Framed for Murder by Marla A. White

 Wild Women Authors features author Marla A. White and her latest release for the Wild Rose Press, Framed for Murder, a cozy mystery set in the mountains of Southern California. With author White is cop turned hospitality specialist, Mel O’Rourke, who will go first.

Thanks for taking time away from The Brook to speak with us. Let’s begin with you telling us a bit about “Framed for Murder”. It is the story of how I got pulled into a murder investigation to save my old nemesis from being convicted one of the few crimes she didn't commit.

What made you choose running a B& B for a career? I didn’t initially. I was a cop for almost ten years, happily patrolling my beat in L.A., until a chase across rooftops ended in me crushing my ankle. Career over, I kicked around feeling pretty sorry for myself when I sort of accidentally ended up in Pine Cove. It’s a tiny mountain resort my parents used to take us to as kids over the summer. So many happy memories were tied up there, so when I saw the old inn, we sometimes stayed at was for sale, it seemed like kismet.

Knowing what you know now, if you had it to do over again, would you stick with being a inn keeper or do something different? I’m not sure I’ve been doing it long enough to regret it. Yet. But so far, I found a dead body in my lobby and a cat burglar in my kitchen so a career change might be just around the corner.

What is your biggest fear? Ever since that rooftop thing, I’ve been terrified of heights. Which is kind of inconvenient, considering I used to climb mountains with my brother, Liam. But that’s a phobia really, and I’m working on it. Deep down, I’m terrified I’ll let my family down and they’ll lose the money they invested in The Babbling Brook Bed-and-Breakfast.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? Jean-Guy Beauvoir from Louise Penny’s Three Pines books. First, duh, he’s a great detective, but also because he seriously fu…er, I mean flawed that he makes me look normal.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? “Take Fountain.” It’s an old bit from Bette Davis but she was right. If you know L.A. traffic at all, you’ll get it.

Thanks for spending time with us, Mel. Now we’d like to speak with Marla.

Which writer or character[s], from either books or movies, [or both] have had a major impact on your writing? The one movie that I always come back to is “Buckaroo Banzai”. It’s so strange, which normally I don’t love, but so many great scenes and lines. Who doesn’t love, “No matter where you go, there you are” as the best piece of advice ever? It’s part of why I went into the entertainment business.  But as far as impact on my writing, I’d have to say Robert Parker’s Spenser series was the most influential. Dick Francis might be the first mystery writer I followed, but Spenser, with his snarky, witty dialogue, blew my mind.

With regard to research, where did you start for this novel? Did that lead you down different paths, thereby changing the original concept? I’d already written “The Starlight Mint Surprise Murder” the novella that started the series, so by the time I started writing this I already knew the town and the characters. The biggest influence was as I started writing this, a person who shall remain nameless came in and blew up a deal I had for a TV series in real life. Bingo. A murder victim cried out to be killed in a horrible way. 

Tell us a bit about your publisher. How did you hear about them; what influenced you to submit to them; how is the submission process; what is the turn-around time from date of query to date of release? An author friend who was published by The Wild Rose Press couldn’t stop saying enough nice things about the process. When they put out a call for their “cookie books,” she encouraged me to submit. I did and, despite me making every rookie mistake in the book including getting the deadline wrong, in no time they got back to me that they loved the book. This is my fourth book with them so, obviously, I couldn’t be happier. The turn-around time has varied, but I’ve heard of authors at the big publishing houses hanging out for years waiting for a release date so I’m pretty happy when it happens more or less within a calendar year.

What are you reading right now? This is where I know I should say some NYT best-seller or Oprah Book Club entry, but the truth is I’m reading a Piper Rayne hockey romance, “The Trouble with Number Nine”.

What's next for you? In addition to the next in the Pine Cove Mystery series, which is out to beta readers, I’m co-authoring a hockey romance with CJ Bahr. Hence the reading of one. I’d only recently been turned on to romance books. And hockey too, for that matter. #GKG I also have the third in my “Keeper Chronicles” contemporary fantasy series coming out this fall.

 To learn more about Marla A. White and the stories she creates go to: www.marlaawhite.com

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/TheScriptFixer

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarlaAWhiteAuthor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marlaw825

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21467766.Marla_A_White

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/marla-a-white

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MHIzkB

To purchase Framed for Murder, go to:

Amazon - https://bit.ly/43Uwj96

Barnes and Noble – https://bit.ly/3TKdPDu

Apple Books - https://books.apple.com/us/book/framed-for-murder/id6483932566

GoodReads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211106987-framed-for-murder

AllAuthor - https://allauthor.com/book/87348/framed-for-murder-a-pine-cove-mystery/

Books2Read - books2read.com/u/4Djgor  

Book Bub-https://www.bookbub.com/books/framed-for-murder-by-marla-a-white

 

Flowers of Tartarus by Michele Leech

 How about a deal?

Wild Woman Authors is delighted to focus on author Michele Leech as she celebrates the release of her second novel of suspense with the Wild Rose Press: Flowers of Tartarus.

A bit about the book: When her client is found dead of an overdose of a new and dangerous drug, PI Lily Nehme tracks the drug back to Tartarus, a popular nightclub run by Sebastian Galani. Under the guise of their new bartender, Lily infiltrates the club to find the dealer responsible. But as she spends time with the employees of Tartarus, Lily starts to fall for their lifestyle...and the reclusive owner. Her mission becomes secondary as she finds that there's more to Sebastian than meets the eye—and that he just might be the dealer she's looking for.

Excerpt:

“You must be Lily Nehme,” he said, placing his phone face down on the bar top.

 Her brow quirked slightly at his words, either at the knowledge or the tone, he didn’t know. Regardless, she grabbed and dried the next shaker. “That’s me. And you must be the mysterious Sebastian Galani.”

 “Correct. Welcome to the team.”

 “Thanks,” she said.

Her voice was low, raspy. Sebastian noted the calloused knuckles of a fighter, familiar enough with the injuries at this point in his life.

 There was something about this Lily Nehme that he couldn’t quite put his finger on. He didn’t know if it was the way she spoke or dressed or moved, but something wasn’t quite typical about her. His phone vibrated again, and he checked the message.

“You understand,” he drawled, tapping through his phone with one hand and gesturing to her outfit with the other, “we maintain a certain…aesthetic, here.”

 He didn’t look up, but he saw her smile in his peripherals just the same, another glass going into the clean pile.

 “In my experience, having a bartender who’s easy to spot is worth more than ambiance.”

 That made him look up at her, his brow rising slowly. “And how many years of experience is that, exactly?”

 “Enough to know how to read a job application. And there was approximately fuck all in terms of a dress code.”

 That made him put his phone back into his pocket and meet her eyes directly. She’d dropped the towel, both hands braced on the bar top. “Look here, Ms. Nehme—”

 “Lily,” she interrupted.

 No one interrupted him, save for Ellis, and the novelty threw him off for a moment. She leaned forward slightly, smiling at him with a few too many teeth showing. “How about a deal?” she suggested. “I make you a drink. If you don’t love it, I’ll change into something more. . . appropriate.”

 Sebastian considered for a breath, weighing the pros and cons. Worst case, he’d have to put up with flowers. Best case, she’d change. Little risk involved and less of a chance for lingering frustrations on her part. He sat down at the bar with a nod. “I’ll have a—”

 “No,” she interrupted him again. “I’ll figure it out.”

What others are saying about this book:  

“…An undercover PI, Lily Nehme is not a shrinking violet. She is independent, self-sufficient, self-reliant and a kick-ass. She finds a place to truly belong in Sebastian Galani’s club and in his arms. The characters are well-developed with a balance of good and evil. Good plotting has made a fast-paced story from beginning to end and satisfying for start to finish. Way to go, Michele Leech…”    Reviewer: Twilla Kay Lamm

 

“…The unusual title gripped me from the beginning and the book did not disappoint. Ms. Leech has woven a tale of Lily—a PI who is investigating the death of her client’s son. Her search takes her to Tartarus—a nightclub run by a member of the notorious Galani family—Sebastian. Sparks fly and tension mounts as Lily digs deeper into the nightclub and her feelings toward Sebastian. A great read and definitely 5 plus stars…”

Reviewer: Jane Greenhill

 To purchase Flowers of Tartarus go to:

Amazon: https://shorturl.at/r3KEo

BooksAMillion: https://shorturl.at/9zYKf

BookShop: https://shorturl.at/Vyamh

B&N: https://shorturl.at/3CGvo

Apple: https://shorturl.at/qkjRp

 

 

 

Stone of Fear by Margaret Izard

 She’d give everything to keep his love. He’d chase her through time to save her soul.

 Wild Women Authors focus is on author Margaret Izard and Stone of Fear, a paranormal romance recently released by the Wild Rose Press.

About the Book: Marie Murray, a spunky expert on spiritual buildings, jumps at the opportunity to renovate the mosaic floor of the chapel at Dunstaffnage Castle. There, she falls hard for the dashing John MacArthur because from their first kiss, sparks fly.

Believing her religious renovation creates magic, a fanatical priest, obsessed with obtaining powerful magic from the fabled Stone of Iona, he kidnaps Marie and drags her to 15th-century Scotland.

With his love kidnapped, John must tackle his hereditary duty and locate a magic Fae stone while chasing his love across time. Her memories of their passion keep her sane. His will to find her is his fuel but will he get to Marie in time to save her soul?

An Excerpt:

She turned around as she tried to detect the candle in the dark to light it. Lightning lit up the room, and she spied the candle for a moment. Marie placed her hand on the counter and patted down, only to find the sink. Thunder boomed again, and she yelped as she gripped the cup. She extended her hand out again, but this time encountered something warm.

     Marie screamed as she held the cup for dear life. Large arms wrapped around her in a warm embrace. Her face rested against a man’s naked chest which wiggled as he chuckled. She took a deep breath, smelled John’s scent of light musk, and relaxed in his embrace.

“Sorry, a nighean,” my girl. “I only meant to play with ye. I didn’t think I’d scare ye.”

Marie huffed and pushed against him. “Well, ye scared me all right. Thought I found the ghostie, the Green Lady of Dunstaffnage, in the flesh.” She lifted her head, peeked at him, then rested her hand on his naked chest.

John stepped back as he took her cup. It clinked as he set it on the counter. She felt him move away as his form shifted towards the stove. The clank of the kettle told her he’d picked it up.

His body moved to her, and he reached around her to turn on the water. The kettle filled with a gurgle. He amazed her at how he easily navigated the kitchen in the darkness.

In a flash of lighting, his white teeth glowed as his voice calmed her. “Didn’t ye want some tea?”

Marie blinked as her eyes adjusted to the darkness and his face outlined in the dark, close to hers. She took a deep breath. “Aye, tea would be nice.”

John chuckled as he moved away. “This happens every storm.” At the stove, with his eyes on hers, he opened the drawer, took out a long lighter, and held it up. He smiled, flicked it on, then lit the stove manually casting him in shadow. He stretched over her and lit the candle. A warm light illuminated the room and cast a golden glow around them.

As he pulled back, he stopped when their faces were a mere breath apart and stared into her eyes. He stepped closer and smiled as he reached to the cabinet behind Marie and retrieved another cup.

Marie shifted out of his way, but he placed the cup on the counter stopping her motion. He put the lighter on the other side. John leaned on the counter trapping her between his arms.

He gazed into her eyes as he opened the drawer next to her hip. His hand shifted around, then pulled out the tea and tea strainers and set them on the counter. His gaze held hers.

Marie raised an eyebrow. “I see ye’ve made tea in the dark before.”

         John smiled. “Aye.”

 To purchase Stone of Fear, go to:

mizardauthor | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree

Stone of Fear (Stones of Iona Book 2) - Kindle edition by Izard, Margaret . Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Stone of Fear (Stones of Iona Book 2) by Margaret Izard - BookBub

Stone of Fear by Margaret Izard | Goodreads

A bit About our Focus Author:

Margaret Izard is an award-winning author of historical fantasy and paranormal romance novels. She spent her early years through college to adulthood dedicated to dance, theater, and performing. Over the years, she developed a love for great storytelling in different mediums. She does not waste a good story, be it movement, the spoken, or the written word. She discovered historical romance novels in middle school, which combined her passion for romance, drama, and fantasy. She writes exciting plot lines, steamy love scenes and always falls for a strong male with a soft heart. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and adult triplets and loves to hear from readers.

To learn more about Margaret and the stories she creates, go to:  info@margaretizardauthor.com

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Special Giveaway Events for Stone of Fear include:

A Goodreads drawing featuring one Book Swag Box plus 4 signed copies of the book mailed.

·       N.N. Light Book Swag Box giveaway

·       Silver Daggar Book Tours Book Swag Box Giveaway

·       Kerry’s Kindred Spirits Facebook Takeover June 14^th Book Swag Box Giveaway

The Book Swag Box contains:

Signed copy of book
Large Stone of Fear book bag
Small Stone of Fear book bag
Insulated wine glass with Stone of Fear logo
Dublin shot glass with etched Stone of Fear logo
Stone of Fear bookmark
Stone of Fear recipe card
Author pen
Wild Rose Press (publisher) 2024 calendar
18 inch 925 Sterling Silver Necklace with Purple Amethyst Gemstone Celtic Cross
Delivered in custom printed Margaret Izard Author Book Swag Box

 

She Danced Anyway by J. J. Ranson

 Elizabeth Alter wants to work and dance in 1920s New York City. Will she avoid the trap of marriage and live the independent life she dreams of?

 Wild Women Authors feature author J.J. Ranson and She Danced Anyway, a women’s fiction novel set in the 1920’s is set for release today by the Wild Rose Press. Up first is Elizabeth Alter, dancer, dance instructor and researcher.

Good morning, Elizabeth. Tell us about She Danced Anyway. My name is Elizabeth Alter. This story is about my life as a young upper-middle-class woman in 1920s New York City. I visit dance halls and community centers around the city with my friends where we dance the nights away. Sometimes the police or church ladies show up to cause us trouble. I long for a dance partner and when I meet James, I think we’ve created the perfect partnership. But, of course, nothing comes easy. My mother frustrates me with her badgering about marriage. It takes me some time to get up the courage to declare my dream to live on my own. And then I have to embark on the challenging journey to make it happen.

What made you choose research for a profession? I’m naturally curious about everything. I also love books. When I was studying at Barnard, one of my professors asked me to help her with a paper. She was such an excellent guide; I couldn’t help but seek out any opportunity for assisting with research. I’m terribly stubborn which also makes me a good researcher because I don’t give up easily.

Knowing what you know now, if you had it to do over again, would you stick with being a researcher and dancer or do something different? Working in the library is a wonderful experience for me. I wouldn’t change a thing about the work I get to do. I particularly enjoy going into the archives – the musty smells of old paper and dust do something to me. Ultimately, I put myself through graduate school and begin a career in academia, where I get to continue researching. As a dance instructor, I have learned a lot about myself. Teaching others how to dance does not pay very much, but it brings me so much joy. Even when I no longer really needed the money, I kept teaching for Madame Moreau.

What is your biggest fear? I’m a rather determined woman, but I’m hardly a fearless one. I wish I were! My biggest fear is not having enough money to live on my own. I was so set on getting out of my parents’ home, fear led me to find a second job.  I surprised myself when I realized I’d do nearly anything for an independent life.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? I love Sherlock Holmes. He’s both intriguing and maddening. Incredibly intelligent as a detective, but so completely lost at times when dealing with people. Obviously, he understands human nature, or he wouldn’t be skilled at solving crimes, but on a personal level, well, Mr. Holmes could use a lesson, right? I suppose I love him because he’s so complex and I always learn something when I’m reading those books.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? My favorite professor, Clara Sporian, told me that I should free myself of my mother’s expectations. I think she said something like, “she’s already made her life choices.” Which meant, of course, that I should do what I wanted rather than live within my mother’s narrow-minded constraints.

Thank you for giving us a short peek into your life, Elizabeth. We wish you much luck in your future. Now we’d like to chat with J.J.

Which writer or character[s], from either books or movies, [or both] have had a major impact on your writing? I read a lot of historical fiction and women’s fiction, and I have a lot of favorite authors. Whether they have impacted my writing specifically, I couldn’t say. That I have been a voracious reader since childhood has certainly paved the way for me to write books. That said, I love pithy, fast-moving dialogue which I find many thriller writers have mastered. Authors like Tami Hoag, John Grisham, Michael Connelly, to name a few. Quick, funny dialogue is always a goal of mine when I’m writing scenes.

With regard to research, where did you start for this novel? Did that lead you down different paths, thereby changing the original concept? I’m a massive George Gershwin fan. His piece, Rhapsody in Blue, actually inspired the first scene I wrote (but that’s really another story!). I used the old standby Google, listened to a lot of music, watched dancing videos online. Because academia is featured in She Danced Anyway, I read a book penned by the first female dean at Barnard College. I wanted to learn how women in higher education managed all their challenges in the 1920s. That book came all the way from a university in Alabama through inter-library loan! And of course, I’d mention a library since it’s one setting for this novel. Haha.

Tell us a bit about your publisher. How did you hear about them; what influenced you to submit to them; how is the submission process; what is the turn-around time from date of query to date of release? I’m late to the novel-writing game so I didn’t want to spend time waiting for a literary agent to shop my book. I searched for publishers accepting unagented work. That’s how I found The Wild Rose Press. The submission process with Wild Rose is very clear and certainly easy enough to follow. I submitted to TWRP in June 2023, and two months later was offered a contract. I spent extra time on the book with my editor because it’s my debut and I was hoping for a bit of perfection, I suppose. Anyway, my novel releases on June 10, 2024.

What are you reading right now? I recently finished The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand and am just starting the thriller, She Started It by Sian Gilbert. Both are about gatherings of woman but with very different outcomes.

What's next for you? I have a Christmas romance set in Richmond, Virginia, titled His Christmas Muse which will be released on December 9, 2024.

To learn more about J. J. Ranson and the stories she creates go to: www.juliejranson.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JulieJRanson

Facebook Author Profile : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556781356858

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/jjransonauthor

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jjranson/

To purchase She Danced Anyway, go to:

https://www.amazon.com/She-Danced-Anyway-J-Ranson/dp/1509254498/

https://mybook.to/SheDancedAnyway

https://wildrosepress.com/product/she-danced-anyway/