach read—or maybe cozied up in your favorite lounge chair at the edge of a sunny perennial garden. As in previous Gothic Gwyn mysteries, our heroine is not to be deflected in her designated mission: exposing the truth behind the mystery. The secondary characters are especially well drawn, adding color and humor to the mix. An added attraction—again for cozy fans—is the inclusion into what will come in the next Gwen adventure.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Whistle While You Lurk merits a 5.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

The Case of the Kona Curse by Emily Karmazin

 Every secret has a deadly price.

About the Book: The idyllic beaches of Hawaii hide a dark secret. Best friends Lexi and Zelda's tropical escape turns into a nightmare when they stumble upon a murder. The victim? A charming tourist with a hidden agenda. The stolen artifact? A legendary treasure whispered to grant eternal life. The suspects? Everyone from a disgruntled billionaire to a seemingly helpful tour guide. As Lexi and Zelda race to uncover the truth, they find themselves caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, where trust is a luxury and paradise becomes a trap. With their lives on the line, they must unravel the mystery and expose the killer before they become the next victims.

Our Review: In this outrageously funny cozy mystery, Lexi and Zelda, best friends since for-ev-ver, take a much-deserved vacation to Hawaii’s Kona Coast—and encounter a few life altering moments while they each recover from events found in Book One of this series The Case of the Filthy Beast. Author Emily Karmazin always amazes and never disappoints, making us wonder what this generation’s Laverne and Shirley will have up their sleeves in their next adventure.

Based on a scale of 1-5, The Case of the Kona Curse merits a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Through the Red Door, Book Nirvana Series

Two good men vie to heal a widow’s heart—but it only holds room for one. Come to Book Nirvana for chosen family, laughter and tears, sizzling passion, and a love triangle for the ages.

About the Book:

Clara:  Unless I find a lifeline, my bookstore will close its doors forever. My best shot at saving Book Nirvana is my late husband’s collection of rare, racy books, but I’m not ready to open that red door and face the flood of memories. And I’m not ready to open my heart again, even if the two new men in my life tempt me to try.   

Nick: I came to Book Nirvana in search of antique bawdy books and fell hard for lovely, lonely Clara. As a widower, I understand her skittishness, but the spark between us is undeniable. My academic connections could rebuild her clientele, but if she discovers my secret scandal, her fragile trust will shatter.  

Dalton: I’m over the moon for beautiful, bookish Clara, but how can a teacher like me compete with a suave professor like Nick? Clara and I have so much in common, and our sweet friendship could bloom into something deeper if it weren’t for my rival’s grip on the vulnerable widow. I don’t trust him, and neither should she.

 

Our Review: This is the one that started it all—a romantic triangle for the ages featuring a grieving widow, a college professor trying to find a niche for himself on the West Coast, and a recently divorced high school teacher who is looking for a love that will last longer than the twelfth of never. Through the Red Door has everything a second chance at love devotee longs for: relatable characters who are the first to admit they are not perfect and who work at fun and sexy jobs, and family system of the heart who populate the eclectic art scene of the Pacific Northwest.

Come to Book Nirvana for stories that will stick with you.  

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Through the Red Door merits a 6.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews 

Fated to be Monsters

 Anca was born to hunt, but not all monsters are beasts.

 About Fated to be Monsters: The Hunting Households are failing. While the people starve, the callous Queen Astasia reigns in luxury. Anca Sulia’s only chance to usurp the cycle of tyranny arrives with an unthinkable task: hunt a rampaging beast at the side of Eugen Furloc, a feared former hunter. She discovers that Eugen despises the queen and the hunters, like Anca, who exiled him. Yet, as the hunt falters, their mutual distrust and hate turns to desire. 

          But Eugen has more secrets than Anca can imagine. With their prey close, and the fate of their land in the balance, she must choose between what duty  demands and what her heart craves.

 Our Review: From the very first page of this unique romantasy novel, the characters’ goals, motivation and conflict are portrayed in a clear, devastating manner. As well, the young, spoiled brat of a queen stands as the antagonist in brilliant detail—as vile and vicious as the prey Anca and Eugen hunt. This is not your average love story—it’s better. 

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Fated to be Monsters merits a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Love, Art, and Other Obstacles by Sadira Stone

 Who needs family?

Come to Book Nirvana for a red-hot love triangle that forces two young artists to redefine success, family, and freedom.

 

About Love, Art, and Other Obstacles:

On the cusp of launching her graphic arts career, Margo DuPont is all about freedom—no fences, no limits, and no more bigoted, fire-and-brimstone-preaching family weighing her down. Between college, working at Book Nirvana, and an upcoming high-stakes art competition, she barely has time for a part-time girlfriend, much less a flirtation with a cocky, ginger-bearded ceramic artist who makes her question her “no strings” rule.

