Undeveloped Memories by Karina Bartow

      We assume we know everything there is to know about those who raised us…until we discover that we don’t. . .

About the Book:  Freelance photojournalist Lorelei Carmichael returns to her hometown of Sedona, Arizona to check on her aging uncle Reed who interrupted his life to raised her and her brother after the tragic deaths of their parents. While searching through the attic, Lorelei comes across evidence of her uncle’s past life as a photographer covering an Alaskan earthquake—then finds more clues which give her the impetus to search for those people, places and things Reed may have given up all in the name of family responsibility.

In an ironic twist, she is offered the assignment to go to Alaska for a story commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of that very disaster. Many people step up to the plate to help Lorelei on her journey which includes a tour to witness the lasting impact of the fifty year-old catastrophe. During her rare free time, she reads one of Reed’s letters to a local woman; this leads her to meet Azalea, the woman Reed knew fifty years ago and never stopped loving.

Torn between her desire to make up for all he sacrificed for her and her brother—as well as her concern over inflicting more heartache, when she returns home and finds a note that his lady love snuck into her bag, Lorelei admits all to her uncle who now has a second chance at love with the woman he lost.

Our Review: This story is much more than a second chance at lost love; it is one of familial devotion and sacrifice. It is also a life lesson in despite all the odds and common sense rearing its often ugly head not being afraid of trying one more time. Sweet and sad at times, it is also filled with sly humor and snappy dialogue spoken between two men of a certain age that readers will relate to immediately. Do not miss this one; it’s a beauty.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Undeveloped Memories merits a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

The Wine Jelly Murder by Meg Benjamin

 Weddings can be murder—this time, for the father of the bride, Now, Roxy needs to find out who hated him most.

 About the Book: Roxy Constantine and Nate Charbineaux are into weddings, both for work and family. But after the obnoxious father of the bride is murdered at the engagement party, they learn more about his business than they bargained for.

     Now someone wants to stop Roxy from investigating even as she pulls out all the stops on a super New Year’s Eve wedding celebration for her uncle and his new wife.

     She’ll need more than wine jelly favors and wedding cake to stop the killer.

Our Review: The Wine Jelly Murder was our first exposure to this fun cozy mystery series out of the Crimson Rose line for the Wild Rose Press—and it definitely won’t be our last. For those who find cooking in any form and all it entails frightening to the extreme, this is a textbook for using ingenuity and imagination. For those who appreciate crusty characters straight out of a casting call for cops, Ethan Fowler is a special treat. Roxy and Nate, who jump off the page from the start, are the picture of lovers who’ve both been around the block a time or two and are finally ready to settle down. This one’s a beauty!!

Based on a scale of 1-5, The Wine Jelly Murder merits an 8.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Paw Prints in the Ledger

 She’ll tell you all about embezzlement and fraud—when she’s not hip deep in training her faithful dog.

About the Book:  Irene Lisner is dedicated to her job as a forensic accountant with Oregon’s Justice Department. Recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, she battles every day to make her body do the things she needs it to do while managing a high-stress job. Training her dog for the next agility trial helps her blow off steam, but he’s at the end of his career as an agility dog—and she’s not feeling as good as she’d like.

Being assigned a politically fraught case forces her to work even longer hours instead of getting the rest her doctor recommends. But when checks are discovered missing during a standard audit for the city of West Linn, Irene is sure the city’s problems go beyond staff turnover and the political drama created by the new media hound mayor.

While coping with the often ambiguous, always unrelenting symptoms of MS, Irene and her team confront corruption, embezzlement, and political maneuvering. Under enormous stress, she identifies underlying problems for city officials, confronts the embezzler, and seeks to reconcile a future with a potentially debilitating diagnosis.

Our Review: It’s always a treat when you read a book that features not only well-drawn and layered characters but offers the opportunity to learn something new. In the case of Paw Prints in the Ledger, this math dummy learned about forensic accounting, what goes into the training and care necessary to succeed in the competitive world of canine agility trials, and—perhaps most important—the latest in effective treatment options for Multiple Sclerosis. Best of all, we hear there’s more coming in this forensic accounting series, so hang on. We can’t help but wonder what we’ll learn next.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Paw Prints in the Ledger merits a 7.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

A Life Came Calling by Ann Howard Creel

 "We both want this. We both need this. This is what people live for."

About A Life Came Calling: Before she can accept a marriage proposal from a new suitor, secretary Janey Nicol feels she must travel to a small town in the Tennessee in order to put to rest her feelings for Cole, her fiancé lost in the Pacific Theatre of World War II. There in the lush Smoky Mountains she comes to learn and respect the customs and people Cole spoke of—pays her respects to his grieving parents, learns some important life lessons, gains courage to follow what’s in her heart—and finds new, everlasting love.

Our Review: This is more than a love story, of recovery from loss and grief, of finding a path to new adventures and opportunities. It is a study of history on the very last days of WWII, where the setting of the lush Smoky Mountains stands out as a colorful secondary character, and cuisine and customs of the region flow slow and smooth. It is the type of book one should read slowly, in front of a fire or beach chair, with an adult beverage of choice at hand. It is lovely and sweet and enduring. 

Based on a scale of 1-5, A Life Came Calling merits a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Painted Dreams by Darlene Deluca

After artist Katlyn Andrews is hit hard by a devastating career setback, she has to decide if following advice from up-and-coming television star Nick Summers will lead to success and fulfillment—or send her back to square one with an embarrassing thud.

About Painted Dreams:

 Katlyn Andrews is a talented artist on her way to fulfilling a dream—her own show at a New York City gallery. Focused on her career, she left her hometown for the bright lights of the Big Apple. When she’s drawn back to Denver to check on her beloved grandmother, she finds a surprise—Nick Summers, a woodworker bidding on a job at her parents’ upscale home. His gorgeous smile and easy-going manner charm her immediately. Too bad he lives in Colorado.

Nick adores the mountains of Colorado, but NYC is on his radar. He’s auditioning to be a guest host on a home-builders network there. Since that’s a long shot, he’s still pounding the pavement closer to home to secure jobs like the high-end Andrews project. Meeting his client’s intriguing daughter has his thoughts going in other directions. Too bad she lives in New York.

Distance does not dim their attraction. Unfortunately, it turns out dreams can be shattered. While Nick’s career is on an upward trajectory, Kat’s unexpectedly takes a big hit. Devastated, she struggles to find a path forward.

Our Review: This intriguing story which offers the reader a behind the scenes peak into the intricacies of woodworking as well as the many styles of fine art, also showcases a hero we’d all want for ourselves, our daughters or our granddaughters. Then there’s Nana Kitty, a grandmother we wish we’d had, or would strive to become. Author Deluca’s attention to the details surrounding fractured family dynamics captured our attention from page 1, then kept us turning the pages to attain a most satisfying conclusion. Thank you!

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

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

  

Ghosted by Lori Matsourani

      A haunted inn, a first crush, and a second chance for love with “help” from the resident ghost…

About the Book: When her fiancé’s infidelity prompts Bethany Hendren to map out a new path forward, her plans are disrupted by an unexpected encounter with Nick Dorsey, who convinces her to help search for the remains of a troubled eighteenth-century ghost. Nick is the handsome summer boyfriend who ghosted her years ago, and now he wants to rekindle their relationship.

Despite her reluctance to trust him, Bethany discovers he’s still the funny, caring person who captured her heart as a teen, but giving him a second chance is risky—it could lead to love and happiness or result in another devastating heartache.

Although Bethany wants a happily ever after with Nick, does she have the courage to trust him with her future?

 

Our Review: Going beyond the solving of a centuries old mystery and resolution of lost love and betrayal, Ghosted offers glimpses into pre-Revolutionary War activities on Maryland’s eastern shore as well as favorite dishes peculiar to the locale and rich descriptions of the setting. It is also more than the typical vengeful ghost seeking the truth behind his death and betrayal by his best friend. As author Matsourani infuses the speech patterns and customs/mores unique to the period—both living and dead lead characters learn important life lessons while uncovering the truth of the past. Warning: the final confrontation between the grieving ghost and [current] deceitful fiancé is not to be missed.

 

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

 

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

Lucky Genes

 Running away is the only life Cheyenne knows. Archer can’t let another woman leave him. A chance meeting sets off their libidos. . . but before their romance takes root, an abuser starts exacting revenge.

About the Book: He’s a successful real estate attorney, relationship-shy and focused on creating his niche as the owner of a small firm. His distrust of others keeps him from forming intimate relationships. She’s a newcomer to town, currently working as a building inspector for the city, hoping to elude her abusive father by changing cities, names, and appearance as needed. Flings for sexual kicks suit her just fine because close relationships are not safe. It’s best to leave no trace, endanger no one else, and share as little personal information as possible.

          Until someone from her past tracks her down—with the intent of  silencing her for good.

Our Review: Packed with non-stop action and incredible suspense, this fast-paced story features two anti-heroes who, often unlikeable and occasionally irascible, are persons whom you know without a doubt are the ones you want at your back for anything, anywhere.     

Based on a scale of 1-5, Lucky Genes merits a 6.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

A Long Way From Eden by Jana Richards

 An abused woman, running from her past. A man, sick of secrets and lies. To set themselves free, they must take a huge leap of faith.  

 About the Book: Two single parents of college age children, find themselves, finally, able to take deep breaths and pat themselves on the back for raising two terrific kids, watching them making their way to establishing lives of their own. Until the unimaginable happens and all that each have overcome comes back to bite them where it hurts the most. How each learns to cope, adapt, and survive is a study in every parent’s fear.

 Our Review: This is a story about things that could happen to those of us of ‘a certain age’. We’ve been there and done that—and we’ll be damned if we’ll sit by and allow similar things to happen to our kids just as they’re getting a start on building their futures. Meg Evans and Zane Martin, each in their own way, survived some of the worst things that can happen to anyone. They’ve overcome the unimaginable and finally are seeing the light. Until their precious children do something stupid, something careless—and it all comes back in brilliant technicolor, flashing lights, and blaring sirens.

          This is a story that will make any reader sit back, take a deep breath, and wonder ‘how would I handle this?’ or maybe ‘what would I do if I were Meg or Zane?’   

 Based on a scale of 1-5, A Long Way From Eden merits a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

The Bleed Through Effect by AA Dasilva

 Amidst a complex web of love, betrayal, and the quest for power, morality is tested, and two soulmates must face the consequences of choices they make across multiple lives.

About the Book: Charlotte and Simon are ready to move on with their lives after dismantling the black-ops agency known as Quantym. But Charlotte begins suffering from nightmares and disturbing visions, and she fears events on the Periphery—her parallel life—are impacting her via the bleed-through effect.

In a dual timeline between the main reality and the Periphery, Charlotte and Simon must confront the blurred lines between strength and weakness, love and loyalty, and their past and future.

As they struggle to regain control over their lives, a catastrophic secret is revealed, a vengeful lover on a quest for power closes in, and Charlotte must figure out a way forward...even when the past refuses to let go.

Our Review: If non-stop action, dystopian theories and super evil bad guys make the top three spots on your To Be Read list, anything by AA Dasilva are the ones for you. In book 2 of her Periphery Series, she takes things to a higher level as Charlie and Simon work to solve the problems created by Mitch and Jared Cardoza, masterminds of Quantym and world domination in general.

If you are into letting your imagination run wild, if you don’t mind a little—to—a—lot of violence, this is the one for you.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, The Bleed Through Effect merits a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Authors

 

 

 

 

Out of the Crash by Susan Poole

 About the Book: After a fatal hit-and-run devastates their close-knit community, author Caroline Beasley and high school senior Ethan Shawver find themselves at a crossroads as their lives intertwine in unexpected ways. Both are left reeling as they try to make sense of the tragedy that has irrevocably changed their families forever. Caroline struggles with the dark implications of her son's role in the crash, feeling the weight of guilt and despair. Meanwhile, Ethan grapples with the sudden loss of his mother and stumbles upon a disturbing secret that threatens to upend everything he believes. As they each search for truth and healing, they must confront their deepest fears and regrets to find a way forward.

Our Review: The three major themes in this novel are ones which could happen to any of us—male or female, middle-aged or young adults just starting their lives. Each is frightening in their own right and often too horrendous to consider the ‘what would I do if. . .’ situation.

Caroline and Ethan find themselves shoved into the unthinkable, with little to no support, then battle their paths toward surviving the unthinkable.

This is a powerful novel written by a powerful author.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Out of The Crash merits an 8.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Tempered Journey by Pamela S. Thibodeaux

 A second chance at love comes when it’s least expected, but most needed  

 About the Book: Nurse Pat Greene and widowed cowboy Craig Harris, each at a crossroad in their lives, are looking for signs directing them to the next path to take. Romance? Could they? Better yet—should they? What will their loved ones think? Better—what won’t they think? This is a story of second chances and finding the strength to move on after profound loss.

Our Review: For inspiration, faith, and/or strength in the face of adversity, the incomparable Pamela Thibodeaux and her stories are the answer hands down. Her characters are memorable, well drawn and individual right down to their speech patterns. Pat and Craig are able to admit they are at a crossroads for the next step in their lives—yet they do not back down, do not doubt themselves when it matters most. A testament to them are the lifelong friendships they’ve each maintained as well as loving, supportive family.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Tempered Journey merits a 6.

  Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Ballard

 

 

After a woman speaks her truth. . . she then pays the price on “Ballard” the newest police procedural Netflix series based on the novels by Michael Connelly and starring Maggie Q.

 About the Series: The once hotshot homicide detective for the LAPD, Renée Ballard, watches her career go up in smoke after she accuses a high-ranking officer of sexual assault. Because she refuses to go along to get along, the rapist-cop pulls a few strings and gets Renee exiled to the Cold Case Squad. Working as the only sworn officer she leads a ragtag group of retired, future, and wannabe reserve officers, while attacking, literally, boxes of unsolved cases. In the process if solving more than a few cases, they turn up a serial killer.

Our Review: The ten-episode binge worthy series will surely raise anyone’s conscience while watching Ballard and her team navigate their way through the system—all in the name of helping families of the dead or presumed dead. Some just want a body to bury; others don’t know if their loved one might still be alive; while others, of course, want justice. Then, there’s the issue of multiple unsolved homicides—whose victims are all persons of color—where police response might have been less than . . .average.

The higher ups are relentless in holding Ballard’s ‘transgression’ over her head, offering non-verbal promises of no support for her team’s work at solving the unsolvable. All because she refuses to back down from the age old chauvinist mantra: “an accusation like that can ruin a good man’s career”. She’s not about to retract, bury, nor forget anything. And then. . . the newest member of the squad discloses she too was victimized by the same ranking officer. Ding Ding Ding.

          The action is non-stop; twists and turns abound; and just when the viewer thinks Ballard has everything wrapped up neat and tidy—the feces hits the fan. This one’s a beauty.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Ballard merits a 9.

 Veronica Lynch, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Death's Honesty by Brian Anderson

 Welcome to Minneapolis and the favorite haunts of PI Lyle Dahms and associates who make up the next installment of a compelling series.

 About the Book: On his deathbed, Minneapolis private investigator Lyle Dahms’ father—a retired suburban police patrolman—asks his son to reach out to a dark figure from their shared past. Despite his reservations, Dahms feels he cannot refuse. The visit set off a chain reaction that will expose long-buried family secrets and provoke dangerous enemies.

          As threats mount, Dahms must protect not only his family but that of his father’s former partner—a man he is not sure he can trust.

 Our Review: In this fourth book of the intriguing and compelling Lyle Dahms series, author Brian Anderson delves deeper into his enigmatic lead character, tossing in the cadre of quirky friends—and not so friendly enemies. As always, the reader goes right to the bitter end to find out who the real bad guy is in this intriguing and painfully emotional novel of suspense and family secrets. Excellent!!

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Death’s Honesty merits an 8.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Letters to Nobody by Jean M. Grant

 Her heartbreak becomes his success.

 About the Book: When the plot of a bestselling novel eerily mirrors her own life, librarian Helen Wright freaks out. The anonymous ‘grief letters’ she wrote so long ago went nowhere—and were infinitely cheaper than therapy.

          But somehow the letters that were supposed to stop at the Dead Letter File, ended up in the hands of a hot shot journalist turned novelist. That’s bad enough; now, he’s coming to her town to promote his book.

          Gabe Dennehy uses a book tour of small New England towns in order to find his muse—the letter writer who saved his soul and his career. He owes her. Big time.

          In order to rescue her town’s library from small town politics and a bulldozer, Helen and Gabe must dig into the past. But a plot twist might just destroy their chances to rewrite their future.

Our Review: Letters to Nobody is more than a mystery—of sorts—it is a love story to those lost and much loved. It is a story of friendship, family, community, and an interesting dive into the history of the Underground Railroad. Jean M. Grant at her very best!

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Letters to Nobody merits a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

The Summer Guests by Tess Gerritsen

 The Martini Club to the rescue.

 About the Book: The Martini Book Club, a collection of former CIA agents, are living out their retirement in the quiet town of Purity, Maine. After one of the group comes under suspicion when a teenager goes missing, Club members step up to the plate. Despite creaking joints or maybe moving slower than they might like, the brain still recalls the right steps, the right moves. Violent crime rarely happens in Purity and the acting Chief of police, while young and relatively inexperienced, is at a loss as to what’s really going on—till Maggie Bird and her pals come to the rescue.

 Our Review: This is more than “townies vs summer people”, a common issue in any tourist town. It is something deeper, going back decades, filled with taciturn ‘Mainers’ who go along each day, coping as best they can. The dry humor and dialogue, true to each individual character, brings smiles to our lips and nods of agreement for devotees of the characters created by Ludlum and Drury, Maxim and LeCarre—and we are so happy for it.  

 Based on a scale of 1-5, The Summer Guests merits a 7.

  Veronica Lynch, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

One Sweet Christmas by Darlene Fredette

 Everyone has a price.

 About the Book: Candice Cane agreed to sign the divorce papers under one condition, for four days, Jackson Frost must play Santa Claus in her chocolate shop. However, her Christmas miracle would crumble if Jackson knew the truth.

Property developer, Jackson Frost, wanted to spend Christmas on a beach, instead, he’s home in snowy Redford Falls dressed in a Santa suit. However, the temptation of delectable chocolate—in any form—as well as a second chance at lasting love, might lure him to stay.

 Our Review: One never knows what to expect when it comes to the intrepid Darlene Fredette. Just when you think you’ve got the plot figured out, a wrench-wielding monkey sneaks in to muck up your thinking. Such is with this delightful Christmas-themed novella set in Redford Falls, a once thriving tourist town that has seen better days and is more than deserving of someone of real estate developer Jack Frost’s talents. No pun intended. Stop by Cane’s Chocolate Shop and watch Santa in all his forms take one for the team that raised and loved him. No matter what.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, One Sweet Christmas merits a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen

 A group of retired CIA operatives, living in the small Maine town of Purity, are drawn into intrigue, death, and memories sooner forgotten.

 About the Book: They came to Purity, Maine for a variety of reasons, the big draw being a place to live out their final years in peace and quiet, enjoying their regular ‘book club’ meetings which come to be called The Martini Club. Out of the blue, dead bodies start showing up, followed by a couple nefarious looking characters. Suddenly their gray hair, crackling joints and diminishing stamina are forgotten as unused skills kick into play—for survival of themselves and those they’ve come to care for.

Our Review: Readers who ‘grew up on’ political thrillers by Robert Ludlum, John R. Maxim, Alan Drury et al, Tess Gerritsen’s The Spy Coast, book 1 in her new thriller series, The Martini Club, will glom onto this book and relish each word, every phrase right to the last page. Maggie Bird and her spook pals bring back the old days of reading about the cold war machinations and how the operatives coped with some of the things they were compelled to do in the name of patriotism—or greed. If you do nothing else, this one will make you sit back, smile and nod.  “oh, boy, this is the one.”

 Based on a scale of 1-5, The Spy Coast merits a 7.

  Veronica Lynch, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

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