Wylder Bride by Amey Zeigler

            Maisie Brinley has rejected every bachelor among Boston’s elite. At the old age of twenty-six, as her social climber of a mother insists, she has few choices left. When Maisie begins corresponding with a stranger who lives in the Wyoming Territory, she finds a soulmate, someone whose words connect with her heart. Mustering courage she crosses the continent to meet him face to face. But will he live up to her expectations?

Living in Wylder, Wyoming Territory—where men outnumber women ten to one—gunsmith Cyrus Haddock hides his disfigured face to avoid romantic rejection. Out of pity, he helps a friend woo a woman through letters. But the scheme backfires when he falls in love with the woman’s words. When they meet, how can he hide his feelings—or confess his love for Maisie when the one thing she demands is truth and honesty?

 Our Review: For a delightful and touching takeoff on Cyrano deBergerac, Wylder Bride is an unforgettable story with well-drawn, unforgettable characters. This is a book to spend an afternoon with, whether in front of a roaring fire—or at the beach, listening to soul soothing ocean waves. It is a love story that will stay with you for a very long time. 

 On a scale of 1-5, Wylder Bride deserves a 6.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young

         Tess Burton risked her inheritance to open Divine Vintage, a clothing boutique featuring clothes and accessories from the past. While modeling an elegant gown from a turn of the century trousseau, her mind is opened to a century-old murder. Visions—seen through the eyes of the murdered bride—disputes local lore that claims the bridegroom committed the crime. 

        Trey Dunmore doesn’t share Tess’ enthusiasm for mind-blowing visions, yet the appeal to clear his family’s tainted legacy compel him to join her in exploring the past. Aided by the dead woman’s clothing and diary, Tess and Trye discover that pursuing love in 1913 was just as thorny as modern day.

 About the Book: this is an effortless weave between the past and the present with vintage clothing being the key to the characters’ frightening visions. Ambitious store owner Tess is consumed with making her shop a success and has little time or interest in romance. Burned once, she has no desire to repeat that experience, thank you very much. Architect, Trey Dunmore, also has little time or interest in romance but each time he’s with the lovely Tess, the lure of his family’s past, along with a beautiful woman who believes in learning the truth, is irresistible.

Our Review: Author Young skillfully intertwines past with present, using her knowledge and experience with vintage clothing as well as the plight of the homeless into this excellent first novel. Her use of the characters’ visions, bringing the reader into the past feels effortless. Plus, she skillfully brought a bit of mystery into the mix, making the reader wonder just who from then is the who from now.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Divine Vintage deserves a 6.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Brother of Interest by Karina Bartow

 There’s nothing more heart-warming than a brother and sister’s bond—or is there? In Minka Avery’s case, her relationship with her brother, Robin, has been strained for years, but never more than it is in Brother of Interest.

For the past fourteen months, Minka's been basking in the joys of new motherhood, a far cry from the life she had as a deaf police detective. She sometimes misses the rush of chasing criminals, but she finds more excitement than she ever wanted when Robin ends up at the top of the list of suspects in a high-profile assault investigation.

She may not have a badge anymore, but the sister and law enforcer in her impel her unofficially explore the matter on her own. Will she find her runaway brother? Will the evidence she unearths exonerate him...or point to his guilt? 

 Our Review:  there’s nothing like becoming a new mother—until the ever-annoying, bane to your existence, pride and joy to your parents, lands himself in serious trouble. Who does the annoying PITA run to? Big sister of course. Minka Avery, multi-tasker extraordinaire, rises to the bar to help her brother. Along the way she discovers new layers to her own family systems. Author Karina Bartow shows the many aspects of often complicated family relationships in detail—and does it brilliantly.

 On a scale of 1-5, Brother of Interest deserves a 5.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Finding Home Again by Darlene Fredette

            Caretaker of a historical home, Jordan McKenzie, promised to keep a secret, but doing so gets harder by the minute, especially when an innocent kiss misses its intended target. Entangled in a web of mysterious mishaps, she discovers a surprising family connection. Is putting her trust in her boss' handsome nephew a risk worth taking?

