Ghosted by Lori Matsourani

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

Wild Women Authors focus on Ghosted, a contemporary paranormal romance, written by Lori Matsourani, recently released by the Wild Rose Press.

About Ghosted:

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 wants to rekindle their relationship.

Despite her reluctance to trust him, Bethany discovers Nick is 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 she wants a happily ever after with Nick, she needs to develop the courage to trust him with her future.

An Excerpt:

As Mrs. Snowden spoke, a tall, dark-haired man entered the foyer. He wore jeans and a soft blue crewneck sweater that accentuated his lanky, yet solid, build. As soon as he saw her, his face lit up. “Bethany!”

He walked toward her as though they were long-lost friends, and she half expected him to pull her into an embrace. Then she recognized the dark chocolate eyes behind the black-framed glasses and her stomach lurched.

Nick Dorsey. He’s Mrs. Snowden’s nephew?

“Aunt Margaret told me you were checking in today.”

Stunned, Bethany stepped backward, bumping into the edge of the desk as her heart thudded. A white-hot flush scorched every inch of her skin as she stared at him. Of all the people she could run into, it had to be the first guy to break her heart?

And why did he have to be so handsome, with that bit of hair curling over his forehead and late-day stubble?

She inhaled deeply to rein in her composure, hating her can’t-catch-your-breath reaction to him, then dipped her chin in a neutral acknowledgment. “Hello, Nick.”

His smile morphed into a full-on, lopsided grin. “It’s been ages since I’ve seen you. Ten years, I bet. Not since the summer Zach and I got our drivers’ licenses.”

Mrs. Snowden laid her hand on Nick’s shoulder. “Bethany is staying in the Howard Room. Can you help her with her bag?” Then, turning to Bethany, she said, “Come back down when you’re ready and I’ll give you a tour of the house.”

As Bethany followed Nick to the second floor, the pain, questions, and self-doubts she’d buried years ago re-emerged, seeping into her belly like liquid concrete. The last thing she needed was Nick Dorsey invading her healing zone. It had taken her months to get over the summer romance they’d shared—and he’d abruptly ended—when they were teens. And even longer before she could bring herself to date again.

And now he was in her safe space.

To purchase Ghosted, go to:

https://books2read.com/lorimatsourani

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F9XCPLYD/thewildrosepr-20

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ghosted-lori-matsourani/1147463084?ean=2940184606941

https://books.apple.com/us/book/ghosted/id6746414091

https://wildrosepress.com/product/ghosted/

Goodreads Giveaway (Runs from August 1 to August 30):

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/418301-ghosted

 

About our Focus Author:

Lori Matsourani is a romance addict. Give her stories with a touch of heartbreak and a spark of joy, and she’s happy. Throw in characters with a huge helping of heart and soul, and she’s up reading all night in romance heaven! While currently a Texas resident, Lori grew up near Baltimore and often draws on the historical flavor of Annapolis and Maryland’s Eastern Shore to inspire her story settings. She authored her first fiction story at twelve and has been hooked on writing ever since. Early on, her writing career focused on articles for magazines and newspapers before shifting to her first writing love—fiction. For Lori, connecting words to tell a story is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle, and she loves the challenge of creating every piece.

To learn more about Lori, go to: https://lorimatsourani.com

Out of the Crash by Susan Poole

           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.

Wild Women Authors is pleased to feature debut author Susan Poole and Out of the Crash, a contemporary women’s fiction novel, and current release out of the Wild Rose Press. Up first is attorney turned motivational speaker and advocate Caroline Beasley who will go first.

We appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule, Caroline. Let’s begin with what made you turn from your first career as an attorney to that of author and motivational speaker? Like most things in my life, I wasn’t particularly strategic about making choices about my profession. I attended law school immediately after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, primarily because I wasn’t sure what else to do. My parents encouraged me to apply to law school in the first place, so when I got accepted, I figured that must be a sign, so I enrolled.

          While I loved the intellectual stimulation that accompanies law school, it’s no surprise that I never felt passionate about the actual practice of law after passing the New York State bar exam. The study of law is far more interesting than the actual practice of law, and once I had children, I dedicated myself to being a stay-at-home mom. When my kids were a bit older, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I threw myself into my treatment and recovery, eventually writing a book about my journey, which became a bestseller and led to my second career as a highly sought-after speaker and advocate for others battling breast cancer.

          Once again, I allowed my circumstances to dictate my career path rather than choosing it for myself.

Knowing what you know now, if you had it to do over again, would you stick with being a lawyer or do something different? That's a tough one. While I don't regret all the good that I did in helping others by sharing my breast cancer journey so openly, if I had to do it over again, I'd pay closer attention to my gut instincts. Somewhere along the way, I lost sight of what I truly wanted – heeding the desires and needs of others and neglecting myself. I wish I had dared to say 'no' more often and to place more emphasis on finding a better work-life balance.

What is your biggest fear? I fear that the pendulum has swung too far in the wrong direction and that my hyper-focus on the breast cancer community has done irreparable harm to my relationships with the people I love most in this world. Now that my son is on trial for vehicular manslaughter, possibly facing prison time, I'm desperately afraid that I can't do anything to help him. And even if I could, I fear he, and the rest of our family, won't trust me to be there the way that I should.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? Olivia Benson from Law & Order SVU. She's never afraid to speak her mind, and while she, too, has dedicated her life to advocating for others, she prioritizes her son and always seems to be there for him when he needs her.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? "Be present" – a term I embraced after taking my first yoga class, ironically thanks to my son's defense attorney, Valerie, who epitomizes my polar opposite. Val is also a breast cancer patient, but she's not angry about it or afraid of hiding how hard it is—both of which I'm guilty of. She wears her heart on her sleeve and graciously accepts help from others, which is something I'm working on and definitely learned from her. "Being present" means more than just living in the moment. It also requires letting others in and accepting vulnerability.

Thank you, Caroline. Now we’d like to chat with Susan.

Which writer or character[s], from either books or movies, or both, have had a major impact on your writing? Jodi Picoult has had a significant influence on my writing. Through my debut novel, and other unpublished works, I've tried to emulate her style in exploring moral dilemmas and complex family dynamics. I appreciate the way she doesn't always pick sides, instead giving readers a chance to view things differently and often from alternate perspectives.

Life is rarely just "black" or "white." Sometimes, I think today's society—and especially the news media—tries to pigeonhole our thinking into "right" versus "wrong," which can be very damaging to those on the "wrong" side of public opinion. In writing Out of the Crash, I wanted readers to wonder, "What would I do if my child's negligence had caused someone else's death?" "If I thought he/she was in the wrong, would I accept the punishment that accompanies the crime?"

At the same time, I never wanted to minimize the damage caused to the victim and her family. That's why I had to tell this story in a dual POV. Neither family was spared pain and anguish; they simply suffered in different ways. The question of forgiveness also arises on both sides of the equation, and we see how all the characters impacted by the tragedy grapple with it.

With regard to research, where did you start for this novel? Did that lead you down different paths, thereby changing the original concept? The inspiration for this novel came from a pair of biking accidents that occurred in my hometown. I witnessed community members jumping to conclusions about the alleged guilty parties and saw how damaging those early judgments were to the families involved. I mashed up the facts and fictionalized the scenarios into one, hoping to provide a voice for everyone "at fault" or "falsely accused."

This definitely led me down some winding paths. I researched the state laws involved in a hit-and-run crash, including the best possible defenses that can be raised on behalf of an accused offender. From there, I saw an opportunity to interject a major plot twist. While the original concept for the story remained consistent from the beginning to the end, the trajectory of the courtroom drama definitely took a turn.

Another significant development was the growing interconnection between the families on both sides of the tragedy. I didn't see that coming when I started writing. Still, as I developed my characters further, I thought it would be more interesting if there were more at stake than simple justice, which led to the decision to create a budding relationship between other members of the opposing families—much like a Hatfields vs. McCoys or Romeo vs. Juliet scenario. 

Tell us a bit about your publisher. How did you hear about them; what influenced you to submit to them? My publisher is The Wild Rose Press. I heard about them through my involvement with the Women's Fiction Writers Association (WFWA) and actually had the opportunity to pitch Out of the Crash to two of their editors at a WFWA conference in Chicago.

How is the submission process? I did some research and learned of their longstanding existence and excellent reputation. They requested three chapters of my manuscript during the conference pitch, but I waited a few months to ensure those chapters were well-polished. After submitting the requested materials in April 2024, I was asked to submit a full manuscript. By the end of July, I received an offer, which I weighed against another offer before deciding that Wild Rose was the best choice for me.  

What is the turn-around time from date of query to date of release? My release date turned out to be almost exactly one year later, and I really appreciated how smooth the process was with Wild Rose throughout that time. Their expectations and anticipated timelines were clearly communicated, and I'm grateful to be part of such a supportive community.

What are you reading right now? Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

What's next for you? My debut novel, Out of the Crash, releases on July 28th, which happens to be my birthday, so we'll definitely be celebrating. I'm also working on another work of women's fiction, currently titled Iris Inked. It's about an unlikely friendship between a middle-aged widow and a twenty-something aspiring social media influencer, who bond while taping YouTube videos about the older woman's various tattoos. Think Fannie Flagg’s Fried Green Tomatoes with a contemporary twist.

To learn more about Susan Poole, go to:

www.susanpooleauthor.com

Instagram: @susanpooleauthor

Facebook: author.susan.poole

X: @SHPooleWrites

Medium blog: https://shppoole.medium.com

To purchase Out of the Crash, go to:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/susanpoole

Barnes & Noble:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/out-of-the-crash-susan-poole/1147395104?ean=9781509260515

iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/out-of-the-crash/id6745760039

 

Tempered Journey by Pamela S. Thibodeaux

 Wild Women Authors welcomes author Pamela S. Thibodeaux who is celebrating the rerelease of Tempered Journey, Book 6 in The Tempered Series. With Pamela is Pat Greene who will go first.

Welcome, Pat, thank you for joining us. Let’s begin with where you are from. Magnolia, Mississippi

Tell us a bit about Tempered Journey. It is the story of a woman who is second-guessing her life choices and a man who has been widowed for over a decade who are brought together due to a case of mistaken identity.

What did you think the first time you saw Craig Harris? At first glance I thought he was Dr. Scott Hensley, a man I once knew and admired. Turns out they are half-brothers.

What was your second thought?  What a handsome cowboy!

Was it love at first sight? Since I was waxing sentimental over Scott the first time I saw, then later met, Craig, I can’t honestly say love at first sight. I can tell you the attraction was definitely there, but I had a few moments of sheer panic that I might be transferring a long-forgotten, unrequited love from one man onto his brother.

What do you like most about him? There is nothing I don’t like about Craig and that’s the dilemma! I’d never felt that way about another man other than his brother over thirty years ago.

How would you describe him? Tall, broad, muscular. An air of confidence that borders on cockiness. Sense of humor. Cowboy charm.

How would Craig describe you? Strong. Independent. Slender. Short spiky blonde hair, with eyes so deep blue they appear purple.

What made you choose nursing for a career? I’d dreamed of being a nurse since I was a child, but I also wanted to travel the world. Working independently allowed me to do so. I’ve visited so many countries working with missionaries and non-governmental programs that offer health care in remote areas and to victims of natural disasters.

What is your biggest fear? I never thought I’d want to be married. My gypsy lifestyle made committing to settling down in a relationship difficult. But now that I’m nearing retirement age—should I decide to retire—my biggest fear is living the rest of my life alone.

How do you relax? What’s that? Seriously, I’m always on the go but Yoga and meditation are the two things that keep me most grounded and help me relax.

Who is your favorite fictional character? I was not overly fond of the heroine in Gone with the Wind, but when I read, Celia Garth which came out about ten years later, I found a woman I could identify with and cheer for.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? “If you don’t do something different, change the status quo, you’re not going to make it through this.”

We thank you for your insight as a woman of a certain age who is balancing on that precipice of the whats, whys and why nots of that next step in the road. Now we’d like to speak with Pamela.

What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer? Oh my! There is no way I can name only a few so I’ll just say Nora Roberts is my all-time favorite author. Although I read voraciously, when I want to binge, I always choose her books.

Is there an event in your private life that you were able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel? Pat Greene is best friends with the heroine in my novel, My Heart Weeps. That book is one woman’s journey through grief into new life and parallels mine. The two women share a bond closer than many blood sisters do. I have friends like that, so I guess that is one thing in my private life that I brought to this, story – both stories actually. Another is how difficult it can be to start over after the loss of your soul mate.

          Our hero, Craig Harris, has been widowed for over a decade. The struggle he faces is one many of us go through when loneliness gnaws at our heart and mind even though we think we’ll never truly love again.

Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them? Tempered Journey, as well as the entire Tempered series, is independently published.

What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? Right now, I’m reading, Happier than God by Neale Donald Walsch, but my Kindle is full of fiction and nonfiction titles begging to be read.

Last, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves? I am currently working on a nonfiction project but have several fiction works in progress as well so I can’t pinpoint what comes next. I can say, however, that the audio versions of my 2 short story collections, A Hint of Romance and A Hint of Holiday Romance, are in the recording process and hopefully will be available later this year or early next.

 

About our featured author: Pamela S. Thibodeaux is an award-winning author, life coach and spiritual mentor. Her tagline, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ defines her life, writing, and coaching style. Find and Follow Pam through the links found @Linktree HERE: https://linktr.ee/pamelasthibodeauxauthor

Tempered Journey can be found at Amazon for Kindle, in Paperback and Audio: https://amzn.to/43LL3HU or other online retailers Here: https://books2read.com/TemperedJourney

 

For Keeps

 

It's not often we get to show off an important part of our former life--prior to turning into a published author we mean. 

A Bit About For Keeps: 

     Meghan Muldoon is at a crossroads in her life: struggling to balance the demands of a high stress vocation as an advocate for victims of violence with her feelings for Keenan Rossi, a man who wants to make their relationship permanent. On Valentine's Day, a series of routine crises force Meg to question staying in a profession which fulfills her both professionally and spiritually—or devoting the rest of her life to the one person who completes her.

Excerpt:

            “Crime Victim Services. How may I help you?”

            The caller's voice was low, husky, and exquisitely male. “Do you know the difference between a barracuda and a victim advocate?”

            Her heart skipped a beat. “Lip gloss.”

            “Well damn,” Kee muttered. “You already heard it.”

            “An oldie but a goodie, pal.”

            “Aren't we all. How you doin' on this gorgeous February day, gorgeous?”

            Bringing his handsome face to mind took no great effort. They had worked together for more years than either cared to count. When the relationship progressed beyond professional Meg felt they should keep things under the radar. At first Keenan agreed, claiming he wasn't in the mood tor any crap from his peers about exploring his feminine side. But after a while he began to push for something more permanent. And she wasn't so sure she was ready for that, especially marriage. Meg liked being able to come and go as she pleased, responsible only to herself, and for herself.

            Even though she heard the tease in his voice now, she was still smarting from last night so proceeded with caution. “Not too bad. How's by you?”

            “Lemme tell you, cara. If I was any better, I'd scare myself.”

Buy links for For Keeps:

Amazon:  https://www.Amazon.com/s?K=For+Keeps+by+Veronica+Lynch&crid=3BPHO00AJ4U&sprefix=for+keeps+by Veronica+Lynch

 Goodreads:Goodreads.com/search?q=For+Keeps+by+Veronica+Lynch&id=VnDrO8S56G 

 The Wild Rose Press: catalog.thewildrosepress.com/search?controller=search&orderby=position&orderway=desc&search_query=For+Keeps&submit_search=

 Bookbub:  Bookbub.com/w/for-keeps-by-veronica-lynch

 Barnes & Noble:  barnesandnoble.com/w/for-keeps-veronica-lynch/1123244129?ean=2940157679583

 For more information on Veronica, go to:

Email:                  WildWomenAuthors@gmail.com

Blogs:                  www.WildWomenAuthorsx2.blogspot.com

                   www.WildWomenReviews.blogspot.com

Bluesky:    @VeronicaLynch.bsky.social

 Amazon:    Veronica_Lynch/B01MCTZJ?ref=cp_rdr&is

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/WildWomenAuthors

                   www.Facebook.com.VeronicaLynch2004

Goodreads:         Goodreads.com/Author.Veronica_Lynch

 Instagram:@VeronicaLynchAuthor

Author Bio:

Legal nurse consultant, victim advocate, sexual assault nurse examiner Veronica Lynch has been there and done that--many times over. She often travels from her home close to the shore of Lake Ontario to the Saint Lawrence River/Thousand Island Region of Northern New York State as well as the historic Adirondack and Catskill Mountains, looking for settings for her books which feature strong characters who stand for the less thans in this world.

Over the years, she has been called many things, not all of them flattering. The name she treasures most is Nana to the four brightest lights in her life: Meredith and Ashlin, Owen and Kieran.

 

Caper Magic

 Today, we're taking a bit of time to blow our own horn.

In anticipation of the 2026 release of Something to Talk About, we're focusing on some of our old faves and want to tell you about them. One is Caper Magic, part of the Hauntings in the Garden anthology by the Wild Rose Press. Today it's featured on Literal Literary and we couldn't be more pleased. You can check it out at:  

https://literalliterary.com/blog/book-spotlight-caper-magic-by-veronica-lynch/

In the meantime, here's a bit about Caper Magic and a couple of its characters:

Excerpt: 

          Hank let out a holler just before a huge toothy grin spanned the borders of his gaunt cheeks. “Top o' the marnin' to ye, Missus!” he cackled to someone exiting the front door of the stone cottage next door.  

          Taking the concrete steps to the sidewalk in two lithe moves, a woman dressed in a slinky dress the color of ripe tomatoes glanced their way and responded in a distinct Irish brogue. “And the ass end of the day to ye, Mistur Pierpont.”

          Intrigued by rich tone of her voice, Nick craned his neck and found one of the witches from yesterday's parade—minus the droopy velvet hat—passing within steps of Hank's porch. A bulging garment bag hung over one arm; she looked headed in the direction of the pier at the end of Vincentian Lane. Damned if right then a wind didn't jump up off the lake and mold the filmy length of scarlet against each curve of her body. Long black hair—and there seemed to be a good ten pounds of it—flowed over her shoulders, caressing her body like a lover as she marched toward Dingle Pier. When his heart bumped into a trip hammer beat, Nick reminded himself to breathe. 

          “Ferget yer broom, Missus?” Hank called out to her retreating back.

          “In the repair shop,” she replied over one shoulder, winging that glorious onyx hair away from lips painted to match her dress. “Gettin' fitted with a couple of those fancy turbo boosters, it is.”

          Hank chuckled, then went back to his coffee. “Turbo boosters. That Nunie Doyle sure is a pistol.”

          An invisible fist reached down to grab Nick's gut in a vise. As recognition flared, long buried rage took a slow crawling path up his spine. 

 BUY LINKS:

Wild Rose Press:  https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/all-titles/3329-caper-magic.html

Amazon:  wwwAmazon.com/Caper-Magic-Hauntings-Garden-Veronica=ebook/dp/B00O0FVUDC/ref=pd

Barnes and Noble:  barnesandnoble.com/w/caper-magic-veronica-lynch/1120635282

Apple Books:  books.apple.com/us/book/caper-magic/id923710262

Bookbub: Bookbub.com/books/caper-magic-by-Veronica-Lynch

One Sweet Christmas by Darlene Fredette

Wild Women Authors is pleased to focus on One Sweet Christmas a contemporary romantic novella by Darlene Fredette.

More than a few pieces of chocolate are essential to fill this Scrooge’s heart with Christmas cheer.

 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. The temptation of delectable chocolate and a second chance might lure him to stay.

 Excerpt:

A tiny piece of her hoped his family was behind his visit, but she suspected—and dreaded—his reason was more complex and involved. “You traveled all this way and have no intention of seeing your family? What is wrong with you? Has the big city air caused you to lose your mind?”

“That is a possibility. Because for the life of me, I don’t remember getting married.”

His statement sliced through her, unearthing scars she never wanted to revisit. Candice stepped backward.

Jackson withdrew a document from inside his coat pocket. He unfolded the certificate and waved it in the air. “Recognize this?”

Candice snatched away the paper. A weight pressed heavily on her chest, stalling a breath. Scanning the words, she held onto the counter for support.

A loud timer buzzed from the kitchen, startling both Candice and Jackson.

Candice raced toward the kitchen. “Fudge.”

More on Darlene Fredette can be found at:

Website: http://www.darlenefredette.com/

Blog: http://findingthewritewords.blogspot.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darlenefredette1/

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/darlenefredette.bsky.social

One Sweet Christmas can be purchased at:

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/One-Sweet-Christmas-Redford-Falls-ebook/dp/B0F8RC2YSF

 Free on KU for a limited time!

 YouTube Teaser: https://youtu.be/N-Ikjv_Zd5s 

Chasing Shadows by Cat Jameson

              The sexy stranger from the one-night-stand she can’t forget turns out to be the key witness against her client … and somebody wants him dead.

Annie O’Toole, a St. Louis Public Defender, is passionate about fighting for the underdog and determined to prove herself as the badass trial lawyer she knows she can be.  Getting assigned to defend the kid charged with shooting billionaire businessman, Michael Grayson, is a big step up for her career.

Until the hot guy she seduced at the Justice for All Ball shows up at her office in response to her deposition subpoena. Turns out the sexy stranger who introduced himself only as ‘Mick’, the guy she’s been fantasizing about since slipping away while he slept — is none other than Michael Grayson.

She’s horrified. He’s furious. He thinks she set him up. She thinks he’s an arrogant ass in a snazzy suit. Intrigue and bullets fly in a mix of swoon and sparks as Annie and Michael battle each other, the bad guys, and an off-limits attraction neither can ignore.

Wild Women Authors is pleased to feature author Cat Jameson and Chasing Shadows, her debut novel of romantic suspense out of the Wild Rose Press. Up first is businessman Michael Grayson.

Good morning, Michael. Let’s begin with where are you from. I grew up about an hour south of St. Louis in Ste. Genevieve, MO. Just follow the Mississippi River and you can’t miss it. It’s a beautiful little river town of around 5,000 people. It also happens to be Missouri’s oldest permanent European settlement. A lot of the original colonial settlement from the 1700’s is still in use. It’s pretty cool. My folks still live there in the same house I grew up in. I was ready to get out and spread my wings as soon as I hit eighteen, but it was a good place to grow up. After the Navy and college, I settled in St. Louis – close enough to easily visit the folks but in a city with the infrastructure to support the company I planned to build.

What did you think the first time you saw Annie O’Toole?  She was gorgeous and sexy as hell, with the greenest eyes I’d ever seen. I’d been bored out of my mind at that fundraiser, ready to throw in the towel and call it a night when this bombshell of a redhead dumps bourbon all over my tux and I was anything but bored.

And your second thought was? She didn’t pussyfoot around or suck up to me. She wasn’t trying to impress me, like the rest of the world. That was … intoxicating. I couldn’t remember the last time somebody — anybody, much less a beautiful woman — treated me like a normal person. Money like mine opens a lot of doors, you know?  But Annie was REAL, with this quick wit and smart mouth. That’s what I wanted to keep when I suggested our ‘let’s-keep-things-anonymous’ game. I was afraid if she knew who I was, it would screw everything up.

Was it love at first sight? Well, that first sight definitely got my attention, but I’d say it was more ‘love that first night.’ See, we agreed to have this out-of-character, bold and crazy, first-names-only one-night stand, after which we’d both ride off into the sunrise with great memories and zero complications. Bit of a story as to how we got there, but basically, I think we’d both been burned enough that a night like that sounded pretty fabulous. Only she blew me away that night in so many ways. When I woke up and realized she was gone, I knew I wanted her back. I just had no idea where to find her or what a debacle the whole thing would turn into once I did. But you know? If I hadn’t gotten shot, I never would have met her. I used to think the expression ‘I’d take a bullet for you’ was just that — an expression. But it was taking that bullet that brought me to Annie, so yeah. If I had it to do over, I’d take that bullet for her all over again. Crazy, huh?

What do you like most about her?  Her spirit. She’s this wonderful concoction of contradictions. She’s one of the most principled people I know. It’s never about what’s convenient or easy with Annie. It’s about what’s right. I’m a better person with her than I was without her, that’s for sure. She’s passionate about things she believes in and the people she cares about, but she also doesn’t take life too seriously. She can laugh at herself and helps the rest of us do the same. And she’s one of the bravest people I know. How many people can walk away from everything and everyone they’ve ever known because it’s just toxic – as a college kid, with nothing to fall back on? Just cutting all the nets and taking that leap to build a life you can love. She awes me.

How would you describe her?  Fiery. Funny. Determined. Passionate. Smart. Loyal — if you’ve earned it. Dangerous if you haven’t. Sexy. Sensual. Adventurous. Curious. Disorganized. Stubborn. Impulsive. Infuriating. The love of my life.

Okay, but how would she describe you?  At times, she’s described me as a self-absorbed ass and a man who would ruin her life if she stayed with me. I think I’ve finally convinced her she was wrong about that last one. Let’s see, loyal, protective, smart, creative, impatient, easily bored if I’m not challenging myself. A little too daring for her taste.

What made you choose aeronautics for a career?  Have you ever seen the Blue Angels perform— you know that squadron of Navy pilots who do that precision flying with all those amazing acrobatic maneuvers? My dad took me to see them at an air show when I was like ten. I had never seen anything as cool as that. I wanted to be them. After, I’d watch the jets from Scott Air Force Base across the river fly overhead and make up these elaborate stories about all the heroic stuff those pilots did. I had a pretty good imagination as a kid. By the time I was old enough to enlist, I had a little more realistic idea of what it meant to be a fighter pilot, but the dream still held. So, I became a Navy pilot. And yes, I loved it as much as I’d thought I would. When I got a chance to be a test pilot on some new designs, I began to get interested in not just flying, but designing, fighter planes. Thinking about things that would make the planes I was flying perform better. From there it was a natural progression. The GI bill paid for me to get my degree in aeronautical engineering. I managed to sell a few design upgrade ideas for enough money to start my own company. And the rest, as they say, is history.

What is your biggest fear? I’d have to say irrelevance. Well, if you don’t count losing Annie. That would definitely be my biggest fear.

How do you relax? I can’t say there’s just one go-to way. I enjoy sharing a drink or dinner with friends — something that had pretty much dropped by the wayside when I was running Grayson Aeronautics, so I’ve made a point to get back to that. I like just hanging out at home.

Who is your favorite fictional character? Maverick from Top Gun. Who else?

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? “You don’t like the territory, change it.”

Thanks for taking time out for us, Michael. Now we’d like to chat with Cat.

What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer? The Noras! I love all things Nora Ephron: When Harry Met Sally, You’ve Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle… Her characters are so multi-dimensional — funny and poignant, conflicted, both disillusioned and hopeful — like most of us. And I’ve long loved Nora Roberts books. She introduced me to the genre of romantic suspense, which is what I now write. So both hugely influential.

Is there an event in your private life that you were able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel? Chasing Shadows is set in the same courthouse and public defender office in which I used to practice, so all of the descriptions of that place are completely accurate, as are a number of the experiences Annie and Jonathan banter about visiting clients in different jails. I really did have a guard tell me to either sit on the toilet in my client’s cell or on the bed to conduct an attorney-client interview. When I flat out refused, he finally brought me a big bucket I could turn over and use as a seat. Such a glamorous life. 

Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them?  I went to The Ozark Creative Writer’s Conference in Eureka Springs, AR and Rhonda Penders from The Wild Rose Press was there, both doing a presentation and also taking pitches. I made my pitch. She told me to send her the first chapter. Then a week or so later emailed and asked me to send the full manuscript. And a month or so after that, I got the e-mail offering me a contract!

What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? Oh my god, I have an entire bookcase of TBR’s. Right this moment, I’m binging Lexi Blake’s Masters and Mercenaries while waiting for Elodie Hart’s Duplicity to be released. Ditto with the next book in Marie Force’s First Family series.

Last, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves? Next up is Chasing Secrets (tentative title), which picks up the story of Jax who we met in Chasing Shadows as Streeter’s smartass assistant. Unfortunately, it’s still in first draft stage.

 

Cat Jameson can be found at: www.catjameson.com

 

To purchase Chasing Shadows, go to: Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Books.A.Million, Bookshop.org, Kobo.com, Walmart, and The Wild Rose Press.

Broome Enigma by Meryl Brown Tobin

          In 1986, while on a working holiday in Australia's cosmopolitan Outback town of Broome, Jodie Winter, a young book designer and artist is open to romance and adventure.  At the holiday village where she is staying, she meets Joe, a young man who works there. Despite the strong attraction between them, the many unknowns about his earlier life keep them apart. To try to uncover his mysterious past, they travel to Perth and back to Broome and are drawn into not only bizarre but also dangerous situations.

Is Joe the person she thinks he is, or is he some alter ego? Can Jodie and Joe stop their relationship from developing until they have answers and know if he is free to love her?

 

Wild Women Authors is pleased to feature Meryl Brown Tobin and Broome Enigma, a romantic-suspense/adventure set in Australia’s Outback. First up is Jodie Winter.

Good day to you, Jodie. Thank you for joining us today. Let’s start with where you are from. Perth, Western Australia, Australia.

Tell us a bit about Broome Enigma. Much of the action in the book is set in Broome; the main male character, Joe, is a mystery man and there are mysterious things going on in the underbelly of Broome.

What did you think the first time you saw Joe? When I saw a young man with a stunning tan dressed in jeans and sandals and shifting sprinklers, I took a second look. He was too handsome to be true.

Hah! Works for us. What was your second thought? When my       younger sister Tiffany went to talk to him and he didn’t smile at her, I wondered what his problem was.

    Do you feel it was love at first sight? No, attraction at first sight, but not love.

    What do you like most about him? Apart from his looks and his gentleness, I was intrigued by the little boy lost look about him.

How would you describe Joe? Though he was attractive with his dark curly hair and his tanned torso and looked as though he could have stepped off a surfing movie set, his dampened-down personality didn’t match. He didn’t smile, and he seemed preoccupied with his thoughts. He was a maintenance man at a caravan park, but the occupation didn’t ‘fit’ him unless he was a backpacker which he wasn’t.

How would Joe describe you? Small, slim build, blonde hair cut in a bob and reluctantly playing the role of big sister, constantly looking out for her slightly dizzy younger sister.

What made you choose book designing for a career? I am an artist, and love graphic design. I got work experience with a publisher and found I enjoyed designing book covers and laying out books for publication.

What is your biggest fear? That the injury to Joe might cause problems for him in the future.

How do you relax? Lie on the beach with Joe or swim with him.

Who is your favorite fictional character?  Tarzan, as played by Johnny Weissmuller.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? This is something I once read in a magazine: There are six people in a relationship: the person you think you are, the person your relationship person thinks you are, and the person you really are, the person you think your relationship person is, the person they think they are, and the person they really are. The closer the three persons on each side of the relationship are, the more chance there is that the relationship will work.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, Jodie. Now we’d like to chat with Meryl.

What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer? Movies, books and TV series featuring detectives, including Sherlock Holmes, Miss Marple, Poirot, Inspector Tom Barnaby from ‘Midsomer Murders’ TV series, Inspector George Gently and Vera. Judge John Deed is another TV hero who made a big impression.

Is there an event in your private life that you were able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel? I have included some of my travel experiences in Broome Enigma, including the opening scene, where the heroine first sees the hero in a caravan park. I adapted a real life meeting to suit fictional purposes. I also know people who have lost their memory, including myself, and I have also melded these into this story.

Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them? On the Internet I read that The Wild Rose Press had won awards for being authors’ favourite publisher, so I tried them and found their editors gave helpful feedback. You submit five pages and then, hopefully, are asked to submit a complete manuscript. It takes about a year to be published. However, it would be a bit quicker if you didn’t take as long as I did tweaking galley proofs.

What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? The Wild Rose Press author Randy Overbeck’s Cruel Lessons.

Last, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves? I have just sent off another romantic suspense novel set in Australia to Ally Robertson, my editor at The Wild Rose Press. If all goes as I hope, it will be on sale by the end of 2025.

Meryl brought an excerpt for us:

     A big gust of wind rocked the van and flung Jodie hard against Joe. He pushed her off.

     “Joe, it’s me, Jodie! Wake up, wake up!”

     “Jodie, is that you?” He threw his arms around her and buried his head in her chest.

     She brushed his hair back from his sweating face. “Take it easy, Joe. Take deep breaths. It’s okay. It’s going to be okay.”

He stopped shaking and pulled back from her. “What’s happening?”

“It’s the cyclone. Don’t you remember?”

Another huge gust shook the van and sent Jodie sprawling on Joe’s bunk and into the wall. “Ow, that hurt!” She picked herself up and rubbed her head.

The van rocked violently again. Joe and Jodie grabbed for handholds. “Quick, come into my bed with me, Joe. It will be safer there.”

Tripping and feeling their way along the wall, the two made their way to the double bed and clambered in.

Her breathing coming in short spasms, she lay on her back and took deep breaths. The storm whined and screeched about her, and the roof creaked and scraped.

“Oh, my god, the roof’s going to take off any minute!”

Joe’s arms enveloped her. “Hush, everything will be all right. But will you be okay if we have to make a run for it?”

“Yes.” She let out a sob. “But I like our chances better in here than out there.”

Joe kissed her forehead. He pulled her closer and they lay locked against each other while the storm raged around them.

To learn more about Meryl Brown Tobin go to:

https://sites.google.com/view/merylbrowntobin-author

https://www.facebook.com/meryl.tobin.18

https://amazon.com/author/meryl-brown-tobin23

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6422807.Meryl_Brown_Tobin

 

Broome Enigma is for sale on over 40 websites, including https://amazon.com/author/meryl-brown-tobin23 and https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199746026-broome-enigma.