To Elmer Byrne, family is everything—and he’s found his family of the heart among the eclectic art scene of Eugene, Oregon. But something is missing...until Margot DuPont, a rival for an art grant they both desperately need to keep their fledgling careers survive enters his life. The prickly little sprite lights him up body and soul, but she fears he’s out to clip her wings.

 

Our Review: Author Sadira Stone has a firm grip on the concept of family—biological and of the heart—delivering it, loud and clear, to this unique novel of love, challenges, and choices. It’s fun, funny and spicy—but not to be missed.

 

On a scale of 1-5, Love, Art, and Other Obstacles merits a 6.

 

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

Spawn by Toni V. Sweeney

 About the Book:

     Two-year-old Robbie Chambers has a problem. Since he was born, creatures no one else can see have appeared to him. They speak in a secret language, and lately what they say is disturbing, especially the entity calling itself Robbie's father.
      Robbie isn't aware of how he was conceived to bring imprisoned beings from another dimension into this world. He doesn't understand of the love triangle existing between his mother, Dr. Daniel Walker and Drexl von Dorff, nor of how his mother has left their Georgia home in an attempt to save him from his heritage.
       Lisa Chambers believes she's at last found happiness with Daniel Walker, and protection for her son. Robbie loves his mom and his new stepdad but "Daddy" says Dr. Daniel Walker is dangerous. He has to die.
       Is Mommy going to become a widow for the second time?

 Our Review:

          The imagination of author Toni V. Sweeney knows no bounds. This is a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, waiting to see what happens next to Lisa and Dan and her child. Not for the faint-hearted, this is a crisp, clear and devastating read.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Spawn merits a 4.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Paint the Sky by Kim Turner

 The promise of love is where two hearts collide...

 About the Book: Pardoned for crimes he never committed, Leaning Bear has grown weary of the injustices thrust upon himself and his people. On encountering the new teacher for the reservation, he quickly discovers she is ill-equipped to survive in the West. But when he happens upon her painting at a nearby stream, he realizes there is more to her than he first thought. It doesn't take long before he recognizes she is his heart song—though loving a white woman comes with great risk to them both.

          Alli Crockett arrives in the small town of Lame Dear to teach the children of the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. There, she finds things harder than she imagined: a home that is little more than a ramshackle cabin inhabited by wildlife, a tribal Chief who isn't happy with her, and the locals who harass everyone in town have taken notice. While she expected difficulties, she never imagined falling for the quiet medicine man.

          But when she becomes the brunt of local gossip, there is only one choice to make...the one that will break her heart.

 Our Review: Of the many positive things that can be said about this Western historical romance, the author’s descriptions of setting—be it the small rural town to the primal forests to the Cheyenne lodgings—put the reader right there in the middle of it all. The characters, from the two compelling leads to the snarly town bullies are layered with their past experiences and overall goals. Less is best is a wise rule for all writers to follow; author Turner has mastered that rule beautifully. Leaning Bear is a true hero for any generation; Allison is brave, intrepid and inventive. The bullies are particularly hair raising. Well done!

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Paint the Sky merits a 6.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

Silent Creek by Jean M. Grant

 When life takes your identity, you make a new one.

About the Book: Walking off the grid in search of safety from the ex who stole her life, Josie Sawyer is dumped into the deep end. Her late uncle’s mountain homestead comes with responsibility for his elderly friend, and Josie’s finances are quickly strained by a medical emergency and the aging property’s mounting repairs.

She needs help—and money—fast.

Determined to put his criminal past behind him, Everett O’Reagan has vowed to build a better life for himself and his daughter. So, he jumps at the chance to work for Josie as the homestead’s live-in handyman. But between trying to dodge the nosy local sheriff and appease a hard nose caseworker, his new reputation is on shaky ground.

A cautious bond forms between Josie and her new tenants, and the friendship leaves her hoping she might repair her sense of human connection. But when suspicious activity on her property points to a dangerous trespasser, a dark discovery shatters Josie’s blooming trust. Maybe a secure life with a new family was just a fool’s hope in Silent Creek…

 Our Review: Much can—and should be—said about this mystery suspense offering from author Jean Grant. The first is each page, every paragraph is a jewel in itself. This is not a novel where pages can be glossed over and still get the drift of the story. Clues and hints to who is causing such angst are right there for devotees of this genre.

          The second is each character, from the crusty Boomers who still have a lot of life left, to the angelic, energetic and inventive five-year old who will steal readers’ hearts. If action packed suspense, multi-layered characters, and a how-to on living off the grid are your cup of tea, Jean Grant and Silent Creek is the book for you.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Silent Creek merits a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Origins Progeny

 To heal the future, one must confront the past:

After an estranged explorer returns home to help her ailing mother, she’s confronted by powerful forces who demand a high personal cost for any hope of a cure.

About the Book: Alina DeHerte thought she had escaped Alpheios, the genetically engineered city on planet Eamine. After rescuing her son from its corrupt rulers, she built a fresh life with a new fiancé in a remote sanctuary. But when word of her mother’s grave illness reaches her, Alina's fragile peace shatters.

Returning to Alpheios means she must navigate rising threats in an unpredictable city. In pursuit of dominance, the city’s power brokers are jeopardizing their citizens’ lives. Alina must ally with a man she has long avoided—a Guardian officer who fathered her son. Both have a shared stake in the city’s uncertain future.

If Alina wants her mother to survive, she must unravel the city’s secrets and grapple with her conflicted past. Deep winter is upon them, and Alpheios is on the brink of explosive change.

Our Review: Fans of sci-fi adventures with a bit of the dystopian thrown in for flavor, will glom onto book 2 in the Children of Alpheios series. Multi-layered characters are not what they first appear and show their underlying motives as the story progresses—keeping the pages turning. Issues familiar to past as well as current generations are the same in author Fedorak’s future world: complicated family relationships, inbred loyalties—healthy or not—political ambitions and rivalries, greed and ego systems are all there. At times heart wrenching, always complicated, this is one compelling read.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Origins Progeny merits a 6.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Runaway Love Story by Sadira Stone

 Wrong time, wrong place, perfect guy.

 About the Book: A heartbreaking distress cry interrupts Laurel Jepsen’s search for a new art gallery job, leaving her stuck in Eugene, Oregon to rescue the great aunt who in the past, rescued Laurel too many times to count.

Running into adorable Coach Dalton ignites a sweet flirtation that quickly turns spicy. He’s wise, funny, and is going through the same heartbreak: losing a loved one to dementia. But he wants lasting love, and Laurel is only passing through. No matter how much she craves him, she can’t let him derail her dreams. 

Our Review: Revised from an earlier previous release, with new chapters added and enhanced, this spicy, funny and heart-wrenching story of true love and second chances showcases the author’s talent at creating real, honest characters with real, honest flaws as well as strengths. Long-standing family dramas abound, but through love they are at last—if not solved are brought out into the open and confronted. This is a fun, exciting series and very well done.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Runaway Love Story merits a solid 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Stone of Doubt by Margaret Izard

 Don’t ever doubt yourselves or waste of second of your life. It’s too short and you’re too special…

 About the Book: Newly graduated from the Edinburgh College of Performing Arts, Evie MacDougall has one goal: to capture a ghost on film. And maybe for learn what happened to Aodhan, the Fae Boy she once loved. He left her at a difficult time; the door feels left ajar. If only once could she see him again. . . to know why he never came back to her.

          On her journey Evie encounters many people, places and things to help her not waste a second of her life. She learns she is too special.

 Our Review: Long time fans of the Stones of Iona series will easily fall into the pace and story line of this series, rediscovering much loved characters and brought up to date for what’s “going on” with members of the clan MacDougall. New-comers will not be lost on the history of the Stones as author Margaret Izard cleverly slips in clues along the way to let them know they are not lost between the realms of Fae and humans. Another winner!

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Stone of Doubt merits a 5.

   Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Chosen, by Toni V. Sweeney

Lifelong enemies vie for the love of a woman who is the key to unlocking the door to the Dark World. . .

About the Book: In the waters off the coast of Georgia, a sleeping behemoth is chained to the ocean floor. On Land’s End Island, off that same coast, a true believer struggles to open the doorway, bringing unknown gods back to this dimension. When a motor vehicle accident kills Robin Chambers, bringing his widow, Lisa, under the care of Dr. Daniel Walker, the stage is set.

          Lifelong enemies, the physician and the master of Land’s End Island, become rivals for Lisa Chambers’ body as well as her love—for she and her unborn child are the key to opening the door to the Dark World.

Our Review: The reader is immediately drawn into this fast-paced paranormal thriller. As Lisa struggles to recover not only from her multiple injuries but her memory of events surrounding the accident that caused her husband’s death, something else, something vivid and evil lurks in the background. Discovering the who—but more important the why keeps the pages turning.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Chosen merits a 5.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews