I'd Rather Kiss You Goodnight by Christine Columbus

               River sunsets, campfires, and a summer romance that might not last. River sunsets, campfires, and a summer romance that might not last. Will Sally have only bittersweet memories or a broken heart when autumn comes?

Wild Women Authors focus on I’d Rather Kiss You Goodnight, an over-forty romantic comedy, written by Christine Columbus, and released by the Wild Rose Press

About the Book:

Sally has sworn off relationships. At forty-seven, she finds herself stuck in a rut and feels as if she’s going nowhere. Until her mother needs help to fix up her house, now Sally spends her weekends driving three hours to plaster and paint walls.

Ty is also lending a hand with the repairs, and their attraction simmers just beneath the surface. As the house takes on a new life, so does Sally’s heart. By day, they work on the house, but in the evenings, they escape to a local campground, overlooking river sunsets and diving into a summer romance.

As summer ends and Ty gets ready to leave, Sally has to choose: should she follow her heart and risk getting hurt again, or play it safe and keep things as they are?

An Excerpt:

The sound of a deep male voice shifted my attention to the left. A smile split my lips. This was the same man who walked in behind me. His eyes were the color of a sea before the storm. Never having seen an ocean, I couldn’t swear this was true, but sometimes, you didn’t have to see something to know it. This was one of those times. This man stirred a mix of emotions in me…a cocktail of curiosity, attraction, and a hint of apprehension.

“Is this seat taken?”

I stared, no longer remembering what the question was.

He pointed a finger at the chair. His shoulders strained against the fabric of the cotton dress shirt.

Warmth spread across my cheeks as I remembered the question. “No, it’s not taken.”

His eyes and smile drew me closer.

The bartender rushed over, sliding chips before him. “What can I get you?”

He tilted his chin to the left. “What is she drinking?”

My stool swiveled toward him. Our knees bumped. But instead of mumbling an apology. I maintained eye contact. “The bartender can’t tell you. It’s like doctor-patient confidentiality. Although if you ask me real nice, then I’ll tell you.”

I flashed a toothy smile. Why am I flirting? The sight of my half-empty glass supplied the answer. Bourbon. Instead of shying away or summoning the anger and frustration from two years ago, I sat with a poker face.

The bartender smirked.

He held out a hand. “Ty.”

“Sal.”

He had a firm but gentle handshake. “Short for Sally?”

A simple question. Yet I hesitated, wishing I could think of something clever and knowing I should leave. “Is this also confidential information?”

The right corner of his mouth twitched. He released my hand and slid both chips across the wooden bar. “Give me what she’s having. And give her another?”

I motioned for him to come closer. “If you’re trying to get me tipsy, it’s too late. This is my second, and I don’t normally drink anything other than an occasional beer.”

“Why tonight? Were you close to Bernie?”

“Yes and no.” I tried to clamp my jaw shut, but the words kept coming. “Bernie was my mom’s significant other for ten years. Long story. I didn’t put any effort into getting to know him, and now, it’s too late.” I picked up my glass. The ice cubes clinked, and the faint fragrance of fruit and whiskey rose from the short tumbler.

The bartender appeared with two drinks and another bowl of popcorn. After nodding my thanks, I caught the wink she flashed at Ty. Well, who wouldn’t? The guy was hot and handsome.

“So—” He turned and held my gaze.

I sensed a connection but feared the attraction had more to do with liquor, the social lubricant, than any actual feelings. The last thing I wanted was to be played for a fool, so I searched for a safe subject and drew a blank. Every day, I had dozens of impersonal conversations, and now, I couldn’t think of one generic thing to say.

The tip of his tongue swiped across his bottom lip.

A jolt of desire shot through me. I crossed my legs to counter the sudden pleasure and tried to remember all the hurt and pain from my relationship with JR. Recanting why I was happier without a man did little to squelch my interest. The man beside me with the kind blue eyes and gentle voice lulled me into believing not all men were jackals waiting to devour a woman’s heart and drag her into a den of financial ruin.

“Are you from River City?”

 “I’d Rather Kiss You Goodnight” can be purchased at:

Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/Rather-Kiss-Goodnight-Surf-Romance-ebook/dp/B0FGDGP3MN

Amazon CA https://www.amazon.ca/Rather-Kiss-Goodnight-Surf-Romance-ebook/dp/B0FGDGP3MN

Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rather-Kiss-Goodnight-Surf-Romance-ebook/dp/B0FGDGP3MN

Barnes & Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/id-rather-kiss-you-goodnight-christine-columbus/1147712653?ean=2940184331522

Apple https://books.apple.com/us/book/id-rather-kiss-you-goodnight/id6748141643

GooglePlay https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Christine_Columbus_I_d_Rather_Kiss_You_Goodnight?id=8iuFEQAAQBAJ

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/i-d-rather-kiss-you-goodnight

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/237870286-i-d-rather-kiss-you-goodnight

BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/books/i-d-rather-kiss-you-goodnight-by-christine-columbus

A Bit About Christine Columbus:

Eighteen years ago, while living in Minneapolis, Minnesota, I published children’s stories, creative non-fiction, poetry, and flash fiction, then stumbled into romance, writing several short stories and a novel with The Wild Rose Press.

Then, I took a brief hiatus that lasted thirteen years, traveling the United States in a 40 foot 5th wheel camper with my husband. This journey, from the Midwest to the West Coast to the East Coast, has inspired my writing. Now, we’re settled in North Carolina, living the dream in a stick-and-brick dwelling (apartment).

And I am back to doing what I love-spinning tales that captivate and inspire with two releases in 2025, Chance Meeting and I’d Rather Kiss You Goodnight. These novels culminate my passion for storytelling, and I can’t wait to share them with you.

 

More About Christine Columbus Can be Found at:

https://www.ColumbusChristine.com

https://www.facebook.com/christinecolumbus/

https://www.instagram.com/Christine_Columbus/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinecolumbusnet?

https://bsky.app/profile/christinecolumbus.bsky.social

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/christine-columbus

Her Aussie Protector by Rosie Miles

              Wild Women Authors focus is on Her Aussie Protector, a contemporary romantic suspense recently published by Rowan Prose Publishing. 

“A highly entertaining read.”-Bookaholics Not So Anonymous

About the Book: Doctor Asher Jardine turned her back on a lucrative career and spent her inheritance on revamping an old ambulance, taking health care to the community of those too afraid to venture into an office. It took almost a year for her to gain the trust of the menagerie of homeless and helpless she serves. But lately, there’s been a sinister feel to the streets she uses as her clinic.

Injured Australian Defense Force Investigator, Mitchell Buchanan, is seconded to the Sentinel Bureau. On the surface, the agency helps returned soldiers transition back into society. Their actual mission is to pursue soldiers who’ve crossed the line. His assignment to locate a suspected member of a deadly smuggling gang finds him cozying up to the guy’s sister.

When violence around Asher ramps up and she's attacked, Mitch becomes her protector while still pursuing his objective. Their growing respect and attraction for one another are muddying the waters. So are the secrets he keeps. Someone is hellbent on getting to her, and if they don’t find the answers soon, they may not survive the fallout.

And it’s looking more and more like that person is closer to home than they feared…

Her Aussie Protector can be found at these retailers: https://books2read.com/u/mg8ZD6

 A Bit About Our Focus Author: Romantic suspense author Rosie Miles was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and was dragged screaming and kicking to Queensland, Australia, many years ago, where she still resides. She is a Romance Writers of Australia’s Ruby Award-Winner for Romantic Book of the Year. She is active in the writing community, working within two critique groups, and has been a member of RWA Australia for over twenty years. In addition, she volunteers at her local library for Writing Fridays, overseeing different writers as they focus on building writing skills.

What Others Are Saying About Rose Miles: “. . . Fans of Neva Altaj, S.J. Tilly, Brynne Asher, Kate Stewart, and Jennifer Hartmann will enjoy Rosie Miles . .”

For more information on Rosie and the stories she creates, go to: www.rosiemiles.com.au

 

Legacy Lies Loyalty by Darlene Fredette

             When loyalty is tested, and lies run deep, the legacy they inherit could cost them everything.

Wild Women Authors focus on Legacy Lies Loyalty, a Redford Falls Story, written by Darlene Fredette, and published by Still Moments Publishing.

About the Book: Bound by a loved one’s promise, Jordan McKenzie is devoted to caring for the historic estate she calls home. But a string of mysterious accidents pulls her into a web of danger. When a hidden family connection surfaces, and an innocent kiss lands at the worst possible moment, she’s left questioning trust, devotion, and the people closest to her.

Chef Logan Crane returns to Redford Falls, hoping to claim an inheritance that could make his dream restaurant a reality. Meeting Jordan changes everything, and her warmth becomes an anchor in the storm he never saw coming. As old wounds reopen and loyalties shift, he realizes she’s the one person he can’t imagine facing the truth without.

With danger looming and long-buried secrets emerging, Jordan and Logan must decide what—and who—is worth fighting for.

Legacy Lies Loyalty can be purchased at: https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Lies-Loyalty-Redford-Falls-ebook/dp/B0GQD1QZC6

 

Match Made in Montana

 Today Wild Women Authors focus on Match Made in Montana , three contemporary romances under one cover, written by Rachelle Paige Campbell and published by Rowan Prose Publishing.

 About the Match Made in Montana Series which In’d Tale Magazine says: “A clean wholesome read romance fans will enjoy.”

FINDERS KEEPERS, COWBOY: A surprise discovery spurs both change and challenge, and they’re forced to choose the potential of ever-after or forget each other and finally move on forever.

Tropes: old enemies, rivals, love/hate, last to know, forced proximity, matchmaker, cowboy, small town

CATCH A COWBOY: A sudden emergency puts into sharp focus exactly how fragile life is, and Ted needs to decide whether to open his heart again, or let love slip away forever.

Tropes: age gap, sworn off relationships, matchmaker, child’s teacher/nanny, cowboy, small town

UNMASKING A COWGIRL: How does she come clean without destroying her newfound love? And can love survive a lie?

Tropes: matchmaker, love/hate, enemies, secrets, mistaken identity, small town, heir

 The series can be purchased at:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSBWYMGY

Retailers: https://books2read.com/u/4D2YJk

 About our Focus Author: Rachelle Paige Campbell writes contemporary romance novels filled with heart and hope. She believes love and laughter can change lives, and every story needs a happily-ever-after.

For more information about Rachelle and the stories she creates, check out her blog for updates on current projects, and sign-up for her newsletter to learn about upcoming releases and announcements at: www.rachellepaigecampbell.com

 

Secret Recipe by Darlene Fredette

               In the heat of the kitchen, one woman’s secret recipe blends danger, deception, and desire.

Today, Wild Women Authors focus on Secret Recipe, a short, contemporary romantic suspense, written by Darlene Fredette and published by Still Moments Publishing.

About the Book:  Jess Robinson is desperate for a fresh start, but an unexpected call from her inmate father drags her back into the dangerous world she thought she’d escaped. With a missing bag of stolen jewels at stake, she must execute the perfect con in order to keep her father safe.

Between two jobs and family obligations, firefighter Travis Cooper is stretched too thin. The last thing he needs is an unqualified baker who stirs up more questions than answers. Something about Jess feels familiar, and while Travis is drawn to her, he’s convinced she’s hiding more than a few secrets.

As drama simmers and danger closes in, Jess and Travis are caught in a game where every move could cost them everything.

To purchase Secret Recipe, go to: https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Recipe-Redford-Falls-Story-ebook/dp/B0GHGS52XY

 

Chance Meeting by Christine Columbus

           Today, Wild Women Authors focus is on Chance Meeting, a contemporary closed-door rom-com, written by Christine Columbus, released by the Wild Rose Press.

About the Book:

Melody is fostering her niece while her sister, Captain Opal Erickson, is deployed to Kuwait. A chance meeting at work with Clayton, a construction manager, awakens feelings of love and romance. Everything is perfect until Opal reveals a family truth and swears Melody to secrecy.

To honor her sisterly pledge, Mel attempts to reject any advances from Clayton until he guesses the truth. Torn between loyalty to Opal and love for Clayton, she pours herself into work, making a mess of everything. When the dust settles, Mel wonders if she can put the pieces of her life back together.

 

An Excerpt:

Paula, her administrative assistant, jogged over the pewter vinyl tiles in lime-green, high-heeled sandals. She wore a faded and frayed denim skirt under an oversized man’s white dress shirt. “You just missed him.”

“Humph,” Melody sighed, glancing past the queen of chic’s messy blonde bun and down the long, tiled hallway. “I’m not seeing anyone.” She shrugged and stepped back into her temporary office.

“Did you not hear me say the word missed?” Paula tap-danced into the office. “A tall, dark-haired, brown- eyed man, without a wedding ring, was here.”

Melody scanned the mess on the floor. “Just my luck. Mr. Right shows up, and I’m in the bathroom.”

“Memos for floor covering? I don’t think you’ll be starting any trends.” She teased. “You really should have refused the request from upper management. You already have too much on your…” Shrugging, she smiled. “I was going to say desk, but you solved that problem. But the good news is he did mention he’d be back.”

She turned toward Paula. “Did he mention who he was?”

“General Manager of Construction Dunn Wright. You know, the company Bill hired for the office remodeling.” Paula raised an eyebrow. “Mr. Good- Looking wanted to go over some changes.”

“What?” Melody tossed her hands up. “Could the day get any worse? I’m wearing unbecoming jeans and a wet, clingy coffee-stained sweater, and I might have forgotten to comb my hair.”

“You don’t look too bad.” She cocked her head to the side. “Just run your fingers through your hair and pinch your cheeks for some color. Rough morning with Kansas?”

“In two months, when her mom comes home, I will miss these hectic mornings, but living with a six-year- old is work. We were running late. When I found Kansas, she was cleaning the bathroom floor with my electric toothbrush.”

“Sorry.” Paula smirked. “I’ll make sure all of Bill’s meetings show up in your calendar.” She paused in the doorway. “Anything else?”

Melody shook her head and waited a moment before letting out a long sigh. Mr. Good-looking. Chance and romance. When will Paula learn happily ever after is only for books? In the center of the office, she stood glaring at the files overflowing from the cabinets, the blinking desk phone, and three computer monitors. “I should have said no to Leo’s request to manage Bill’s meetings and emails for two weeks.”

Another mess to clean up. Squinting, she sighed. What are my odds of encountering something sticky or creepy crawly? Swallowing her reservations and discomfort, she dropped to her hands and knees and crawled slowly under the workstation. Gathering the last document, she heard an unfamiliar voice echoing outside the door.

“Is Melody back yet?”

She gazed beneath the desk. Work boots stood on the threshold of Bill’s office. She stopped breathing as her gaze traveled higher to a pair of denim jeans. She tensed. The general manager? She inhaled through her nose. Please go away.

Tap-tap-tap.

Paula’s glow-in-the-dark, high-heeled sandals and spray-tanned legs moved next to the boots and jeans. “She was in her office a moment ago,” Paula said.

Would I rather be a frazzled woman in a coffee- stained sweater or a person who is impossible to get a hold of? Mel sucked on her bottom lip and debated the options. A sharp, hot pain shot down her left calf and seized her thoughts. “Cramp,” she mumbled with a backward, one-legged crawl. “Just so you know, you’re not meeting me at my best.”

A deep chuckle filled the room.

“What are you doing?” Paula shrieked.

Melody didn’t stop crawling until her head cleared the desk. She stood with as much grace as a toddler with an armful of toys. She met his gaze. Paula is right. He is handsome. She blew a blonde strand of hair from her eyes.

He held out a hand. “Hello, Clayton Westby. And you must be Melody Anderson.”

She dropped the mess of papers onto the desk. “Yes.” She stretched her right arm out.

His eyebrows drew together, and his gaze narrowed as his warm hand encased hers. “Have we met before?”

“No,” Melody blurted. “I am certain I would have remembered you.”

 

Chance Meeting can be purchased at:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220664230-chance-meeting

https://www.bookbub.com/books/chance-meeting-by-christine-columbus

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0C5RX93QD

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chance-meeting-christine-columbus/1146434329

https://books.apple.com/hn/book/chance-meeting/id6737235283

https://www.booksamillion.com/p/9781509259694

 

We had time to talk to author Christine Columbus and asked, “what makes your featured book a must-read?” If you crave a five-star adventure packed with laughter, a standout heroine over forty, and a twist you won't see coming, Chance Meeting is calling your name.

Or perhaps you want to support a spirited old lady author (me) who wants to write happily ever after. I appreciate every reader, review, and person who reads this...Thank you.

Here’s more about Christine:

Eighteen years ago, while living in Minneapolis, Minnesota, I published children’s stories, creative non-fiction, poetry, and flash fiction, then stumbled into romance, writing several short stories and a novel with The Wild Rose Press.

Then I took a fifteen year break and traveled the US with my husband volunteering at National Wildlife Refuges, Army Corp of Eng and Oregon State Parks. And now, I am thrilled to be back writing with Chance Meeting and I’d Rather Kiss You Goodnight coming out soon. These novels culminate my passion for storytelling, and I can’t wait to share them with you.

 

Christine can be reached at:

https://www.ColumbusChristine.com

https://www.facebook.com/christinecolumbus/

https://www.instagram.com/Christine_Columbus/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinecolumbusnet?

https://bsky.app/profile/christinecolumbus.bsky.social

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/christine-columbus

 

The Telling by Anne Wolf

              What happens when the line between myth and reality blurs?

Wild Women Authors focus is on The Telling, a YA thriller, written by Anne Wolf, and published by Rowan Prose Publishing.

About the Book: Neglected by her father after her mother’s homicide, fifteen-year-old Maeve Newell enlists the help of a light witch, a new friend, Sylvie, and her dog, Pooch, to help her unravel the mystery surrounding her mother’s brutal death and get clarity for her recent nightmares, but she’s uncovering disturbingly horrifying truths about her family in the process.

It seems death is on the menu in rural Wren Falls. She needs to confront a vicious ancient Celtic monster, but to do so, she has to understand the meaning behind her terrifying dreams. And time is running out.

What They’re Saying About The Telling:

“A thrilling, chilling read!” Bestseller Marilyn Levinson, author of Come Home to Death and, “. . . Fans of “Dream to Me” by Megan Paasch and “The Secrets We Keep” by Cassie Gustafson will enjoy “The Telling” by Anne Wolf.

The Telling can be purchased at: https://books2read.com/u/mVPJlZ

A bit About our Focus Author: Anne Wolf’s writing career began with her first scribbling “A TOE” at the age of four on her mother’s dining room wall. She was enthralled with her written work. Her mother, not so much.

It was the beginning of Anne's foray into written and spoken language, which led her to study several languages,  teaching integrated language arts and history (including ancient cultures and myths) to middle school-aged students. Throughout her career, she wrote several poems, essays, short stories, and picture books. She received a mini-grant from the New York State English Council for her multicultural teaching unit.

She still teaches creative writing classes in local communities. She resides in Long Island, NY, with her family. "The Telling" is her debut YA Thriller novel.