Kathy L. Wheeler and The Duke's Detour

 A man of structure and a woman of impulse fires long suppressed passions.

Lady Rebecca Thatcher cares nothing for fashion or societal dictates. Her destiny in life is to fight for those less fortunate, be it woman, child, or animal. And when a young boy appears from the trees, clutching her skirts, addressing her as Mama with a vile villain on his heels, it incites every instinct in her to protect. Her priority is to get him where he belongs.

Having married off his youngest sister, the Duke of Ryleigh can finally begin the task of locating a suitable bride of his own. But his well-ordered plans are thrown into chaos by a note from his sister informing him she no longer wishes to be a countess (as if she had a choice) and has vacated to the family’s seat in Dorchester. On Ryleigh’s way south, he encounters a carriage with a broken wheel carrying Lady Rebecca, his sister’s long-ago schoolmate—the one responsible for turning his genteel and compliant sister into a hoyden he hadn’t recognized when he took her out of school seven years before.

Ryleigh’s sense of honor will not allow him to look the other way as he and Rebecca are bound for the same destination. She is just as he remembers—unwieldy and uncaring of what anyone thinks—and now? Unmarried with bastard children. Certainly not duchess material.

 Wild Women Authors is delighted to welcome back author Kathy L. Wheeler and The Duke’s Detour, the latest addition to the Rebel Lords of London series. With Kathy today is Lady Rebecca Thatcher

 Good morning, Rebecca. Let’s start with where you’re from. Exford, England UK

Tell us a bit about The Duke’s Detour. I’m a bit of an odd duckling for my time period. Some people refer to me as an Amazon, though I’m quite small in stature. I was at St. James Park, a place women are discouraged from visiting, when this young boy rushed out from the trees and hugs my legs and calling me, “Mama.” You can imagine my surprise.

What did you think the first time you saw the Duke of Ryleigh? Frankly, he was an arrogant arse. And, admittedly, I secretly admired him. Of course, I was fifteen at the time.

What was your second thought? I was not duchess material. I’m certain he felt the same. 

Was it love at first sight? Certainly not.

What do you like most about him? I think I admire his dedication in looking after his sister. She is my closest friend, you know.

How would you describe the Duke? As I said, he is arrogant beyond tolerance. He is regimented and does not like to stray from the rigid schedule he sets forth for himself. But there is a softer side too.

How would Ryleigh describe you? In our most intimate moments, he calls me his “warrior woman”. I’m not certain why, unless it’s to describe how I detest society treating women and children so shabbily. He says I was ill, though I’ve never been ill a day in my life, just ask Papa. My maid told me he wouldn’t let anyone near me.

What is your biggest fear? Marrying for less than love. I fear I’m long in the tooth and Papa has promised never to force me into marrying someone I didn’t wish. But I’m afraid, I was put in quite the quandary, and society being what it is…

How do you relax?  I abhor being indoors. In Exford, I do not have the restraints I have in London [where] the air is thick with coal. I prefer the country. The sea air in my face.

Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Now, we’d like to spend some time with Kathy.

What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer? I love the 80s movie: American Dreamer. The author has a jerk for a husband. She enters a writing contest and wins. Her husband denounces her at every turn but she goes to Paris on her own. While there, someone steals her purse, she chases him down and gets hit by a car. When she wakes, she believes she is the character in the book of the contest she’d won.

What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel? The independence, despite the time period, is something I admire of the heroine in this book. I divorced when my only child was two. I had to step in where there was no one else. We were also so close. I’m not that close to my own mother, sadly, but the relationship Rebecca has with her charges is directly correlated to the relationship I have with my daughter and her two boys.

Tell us a bit about your publisher. Chisel Imprint is my own company. This entire series is self-published, but that does not mean that I work alone. My editor has been with a couple of NY houses. My critique partner is an editor with TWRP. I’m very blessed. All writers know, it takes a village.

What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? At the top of the list is Julie Ann Long’s Lady Derring Takes a Lover; Cathy Maxwell’s A Seduction at Christmas; Valerie Bowman’s The Legendary Lord. Of course, I reread a lot of stuff. Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Amanda Quick, Jayne Ann Krentz, etc…

Lastly, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves?Currently, I’m working on some Flaming Shorts for my Bloomington Series, which are contemporary. Very fun and very hot.

A bit more about our guest: Kathy L Wheeler graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a BA in Management Information Systems and Vocal Music minor. She loves the NFL, NBA, musical theater, reading, writing and karaoke. She belongs to RWA’s Greater Seattle and Contemporary Romance Writers chapters, and the Regency Fiction Writers.

She lives with her musically talented husband in the Pacific Northwest, a recent migrant from Oklahoma. She has one grown daughter (who has two adorable boys), and a neurotic dog, Angel!

 Find Kathy all over social media.

https://kathylwheeler.com

https://twitter.com/kathylwheeler

https://pinterest.com/kathylwheeler

https://bookbub.com/kathy-l-wheeler

https://linkedin.com/in/kathy-l-wheeler

https://instagram.com/kathylwheeler

https://facebook.com/kathylwheeler

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrlnvpCGGe6_SvIrZRIyj4A

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5804151.Kathy_L_Wheeler

https://www.amazon.com/Kathy-L-Wheeler/e/B07C87Y2GK

To Purchase The Duke’s Detour, go to:

AMZ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09D8QLT7H

B&N https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dukes-detour-kathy-l-wheeler/1140042328

iTunes https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-dukes-detour/id1582304619

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-duke-s-detour-1

 

Delicious Heat, Book 3, Bangers Tavern Romance series

 …Cupid has lousy timing.

After kicking her cheating husband to the curb, nurse Anna Khoury discovers she’s pregnant. When Bangers Tavern’s hunky chef makes heart eyes at her, she dismisses that delicious thrill as the last thing she needs. Single motherhood will take all her strength and focus. Anna’s battered heart can’t take another blow.  

Chef Diego Vargas is aiming higher than burgers and tater tots. His dream—his own food truck, the Empanada Angel, but he’ll need his family’s support to pull it off. Meeting Anna leaves him thunderstruck, even though his attraction to her threatens all his plans. Call it fate, call him crazy, but he’s determined to prove he’s in it for keeps.

With a belligerent ex-husband and two overprotective families set on breaking them up, Anna and Diego will need more than red-hot passion to pull them through. His career and her baby’s future are on the line.

 Wild Women Authors is delighted to welcome back Sadira Stone and Delicious Heat, Book 3 in her fabulous Bangers Tavern Romance series. With Sadira today is Diego Vargas, Bangers long time chef and budding food truck entrepreneur.

Good morning, Diego. Thanks for taking time away from your cooking duties to speak with us.

Let’s begin with where you’re from. I grew up in Tacoma, Washington in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Tacoma has lots of nicknames, including City of Destiny—a bit over-inflated, if you ask me, and my favorite—The Gritty City. That one describes our neighborhood, the 6^th Avenue District, perfectly.

Tell us a bit about Delicious Heat. It’s a foodie romance, obviously. Anna Khoury and I met when she came into Bangers Tavern, where I worked as head chef, to help us spy on the unscrupulous new bar across the street. They were totally copying all of Bangers’ holiday event ideas, which violates the rules of the 6^th Ave Business Association.

          Charlie Khoury, one of our servers, called in her little sister Anna to check out the competition and report back. Dawn, Bangers’ owner, wanted to reward her with a platter of my famous deluxe tater tots. Naturally, I brought them out myself—you know, just to see if Anna was as cute as her older sister.  

          The moment our eyes met across the bar, time stopped. Okay, it sounds cheesy, but I knew in that golden moment she was THE ONE. Trouble was, she’d just broken up with her lying, cheating, scum-sucking ex-husband…and she was pregnant. Convincing her to give us a chance was not an easy task, but I’d climb mountains and swim seas for Anna. She’s my angel.

What did you think the first time you saw Anna? If I recall correctly, my first thought was, “She’s a goddess.”

Works for us. What was your second thought? Please let her be single. Please, please, please…

Did you feel it was love at first sight? One thousand percent. And it’s funny—before that moment, if you’d have asked me about love at first sight, I’d have said there’s no such thing.

What do you like most about Anna? She’s sweet but strong. She won’t take disrespect from anyone, and she won’t settle for less than she deserves. Of course, I think she deserves the best.

How would you describe her? A snarky, funny, sexy goddess. That thick dark hair, those huge dark eyes, that smoky alto voice…man, she does things to me without even trying.

How would she describe you? Determined, I guess. No matter what obstacles our families and her ex threw in our path, I refused to give up on her.

What made you choose cooking as a career? My abuelita gets the credit for that. She took care of me after school while my parents worked. I’m the youngest in our family. While my brother and sisters did sports or hung out with friends, I hung out in Abuelita’s kitchen soaking up her culinary wisdom. The technical skills I learned in cooking school were important, sure, but it was Abuelita who taught me to cook with heart and soul.

What is your biggest fear? Losing Anna or—well, I won’t spoil the story by telling you baby’s name. Anna’s my world. Without her, life would by hollow, joyless, pointless. Yeah, I’ve got it bad.

How do you relax? Besides cooking? I like to dance, whether with Anna or just alone at home. There’s always Salsa music blasting in my kitchen, and in my food truck. Working out with my coworkers River, Eddie, and Jojo helps me blow off steam, too. Jojo’s a real taskmaster, but I always feel better after one of his workouts.

Who is your favorite fictional character? How about the Swedish Chef from the Muppets? He cracks me up. Sometimes, when I’m throwing together wild combinations of flavors, I feel kind of like him.

We weren’t expecting that but it’s perfect. So then, what is the best piece of advice you ever received? My Abuelita said, “When the angels speak, you better listen.”

Excellent advice. Now it’s time to chat with Sadira.

What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer? I admire so many romance authors, I couldn’t possibly name them all. But it was a mediocre romance author who made me think, “I could write a better book than this.” I guess that’s the origin story of lots of authors.

What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel? Let’s just say the question of whether a mother should settle for a crappy marriage for her child’s sake is one I’ve lived. My position on that issue is crystal clear to all who read Delicious Heat.

Oh yeah, that came through. Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them? This is my third indie book. While I’m grateful to the small press who published my first books, I love the freedom and control that comes with being an indie author.

What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? Let’s just open up the Kindle, shall we? I’m currently reading Tessa Bailey’s It Happened One Summer—absolutely delightful! Next up is Kerry Blaisdell’s Damning the Dead, Katee Robert’s Neon Gods, Rosie Danan’s The Intimacy Experiment…

Lastly, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves? I’m working on two novellas for an upcoming anthology based on astrological signs. I’ve got Taurus and Capricorn. After that, I’ll write the final (?) book in the Bangers Tavern Romance series, Jojo and Lana’s story. Next, I’m starting a reverse harem romance series. In the meantime, come back to Bangers Tavern for a spicy tale of forbidden love that will warm your heart…and other parts…and make you hungry for empanadas!

Sadira brought an excerpt for us:

“I’ll show you the way.” With a gentle touch on the small of her back, he guided her down the hallway.

Heading toward the bar with a brimming ice bucket, the skinny barback lifted his chin. “Look up, guys.” A sprig of mistletoe dangling above the restroom doors.

“For cripes’ sake, Eddie,” Diego grumbled, but he didn’t look at all displeased.

“It’s tradition, man.” Eddie waggled his eyebrows before continuing on his way.

Eyeing the greenery, Anna debated and dithered. What a perfect excuse to satisfy her curiosity and claim a no-strings kiss. But Charlie might see them, or someone might tell Charlie, or…

Diego gently gripped her elbows and pulled her closer. “Christmas is all about tradition, right?”

For a thrilling, breathless moment, he hovered there, his softly parted lips an inch from hers. Impossible to wrench her eyes from that luscious mouth, so tempting, so close. His breath fanned across her skin. Her heart hammered.

And then he pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. “Merry Christmas, Anna.”

Not enough. Throwing caution to the tater-tot scented wind, she tilted her head and brushed her lips against his.

Just the barest touch, soft and warm, just the tiniest moan rumbled from the broad, firm chest beneath her palm. And yet, that simple gesture lifted the lid from her tightly clamped control, letting in fresh air and sunshine and a rush of delicious possibility. Heady stuff.

She took a deep breath and stepped back. “Gotta go help Charlie. Merry Christmas, Diego.”

Grinning and flushed, he wobbled in place. “I’ll call you.”

“Please do.”

He pointed. “Break room’s that way.”

“Okay.”

Like teenagers reluctant to hang up the phone, they inched toward their respective destinations, holding eye contact as long as possible.

“Thanks for coming to see me.”

“Thanks for the tots.”

“I hope you have a great Christmas.”

“You too.”

Finally, Shelby’s arm shot through the swinging doors and yanked Diego into the kitchen. “Get your ass back to work, lover boy.”

 

Visit Sadira on All the Socials!

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SadiraStone

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18568049.Sadira_Stone

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/sadira-stone

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Sadira-Stone/e/B07KWK5FBX

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sadira0641/

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

Author newsletter: https://eepurl.com/dKLMP2

To purchase Delicious Heat, go to:

(Embedded link) Order your copy of Delicious Heat today!

https://books2read.com/deliciousheat

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59644171-delicious-heat

 

 

The Witch of Rathborne Castle by Virginia Barlow

 Listen to your heart. Only then will you discover your true path

 Wild Women Authors focus on The Witch of Rathborne Castle, a historical fantasy, written by Virginia Barlow, and released by the Wild Rose Press.

           Lady Jane Lenwood is abandoned and left penniless and alone at Rathborne Castle in the middle of a dark, twisted forest. She yearns to live a normal life and blames her misfortunes on the current duke. But Lady Jane has a secret, a voice in her head warning her of the future, which brings unwanted visitors to her gates.

          Wounded, Max Radley is found inside the gates of Rathborne. He is intrigued and drawn to the beautiful red-haired woman the locals call a witch. After spending the winter snowed in, Max must resume his search for a traitor but finds he cannot forget Lady Jane.

          Treason, enemies, lies and deception surround them. Jane must give everything to save them both, as well as Rathborne.

 

To purchase The Witch of Rathborne Castle, go to:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Witch-Rathborne-Castle-Virginia-Barlow-ebook/dp/B09C13MDNG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=J5B9KDYES3F5&keywords=the+witch+of+rathborne+castle&qid=1640205005&sprefix=the+witch+of+rathborne+%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-witch-of-rathborne-castle-virginia-barlow/1139986236?ean=9781509237968

Target: https://www.target.com/p/the-witch-of-rathborne-castle-by-virginia-barlow-paperback/-/A-84179314#lnk=sametab

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58802458-the-witch-of-rathborne-castle

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-witch-of-rathborne-castle-by-virginia-barlow

To learn more about author Virginia Barlow, go to:

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Virgini35142126

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginia.barlow/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3046288755596817

Website: https://www.virginia-barlow.com

 

The Gingerbread Man by Kim Turner

          Two lonesome hearts find love at Christmas...

 Wild Women Authors focus is on a short historical romance, The Gingerbread Man, a recent release out of the Christmas Cookies series published by the Wild Rose Press.

 Blurb:

Hannah Tate is raising her children alone after her husband's death. Keeping her homestead running isn't easy but when chores get done that she didn't do, she wonders who her mysterious helper is. Her daughter insists it’s The Gingerbread Man who comes late at night. But Hannah has no time for such nonsense. Or does she?

John Sullivan lives alone outside Harper Falls, trapping for a living. When circumstance brings him to meet the woman he’s been helping in secret, he doesn’t expect to find love once again. But he’ll risk his life more than once to finally hold her forever.

Excerpt:

Hannah turned to look at him, an easy smile crossing her lips. 

His breath held tight and without asking, he bent. He expected her to pull away though she didn’t, and the impact of his lips to hers was tender. He rested his fingers along the curve of her neck, touching her hair. He eased her closer to him and her mouth parted, accepting more. 

He stopped the kiss and took his hand away. “I’m sorry, I was caught up in us talking and you’re so easy to speak with and…I…” He hadn’t any words, nothing save the apology and what had he done? She’d taken the kiss, but maybe he should have waited. 

          “Please, don’t apologize…Sully.” The silence accompanied them longer than a breath of moments. “I’m not sorry in the least.” She leaned against his knee with a giggle. 

“My kissing you is humorous?” he asked, holding his own smile with his question.

“No, our kiss was very nice…” She lifted her brows and the silence encompassed them once more, but this time the profound comfort of loving again settled inside him. 

 To Purchase The Gingerbread Man, go to:

The Gingerbread Man: Two lonely hearts find love at Christmas (Christmas Cookies) - Kindle edition by Turner, Kim. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

 

Scarlet at Crystal River by Randy Overbeck

             All Darrell Henshaw wanted was to enjoy his honeymoon with his beautiful wife, Erin, in the charming town of Crystal River on the sunny Gulf Coast of Florida. Only a pair of ghosts decide to intrude on their celebration. And not just any ghosts, the spirits of two young Latino children. Unwilling at first to derail the honeymoon for yet another ghost hunt, Darrell finally concedes when a painting of the kids comes alive, weeping and pleading for his help.

          When he and Erin track down the artist, they discover the children’s family were migrant workers the next county over. But when they travel there, their questions about the kids gets their car shot up and Erin hospitalized. Torn between fear and rage, Darrell must decide how far he will go to get justice for two young children he never even knew.

 Wild Women Authors welcomes back author Randy Overbeck who is enjoying rave reviews for Scarlet at Crystal River, the latest novel in his paranormal suspense Haunted Shores Series, a release by the Wild Rose Press. With Randy today is Luiz Alvarez. 

          In earlier interviews, readers had a chance to hear from Darrell Henshaw and his new wife, Erin, the lead protagonists in the Haunted Shores Mysteries. In the new release, number three in the series, Scarlet at Crystal River, Overbeck introduces Luis Alverez, a young man and recent immigrant, as one of the central characters in the tale. We thought readers might be interested in learning Luis’ story, so we asked him a few questions and gave him a chance to share a bit with our readers.

We know English is not your native language, but our Spanish is rusty. Are you okay if we do this in English? Si, er yes. I work on English and want to practice.

Luis, can you tell us a little about you and how you met Darrell and Erin? My family come to this country to work the fields. Eight years ago now. I work fields till I finish high school, then I move to Crystal River. Where I meet Darrell and Erin.

When did you learn to speak English? When my family come to this country, I speak no English. No one in family speak English. I was in high school then. Teachers help me learn at school and I keep working on it since. It not easy.

Still, you’ve learned enough of our language to get by in the workplace. Can you tell us about some of the jobs you do? I work three jobs. Life hard for migrants like me, but I work to earn my place. Most like me only want to work. Besides helping Miss Bonnie [the property manager where Darrell and Erin are honeymooning], I work two restaurants, Charlie’s Fish House and Crackers.

Yes, but your ability to know both English and Spanish proved important to helping Darrell and Erin. Can you tell us how you came to be involved with Darrell‘s effort to learn about the two Latino kids? Los Ninos. Darrell see me at Fish House and say he need me to translate. He say he going to Settlement and need me to help him ask about two ninos…children.

Settlement? Sorry, place where some migrants live. Not a good place.  They no speak much English there. But Darrell thought someone there might know something about the two ninos. So he ask me to translate.

Did Darrell share with you that he’s a sensitive…that he can communicate with ghosts? No. Not first. He simply say he look for two kids in painting. After I ask why he care about two kids, he, uh…he tell me about seeing ghosts of ninos.

Now that it is all said and done, are you glad you helped Darrell and Erin? Would you help again? Darrell and Erin good people. They care about others…like me. They almost get killed trying to help two Latino kids they not know. I help them and others like them any time.

          But some people not same as Darrell and Erin. Even though we only come to this country to work, others say we no belong. Say we should go back. They not know place where my family left is dangerous. We only want chance to prove ourselves.

Anything else you’d like our readers to know? Here’s your chance. Want people to know migrants work hard on farms. My family still work farms. Hard work to pick lettuce and strawberries and blueberries and lot more. Hard work and not much money. Migrants people just like you. Work hard and even get hurt. Is that okay?

Of course it is. Perhaps we could use some reminding about the benefits we all reap from the work migrant workers do in this country. Thanks for sharing with us today. Gracias. I glad for chance but have to get back to work. Boss calling.

        A bit about our feature author:

Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author and speaker. As an educator, he served children for four decades in a range of roles captured in his novels, from teacher and coach to principal and superintendent.

As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers’ critique group, serving as a mentor to emerging writers and participating in writing conferences such as Sleuthfest, Killer Nashville and the Midwest Writers Workshop.

When he’s not writing or researching his next exciting novel or sharing his presentation, “Things Still Go Bump in the Night,” he’s spending time with his incredible family of wife, three children (and their spouses) and seven wonderful grandchildren.

 To learn more about Randy and the stories he creates, go to: https://www.facebook.com/authorrandyoverbeck

 https://www.instagram.com/authorrandyoverbeck/

 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-KOC0LH2GQRSAjwxOFr5rg

 Tik Tok @authorrandyo

 Trailer: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLhuf7RGtCs

To purchase Scarlet at Crystal River, go to:

https://www.amazon.com/Scarlet-Crystal-Haunted-Shores-Mysteries/dp/1509237879/ref=sr_1_

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/scarlet-at-crystal-river-randy-overbeck/1139873947?ean=9781509237876

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57841458-scarlet-at-crystal-river?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=RTpsYLU6mO&rank=3

https://www.bookbub.com/books/scarlet-at-crystal-river-by-randy-overbeck

 

Sixshooter by Lyndi Alexander

 . . . Like space, love knows no boundaries . . .

           Valeni Pascual wants to be free to make a living hauling cargo with her spaceship and to understand the shapeshifting alien who presents sometimes as the steamy male Nik and other times as the blonde bombshell Nikki.

          As a rebel insurgence builds against the oppressive government known as the Agency, Valeni and Nik/Nikki encounter a sexy Terran cowboy named Garrett Rawls. Since being pulled into this region of space by another mysterious wormhole, Garrett has looked for a way to return to Earth. After meeting Valeni and Nikki, he might have found something worth staying for.

          However, dark forces may have a much bigger picture in mind for all of them. Valeni, Nik/Nikki, and Garrett are pulled into a life and death fight that lays bare all of their secrets and their desires. Will they lose everything as the battle against the Agency rages around them or can love pull them through?

 Wild Women Authors features author Lyndi Alexander and Sixshooter, a sci fi romance, Up first is pilot Valeni Pascual.

Good morning, Valeni. Thanks for taking time to speak with us. Let’s begin with where you’re from? I was born on the planet Terza in the Sisrian system, which is made up of five planets, Kizra, Marriel, Terza, Perpetra and Lennor. I grew up with my. parents and my brother Luca on an estate with servants and all the advantages.

Tell us a bit about Sixshooter. It’s the story of how I started out a year without a credit in my pocket, met Nicholas, the first love of my life, had my brother drag me through some damned terrorist crap, but not even as bad as what the government did to us. Then I met the second love of my life, Garrett Rawls. Then Nikki fell in love with Garrett. So there we were, I loved two men, Nikki loved two men, two men loved me, and maybe I loved Nikki, too. We kept meaning to have a conversation and straighten things out….but we just never seemed to find the time. It was all the people who kept shooting at us. I mean, Sprechan’s balls, what kind of life is that?

What did you think the first time you saw Garrett Rawls? He seemed like one of the most interesting people at Captain Temms Rogers’ meeting with the rebels. I guess I thought he liked me.

What was your second thought? I hoped by all Sprechan’s power that he liked me. Ha!

Did you feel it was love at first sight? I don’t know about love—but definitely lust.

What do you like most about Garrett? He’s sexy, of course, and kind. But mostly he’s just easy to be with. With a lot of the bureaucratic kinds around here, a gal feels like she’s always got to be watching her back or being careful what she says. Garrett’s just Garrett—he is what he appears, and he assumes you are too. You don’t ever have to put on a front or worry about being yourself. That’s so refreshing!

How would you describe him? Yum? Is that a good description? No, really, he’s smart, he’s good-looking—or a long drink of cool water, as he’d say—and he’d do anything for you. He’s a great member of our team—Nikki and I love him very much.

How would Garrett describe you? He tells me I’m beautiful. He trusts me with his life. I think he’d say I’m competent and I can handle myself. In bed, he calls me his “ginger candy.” Okay, he also thinks I’m a handful and he hates my stubborn streak. I told him it’s not being stubborn, it’s being forthright. How else can you get things done if you don’t just do them?

What made you choose to become a mercenary pilot? Well, my parents were wealthy, and they never let you forget it. They also favored my screw-up brother, so I really had no reason to stay on Terza. I saved my money and bought my own ship, the Tiburon, when I was 21, and I headed out to make my own future. It’s hard sometimes, because you never know when you’re going to get a job, or what kind of crap people can pull on you because you’re working alone. That’s why I was glad Nik came with me. Because they are brawn as Nicholas and brain as Nikki, and we work well together. And of course, once we met Garrett Rawls.

What is your biggest fear? Being alone. Not just ‘by myself,’ but alone, as in not having anyone to count on. The one thing I’ve learned in the last little bit is that I am stronger with a team, and I don’t have to depend on only myself for everything. It’s really made me a lot more confident and secure.

How do you relax? With some of our favorite Terran ales, some that Garrett brought with him through the wormhole. Otherwise, I’ll drink about anything that’s available, even Sandor’s crappy havafruit cider.

Who is your favorite fictional character? Who has time to read? I’m out in the black saving my ass every day. Maybe when I get time to retire. If that ever happens. For real, we are hand to mouth more days than I’d like.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Captain Dutton, my mentor, told me I had to open up and let these people in, that I shouldn’t be afraid. He was right. Now I am surrounded by love and on the road to adventure.

 Valeni brought along an excerpt from Sixshooter for us:

           One man in particular caught Nik’s attention. He was long and lean, dressed in a simple blue work shirt and denim pants over hand-tooled boots. He wore a broad-brimmed hat, which he took off to speak. His speech was slow, his vowels drawled, and his grin both shy and genuine.

          Rogers called on the man for his opinion. “Now here we have an import—a genuine cowboy from the old Terran system.”

          “Cow boy?” Nik asked Valeni. “Is he part bovine, then? He looks human.”

          Valeni chuckled. “I suspect he is human. Wait a minute.” She pulled out her handheld communication device and typed in the question. “Hmm. It is a old Terran term. A cowboy herds animals from horseback on a ranch.”

          Nik then asked about the term “horse” and the term “ranch,” both of which were unfamiliar. “It seems unlikely such a person could exercise these pursuits in space.”

          Valeni shushed them as the man spoke.

           “I’m Garrett Rawls, come from a planet called Earth which ain’t in your system here. Not sure how I got to this place, exactly, but somehow I got sucked through some kinda wormhole.”

          His dark eyes sparkled with good will. “Been makin’ my way pretty well with my ship, the Six-shooter—some of you know it—mostly keeping to the planets of Marriel and Terza, staying under the radar as much as I can. But just like back on Earth, the government cain’t help trying to keep us good ol’ boys down.”

          He looked around the room, stopping to focus on Valeni for a moment. “And good old gals.”
          Val blushed, and Nik felt her whole body set change. Rawls’ gaze slid to Nik, curiosity in his eyes. Nik felt a definite weighing of possibility.

 Again, thanks for this, Valeni. Now, we’d like to chat with Lyndi.

 What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer? Interesting question. I know there were some I really learned timing from—like the Phantom musical movie, in the Spanish opera scene, watching the beats as the power and fear shifts from character to character…amazing. Learning to hit beats is so critical. As far as writing books, I swear by Techniques of the Selling Writer, by Swain, even though it is NOT easy reading. And of course, Save The Cat.

What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel? Actually the whole story came from a real life participation in an online role playing game. My ex-husband played a character who was genderfluid, like Nik, I played Valeni and my friend Kellie Hicks played Garrett. We originated the characters and developed them for a couple of years, and after the RPG folded, I really missed them. They’ve been kicking around in my brain ever since, and I finally got them down on paper.

Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them?  Dragonfly Publishing is a small press in Oklahoma. Editor Terri Branson was the first to contract a novel from me about 10 years ago, The Elf Queen. She’s since published other fiction of mine, including the Horizon Crossover series, which Sixshooter is a part of.

What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? I have Fringe The Zodiac Paradox waiting….but Sixshooter came out in June, and my alter ego Alana Lorens had Encounter come out in June and is working on final galleys for A Rose by Any Other Name, so I doubt I’ll get to that book any time soon. 😊

Lastly, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves? Once those three are thoroughly launched, I’m continuing a suspense/mystery that opens with a woman finding herself in the Everglades next to a burnt car with a dead body in it…and no idea how any of it happened.

Where can our readers find you on social media? The best way to follow up is watch the websites at alana-lorens.com or lyndialexander.wordpress.com 

To purchase Sixshooter, go to:

Paperback at Amazon • 

Hardback at Amazon •

 Paperback at Barnes & Noble •

 Hardback at Barnes & Noble • 

eBook at Amazon Kindle •

 eBook at Apple Books •

 eBook at Barnes & Noble •

 eBook at Kobo Books •

 eBook at Smashwords

 

Tinsel and Tea Cakes by Jill Piscitello

 . . . Step back in time for an unforgettable winter wedding . . .

      Hair stylist Scarlett Kerrigan lost her job and her apartment. To alleviate a touch of self-pity, she succumbs to her stepmom’s pressure to attend a wedding in the New Hampshire White Mountains. Unfortunately, she runs into the vacation fling who promised the moon but disappeared without an explanation. Months have passed, but she is not ready to forgive and forget.

     After a chaotic year, executive Wes Harley settles into his family's event venue, The Timeless Manor. His carefully structured world is shaken to its core when Scarlett arrives for the Victorian Christmas wedding weekend. The feelings he never quite erased flood to the surface.

     When secrets are revealed, will a magical chateau and a sprinkle of tinsel be enough to charm Scarlett?

 Wild Women Authors welcomes author Jill Piscitello who celebrates Tinsel and Tea Cakes, the latest release for the Christmas Cookies series out of the Wild Rose Press. With Jill is hair stylist Scarlett Kerrigan who will go first.

Good morning, Scarlett. Let’s start with where you’re from. Rhode Island

Tell us a bit about Tinsel and Tea Cakes.  This novella offers a lighthearted tale of second chances, revealed secrets, and forgiveness mingled with a Christmas Victorian wedding theme and a cast of eclectic characters.

What did you think the first time you saw Wes Harley? He’s prettier than most women.

Apparently you aren’t the only woman in the book who feels that way so what was your second thought?  I don’t date pretty boys. 

So it wasn’t love at first sight? No.

What do you like most about Wes?  He was easy to talk to.

How would you describe him?  His family is his everything.

How would Wes describe you?  You’d have to ask him.   

What made you choose hairdressing for a career?  I enjoy making people feel good about themselves.

What is your biggest fear?  Failure

How do you relax?  Watching Gilmore Girls reruns.

Who is your favorite fictional character? Elle Woods from Legally Blonde.  I love how she proves she is more than a flaky, pretty face. 

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?  My stepmother is an endless source of unsolicited advice.  Every once in a while, she shares a real gem such as “You can’t fully appreciate success without failing a few times.  Take the chance.”

Good one. Thanks for spending time with us, Scarlett. Now we’d like to chat with Jill.

What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer?  I wouldn’t begin to compare myself to these authors, but some of my all-time favorite books include Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, The Stand by Stephen King, and The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel.

What event in your private life were you able to bring to this story and how do you feel it impacted the novel? The story includes a series of thefts.  I can’t give away how and where the stolen items were found, but a similar discovery happened at a family member’s party years ago.

Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them? My publisher for this novella is The Wild Rose Press. After reading wonderful testimonials from other authors, I submitted my first novel, “Homemakers’ Christmas” to them.  It was rejected. After more rejections, I significantly revised the manuscript and began submitting again to a new list of publishers.  I was fortunate to have Melange Publishing offer a contract and had a positive experience.  But I remained interested in The Wild Rose Press. A visit to their website revealed an open call for Christmas Cookies submissions.  I got to work, read everything I could get my hands on regarding writing novellas, and submitted my manuscript.  This time, a contract was offered, and I had the pleasure of working with an excellent editor.

What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? Where do I begin? I keep a running list of novels I’d like to read. 

Lastly, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves?  I have a cozy mystery in the final stages of editing and am working on the follow up to Tinsel and Tea Cakes.  The next installment will again feature The Timeless Manor but will focus on a new character, a new love interest, a new event, and the hint of a mystery. 

 Jill brought an excerpt for our enjoyment:

Lights flashed in the side view mirror. Another car parked behind them, but snow blocked all visibility through the back window. Boots crunching through snow announced the hulking figure before he appeared at the door. A scarf and hat covered most of the stranger’s face, and only a pair of emerald-green eyes peered in.

Scarlett inched down the window a crack. The possibility of this person being a deranged lunatic couldn’t be overlooked.

“Scarlett?” The man stepped back and tugged down the scarf.

She knew that face and opened her mouth to speak but couldn’t find a word. This day just kept getting better. Those eyes should have been the first clue, but never in her wildest dreams did she expect to see him again. The blur of memories racing through her mind dropped a throat-constricting concoction of confusion, hurt, and vile hope on her chest. “Wes.”

“What are you doing here? Aren’t you a little far from home?” A line formed between his eyebrows.

Clarice leaned forward to get a better glimpse of their potential knight in shining armor.

“More than a little.” Coherent thoughts took shape in the form of questions and accusations. Every fiber in her being burned at the thought of asking him for help, but alternative options were few and far between. Who knew how long before roadside assistance arrived? Fine, maybe he’d get her out of this mess, but making small talk didn’t need to factor into the exchange.

 To learn more about Jill Piscitello, go to: 

Website ~ Twitter  ~ Facebook ~  Instagram

 

To purchase Tinsel and Tea Cakes, go to: 

Amazon

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