Monday, January 12, 2026

How to Write Compelling Romance Novels by Monique DeVere

The secret ingredient to writing unputdownable romance

Today, Wild Women Authors focus is on: How to Write Compelling Romance Novels. From emotional intimacy to breathless tension, this definitive guide shows romance writers how to build love stories readers devour in one sitting.

Publisher: Crystal Swan Publications, released December 2, 2025.

About the Book:

Looking to write a romance novel your readers will devour in one sitting? Look no further than How to Write Compelling Romance Novels, the must-have guide for any writer who wants to create page-turning love stories!

With its insider tips and practical advice, this guidebook will take your romance writing to the next level. You'll learn how to create emotional beats, build sexual tension, and craft conflict that will keep your readers hooked until the very end. And with detailed analyses of emotional stakes, subtext, and internal conflict, you'll have all the tools you need to craft a compelling love story that will leave your readers breathless.

How to Write Compelling Romance Novels will also show you how to create authentic emotional intimacy and chemistry between your characters, so your readers will be rooting for their happily-ever-after. And with examples created especially for this guidebook, you can see exactly how to put these concepts into practice.

Whether you're an experienced romance writer or just starting out, How to Write Compelling Romance Novels is the ultimate guidebook for writing unforgettable love stories. So why wait? Grab your copy today and discover the secrets to writing romance that will make your readers fall in love with your characters and beg for more!

An Excerpt:

Writing with Emotional Punch & Excitement

Have you ever had a novel declined for not having “that extra degree of emotional punch and excitement”? I have. My very first submission to Mills & Boon came back to me—by post! Yes, it was a long time ago—with a thoughtful rejection note that said my manuscript lacked emotional punch. I had no idea what that meant and immediately made it my goal to not only find out what this elusive emotional punch was, but to make sure I filled my future stories with it. If you struggle with this element of writing, I’m here to help you navigate the rough terrain.

Writing with emotional punch and excitement is all about creating a connection with your readers and keeping them engaged throughout your story. This means creating a strong opening that grabs the reader’s attention and hooks them into the story. Your opening should introduce your main characters and the conflict or problem they will face throughout the story.

Another key aspect of writing with emotional punch is creating multi-dimensional characters whom the reader can relate to and care about. Your characters should have their own unique personalities, motivations, and backstories that present them as real people. By crafting characters the reader cares about, you can create an emotional connection that will keep them invested in the story.

Whether you’re writing a novel, an essay, a novella, or a short story, the goal is to make your reader feel something. Writing with emotion is a crucial element of creating a successful romance novel. Romance novels are all about eliciting strong emotions from readers, whether it’s excitement, happiness, anger, heartbreak, or laughter. It requires you to be in touch with your own emotions and to be able to convey those emotions through your writing.

We asked our focus author why she wrote this book. Here’s her response: I’ve always had a teaching heart. I love learning new things, and I love sharing that knowledge. So it wasn’t a surprise when, several years ago, I felt the tug to write a book that shared what I’d learned along the way about writing romance. For a long time, I imagined that one day I might run a writers’ retreat on a little island somewhere, spending my days helping writers hone their craft. That dream never materialized, but in many ways this guidebook became its own version of that retreat, and I’m happy to be able to share my knowledge through it.

How to Write Compelling Romance Novels is a labour of love, and the book I truly wish I’d had when I first started writing. I wanted to help other writers shorten the learning curve in a way that’s encouraging. I’m a visual learner, which is why I’ve written examples to help writers see the elements put into practice. These are not excerpts from my or anyone else’s books, but examples created exclusively for How to Write Compelling Romance Novels. At its heart, this book is about understanding the mechanics that make romance work, and my hope is that it helps writers feel less overwhelmed and more excited about the stories they’re trying to tell.

This book can be purchased at:

AmazonUS | AmazonUK | AmazonCA | AmazonAU |

ASIN: B0G44KZVGH; ISBN: 979-8276238104

Raw Purchase Links:

AmazonUS: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G3T9G9KK

AmazonUK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G3T9G9KK

AmazonCA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0G3T9G9KK

AmazonAU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0G3T9G9KK

Author Bio

Monique DeVere writes heart-pounding romantic suspense and funny, feel-good romances filled with faith, heart, hope, and a dash of sass. Her stories blend emotional depth, relatable characters, and the kind of love that endures forever.

Originally from the beautiful island of Barbados, Monique now lives in the UK with her real-life hero, their four children, five grandchildren, and an adorable, hilarious Yorkshire Terrier.

When she isn’t dreaming up stories of danger, faith, and forever love, Monique enjoys family time, shell collecting, boating, being near the sea, and learning something new—because curiosity, like love, keeps life exciting.

You can visit her at moniquedevere.com, harlequin.com, Facebook: moniquedevere.

Monique loves to hear from her readers. You can contact her through her website or by sending your email to monique@moniquedevere.com

You may also find her at:

Raw Media Links:

Website: https://moniquedevere.com/

Blog: http://moniquedevere.blogspot.com/

Newsletter: https://storyoriginapp.com/giveaways/ac3f49f0-3eb3-11eb-a200-afbf0011263f

X: https://x.com/MoniqueDeVere

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/monique-devere

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

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-devere-4b996a18/

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@monique.devere

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3213844.Monique_DeVere

Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/moniquedevere.bsky.social

Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Monique-DeVere/author/B004J0325C?

Harlequin: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/authors/30327_monique-devere.html

Friday, January 9, 2026

Conditions by Skye Mueller

Wild Women Authors features debut author Skye Mueller and Conditions, a WF/suspense, released in December 2025 by the Wild Rose Press.

About Conditions: Being married to a thief had one definite upside—financial security for her sister’s medical expenses. Up until acupuncturist Summer Halley experienced a pregnancy loss while on a heist, she was willing to overlook the immorality of her husband’s crimes. But the miscarriage elicits broken vows and sacrificed money, a perfect combination for the FBI to exploit.

Forced to assume the role of informant on her ex-husband’s realm, Summer also faces the undeniable tension between her and Liam Reyes, her FBI handler. As she reconciles the choices she made in the past, Summer agrees to cooperate with Reyes, even when he reveals his own conflicted feelings.

Just as Summer and Reyes stop viewing each other as an adversary, a new target threatens their tentative trust while the truth about her sister’s deception is exposed.

Hello, Summer. Welcome to our blog. Tell us a bit about Conditions. This story focuses on redemption and overcoming guilt surrounding my pregnancy loss and participation in my ex-husband’s criminal history.

What made you choose acupuncture and Chinese medicine for a profession? I love helping my patients through holistic methods and using techniques to strengthen the body’s natural ability to heal.

Knowing what you know now, if you had it to do over again, would you stick with being an acupuncture practitioner or do something different? I love my career and being a business owner. After all the heists I helped facilitate, being able to support myself legitimately is top priority. I considered becoming a nurse but that ultimately wasn’t the right path for me.

What is your biggest fear? Failing to be there for those I care about.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why? Katniss Everdeen. She seeks justice and stands up for what’s right.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Reyes helped me realize it’s okay to ask for help when you really need it. Being too proud or stubborn doesn’t always translate into good decision making!

Thanks for this, Summer. Now we’d like to chat with Skye.

Which writer or character[s], from either books or movies, [or both] have had a major impact on your writing? I’m always inspired by female authors who have a strong voice or vision and who aren’t afraid to lean into hard topics. When I was younger, I wrote a lot of poetry, so probably one of the first writers to inspire me was Emily Dickinson.

With regard to research, where did you start for this novel? Did that lead you down different paths, thereby changing the original concept? A bit of what I researched for Conditions pertained to the legal process and what terminology best fit with the crimes each character committed. The final product stayed pretty true to my original concept, with some additional scenes and details that helped broaden the plot. Personally, I have experienced pregnancy loss and some of Summer’s grief reflects aspects of my own healing journey.

Tell us a bit about your publisher. What influenced you to submit to them; what is the turn-around time from date of query to date of release? I researched every agent and publisher I considered querying through Query Tracker before submitting [to Wild Rose Press]. Kaycee, my editor, understood my vision for this story and I signed with TWRP in May 2025. Conditions was published on December 17, 2025.

What are you reading right now? Up next in the TBR pile is Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy. A few of my favorite recent reads are A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan, The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig and One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune.

What's next for you? I’m finalizing edits on a manuscript I’m hoping to send out soon. It’s a bit of a deviation from the suspenseful tone of Conditions and is more focused on the second chance romance happening between the two main characters. It also explores themes of trauma, mental health and single parenthood.

To learn more about Skye Mueller and the stories she creates go to:

www.skyemueller.com

https://x.com/_skyemueller

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

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/59678447.Skye_Mueller

To purchase Conditions, go to:

https://wildrosepress.com/product/conditions/

https://www.amazon.com/Conditions-Skye-Mueller-ebook/dp/B0FS7ZK764/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CGmz1uU_SmsMyGEw0oal0A.lqF6TnPDwri3vC4jFfZmCTx0ugiUT8v8H1E83kq8hzE&dib_tag=se&qid=1763778106&refinements=p_27%3ASkye++Mueller&s=digital-text&sr=1-1&text=Skye++Mueller

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/conditions-skye-mueller/1148360933?ean=9781509264094

https://www.booksamillion.com/p/9781509264094

Thursday, January 8, 2026

Bondwitch by Chelsey Ortega

Prom night is supposed to be magical, it wasn’t the kind of magic Annamaria was ready for.

About Bondwitch:

Eighteen-year-old Annamaria Lyons has never left her small hometown of Harrison, Wyoming. She has lived with her aunt, Trinity, since her parents died when she was two years old. Trinity has been a wonderful guardian with one exception—she won’t allow Annamaria out of the house after sunset. That is, until the night of senior prom. Annamaria’s long-lost sister arrives, bringing with her a world full of hidden family secrets and the supernatural.

Forced to flee her childhood home without a proper goodbye to her human life and first love, Annamaria immerses herself in the magical world. New friends and a new suitor challenge her original dreams for the future, and when she finds herself caught in the middle of a centuries-old conflict, Annamaria must decide to rise above it or give in to the darkness.

Wild Women Authors features Chelsey Ortega and Bondwitch, a YA paranormal romance, released by the Wild Rose Press. First up is high school student, Annamaria Lyons.

Good morning, Anna, let’s start with where you are from. The answer to this question already highlights the craziness that is my life. I was born in Outer Salem (part of what humans know as Salem, Massachusetts). I moved to Harrison, Wyoming with my aunt when I was two years old after my parents died. I grew up in Wyoming, and my story begins there.

Tell us a bit about Bondwitch. The story relates how I came to learn about my witch background, got my powers unlocked (finally!), and learned how to use them; all while trying to protect myself from my family’s enemies – particularly my sister’s crazy vampire boyfriend. I love having magic powers, and getting private lessons from my aunt and sister was so fun, but it did cause a lot of drama with my human friends and boyfriend. I learned about other magical creatures, and met several vampires and werewolves. Despite the positives to magic, I’m still unsure if the way it uprooted my life was worth it.

What did you think the first time you saw Anthony? His eyes were charming. He was the first vampire I met that I wasn’t afraid of.

What was your second thought? That he was polite in an old-fashioned way. He carried my empty breakfast dishes to the sink for me, and when he gave me a tour of his house, he put my hand in the crook of his arm.

Was it love at first sight? It was for him, but not for me. Anthony admitted that he knew I was special right away. I was attracted to him, but his world was still so new to me, and my breakup with my high school boyfriend was so fresh, I wasn’t ready to just jump into a relationship with him. But over time he won my heart, and I fell hard.

What do you like most about him? How respectful and caring he his. My safety is super important to him. He respects my boundaries. All of our romantic progress has been at my pace. He was there when I was losing my old life and felt abandoned by my aunt and sister. He’s my rock.

How would you describe him? Physically, he is so handsome. He’s tall-ish, taller than me, anyway. He has black skater hair (think early 2000s) and dark brown eyes that are super warm and safe. He has pale skin since he’s a 300-year-old vampire, and has very defined muscles; but he’s not too bulky. He’s perfect. Personality wise, he’s kind, loving, protective, and overall selfless. He is always careful to make sure that I’m comfortable and happy.

How would Anthony describe you? He’d probably say that I have beautiful green eyes and long straight red hair that he likes to touch. He’d probably point out my dancer’s body since he painted it all over my bedroom. For my personality he’d point out that I’m stubborn and quick to anger; and for some lucky reason, he’s okay with that about me. He would also share that I learn quickly as he has spied on my private magic lessons!

What made you choose dancing for a career? Lack of other options, honestly. I was stuck in Will’s house (my sister’s crazy boyfriend), and wasn’t allowed out. Posting dancing videos online was my only way to keep my foot in the human world and kind of connect with others. It’s not a permanent career, and as soon as I’m free, I have a ton of magical careers to explore.

What is your biggest fear? That I will never see my aunt Trinity again.

With all that went on with you, and continues to go on, how do you relax? Dancing. The music and choreography settles my soul when nothing else can.

Who is your favorite fictional character? Chenille from Save the Last Dance. Her advice to her older brother Derek about not being able to help who you love inspired me to move on from my ex-boyfriend [back in Wyoming] and fully commit to Anthony.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? “Don’t let pride get in the way.” My aunt’s ex-boyfriend told me that about my own relationship. It was the downfall of theirs.

Thank you for spending time with us, Anna. Now we’d like to speak with Chelsey.

What movies or books have had an impact on your career as a writer? Harry Potter, Twilight, The Vampire Diaries, Witches of East End, and Beautiful Creatures have all inspired my world building, characters, and plots. Rachel Hollis’ self-help books (particularly Girl, Wash Your Face and Girl, Stop Apologizing) inspired me to actually try to publish the stories I write.

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? My husband lost his job during the Covid lay-offs in 2020. I wrote this story late at night after the rest of the family went to bed as a way to take an emotional break from the hardship our life was taking during that time. Because of that, the first draft was raw, and I wrote it for myself. Since I wasn’t thinking about a potential audience, I wasn’t restricted by fears and second-guessing myself if a scene or character arc would be well-received. I just wrote from the heart. I didn’t put any private events in on purpose, but one of my beta readers who went to high school with me identified certain classmates in some of my characters, and I realized that I may have subconsciously used some scenes to get closure from past issues. This made the story more relatable, I think. I’ve been told that my characters act like real teenagers, which is a compliment to me!

Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them? When I had made the decision to query to small presses who didn’t require an agent (I really like the idea of representing myself), I noticed several books I had currently read and loved were all published by the same publisher: The Wild Rose Press. I looked them up, and they were a small press who accepted queries directly from authors! Since books I loved were published by them, and those books also matched the aesthetic of my own writing, I decided to query them. They were my first-choice publisher, and I’m so grateful they gave me a chance.

What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? Since I’m answering these questions right after Christmas, my physical TBR is quite high: American Prisoner of War Camps in Idaho and Utah; Boleyn Traitor; The League of Lady Poisoners; Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want To Come; Sister Wife; All the Light We Cannot See; The Radium Girls; Crave; The Duchess War; The Duke Who Didn’t

Last, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves? I have a short story titled To Sign Or Not To Sign that is coming out in the Creepy Spooky Love anthology on February 10, 2026. It is about a teenage witch who is getting ready to sign her name in the devil’s book, when her seemingly human crush knows more than he should and is trying to talk her out of it. ARC copies will be available in January (subscribe to my blog for more info).

The sequel to Bondwitch, Bondwitch: Hybrid is currently under contract, and about to enter the final galley phase of editing in the new year. A publishing date announcement is on the horizon, which subscribers to my blog will be the first to know!

Chelsey brought an excerpt for us:

“Annamaria… Prom Queen… Congratulations.”

“Uh…thanks.” Anna grunted as she tried to shove away from him.

“My Senior Prom was pretty amazing too.” His eyes darkened. “But my senior year didn’t end so well. Hopefully, yours is better.”

Anna stopped trying to push him away and looked up at him. He was older, which must be why Anna didn’t recognize him. Their eyes met, and Anna froze as his pupils expanded until they almost covered his brown irises. The surrounding volume lowered, and the music became fuzzy. Anna swayed, and her fear disappeared. Her surroundings were a blur save this handsome man. This man who held her desire in his hand. He was the only thing that mattered. Obeying him was the only thing she wanted.

“Let’s leave,” he whispered. Goosebumps erupted along Anna’s cheek and neck. “Come with me.” They stopped dancing, and he gripped Anna’s hand and led her toward the exit.

To learn more about Chelsey Ortega and the stories she creates, go to:

Website and blog: https://chelseymortega.com/

Purchase options: https://chelseymortega.com/bondwitch-series/?frame-nonce=5e6d4fa89e

Facebook: Chelsey M. Ortega -Author (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086032045677)

Instagram: @chelsey_mae_o

TikTok: @chelseym.ortega (https://www.tiktok.com/@chelseym.ortega)

Monday, January 5, 2026

Kitsune Kisses by Patricia Kiyono

Wild Women Authors is pleased to feature Kitsune Kisses, a trilogy of short stories based on Japanese folklore. Written by Patricia Kiyono for Dingbat Publishing.

We’ll begin with Kita Imai who goes by the nickname of Kitty.

Welcome to our blog, Kitty. We’re so pleased to have you with us. Let’s start with where you are from. I’m originally from the northern part of Japan. My daughter Kimi and I were part of a pack of foxes who were captured by hunters. My husband died trying to protect us, and we were brought to America where we were kept in a poorly run zoo.

Tell us a bit about Kitsune Kisses. The book is a collection of three stories based on Japanese folk lore. My story, “Protecting the Pack” is about how Bill Waterson, a wildlife photographer, met me when I was in human woman form, then learned to deal with me being a shape-shifting fox.

“Tanuki Trouble” features a raccoon-like creature called a tanuki who spends most of his days as a teenage boy, and uses his shape-shifting ability to assist his friend Marty on a road trip.

“Tea Time” features a tea set that can move about and talk, a phenomenon called tsukumogami, and they use their powers to help a young couple realize that they’re meant for each other.

What did you think the first time you saw Bill? I was annoyed. He’d been hired to photograph all the animals in the sanctuary for a promotional brochure. Since most of the animals are here because of abuse from humans, I hated the thought of bringing him around them with all his equipment.

What was your second thought? I thought about how blue his eyes were—and how sensitive he was to the animals’ needs.

Was it love at first sight? I was definitely attracted, but falling in love was the last thing on my mind. He was just another visitor to the animal sanctuary that I had to deal with.

What do you like most about Bill? I liked that he respected the animals and listened to what I told him. When he wanted to photograph the baby foxes, I told him he’d better wait until they were old enough to come out of the den, and instead of arguing with me, he agreed to photograph some other animals.

How would you describe him? He’s strong and capable, but gentle. His eyes are the color of the Sea of Japan.

How would Bill describe you? I’m sure he’d say I’m different. He knows I communicate with the animals, and he’s not sure how I do that.

What made you choose to become an animal caretaker for a career? After my daughter and I were captured and mistreated in that awful zoo, we were saved by a kind woman who brought us to the sanctuary. Then when I learned how to shift into a woman, I knew I could protect Kimi and the others by becoming an animal caretaker.

What is your biggest fear? Seeing those I love being hurt by someone more powerful.

How do you relax? I love to watch my new grandchildren play.

Who is your favorite fictional character? When I was a young kit in Japan, I enjoyed hearing stories about other kitsune, especially those with nine tails. The more tails a kitsune has, the wiser she is.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? The woman who rescued us from the zoo was so encouraging. She told me that if I put my mind to it, I could do anything.

Chatting with a shape-shifting fox has been a new and different experience. Thank you, Kitty for sharing your thoughts with us. Now we’d like to speak with your creator, Patricia Kiyono.

What movies or books have had an impact on you as a writer? I started writing romances because I read many books by Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods, and Robyn Carr. I love to read series in which each book is about a different member of a family or group.

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? When I was young, my aunts would send us books of Japanese children’s stories. I was especially drawn to the folk tales, which were full of magical creatures. Later on, I was fortunate enough to visit my Japanese relatives and learn more about their customs. The books introduced me to unique stories, and my visit instilled in me a sense of tradition and integrity that I hope is reflected in my characters.

Tell us a bit about your publisher: how did you hear about them and what influenced your decision to submit to them? Dingbat Publishing is owned and operated by Gunnar Gray, who was a fellow author at Clean Reads. When Clean Reads closed their doors, I wrote for Eskape Publishing, while Gunnar began her own company. Later, when Eskape closed up shop in 2019, I discovered several fellow authors were happily writing for Dingbat, and I was fortunate to be accepted into the stable of authors there.

What book[s] currently rest on your TBR pile? I’ve been on a cozy mystery kick for a few years now. I’ve read through most of the Miss Fortune series by Jana DeLeon, but I have four left to go. I’m also working my way through the Miss Underhay series by Helena Dixon, who was also a fellow author at Clean Reads.

Last, what's up next and when can we expect to see it on the shelves? I’m working on a historical novella set in the 1880s in southwest Michigan. It’ll be part of an anthology to be published by one of my local writing groups, and it’s scheduled to be released in mid-April of this year.

A bit more about Protecting the Pack: Kitsune is the Japanese word for fox. Legend has it that certain magical foxes are able to transform into other living beings, especially human women. As the fox ages, it grows extra tails, up to nine. Extra tails are regarded as a sign of increased wisdom and power.

Kitty is a kitsune who's just gotten her second tail. In her human form by day, she's a caretaker at a wildlife sanctuary, returning to her daughter and the other animals at night as a red fox. She doesn’t expect to fall in love until she meets Bill, a photographer with sea-blue eyes that remind her of the island nation she left behind.

An Excerpt:
Stepping outside, she checked all around to make sure no one had followed or could see her. She unlocked the gate to the fox enclosure and stepped inside. Then she re-locked the gate and positioned herself under the low hanging branches of an oak tree. She pulled a white gem from her pocket and held it above her head. The gem held her soul and her powers. She closed her eyes and let the change take her over. Her clothing faded away, replaced by reddish fur. Her ears moved to the top of her head, and her nose and mouth lengthened. She dropped down on all fours, the gem landing on the top of the two tails that had grown behind her.

She raced to that special spot in the thickest part of the woods, to the burrow where Kimi lay nursing her kits.

The new mother glanced up and gave her a welcoming nod. “All done working for the day, Mother?”

“Yes, at last,” Kitty replied. “I thought it would never end.”

Patricia, many thanks for spending time with us and offering a look into bits of Japanese folklore.

Where can visitors to our blog reach you?

Readers can find me at my website and on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky.

Kitsune Kisses is available for purchase on Amazon.

Saturday, January 3, 2026

The First Fiancee

The discovery of human bones near a remote New Mexico mountain village sets a worried sister on a treacherous path to solve a murder.

Wild Women Authors focus on The First Fiancée, book 1 in the Bethany Jarviss Mysteries series, written by Rita A. Popp and released by the Wild Rose Press.

About the Book: Bethany Jarviss heads to the mountains of New Mexico to support her frantic sister, Joni, whose fiancé, Matt, might be a murderer. The bones of a long-missing young woman, Krystal Decker, have been found by hikers. Matt, who was engaged to Krystal in the past, swears he thought Krystal left him to pursue a singing career.

Now, as news of the murder swirls, the newly engaged couple get set to open their bed-and-breakfast inn in time for Christmas. As Bethany meets the village locals, she finds that plenty of people besides her future brother-in-law had motive for killing his beautiful, thieving, secretive first fiancée.

For her sister’s sake, Bethany turns amateur detective and won’t stop asking questions until she discovers the killer’s identity!

An Excerpt:

Alone with Matt, Bethany said, “It must be hard, the situation you’re facing, finding out about the death of someone you loved so many years after it happened. I’m sorry to say it so awkwardly.”

He acknowledged her apology with a nod. “It’s been a shock. I thought Krystal left me and didn’t want to be found.”

“Joni told me someone killed her. Is that possible? Couldn’t it have been an accident?”

“At first, that’s what I assumed, but apparently somebody hit her on the head and left her in a gully. In the national forest beyond the lodge. The police seem to think I could be capable of doing that.” He cleared his throat. “It’s good you came, but I don’t want you burdened with my problem.”

“It’s Joni’s problem too. She sounded frantic when she called.”

“That’s because of the rumors that I’m some sort of monster.”

He put his hands on her shoulders, locking eyes with her. His grip felt so tight she winced. “Look, I didn’t kill Krystal. Joni believes me. But we can kiss goodbye to paying guests if people worry they’re not safe under this roof.”

She stepped back to free herself from those hands.

****

Bethany found Joni in a second-floor room, rolling pale cream semi-gloss on a wall with fast, steady strokes. She had changed into old clothes and was humming along to a tune on her audio device. Bethany tapped her sister’s shoulder to get her attention. Joni set the roller in a pan on the floor and took out her earbuds. … “If you’ve got another roller, I can help paint,” Bethany offered.

Joni gave her a serious look. “Sure, but there’s something I’d rather have you do.” She hesitated, then went on. “Matt and I have been avoiding Sorrel. People started giving us funny looks right after the gruesome discovery three weeks ago. But nobody knows you. You could go into town and find out all the gossip.”

The idea of being a snoop did not appeal to her. “Joni, I don’t think—”

“Listen, okay? You’re good at talking to people and finding out things. Dad’s always bragging about how well you investigate all those organizations in line for grants. I bet you could hear some interesting things about Krystal that Matt never knew. After all, you—not the cops—found out that girl in Albuquerque didn’t trip on the stairs.”

Suddenly, Bethany got it. “You want me to get involved in this murder? That’s why you begged me to come?” Her jaw clenched at the thought of her one brush with crime a few months before. What started out as a favor to the dead student’s mother—to clean out the college girl’s room in the house where she had boarded—ended with discovering the girl had been pushed to her death.

Joni planted her hands on her narrow hips. “You helped that mother. She didn’t have to go on thinking her daughter accidentally caused her own death. That woman isn’t even your friend. She’s Mom’s. Can’t you talk to a few people in town for me, your sister? I’m dying to find out what they’re saying about Krystal. And about Matt.”

Matt had said people called him a monster. Had he been exaggerating, or could people really believe that? And assuming Matt hadn’t killed his first fiancée, who had? Someone long gone or who still lived in Sorrel?

Gnawing on a cuticle, Joni watched with hope in those huge blue eyes.

“Tell you what,” Bethany said. “Tomorrow, I’ll go into town. I drove straight through it on the way here and barely got a look at it. Today, let me help you paint this room. But first, I’d better call the folks so they know I made it here safely.”

About our Focus Author:

Rita A. Popp writes light and twisty mysteries and other entertaining fiction. Her debut novel, The First Fiancée: A Bethany Jarviss Mystery, was released in 2022, followed by the second in the series, The End of Promise, in 2024. Both are published by The Wild Rose Press as well as her novelette, Passing on the Farm.

Her mystery short stories have appeared in online magazines and two Sisters in Crime Guppy anthologies. In 2022, she won the Six-Word Mystery Contest sponsored by the Mystery Writers of America Rocky Mountain Chapter. Her entries in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine’s Mysterious Photograph Contest have earned several honorable mentions. She and her husband divide their time between their home in Colorado and cabin in the New Mexico mountains.

Links to Rita’s fiction can be found at https://ritapopp.com.

https://www.facebook.com/rita.popp

https://www.instagram.com/ritapopp72/?hl=en

The First Fiancée: A Bethany Jarviss Mystery can be found at:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/First-Fianc%C3%A9e-Bethany-Jarviss-Mystery/dp/1509245421/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.NZ7G3U-47VDZMSHoP7ntw.Xi3bOPP7LPxDDRi6v1gSZWIyQbWed9WaEPEUmBigCoY&qid=1761252444&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-first-fianc-e-rita-a-popp/1142422535?ean=9781509245420

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?query=The+First+Fiancee&fclanguages=en&ssid=gN85b4hcfCjJDll0sTlsz&sid=5efc288f-3002-425f-8a13-71d068ed2b7a

Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/The-First-Fianc-e-1-A-Bethany-Jarviss-Mystery-Paperback/3919979038?conditionGroupCode=3&classType=VARIANT&from=/search

BooksAMillion: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/First-Fiance/Rita-A-Popp/9781509245420

Indie Bound: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-first-fiancee/18896102?ean=9781509245420&next=t&source=IndieBound&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwildrosepress.com%2F

Google Books: https://play.google.com/store/search?c=books&q=9781509245437&c=books

ITunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-first-fianc%C3%A9e/id6443753321

The Wild Rose Press: https://wildrosepress.com/?s=The+First+Fiancee&post_type=product&type_aws=true

Monday, December 8, 2025

Stephen B King and Eight Reasons

In a takeoff from our usual Books In A Series offerings, during the month of December we are featuring Australian author Stephen B King whose current release out of the Wild Rose Press, Eight Reasons, contains eight short stories of a combined mystery/suspense/horror genres. Mr. King is with us today to talk about himself and how he got to where he is today.

Good morning, Mr. King. Thank you for joining us at Wild Women Authors. Let’s start with which writer or character[s], from either books or movies, have had a major impact on your writing? I think my favorite character of all time is Lisbeth Salander of the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy, by the late Stig Larsen. I don’t remember ever being moved so much by a story, and because it was spread across three books, I felt something akin to euphoria when I reached the end. A close second would be the series of books featuring Professor Joe O’laughlin, criminal and clinical psychologist, written by the fantastic Michael Robotham (a fellow Australian).

With regard to research, where did you start for this novel? Did that lead you down different paths, thereby changing the original concept? Each of these stories involved some research – some more than others. Two of the stories relate to my study of witchcraft and black magic, many, many years ago.

Another, The Curse of the Manitou, came about after I visited the Native American Museum in Washington. The Boy in the Bubble occurred after a lengthy discussion with a man I met who was, as a child, an original boy in a bubble because he was born with so many allergies that if he left it, he would have died. All stories required research.

Everything I write about, I strive to make as factually accurate as possible. Sometimes studying one thing can lead to another, and another, and take the original concept of my story in a different direction. I love it when that happens, as I am also a pantster when in the zone and writing. I am as keen to find out what happens next as hopefully my reader is.

Tell us a bit about your publisher. What influenced you to submit to them? I won a Twitter competition, years ago, held by a very well-known editor, Mica, which got me a free edit of the first three chapters of a WIP. I had almost completed a book called Thirty-Three Days, and I thought it was pretty good. When I submitted the chapters, Mica said, “I love what you're doing with this story and where it is heading, but it’s all wrong. Get rid of the prologue – you don’t need it, make chapter one into two, and vice versa.” Then gave me a heap of other changes.

I was genuinely horrified. But after a couple of weeks to calm down, I realized she was correct, so I asked her if she could edit the whole book and what she would charge me, intending to self-publish when done. Meanwhile, I did a rewrite, following her guide. She gave me a price (expensive) but said that she couldn’t fit it in for three months. I booked her, finished the re-write, and while I was waiting, looked up three publishers at random and submitted it – sure that it would be declined. I was shocked when I received, in a very short space of time, three contract offers to publish, one of which was Harlequin – one of the big ones.

The nicest approach I had was from Melanie Billings, senior editor for The Wild Rose Press, and I thought that she was the person I’d most like to work with. I’m so glad I made that choice, as I am still with her and TWRP. By the way, as I had already booked Mica, I had to tell her I had accepted an offer for Thirty-Three Days, but since I had already booked her, would she consider looking at another project I had? She was delighted for me and agreed.

I sent her a completed MS, and boy, did she let me have it with both barrels. Again, I was offended and thought, OMG, I paid for that abuse. Once again, though, when I calmed down, she was 100% correct. That book was called Glimpse, Memoir of a Serial Killer, and after an enormous rewrite, I submitted that and an outline for another two books in the planned trilogy. All books were contracted. So, I will be forever indebted for the ‘tough love’ Mica heaped upon me.

What is the turnaround time [with Wild Rose] from the date of query to the date of release? These days it takes between six and nine months, including editing rounds. That is after no less than five rewrites of a first draft before submission.

What are you reading right now? A book called The Silent Town, by a fellow Australian author, Annie Taylor. It is a police procedural, set in the unbelievably beautiful Blue Mountains area near Sydney. She’s good, really good.

What's next for you? I have a Friday the 13^th release in January called Twins (two halves of the same rotten apple). Two identical twins are trying to outdo each other by murdering a victim on the thirteenth of every month in ever increasingly horrific ways.

I’m also working on a full-length novel called Davey Came Home. A story of a US Congressional Medal of Honor winner who returned to his hometown after being horribly wounded, only to find it has been taken over by a biker family who deal drugs and rule with an iron fist. As crippled as he is, Davey must make a stand to fight for the town he grew up in and the family and friends he loves. This book is dedicated to Melanie, my editor, as I have set it in her hometown.