Chef Logan Crane returns to Redford Falls, hoping to claim an inheritance to open a restaurant, but he side-lines his plan after meeting Jordan. When past secrets intermingle with a present attraction, will Logan open his heart to the possibility of a future in Redford Falls…and with Jordan?

 Our Review: Once again, fans of author Darlene Fredette meet a cast of well-drawn characters, each one as interesting as the last. This time, Ms. Fredette has added a touch of mystery to this delightful series which revolves around a charming town in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. As an added attraction, we get to see what the ‘stars’ of past stories are up to now. This is a lovely addition to the series and have formed our own ideas as to who will come next.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Finding Home Again deserves a 6.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Let It Melt by Margot Johnson

 

What’s a Sweetheart Tour without someone to love?

 Let it Melt, a sweet contemporary romance written by Margot Johnson is a current release through The Wild Rose Press

        How on earth did Jill, a single divorcee, land on a romantic Valentine's Sweetheart Tour for couples? Worse, she’s paired with Jack, her daughter’s brash father-in-law, and everyone thinks he’s her valentine. Stranded in a Canadian prairie blizzard, how soon can she kiss this awkward evening goodbye?

 Long divorced, Jack would love to charm Jill with his toned body and dynamic personality, but his wisecracks and obsession with fitness get in the way—especially when he nabs a post at the same school where she teaches.

Even the most romantic month of the year can’t melt their differences and sweeten Jill's feelings….or can it?

Our Review:  Once again Margot Johnson does not disappoint. Her characters feel so real they almost jump off the page. When Jack makes another of his off-the-wall comments, we cringed right along with Jill. Let It Melt is perfect—not only for the season—but for anyone of a certain age who might be looking for a change, perhaps add something new to their life. A terrific, enjoyable read!!

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Let It Melt deserves a 5.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

Scarred Melody by Heather E. Andrews

 

Skyler Dalton’s last album bombed and he needs a comeback. Now.

Elsie Clarke, a gifted, award-winning songwriter, is his only hope for reviving his flagging career. Unfortunately,  due to severe facial scarring Elsie chooses to lead a solitary life away from the world. Her job is to help the heartthrob from her teen years find new songs and forge a comeback. His job is to listen and learn from this musical genius—and maybe as a side benefit, bring Elise back to her place in the world.

Our Review: From page one, the premise for this story showed great promise: A scarred heroine and a damaged hero, coming together to accomplish important personal and professional goals, then end up saving each other is the stuff great romances are made of.

Elsie and Skyler work hard to achieve their goals, fighting every step of the way to overcome personal and professional obstacles. It is clear the author cares about her characters and the art of constructing an intriguing concept.

Based on a scale of 1-5, Scarred Melody earns a 3.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

Her Wylder Frontier by Sarita Leone

 . . . A broken engagement sends Lily Bloom from her beloved Charleston South Carolina to the town of Wylder in Wyoming Territory, a place where she’ll rebuild her life and reclaim her dignity. Theodore Harvey longs for a wife and family to chase away the loneliness that comes with living on the frontier. His gardens and sturdy home are stunning but there should be footsteps other than his own to bring the place alive.

Can this southern belle find happiness amidst the grit of the wild west?

Her Wylder Frontier, written by Sarita Leone, is a short historical romance out to the Wylder West Series, is a recent release by the Wild Rose Press.

Our Review: There is much to be said for the phrase “character arc”  when it comes to romantic fiction. The reader is initially shown a character and all his/her foibles and strengths, then over the course of the story sees that same character change, mature and grow. A frequent contributor to the Wylder West Series, author Sarita Leone again demonstrates her skill at designing, developing, then ‘arcing’ a character. In the case of Her Wylder Frontier, we are better for her many talents. Well done!

 

On a scale of 1-5, Her Wylder Frontier earns a 5.

 

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews