Monday, March 11, 2024

Out of Body by Kimberly Baer

 


Astral travel is amazing…if you survive the trip.

 About the Book: Those weird dreams Abby Kendrick has been having? Turns out they aren’t dreams after all. They’re out-of-body experiences, like the ones her cousin Logan is having. At first Abby has fun with her new ability, using it to spy on her neighborhood crush and spook a mean girl. But when Logan gets in trouble on the astral plane, the game changes, and Abby must bend the rules of out-of-body travel as she journeys to a distant realm. Her mission is a perilous one, and success is not guaranteed. Can she save Logan and find her way home again? Or will the cousins be lost forever on the astral plane?

 Our Review:  This is fine example of how an author demonstrates growth and development in their writing; in particular in-depth character development, fluid styling, style, effortless pacing and the infusing a wide gamut of emotions. While we adored The Haunted Purse, Out of Body surpasses it in all dimensions. We congratulate the author and look forward to the sequel of this delightful story.  

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

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 


Wednesday, March 06, 2024

Stone of Love by Margaret Izard

 


Against all odds, is true love strong enough to save a human soul?

About the Book:  After leaving her abusive ex, American scholar Brielle DeVolt embarks on a career-changing opportunity: the renovation of a chapel ruin of the clan MacDougall. The attractive, broad-shouldered laird, Colin MacDougall may leave her weak-kneed, but can she trust herself to love again?

When he first meets Brielle, the curvy beauty captivates Colin and he sees her as his dream soul mate. When he learns his hereditary duty is safeguarding magic Fae stones, all he wants is to protect her from the evil forces of the Fae.

Traveling to the past to assume his forefather’s identity and find a missing magic stone is challenging enough but when Brielle appears, Colin must fight an evil Fae to save the realms as well as choose between saving the stone or saving his love.

Our Review: Paying acute attention to the fine details from period clothing to specialty foods, architecture and clan structures, the author then skillfully weaves all those details into an epic tale, infusing it with love: of home, country, family and one man for one woman. Margaret Izard knows how to tell a story!

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

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews


Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Island Detour by Maria Imbalzano

 


Some detours are worth the trouble…

 About the Book:  Falsely accused of wrongdoing at a Princeton Prep school, Sophie Kearns accepts a temporary teaching position at an environmental school in the Florida Keys to wait out her suspension. The time away is meant to be an anxiety-free escape, but her clashes with the hot but arrogant marine biology teacher, Max Heaton, are anything but tranquil.

     Max is determined to start an environmental research institute at the school, but he suspects the gorgeous new Lit teacher, who lacks even the most basic outdoor skills, is there to hinder that dream. Yet, something about her tames the demons from his past, and he can no longer ignore the fire she’s lit inside him.

 Our Review:  Known for her ability to write snappy, evocative dialogue as well as descriptions of settings that literally jump off the page, author Imbalzano does not disappoint with Island Detour. The classic trope of opposites attract starts singing the moment Sophie and Max first meet, then the heat just keeps on coming. Plus, the underlying subplot of professional subterfuge keeps the reader turning the pages. Well done!

 Based on a scale of 1-5. Island Detour merits a 7.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews


Monday, February 26, 2024

Dead Girl by Kerrie Faye

 


Her coffin will have to wait.

 About the Book: Dying has its perks...mostly. Bullied teen Ember O'Neill goes from the weird girl to the tyrant of her school when she is resurrected from a deadly prank. Now secretly supernatural, she dethrones the school drama queen and snags the hot new guy, but her reign is at risk when the Order, a heretical sect, sends an assassin to eliminate her. Ember must expose her powers, potentially losing all she has gained, in order to save herself and her friends as her killer closes in.

 Our Review: All of us have known the Mean Girls [and guys] in our world. Whether they infested high school, college/grad school, or the business worlds, they possessed that one quality that made us feel like nothing, less than. This why Dead Girl and its characters is relatable on a variety of levels—and makes you want to stand up and cheer. So get ready for the ride of your life as you watch Ember and her two best friends form a bond that leads them on an adventure worthy of All American heroes. For a first novel, author Faye has done a terrific job, and we wait for the next in her Dead Girl adventures. 

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

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 


Wednesday, February 14, 2024


 On this day we got a blast from the past with a reminder of the Candy Hearts series--a set of short romances based on the heart-shaped candies with the short 2-3 word sayings on them.

If short romances with a Valentines theme are your thing, consider taking a look at this fun series. 

FMI: go to www.thewildrosepress.com

click on Our Exclusive Series and look for the logo [above] for the Candy Hearts series.

you won't be sorry!!

Monday, January 29, 2024

The Gardener's Secret by Sheila Hansberger

 


Loyalty to a stranger opens her to more danger than she’d ever imagined.

 About the Book: Believing she’ll get to report gritty news, Callie accepts a job at her hometown newspaper. Instead, she’s assigned the gardening column—a subject she knows nothing about. She begs advice from a tight-lipped neighbor when he admits he’s a retired gardener, even though his mannerisms and speech suggest he’s anything but. Not knowing the full truth doesn’t matter—she needs his help. The townsfolk think him strange and warn Callie to keep her distance, but she regards him and his family as friends. Learning their horrifying secret doesn’t deter her, even though loyalty will draw her into danger.

 Our Review: Debut author Sheila Hansberger displays an enviable talent for creating a subtle sense of danger with the secretive gardener next door. As well, her sense for the setting in a small southern town and all those attendant joys are spot on. This has been a joy to read. Cannot wait for her next adventure.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, The Gardener’s Secret merits a 6

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 


Sunday, December 31, 2023

The Last Golden Isle

 


She came to escape her past—and found her future.

About the Book: Ever since a traumatic experience as a college freshman four years earlier, Clare Matthews has had an aversion to men. But when she goes to spend the summer on one of Georgia's Golden Isles as a companion for her cousin Sally, she finds herself drawn to Jon, a handsome young security guard who works on the family estate. When the feeling seems mutual, she hopes she has at last been healed. Then signs of his possible involvement in a dangerous criminal activity crop up, and Clare must make a decision that will affect the rest of her life.

Our Review:  Readers need to hand onto their hats as this compelling drama takes in potential shady real estate machinations, possible drug smuggling, and serious mental health issues. Author McAlexander is a master at juggling multiple plot lines—and keeps the suspense at top peak.

Based on a scale of 1-5, The Last Golden Isle merits a 5.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews