Dark Cover, Bk 2 The DARK Files by Susan Vaughan

 

A traitor’s brother, an undercover fiancée—and a terrorist’s deadline…

About the Book:

Nick Markos has inherited the burden and shame of his brother’s dealings with terrorists, who demand he return the millions he skimmed. Hoping to uncover a plotted attack, the Feds install DARK Officer Vanessa Wade undercover as Nick’s glamorous fiancée.

Despite her expertise, Vanessa has grown to dislike undercover work. Under orders to make sure the sexy and tortured tycoon is no traitor, she soon realizes that instead he’s determined to regain his family honor—and his own. She tells herself to stay detached, but this man’s kisses make her emotions spin out of control. As they work together amid gala social events and terror threats, Nick and Vanessa cannot deny their mutual attraction, but her deception makes Vanessa feel as false as the rock on her finger.

Is their relationship only a charade? One that could explode—along with a terrorist bomb?

 

Our Review: Susan Vaughan gives the ‘bad guy’ from the first book in her DARK Files series a brother who is targeted by the brother’s terrorist organization, demanding he return the millions stolen by the brother before his violent death. While not exactly mourning his sibling’s death, Nick is determined to preserve the Markos’ family honor as well redeeming his own. Tossing in a vibrant heroine in the form of Vanessa the Confessor Wade who is supposed to protect him only complicates his primary goal. This small, compact undercover agent might be able to protect his body but. . . who or what will protect his heart?

     Mistakes of the past, for both Vanessa and Nick, keep cropping up, turning this story into an edge of your seat read. Vaughan’s talent for writing action—and making it believable—is enviable.

 

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

 

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Dark Mission, Bk 1 The DARK Files by Susan Vaughan

 

Can they hold onto the heartbreak of the past when he’s protecting her from a killer 24/7?

 

About the book:

After museum curator Laura Rossiter witnesses a murder, she runs for her life, finally landing in a Maine resort where she feels safe. Until bad-boy Cole Stratton rides his Harley back into her life…

Now a DARK officer, Cole has a mission—protect Laura, the golden girl he’s never forgotten, and flush out a killer. As the danger increases, so does the tension between the ex-lovers. Cole still believes she’s out of his league… and that she’s hiding secrets she intends never to reveal.

Together 24/7, they can’t deny the passion reigniting between them. But as the painful memories of their past assail them and a killer closes in, they must find a way to trust each other—before their future is extinguished forever.

 

Our Review: From the first, at the ‘reuniting’ of former lovers Laura and Cole, the action pops off the page. . . and keeps on coming. Using subtle understatement, author Vaughan lets the reader know the level of danger these two characters face in terms of basic survival. Plus, a cast of secondary characters flavor this edge-of-the-seat tale, enhancing the romance as well as the suspense. Vaughan has a enviable talent for dialogue—from the Down-East locals to law enforcement at all levels. This is a treat to read as well as enjoy.

 

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

 

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

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

 

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 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!!

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

 

 

 

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

Mark of the Beast by Toni V. Sweeney

 

At first sight, Mask of the Beast appears to be a spin off on the age-old fairy tale where, because of true love a centuries old curse is lifted. It is more than that. The depth and range of author Toni V. Sweeney’s research is exceptional. Her fluid prose and compelling characters keep the pages turning in this tale of devotion—both marital and filial. Do Not Miss this one!

 

On a scale of 1-5, Mask of the Beast deserves a 7.

 

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

Crushed Promises by Linda Trout

 

Rebecca Walker loves searching for lost treasure but puts her plans on hold to fulfill her sister’s dying wish of performing on Broadway. She returns home when her father has a severe stroke. While there, she’s determined to achieve her father's lifelong quest for hidden Confederate gold, rumored to be buried nearby.

Former army ranger Roy Maddox blames the accident that took his fiancée’s life on her sister, Rebecca. Now Rebecca is back, pretending to care about the father she left behind to pursue her dreams. Despite their differences, they’re drawn to each other.

Will they locate and retrieve the gold, or will they be blind-sided by an outside force who is intent on taking the treasure, destroying them both?

Our Review: Among author Linda Trout’s many talents is her ability to build suspense and a developing romance in subtle though powerful ways. The progression is compelling and keeps the reader turning the pages of this story, filled with parental love and devotion. A treat for all fans of romantic suspense.  

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

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Revenge Hit by B Davis Kroon

 

The first victim? Most likely, that one’s personal.  

 About The Book: A brilliant, but oddball, football fanatic watches as a player dies on the gridiron—thanks to an official’s screwup—only to have the agony of his childhood take over his mind. Weeks later, a part of him is killing football officials. Sports website mogul and college football commentator Ben Leit finds himself dragged into a road trip across Route 66 in search of the anesthetic killer.

 Our Review: Our first comment on Revenge Hit: do not start reading this late on a Sunday night because you’ll never make it to work on time the next day. It’s that good. Our second comment is a nod to author Davis Kroon’s talent for creating setting. In the first scene, in the middle of a brilliant Fall day, the reader finds themselves dead center of a playing field, arms open in anticipation of a perfect spiral pass landing neat as a pin in their hands.

The third, and definitely most important, is the detailed and compelling descent into one man’s frustration, advancing to rage, ending in total madness, making for an exceptional read.

 On a scale of 1-5, Revenge Hit deserves an 8.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Half Truths Under a Broken Moon by Jody Wenner

 

Will going home again bring added pain—or profound joy?

 

About the Book: After a decade away from her hometown of Alton, Minnesota, Luna Anderson is reticent to return but she has no choice. The woman who raised her is dying of cancer. While working through her grief over the loss, Luna encounters her birth mother—another of the reasons she stayed away for so long—alive and well and thriving. To complicate matters, after seeing Brad, her childhood friend, the same confusing feelings Luna once had for him resurface.

So do the panic attacks she’s not suffered since fleeing Alton. Is Brad the trigger? Or is it the loss of the only woman who nurtured her? Then, perhaps the cause lies with the emotionally charged relationship she has with her mother.

Luna owes it to her recently deceased grandma to stay in Alton and care for the man who stood as the only father figure she’s ever known. It might be time to stop running and finally confront everything she has tried to move on from—which means figuring out the cause of the panic attacks and whether she is ready to risk falling in love again.

.

Our Review:  this is a compelling and complex tale of family systems and the wrath that once wreaked on the innocent leads to lifelong pain and uncertainty. In order to survive, Luna escaped but only by developing multiple protective layers. It is therefore a pure joy to watch author Wenner peel the layers away like the skin of an onion. As each layer is shed, the reader sees light and clarity enter Luna’s damaged spirit. This is a journey into one woman’s self-actualization, as well as a joyous and happily ever after. Well done!

 

Based on a scale of 1-5, Half Truths Under a Broken Moon merits a 7.

 

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

Accidental Allies by Karina Bartow

 

After a six-year absence can she go back to the career she loves?

 About the Book: Accidental Allies follows detective Minka Avery as she returns to the Orlando P.D. after a six-year hiatus. The decision to bring her back following such a lengthy absence wasn’t popular with some of the top brass, but when the courthouse is bombed, the investigation puts the entire department under the microscope. As the case takes several twists and turns, Minka proves her time away from ‘detecting’ hasn’t diminished her skills at all.  

 Our Review: The depth of research performed by author Bartow shows clear in this fast-paced police procedural based in sunny Orlando. It is the loyalty which flavors the varied personal relationships that bring a shine to this tale. While Minka owes her job to her immediate superior Gus Channing, it is her loyalty to him that not only saves his job but also solves the crimes underlying the mystery. Add to that mix a loving spouse and delightful child, as well as her charming rogue of a brother which makes this story so special.

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

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Authors

Rag Lady by Susie Black

 

About The Book: Take a step back in time to see how apparel magnate Holly Schlivnik got her start in the rag business.  

Our Review: As a precursor to the Holly Swimsuit Series, Rag Lady takes fans of this popular series back to the early days when Holly, a recent college graduate and budding writer, gets her start in the business that eventually takes her to the Apparel Mart in California. The history is fascinating with added flavors of Jewish traditions. And we cannot ignore the influence of Nana. Beautifully written, this character stands out as a testament to tough, loving grandmothers everywhere. Well done!  

On a scale of 1-5, Rag Lady deserves a 4.

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Flame & Shadow by AK Nevermore

 

About the Book: Envy, a half fae-half daemon, is looking at her death which will occur in less than thirty days. In her short life, she has not had many opportunities or been offered many chances so has lived on her wits and guile. Out of the blue, she is offered the option to survive—but in her view it comes at a high price. Along this journey, she encounters difficult people and situations—but in the end, survives. As to how well she survives is her decision.

Our Review:  This is not an easy story for the casual reader to get through. That said, devotees of the sci-fi/paranormal/urban fantasy genres will adore it. Because of her less than sterling upbringing, Envy has developed a kick-ass, nothing bothers me attitude—but early on it becomes clear this is a cover for a young person looking to belong, unconsciously begging for unconditional positive regard. Afterall, isn’t that what we all need? What we all deserve? Under it all, Flame & Shadow is a morality tale, teaching us to look under the surface which might be hiding someone in desperate need.

 On a scale of 1-5, Flame & Shadow merits a 4.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

Sedona by Kerry Fryar Freeman

 

Filled with Native mysticism, whispering pines and healing qualities of crystals and potions, Kerry Fryar Freeman takes the reader on a journey through the massive tourist industry of the Southwest USA. The characters are unique, quirky and eclectic; the heroine is gutsy and motivated. Too bad some of the locals don't want their secrets uncovered. 

For our full review of Sedona by Kerry Fryar Freeman, go to: www.WildWomenReviews.blogspot.com

Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews  

The Taken by Donnette Smith

 

It’s the wedding of a lifetime—until a dead girl shows up.

 About The Book: All Jenna Langley wants is the chance to marry the man of her dreams. But when the spirit of a dead girl, one only Jenna can see, appears at the wedding, it’s clear a recent brush with death has caused a heightening of Jenna’s psychic abilities. The groom, police detective Cole Rainwater, vows to do whatever is necessary to get to the bottom of his wife’s disturbing visions. Before he can launch an investigation, Jenna is abducted—and what began as a meticulously planned romantic honeymoon turns into a nightmare of epic proportions.

 Our Review: In this third book of the Spirit Walker series, it is a delight to see a satisfying conclusion of two strong character arcs. With Jenna and Cole, author Donnette Smith has built upon well established, compelling lead characters, then thrown them into the deep end of the dehumanizing world of human trafficking. For mystery fans, there are plenty of red herrings to keep the pages turning in order identify the real bad guys. Flavored with a boatload of dry humor and steamy sex, this is an effortless conclusion to a terrific series.

 On a scale of 1-5, The Taken deserves an 8.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews

 

 

 

 

Love is Silent by Toni V. Sweeney

 

She is hired to teach him to speak—but there are other things he wants to learn.

 About the Book: Anna Leighton is hired to help David Wood, Lord Mayfield, learn the intricacies of Sign language in order to help him communicate with and adapt to the world outside his rural family estate. A greedy relative has petitioned the courts to have David declared incompetent; Anna’s earlier success with teaching the deaf will hopefully prove the accusation a lie.

           Unfortunately, she is working against a time limit of six weeks to perform what some would consider a miracle. After breaking down the walls David has erected to protect himself from further abuse and injury, Anna is successful and he is soon Signing, then speaking in limited amounts—and even dancing. Suddenly he has a champion—and the two quickly fall in love. But societal norms are rigid and unforgiving. The two deserving people must fight more than a vicious family member in order to establish a future together.

 Our Review: In a departure from the genres Toni V. Sweeney is generally known for, with this historical romance, she offers the same loving care for setting, dialogue, and complex characters—both primary and secondary. The history behind educating the hearing impaired is spot-on as well as the minute attention to societal norms for finding love outside one’s station. Spiced with bright, engaging humor and layered characters, Love is Silent is a treat to read and enjoy.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, Love is Silent merits a 6.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Authors

The Fog Ladies: Date With Death

 Love can be deadly.

 About the Book: The Fog Ladies count on each other like one relies on an early morning San Francisco fog burning off by midday. In their latest caper, Olivia Honeycut joins a senior dating service, meets a man, and promptly stumbles across a body whom one of her fellow romantics has just pitched over a cliff. The ‘fog ladies’ believe the killer is Olivia’s new honey. He’s too smooth; he’s lying about his past and the ‘ladies’ intend to find out why.

 Our Review: What a joy to meet a group of women who genuinely admire and respect each other—even when they agree to disagree—despite a disparity of backgrounds, life experiences, and interests. Of particular joy is Enid Carmichael whom, we’re convinced, would have held her own ‘back in the day’ of the swinging sixties, when women weren’t as liberated as we might have wished, had to tolerate unimaginable misogyny and social taboos, and still succeeded. Enid is a hoot and one of the true stars of this enchanting cozy mystery series. We look forward to book 5. Well done.

 Based on a scale of 1-5, The Fog Ladies: Date With Death merits a 5.

 Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews